bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of vegetation types and microhabitats on carabid beetle community composition in cool temperate Japan
Authors: Ogai Takahiro , Kenta Tanaka 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe effects of vegetation types and environmental factors on carabid beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) communities were studied. Carabid beetles were collected using pitfall traps (total 2844 trapping days) and seven microenvironmental factors were measured in four vegetation types: grassland, natural evergreen coniferous forest (Pinus densiflora), deciduous broad‐leaved natural forest (Quercus crispula, Betula platyphylla, Alnus japonica, or Fagus crenata), and deciduous coniferous plantation (Larix kaempferi) in cool temperate Japan. These four vegetation types provided a novel comparison between natural forests and plantations because the vast majority of related studies have investigated only deciduous broad‐leaved natural forests and evergreen coniferous plantations. PERMANOVA indicated that vegetation types affected carabid community composition. Ordination plots showed that community composition differed greatly between grassland and forest vegetation types, but that community composition in the plantation forest overlapped with that of natural forest types. Characteristics differentiating the grassland included a high proportion of winged species and a low mean carabid body weight. Among the examined environmental factors, litter depth, soil water content, and depth of the soil A‐horizon had large effects on carabid communities. These results suggest that the effect of afforestation on carabid communities in cool temperate Japan might be insignificant compared with the effects of cover types (deciduous vs. evergreen) and microenvironmental factors.
Jejunal diverticulitis as a cause of acute abdomen
Authors: Cantão Cássio Alfred Brattig , Feitosa Marley Ribeiro , Godinho Maurício , Scarpelini Sandro , Féres Omar , da Rocha José Joaquim Ribeiro 
Published: December 2015

AbstractJejunoileal diverticulosis is an uncommon and underdiagnosed condition. Most patients are asymptomatic and require no specific treatment. A few patients, however, present life-threatening complications that may require surgical intervention. The purpose of this report is to illustrate a case of jejunoileal diverticulosis manifested as an acute abdomen.
Neoadjuvant radiotherapy in stage I cancer of the lower rectum
Authors: dos Reis Neto José Alfredo , dos Reis Junior José Alfredo , Kagohara Odorino Hideyoshi , Neto Joaquim Simões , Banci Sergio Oliva , Oliveira Luciane Hiane , Espinoza Gustavo Alejandro Gutierrez , Alves Júnior Antonio José Tiburcio 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Introduction The mortality rate in low rectal cancer is related to pelvic and distant recurrence. For stage I tumors, local excision has being used increasingly, but recent studies show the need for caution with the use of this technique, as they do not consider the possibility of a positive node in stage I rectal tumors. Therefore, preoperative radiotherapy should be considered for early tumors, as an attempt to prevent recurrence.
Objective Show the effectiveness of neoadjuvant radiotherapy in stage I cancer of the lower rectum of a cohort population.
Material and method A cohort study in a prospective database was made with a total of 538 patients, of which were considered 75 patients with stage I lower rectal cancer. Preoperative radiotherapy was performed and patients were followed up for a minimum period of five years.
Results Stage I/TI group had 27 patients. All of them presented complete response to the treatment and did not need to be operated. During the follow up time of five years, this group showed no recurrence rate. The stage I/TII group had 48 patients. During the follow up, 8 patients had to be operated due to suspicious lesion or scar. They were submitted to full total local excision. After evaluating the pathological specimen, none of them proved to be adenocarcinoma.
Conclusion Preoperative radiation, not only reduced the local recurrence and mortality rate in lower rectal cancer, but also reduced the need for surgery in patients with stage I cancer.
Adaptation of community health worker-delivered behavioral activation for torture survivors in Kurdistan, Iraq
Authors: Magidson J. F. , Lejuez C. W. , Kamal T. , Blevins E. J. , Murray L. K. , Bass J. K. , Bolton P. , Pagoto S. 
Published: December 2015

Background.Growing evidence supports the use of Western therapies for the treatment of depression, trauma, and stress delivered by community health workers (CHWs) in conflict-affected, resource-limited countries. A recent randomized controlled trial (Bolton et al. 2014a) supported the efficacy of two CHW-delivered interventions, cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and brief behavioral activation treatment for depression (BATD), for reducing depressive symptoms and functional impairment among torture survivors in the Kurdish region of Iraq.Methods.This study describes the adaptation of the CHW-delivered BATD approach delivered in this trial (Bolton et al. 2014a), informed by the Assessment–Decision–Administration-Production–Topical experts–Integration–Training–Testing (ADAPT–ITT) framework for intervention adaptation (Wingood & DiClemente, 2008). Cultural modifications, adaptations for low-literacy, and tailored training and supervision for non-specialist CHWs are presented, along with two clinical case examples to illustrate delivery of the adapted intervention in this setting.Results.Eleven CHWs, a study psychiatrist, and the CHW clinical supervisor were trained in BATD. The adaptation process followed the ADAPT–ITT framework and was iterative with significant input from the on-site supervisor and CHWs. Modifications were made to fit Kurdish culture, including culturally relevant analogies, use of stickers for behavior monitoring, cultural modifications to behavioral contracts, and including telephone-delivered sessions to enhance feasibility.Conclusions.BATD was delivered by CHWs in a resource-poor, conflict-affected area in Kurdistan, Iraq, with some important modifications, including low-literacy adaptations, increased cultural relevancy of clinical materials, and tailored training and supervision for CHWs. Barriers to implementation, lessons learned, and recommendations for future efforts to adapt behavioral therapies for resource-limited, conflict-affected areas are discussed.
Eating disorder services for young people in Ireland: perspectives of service providers, service users and the general adolescent population
Authors: McNicholas F. , O’Connor C. , McNamara N. , O’Hara L. 
Published: December 2015

ObjectivesThis paper illuminates how national eating disorder (ED) policy translates into day-to-day practice by exploring how ED services are experienced by those who deliver and use them.MethodsA mixed-methods approach was used, which combined qualitative and quantitative techniques. The paper collates data from three studies: (i) an interview study exploring the lived experiences of young people with EDs (n=8), their parents (n=5) and their healthcare professionals (n=3); (ii) a national survey of health professionals’ perspectives on existing ED services (n=171); (iii) a nationwide survey of secondary-school students’ eating concerns and patterns of help-seeking (n=290).ResultsThe qualitative interviews with young people and their parents revealed feelings of isolation and helplessness. Young people expressed interest in patient support groups, while parents desired greater support for the family unit. Parents were highly critical of available services, particularly in relation to access. These criticisms were echoed in the survey of healthcare professionals, who reported many barriers to delivering effective care. Clinicians were almost unanimous in calling for care pathways to be clarified via a standardised treatment protocol. The survey of adolescents indicated widespread reluctance to seek help regarding eating concerns: over one-third expressed concern about their own eating habits, but half of these had not divulged their concerns to anyone. Participants’ preferred pathways of help-seeking revolved around family and friends, and adolescents were unsure about routes of access to professional support.ConclusionsThe research demonstrates that many aspects of national ED policy have not been implemented in practice. The paper highlights specific gaps and suggests ways they can be redressed.
Dynamic Stress Intensity Factors of Three Collinear Cracks in an Orthotropic Plate Subjected to Time-Harmonic Disturbance
Authors: Itou S. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAbstract-The dynamic stresses around three collinear cracks in an infinite orthotropic plate are solved. In this configuration, two equal cracks are situated symmetrically on either side of a central crack, and time-harmonic elastic waves impinge perpendicularly to the cracks. The problem is solved by superimposing two types of solutions. One solution is that for a crack in an infinite orthotropic plate, and the other is for two collinear cracks. The unknown coefficients in the superimposed solution are determined by applying the boundary conditions at the surfaces of the three cracks using the Schmidt method. The dynamic stress intensity factors are calculated numerically for an orthotropic plate that corresponds to the elastic properties of a boron-epoxy composite.
Numerical Simulation of Separation of Circulating Tumor Cells from Blood Stream in Deterministic Lateral Displacement (DLD) Microfluidic Channel
Authors: Khodaee F. , Movahed S. , Fatouraee N. , Daneshmand F. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractDeterministic Lateral Displacement (DLD) microfluidic devices provide a reliable label-free separation method for detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood samples based on their biophysical properties. In this paper, we proposed an effective design of the DLD microfluidic device for the CTC separation in the blood stream. A typical DLD array is designed and numerical simulations are performed to separate the CTC and leukocyte (white blood cells) in different fluid flow conditions. Fluid-Solid Interaction method is used to investigate the behaviour of these deformable cells in fluid flow. In this study, the effects of critical parameters affecting cell separation in the DLD microfluidic devices (e.g.flow condition, cell deformability, and stress) have been investigated. The obtained results show that unlike leukocytes, the CTC’s motion is independent of the flow condition and is laterally displaced even in higher Reynolds number. Larger cells (CTCs) cannot intercept the low-velocity fluid near the wall of the posts; thus, they move faster and become separated from leukocytes. To reduce the cellular stress during separation process, which causes increase of cell viability and more effective design of microfluidic device, the results obtained here may be used as a significant design parameter for the DLD fabrication.
Risk factors for post-thyroidectomy haematoma
Authors: Perera M , Anabell L , Page D , Harding T , Gnaneswaran N , Chan S 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackground:There has been increasing emphasis on performing ‘same-day’ or ‘out-patient’ thyroidectomy to reduce associated costs. However, acceptance has been limited by the risk of potentially life-threatening post-operative bleeding. This study aimed to review current rates of post-operative bleeding in a metropolitan teaching hospital and identify risk factors.Method:Medical records of patients undergoing thyroidectomy between January 2007 and March 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Pre-operative, operative and pathological data, and post-operative complication data, were examined.Results:The study comprised 205 thyroidectomy cases. Mean age was 51.6 years (standard deviation = 14.74), with 80 per cent females. Unilateral thyroidectomy was performed in 81 cases (39.5 per cent) and total thyroidectomy was performed in 74 cases (36.1 per cent; 5.3 per cent with concomitant lymph node dissection). Nine patients (4.4 per cent) suffered post-operative bleeding, of which six required re-operation. Analysis showed that post-operative systolic blood pressure of 180 mmHg or greater was associated with post-operative bleeding (p = 0.003, chi-square test).Conclusion:Rates of significant post-operative bleeding are consistent with recent literature. Post-operative hypertension, diabetes and high post-operative drain output were identified as independent risk factors on multivariate analysis; when identified, these may be caveats to same-day discharge of thyroidectomy patients.
The Six1 oncoprotein downregulates p53 via concomitant regulation of RPL26 and microRNA-27a-3p
Authors: Towers Christina G. , Guarnieri Anna L. , Micalizzi Doug S. , Harrell J. Chuck , Gillen Austin E. , Kim Jihye , Wang Chu-An , Oliphant Michael U.J. , Drasin David J. , Guney Michelle A. , Kabos Peter , Sartorius Carol A. , Tan Aik-Choon , Perou Charles M. , Espinosa Joaquin M. , Ford Heide L. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractTP53 is mutated in 50% of all cancers, and its function is often compromised in cancers where it is not mutated. Here we demonstrate that the pro-tumorigenic/metastatic Six1 homeoprotein decreases p53 levels through a mechanism that does not involve the negative regulator of p53, MDM2. Instead, Six1 regulates p53 via a dual mechanism involving upregulation of microRNA-27a and downregulation of ribosomal protein L26 (RPL26). Mutation analysis confirms that RPL26 inhibits miR-27a binding and prevents microRNA-mediated downregulation of p53. The clinical relevance of this interaction is underscored by the finding that Six1 expression strongly correlates with decreased RPL26 across numerous tumour types. Importantly, we find that Six1 expression leads to marked resistance to therapies targeting the p53–MDM2 interaction. Thus, we identify a competitive mechanism of p53 regulation, which may have consequences for drugs aimed at reinstating p53 function in tumours.
Inhibition of inflammasome activation by Coxiella burnetii type IV secretion system effector IcaA
Authors: Cunha Larissa D. , Ribeiro Juliana M. , Fernandes Talita D. , Massis Liliana M. , Khoo Chen Ai , Moffatt Jennifer H. , Newton Hayley J. , Roy Craig R. , Zamboni Dario S. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractCoxiella burnetii is a highly infectious bacterium that promotes its own replication in macrophages by inhibiting several host cell responses. Here, we show that C. burnetii inhibits caspase-1 activation in primary mouse macrophages. By using co-infection experiments, we determine that the infection of macrophages with C. burnetii inhibits the caspase-11-mediated non-canonical activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome induced by subsequent infection with Escherichia coli or Legionella pneumophila. Genetic screening using flagellin mutants of L. pneumophila as a surrogate host, reveals a novel C. burnetii gene (IcaA) involved in the inhibition of caspase activation. Expression of IcaA in L. pneumophila inhibited the caspase-11 activation in macrophages. Moreover, icaA- mutants of C. burnetii failed to suppress the caspase-11-mediated inflammasome activation induced by L. pneumophila. Our data reveal IcaA as a novel C. burnetii effector protein that is secreted by the Dot/Icm type IV secretion system and interferes with the caspase-11-induced, non-canonical activation of the inflammasome.
H19 lncRNA alters DNA methylation genome wide by regulating S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase
Authors: Zhou Jichun , Yang Lihua , Zhong Tianyu , Mueller Martin , Men Yi , Zhang Na , Xie Juanke , Giang Karolyn , Chung Hunter , Sun Xueguang , Lu Lingeng , Carmichael Gordon G , Taylor Hugh S , Huang Yingqun 
Published: December 2015

AbstractDNA methylation is essential for mammalian development and physiology. Here we report that the developmentally regulated H19 lncRNA binds to and inhibits S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH), the only mammalian enzyme capable of hydrolysing S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). SAH is a potent feedback inhibitor of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferases that methylate diverse cellular components, including DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids and neurotransmitters. We show that H19 knockdown activates SAHH, leading to increased DNMT3B-mediated methylation of an lncRNA-encoding gene Nctc1 within the Igf2-H19-Nctc1 locus. Genome-wide methylation profiling reveals methylation changes at numerous gene loci consistent with SAHH modulation by H19. Our results uncover an unanticipated regulatory circuit involving broad epigenetic alterations by a single abundantly expressed lncRNA that may underlie gene methylation dynamics of development and diseases and suggest that this mode of regulation may extend to other cellular components.
Control of switching between metastable superconducting states in δ-MoN nanowires
Authors: Buh Jože , Kabanov Viktor , Baranov Vladimir , Mrzel Aleš , Kovič Andrej , Mihailovic Dragan 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe superconducting state in one-dimensional nanosystems is very delicate. While fluctuations of the phase of the superconducting wave function lead to the spontaneous decay of persistent supercurrents in thin superconducting wires and nanocircuits, discrete phase-slip fluctuations can also lead to more exotic phenomena, such as the appearance of metastable superconducting states in current-bearing wires. Here we show that switching between different metastable superconducting states in δ-MoN nanowires can be very effectively manipulated by introducing small amplitude electrical noise. Furthermore, we show that deterministic switching between metastable superconducting states with different numbers of phase-slip centres can be achieved in both directions with small electrical current pulse perturbations of appropriate polarity. The observed current-controlled bi-stability is in remarkable agreement with theoretically predicted trajectories of the system switching between different limit cycle solutions of a model one-dimensional superconductor.
Effect of phosphorus supplementation on weight gain and waist circumference of overweight/obese adults: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ayoub J J , Samra M J A , Hlais S A , Bassil M S , Obeid O A 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Background:
Phosphorus status is inversely correlated with body weight; however, the effect of phosphorus supplementation on body weight in a controlled design has not been studied.

Methods:
This is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 63 adults aged 18–45 years with a body mass index (BMI) of ⩾25 kg m−2 and normal kidney function at the American University of Beirut. Participants were randomly assigned to the placebo or phosphorus group where daily placebo or phosphorus supplements were ingested with three main meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) for a period of 12 weeks. Primary outcomes were changes in anthropometric measures, blood metabolites (including lipid profile, glucose and insulin) and subjective appetite scores. The trial is registered with Clinical Trial.gov, NCT02329990.

Results:
Body weight was significantly lower in the phosphorus group when compared with the placebo group (−0.65 kg (95% confidence interval (CI) −1.69 to 0.40) vs 1.13 kg (95% CI 0.19 to 2.06), P=0.01). Similarly, BMI and waist circumference were significantly lower in the phosphorus group when compared with the placebo group (−0.24 kg m−2 (95% CI −0.59 to 0.12) vs 0.42 kg m−2 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.78), P=0.01; −3.62 cm (95% CI−4.90 to −2.33) vs 0.38 cm ( 95% CI−0.44 to 1.20), P<0.001; respectively). Several parameters of subjective appetite scores were decreased in the phosphorus-supplemented group.

Conclusions:
Phosphorus supplementation for 12 weeks significantly decreases body weight, BMI, waist circumference and subjective appetite scores. These findings support a promising role of the mineral phosphorus in the prevention and management of obesity, especially abdominal adiposity. The exact mechanisms of action and longer-term effects still need to be elucidated.
Water-induced thermogenesis and fat oxidation: a reassessment
Authors: Charrière N , Miles-Chan J L , Montani J-P , Dulloo A G 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Background/Objectives:
Drinking large amounts of water is often recommended for weight control. Whether water intake stimulates energy and fat metabolism is, however, controversial with some studies reporting that drinking half a litre or more of water increases resting energy expenditure (REE) by 10–30% and decreases respiratory quotient (RQ), whereas others report no significant changes in REE or RQ. The aim here was to reassess the concept of water-induced thermogenesis and fat oxidation in humans, with particular focus on interindividual variability in REE and RQ responses, comparison with a time-control Sham drink, and on the potential impact of gender, body composition and abdominal adiposity.

Subjects/Methods:
REE and RQ were measured in healthy young adults (n=27; body mass index range: 18.5–33.9 kg m−2), by ventilated hood indirect calorimetry for at least 30 min before and 130 min after ingesting 500 ml of purified (distilled) water at 21–22 °C or after Sham drinking, in a randomized cross-over design. Body composition and abdominal fat were assessed by bioimpedance techniques.

Results:
Drinking 500 ml of distilled water led to marginal increases in REE (<3% above baseline), independently of gender, but which were not significantly different from Sham drinking. RQ was found to fall after the water drink, independently of gender, but it also diminished to a similar extent in response to sham drinking. Interindividual variability in REE and RQ responses was not associated with body fatness, central adiposity or fat-free mass.

Conclusions:
This study conducted in young men and women varying widely in adiposity, comparing the ingestion of distilled water to Sham drinking, suggests that ingestion of purified water per se does not result in the stimulation of thermogenesis or fat oxidation.
Dirty deeds and dirty bodies: Embodiment of the Macbeth effect is mapped topographically onto the somatosensory cortex
Authors: Schaefer Michael , Rotte Michael , Heinze Hans-Jochen , Denke Claudia 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe theory of embodied cognition claims that knowledge is represented in modal systems derived from perception. Recent behavioral studies found evidence for this hypothesis, for example, by linking moral purity with physical cleansing (the Macbeth effect). Neurophysiological approaches provided further support by showing an involvement of sensorimotor cortices for embodied metaphors. However, the exact role of this brain region for embodied cognitions remains to be cleared. Here we demonstrate that the involvement of the sensorimotor cortex for the embodied metaphor of moral-purity is somatotopically organized. Participants enacted in scenarios where they had to perform immoral or moral acts either with their mouths or their hands. Results showed that mouthwash products were particularly desirable after lying in a voice mail and hand wash products were particularly desirable after writing a lie, thus demonstrating that the moral-purity metaphor is specific to the sensorimotor modality involved in earlier immoral behavior. FMRI results of this interaction showed activation in sensorimotor cortices during the evaluation phase that was somatotopically organized with respect to preceding lying in a voice mail (mouth-area) or in a written note (hand-area). Thus, the results provide evidence for a central role of the sensorimotor cortices for embodied metaphors.