bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GRK2 Up-Regulation Creates a Positive Feedback Loop for Catecholamine Production in Chromaffin Cells
Authors: Jafferjee Malika , Reyes Valero Thairy , Marrero Christine , McCrink Katie A. , Brill Ava , Lymperopoulos Anastasios 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Elevated sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity aggravates several diseases, including heart failure. The molecular cause(s) underlying this SNS hyperactivity are not known. We have previously uncovered a neurohormonal mechanism, operating in adrenomedullary chromaffin cells, by which circulating catecholamine (CA) levels increase in heart failure: severe dysfunction of the adrenal α2-adrenergic receptors (ARs) due to the up-regulation of G protein-coupled receptor-kinase (GRK)-2, the kinase that desensitizes them. Herein we looked at the potential signaling mechanisms that bring about this GRK2 elevation in chromaffin cells. We found that chronic CA treatment of either PC12 or rat primary chromaffin cells can in itself result in GRK2 transcriptional up-regulation through α2ARs-Gi/o proteins-Src-ERK1/2. The resultant GRK2 increase severely enhances the α2AR desensitization/down-regulation elevating not only CA release but also CA biosynthesis, as evidenced by tyrosine hydroxylase up-regulation. Finally, GRK2 knockdown leads to enhanced apoptosis of PC12 cells, indicating an essential role for GRK2 in chromaffin cell homeostasis/survival. In conclusion, chromaffin cell GRK2 mediates a positive feedback loop that feeds into CA secretion, thereby enabling the adrenomedullary component of the SNS to turn itself on.
Can ecosystem-scale translocations mitigate the impact of climate change on terrestrial biodiversity? Promises, pitfalls, and possibilities
Authors: Boyer Stéphane , Case Bradley S. , Lefort Marie-Caroline , Waterhouse Benjamin R. , Wratten Stephen D. 
Published: February 2016

Because ecological interactions are the first components of the ecosystem to be impacted by climate change, future forms of threatened-species and ecosystem management should aim at conserving complete, functioning communities rather than single charismatic species. A possible way forward is the deployment of ecosystem-scale translocation (EST), where above- and below-ground elements of a functioning terrestrial ecosystem (including vegetation and topsoil) are carefully collected and moved together. Small-scale attempts at such practice have been made for the purpose of ecological restoration. By moving larger subsets of functioning ecosystems from climatically unstable regions to more stable ones, EST could provide a practical means to conserve mature and complex ecosystems threatened by climate change. However, there are a number of challenges associated with EST in the context of climate change mitigation, in particular the choice of donor and receptor sites. With the aim of fostering discussion and debate about the EST concept, we 1) outline the possible promises and pitfalls of EST in mitigating the impact of climate change on terrestrial biodiversity and 2) use a GIS-based approach to illustrate how potential source and receptor sites, where EST could be trialed and evaluated globally, could be identified.
The effect of glenosphere diameter and eccentricity on deltoid power in reverse shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Scalise J. , Jaczynski A. , Jacofsky M. 
Published: February 2016

Aims The eccentric glenosphere was principally introduced into reverse shoulder arthroplasty to reduce the incidence of scapular notching. There is only limited information about the influence of its design on deltoid power and joint reaction forces. The aim of our study was to investigate how the diameter and eccentricity of the glenosphere affect the biomechanics of the deltoid and the resultant joint reaction forces. Methods Different sizes of glenosphere and eccentricity were serially tested in ten cadaveric shoulders using a custom shoulder movement simulator. Results Increasing the diameter of the glenosphere alone did not alter the deltoid moment arm. However, using an eccentric glenosphere increased the moment arm of the deltoid, lowered the joint reaction force and required less deltoid force to generate movement. Conclusion Eccentricity is an independent variable which increases deltoid efficiency and lowers joint reaction forces in a reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:218–23.
Risk factors for blood transfusion after shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Padegimas E. M. , Clyde C. T. , Zmistowski B. M. , Restrepo C. , Williams G. R. , Namdari S. 
Published: February 2016

Aims Currently, there is little information about the need for peri-operative blood transfusion in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to identify the rate of transfusion and its predisposing factors, and to establish a blood conservation strategy. Methods We identified all patients who had undergone shoulder arthroplasty at our hospital between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2013. The rate of transfusion was determined from the patient’s records. While there were exceptions, patients typically underwent transfusion if they had a level of haemoglobin of < 7.5 g/dl if asymptomatic, < 9.0 g/dl if they had a significant cardiac history or symptoms of dizziness or light headedness. Multivariable regression analysis was undertaken to identify predictors of transfusion. High- and low-risk cohorts for transfusion were identified from a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results Of 1174 shoulder arthroplasties performed on 1081 patients, 53 cases (4.5%) required transfusion post-operatively. Predictors of blood transfusion were a lower pre-operative haematocrit (p < 0.001) and shoulder arthroplasty undertaken for post-traumatic arthritis (p < 0.001). ROC analysis identified pre-operative haematocrit of 39.6% as a 90% sensitivity cut-off for transfusion. In total 48 of the 436 (11%) shoulder arthroplasties with a pre-operative haematocrit < 39.6% needed transfusion compared with five of the 738 (0.70%) shoulder arthroplasties with a haematocrit above this level. Discussion We found that transfusion was needed less frequently than previously described for shoulder arthroplasty. Patients with a pre-operative haematocrit < 39.6% should be advised that there is an increased risk for blood transfusion, while those with a haematocrit above this level are unlikely to require transfusion. Take home message: The rate of transfusion after shoulder arthroplasty is under 5%, and those with a pre-operative haematocrit greater than or equal to 39.6% have a very low likelihood (< 1%) of requiring a transfusion. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:224–8.
Tranexamic acid
Authors: Sassoon A. , Nam D. , Jackups R. , Johnson S. R. , Nunley R. M. , Barrack R. L. 
Published: February 2016

Aims This study investigated whether the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) decreased blood loss and transfusion related cost following surface replacement arthroplasty (SRA). Methods A retrospective review of patients treated with TXA during a SRA, who did not receive autologous blood (TXA group) was performed. Two comparison groups were established; the first group comprised of patients who donated their own blood pre-operatively (auto group) and the second of patients who did not donate blood pre-operatively (control). Outcomes included transfusions, post-operative haemoglobin (Hgb), complications, and length of post-operative stay. Results Between 2009 and 2013, 150 patients undergoing SRA were identified for inclusion: 51 in the auto, 49 in the control, and 50 in the TXA group. There were no differences in the pre-operative Hgb concentrations between groups. The mean post-operative Hgb was 11.3 g/dL (9.1 to 13.6) in the auto and TXA groups, and 10.6 g/dL (8.1 to 12.1)in the control group (p = 0.001). Accounting for cost of transfusions, administration of TXA, and length of stay, the cost per patient was $1731, $339, and $185 for the auto, control and TXA groups, respectively. Discussion TXA use demonstrated higher post-operative Hgb concentrations when compared with controls and decreased peri-operative costs. Take home message: Tranexamic acid safely limits allogeneic transfusion, maintains post-operative haemoglobin, and decreases direct and indirect transfusion related costs in surface replacement arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:173–8.
Determining professionalism in Turkish students nurses
Authors: Karadağ Ayise , Hisar Filiz , Çelik Bülent , Gocmen Baykara Zehra 
Published: February 2016

Characteristics of the nursing profession include educational standards, professional organizations, commitment, autonomy, continuing education, body of knowledge and competencies, social value, and a code of ethics. This study was carried out with the aim of determining the professional attitudes of nursing students in Turkey. It was a descriptive study. This study was conducted in 25 nursing schools that provide graduate level nursing education in Turkey.<strong> </strong>The sample of the study included 1412 final year nursing students who were selected by random sampling from nursing schools offering education at bachelor level. Data was collected using a questionnaire, which included demographic characteristics of students and an Inventory to Measure Professional Attitudes in Student Nurses (IPASN). The mean score of IPASN was 4.1 ± 0.5 and the areas the highest mean scores were for autonomy, competence and continuous education whilst lowest ones were for cooperation, contribution to scientific knowledge, and participating in professional organizations. In conclusion, the overall mean scores of professional attitudes for nursing students were found to be satisfying and some recommendations were made to improve subgroups scores.
Effect of the Age on the Evaluation of Horse Conformation and Movement
Authors: Wejer Janusz , Lewczuk Dorota 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The evaluation of horse conformation is a changeable characteristic and knowledge of its character is essential in horse breeding. The effect of the age was investigated based on the analysis of a subjective evaluation of eight conformation and movement traits according to the 70 points scale of registered 857 Polish Trakehner. The analysis of variance included fixed effects of sex (mares and stallions), age (up to 1 year, yearlings, 2-year-old, 3-year-old and older) and the kind of breeder (private/national) and the random effect of the sire. The effect of the sire was statistically significant for all traits. The effect of the sex was significant only for the movement traits – the walk and canter in stallions reached higher notes. The effect of the kind of breeder was also statistically significant but only for the movement traits. The considered effect of the age was the most surprising result as it was statistically significant for all traits, but the only differences between age classes were found between very young horses (up to 1 year) and all other groups. The phenotypic correlations between traits suggest that traits such as overall impression, type, trunk and limbs (feet and legs) are overvalued in the youngest group of horses.
The Regulatory Choice of Noncompliance in the Lab: Effect on Quantities, Prices, and Implications for the Design of a Cost-Effective Policy
Authors: Caffera Marcelo , Chávez Carlos 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Recent theoretical developments show the conditions under which it is cost-effective for the regulator to induce perfect compliance in cap-and-trade programs. These conditions are based on the ability that a regulator with perfect information has to induce the firms to emit any desired level with different combinations of the number of permits supplied to the market and the monitoring probability, assuming that firms are expected profit maximizers. In this paper, we test this hypothesis with a series of laboratory experiments. Our results suggest that firms may behave significantly different from what these models predict precisely when the different combinations of the supply of permits and the monitoring probability induce compliance versus noncompliance. More specifically, by allowing noncompliance in a manner consistent with theory, the regulator could produce a decrease in emissions and an increase in the market price of tradable permits that is not predicted by the theoretical models. The implications for the cost-effective design of environmental policy are discussed.
Newcomers in Politics? The Success of New Political Parties in the Slovak and Czech Republic after 2010?
Authors: Viera Žúborová 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The last election in the Slovak and Czech Republic was special. It not only took place before the official electoral period (pre-elections), but new political parties were “again” successful. The article focuses not only on both elections in the last two years in a comparative perspective, but it analyses the opportunity structure of success as well, including types of new political parties (according to Lucardie). The article seeks to answer the question: why are new political parties electorally successful, able to break into parliament and even become part of a coalition government? We assume that the emergence and success of new political parties in both countries relied on the ability to promote “old” ideas in a new fashion, colloquially referred to as “new suits” or “old” ideological flows in new breeze.
Analysis of evaporation from water surface measured automatically by the EWM evaporimeter at the weather station in Ústí nad Orlicí between 2001 and 2014
Authors: Kohut Mojmír , Rožnovský Jaroslav , Knozová Gražyna , Brzezina Jáchym 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Evaporation from water surface at the station in Ústí nad Orlicí was measured using an automatic EWM evaporimeter. The analysed period was from May 1st to September 30th in the years 2001 to 2014. Statistical analysis of the daily evaporation showed that the values ranged between 0.0 mm and 7.3 mm (July 17, 2007). This maximum value was analysed in detail and considered to be realistic based on the unusual weather conditions on that day. The highest average daily evaporation was observed in July (2.8 mm), followed by August (2.5 mm). On the other hand the lowest average daily evaporation was found to be in September (1.6 mm). Average monthly evaporation totals in the analysed period (2001–2014) ranged from 49.1 mm (September) to 86.1 mm (July). The absolute lowest monthly evaporation total in the analysed period was measured in September 2002 (34.4 mm), on the other end of the scale, the absolute highest monthly evaporation in the period of interest was measured in August 2003 (114.5 mm). Statistics of annual data show that out of the 14 years analysed, the lowest evaporation was observed in 2005 (263.5 mm), while the highest in 2007 (426.1 mm). Average annual (May-September) evaporation for the 14 years is 355.0 mm. The trend in evaporation for May and August is negative, in the other months it is positive. The largest change was seen in July, where the linear index value is +1.555. However, the trends in monthly values are not statistically significant.
Boric acid modified starch polyvinyl alcohol matrix for slow release fertilizer
Authors: Lum Yip-Hing , Shaaban Azizah , Mohamad Noraiham , Dimin Fairuz , Yatim Norazlina Mohamad 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe slow release urea fertilizer was prepared by the boric acid crosslinked starch/polyvinyl alcohol (SPB) matrix as biodegradable carrier material. Using a two level factorial design of experiment, a comprehensive understanding of the concentration of boric acid, reaction time and heating temperature in the preparation of SPB matrix was obtained. The swelling ratio, release profile of urea in water, and crushing strength were selected as the response. The interaction between the variables and response was analyzed using the ANOVA model. The system was confirmed using the constant determination, R2 with values above 0.99. The high concentration of boric acid with a prolonged reaction time at high temperature gave relative good results of swelling ratio, dissolution rate of urea and crushing strength. In the 28-day soil incubation experiment, the retention of exchangeable ammonium ion ${\rm{(NH}}_4^ + )$ was significant higher in SPB urea as compared to pure urea. There was a potential for SPB matrix to improve nitrogen efficiency by increasing the accumulation of exchangeable ${\rm{NH}}_4^ + $ and decreasing the dissolution rate of urea in the flooded condition.
Adolescent pesticide exposures reported to Texas poison centers
Authors: Forrester Mathias B. , Bojes Heidi 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Background: Pesticides, particularly when misused, can cause serious morbidity and mortality. There is limited literature on pesticide exposures among adolescents.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe adolescent pesticide exposures reported to poison centers and compare them to adult exposures.
Subjects: Pesticide exposures reported to Texas poison centers during 2000–2013 where the patient was age 13 years or greater.
Methods: Cases were divided into adolescents (13–19 years) and adults (20 years or more). The distribution of the cases was determined for various factors, and comparisons were made between the two age groups.
Results: There were 2772 adolescent and 33,573 adult pesticide exposures. The most common types of pesticide among adolescent and adult cases, respectively, were insecticides (71% vs. 76%), herbicides (6% vs. 9%), repellents (11% vs. 8%), and rodenticides (10% vs. 5%). Adolescent patients were 56% male and 43% female; adult patients were 45% male and 55% female. The most common exposure routes among adolescent and adult cases, respectively, were dermal (29% vs. 38%), inhalation (22% vs. 33%), ingestion (47% vs. 29%), and ocular (14% vs. 13%). The exposure reason for adolescent and adult exposures, respectively, were unintentional (82% vs. 89%), intentional (13% vs. 7%), adverse reaction (2% vs. 3%), and other/unknown (3% vs. 1%).
Conclusion: Compared to adult exposures, adolescent pesticide exposures were more likely to involve repellents and rodenticides, involve males, occur by ingestion, and be intentional.
Green Approach for Biodiesel Production from Jojoba Oil Supported by Process Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Abdelmoez Wael , Tayeb Aghareed M. , Mustafa Ahmad , Abdelhamid Mohamed 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Currently the economics of biodiesel production is the main obstacle to its large-scale industrialization. The high cost is mainly due to the cost of the expensive feedstocks used in the production process. In the past years, researchers have studied several methods to reduce the production cost of biodiesel. One method involved replacing the edible oil feedstock with the non edible one such as Jojoba oil. In this research Jojoba oil was extracted by subcritical water technology to produce jojoba oil-based biodiesel. This represents a promising alternative route for cleaner and sustainable fuel production through transestrification reaction with methanol catalyzed by potassium hydroxide. The transestrification reaction has been optimized in batch reactor with a molar ratio of 6:1 methanol to jojoba oil, using a concentration of 1.35 wt% potassium hydroxide and vigorous stirring of 600 rpm at different temperatures of 25, 40 and 50 °C. The obtained conversions under these conditions were 83, 87, and 95 % after 80, 50, and 25 min, respectively. Based on the obtained data, a complete design for the process was developed and optimized by using ASPEN HYSYS simulation software. The maximum expected yields of methyl jojoboate, jojobyl alcohol, and methanol recovery were found to be 99.14, 93.3 and 99.9 %, respectively.
Ketamine and the core symptoms of autism
Authors: Kastner Theodore , Walsh Kevin , Shulman Lisa , Alam Farah , Flood Samuel 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAutism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behavioral syndrome characterized by (a) persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts and (b) restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities. However, the etiology of autism in most cases remains unknown. Ketamine, an N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) blocker, has been purported by some as a possible treatment for autism. This conclusion is premature. Here, we present a single case study in which a patient with a severe intellectual disability was said to have demonstrated a dramatic, albeit short-lived, remission of the core symptoms of autism following adventitious treatment with ketamine. Although this anecdote is encouraging, we argue that further analysis of ketamine as a treatment for autism is needed.
Quicklime application instantly increases soil aggregate stability
Authors: Keiblinger Katharina M. , Bauer Lisa M. , Deltedesco Evi , Holawe Franz , Unterfrauner Hans , Zehetner Franz , Peticzka Robert 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Agricultural intensification, especially enhanced mechanisation of soil management, can lead to the deterioration of soil structure and to compaction. A possible amelioration strategy is the application of (structural) lime. In this study, we tested the effect of two different liming materials, ie limestone (CaCO3) and quicklime (CaO), on soil aggregate stability in a 3-month greenhouse pot experiment with three agricultural soils. The liming materials were applied in the form of pulverised additives at a rate of 2 000 kg ha−1. Our results show a significant and instantaneous increase of stable aggregates after quicklime application whereas no effects were observed for limestone. Quicklime application seems to improve aggregate stability more efficiently in soils with high clay content and cation exchange capacity. In conclusion, quicklime application may be a feasible strategy for rapid improvement of aggregate stability of fine textured agricultural soils.
Susceptibility to Ulcerative Colitis and Genetic Polymorphisms of A251G SOD1 and C-262T CAT
Authors: El-Kheshen Gadier , Moeini Maryam , Saadat Mostafa 
Published: February 2016

SummaryBackground: Reactive oxygen species can attack and damage almost every molecule found in living cells, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and DNA. For this reason, their production is normally tightly controlled. Among the most important defenses against these radicals are the super oxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes and catalase (CAT). In creasing attention has been given to the role of reactive oxygen metabolites in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC), which is defined as an idiopathic and chronic intestinal inflammation. Accordingly, we hypothesized a relation between genetic polymorphisms in the two antioxidant enzymes SOD1 A251G (rs2070424) and CAT C-262T (rs1001179) and the risk of UC.Methods: The present case-control study included 109 UC patients (46 males and 50 females) and 186 (67 males and 119 females) gender-matched healthy controls. Genotyping was done by the PCR-RFLP method.Results: After adjusting for age and gender, a significant association was observed between the AG+GG genotypes of SOD1 A251G polymorphism (vs. AA genotype) and risk of UC (OR=0.29, 95% CI: 0.10-0.86, P= 0.025) after adjusting for age and gender. Our statistical analysis revealed that the CAT C-262T polymorphism did not associate with the risk of UC before and/or after adjusting for age and gender.Conclusions: Based on the present statistical analysis, the G allele of the SOD1 A251G polymorphism decreases the risk of UC, thus it might be assumed that the G allele has a protective role.