bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between frequency of hypoglycemic episodes and changes in carotid atherosclerosis in insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mita Tomoya , Katakami Naoto , Shiraiwa Toshihiko , Yoshii Hidenori , Kuribayashi Nobuichi , Osonoi Takeshi , Kaneto Hideaki , Kosugi Keisuke , Umayahara Yutaka , Gosho Masahiko , Shimomura Iichiro , Watada Hirotaka 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe effect of hypoglycemia on the progression of atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains largely unknown. This is a post hoc analysis of a randomized trial to investigate the relationship between hypoglycemic episodes and changes in carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). Among 274 study subjects, 104 patients experienced hypoglycemic episodes. Increases in the mean IMT and left maximum IMT of the common carotid arteries (CCA) were significantly greater in patients with hypoglycemia compared to those without hypoglycemia. Classification of the patients into three groups according to the frequency of hypoglycemic episodes showed that high frequency of hypoglycemic events was associated with increases in mean IMT-CCA, and left max-IMT-CCA and right max-IMT-CCA. In addition, repetitive episodes of hypoglycemia were associated with a reduction in the beneficial effects of sitagliptin on carotid IMT. Our data suggest that frequency of hypoglycemic episodes was associated with changes in carotid atherosclerosis.
Self-charging of identical grains in the absence of an external field
Authors: Yoshimatsu R. , Araújo N. A. M. , Wurm G. , Herrmann H. J. , Shinbrot T. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWe investigate the electrostatic charging of an agitated bed of identical grains using simulations, mathematical modeling, and experiments. We simulate charging with a discrete-element model including electrical multipoles and find that infinitesimally small initial charges can grow exponentially rapidly. We propose a mathematical Turing model that defines conditions for exponential charging to occur and provides insights into the mechanisms involved. Finally, we confirm the predicted exponential growth in experiments using vibrated grains under microgravity, and we describe novel predicted spatiotemporal states that merit further study.
Ultra-Wide Band Non-reciprocity through Sequentially-Switched Delay Lines
Authors: Biedka Mathew M. , Zhu Rui , Xu Qiang Mark , Wang Yuanxun Ethan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAchieving non-reciprocity through unconventional methods without the use of magnetic material has recently become a subject of great interest. Towards this goal a time switching strategy known as the Sequentially-Switched Delay Line (SSDL) is proposed. The essential SSDL configuration consists of six transmission lines of equal length, along with five switches. Each switch is turned on and off sequentially to distribute and route the propagating electromagnetic wave, allowing for simultaneous transmission and receiving of signals through the device. Preliminary experimental results with commercial off the shelf parts are presented which demonstrated non-reciprocal behavior with greater than 40 dB isolation from 200 KHz to 200 MHz. The theory and experimental results demonstrated that the SSDL concept may lead to future on-chip circulators over multi-octaves of frequency.
Genome-wide association study identifies COL2A1 locus involved in the hand development failure of Kashin-Beck disease
Authors: Hao Jingcan , Wang Wenyu , Wen Yan , Xiao Xiao , He Awen , Wu Cuiyan , Wang Sen , Guo Xiong , Zhang Feng 
Published: January 2017

AbstractKashin-Beck disease (KBD) is a chronic osteochondropathy. The pathogenesis of growth and development failure of hand of KBD remains elusive now. In this study, we conducted a two-stage genome-wide association study (GWAS) of palmar length-width ratio (LWR) of KBD, totally including 493 study subjects. Affymetrix Genome Wide Human SNP Array 6.0 was applied for genome-wide SNP genotyping of 90 KBD patients. Association analysis was conducted by PLINK. Imputation analysis was performed by IMPUTE against the reference panel of the 1000 genome project. Two SNPs were selected for replication in an independent validation sample of 403 KBD patients. In the discovery GWAS, significant association was observed between palmar LWR and rs2071358 of COL2A1 gene (P value = 4.68 × 10−8). In addition, GWAS detected suggestive association signal at rs4760608 of COL2A1 gene (P value = 1.76 × 10−4). Imputation analysis of COL2A1 further identified 2 SNPs with association evidence for palmar LWR. Replication study observed significant association signals at both rs2071358 (P value = 0.017) and rs4760608 (P value = 0.002) of COL2A1 gene. Based on previous and our study results, we suggest that COL2A1 was a likely susceptibility gene involved in the hand development failure of KBD.
Two-Step Amyloid Aggregation: Sequential Lag Phase Intermediates
Authors: Castello Fabio , Paredes Jose M. , Ruedas-Rama Maria J. , Martin Miguel , Roldan Mar , Casares Salvador , Orte Angel 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe self-assembly of proteins into fibrillar structures called amyloid fibrils underlies the onset and symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. However, the molecular basis and mechanism of amyloid aggregation are not completely understood. For many amyloidogenic proteins, certain oligomeric intermediates that form in the early aggregation phase appear to be the principal cause of cellular toxicity. Recent computational studies have suggested the importance of nonspecific interactions for the initiation of the oligomerization process prior to the structural conversion steps and template seeding, particularly at low protein concentrations. Here, using advanced single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging of a model SH3 domain, we obtained direct evidence that nonspecific aggregates are required in a two-step nucleation mechanism of amyloid aggregation. We identified three different oligomeric types according to their sizes and compactness and performed a full mechanistic study that revealed a mandatory rate-limiting conformational conversion step. We also identified the most cytotoxic species, which may be possible targets for inhibiting and preventing amyloid aggregation.
Physiological Remediation of Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles by Ferritin
Authors: Volatron Jeanne , Kolosnjaj-Tabi Jelena , Javed Yasir , Vuong Quoc Lam , Gossuin Yves , Neveu Sophie , Luciani Nathalie , Hémadi Miryana , Carn Florent , Alloyeau Damien , Gazeau Florence 
Published: January 2017

AbstractMetallic nanoparticles have been increasingly suggested as prospective therapeutic nanoplatforms, yet their long-term fate and cellular processing in the body is poorly understood. Here we examined the role of an endogenous iron storage protein – namely the ferritin – in the remediation of biodegradable cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticles. Structural and elemental analysis of ferritins close to exogenous nanoparticles within spleens and livers of mice injected in vivo with cobalt ferrite nanoparticles, suggests the intracellular transfer of degradation-derived cobalt and iron, entrapped within endogenous protein cages. In addition, the capacity of ferritin cages to accommodate and store the degradation products of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles was investigated in vitro in the acidic environment mimicking the physiological conditions that are present within the lysosomes. The magnetic, colloidal and structural follow-up of nanoparticles and proteins in the lysosome-like medium confirmed the efficient remediation of nanoparticle-released cobalt and iron ions by ferritins in solution. Metal transfer into ferritins could represent a quintessential process in which biomolecules and homeostasis regulate the local degradation of nanoparticles and recycle their by-products.
Spatio-temporal patterns of proportions of influenza B cases
Authors: He Daihai , Chiu Alice P. Y. , Lin Qianying , Yu Duo 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWe studied the spatio-temporal patterns of the proportions of influenza B cases out of all typed cases, with data from 139 countries and regions downloaded from the FluNet compiled by the World Health Organization, from January 2006 to October 2015. We restricted our analysis to 34 countries that reported more than 2,000 confirmations for each of types A and B over the study period. Globally, we found that Pearson’s correlation is greater than 0.6 between effective distance from Mexico and the proportions of influenza B cases among the countries during the post-pandemic era (i.e. Week 1, 2010 to Week 40, 2015). Locally, in the United States, the proportions of influenza B cases in the pre-pandemic period (2003–2008) negatively correlated with that in the post-pandemic era (2010–2015) at the regional level. Our study limitations are the country-level variations in both surveillance methods and testing policies. The proportions of influenza B cases displayed wide variations over the study period. Our findings suggest that the 2009 influenza pandemic has an evident impact on the relative burden of the two influenza types. Future studies should examine whether there are other additional factors. This study has potential implications in prioritizing public health control measures.
Smartphone-based low light detection for bioluminescence application
Authors: Kim Huisung , Jung Youngkee , Doh Iyll-Joon , Lozano-Mahecha Roxana Andrea , Applegate Bruce , Bae Euiwon 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWe report a smartphone-based device and associated imaging-processing algorithm to maximize the sensitivity of standard smartphone cameras, that can detect the presence of single-digit pW of radiant flux intensity. The proposed hardware and software, called bioluminescent-based analyte quantitation by smartphone (BAQS), provides an opportunity for onsite analysis and quantitation of luminescent signals from biological and non-biological sensing elements which emit photons in response to an analyte. A simple cradle that houses the smartphone, sample tube, and collection lens supports the measuring platform, while noise reduction by ensemble averaging simultaneously lowers the background and enhances the signal from emitted photons. Five different types of smartphones, both Android and iOS devices, were tested, and the top two candidates were used to evaluate luminescence from the bioluminescent reporter Pseudomonas fluorescens M3A. The best results were achieved by OnePlus One (android), which was able to detect luminescence from ~106 CFU/mL of the bio-reporter, which corresponds to ~107 photons/s with 180 seconds of integration time.
Informing health promotion in rural men's sheds by examination of participant health status, concerns, interests, knowledge and behaviours
Authors: Misan Gary M. H. , Oosterbroek Chloe , Wilson Nathan J. 
Published: January 2017

Issue addressedDespite the growth of Australian men's sheds, the body of evidence regarding the health status of members, their health concerns, interests, help‐ or health‐seeking behaviour and their preferred format for receiving health information is limited.MethodsThe study involved a cross‐sectional study design with data collected from 11 rural South Australian (SA) men's sheds. The survey collected information across 5 domains: demographics; health history, status, concerns and interests; health knowledge; help‐seeking behaviours and health information format preferences.ResultsData from 154 shed members were available for analysis. Rural SA sheds primarily cater for older, retired, lesser educated men from lower socioeconomic strata. The key health issues were age‐related chronic conditions yet self‐reported health status remained high. The GP was the preferred source of health advice. Key knowledge deficits were in the areas of reproductive and psychological health. The preferred mode for health education was hands‐on or kinaesthetic approaches as opposed to seminars or internet based information.ConclusionsPriority topics for health promotion programs should include prostate disorders, reproductive and sexual health issues, psychological health, risk factors for common chronic disease and bowel cancer. Programs should incorporate hands‐on education approaches. Shed and shed member diversity should be considered when designing programs.So what?A better understanding of what ails men's shed members, what concerns and interests them in terms of health, where they go for health advice and their preferred format for receiving health information increases the likelihood of developing health promotion programs that better engage with this target group.
Adenylate cyclase A acting on PKA mediates induction of stalk formation by cyclic diguanylate at the
Dictyostelium
organizer
Authors: Chen Zhi-Hui , Singh Reema , Cole Christian , Lawal Hajara Mohammed , Schilde Christina , Febrer Melanie , Barton Geoffrey J. , Schaap Pauline 
Published: January 2017

Significance
Organizers are small groups of cells in developing embryos that secrete signals to control behaviors such as cell differentiation or cell movement of larger groups. In Dictyostelia, the apical tip is the site where differentiation of the fruiting body stalk initiates. The cause of tip-specific stalk formation has been unclear, but we show here that the more widely produced stalk-inducing signal cyclic diguanylate activates cAMP synthesis by adenylate cyclase A, which is specifically expressed at the apical tip. cAMP next activates cAMP-dependent protein kinase, which then triggers stalk differentiation.
Evidence for opposing roles of Celsr3 and Vangl2 in glutamatergic synapse formation
Authors: Thakar Sonal , Wang Liqing , Yu Ting , Ye Mao , Onishi Keisuke , Scott John , Qi Jiaxuan , Fernandes Catarina , Han Xuemei , Yates John R. , Berg Darwin K. , Zou Yimin 
Published: January 2017

Significance
The signaling mechanisms mediating glutamatergic synapse assembly are fundamental to our understanding of neural circuit function, plasticity, and disorders, but have remained elusive. We provide direct evidence that two components of the conserved planar cell polarity signaling pathway, which assembles asymmetric cell–cell junctions, have opposing functions in glutamatergic synapse formation. Celsr3 promotes assembly whereas Vangl2 inhibits assembly, suggesting that this signaling mechanism is accessible for both positive and negative regulation and is also a candidate pathway for mediating synaptic plasticity.
Deletion of admB gene encoding a fungal ADAM affects cell wall construction in Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Kobayashi Takuji , Maeda Hiroshi , Takeuchi Michio , Yamagata Youhei 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Mammals possess a unique signaling system based on the proteolytic mechanism of a disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAMs) on the cell surface. We found two genes encoding ADAMs in Aspergillus oryzae and named them admA and admB. We produced admA and admB deletion strains to elucidate their biological function and clarify whether fungal ADAMs play a similar role as in mammals. The ∆admA∆admB and ∆admB strains were sensitive to cell wall-perturbing agents, congo red, and calcofluor white. Moreover, the two strains showed significantly increased weights of total alkali-soluble fractions from the mycelial cell wall compared to the control strain. Furthermore, ∆admB showed MpkA phosphorylation at lower concentration of congo red stimulation than the control strain. However, the MpkA phosphorylation level was not different between ∆admB and the control strain without the stimulation. The results indicated that A. oryzae AdmB involved in the cell wall integrity without going through the MpkA pathway.
Characteristics of proteinaceous additives in stabilizing enzymes during freeze-thawing and -drying
Authors: Shimizu Takanori , Korehisa Tamayo , Imanaka Hiroyuki , Ishida Naoyuki , Imamura Koreyoshi 
Published: January 2017

AbstractProtein-stabilizing characteristics of sixteen proteins during freeze-thawing and freeze-drying were investigated. Five enzymes, each with different instabilities against freezing and dehydration, were employed as the protein to be stabilized. Proteinaceous additives generally resulted in greater enzyme stabilization during freeze-thawing than sugars while the degree of stabilization for basic lysozyme and protamine were inferior to that of neutral and acidic proteins. Freeze-drying-induced inactivation of enzyme was also reduced by the presence of a proteinaceous additive, the extent of which was lower than that for a sugar. In both freeze thawing and freeze drying, the enzymes stabilization by the proteinaceous additive increased with increasing additive concentration. The enhancement of enzyme inactivation caused by pH change was also reduced in the presence of proteinaceous additives. The combined use of a sugar such as sucrose and dextran tended to increase the stabilizing effect of the proteinaceous additive.
How players exploit variability and regularity of game actions in female volleyball teams
Authors: Ramos Ana , Coutinho Patrícia , Silva Pedro , Davids Keith , Mesquita Isabel 
Published: January 2017

AbstractVariability analysis has been used to understand how competitive constraints shape different behaviours in team sports. In this study, we analysed and compared variability of tactical performance indices in players within complex I at two different competitive levels in volleyball. We also examined whether variability was influenced by set type and period. Eight matches from the 2012 Olympics competition and from the Portuguese national league in the 2014–2015 season were analysed (1496 rallies). Variability of setting conditions, attack zone, attack tempo and block opposition was assessed using Shannon entropy measures. Magnitude‐based inferences were used to analyse the practical significance of compared values of selected variables. Results showed differences between elite and national teams for all variables, which were co‐adapted to the competitive constraints of set type and set periods. Elite teams exploited system stability in setting conditions and block opposition, but greater unpredictability in zone and tempo of attack. These findings suggest that uncertainty in attacking actions was a key factor that could only be achieved with greater performance stability in other game actions. Data suggested how coaches could help setters develop the capacity to play at faster tempos, diversifying attack zones, especially at critical moments in competition.
An informative approach on differential abundance analysis for time-course metagenomic sequencing data
Authors: Luo Dan , Ziebell Sara , An Lingling 
Published: January 2017

AbstractMotivationThe advent of high-throughput next generation sequencing technology has greatly promoted the field of metagenomics where previously unattainable information about microbial communities can be discovered. Detecting differentially abundant features (e.g. species or genes) plays a critical role in revealing the contributors (i.e. pathogens) to the biological or medical status of microbial samples. However, currently available statistical methods lack power in detecting differentially abundant features contrasting different biological or medical conditions, in particular, for time series metagenomic sequencing data. We have proposed a novel procedure, metaDprof, which is built upon a spline-based method assuming heterogeneous error, to meet the challenges of detecting differentially abundant features from metagenomic samples by comparing different biological/medical conditions across time. It contains two stages: (i) global detection on features and (ii) time interval detection for significant features. The detection procedures in both stages are based on sound statistical support.ResultsCompared with existing methods the new method metaDprof shows the best performance in comprehensive simulation studies. Not only can it accurately detect features relating to the biological condition or disease status of samples but it also can accurately detect the starting and ending time points when the differences arise. The proposed method is also applied to a real metagenomic dataset and the results provide an interesting angle to understand the relationship between the microbiota in mouse gut and diet type.Availability and ImplementationR code and an example dataset are available at https://cals.arizona.edu/∼anling/sbg/software.htmSupplementary informationSupplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Development of a real-time internal and external marker tracking system for particle therapy: a phantom study using patient tumor trajectory data
Authors: Cho Junsang , Cheon Wonjoong , Ahn Sanghee , Jung Hyunuk , Sheen Heesoon , Park Hee Chul , Han Youngyih 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Target motion–induced uncertainty in particle therapy is more complicated than that in X-ray therapy, requiring more accurate motion management. Therefore, a hybrid motion-tracking system that can track internal tumor motion and as well as an external surrogate of tumor motion was developed. Recently, many correlation tests between internal and external markers in X-ray therapy have been developed; however, the accuracy of such internal/external marker tracking systems, especially in particle therapy, has not yet been sufficiently tested. In this article, the process of installing an in-house hybrid internal/external motion-tracking system is described and the accuracy level of tracking system was acquired. Our results demonstrated that the developed in-house external/internal combined tracking system has submillimeter accuracy, and can be clinically used as a particle therapy system as well as a simulation system for moving tumor treatment.
Lumbar Fusion for Degenerative Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yavin Daniel , Casha Steven , Wiebe Samuel , Feasby Thomas E , Clark Callie , Isaacs Albert , Holroyd-Leduc Jayna , Hurlbert R. John , Quan Hude , Nataraj Andrew , Sutherland Garnette R. , Jette Nathalie 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Due to uncertain evidence, lumbar fusion for degenerative indications is associated with the greatest measured practice variation of any surgical procedure.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the current evidence on the comparative safety and efficacy of lumbar fusion, decompression-alone, or nonoperative care for degenerative indications.

METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (up to June 30, 2016). Comparative studies reporting validated measures of safety or efficacy were included. Treatment effects were calculated through DerSimonian and Laird random effects models.

RESULTS: The literature search yielded 65 studies (19 randomized controlled trials, 16 prospective cohort studies, 15 retrospective cohort studies, and 15 registries) enrolling a total of 302 620 patients. Disability, pain, and patient satisfaction following fusion, decompression-alone, or nonoperative care were dependent on surgical indications and study methodology. Relative to decompression-alone, the risk of reoperation following fusion was increased for spinal stenosis (relative risk [RR] 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.28) and decreased for spondylolisthesis (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.68-0.83). Among patients with spinal stenosis, complications were more frequent following fusion (RR 1.87, 95% CI 1.18-2.96). Mortality was not significantly associated with any treatment modality.

CONCLUSION: Positive clinical change was greatest in patients undergoing fusion for spondylolisthesis while complications and the risk of reoperation limited the benefit of fusion for spinal stenosis. The relative safety and efficacy of fusion for chronic low back pain suggests careful patient selection is required (PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews number, CRD42015020153).