bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in evapotranspiration components following replacement of Eucalyptus regnans with Acacia species
Authors: Hawthorne Sandra N.D. , Benyon Richard G. , Lane Patrick N.J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractForest species composition may change following a disturbance. This change can affect long term water yield from forested catchments when the replaced and replacement species have different evapotranspiration rates. Following strip‐thinning experiments that removed 50% of the overstorey basal area in several Eucalyptus regnans water supply catchments in south eastern Australia, Acacia spp. (Acacia dealbata and Acacia melanoxylon) became the dominant overstorey species in most of the cut strips. More recently, low regeneration of E. regnans following wildfires in 2009 may result in mixed Acacia and E. regnans stands in some catchments. We compared transpiration of E. regnans and Acacia stands in the uncut and cut strips of a catchment that was strip‐thinned in early 1980s (Crotty Creek). We also compared transpiration and throughfall in a mixed E. regnans–A. dealbata regrowth stand 20 years after clear‐fell logging (Road 8). Sap flow was measured for 13 and 6 months at Crotty Creek and Road 8, respectively. In both studies, mean daily sap flow density of Acacia spp. was lower than of E. regnans. Estimated Leaf Area Index of E. regnans stands was slightly greater than that of Acacia spp. Stomatal conductance (gc), estimated by inverting the Penman–Monteith equation, differed between the species suggesting species‐level physiological differences with Acacia being more sensitive to vapour pressure deficit than E. regnans. Throughfall measurements at Road 8 indicated interception was slightly higher in A. dealbata but only enough to offset about 13% of the difference in transpiration. Replacement of E. regnans by Acacia dominated stands may, therefore, decrease catchment evapotranspiration and increase streamflow.
Effect of disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs on therapeutic outcomes among women with endometriosis
Authors: Kotlyar Alexander , Shue Shirley , Liu Xiaobo , Falcone Tommaso 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) affect the use of hormonal treatments, subsequent ablative surgery, and need for pain management, including opioids, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and anti‐depressants, among women with endometriosis.MethodsIn a retrospective study, data were reviewed from women with surgically confirmed endometriosis who were not treated (n=234) or treated with DMARDs for 6 weeks or more (n=25) before surgical diagnosis at a single healthcare system in the USA between 2003 and 2013. The postoperative use of hormonal treatments, proportion of women undergoing subsequent ablative surgery, and use of adjunct therapies such as antidepressants, steroids, and opioids after surgery were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe two groups showed differences in age (P=0.007) and follow‐up time (P<0.001). Univariate analysis showed more frequent use of hormonal treatments (P=0.045) and antidepressants (P=0.006) among women treated with DMARDs. The frequency of post‐diagnostic use of opioids was lower among treated women (P=0.001); this association remained significant in multivariate analysis controlling for potential confounders (P=0.003).ConclusionThe findings suggest that administration of DMARDs for at least 6 weeks is associated with decreased opioid usage among women with endometriosis.
Inhibition of germinal vesicle breakdown in Xenopus oocytes in vitro by a series of substituted glycol ethers
Authors: Fort Douglas J. , Mathis Michael B. , Guiney Patrick D. , Weeks John A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA 24 hour in vitro Xenopus oocyte maturation (germinal vesicle breakdown [GVBD]) assay developed by Pickford and Morris (Environmental Health Perspectives, 1999, 107, 285–292) was used to screen a series of substituted glycol ethers (GEs). Substituted GEs included: ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME); EG monoethyl ether (EGEE); EG monopropyl ether (EGPE); EG monobutyl ether (EGBE); EG monohexyl ether (EGHE); diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (DGME); triethylene glycol monomethyl ether (TGME); ethylene glycol monophenyl ether (EGPhE); EG monobenzyl ether (EGBeE); EG diphenyl ether (EGDPhE); and propylene glycol monophenyl ether (PGPhE). The GEs inhibited progesterone‐ or androstenedione‐induced GVBD with the following relative potency: EGPhE > PGPhE > EGME >> EGEE ≥ EGBeE > EGPE >> EGBE >EGHE > EGDPhE >> DGME ≥ TGME, or EGPhE >> PGPhE >> EGBeE > EGDPhE > EGEE > EGME > EGPE > EGBE, EGHE, DGME and TGME, respectively. Further, [3H]progesterone or [3H]androstenedione binding affinities to the oocyte plasma membrane progesterone receptor (OMPR) or classical androgen receptor (AR) were: EGME > EGPhE ≥ PGPhE ≥ EGEE > EGBeE >> EGPE >> EGBE ≥ EGHE > EGDPhE, TGME, and DGME, or EGPhE > PGPhE >> EGBeE > EGDPhE >> EGEE ≥ EGME >> EGPE, EGBE, and EGHE > DGME and TGME, respectively. Binary joint mixture studies with the GVBD model using flutamide (AR antagonist) and EGPhE indicated that flutamide/EGPhE mixture acted in a concentration additive manner. The effects of substituted GE series, however, may be mediated through the OMPR; the potency of EGPhE may be the result of bimodal inhibition of both the OMPR and AR pathways.
The Expanding Life and Functions of Osteogenic Cells: From Simple Bone-Making Cells to Multifunctional Cells and Beyond
Authors: Marie Pierre J , Cohen-Solal Martine 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT During the last three decades, important progress in bone cell biology and in human and mouse genetics led to major advances in our understanding of the life and functions of cells of the osteoblast lineage. Previously unrecognized sources of osteogenic cells have been identified. Novel cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling osteoblast differentiation and senescence have been determined. New mechanisms of communications between osteogenic cells, osteocytes, osteoclasts, and chondrocytes, as well as novel links between osteogenic cells and blood vessels have been identified. Additionally, cells of the osteoblast lineage were shown to be important components of the hematopoietic niche and to be implicated in hematologic dysfunctions and malignancy. Lastly, unexpected interactions were found between osteogenic cells and several soft tissues, including the central nervous system, gut, muscle, fat, and testis through the release of paracrine factors, making osteogenic cells multifunctional regulatory cells, in addition to their bone-making function. These discoveries considerably enlarged our vision of the life and functions of osteogenic cells, which may lead to the development of novel therapeutics with immediate applications in bone disorders. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Post‐diagnosis weight loss as a prognostic factor in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Mytelka Daniel S. , Li Li , Benoit Karin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundCachexia and its most visible manifestation, weight loss, represent important poor prognostic factors for patients with non‐small cell lung cancer. This work examines how severity of weight loss as an indicator of cachexia affects outcomes.MethodsIn a retrospective observational study of electronic medical records, patients with non‐small cell lung cancer were monitored for weight loss from an initial assessment (within 2 months of index diagnosis) to a landmark at 5 months (at least 3 months after initial assessment). Patients who survived to the landmark were then followed to determine the association of baseline body mass index (BMI) and weight loss during the assessment period with outcomes. Patients were clustered to determine how BMI and weight loss related to survival as approximated by time of last appearance in the database, a strong proxy for time of death.ResultsTwelve thousand one hundred and one patients were divided into 5 cachexia risk groups based on a combination of weight loss and initial BMI. More severe groups demonstrated progressively worse outcomes, with the most severe group surviving for a median of 263 days (95% CI 254–274) from index and having a 1‐year survival rate of 31%. The least severe group survived for a median of 825 days from index (95% CI 768–908) and had a 1‐year survival rate of 78%. Cachexia risk group was a stronger predictor of survival than any baseline variable, including disease stage, performance status, or age.ConclusionsIn this study, we showed that increasing weight loss and, to a lesser extent, decreasing BMI, led to substantially worse outcomes for non‐small cell lung cancer patients independent of other variables. We suggest risk score groups that provide an improved approach for identifying poor prognosis patients with the greatest need.
Balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration as a procedure to improve liver function in patients with decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Nakazawa Manabu , Imai Yukinori , Uchiya Hiroshi , Ando Satsuki , Sugawara Kayoko , Nakayama Nobuaki , Tomiya Tomoaki , Mochida Satoshi 
Published: December 2017

AimPortosystemic shunts aggravate liver function by decreasing portal blood flow. The usefulness of balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B‐RTO), a standardized therapeutic procedure for gastric fundal varices (GFV), for the improvement of liver function was evaluated in cirrhotic patients with or without varices.MethodsThe subjects were 161 patients with portosystemic shunts. A balloon catheter was inserted into the shunts, followed by the injection of 5% ethanolamine oleate through the catheter under balloon inflation. The balloon was kept inflated for 6 to 48 h.ResultsB‐RTO was performed as a therapy for GFV in 112 patients and for the improvement of liver function in 49 patients. The targets were splenorenal shunts in 104 patients (93.6%) in the former group and 33 patients (67.3%) in the latter group, and the procedures were successfully completed in 109 (97.3%) and 39 (79.6%) patients, respectively. In both groups, the serum albumin levels were increased and the serum ammonia levels were decreased at more than 1 month after the procedures, compared with the baseline levels, whereas significant improvements in the Child–Pugh scores and prothrombin times were only seen in the latter group. In these patients, the portal blood flows evaluated using Doppler ultrasound were increased at 1 week after the procedures, compared with the baseline levels.ConclusionsB‐RTO is a useful therapeutic procedure for improving liver function even in patients without GFV by increasing the portal venous flow with successfully targeted, uncommon portosystemic shunts.
Health Shocks and Household Welfare in Zambia: An Assessment of Changing Risk
Authors: Hangoma Peter , Aakvik Arild , Robberstad Bjarne 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of a disabling health shock, injury, on household health expenditure and welfare in Zambia before and after 2002, a year that marks an end to a period of tightening structural reforms. Results show that injury was associated with lower consumption and reduced earned income in both periods. Injury almost doubled health expenditure after 2002, an effect which was more modest before 2002. Households relied on informal borrowing and selling assets as self‐insurance strategies. These findings suggest that social protection programmes should not only focus on health insurance but also labour income protection. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The middle and inner ears of the Palaeogene golden mole Namachloris: A comparison with extant species
Authors: Mason Matthew J. , Bennett Nigel C. , Pickford Martin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMany living species of golden moles (Chrysochloridae) have greatly enlarged middle ear ossicles, believed to be used in the detection of ground vibrations through inertial bone conduction. Other unusual features of chrysochlorids include internally coupled middle ear cavities and the loss of the tensor tympani muscle. Our understanding of the evolutionary history of these characteristics has been limited by the paucity of fossil evidence. In this article, we describe for the first time the exquisitely preserved middle and inner ears of Namachloris arenatans from the Palaeogene of Namibia, visualised using computed tomography, as well as ossicles attributed to this species. We compare the auditory region of this fossil golden mole, which evidently did not possess a hypertrophied malleus, to those of three extant species with similarly sized ear ossicles, Amblysomus hottentotus, Calcochloris obtusirostris, and Huetia leucorhinus. The auditory region of Namachloris shares many common features with the living species, including a pneumatized, trabeculated basicranium and lateral skull wall, arteries and nerves of the middle ear contained in bony tubes, a highly coiled cochlea, a secondary crus commune, and no identifiable canaliculus cochleae for the perilymphatic duct. However, Namachloris differs from extant golden moles in the apparent absence of a basicranial intercommunication between the right and left ears, the possession of a tensor tympani muscle and aspects of ossicular morphology. One Namachloris skull showed what may be pneumatization of some of the dorsal cranial bones, extending right around the brain. Although the ossicles are small in absolute terms, one of the Huetia leucorhinus specimens had a more prominent malleus head than the other. This potentially represents a previously unrecognised subspecific difference.
Identification and characterization of antibodies elicited by human cystatin C fragment
Authors: Behrendt Izabela , Prądzińska Martyna , Spodzieja Marta , Czaplewska Paulina , Kołodziejczyk Aleksandra S. , Szymańska Aneta , Kasprzykowski Franciszek , Lundström Susanna L. , Zubarev Roman A. , Rodziewicz‐Motowidło Sylwia 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAmyloid formation is associated with a number of neurodegenerative diseases that affect the independence and quality of life of aging populations. One of rather atypical, occurring at a young age amyloidosis is hereditary cystatin C amyloid angiopathy (HCCAA) related to aggregation of L68Q variant of human cystatin C (hCC). Human cystatin C plays a very important role in many aspects of human health; however, its amyloidogenic properties manifested in HCCAA present a real, lethal threat to some populations and any work on factors that can affect possible influencing hCC aggregation is not to overestimate. It was proved that interaction of hCC with monoclonal antibodies suppresses significantly hCC dimerization process. Therefore, immunotherapy seems to be the right approach toward possible HCCAA treatment. In this work, the hCC fragment encompassing residue 60‐70 (in 2 variants: linear peptide and multiple antigenic peptide) was used as an immunogen in rabbit immunization. As a result, specific anti‐hCC antibodies were found in both rabbit sera. Surprisingly, rabbit antibodies were obtained after immunization with only a short peptide. The obtained antibodies were characterized, and their influence on the aggregation propensity of the hCC molecules was evaluated. The antibodies turned out not to have any significant influence on the cystatin C dimerization process. Nevertheless, we hope that antibodies elicited in rabbits by other hCC fragments could lead to elaboration of effective treatment against HCCAA.
Vitronectin (Vn) glycosylation patterned by lectin affinity assays—A potent glycoproteomic tool to discriminate plasma Vn from cancer ascites Vn
Authors: Benachour H. , Leroy‐Dudal J. , Agniel R. , Wilson J. , Briand M. , Carreiras F. , Gallet O. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractChanges in glycosylation have been associated with human cancer, but their complexity poses an analytical challenge. Ovarian cancer is a major cause of death in women because of an often late diagnosis. At least one‐third of patients presents ascites fluid at diagnosis, and almost all have ascites at recurrence. Vitronectin (Vn) is a multifunctional glycoprotein that is suggested to be implicated in ovarian cancer metastasis and is found within ascites. The present study evaluated the potential of using lectin affinity for characterizing the glycosylation pattern of Vn. Human Vn was purified from 1 sample of ovarian cancer ascites or a pool of plasma samples. Consistent findings were observed with both dot blot and lectin array assays. Based on a panel of 40 lectins, the lectin array revealed discriminant patterns of lectin binding to Vn glycans. Interestingly, almost all the highlighted interactions were found to be higher with Vn from ascites relative to the plasma counterpart. Also, the lectin array was able to discriminate profiles of lectin interactions (ConA, SNA‐I, PHA‐E, PHA‐L) between Vn samples that were not evident using dot blot, indicating its high sensitivity. The model of ConA binding during thermal unfolding of Vn confirmed the higher accessibility of mannosylated glycans in Vn from ascites as monitored by turbidimetry. Thus, this study demonstrated the usefulness of lectins and the lectin array as a glycoproteomic tool for high throughput and sensitive analysis of glycosylation patterns. Our data provide novel insights concerning Vn glycosylation patterns in clinical specimens, paving the way for further investigations regarding their functional impact and clinical interest.
Multiparametric characterization of response to anti‐angiogenic therapy using USPIO contrast‐enhanced MRI in combination with dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI
Authors: Kim Jana , Kim Eugene , Euceda Leslie R. , Meyer Dan E. , Langseth Karina , Bathen Tone F. , Moestue Siver A. , Huuse Else Marie 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundSteady state susceptibility contrast (SSC)‐MRI provides information on vascular morphology but is a rarely used method.PurposeTo investigate the utility of the ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (USPIOs) GEH121333 for measuring tumor response to bevacizumab and compare this with gadolinium‐based DCE‐MRI.Study TypeProspective preclinical animal model study.ANIMAL MODELMice bearing subcutaneous TOV‐21G human ovarian cancer xenografts treated with bevacizumab (n = 9) or saline (n = 9).Field Strength/SequenceImaging was performed on a 7T Bruker Biospec. For SSC‐MRI with GEH121333 we acquired R1‐maps (RARE‐sequence with variable TR), R2‐maps (multi‐spin echo), and
‐maps (multi‐gradient echo). Additionally, R1 and R2 maps were measured on the days after USPIO injection. For DCE‐MRI with gadodiamide we acquired 200 T1‐weighted images (RARE‐sequence).AssessmentΔR1, ΔR2, and
maps were computed from SSC‐MRI. DCE‐MRI was analysed using the extended Tofts model.Statistical TestsResults from pre‐ and 3 days posttreatment SSC‐MRI were compared using paired‐sample t‐tests. Treatment and control groups were compared using independent sample t‐tests. Performance of SSC‐ and DCE‐MRI was compared using multivariate partial least squares discriminant analysis.ResultsAlready one day after treatment and USPIO injection, R1 and R2 values were lower in treated (R1 = 0.49 ± 0.03s−1, R2 = 23.07 ± 1.49s−1) compared with control tumors (R1 = 0.52 ± 0.02s−1, R2 = 24.98 ± 1.01s−1), indicating lower USPIO accumulation. Posttreatment SSC‐MRI displayed significantly decreased tumor blood volume (change in ΔR2 = ‐0.43 ± 0.26s−1, P = 0.001) and vessel density (change in Q = ‐0.032 ± 0.020s−1/3, P = 0.002). DCE‐MRI showed among others lower Ktrans in treated tumors (control = 0.064 ± 0.011min−1, tx = 0.046 ± 0.008min−1, P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis suggests that SSC‐MRI was slightly inferior to DCE‐MRI in distinguishing treated from control tumors (accuracy = 75%, P = 0.058 versus 80%, P = 0.028), but a combination of both was best (accuracy = 85%; P = 0.003).Data ConclusionSSC‐MRI with GEH121333 is sensitive to early (<24 h) and late changes in tumor vasculature. SSC‐MRI and DCE‐MRI provide complementary information and can be used to assess different aspects of vascular responses to anti‐angiogenic therapies.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1589–1600.
Acceleration of the partial element equivalent circuit method with uniform tessellation—part I: Identification of geometrical signatures
Authors: Romano Daniele , Lombardi Luigi , Antonini Giulio 
Published: December 2017

AbstractElectromagnetic numerical modeling has become crucial for the design deployment and operation of new electrical and electronic devices and systems especially for its capability to address electromagnetic compatibility and interference issues. In this regard, accurate and efficient numerical techniques are required for effective and fast virtual prototyping. This paper presents a novel technique to speedup the computation of partial elements describing the magnetic and electric field couplings in the framework of the partial element equivalent circuit method. When dealing with uniform tessellation of 3D geometries, including Manhattan‐type meshes and also nonorthogonal ones characterized by hexahedra with comparable sizes, a huge number of configurations are repeated under only translation and rotation transformations. Through an efficient identification of these geometrical signatures, the calculation of volume and surface integrals required to fill the partial element matrices, namely, partial inductances and coefficients of potential, can be significantly accelerated. To this aim, assuming a uniform tessellation of volumes and surfaces, a complete algorithm is presented to systematically identify all the signatures and manage them, thus allowing a significant speedup of the partial element matrices filling‐in process. Being based on a systematic identification of the different patterns, the proposed method does not introduce any approximation. Numerical examples are presented pointing out the correctness and efficiency of the proposed approach.
Characterizing Indian meteorological moisture anomaly condition using long‐term (1901–2013) gridded data: a multivariate moisture anomaly index approach
Authors: Das Prabir Kumar , Midya Subrata Kumar , Das Dilip Kumar , Rao Goru Srinivas , Raj Uday 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTThe long‐term (1901–2013) gridded rainfall and potential evapotranspiration (PET) data were utilized to develop a new index, multivariate moisture anomaly index (MMAI), for characterizing the meteorological moisture anomaly condition during monsoon season over Indian region. The 6‐month timescale standardized precipitation index (SPI) and standardized evapotranspiration index (SEI) were computed using time series rainfall and PET data using gamma and log‐logistic distribution, respectively. The long‐term seasonal SPI and SEI were converted into moisture anomaly magnitude and duration information, and their trends were analysed using Sen's slope and Mann–Kendall test, respectively. The standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) at 6‐month timescale was also analysed to find the impact of rainfall and PET on meteorological moisture anomaly. Both the trends and probability analysis showed that SPEI was mainly representing the trends and pattern of SPI only and was unable to capture the impact of PET. The MMAI was developed by fitting the time series SPI and SEI information into different joint probability distribution and by adapting the best model for each grid. The new index was able to consider the impact of both rainfall and PET. Based on the MMAI trend analysis, it was found that the overall moisture anomaly was decreasing in northwest (NW) India, whereas it was increasing in northeast (NE), central and peninsular India. The trends analysis of SPI and SEI depicted that in NW India the significant decrease in moisture anomaly may be due to both increase in rainfall and decrease in PET, whereas in NE India the significant increase in moisture anomaly may be due to both increase in PET and decrease in rainfall. In eastern and Gujarat coast the increase in moisture anomaly may be attributed to increase in PET whereas the significant increase in rainfall might lead to reduced moisture anomaly over western coast.