bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
[Sar1, Ile4, Ile8]‐angiotensin II Potentiates Insulin Receptor Signalling and Glycogen Synthesis in Hepatocytes
Authors: Sanni Samra Joke , Lyngsø Christina , Gammeltoft Steen , Hansen Jakob Lerche 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R) is involved in the regulation of cardiovascular function. Excessive activation of AT1R by angiotensin II (Ang II) leads to cardiovascular disease and may be involved in the development of insulin resistance and diabetes. Functionally selective Ang II analogues, such as the [Sar1, Ile4, Ile8]‐angiotensin II (SII Ang II) analogue, that only activate a subset of signalling networks have been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular function in certain settings, including lowering blood pressure and increasing cardiac performance. Here, we studied the effect of SII Ang II on insulin receptor (IR) signalling and glucose metabolism in primary rat hepatocytes. We show that long‐term pre‐treatment of hepatocytes with SII Ang II increased insulin‐stimulated glycogen synthesis, while Ang II and the AT1R antagonist losartan had no effect. Insulin‐stimulated suppression of hepatic glucose output was not affected by Ang II or SII Ang II. It is well known that insulin regulates glycogen synthesis and glucose output through Akt‐mediated phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase α/β (GSK3α/β) and forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1), respectively. In line with this, we show that SII Ang II potentiated insulin‐stimulated phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3α/β, but not FOXO1. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the effect of SII Ang II on insulin‐stimulated signalling and glycogen synthesis was dependent on Src and Gαq, as inhibitors of these proteins abolished the potentiating effect of SII Ang II. Thus, our results demonstrate that SII Ang II may have a positive effect on IR signalling and glucose metabolism in hepatocytes.
When to Teach for Belief: A Tempered Defense of the Epistemic Criterion
Authors: Tillson John 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMichael Hand has defended the “epistemic criterion” for “directive and nondirective teaching” in his 2008 Educational Theory article, “What Should We Teach as Controversial? A Defense of the Epistemic Criterion,” as well as subsequent pieces. Here, John Tillson defends use of the epistemic criterion in the case of what he calls “momentous propositions,” but he rejects two of Hand's key arguments in support of the criterion. This rethinking comes in light of important contributions to the debate made by Bryan Warnick and D. Spencer Smith and by Maughn Rollins Gregory, also published in this journal. Tillson begins the article with an elucidation of the directive/nondirective distinction, and then discusses some limitations of defining the distinction in terms of intention. Next, he draws attention to the problems with the “soft‐directive teaching” method that Warnick and Smith advocate. Finally, Tillson provides an additional argument in favor of the epistemic criterion, an argument also grounded in work by Hand, which places emphasis on imparting knowledge alongside cultivating rationality among our educational aims.
Increasing canopy photosynthesis in rice can be achieved without a large increase in water use—A model based on free‐air CO2 enrichment
Authors: Ikawa Hiroki , Chen Charles P. , Sikma Martin , Yoshimoto Mayumi , Sakai Hidemitsu , Tokida Takeshi , Usui Yasuhiro , Nakamura Hirofumi , Ono Keisuke , Maruyama Atsushi , Watanabe Tsutomu , Kuwagata Tsuneo , Hasegawa Toshihiro 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAchieving higher canopy photosynthesis rates is one of the keys to increasing future crop production; however, this typically requires additional water inputs because of increased water loss through the stomata. Lowland rice canopies presently consume a large amount of water, and any further increase in water usage may significantly impact local water resources. This situation is further complicated by changing the environmental conditions such as rising atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]). Here, we modeled and compared evapotranspiration of fully developed rice canopies of a high‐yielding rice cultivar (Oryza sativa L. cv. Takanari) with a common cultivar (cv. Koshihikari) under ambient and elevated [CO2] (A‐CO2 and E‐CO2, respectively) via leaf ecophysiological parameters derived from a free‐air CO2 enrichment (FACE) experiment. Takanari had 4%–5% higher evapotranspiration than Koshihikari under both A‐CO2 and E‐CO2, and E‐CO2 decreased evapotranspiration of both varieties by 4%–6%. Therefore, if Takanari was cultivated under future [CO2] conditions, the cost for water could be maintained at the same level as for cultivating Koshihikari at current [CO2] with an increase in canopy photosynthesis by 36%. Sensitivity analyses determined that stomatal conductance was a significant physiological factor responsible for the greater canopy photosynthesis in Takanari over Koshihikari. Takanari had 30%–40% higher stomatal conductance than Koshihikari; however, the presence of high aerodynamic resistance in the natural field and lower canopy temperature of Takanari than Koshihikari resulted in the small difference in evapotranspiration. Despite the small difference in evapotranspiration between varieties, the model simulations showed that Takanari clearly decreased canopy and air temperatures within the planetary boundary layer compared to Koshihikari. Our results indicate that lowland rice varieties characterized by high‐stomatal conductance can play a key role in enhancing productivity and moderating heat‐induced damage to grain quality in the coming decades, without significantly increasing crop water use.
The general factor of personality and job performance: Revisiting previous meta‐analyses
Authors: Pelt Dirk H. M. , van der Linden Dimitri , Dunkel Curtis S. , Born Marise Ph. 
Published: November 2017

The relationship between the General Factor of Personality (GFP) and several work‐related outcomes such as job performance and organizational citizenship behavior was examined using meta‐analytic data. Confirmatory factor analyses showed sizeable relationships between the GFP and various performance indicators (
= .34), larger than for any of the Big Five dimensions. Controlling for social desirability did not change the relationship between the GFP and job performance. Moreover, regression analyses showed that the GFP accounted for a larger part of the explained variance in the outcome measures than the unique variances of the Big Five. The results add to the evidence for the GFP as a social effectiveness factor and highlight the validity of the GFP in organizational contexts.
Current trends and pitfalls in endoscopic treatment of urolithiasis
Authors: Inoue Takaaki , Okada Shinsuke , Hamamoto Shuzo , Yoshida Takashi , Matsuda Tadashi 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCurrent development of endoscopic technology, lithotripters, and stone‐retrieval devices has expanded the indications for retrograde and antegrade endoscopic therapy in the management of urolithiasis. This technology has also resulted in minimally invasive therapy. As surgeons’ experience of endourological procedures with the newer instruments has become integrated, the surgical technique and indications for urolithiasis have also changed in the past few years. The present review provides an overview of endourological procedures for upper urinary tract stones and the key points related to surgical techniques.
Hepatitis C Virus Clearance in Older Adults
Authors: Ippolito Antonio Massimo , Iacobellis Angelo , Milella Michele , Conti Fabio , Messina Vincenzo , Valvano Maria Rosa , Niro Grazia Anna , Morisco Filomena , Barone Michele , Termite Antonio Patrizio , Brancaccio Giuseppina , Andriulli Angelo 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesTo determine whether older adults with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) achieve a sustained viral response (SVR) after treatment with direct‐acting antiviral therapy.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 80 and older with chronic HCV infection (N = 253; n = 213 with cirrhosis, n = 40 with advanced fibrosis).MeasurementsWe investigated the efficacy, safety, and global clinical effect of treatment with different combinations of direct antiviral agents (DAAs). Participants with cirrhosis were staged according to Child‐Pugh‐Turcotte class, Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score, and the D'Amico staging system. The type and number of comorbidities at baseline and hepatic and nonhepatic events during follow‐up were registered.ResultsNinety‐five percent of participants with cirrhosis and 95% of those with advanced fibrosis attained SVR. The rate was independent of sex, HCV genotype, and treatment schedule. During a mean follow‐up of 14 ± 4 months (range 5–23 months), 34 events occurred in 27 participants: 10 hepatocellular carcinomas, 12 hepatic decompensations, 9 nonhepatic events, 3 deaths. Multivariate analysis of risk factors for experiencing adverse events during follow up showed that participants in D'Amico Stages 4 and 5, with a baseline serum albumin level of 3.5 mg/dL or less, and 3 or more comorbidities were the most at risk.ConclusionIn a real‐world setting, DAAs are safe and effective in older adults with HCV‐related advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. Individuals with preserved albumin synthesis and fewer than 3 comorbidities at baseline have the most to gain from long‐term DAA therapy.
On yoderite: Using calculated phase equilibria to investigate its rarity in the geological record of whiteschists
Authors: Alessio Brandon L. , Kelsey David E. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA new activity–composition model is presented for green (Mn3+‐absent) yoderite for use in the latest internally consistent thermodynamic data set used by THERMOCALC, for calculations primarily in MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–O system, where O is a proxy for Fe2O3. P–T grids calculated with our model in the MASH and MASHO system feature invariant points and univariant reaction bundles that are consistent with existing experimental results. Using this new model, we have explored the stability of yoderite in whiteschists, a rare type of high‐pressure rock that conforms closely to the MASHO system. Using a series of calculated models in which composition varies, it is shown that yoderite stability is a function of bulk‐rock SiO2, MgO and Al2O3, where the most important component for stabilizing yoderite is a function of pressure and temperature. The rarity of yoderite in naturally occurring whiteschists is largely related to these compositional factors, with most whiteschists having rock compositions that are too SiO2‐rich and Al2O3‐poor to allow yoderite formation. However, in addition to compositional factors, the calculated P–T stability field of yoderite occurs over thermal gradients that are generally too high to occur in modern‐style subduction zones. As nearly all known whiteschist occurrences are Phanerozoic in age, the near‐complete absence of yoderite in late Neoproterozoic–Phanerozoic whiteschists may be at least partially due to modern subduction systems failing to produce the hotter thermal gradients needed to stabilize yoderite. The provision of this new a–x model for green yoderite allows for more rigorous P–T–X investigations of all whiteschists.
The Role of Body, Mind, and Environment in Preterm Birth: Mind the Gap
Authors: Yamamoto Shelby , Premji Shahirose 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPreterm birth continues to be a problem affecting low‐, middle‐, and high‐income countries, with rates increasing in some areas despite ongoing efforts to reduce the incidence. This emphasizes the need for more effective interventions, particularly if we aim to achieve the broad health targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The current focus on medically‐oriented interventions such as reducing nonmedically‐indicated induction of labor, cesarean birth, and multiple embryo transfers associated with assisted reproductive technologies, as well as the application of cervical cerclage and use of progesterone therapy, though important, are likely only partial solutions to the complex phenomenon of preterm birth. Preterm birth has multiple etiologies. The biologic mechanisms involved in preterm labor and how it may be triggered are not well understood. There is growing evidence to suggest some of these triggers may also be related to stress and environmental conditions. In this review, we focus on evidence concerning psychosocial (mind) and environmental factors (environment) as well as briefly review the evidence related to maternal and fetal factors (body) associated with the risk of preterm birth, with reference to some of the SDGs. We also assess emerging evidence regarding the interaction of the body, mind, and environment in relation to preterm birth, currently a gap in our knowledge, and how these interactions could impact clinical practice. Findings suggest that multidisciplinary expertise and approaches will be needed to develop effective interventions to address the complex etiologies of preterm birth, as opposed to single‐risk‐factor mitigation. Clinicians and researchers will play key roles in identifying many of these risk factors and shaping interventions that address this complex issue. Addressing the interlinkages between body, mind, and environment through the integration of research and clinical practice is critical to reducing the risk of preterm birth and contributing to the achievement of the SDGs.
Protein components of post‐synaptic density lattice, a backbone structure for type I excitatory synapses
Authors: Suzuki Tatsuo , Kametani Kiyokazu , Guo Weiheng , Li Weidong 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIt is essential to study the molecular architecture of post‐synaptic density (PSD) to understand the molecular mechanism underlying the dynamic nature ofPSD, one of the bases of synaptic plasticity. A well‐known model for the architecture ofPSDof type I excitatory synapses basically comprises of several scaffolding proteins (scaffold protein model). On the contrary, ‘PSDlattice’ observed through electron microscopy has been considered a basic backbone of type IPSDs. However, major constituents of thePSDlattice and the relationship between thePSDlattice and the scaffold protein model, remain unknown. We purified aPSDlattice fraction from the synaptic plasma membrane of rat forebrain. Protein components of thePSDlattice were examined through immuno‐gold negative staining electron microscopy. The results indicated that tubulin, actin, α‐internexin, and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinaseIIare major constituents of thePSDlattice, whereas scaffold proteins such asPSD‐95,SAP102,GKAP, Shank1, and Homer, were rather minor components. A similar structure was also purified from the synaptic plasma membrane of forebrains from 7‐day‐old rats. On the basis of this study, we propose a ‘PSDlattice‐based dynamic nanocolumn’ model forPSDmolecular architecture, in which the scaffold protein model and thePSDlattice model are combined and an idea of dynamic nanocolumnPSDsubdomain is also included. In the model, cytoskeletal proteins, in particular, tubulin, actin, and α‐internexin, may play major roles in the construction of thePSDbackbone and provide linker sites for variousPSDscaffold protein complexes/subdomains.image
Novel topical agent containing superoxide dismutase 100 000 IU and 4% of plant extracts as a mono‐therapy for atopic dermatitis
Authors: Sgouros Dimitrios , Katoulis Alexander , Rigopoulos Dimitrios 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIntroductionCorticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for the acute phase of atopic dermatitis (AD), whereas topical emollients are mainly used for maintenance of remission. A topical agent that combines emollient and anti‐inflammatory properties would achieve control of all phases of AD, without the need for chronic corticosteroid use.AimTo assess the efficacy of a novel topical agent containing superoxide dismutase (SOD) 100 000 IU and 4% of a combination of plant extracts (blackcurrant seed oil, sunflower oil concentrate, balloon vine extract).MethodsTwenty patients (age range from 8 months to 72 years old) with mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis were assessed. The product was used as mono‐therapy, applied to the affected skin areas twice daily. Patients were evaluated before and after a 30‐day course using the SCORAD and the Visual Analog Scale for assessment of pruritus intensity. Primary endpoint was improvement of AD according to SCORAD and clinical assessment. Secondary endpoint was patient satisfaction and improvement of pruritus.ResultsMean SCORAD on day 0 was 32.61(range = 16.0‐46.9) and decreased to 10.55 (range = 0‐17.0) on day 30, reflecting a reduction of 67.6%. On day 30, all patients described significant improvement in pruritus and quality of sleep.ConclusionThe application of the study product cream resulted in significant improvement of AD, as reflected by the objective SCORAD measurement, and the subjective assessment of pruritus and quality of life. This novel anti‐inflammatory emollient product may emerge as a safe and effective therapeutic tool for all phases of AD without the adverse effects of chronic use of corticosteroids.
Effect of Incorporation of Antifungal Agents on the Ultimate Tensile Strength of Temporary Soft Denture Liners
Authors: Neppelenbroek Karin Hermana , Lima Jozely Francisca Mello , Hotta Juliana , Galitesi Lucas Lulo , Almeida Ana Lucia Pompéia Fraga , Urban Vanessa Migliorini 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the ultimate tensile strength of temporary soft denture liners modified by minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antifungal agents for Candida albicans biofilm (SC5314) determined in previous microbiological research.Materials and MethodsDumbbell‐shaped specimens (n = 7) with a central cross‐sectional area of 6 × 3 × 33 mm were produced by Softone and Trusoft, without (control) or with incorporation of drugs in powder form at MICs for C. albicans biofilm (per g of material powder): nystatin (0.032 g), chlorhexidine diacetate (0.064 g), ketoconazole (0.128 g), miconazole (0.256 g), and itraconazole (0.256 g). After plasticization, specimens were immersed in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours, 7 or 14 days, and then tested in tension in a universal testing machine at 40 mm/min. Data of tensile strength (MPa) and elongation percentage (%) were submitted to 3‐way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05).ResultsAt the end of 14 days, the tensile strength for both materials was significantly lower in the groups modified by miconazole and itraconazole compared to the other groups (p < 0.0001), which showed no significant difference between them (p > 0.05). After 7 and 14 days in water, miconazole and itraconazole added into both materials resulted in significantly lower elongation percentages compared to the other antifungal agents and control (p < 0.0001), which were similar to each other (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe addition of the nystatin, chlorhexidine, and ketoconazole at MICs for C. albicans biofilm resulted in no harmful effects on the tensile strength and elongation percentage of the temporary soft denture liner materials up to 14 days.
Association between environmental factors including second‐hand smoke and primary lung cancer in dogs
Authors: Zierenberg‐Ripoll A. , Pollard R. E. , Stewart S. L. , Allstadt S. D. , Barrett L. E. , Gillem J. M. , Skorupski K. A. 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesTo estimate prevalence of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and other environmental toxins in dogs with primary lung tumours and to analyse association between exposure and lung tumour development.Materials and MethodsIn this case–control study, an owner survey was developed to collect data on patient characteristics, general health care and environmental exposures. Dogs diagnosed with primary lung carcinomas formed the Case group. Dogs diagnosed with mast cell tumours served as Control Group 1 and dogs diagnosed with neurologic disease served as Control Group 2. Associations between diagnosis of primary lung tumour and patient and environmental exposure variables were analysed using bivariate and multivariate statistical methods.ResultsA total of 1178 owner surveys were mailed and 470 surveys were returned and included in statistical analysis, including 135 Cases, 169 dogs in Control Group 1 and 166 dogs in Control Group 2. An association between exposure to second‐hand smoke and prevalence of primary lung cancer was not identified in this study.Clinical SignificanceSecond‐hand smoke is associated with primary lung cancer in people but a definitive association has not been found in dogs. The results of this study suggest that tobacco smoke exposure may not be associated with primary lung cancer development in dogs but study limitations may have precluded detection of an association.
Phylogeny and a new tribal classification of Opiliaceae (Santalales) based on molecular and morphological evidence
Authors: Le Chi‐Toan , Liu Bing , Barrett Russell L. , Lu Li‐Min , Wen Jun , Chen Zhi‐Duan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractOpiliaceae are a pantropical family of the Santalales mainly distributed in the Old World with only one genus in the neotropics. Opiliaceae have remained taxonomically unresolved and the generic relationships within the family have been disputed. Here we present molecular phylogenetic analyses of the family and its close relatives using a combined dataset of the nuclear ribosomal (small subunit rDNA and large subunit rDNA) and the chloroplast rbcL, matK, and trnL‐F regions. We also carried out a morphological phylogenetic analysis using 24 characters for all the species of Opiliaceae and three species in Santalaceae s.l. and Strombosiaceae as outgroups. Molecular analyses strongly supported the monophyly of Opiliaceae. Agonandra Miers ex Benth. & Hook. f. is sister to all the other genera of Opiliaceae. The remaining genera form two major clades: the Opilia clade (including Cansjera Juss., Lepionurus Blume, Opilia Roxb., Pentarhopalopilia (Engl.) Hiepko, Rhopalopilia Pierre, and Urobotrya Stapf.), and the other consisting of Anthobolus plus the Champereia clade (including Champereia Griff., Melientha Pierre, and Yunnanopilia C. Y. Wu & D. Z. Li). We propose a new classification of Opiliaceae, recognizing 12 genera and four tribes, with the description of a new tribe, Champereieae Bing Liu, C. T. Le, L. M. Lu & Z. D. Chen.
X exceptionalism in Caenorhabditis speciation
Authors: Cutter Asher D. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSpeciation genetics research in diverse organisms shows the X‐chromosome to be exceptional in how it contributes to “rules” of speciation. Until recently, however, the nematode phylum has been nearly silent on this issue, despite the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans having touched most other topics in biology. Studies of speciation with Caenorhabditis accelerated with the recent discovery of species pairs showing partial interfertility. The resulting genetic analyses of reproductive isolation in nematodes demonstrate key roles for the X‐chromosome in hybrid male sterility and inviability, opening up new understanding of the genetic causes of Haldane's rule, Darwin's corollary to Haldane's rule, and enabling tests of the large‐X effect hypothesis. Studies to date implicate improper chromatin regulation of the X‐chromosome by small RNA pathways as integral to hybrid male dysfunction. Sexual transitions in reproductive mode to self‐fertilizing hermaphroditism inject distinctive molecular evolutionary features into the speciation process for some species. Caenorhabditis also provides unique opportunities for analysis in a system with XO sex determination that lacks a Y‐chromosome, sex chromosome‐dependent sperm competition differences and mechanisms of gametic isolation, exceptional accessibility to the development process and rapid experimental evolution. As genetic analysis of reproductive isolation matures with investigation of multiple pairs of Caenorhabditis species and new species discovery, nematodes will provide a powerful complement to more established study organisms for deciphering the genetic basis of and rules to speciation.