bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myopia progression control lens reverses induced myopia in chicks
Authors: Irving Elizabeth L. , Yakobchuk‐Stanger Cristina 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPurposeTo determine whether lens induced myopia in chicks can be reversed or reduced by wearing myopia progression control lenses of the same nominal (central) power but different peripheral designs.MethodsNewly hatched chicks wore −10D Conventional lenses unilaterally for 7 days. The myopic chicks were then randomly divided into three groups: one fitted with Type 1 myopia progression control lenses, the second with Type 2 myopia progression control lenses and the third continued to wear Conventional lenses for seven more days. All lenses had −10D central power, but Type 1 and Type 2 lenses had differing peripheral designs; +2.75D and +1.32D power rise at pupil edge, respectively. Axial length and refractive error were measured on Days 0, 7 and 14. Analyses were performed on the mean differences between treated and untreated eyes.ResultsRefractive error and axial length differences between treated and untreated eyes were insignificant on Day 0. On Day 7 treated eyes were longer (T1; 0.44 ± 0.07 mm, T2; 0.27 ± 0.06 mm, C; 0.40 ± 0.06 mm) and more myopic (T1; −9.61 ± 0.52D, T2; −9.57 ± 0.61D, C; −9.50 ± 0.58D) than untreated eyes with no significant differences between treatment groups. On Day 14 myopia was reversed (+2.91 ± 1.08D), reduced (−3.83 ± 0.94D) or insignificantly increased (−11.89 ± 0.79D) in treated eyes of Type 1, Type 2 and Conventional treated chicks respectively. Relative changes in axial lengths (T1; −0.13 ± 0.09 mm, T2; 0.36 ± 0.09 mm, C; 0.56 ± 0.05 mm) were consistent with changes in refraction. Refractive error differences were significant for all group comparisons (p < 0.001). Type 1 length differences were significantly different from Conventional and Type 2 groups (p < 0.001).ConclusionsMyopia progression control lens designs can reverse lens‐induced myopia in chicks. The effect is primarily due to axial length changes. Different lens designs produce different effects indicating that lens design is important in modifying refractive error.
What endocardial right ventricular pacing site shows better contractility and synchrony in children and adolescents?
Authors: Silvetti Massimo Stefano , Ammirati Antonio , Palmieri Rosalinda , Pazzano Vincenzo , Placidi Silvia , Ravà Lucilla , Remoli Romolo , Saputo Fabio Anselmo , Verticelli Letizia , Drago Fabrizio 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimsRight ventricular (RV) apical (RVA) pacing can induce left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony, remodeling, and dysfunction in children with complete atrioventricular block (CAVB). We compared the functional outcome of RVA with RV alternative pacing sites (RVAPS), including para‐Hisian, septal, and outflow tract sites.MethodsThis is a single‐center, retrospective study. Data were collected before pacemaker implantation (transvenous leads), postoperatively, at 6 months, and at 1–2–3–4 years. Electrocardiogram evaluation included QRS duration, axis, QTc/JTc, and QTc dispersion. Echocardiographic evaluation included 2‐D/3‐D assessment of ventricular dimensions (Z‐score of LV end‐diastolic dimension), function (ejection fraction), and synchrony.ResultsFrom 2009 to 2015, 55 patients with CAVB, aged 3–17 years, with or without other congenital heart defects, underwent RVAPS (30 patients, median age 11 years) or RVA (25 patients, median 12 years). All leads were positioned into the septum. Before implantation, no significant differences in parameters were observed, except for higher Z‐score in RVAPS than in RVA. After implantation, at a median follow‐up of 2.5 (range 1–6) years, the two groups showed no significant differences in LV dimensions, contractility, and synchrony. QRS intervals of RVAPS were significantly shorter than RVA. Clinical status was good and contractility/synchrony indexes were normal or adequate in all patients.ConclusionsIn pediatric patients, RVAPS and RVA showed no significant differences in LV dimensions, contractility, and synchrony. Preimplantation dilated patients showed LV reverse remodeling. RVAPS demonstrated shorter QRS intervals. Therefore, septal pacing sites, either RVA or RVAPS, seem to determine good contractility and synchrony at a mid‐term follow‐up.
Orthotopic liver transplantation in a pediatric patient with iatrogenic Budd‐Chiari syndrome complicated by bronchobiliary fistula
Authors: Yang Lei , Guo Zhiyong , Yang Lu , Ju Weiqiang , Wang Dongping , He Xiaoshun 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe report a clinical case of OLT in a 10‐year‐old boy with iatrogenic BCS and BBF following three operations because of traumatic liver rupture and pulmonary contusion caused by a traffic accident 4 years ago. On follow‐up, the child was asymptomatic.
High‐throughput Transcriptome Sequencing Reveals the Role of Anthocyanin Metabolism in Begonia semperflorens Under High Light Stress
Authors: Wang Jiawan , Guo Meili , Li Yonghua , Wu Ronghua , Zhang Kaiming 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBegonia semperflorens is an ornamental perennial herb. The leaves of B. semperflorens turn red under increased light, which increases the ornamental value of the plant. The color of the leaves is determined by anthocyanin metabolism. In B. semperflorens leaves, anthocyanin metabolism is sensitive to external environmental conditions such as temperature, light and hormone levels. To explore this process in detail and to assess gene expression under high light stress, transcriptome analysis was performed by RNA sequencing using the sequencing‐by‐synthesis method. A total of 83 699 unigenes were isolated, and 51 754 unigenes were annotated using the NR, Swiss‐Prot, KEGG, COG, KOG, GO and Pfam databases. Furthermore, many of the differentially expressed genes were related to factors associated with anthocyanin metabolism, which influences the expression of leaf color.
Reasons for (not) discontinuing antipsychotics in dementia
Authors: Janus Sarah I.M. , van Manen Jeannette G. , Zuidema Sytse U. , Snijder Carina , Drossaert Constance H.C. , Ijzerman Maarten J. 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundThe gap between high antipsychotic prescription rates for patients with dementia and the guidelines’ advice to prescribe cautiously indicates that barriers to discontinuation exist. This exploratory study used the theory of planned behaviour to give a first overview of the factors that influence physicians to discontinue antipsychotics in nursing home patients with dementia.MethodsForty‐one physicians in the Netherlands completed an online survey based on the theory of planned behaviour.ResultsHalf of the respondents agreed that antipsychotics have positive consequences for patients, such as calming effects. Physicians who indicated that they tend not to discontinue antipsychotics believe that antipsychotics are associated with positive consequences for nursing home staff. Physicians who tend to discontinue antipsychotics had a higher perceived behavioural control than those who indicated having a low intention.ConclusionTo enhance discontinuation of antipsychotics, interventions should focus on both patient‐related factors and staff‐related factors. Prescribing decisions are influenced by staff‐related factors that need to be addressed as well.
Discrimination between patients with mild Alzheimer's disease and healthy subjects based on cerebral blood flow images of the lateral views in xenon‐enhanced computed tomography
Authors: Sase Shigeru , Yamamoto Homaro , Kawashima Ena , Tan Xin , Sawa Yutaka 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundQuantitative cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurement is expected to help early detection of functional abnormalities caused by Alzheimer's disease (AD) and enable AD treatment to begin in its early stages. Recently, a technique of layer analysis was reported that allowed CBF to be analyzed from the outer to inner layers of the brain. The aim of this work was to develop methods for discriminating between patients with mild AD and healthy subjects based on CBF images of the lateral views created with the layer analysis technique in xenon‐enhanced computed tomography.MethodsXenon‐enhanced computed tomography using a wide‐volume CT was performed on 17 patients with mild AD aged 75 or older and on 15 healthy age‐matched volunteers. For each subject, we created CBF images of the right and left lateral views with a depth of 10–15 mm from the surface of the brain. Ten circular regions of interest (ROI) were placed on each image, and CBF was calculated for each ROI. We determined discriminant ROI that had CBF that could be used to differentiate between the AD and volunteer groups. AD patients’ CBF range (mean − SD to mean + SD) and healthy volunteers’ CBF range (mean − SD to mean + SD) were obtained for each ROI. Receiver–operator curves were created to identify patients with AD for each of the discriminant ROI and for the AD patients’ and healthy volunteers’ CBF ranges.ResultsWe selected an ROI on both the right and left temporal lobes as the discriminant ROI. Areas under the receiver–operator curve were 93.3% using the ROI on the right temporal lobe, 95.3% using the ROI on the left temporal lobe, and 92.4% using the AD patients’ and healthy volunteers’ CBF ranges.ConclusionsWe could effectively discriminate between patients with mild AD and healthy subjects using ROI placed on CBF images of the lateral views in xenon‐enhanced computed tomography.
A Class of Weighted Estimating Equations for Semiparametric Transformation Models with Missing Covariates
Authors: Ning Yang , Yi Grace , Reid Nancy 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn survival analysis, covariate measurements often contain missing observations; ignoring this feature can lead to invalid inference. We propose a class of weighted estimating equations for right‐censored data with missing covariates under semiparametric transformation models. Time‐specific and subject‐specific weights are accommodated in the formulation of the weighted estimating equations. We establish unified results for estimating missingness probabilities that cover both parametric and non‐parametric modelling schemes. To improve estimation efficiency, the weighted estimating equations are augmented by a new set of unbiased estimating equations. The resultant estimator has the so‐called ‘double robustness’ property and is optimal within a class of consistent estimators.
Authenticity in friendships and well‐being in adolescence
Authors: Peets Kätlin , Hodges Ernest V. E. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractOnly a handful of studies have focused on understanding how authenticity in close relationships may be related to individuals’ well‐being. In this study we examined whether authenticity in a friendship was related to greater adjustment during adolescence. Participants were 318 sixth‐ and ninth‐grade students (155 boys; Mage = 13.46, SDage = 1.51). Our results show that adolescents who feel more authentic have more positive self‐views, are less lonely at school, and more satisfied with their relationship. Importantly, authenticity–adjustment associations remained significant after controlling for positive friendship quality and conflict. These findings suggest that authenticity should be more often incorporated into the study of different friendship processes.
Human herpesvirus‐6 encephalitis following chemotherapy induction for acute myelogenous leukemia
Authors: Frey John W. , Cherabie Joseph N. , Assi Maha A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe report a case of human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6) encephalitis in a neutropenic patient who had undergone chemotherapy induction for acute myelogenous leukemia while on broad‐spectrum antimicrobial therapy. The patient displayed symptoms of confusion, amnesia, and lethargy. Diagnosis was made via polymerase chain reaction analysis of cerebrospinal fluid. Electroencephalogram and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain were unremarkable. Following diagnosis, the patient was successfully treated with ganciclovir. HHV‐6 encephalitis should be considered in immunocompromised patients who become encephalopathic.
Feasibility of a new model for early detection of patients with multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis in a developed setting of eastern China
Authors: Liu Zhengwei , Pan Aizhen , Wu BeiBei , Zhou Lin , He Haibo , Meng Qiong , Chen Songhua , Pang Yu , Wang Xiaomeng 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe poor detection rate of multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB) highlights the urgent need to explore new case finding model to improve the detection of MDR‐TB in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a new model that combines molecular diagnostics and sputum transportation for early detection of patients with MDR‐TB in Zhejiang.MethodsFrom May 2014 to January 2015, TB suspects were continuously enrolled at six county‐level designated TB hospitals in Zhejiang. Each patient gave three sputum samples, which were submitted to laboratory for smear microscopy, solid culture and GeneXpert. The specimens from rifampin (RIF)‐resistant cases detected by GeneXpert, and positive cultures were transported from county‐level to prefecture‐level laboratories for line probe analysis (LPA) and drug susceptibility testing (DST). The performance and interval of MDR‐TB detection of the new model were compared with those of conventional model.ResultsA total of 3151 sputum specimens were collected from TB suspects. The sensitivity of GeneXpert for detecting culture‐positive cases was 92.7% (405/437), and its specificity was 91.3% (2428/2659). Of 16 RIF‐resistant cases detected by DST, GeneXpert could correctly identify 15 cases, yielding a sensitivity of 93.8% (15/16). The specificity of GeneXpert for detecting RIF susceptibility was 100.0% (383/383). The average interval to diagnosis of the conventional DST model was 56.5 days, ranging from 43 to 71 days, which was significantly longer than that of GeneXpert plus LPA (22.2 days, P < 0.01).ConclusionOur data demonstrate that the combination of improved molecular TB tests and sputum transportation could significantly shorten the time required for detection of MDR‐TB, which will bring benefits for preventing an epidemic of MDR‐TB in this high‐prevalence setting.
Stable megadalton TOC–TIC supercomplexes as major mediators of protein import into chloroplasts
Authors: Chen Lih‐Jen , Li Hsou‐min 
Published: July 2017

SummaryPreproteins are believed to be imported into chloroplasts through membrane contact sites where the translocon complexes of the outer (TOC) and inner (TIC) envelope membranes are assembled together. However, a single TOC–TIC supercomplex containing preproteins undergoing active import has not yet been directly observed. We optimized the blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) (BN‐PAGE) system to detect and resolve megadalton (MD)‐sized complexes. Using this optimized system, the outer‐membrane channel Toc75 from pea chloroplasts was found in at least two complexes: the 880‐kD TOC complex and a previously undetected 1‐MD complex. Two‐dimensional BN‐PAGE immunoblots further showed that Toc75, Toc159, Toc34, Tic20, Tic56 and Tic110 were all located in the 880‐kD to 1.3‐MD region. During active preprotein import, preproteins were transported mostly through the 1‐MD complex and a smaller amount of preproteins was also detected in a complex of 1.25 MD. Antibody‐shift assays showed that the 1‐MD complex is a TOC–TIC supercomplex containing at least Toc75, Toc159, Toc34 and Tic110. Results from crosslinking and import with Arabidopsis chloroplasts suggest that the 1.25‐MD complex is also a supercomplex. Our data provide direct evidence supporting that chloroplast preproteins are imported through TOC–TIC supercomplexes, and also provide the first size estimation of these supercomplexes. Furthermore, unlike in mitochondria where translocon supercomplexes are only transiently assembled during preprotein import, in chloroplasts at least some of the supercomplexes are preassembled stable structures.
Interaction network of ABA receptors in grey poplar
Authors: Papacek Michael , Christmann Alexander , Grill Erwin 
Published: July 2017

SummaryThe plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) is a key player in responses to abiotic stress. ABA regulates a plant's water status and mediates drought tolerance by controlling stomatal gas exchange, water conductance and differential gene expression. ABA is recognized and bound by the Regulatory Component of ABA Receptors (RCARs)/PYR1/PYL (Pyrabactin Resistance 1/PYR1‐like). Ligand binding stabilizes the interaction of RCARs with type 2C protein phosphatases (PP2C), which are ABA co‐receptors. While the core pathway of ABA signalling has been elucidated, the large number of different ABA receptors and co‐receptors within a plant species generates a complexity of heteromeric receptor complexes that has not functionally been resolved in any plant species to date. In this study, we characterized ABA receptors and co‐receptors of grey poplar (Populus x canescens [Ait.] Sm.) and their capacity to regulate ABA responses. We observed a high number of regulatory combinations of holo‐receptor complexes, but also some preferential and selective RCAR–PP2C interactions. Poplar and Arabidopsis ABA receptor components revealed a strong structural and functional conservation. Heterologous receptor complexes of poplar and Arabidopsis components showed functionality in vitro and regulated ABA‐responsive gene expression in cells of both species. ABA‐responsive promoters of Arabidopsis were also active in poplar, which was explored to generate poplar reporter lines expressing green fluorescent protein in response to ABA. The study presents a detailed analysis of receptor complexes of a tree species and shows high conservation of ABA receptor components between an annual and a perennial plant.
Divergent expression of cytokinin biosynthesis, signaling and catabolism genes underlying differences in feeding sites induced by cyst and root‐knot nematodes
Authors: Dowd Carola D. , Chronis Demosthenis , Radakovic Zoran S. , Siddique Shahid , Schmülling Thomas , Werner Tomáš , Kakimoto Tatsuo , Grundler Florian M. W. , Mitchum Melissa G. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryCyst and root‐knot nematodes are obligate parasites of economic importance with a remarkable ability to reprogram root cells into unique metabolically active feeding sites. Previous studies have suggested a role for cytokinin in feeding site formation induced by these two types of nematodes, but the mechanistic details have not yet been described. Using Arabidopsis as a host plant species, we conducted a comparative analysis of cytokinin genes in response to the beet cyst nematode (BCN), Heterodera schachtii, and the root‐knot nematode (RKN), Meloidogyne incognita. We identified distinct differences in the expression of cytokinin biosynthesis, catabolism and signaling genes in response to infection by BCN and RKN, suggesting differential manipulation of the cytokinin pathway by these two nematode species. Furthermore, we evaluated Arabidopsis histidine kinase receptor mutant lines ahk2/3, ahk2/4 and ahk3/4 in response to RKN infection. Similar to our previous studies with BCN, these lines were significantly less susceptible to RKN without compromising nematode penetration, suggesting a requirement of cytokinin signaling in RKN feeding site formation. Moreover, an analysis of ahk double mutants using CycB1;1:GUS/ahk introgressed lines revealed contrasting differences in the cytokinin receptors mediating cell cycle activation in feeding sites induced by BCN and RKN.
Comparison of biuret and refractometry methods for the serum total proteins measurement in ruminants
Authors: Katsoulos Panagiotis D. , Athanasiou Labrini V. , Karatzia Maria A. , Giadinis Nektarios , Karatzias Harilaos , Boscos Constantin , Polizopoulou Zoe S. 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundDetermination of serum total protein concentration is commonly performed by the biuret method. Refractometric measurement is a faster and less expensive alternative but its accuracy has not been determined in ruminants.ObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to compare the serum total protein concentrations in cattle, sheep, and goats measured by the biuret method with those obtained by refractometry.MethodsSerum total protein concentration was determined in 120 cattle, 67 sheep, and 58 goat blood samples refractometrically and with the biuret method. The data were analyzed with a paired samplest‐test, and Passing and Bablok regression equations and Bland and Altman plots were generated.ResultsThere was a strong linear relationship between the total protein values determined with the refractometer and the biuret method in cattle, sheep, and goats. The statistical accuracy, which represents a bias correction factor that measures the deviation of the best‐fit line from the 45° line through the origin, was 90.63% for cattle, 93.05% for sheep, and 91.76% for goats. The mean protein values determined with the refractometer were significantly lower than those measured with the biuret method in cattle and goats (P < .05) but not in sheep (P > .05).ConclusionsThe evaluated refractometer was sufficiently accurate for the determination of serum total proteins in cattle, sheep, and goats, although it cannot be used interchangeably with the biuret method. TheRIs should be corrected for negative bias based on the created equations.
Generic Approach for Risk Assessment of Offshore Piping Subjected to
Vibration Induced Fatigue
Authors: Keprate Arvind , Chandima Ratnayake R. M. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Vibration induced fatigue (VIF) failure of topside piping is one of the most common causes of the hydrocarbon release on offshore oil and gas platforms operating in the North Sea region. An effective inspection plan for the identification of fatigue critical piping locations has the potential to minimize the hydrocarbon release. One of the primary challenges in preparation of inspection program for offshore piping is to identify the fatigue critical piping locations. At present, the three-staged risk assessment process (RAP) given in the Energy Institute (EI) guidelines is used by inspection engineers to determine the likelihood of failure (LoF) of process piping due to VIF. Since the RAP is afflicted by certain drawbacks, this paper presents an alternative risk assessment approach (RAA) to RAP for identification and prioritization of fatigue critical piping locations. The proposed RAA consists of two stages. The first stage involves a qualitative risk assessment using fuzzy-analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) methodology to identify fatigue critical systems (and the most dominant excitation mechanism) and is briefly discussed in the paper. The fatigue critical system identified during stage 1 of RAA undergoes further assessment in the second stage of the RAA. This stage employs a fuzzy-logic method to determine the LoF of the mainline piping. The outcome of the proposed RAA is the categorization of mainline piping, into high, medium, or low risk grouping. The mainline piping in the high-risk category is thereby prioritized for inspection. An illustrative case study demonstrating the usability of the proposed RAA is presented.