bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross-sectional Versus Longitudinal Change in a Prospective HR-pQCT Study
Authors: Burt Lauren A , Hanley David A , Boyd Steven K 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Longitudinal studies assessing age-related changes using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) provide novel insight compared with cross-sectional analyses. The purpose of this cohort study was 1) to determine individuals’ change in HR-pQCT parameters over 5 years relative to least significant change (LSC), and 2) to evaluate if predicted rate of change from cross-sectional data is comparable to actual change from longitudinal investigation. A cohort of 466 (162 male, 304 female) participants completed two HR-pQCT scans with 5 years between assessments. After image registration, standard and cortical morphological analyses were conducted. Rate of bone microarchitectural change was compared between cross-sectional models and actual change calculated from longitudinal analyses. At the young end of the life span, we observed gains in total bone density of +0.2% to +2.9% per year, whereas the older participants (aged &gt;50 years) lost total bone density at a rate of –0.3% to –1.3% per year. Declines in total bone density begin at age 40 years in females and 60 years in males, and significant adaptation was found at both ends of the age spectrum with respect to the LSC. Models predicting rate of change from cross-sectional data were similar to the actual change reported in this longitudinal study for total density and cortical thickness at the radius and cortical density at the tibia, but we found that changes in comparison to our 5-year longitudinal results were often overestimated from cross-sectional data. Studies aimed at observing age-related changes in a normative cohort, especially in a follow-up period of less than 5 years, are better to focus on the tibia rather than the radius because of the increased sensitivity to change at the tibia. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Comprehensive proteome analysis of human skeletal muscle in cachexia and sarcopenia: a pilot study
Authors: Ebhardt H. Alexander , Degen Simone , Tadini Valentina , Schilb Alain , Johns Neil , Greig Carolyn A. , Fearon Kenneth C.H. , Aebersold Ruedi , Jacobi Carsten 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundCancer cachexia (cancer‐induced muscle wasting) is found in a subgroup of cancer patients leaving the patients with a poor prognosis for survival due to a lower tolerance of the chemotherapeutic drug. The cause of the muscle wasting in these patients is not fully understood, and no predictive biomarker exists to identify these patients early on. Skeletal muscle loss is an inevitable consequence of advancing age. As cancer frequently occurs in old age, identifying and differentiating the molecular mechanisms mediating muscle wasting in cancer cachexia vs. age‐related sarcopenia are a challenge. However, the ability to distinguish between them is critical for early intervention, and simple measures of body weight may not be sufficiently sensitive to detect cachexia early.MethodsWe used a range of omics approaches: (i) undepleted proteome was quantified using advanced high mass accuracy mass spectrometers in SWATH‐MS acquisition mode; (ii) phospho epitopes were quantified using protein arrays; and (iii) morphology was assessed using fluorescent microscopy.ResultsWe quantified the soluble proteome of muscle biopsies from cancer cachexia patients and compared them with cohorts of cancer patients and healthy individuals with and without age‐related muscle loss (aka age‐related sarcopenia). Comparing the proteomes of these cohorts, we quantified changes in muscle contractile myosins and energy metabolism allowing for a clear identification of cachexia patients. In an in vitro time lapse experiment, we mimicked cancer cachexia and identified signal transduction pathways governing cell fusion to play a pivotal role in preventing muscle regeneration.ConclusionsThe work presented here lays the foundation for further understanding of muscle wasting diseases and holds the promise of overcoming ambiguous weight loss as a measure for defining cachexia to be replaced by a precise protein signature.
Grb7 protein RA domain oligomerization
Authors: Godamudunage Malika P. , Foster Albert , Warren Darius , Lyons Barbara A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe growth factor receptor bound protein 7 (Grb7) is an adaptor protein that is often coamplified with the erythroblastosis oncogene B 2 receptor in 20% to 30% of breast cancer patients. Grb7 overexpression has been linked to increased cell migration and cancer metastasis. The ras associating and pleckstrin homology domain region of Grb7 has been reported to interact with various other downstream signaling proteins such as four and half Lin11, Isl‐1, Mec‐3 (LIM) domains isoform 2 and filamin α. These interactions are believed to play a role in regulating Grb7‐mediated cell migration function. The full‐length Grb7 protein has been shown to dimerize, and the oligomeric state of the Grb7SH2 domain has been extensively studied; however, the oligomerization state of the ras associating and pleckstrin homology domains, and the importance of this oligomerization in Grb7 function, is yet to be fully known. In this study, we characterize the oligomeric state of the Grb7RA domain using size exclusion chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, nuclear relaxation studies, glutaraldehyde cross linking, and dynamic light scattering. We report the Grb7RA domain can exist in transient multimeric forms and, based upon modeling results, postulate the potential role of Grb7RA domain oligomerization in Grb7 function.
A sensitivity study of the impact of dynamic vegetation on simulated future climate change over Southern Europe and the Mediterranean
Authors: Alo Clement Aga , Anagnostou Emmanouil N. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTRecent projections of climate change from general circulation and regional climate models over southern Europe and the Mediterranean basin show strong warming and pronounced decrease in precipitation over large portion of the region, especially in the summer. While the role of vegetation in modulating the region's climate is widely recognized, most, if not all, of these climate change projections do not account for the response of the dynamic biosphere to the potential climate changes. In this study we investigate the role of climate–vegetation interactions in a regional climate model (RegCM3) linked to a dynamic vegetation model (CLM‐DGVM). High spatial resolution (20 km) simulations of future climate with static vegetation (i.e. vegetation fixed at the present day state) show surface temperature increases across the entire southern Europe/Mediterranean domain in 2085–2089 relative to 1985–1989 due to the radiative and physiological effects of CO2 increase. In terms of precipitation the simulations exhibit substantial precipitation decreases for most of the domain and both summer and winter seasons. Accounting for the effects of structural vegetation changes significantly alters the simulated climate change effects over these areas, but most substantially over the Mediterranean where vegetation feedback reduces summer warming by 1 K and reverts the 28% precipitation decrease to a 4% increase. These results emphasize the importance of including vegetation feedback in the projections of climate change impacts on the Mediterranean climate including extreme climatic events and storms.
Dynamics of carbon sources supporting burial in seagrass sediments under increasing anthropogenic pressure
Authors: Mazarrasa Inés , Marbà Núria , Garcia‐Orellana Jordi , Masqué Pere , Arias‐Ortiz Ariane , Duarte Carlos M. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSeagrass meadows are strong coastal carbon sinks of autochthonous and allochthonous carbon. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of coastal anthropogenic pressure on the variability of carbon sources in seagrass carbon sinks during the last 150 yr. We did so by examining the composition of the sediment organic carbon (Corg) stocks by measuring the δ13Corg signature and C : N ratio in 210Pb dated sediments of 11 Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows around the Balearic Islands (Spain, Western Mediterranean) under different levels of human pressure. On average, the top meter sediment carbon deposits were mainly (59% ± 12%) composed by P. oceanica derived carbon whereas seston contribution was generally lower (41% ± 8%). The contribution of P. oceanica to the total sediment carbon stock was the highest (∼ 80%) in the most pristine sites whereas the sestonic contribution was the highest (∼ 40–80%) in the meadows located in areas under moderate to very high human pressure. Furthermore, an increase in the contribution of sestonic carbon and a decrease in that of seagrass derived carbon toward present was observed in most of the meadows examined, coincident with the onset of the tourism industry development and coastal urbanization in the region. Our results demonstrate a general increase of total carbon accumulation rate in P. oceanica sediments during the last century, mainly driven by the increase in sestonic Corg carbon burial, which may have important implications in the long‐term carbon sink capacity of the seagrass meadows in the region examined.
Photoreversibility and Biocompatibility of Polydimethylsiloxane‐Coumarin as Adjustable Intraocular Lens Material
Authors: Jellali Rachid , Bertrand Virginie , Alexandre Michaël , Rosière Nancy , Grauwels Magda , De Pauw‐Gillet Marie‐Claire , Jérôme Christine 
Published: March 2017

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) constitutes an interesting material for a variety of biomedical applications, especially as intraocular lenses (IOLs), for its excellent transparency. In this work, a photoreversible PDMS‐coumarin network, whose shape and properties can be adjusted postoperatively in a noninvasive manner, is developed. The synthesis of PDMS‐coumarin is achieved by amidation of a coumarin acid chloride derivative with amine‐functionalized PDMSs. Under exposure of λ > 300 nm, these polymers can be cured by dimerization of coumarin. The cured polymers can be uncrosslinked via photocleavage of cyclobutane dimers upon illumination at λ < 290 nm. The diffusion of linear PDMSs in a crosslinked network and the controlled shape modification are studied, which demonstrate that these polymers are good candidates for adjustable IOL application. IOL disks prepared from these materials show high hydrophobicity and good transparency. In vitro cytotoxicity, lens epithelial cell adhesion assays, and rabbit host reaction against implanted disks demonstrate the biocompatibility of the polymer.
image
Glass–Metal Adhesive Polymers from Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Azide–Alkyne Cycloaddition
Authors: Martínez‐Triana Yeimy M. , Whelan Rory , Finn M. G. , Díaz David Díaz 
Published: March 2017

Cu(I)‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition is shown here to be an efficient method to create adhesive materials in situ between glass and copper surfaces. Twelve formulations show adhesive strengths greater than a commercial product under comparable conditions, with the best combination of monomers the same as that previously developed for copper–copper adhesion. Strong adhesion is also achieved under water, an environment in which the commercial glue fails. Brass, iron, and stainless steel could also be adhered to glass using different formulations, but aluminum could not. The concentration and molar ratio of monomers, curing temperature, prefunctionalization of the glass surface, and the incorporation of flexibility‐inducing components all have significant effects on adhesive performance.
image
Preparation and Thermoresponsive Properties of UCST‐Type Polypeptide Bearing p‐Tolyl Pendants and 3‐Methyl‐1,2,3‐triazolium Linkages in Methanol or Ethanol/Water Solvent Mixtures
Authors: Li Minjie , Xu Yanzhi , Liu Tingting , Li Yin , Ling Ying , Tang Haoyu 
Published: March 2017

A series of ionic polypeptides bearing p‐tolyl pendants and 3‐methyl‐1,2,3‐triazolium linkages is synthesized by N‐alkylation and subsequent ion‐exchange reaction. 1H NMR and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis verify their molecular structures and reveal quantitative conversions. The nonionic polypeptides bearing p‐tolyl pendants and 1,2,3‐triazole linkages show no thermoresponsiveness in various solvents. The resulting ionic polypeptides (i.e., P2) are able to show reversible upper critical solution temperature (UCST)‐type phase behaviors both in methanol and ethanol/water binary solvent mixtures by incorporation with proper counteranions (i.e., iodide). FTIR analysis reveals that P2 may have interacted with solvent molecules via the van der Waals interaction, H‐bonding, and dipolar–dipolar interactions. Variable‐temperature UV–vis spectroscopy reveals that the UCST‐type phase transition temperatures (Tpts) of P2 are in the range of about 26–37 °C in MeOH and in the range of about 11–46 °C in EtOH/H2O solvent mixtures depending on the main‐chain length, polymer concentration, and the weight percentage of ethanol (fw).
image
Operational Failures Detected by Frontline Acute Care Nurses
Authors: Stevens Kathleen R. , Engh Eileen P. , Tubbs‐Cooley Heather , Conley Deborah Marks , Cupit Tammy , D'Errico Ellen , DiNapoli Pam , Fischer Joleen Lynn , Freed Ruth , Kotzer Anne Marie , Lindgren Carolyn L. , Marino Marie Ann , Mestas Lisa , Perdue Jessica , Powers Rebekah , Radovich Patricia , Rice Karen , Riley Linda P. , Rosenfeld Peri , Roussel Linda , Ryan‐Wenger Nancy A. , Searle‐Leach Linda , Shonka Nicole M. , Smith Vicki L. , Sweatt Laura , Townsend‐Gervis Mary , Wathen Ellen , Withycombe Janice S. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractFrontline nurses encounter operational failures (OFs), or breakdowns in system processes, that hinder care, erode quality, and threaten patient safety. Previous research has relied on external observers to identify OFs; nurses have been passive participants in the identification of system failures that impede their ability to deliver safe and effective care. To better understand frontline nurses' direct experiences with OFs in hospitals, we conducted a multi‐site study within a national research network to describe the rate and categories of OFs detected by nurses as they provided direct patient care. Data were collected by 774 nurses working in 67 adult and pediatric medical‐surgical units in 23 hospitals. Nurses systematically recorded data about OFs encountered during 10 work shifts over a 20‐day period. In total, nurses reported 27,298 OFs over 4,497 shifts, a rate of 6.07 OFs per shift. The highest rate of failures occurred in the category of Equipment/Supplies, and the lowest rate occurred in the category of Physical Unit/Layout. No differences in OF rate were detected based on hospital size, teaching status, or unit type. Given the scale of this study, we conclude that OFs are frequent and varied across system processes, and that organizations may readily obtain crucial information about OFs from frontline nurses. Nurses' detection of OFs could provide organizations with rich, real‐time information about system operations to improve organizational reliability. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Experimental and Theoretical Examination of the Radical Cations Obtained from the Chemical and Electrochemical Oxidation of 5‐Aminothiazoles
Authors: Yamaguchi Kirara , Murai Toshiaki , Kutsumizu Shoichi , Miwa Yohei , Ebihara Masahiro , Guo Jing‐Dong , Tokitoh Norihiro 
Published: March 2017

AbstractChemical or electrochemical one‐electron oxidation of 5‐N‐arylaminothiazoles was found to afford stable radical cations. For chemical oxidation, 1 equivalent of [(4‐BrC6H4)3N][SbCl6] (Magic Blue, MB) was added to CH2Cl2 solutions of the thiazoles, and the thus‐obtained radicals showed light absorption in the near‐infrared region. Electrochemical oxidation also led to bathochromic shifts in the absorption bands, and the obtained spectra were similar to those derived from the chemically oxidized species. These radicals afforded electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra that are consistent with the notion of stable nitrogen radicals (half‐life≤385 h). The EPR spectrum of a thiazole containing 4‐dimethylaminophenyl groups on the nitrogen atom at the 5‐position changed significantly upon adding >3 equivalents of MB. Details of the electronic structures of the experimentally obtained radical cations were generated from theoretical calculations.
Intrinsically disordered inhibitor of glutamine synthetase is a functional protein with random‐coil‐like pKa values
Authors: Cozza Concetta , Neira José L. , Florencio Francisco J. , Muro‐Pastor M. Isabel , Rizzuti Bruno 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe sequential action of glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate synthase (GOGAT) in cyanobacteria allows the incorporation of ammonium into carbon skeletons. In the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, the activity of GS is modulated by the interaction with proteins, which include a 65‐residue‐long intrinsically disordered protein (IDP), the inactivating factor IF7. This interaction is regulated by the presence of charged residues in both IF7 and GS. To understand how charged amino acids can affect the binding of an IDP with its target and to provide clues on electrostatic interactions in disordered states of proteins, we measured the pKa values of all IF7 acidic groups (Glu32, Glu36, Glu38, Asp40, Asp58, and Ser65, the backbone C‐terminus) at 100 mM NaCl concentration, by using NMR spectroscopy. We also obtained solution structures of IF7 through molecular dynamics simulation, validated them on the basis of previous experiments, and used them to obtain theoretical estimates of the pKa values. Titration values for the two Asp and three Glu residues of IF7 were similar to those reported for random‐coil models, suggesting the lack of electrostatic interactions around these residues. Furthermore, our results suggest the presence of helical structure at the N‐terminus of the protein and of conformational changes at acidic pH values. The overall experimental and in silico findings suggest that local interactions and conformational equilibria do not play a role in determining the electrostatic features of the acidic residues of IF7.
Lethal and sublethal effects of pesticides in the management of Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Acari: Tarsonemidae) on Capsicum annuum L.
Authors: Breda Mariana O , Oliveira José V , Esteves Filho Alberto B , Barbosa Douglas RS , Santos Andrezo A 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe evaluation of lethal and sublethal effects is of great importance for a complete assessment of the total impact of chemical compounds upon pest populations and the development of management strategies. In this study, we evaluated the lethal and sublethal effects of different synthetic and botanical products on the broad mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks), a major pest of Capsicum annuum L. and other crops.RESULTSAbamectin had the highest lethal effect on P. latus, followed by spiromesifen, azadirachtin, neem oil and nitrogen fertiliser + citric acid. The sublethal effects of the products were indicated by the influence on mite population growth, affecting the numbers of females, males, larvae, pupae and eggs. Furthermore, a negative instantaneous rate of increase in P. latus and repellent effects were observed.CONCLUSIONThe lethal and sublethal effects of abamectin, spiromesifen, azadirachtin and neem oil significantly affect P. latus population growth, as well as causing repellence to this mite on C. annuum, and they should be considered in the integrated pest management of this mite. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessment of insecticide risk to human health in groundwater in Northern China by using the China‐PEARL model
Authors: Geng Yue , Ma Jing , Zhou Ruize , Jia Ran , Li Chongjiu , Ma Xiaodong 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDInsecticides are extensively used in China and may leach to groundwater, which is used as a source of drinking water in Northern China. However, the risk of insecticide leaching to groundwater and the subsequent risk to human health caused by the consumption of insecticide‐contaminated drinking water remain unclear.RESULTSA total of 336 predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) were simulated for 32 commonly used insecticides, and 171 PECs were calculated for 20 metabolites in six agricultural dry‐land scenario locations of Northern China with eight target crops. In 264 of the 336 cases, the PEC in groundwater is ≤0.1 µg L−1. Carbofuran, imidacloprid, trichlorfon and oxidative metabolites of aldicarb are the most leached chemicals in groundwater. The most vulnerable crop is cotton, whereas soil treatment is the most vulnerable application type. Urumqi and Weifang are the most vulnerable among the six scenario locations. Less than 3% of 336 cases show unacceptable risk of insecticide‐contaminated groundwater, thereby requiring higher risk assessment and risk mitigation. The unacceptable cases are the leaching of carbofuran for cotton growing in Urumqi and Weifang, and leaching of metabolites of aldicarb in cotton and tobacco scenarios.CONCLUSIONPopular insecticides used in Northern China are generally safe to groundwater. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Is An Ostomy Rod Useful for Bridging the Retraction During the Creation of a Loop Ileostomy? A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Uchino Motoi , Ikeuchi Hiroki , Bando Toshihiro , Chohno Teruhiro , Sasaki Hirofumi , Horio Yuki 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundA loop ileostomy is generally created during restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) for treating ulcerative colitis (UC), and an ostomy rod is often used to prevent stoma retraction. However, its usefulness or harmfulness has not been proven. We performed a prospective randomized control study to investigate the non‐inferiority of ostomy creation without a rod to prevent stoma retraction.MethodsPatients with UC who underwent RPC were enrolled and randomly divided into groups either with or without ostomy rod use. Incidences of stoma retraction and dermatitis were compared.ResultsOf the 320 patients in the study groups, 308 qualified for the intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis, and 257 were included in the per‐protocol (PP) analysis. Ostomy retraction was recognized in 6 patients, 3 with a rod and 3 without. The difference with rod use (95% confidence interval) was 0.1 (−2.9 to 3.1)% in the PP analysis and 0.0 (−2.2 to 2.2)% in the ITT analysis. There were no significant differences in stoma retraction regardless of whether an ostomy rod was used in either analysis. Dermatitis was more common in patients with rod use (84/154) than in those without (40/154) (p < 0.01).ConclusionsAlthough median body mass indices were extremely low (20 kg/m2), an ostomy rod is not routinely needed as it may increase the risk of dermatitis. However, results in obese patients may differ from those shown here, which should be clarified via further studies.