bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Phosphorylation of the Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2Cα1 Splice Variant Promotes Skeletal Muscle Regeneration and Hypertrophy
Authors: Baruffaldi Fiorenza , Montarras Didier , Basile Valentina , De Feo Luca , Badodi Sara , Ganassi Massimo , Battini Renata , Nicoletti Carmine , Imbriano Carol , Musarò Antonio , Molinari Susanna 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
The transcription factor MEF2C (Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2C) plays an established role in the early steps of myogenic differentiation. However, the involvement of MEF2C in adult myogenesis and in muscle regeneration has not yet been systematically investigated. Alternative splicing of mammalian MEF2C transcripts gives rise to two mutually exclusive protein variants: MEF2Cα2 which exerts a positive control of myogenic differentiation, and MEF2Cα1, in which the α1 domain acts as trans-repressor of the MEF2C pro-differentiation activity itself. However, MEF2Cα1 variants are persistently expressed in differentiating cultured myocytes, suggesting a role in adult myogenesis. We found that overexpression of both MEF2Cα1/α2 proteins in a mouse model of muscle injury promotes muscle regeneration and hypertrophy, with each isoform promoting different stages of myogenesis. Besides the ability of MEF2Cα2 to increase differentiation, we found that overexpressed MEF2Cα1 enhances both proliferation and differentiation of primary myoblasts, and activates the AKT/mTOR/S6K anabolic signaling pathway in newly formed myofibers. The multiple activities of MEF2Cα1 are modulated by phosphorylation of Ser98 and Ser110, two amino acid residues located in the α1 domain of MEF2Cα1. These specific phosphorylations allow the interaction of MEF2Cα1 with the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase PIN1, a regulator of MEF2C functions. Overall, in this study we established a novel regulatory mechanism in which the expression and the phosphorylation of MEF2Cα1 are critically required to sustain the adult myogenesis. The described molecular mechanism will represent a new potential target for the development of therapeutical strategies to treat muscle-wasting diseases.
AUF1 regulation of coding and noncoding RNA
Authors: White Elizabeth J.F. , Matsangos Aerielle E. , Wilson Gerald M. 
Published: September 2016

AUF1 is a family of four RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) generated by alternative pre‐messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) splicing, with canonical roles in controlling the stability and/or translation of mRNA targets based on recognition of AU‐rich sequences within mRNA 3′ untranslated regions. However, recent studies identifying AUF1 target sites across the transcriptome have revealed that these canonical functions are but a subset of its roles in posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. In this review, we describe recent developments in our understanding of the RNA‐binding properties of AUF1 together with their biochemical implications and roles in directing mRNA decay and translation. This is then followed by a survey of newly discovered activities for AUF1 proteins in control of miRNA synthesis and function, including miRNA assembly into microRNA (miRNA)‐loaded RNA‐induced silencing complexes (miRISCs), miRISC targeting to mRNA substrates, interplay with an expanding network of other cellular RBPs, and reciprocal regulatory relationships between miRNA and AUF1 synthesis. Finally, we discuss recently reported relationships between AUF1 and long noncoding RNAs and regulatory roles on viral RNA substrates. Cumulatively, these findings have significantly expanded our appreciation of the scope and diversity of AUF1 functions in the cell, and are prompting an exciting array of new questions moving forward. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1393. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1393This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Recognition
RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability
Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
What Do Parents of Children with Down Syndrome Think about Non‐Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)?
Authors: van Schendel Rachèl V. , Kater‐Kuipers Adriana , van Vliet‐Lachotzki Elsbeth H. , Dondorp Wybo J. , Cornel Martina C. , Henneman Lidewij 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThis study explores the attitudes of parents of children with Down syndrome towards non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and widening the scope of prenatal screening. Three focus groups (n = 16) and eleven individual interviews with Dutch parents (and two relatives) of children with Down syndrome were conducted. Safety, accuracy and earlier testing were seen as the advantages of NIPT. Some participants were critical about the practice of screening for Down syndrome, but acknowledged that NIPT enables people to know whether the fetus is affected and to prepare without risking miscarriage. Many feared uncritical use of NIPT and more abortions for Down syndrome. Concerns included the consequences for the acceptance of and facilities for children with Down syndrome, resulting in more people deciding to screen. Participants stressed the importance of good counseling and balanced, accurate information about Down syndrome. Testing for more disorders might divert the focus away from Down syndrome, but participants worried about “where to draw the line”. They also feared a loss of diversity in society. Findings show that, while parents acknowledge that NIPT offers a better and safer option to know whether the fetus is affected, they also have concerns about NIPT's impact on the acceptance and care of children with Down syndrome.
The Dynamics of a Genetic Counseling Peer Supervision Group
Authors: Lewis Katie L. , Erby Lori A. H. , Bergner Amanda L. , Reed E. Kate , Johnson Maria R. , Adcock Jessica Y. , Weaver Meredith A. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractSupervision is a practice that is utilized by a variety of practitioners to hone their counseling skills. Genetic counselors have embraced the supervision process, and some seek out supervision in a group setting with peers. Researchers have described the structure and content of genetic counseling peer supervision groups, and provided evidence for the benefits of seeking peer supervision. This study aimed to describe the interpersonal aspects of one genetic counseling peer supervision group, including personality traits and group dynamics, and how those factors influenced our experiences within the group. We also describe how the process of evaluating these factors impacted us individually and collectively. There was consensus that the group was a safe and trusting one, which was united by similar goals and mutual respect. Members reported gaining insights about how their own personality functioned within the group milieu, and also how the group setting impacted them. Based on our experiences, we recommend that other peer supervision groups consider similar self‐evaluations on a periodic basis, both to enhance group functioning and to allow for increased self‐awareness and professional growth.
Determinants of Mexico-U.S. Outward and Return Migration Flows: A State-Level Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Chort Isabelle , de la Rupelle Maëlys 
Published: September 2016

AbstractUsing a unique panel data set of state-to-state outward and return migration flows between Mexico and the United States from 1995 to 2012, this study is the first to analyze Mexico-U.S. migration at the state level and explore simultaneously the effect of economic, environmental, and social factors in Mexico over two decades. Pairing origin and destination states and controlling for a rich structure of fixed effects, we find that income positively impacts migration outflows, especially for Mexican states of origin with a recent migration history and for low-educated migrant flows, suggesting the existence of credit constraints. We find evidence that drought causes more out-migration, while other climatic shocks have no effect. Violence is found to increase out-migration flows from border states and to decrease migration from other Mexican states, especially where violence is directed at migrants. Last, return flows are larger when income growth at destination is lower, consistent with the accumulation of savings as a primary motivation of migrants. Exploring the impact of the crisis, we find evidence of significant changes in the geography of migration flows. Traditional flows are drying up, and new migration corridors are rising, with implications on the composition of the Mexican population in the United States. Although the effect of income on flows in both directions is unchanged by the crisis, the negative effect of violence on out-migration tends to reverse at the end of the period. Overall, this study emphasizes the interest of analyzing disaggregated flows at the infra-country level.
RETRACTED: Intralipid supplementation in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion and elevated levels of natural killer cells
Authors: Dakhly Dina M.R. , Bayoumi Yomna A. , Sharkawy Mohamed , Gad Allah Sherine H. , Hassan Mohamed A. , Gouda Hisham M. , Hashem Ahmed T. , Hatem Dina L. , Ahmed Mona F. , El‐Khayat Waleed 
Published: September 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of intralipid supplementation in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and elevated natural killer cell activity undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection.MethodsBetween February 10, 2013, and April 30, 2015, a double‐blind randomized controlled study was conducted at a center in Egypt. Women with unexplained secondary infertility, RSA, and elevated levels of natural killer cells (> 12%) were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive intralipid (2 mL diluted at 20% in 250 mL saline) or saline (250 mL) infusion on the day of oocyte retrieval using random numbers and sealed envelopes. Patients and attending physicians were masked to group assignment. The infusions were repeated within 1 week of a positive pregnancy test and then every 2 weeks until the end of the first trimester. The primary outcome was chemical pregnancy 14 days after embryo transfer. Analyses were by intention‐to‐treat.ResultsOverall, 296 women were enrolled. Chemical pregnancy was recorded for 84 (58.3%) of 144 women in the intralipid group and 76 (50.0%) of 152 in the control group (P = 0.129).ConclusionIntralipid supplementation did not increase frequency of chemical pregnancy. However, findings related to ongoing pregnancy and live birth should be investigated further.ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT01788540
Effects of Cervical Extension on Deformation of Intervertebral Disk and Migration of Nucleus Pulposus
Authors: Kim Yoon‐Ho , Kim Sung‐In , Park Seongjun , Hong Sung Hwan , Chung Sun G. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundWe theorized that active cervical extension should influence the position of the nucleus pulposus (NP) within the intervertebral disk (IVD) in the sagittal plane. Although several studies on the lumbar IVD have been conducted, there are no quantitative data for in vivo positional changes of the NP in the cervical IVD.ObjectiveTo evaluate the influence and mechanism of cervical extension on the deformation and migration of IVD and NP in the sagittal plane and understand underlying mechanisms of the extension maneuver.DesignAsymptomatic subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging while supine with their cervical spines in neutral and extended positions.SettingAcademic medical center.ParticipantsTen young, healthy male participants (age range 19‐30 years; mean 22.4 ± 1.64 years).MethodsT2‐weighted sagittal images from C3‐C4 to C6‐C7 of subjects in both neutral and extension positions were analyzed.Main Outcome MeasurementsDeformation of IVD and positional change of NP were quantified and compared between neutral and extension positions. Intersegmental angles between vertebrae, horizontal positions of anterior and posterior IVD and NP margins, IVD outer and inner heights, and sagittal morphology of NP were quantified and compared between the neutral and extension positions. Correlations between the measured parameters and segmental extension angle were also investigated.ResultsAnterior and posterior IVD margins moved posteriorly with respect to the vertebral body in extension. Both NP margins remained unchanged relative to the vertebral body but moved anteriorly with respect to the IVD. IVD outer and inner heights in the anterior region increased in extension, and morphological changes of the NP were less noticeable when compared with its relative migration within the IVD. Most of the intradiskal changes were linearly correlated with the segmental extension angle.ConclusionsCervical extension induces anterior migration of the NP away from the posterior disk margin and may have a clinical effect on diskogenic neck pain resulting from internal disk disruption.Level of EvidenceNot applicable.
RICE CONSUMPTION AND GRAIN-TYPE PREFERENCE BY HOUSEHOLD: A BANGLADESH CASE
Authors: MOTTALEB KHONDOKER ABDUL , MISHRA ASHOK K. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract:Rice, may be of a high- or low-quality type, based on the size and shape of the rice grain and variety. Thus, perhaps with an increase in income, consumers might not only switch from rice to other high-value-added foods, but also shift away from short-and-bold-grain to long-and-slender-grain rice. Using the case of Bangladesh, this article examines the drivers of change in rice grain-type preferences by households. We econometrically demonstrate that educated, rich, and urban households in Bangladesh are increasingly consuming fine-grain (i.e., long-and-slender-grain) rice, by replacing ordinary-grain (i.e., short-and-bold-grain) rice.
ST-segment Elevation Following Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation in the
Emergency Department: Unmasked Myocardial Infarction due to Left Main Coronary
Artery Plaque Rupture or Unspecific Finding?
Authors: Prochnau Dirk , Surber Ralf , Hoyme Matthias , Otto Sylvia , Selle Anna , Poerner Tudor C. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent reason for emergency department
visits. According to current guidelines either rate- or rhythm-control are
acceptable therapeutic options in such situations. In this report, we present the
complicated clinical course of a patient with AF and a rapid ventricular response.
Because of paroxysmal AF, the patient was on chronic oral anticoagulation therapy
with warfarin. Pharmacological treatment was ineffective to control ventricular
rate, and immediate synchronized electrical cardioversion was performed. One hour
later, the patient complained of chest pain in combination with marked ST-segment
elevation in the anterior leads. Cardiac catheterization with optical coherence
tomography disclosed plaque rupture in the left main coronary artery without other
significant stenosis. Stent implantation was performed successfully. During the
course of the hospital stay, the patient remained asymptomatic and the ST-segment
elevations resolved. However, despite treatment with amiodarone it was not
possible to keep the patient permanently in sinus rhythm. Therefore, a
biventricular pacemaker was implanted and AV node ablation performed.
Too Low a Threshold: Bilcon v Canada and the International Minimum Standard of Treatment
Authors: CARFAGNINI MICHAEL 
Published: September 2016

AbstractTreaty obligations to afford foreign investors a minimum standard of treatment (MST) and/or fair and equitable treatment (FET) are hallmarks of international investment law. However, the relationship between such treaty-based obligations and customary international law has been the subject of considerable debate. In the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) context, the majority tribunal decision and dissenting opinion in Clayton and Bilcon of Delaware Inc. v Government of Canada (Bilcon) reflect ongoing disagreement regarding the threshold for breach of the MST under NAFTA Article 1105. This article charts NAFTA investment tribunals’ decisions regarding FET claims under Article 1105 and the development of the customary international MST on which that provision is based, in particular, the prohibition on arbitrary treatment. It argues that the majority in Bilcon applied an inappropriately low threshold in finding a breach of Article 1105, which could represent a new and unwelcome direction in NAFTA Chapter 11 jurisprudence.
CULTURAL INFLUENCES ON THE FERTILITY BEHAVIOR OF FIRST- AND SECOND-GENERATION IMMIGRANTS
Authors: Stichnoth Holger , Yeter Mustafa 
Published: September 2016

Abstract:This paper argues that the conventional strategy of identifying a cultural effect using variation across countries of origin may be biased because the assumption that all immigrants make their choices in an identical environment in the host country is unlikely to hold true, even when controlling for individual characteristics. We discuss different mechanisms behind the bias and propose to eliminate it by exploiting only the variation within countries of origin. In our application (fertility of immigrants in Germany), the cultural effect survives this more demanding specification; however, the estimated coefficient is smaller compared to estimations that rely on cross-country variation for identification. We also show that the cultural influence is considerably smaller in the second generation of immigrants.
Valparaiso’s 2014 Fire: Evaluation of Environmental and Epidemiological Risk Factors During the Emergency Through a Crowdsourcing Tool
Authors: Espinoza Espinoza Sebastián Eduardo , Vivaceta De la Fuente Anibal Enrique , Machuca Contreras Constanza Andrea 
Published: September 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo describe and relate the main environmental risk factors in the emergency process after a large urban fire in Valparaiso, Chile, in April 2014.MethodsAn observational, cross-sectional descriptive study was performed. All 243 reports from an ad hoc web/mobile website created on the Ushahidi/Crowdmap platform were reviewed. Reports were recorded in a new database with dichotomist variables based on either the presence or absence of the relevant category in each report.ResultsAlmost one-third of the reports presented data about garbage (30%) and chemical toilets (29%). Reports related to water, infrastructural damage, and garbage had significant associations with 4 categories by chi-square test. In the logistic regression model for chemical toilets, only the variable of water was significant (Pvalue=0.00; modelPvalue: 0.00; R2: 11.7%). The “garbage” category confirmed infrastructural damage (Pvalue: 0.00), water (Pvalue: 0.028), and vectors (P value: 0.00) as predictors (modelPvalue: 0.00; R2: 23.09%).ConclusionsStatistically significant evidence was found for the statistical dependence of 7 out of 10 studied variables. The most frequent environmental risk factors in the reports were garbage, chemical toilets, and donation centers. The highest correlation found was for damaged infrastructure, vectors, and garbage. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:239–243)
Power-Curve Corrections for Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine by an Improved Blade Element Momentum Theory
Authors: Bai C.-J. , Shiah Y.-C. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThis paper proposes a correction method to improve the accuracy of traditional blade element momentum theory (BEMT) in predicting the mechanical power and power coefficient of horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT) blade. In this paper, the traditional BEMT incorporated with the Viterna-Corrigan (VC) stall/stall-delay model is proposed to improve the accuracy of power-curve prediction, by which its applicability is thus enhanced. For verification of the proposed method, three distinct types of geometries of HAWT blades subjected to different operations are studied with outcomes compared with experimental data. Two different wind turbines developed by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) were tested at constant rotational speeds in a full-scale wind tunnel to acquire performance data. As a comparative platform, another wind turbine designed by BEMT for this study was also experimented in identical environment but at variable rotational speeds. As expected, the results clearly indicate that the power-curve prediction is effectively improved by the proposed method especially in the stall region when compared with experimental data. Indeed, this study shows that the improved BEMT is an ideal means to accurately predict the power-curve used for designing an optimal HAWT rotor.
Flow and Dispersion Characteristics of a Stack-Issued Backward Inclined Jet in Crossflow
Authors: Khouygani M. G. , Huang R.-F. , Hsu C.-M. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe effects of backward inclination angle on flow characteristics and jet dispersion properties of a stack-issued jet in crossflow were studied by means of instantaneous and long-exposure photography, particle image velocimetry (PIV), and tracer-gas concentration detections at a Reynolds number of 2,400, a jet-to-crossflow momentum flux ratio of 1.0, and the backward inclination angles θ = 0° - 60°. Three characteristic flow patterns featured by different near-wake flow structures were found within the surveyed span of the backward inclination angle: low (θ ≤ 25°), mediate (25° < θ < 50°), and high (θ ≥ 50°). In the range of low backward inclination angle, mushroom vortices appeared in the upwind shear layer. Jet fluids were entrained into the jet- and tube-wakes because the near wake region was characterized by a jet-wake vortex and a downwash flow. In the range of mediate backward inclination angle, forward-rolling vortices were formed in the upwind shear layer. Jet fluids were entrained into the jet wake but not appearing in the tube wake because the near wake was characterized by an isolated tube wake and up-going flows. In the range of high backward inclination angle, small-sized forward-rolling vortices were observed in the upwind shear layer. Jet fluids were not observed in both the jet- and tube-wakes because all flows went forward without reversal or vortex, which was similar to that in a jet in co-flow. Large turbulence intensities occurred around the jet-wake vortex and along sides of the tube wake bifurcation line, therefore the mixing at the low backward inclination angles presented better properties than those at mediate and high backward inclination angles owing to the featured flow structures and turbulence intensities.
BLOWUPS AND FIBERS OF MORPHISMS
Authors: KUSTIN ANDREW R. , POLINI CLAUDIA , ULRICH BERND 
Published: September 2016

Our object of study is a rational map defined by homogeneous forms $g_{1},\ldots ,g_{n}$, of the same degree $d$, in the homogeneous coordinate ring $R=k[x_{1},\ldots ,x_{s}]$ of $\mathbb{P}_{k}^{s-1}$. Our goal is to relate properties of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F9}$, of the homogeneous coordinate ring $A=k[g_{1},\ldots ,g_{n}]$ of the variety parameterized by $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F9}$, and of the Rees algebra ${\mathcal{R}}(I)$, the bihomogeneous coordinate ring of the graph of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F9}$. For a regular map $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F9}$, for instance, we prove that ${\mathcal{R}}(I)$ satisfies Serre’s condition $R_{i}$, for some $i>0$, if and only if $A$ satisfies $R_{i-1}$ and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F9}$ is birational onto its image. Thus, in particular, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F9}$ is birational onto its image if and only if ${\mathcal{R}}(I)$ satisfies $R_{1}$. Either condition has implications for the shape of the core, namely, $\text{core}(I)$ is the multiplier ideal of $I^{s}$ and $\text{core}(I)=(x_{1},\ldots ,x_{s})^{sd-s+1}.$ Conversely, for $s=2$, either equality for the core implies birationality. In addition, by means of the generalized rows of the syzygy matrix of $g_{1},\ldots ,g_{n}$, we give an explicit method to reduce the nonbirational case to the birational one when $s=2$.