bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling and validation of the weighted mean temperature for Turkey
Authors: Mekik Cetin , Deniz Ilke 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTWater vapour is involved in many atmospheric processes. Precipitation specifically relies on the amount of precipitable water vapour (PWV) or the water vapour content suspended in the atmosphere.Opportunities with regard to the conversion of existing continuous Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations to GNSS meteorology stations (GNSS MET) with very little cost and acquisition of near real‐time water vapour have become popular in studies of the estimation of water vapour using GNSSs. In order to convert the GNSS observables into meteorological assets, one has to account for the extremely important conversion parameters between zenith wet delay and PWV in GNSS meteorology: Tm or Q. They are estimated by analysis of radiosonde profile observations of a radiosonde station (RS).In this study, linear Tm models were estimated from 4103 profile observations of eight Turkish RSs for the year 2011. The verification of these models was tested by using 1 year of observations at the Ankara and Istanbul RS‐GNSS stations. A Tm = 48.55 + 0.80Ts model was computed for Turkey with a root mean square error of ±2.57 K. The accuracies of PWV derived from the developed Tm model and the GNSS observations at the Ankara and Istanbul stations in 2013 and 2014 were found to be ±1.7 and ±1.8 mm, respectively.
NMR‐based Metabolomics to Study the Cold‐acclimation Strategy of Two Miscanthus Genotypes
Authors: Le Gall Hyacinthe , Fontaine Jean‐Xavier , Molinié Roland , Pelloux Jérôme , Mesnard François , Gillet Françoise , Fliniaux Ophélie 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIntroductionAbiotic stress is a major cause of yield loss in plant culture. Miscanthus, a perennial C4 grass, is now considered a major source of renewable energy, especially for biofuel production. During the first year of planting in Northern Europe, Miscanthus was exposed to frost temperature, which generated high mortality in young plants and large loss of yield. One strategy to avoid such loss is to apply cold‐acclimation, which confers on plants a better resistance to low temperature.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to describe the effect of a cold‐acclimation period on the metabolome of two Miscanthus genotypes that vary in their frost sensitivity at the juvenile stage. Miscanthus × giganteus (GIG) is particularly sensitive to frost, whereas Miscanthus sinensis August Feder (AUG) is tolerant.Materials and methodsPolar metabolite extraction was performed on Miscanthus, grown in non‐acclimated or cold‐acclimated conditions. Extracts were analysed by 1H–NMR followed by multivariate statistical analysis. Discriminant metabolites were identified.ResultsMore than 40 metabolites were identified in the two Miscanthus genotypes. GIG and AUG showed a different metabolic background before cold treatment, probably related to their genetic background. After cold‐acclimation, GIG and AUG metabolomes remained different. The tolerant genotype showed notably higher levels of accumulation in proline, sucrose and maltose when subjected to cold.ConclusionThese two genotypes seem to have a different adaptation strategy in cold conditions. The studied change in the metabolome concerns different types of molecules related to the cold‐tolerant behaviour of Miscanthus. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of NPB/Alq3 small‐molecule multilayer structures with suppressed interface mixing by multi‐jet mode electrospray deposition
Authors: Ueda Hiroyuki , Takatsuka Yusuke , Niinuma Yoshiki , Terada Ryo , Kikuchi Akihiko 
Published: December 2016

In this study, we investigated the multi‐jet mode modified electrospray deposition (ESD) production of NPB/Alq3 small‐molecule multilayer structures with suppressed interface mixing, using common solvents. Observations of the initial deposition stage and analysis of the photoluminescence spectra of the multilayer structure were conducted. It was demonstrated that, by optimizing the deposition conditions, surface erosion of the NPB layer and the initiation of interface mixing between the NPB and Alq3 layers could be suppressed. A 55‐nm NPB/60‐nm Alq3 multilayer structure with suppressed intermixing and smooth surface morphology (RMS roughness of 3.9 nm) was obtained at the lowest levels of under‐layer erosion.Schematic of a modified electrospray (nanomist deposition: NMD) system and an NPB/Alq3 multilayer structure deposited by NMD.
Testosterone Pellet Implantation Practices: A Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) Member Questionnaire
Authors: Piecuch Michael J. , Patel Brijesh G. , Hakim Lawrence , Wang Run , Sadeghi-Nejad Hossein 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Introduction
There has been renewed interest in the use of subcutaneous testosterone pellets for the treatment of hypogonadism since the introduction of Testopel in 2008 by Slate Pharmaceuticals (Durham, NC, USA). Manufacturer guidelines recommend using two to six pellets; however, in the clinical setting, this is deemed insufficient. This has produced a wide variety of testosterone pellet usage that is not fully understood.

Aim
To better understand subcutaneous testosterone pellet implantation practices among members of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA).

Methods
A 19-item questionnaire was emailed to the 687 members of the SMSNA. Of the 19 questions, 17 were multiple choice and two required write-in responses. Usage patterns, satisfaction rates, and complication rates were investigated.

Main Outcome Measures
Data regarding indications for initiating treatment with Testopel, initial dosage, follow-up of testosterone levels and dose titration, patient tolerance and satisfaction, technique of implantation, and procedural complications were collected.

Results
Eighty-seven survey responses were received (12.9%). At initiation of Testopel therapy, 80.5% of respondents would implant at least 10 pellets, whereas only 4.6% would place six to seven pellets and 3.4% would implant fewer than six pellets. Many respondents would determine the starting dose based on some combination of baseline testosterone level and weight, although 24.1% described using a standard starting dose for all patients. All respondents would check testosterone levels within 3 months of initiating therapy, with the vast majority (72.4%) doing so at 1 month. Subsequent dosing of Testopel was not changed in most patients, with 41.4% and 26.4% of respondents reporting that 60% to 80% and 80% to 100% of patients, respectively, remained on their initial dose. Most respondents would re-implant pellets at a 3-month (21.8%) or 4-month (43.7%) interval. High patient satisfaction was described by respondents, with 56.3% finding patients to be satisfied “most times” and 34.5% “almost always.”

Conclusion
This study provides insight into the usage of Testopel among members of the SMSNA. We found that the vast majority of specialists use at least 10 pellets at initial implantation, with limited need for subsequent dose adjustments, good durability of response, and high patient satisfaction and tolerability.
DISAGREEMENT, DRUGS, ETC.: FROM ACCURACY TO AKRASIA
Authors: Christensen David 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTWe often get evidence concerning the reliability of our own thinking about some particular matter. This “higher-order evidence” can come from the disagreement of others, or from information about our being subject to the effects of drugs, fatigue, emotional ties, implicit biases, etc. This paper examines some pros and cons of two fairly general models for accommodating higher-order evidence. The one that currently seems most promising also turns out to have the consequence that epistemic akrasia should occur more frequently than is sometimes supposed. But it also helps us see why this might not be a bad thing.
REASONS TO NOT BELIEVE (AND REASONS TO ACT)
Authors: Roeber Blake 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTIn “Reasons to Believe and Reasons to Act,” Stewart Cohen argues that balance of reasons accounts of rational action get the wrong results when applied to doxastic attitudes, and that there are therefore important differences between reasons to believe and reasons to act. In this paper, I argue that balance of reasons accounts of rational action get the right results when applied to the cases that Cohen considers, and that these results highlight interesting similarities between reasons to believe and reasons to act. I also consider an argument for Cohen's conclusion based on the principle that Adler, Moran, Shah, Velleman and others call “transparency.” I resist this argument by explaining why transparency is itself doubtful.
Does saliva composition affect the formation of sialolithiasis?
Authors: Schrøder S A , Homøe P , Wagner N , Bardow A 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjective:Saliva composition may affect sialolithiasis formation; thus, this study compared the salivary inorganic composition of sialolithiasis patients with that of healthy controls, and determined whether salivary inorganic composition changes after sialolithiasis surgery.Methods:The study included 40 patients with sialolithiasis and 40 matched healthy controls. Patients were examined before and after sialolithiasis surgery; controls were examined once. Flow rate and the inorganic saliva composition in unstimulated whole saliva were assessed.Results:Patients’ salivary flow prior to surgery was significantly lower compared to that of healthy controls, but equalised after surgery. Prior to surgery, patients’ saliva exhibited higher concentrations of calcium, magnesium, phosphorous compared to that of healthy controls. The concentration of most ions remained high after sialolithiasis surgery.Conclusion:Sialolithiasis patients had increased salivary concentrations of the ions that constitute the main inorganic phase of most sialoliths, and this may confer a risk for developing sialolithiasis.
Endolymphatic sac drainage for the treatment of Ménière's disease
Authors: Bento R F , Cisneros J C , De Oliveira Fonseca A C 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjective:To describe the results obtained with endolymphatic sac drainage in patients with Ménière's disease.Method:A retrospective case review study was conducted of 95 Ménière's disease patients who underwent endolymphatic sac drainage in a tertiary care referral centre, after failing a long course of medical management. The main outcome measures were vertigo control and hearing preservation.Results:In patients with unilateral disease, vertigo control was obtained in 94.3 per cent of patients. A significant improvement in cochlear function was seen in 14 per cent of patients, and hearing was preserved or improved in 88 per cent. For the bilateral group, vertigo control was obtained in 85.7 per cent of patients and cochlear function improved in 28 per cent. Hearing preservation was attained in 71 per cent of these patients.Conclusion:Endolymphatic sac drainage is a good surgical option for patients with incapacitating endolymphatic hydrops, providing a high percentage of vertigo control and hearing preservation.
Mycobacterial cell wall biosynthesis: a multifaceted antibiotic target
Authors: ABRAHAMS KATHERINE A. , BESRA GURDYAL S. 
Published: December 2016

SUMMARYMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb), the etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), is recognized as a global health emergency as promoted by the World Health Organization. Over 1 million deathsperyear, along with the emergence of multi- and extensively-drug resistant strains ofMtb, have triggered intensive research into the pathogenicity and biochemistry of this microorganism, guiding the development of anti-TB chemotherapeutic agents. The essential mycobacterial cell wall, sharing some common features with all bacteria, represents an apparent ‘Achilles heel’ that has been targeted by TB chemotherapy since the advent of TB treatment. This complex structure composed of three distinct layers, peptidoglycan, arabinogalactan and mycolic acids, is vital in supporting cell growth, virulence and providing a barrier to antibiotics. The fundamental nature of cell wall synthesis and assembly has rendered the mycobacterial cell wall as the most widely exploited target of anti-TB drugs. This review provides an overview of the biosynthesis of the prominent cell wall components, highlighting the inhibitory mechanisms of existing clinical drugs and illustrating the potential of other unexploited enzymes as future drug targets.
Quantitative Motor Assessment in Myotonic Dystrophy
Authors: Mathieu J. , Boivin H. , Richards C.L. 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT:Objective:To establish baseline data, using a quantitative motor evaluation protocol, prior to a prospective longitudinal study of the natural history of muscular involvement in myotonic dystrophy (DM).Design/Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional study using a protocol consisting of manual muscle testing (MMT), quantitative muscle testing (QMT), and timed functional testing (TFT) on 50 definite DM patients (27 men, 23 women), aged 16 to 67 years. The relationships between MMT, QMT and TFT scores and disease duration were examined using linear regression analysis.Results:The muscle weakness was symmetric and the neck flexors and the distal muscles of upper and lower extremities were weaker than proximal muscles. Using MMT scores, the average strength decline was 0.95% per year and was similar for men and women. The strength decline was significantly more rapid for distal muscles than for proximal muscles. Quantitative muscle testing scores documented a strength decline per year of disease duration of 1.2-1.6% for the hip flexors and of 2.0-3.0% for the hand grip flexors.Conclusions:We observed significant linear relationships between the scores generated by this protocol and disease duration. These data illustrate the distal to proximal progression of muscular involvement in DM, a pattern of progression well-recognized by the clinicians. The follow-up assessment of a large DM cohort in a longitudinal study will establish whether this quantitative protocol provides sensitive measures of the disease progression.
Brønsted acid sites based on penta-coordinated aluminum species
Authors: Wang Zichun , Jiang Yijiao , Lafon Olivier , Trébosc Julien , Duk Kim Kyung , Stampfl Catherine , Baiker Alfons , Amoureux Jean-Paul , Huang Jun 
Published: December 2016

AbstractZeolites and amorphous silica-alumina (ASA), which both provide Brønsted acid sites (BASs), are the most extensively used solid acid catalysts in the chemical industry. It is widely believed that BASs consist only of tetra-coordinated aluminum sites (AlIV) with bridging OH groups in zeolites or nearby silanols on ASA surfaces. Here we report the direct observation in ASA of a new type of BAS based on penta-coordinated aluminum species (AlV) by 27Al-{1H} dipolar-mediated correlation two-dimensional NMR experiments at high magnetic field under magic-angle spinning. Both BAS-AlIV and -AlV show a similar acidity to protonate probe molecular ammonia. The quantitative evaluation of 1H and 27Al sites demonstrates that BAS-AlV co-exists with BAS-AlIV rather than replaces it, which opens new avenues for strongly enhancing the acidity of these popular solid acids.
Kinetic disruption of lipid rafts is a mechanosensor for phospholipase D
Authors: Petersen E. Nicholas , Chung Hae-Won , Nayebosadri Arman , Hansen Scott B. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe sensing of physical force, mechanosensation, underlies two of five human senses—touch and hearing. How transduction of force in a membrane occurs remains unclear. We asked if a biological membrane could employ kinetic energy to transduce a signal absent tension. Here we show that lipid rafts are dynamic compartments that inactivate the signalling enzyme phospholipase D2 (PLD2) by sequestering the enzyme from its substrate. Mechanical disruption of the lipid rafts activates PLD2 by mixing the enzyme with its substrate to produce the signalling lipid phosphatidic acid (PA). We calculate a latency time of <650 μs for PLD activation by mixing. Our results establish a fast, non-tension mechanism for mechanotransduction where disruption of ordered lipids initiates a mechanosensitive signal for cell growth through mechanical mixing.
Stress physiology and weapon integrity of intertidal mantis shrimp under future ocean conditions
Authors: deVries Maya S. , Webb Summer J. , Tu Jenny , Cory Esther , Morgan Victoria , Sah Robert L. , Deheyn Dimitri D. , Taylor Jennifer R. A. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractCalcified marine organisms typically experience increased oxidative stress and changes in mineralization in response to ocean acidification and warming conditions. These effects could hinder the potency of animal weapons, such as the mantis shrimp’s raptorial appendage. The mechanical properties of this calcified weapon enable extremely powerful punches to be delivered to prey and aggressors. We examined oxidative stress and exoskeleton structure, mineral content, and mechanical properties of the raptorial appendage and the carapace under long-term ocean acidification and warming conditions. The predatory appendage had significantly higher % Mg under ocean acidification conditions, while oxidative stress levels as well as the % Ca and mechanical properties of the appendage remained unchanged. Thus, mantis shrimp tolerate expanded ranges of pH and temperature without experiencing oxidative stress or functional changes to their weapons. Our findings suggest that these powerful predators will not be hindered under future ocean conditions.
Tissue Extract Fractions from Starfish Undergoing Regeneration Promote Wound Healing and Lower Jaw Blastema Regeneration of Zebrafish
Authors: Dai Yancen , Prithiviraj Nagarajan , Gan Jianhong , Zhang Xin A. , Yan Jizhou 
Published: December 2016

AbstractNatural bioactive materials provide an excellent pool of molecules for regenerative therapy. In the present study, we amputate portions of the arms of Archaster typicus starfish, extract and separate the active biomaterials, and compare the effects of each fraction on in vitro wound healing and in vivo lower jaw regeneration of zebrafish. Compared with crude extract, normal hexane fractions (NHFs) have a remarkable effect on cellular proliferation and collective migration, and exhibit fibroblast-like morphology, while methanol-water fractions (MWFs) increase cell size, cell-cell adhesion, and cell death. Relative to moderate mitochondrialand lysosomal aggregation in NHFs-cultured cells, MWFs-cultured cells contain more and bigger lysosomal accumulations and clump detachment. The in vivo zebrafish lower jaw regeneration model reveals that NHFs enhance blastema formation and vasculogenesis, while MWFs inhibit fibrogenesis and induce cellular transformation. Gene expression analyses indicate that NHFs and MWFs separately activate blastema-characteristic genes as well as those genes-related to autophagy, proteasome, and apoptosis either during cell scratch healing or ganciclovir-induced apoptosis. Our results suggest that bioactive compounds from NHFs and MWFs could induce blastema formation and remodeling, respectively, and prevent tissue overgrowth.
Low expression of CXCR1/2 on neutrophils predicts poor survival in patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure
Authors: Xu Ruonan , Bao Chunmei , Huang Huihuang , Lin Fang , Yuan Yue , Wang Siyu , Jin Lei , Yang Tao , Shi Ming , Zhang Zheng , Wang Fu-Sheng 
Published: December 2016

AbstractPolymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and proinflammatory cytokines have been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). But the utility of CXC chemokine receptor expression on PMNs as a biomarker for prediction of disease severity is still uncertain. In this study, we investigated the dynamic expression of CXCR1 and CXCR2 on neutrophils, and found that patients with hepatitis B virus-related ACLF displayed low expression of CXCR1 and CXCR2 on peripheral neutrophils compared with healthy subjects and patients with chronic hepatitis B. This expression pattern was correlated with disease severity. Additionally, increased production of IL-8 in peripheral blood was significantly associated with reduced CXCR1 and CXCR2 expression, as shown by the decreased CXCR1 and CXCR2 expression on neutrophils after treating neutrophils with plasma from ACLF patients. This effect could be overcomed through IL-8 blockage with an anti-IL-8 antibody. We also found that IL-8 production and neutrophil infiltration were coordinately increased in the liver tissue of HBV-ACLF patients, and this increase was associated with liver inflammation. Overall, increased production of IL-8 associated with neutrophils infiltration into the liver and decreased CXCR1/2 expression on peripheral neutrophils. CXCR1 and CXCR2 expression levels could be served as early markers to predict the severity of ACLF.
Genetic variation in IGF1 predicts renal cell carcinoma susceptibility and prognosis in Chinese population
Authors: Cao Qiang , Liang Chao , Xue Jianxin , Li Pu , Li Jie , Wang Meilin , Zhang Zhengdong , Qin Chao , Lu Qiang , Hua Lixin , Shao Pengfei , Wang Zengjun 
Published: December 2016

AbstractInsulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) play an important role in the development and progression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We evaluated the association of functional polymorphisms in IGF1 and IGFBP3 with susceptibility and prognosis of RCC. We genotyped nine potentially functional polymorphisms in IGF1 and IGFBP3 and assessed their association with risk of RCC in a two-stage case-control study compromising 1027 cases and 1094 controls, and with prognosis in a cohort of 311 patients. We found rs5742714 in the 3′-UTR of IGF1 was significantly associated with risk and prognosis of RCC. In the combined set, the rs5742714 GC/CC genotypes were significantly associated with decreased risk of RCC compared with the GG genotype (OR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.68–0.98, P = 0.002). Furthermore, patients with the rs5742714 GC/CC genotypes showed improved survival than those with the GG genotype (Log-rank P = 0.025, HR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.14–0.93). Besides, the rs5742714 GC/CC genotypes were associated with significantly decreased expression of IGF1 mRNA and lower IGF1 serum levels. Moreover, the luciferase reporter assays revealed the potential effect of rs5742714 genotype on the binding of microRNAs to IGF1. Our findings suggest that the IGF1 polymorphism rs5742714 may be a genetic predictor of susceptibility and prognosis of RCC.
The double-domain cytidine deaminase APOBEC3G is a cellular site-specific RNA editing enzyme
Authors: Sharma Shraddha , Patnaik Santosh K. , Taggart Robert T. , Baysal Bora E. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAPOBEC3G is a cytidine deaminase with two homologous domains and restricts retroelements and HIV-1. APOBEC3G deaminates single-stranded DNAs via its C-terminal domain, whereas the N-terminal domain is considered non-catalytic. Although APOBEC3G is known to bind RNAs, APOBEC3G-mediated RNA editing has not been observed. We recently discovered RNA editing by the single-domain enzyme APOBEC3A in innate immune cells. To determine if APOBEC3G is capable of RNA editing, we transiently expressed APOBEC3G in the HEK293T cell line and performed transcriptome-wide RNA sequencing. We show that APOBEC3G causes site-specific C-to-U editing of mRNAs from over 600 genes. The edited cytidines are often flanked by inverted repeats, but are largely distinct from those deaminated by APOBEC3A. We verified protein-recoding RNA editing of selected genes including several that are known to be involved in HIV-1 infectivity. APOBEC3G co-purifies with highly edited mRNA substrates. We find that conserved catalytic residues in both cytidine deaminase domains are required for RNA editing. Our findings demonstrate the novel RNA editing function of APOBEC3G and suggest a role for the N-terminal domain in RNA editing.