bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Soil Moisture on the Longitudinal Dryline Position in the Southern Great Plains
Authors: Johnson Zachary F. , Hitchens Nathan M. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
The dryline is among the most important meteorological phenomena in the Great Plains because of its significance in tornadogenesis, severe weather, and consistent rainfall. Past research has extensively examined the dynamics of the dryline; however, recent meteorological research looks beyond dynamics and focuses on land–atmosphere interactions. This study focuses on how soil moisture, a surrogate for evapotranspiration, affects the climatological longitudinal positioning of the dryline, presenting a climatological study for the months of April–June during 2006–15 in the southern Great Plains. Here, drylines are defined as specific humidity gradients exceeding 3 g kg−1 (100 km)−1 that do not deviate more than 30° from a north–south orientation; they were found to occur on 33.4% of spring days, and the most favorable position was −100.9° at 0000 UTC. Specific humidity gradients ranged from 3.0 to 15.2 g kg−1 (100 km)−1, with an average value of 6.8 g kg−1 (100 km)−1. A relationship between the dryline longitudinal position and soil moisture was found; as soil moisture values increased, the dryline was located farther west, which suggests soil moisture may influence the longitudinal positioning of the dryline. There was also a relationship between the gradient of soil moisture and the intensity (specific humidity gradient) of the dryline, such that when longitudinal soil moisture gradients were strong (increasing from west to east), the dryline intensity increased.
A Joint Probability Density–Based Decomposition of Turbulence in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer
Authors: Chinita Maria J. , Matheou Georgios , Teixeira João 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
In convective flows, vertical turbulent fluxes, covariances between vertical velocity and scalar thermodynamic variables, include contributions from local mixing and large-scale coherent motions, such as updrafts and downdrafts. The relative contribution of these motions to the covariance is important in turbulence parameterizations. However, the flux partition is challenging, especially in regions without convective cloud. A method to decompose the vertical flux based on the corresponding joint probability density function (JPD) is introduced. The JPD-based method partitions the full JPD into a joint Gaussian part and the complement, which represent the local mixing and the large-scale coherent motions, respectively. The coherent part can be further divided into updraft and downdraft parts based on the sign of vertical velocity. The flow decomposition is independent of water condensate (cloud) and can be applied in cloud-free convection, the subcloud layer, and stratiform cloud regions. The method is applied to large-eddy simulation model data of three boundary layers. The results are compared with traditional cloud and cloud-core decompositions and a decaying scalar conditional sampling method. The JPD-based method includes a single free parameter and sensitivity tests show weak dependence on the parameter values. The results of the JPD-based method are somewhat similar to the cloud-core and conditional sampling methods. However, differences in the relative magnitude of the flux decomposition terms suggest that an objective definition of the flow regions is subtle and diagnosed flow properties like updraft characteristics depend on the sampling method. Moreover, the flux decomposition depends on the thermodynamic variable and convection characteristics.
Gene therapy with adeno-associated virus vector 5–human factor IX in adults with hemophilia B
Authors: Miesbach Wolfgang , Meijer Karina , Coppens Michiel , Kampmann Peter , Klamroth Robert , Schutgens Roger , Tangelder Marco , Castaman Giancarlo , Schwäble Joachim , Bonig Halvard , Seifried Erhard , Cattaneo Federica , Meyer Christian , Leebeek Frank W. G. 
Published: December 2017

Key Points
AAV5 liver-directed wild-type hFIX gene transfer was well tolerated and clinically effective in severe and moderate-severe hemophilia B. No cellular immune responses to the AAV5 vector were detected, and FIX expression levels were stable for the entire observation period.
Epidemiology and Outcomes of Bloodstream Infections in Patients With Solid Tumors in a Central American Population at Mexico Hospital, San Jose, Costa Rica
Authors: Calvo-Lon Jorge , Landaverde Denis U. , Ramos-Esquivel Allan , Villalobos-Vindas Juan M. 
Published: December 2017

Purpose Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are an important cause of mortality in patients with solid tumors. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the epidemiologic profile and mortality of patients with solid tumors who have BSIs and were admitted to Mexico Hospital. This is the first study in Costa Rica and Central America describing the current epidemiologic situation. Methods We analyzed the infectious disease database for BSIs in patients with solid tumors admitted to Mexico Hospital from January 2012 to December 2014. Epidemiology and mortality were obtained according to microorganism, antibiotic sensitivity, tumor type, and presence of central venous catheter (CVC). Descriptive statistics were used. Results A total of 164 BSIs were recorded, the median age was 58 years, 103 patients (63%) were males, and 128 cases of infection (78%) were the result of gram-negative bacilli (GNB). Klebsiella pneumoniae (21%), Escherichia coli (21%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15%) were the most common microorganisms isolated. Gram-positive cocci (GPC) were found in 36 patients, with the most frequent microorganisms being Staphylococcus aureus (10%) and Staphyloccocus epidermidis (6%). With respect to tumor type, BSIs were more frequent in the GI tract (57%) followed by head and neck (9%) and genitourinary tract (8%). Regarding antibiotic susceptibility, only 17% (GNB) expressed extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and 12% (GPC) had methicillin resistance. Patients with CVCs (n = 59) were colonized mainly by GNB (78%). Overall the mortality rate at 30 days was about 30%. Conclusion GNB are the most frequent cause of BSIs in solid tumors and in patients with CVCs. GI cancers had more BSIs than other sites. Mortality and antibiotic sensitivity remained stable and acceptable during this observational period in this Latin American population.
Redundancy and cooperation in Notch intercellular signaling
Authors: Luna-Escalante Juan C. , Formosa-Jordan Pau , Ibañes Marta 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT
During metazoan development, Notch signaling drives spatially coordinated differentiation by establishing communication between adjacent cells. This occurs through either lateral inhibition, in which adjacent cells acquire distinct fates, or lateral induction, in which all cells become equivalent. Notch signaling is commonly activated by several distinct ligands, each of which drives signaling with a different efficiency upon binding to the Notch receptor of adjacent cells. Moreover, these ligands can also be distinctly regulated by Notch signaling. Under such complex circumstances, the overall spatial coordination becomes elusive. Here, we address this issue through both mathematical and computational analyses. Our results show that when two ligands have distinct efficiencies and compete for the same Notch receptor, they cooperate to drive new signaling states, thereby conferring additional robustness and evolvability to Notch signaling. Counterintuitively, whereas antagonistically regulated ligands cooperate to drive and enhance the response that is expected from the more efficient ligand, equivalently regulated ligands coordinate emergent spatial responses that are dependent on both ligands. Our study highlights the importance of ligand efficiency in multi-ligand scenarios, and can explain previously reported complex phenotypes.
In situ imaging of mitochondrial translation shows weak correlation with nucleoid DNA intensity and no suppression during mitosis
Authors: Estell Christopher , Stamatidou Emmanouela , El-Messeiry Sarah , Hamilton Andrew 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT
Although mitochondrial translation produces only 13 proteins, we show here how this process can be visualised and detected in situ by fluorescence microscopy with a simple, rapid and inexpensive procedure using non-canonical amino acid labelling and click chemistry. This allows visualisation of the translational output in different mitochondria within a cell, their position within that cell and a comparison of mitochondrial translation between cells. The most highly translationally active mitochondria were closest to the nucleus but were also found at the distal end of long cellular projections. There were substantial differences in translation between adjacent mitochondria and this did not readily correlate with apparent mitochondrial genome content. Mitochondrial translation was unchanged during mitosis when cytoplasmic translation was suppressed. This method will serve both fundamental cell biology and clinically orientated studies, in which mitochondrial function is a key parameter.
Quantitative analysis of multilayer organization of proteins and RNA in nuclear speckles at super resolution
Authors: Fei Jingyi , Jadaliha Mahdieh , Harmon Tyler S. , Li Isaac T. S. , Hua Boyang , Hao Qinyu , Holehouse Alex S. , Reyer Matthew , Sun Qinyu , Freier Susan M. , Pappu Rohit V. , Prasanth Kannanganattu V. , Ha Taekjip 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT
Nuclear speckles are self-assembled organelles composed of RNAs and proteins. They are proposed to act as structural domains that control distinct steps in gene expression, including transcription, splicing and mRNA export. Earlier studies identified differential localization of a few components within the speckles. It was speculated that the spatial organization of speckle components might contribute directly to the order of operations that coordinate distinct processes. Here, by performing multi-color structured illumination microscopy, we characterized the multilayer organization of speckles at a higher resolution. We found that SON and SC35 (also known as SRSF2) localize to the central region of the speckle, whereas MALAT1 and small nuclear (sn)RNAs are enriched at the speckle periphery. Coarse-grained simulations indicate that the non-random organization arises due to the interplay between favorable sequence-encoded intermolecular interactions of speckle-resident proteins and RNAs. Finally, we observe positive correlation between the total amount of RNA present within a speckle and the speckle size. These results imply that speckle size may be regulated to accommodate RNA accumulation and processing. Accumulation of RNA from various actively transcribed speckle-associated genes could contribute to the observed speckle size variations within a single cell.
Emerging role of the plant ERF transcription factors in coordinating wound defense responses and repair
Authors: Heyman Jefri , Canher Balkan , Bisht Anchal , Christiaens Fien , De Veylder Lieven 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT
Plants react to wounding through the activation of both defense and repair pathways, but how these two responses are coordinated is unclear. Here, we put forward the hypothesis that diverse members of the subfamily X of the plant-specific ethylene response factor (ERF) transcription factors coordinate stress signaling with the activation of wound repair mechanisms. Moreover, we highlight the observation that tissue repair is strongly boosted through the formation of a heterodimeric protein complex that comprises ERF and transcription factors of the GRAS domain type. This interaction turns ERFs into highly potent and stress-responsive activators of cell proliferation. The potency to induce stem cell identity suggests that these heterodimeric transcription factor complexes could become valuable tools to increase crop regeneration and transformation efficiency.
Inbred or Outbred? Genetic Diversity in Laboratory Rodent Colonies
Authors: Brekke Thomas D , Steele Katherine A , Mulley John F 
Published: December 2017

AbstractNonmodel rodents are widely used as subjects for both basic and applied biological research, but the genetic diversity of the study individuals is rarely quantified. University-housed colonies tend to be small and subject to founder effects and genetic drift; so they may be highly inbred or show substantial genetic divergence from other colonies, even those derived from the same source. Disregard for the levels of genetic diversity in an animal colony may result in a failure to replicate results if a different colony is used to repeat an experiment, as different colonies may have fixed alternative variants. Here we use high throughput sequencing to demonstrate genetic divergence in three isolated colonies of Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) even though they were all established recently from the same source. We also show that genetic diversity in allegedly “outbred” colonies of nonmodel rodents (gerbils, hamsters, house mice, deer mice, and rats) varies considerably from nearly no segregating diversity to very high levels of polymorphism. We conclude that genetic divergence in isolated colonies may play an important role in the “replication crisis.” In a more positive light, divergent rodent colonies represent an opportunity to leverage genetically distinct individuals in genetic crossing experiments. In sum, awareness of the genetic diversity of an animal colony is paramount as it allows researchers to properly replicate experiments and also to capitalize on other genetically distinct individuals to explore the genetic basis of a trait.
Evaluation of alkalinity spatial distribution in an up-flow fixed bed anaerobic digester
Authors: Hmissi Maha , Harmand Jérôme , Alcaraz-Gonzalez Victor , Shayeb Hedi 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn this paper, an experimental study upon alkalinity and hydrodynamic behavior in an anaerobic up-flow fixed bed reactor for the treatment of tequila vinasses is presented. Measurements of volatile fatty acids, pH, alkalinity and bicarbonate were obtained at three sampling points in the reactor in the axial axis. Then, the spatial distribution of alkalinity is studied and discussed. Moreover, for further control process purposes, a hydrodynamic model based on the use of two interconnected two-steps reduced AM2 type models is proposed and its parameters are identified using experimental data.
Lateral rhinostomy for treatment of severe chronic rhinosinusitis in two rabbits
Authors: Wright Louden , Mans Christoph 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION 2 client-owned rabbits were evaluated for signs of chronic upper respiratory tract disease.
CLINICAL FINDINGS Clinical signs had been present for 3 weeks and 4 years and included mucopurulent nasal discharge, right-sided maxillary swelling, recurrent dacryocystitis, and intermittent sneezing. One rabbit had been treated with nasolacrimal duct lavage and topical and systemic antimicrobial administration without resolution of clinical signs. Results of CT of the head in both cases indicated severe rhinosinusitis.
TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Both rabbits underwent unilateral rhinostomy by means of a lateral approach. Access was established via the facies cribrosa of the maxillary bone. Purulent material was removed from the affected nasal cavity and the maxillary sinus by means of debridement and lavage. After endoscopic exploration, marsupialization was performed to create a stoma. Both rabbits recovered from surgery without apparent complications, and the surgical site healed within 1 month in both. Computed tomography was repeated 5 months after surgery in one rabbit and 13 months after surgery in the other and indicated patent nasal passages and no evidence of recurrence or persistence of disease.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that lateral rhinostomy should be considered for treatment of chronic severe rhinosinusitis in rabbits. Such an approach may be less technically demanding and could decrease the likelihood of postsurgical complications reported with other techniques.
Relationship between repository radiographic findings and subsequent performance of Quarter Horses competing in cutting events
Authors: Barrett Myra F. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Contino Erin K. , Park Richard D. , Kawcak Christopher E. , Frisbie David D. , zumBrunnen James R. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate potential associations between repository radiographic findings and subsequent performance of Quarter Horses competing in cutting events.
DESIGN Retrospective cohort study.
SAMPLE Repository radiographs (ie, radiographs obtained at the time of sale) for 343 client-owned horses.
PROCEDURES Repository radiographic findings were compared with objective measures of performance, including the likelihood of competing; the likelihood of earning money as a 3-year-old, as a 4-year-old, and as a 3- and 4-year-old combined; and the amount of money earned as a 3-year-old, as a 4-year-old, and as a 3- and 4-year-old combined.
RESULTS The presence of mild osteophytes involving the distal aspect of the tarsal joint was significantly associated with lower mean earnings as a 4-year-old. The presence of osteophytes on the dorsoproximal aspect of the middle phalanx of the hind limbs was significantly associated with an increased odds of earning money as a 4-year-old. Radiographic lesions of the medial femoral condyle of the stifle joint were not significantly associated with subsequent performance.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Most abnormalities identified on repository radiographs were not significantly associated with subsequent performance. The significant association between mild tarsal osteophytosis and earnings was unexpected. Results of the present study indicated the need for further investigation of the relationship between radiographic findings and performance outcome in Western performance horses.
Association of magnetic resonance imaging–based preoperative tumor volume with postsurgical survival time in dogs with primary intracranial glioma
Authors: MacLellan Jeffrey D. , Arnold Susan A. , Dave Aditya C. , Hunt Matthew A. , Pluhar G. Elizabeth 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship between preoperative volume of primary intracranial gliomas in dogs as determined via MRI and survival time after surgical debulking and adjunctive immunotherapy.
DESIGN Retrospective cohort study.
ANIMALS 47 client-owned dogs enrolled in clinical trials regarding glioma treatments.
PROCEDURES Medical records of all dogs undergoing craniotomy at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medicine Center with histologically confirmed glioma between 2008 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed, and outcome data were collected. Preoperative T2-weighted or post–gadolinium administration T1-weighted MRI scans, performed at several referral institutions with scanners of magnet strengths ranging from 0.5 to 3.0 T, were used to measure tumor volumes as a percentage of total calvarial volume. Data were analyzed to assess the effect of each 2% fraction of tumor volume on median survival time (MST) after surgery and adjuvant treatment.
RESULTS Tumor volumes ranged from 0.5% to 12.2% of total intracranial volume. Overall MST was 185 days (range, 2 to 802 days). No association was identified between preoperative tumor volume and MST. Only 3 (6%) dogs had low-grade tumors that had relatively small volumes, measuring 1.4%, 2.1%, and 4.3% of total calvarial volume. The MST for these 3 dogs (727 days) was longer than that for high-grade tumors (174 days); however, owing to the low number of dogs with low-grade tumors, no statistical comparison was performed.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Preoperative tumor volume determined via MRI was neither associated with nor predictive of outcome following surgery and adjunctive treatment for dogs with glioma. Tumor grade was predictive of outcome, but unlike tumor volume that was measured with MRI, invasive biopsy was necessary to definitively diagnose tumor grade.
Efficacy of intraoperative epidural triamcinolone application in lumbar microdiscectomy: a matched-control study
Authors: Stienen Martin N. , Joswig Holger , Chau Ivan , Neidert Marian C. , Bellut David , Wälchli Thomas , Schaller Karl , Gautschi Oliver P. 
Published: December 2017

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether the intraoperative application of an epidural steroid (ES) on the decompressed nerve root improves short- and midterm subjective and objective clinical outcomes after lumbar microdiscectomy.METHODSThis study was a retrospective analysis of a 2-center database including consecutive cases in which patients underwent lumbar microdiscectomy. All patients who received ES application (40 mg triamcinolone, ES group) were matched by age and sex to patients who had not received ES application (control group). Objective functional impairment (OFI) was determined using age- and sex-adjusted T-scores of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Back and leg pain (visual analog scale), functional impairment (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], Roland-Morris Disability Index [RMDI], and health-related quality of life (hrQoL; 12-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-12] physical component summary [PSC] score and EuroQol [EQ-5D index]) were measured at baseline, on postoperative day 3, and at postoperative week 6.RESULTSFifty-three patients who received ES application were matched with 101 controls. There were no baseline demographic or disease-specific differences between the study groups, and preoperative pain, functional impairment, and hrQoL were similar. On postoperative day 3, the ES group had less disability on the RMDI (mean 7.4 vs 10.3, p = 0.003) and higher hrQoL as determined by the SF-12 PCS (36.5 vs 32.7, p = 0.004). At week 6, the ES group had less disability on the RMDI (3.6 vs 5.7, p = 0.050) and on the ODI by trend (17.0 vs 24.4, p = 0.056); better hrQoL, determined by the SF-12 PCS (44.3 vs 39.9, p = 0.018); and lower OFI (TUG test T-score 100.5 vs 110.2, p = 0.005). The week 6 responder status based on the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) was similar in the ES and control groups for each metric. The rates and severity of complications were similar, with a 3.8% and 4.0% reoperation rate in the ES group and control group, respectively (p = 0.272). There was a tendency for shorter hospitalization in the ES group (5.0 vs 5.8 days, p = 0.066).CONCLUSIONSIntraoperative ES application on the decompressed nerve root is an effective adjunct treatment that may lower subjective and objective functional impairment and increase hrQoL in the short and intermediate term after lumbar microdiscectomy. However, group differences were lower than the commonly accepted MCIDs for each metric, indicating that the effect size of the benefit is limited.■ CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE Type of question: therapeutic; study design: retrospective cohort trial; evidence: Class II.