bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential regulation of ssb genes in the nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacterium, Anabaena sp. strain PCC71201
Authors: Kirti Anurag , Kumar Arvind , Rajaram Hema 
Published: December 2016

Anabaena sp. PCC7120 possesses three genes coding for single‐stranded DNA‐binding (SSB) protein, of which ssb1 was a single gene, and ssb2 and ssb3 are the first genes of their corresponding operons. Regulation of the truncated ssb genes, ssb1 (alr0088) and ssb2 (alr7559), was unaffected by N‐status of growth. They were negatively regulated by the SOS‐response regulatory protein LexA, as indicated by the (i) binding of Anabaena LexA to the LexA box of regulatory regions of ssb1 and ssb2, and (ii) decreased expression of the downstream gfp reporter gene in Escherichia coli upon co‐expression of LexA. However, the full‐length ssb gene, ssb3 (all4779), was regulated by the availability of Fe2+ and combined nitrogen, as indicated by (i) increase in the levels of SSB3 protein on Fe2+‐depletion and decrease under Fe2+‐excess conditions, and (ii) 1.5‐ to 1.6‐fold decrease in activity under nitrogen‐fixing conditions compared to nitrogen‐supplemented conditions. The requirement of Fe2+ as a co‐factor for repression by FurA and the increase in levels of FurA under nitrogen‐deficient conditions in Anabaena (Lopez‐Gomollon et al. 2007) indicated a possible regulation of ssb3 by FurA. This was substantiated by (i) the binding of FurA to the regulatory region of ssb3, (ii) repression of the expression of the downstream gfp reporter gene in E. coli upon co‐expression of FurA, and (iii) negative regulation of ssb3 promoter activity by the upstream AT‐rich region in Anabaena. This is the first report on possible role of FurA, an important protein for iron homeostasis, in DNA repair of cyanobacteria.
A metabarcoding comparison of windward and leeward airborne algal diversity across the Ko‘olau mountain range on the island of O'ahu, Hawai‘i1
Authors: Sherwood Alison R. , Dittbern Monica N. , Johnston Emily T. , Conklin Kimberly Y. 
Published: December 2016

Airborne algae from sites on the windward (n = 3) and leeward (n = 3) sides of the Ko‘olau Mountain range of O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, were sampled for a 16 d period during January and February 2015 using passive collection devices and were characterized using Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the universal plastid amplicon marker. Amplicons were assigned to 3,023 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), which included 1,189 cyanobacteria, 1,009 heterotrophic bacteria, and 304 Eukaryota (of which 284 were algae and land plants). Analyses demonstrated substantially more OTUs at windward than leeward O‘ahu sites during the sampling period. Removal of nonalgal OTUs revealed a greater number of algal reads recovered from windward (839,853) than leeward sites (355,387), with the majority of these being cyanobacteria. The 1,234 total algal OTUs included cyanobacteria, diatoms, cryptophytes, brown algae, chlorophyte green algae, and charophyte green algae. A total of 208 algal OTUs were identified from leeward side samplers (including OTUs in common among samplers) and 1,995 algal OTUs were identified from windward samplers. Barcoding analyses of the most abundant algal OTUs indicated that very few were shared between the windward and leeward sides of the Ko‘olau Mountains, highlighting the localized scale at which these airborne algae communities differ. Back trajectories of air masses arriving on O‘ahu during the sampling period were calculated using the NOAA HY‐SPLIT model and suggested that the sampling period was composed of three large‐scale meteorological events, indicating a diversity of potential sources of airborne algae outside of the Hawaiian Islands.
Altered postural control and stability in cirrhotic patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy correlate with cognitive deficits
Authors: Urios Amparo , Mangas‐Losada Alba , Gimenez‐Garzó Carla , González‐López Olga , Giner‐Durán Remedios , Serra Miguel A. , Noe Enrique , Felipo Vicente , Montoliu Carmina 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsCognitive dysfunction in cirrhotic patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is associated with falls. Alterations in postural control and stability could contribute to increase falls risk in these patients. We aimed to assess whether postural control and direction‐specific limits of stability are altered in cirrhotic patients with MHE compared to patients without MHE and controls. We also assessed if alterations in postural control correlate with neurological impairment and/or blood biomarkers.MethodsPosturography analysis, attention Stroop test and bimanual and visuo‐motor coordination tests were performed in 18 controls, 19 patients with cirrhosis without MHE and 17 with MHE, diagnosed by PHES. Posturography was assessed by NedSVE®/IBV system under four sensory conditions. Limits of stability and rhythmic weight‐shifting tests were also performed. Blood ammonia and serum interleukins were also measured. Falls were assessed after 12‐24 months follow‐up.ResultsMHE patients show impaired balance, mainly on unstable surface with eyes open, with longer reaction and confinement times and lower success in Limits of Stability test compared to patients without MHE. Performance in attention and motor coordination tests correlated with most posturography parameters alterations. Logistic regression analysis shows that posturography parameters and bimanual coordination test are good predictors of falls.ConclusionBalance patterns and limits of stability in MHE patients are impaired compared to patients without MHE and controls. This seems to contribute to a higher falls risk. Attention and motor coordination deficits could contribute to balance impairment in patients with MHE.
Adaptive downregulation of pheomelanin‐related Slc7a11 gene expression by environmentally induced oxidative stress
Authors: Galván Ismael , Inácio Ângela , Romero‐Haro Ana Angela , Alonso‐Alvarez Carlos 
Published: December 2016

AbstractPheomelanin is a sulphur‐containing yellow‐to‐reddish pigment whose synthesis consumes the main intracellular antioxidant (glutathione; GSH) and its precursor cysteine. Cysteine used for pheomelanogenesis cannot be used for antioxidant protection. We tested whether the expression of Slc7a11, the gene regulating the transport of cysteine to melanocytes for pheomelanogenesis, is environmentally influenced when cysteine/GSH are most required for antioxidant protection. We found that zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata developing pheomelanin‐pigmented feathers during a 12‐day exposure to the pro‐oxidant diquat dibromide downregulated the expression of Slc7a11 in feather melanocytes, but not the expression of other genes that affect pheomelanogenesis by mechanisms different from cysteine transport such as MC1R and Slc45a2. Accordingly, diquat‐treated birds did not suffer increased oxidative stress. This indicates that some animals have evolved an adaptive epigenetic lability that avoids damage derived from pheomelanogenesis. This mechanism should be explored in human Slc7a11 to help combat some cancer types related to cysteine consumption.
Characterizing human cytomegalovirus reinfection in congenitally infected infants: an evolutionary perspective
Authors: Pokalyuk Cornelia , Renzette Nicholas , Irwin Kristen K. , Pfeifer Susanne P. , Gibson Laura , Britt William J. , Yamamoto Aparecida Y. , Mussi‐Pinhata Marisa M. , Kowalik Timothy F. , Jensen Jeffrey D. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractGiven the strong selective pressures often faced by populations when colonizing a novel habitat, the level of variation present on which selection may act is an important indicator of adaptive potential. While often discussed in an ecological context, this notion is also highly relevant in our clinical understanding of viral infection, in which the novel habitat is a new host. Thus, quantifying the factors determining levels of variation is of considerable importance for the design of improved treatment strategies. Here, we focus on such a quantification of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) – a virus which can be transmitted across the placenta, resulting in foetal infection that can potentially cause severe disease in multiple organs. Recent studies using genomewide sequencing data have demonstrated that viral populations in some congenitally infected infants diverge rapidly over time and between tissue compartments within individuals, while in other infants, the populations remain highly stable. Here, we investigate the underlying causes of these extreme differences in observed intrahost levels of variation by estimating the underlying demographic histories of infection. Importantly, reinfection (i.e. population admixture) appears to be an important, and previously unappreciated, player. We highlight illustrative examples likely to represent a single‐population transmission from a mother during pregnancy and multiple‐population transmissions during pregnancy and after birth.
A Prospective Study Comparing Platelet‐Rich Plasma and Local Anesthetic (LA)/Corticosteroid in Intra‐Articular Injection for the Treatment of Lumbar Facet Joint Syndrome
Authors: Wu Jiuping , Zhou Jingjing , Liu Chibing , Zhang Jun , Xiong Wei , Lv Yang , Liu Rui , Wang Ruiqiang , Du Zhenwu , Zhang Guizhen , Liu Qinyi 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjectivesTo compare the effectiveness and safety between autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) and Local Anesthetic (LA)/corticosteroid in intra‐articular injection for the treatment of lumbar facet joint syndrome.MethodsForty‐six eligible patients with lumbar facet joint syndrome were randomized into group A (intra‐articular injection with PRP) and group B (intra‐articular injection with LA/corticosteroid). The following contents were evaluated: pain visual analog scale (VAS) at rest and during flexion, and the Roland‐Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and modified MacNab criteria for pain relief and applications of post‐treatment drugs. All outcome assessments were performed immediately after and at 1 week, 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after treatment.ResultsNo significant difference between groups was observed at baseline. Compared with pretreatment, both group A and group B demonstrated statistical improvements in the pain VAS score at rest or during flexion, the RMQ, and the ODI (P < 0.01). And there were significant differences between the 2 groups on the above‐mentioned items (P < 0.05). For group B, subjective satisfaction based on the modified MacNab criteria and objective success rate were highest (80% and 85%) after 1 month, but only 50% and 20% after 6 months. However, for group A, they increased over time. In addition, there were no treatment‐related complications in either group during follow‐up.ConclusionsBoth autologous PRP and LA/corticosteroid for intra‐articular injection are effective, easy, and safe enough in the treatment of lumbar facet joint syndrome. However, autologous PRP is a superior treatment option for longer duration efficacy.
Initial and long‐term crestal bone responses to modern dental implants
Authors: Albrektsson Tomas , Chrcanovic Bruno , Östman Per‐Olov , Sennerby Lars 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSuccessful osseointegration is the result of a controlled foreign body reaction to dental implants. Osseointegrated implants have demonstrated excellent long‐term survivability, although they may be subject to limited marginal bone loss. Marginal bone loss during the first few years after implant placement seldom represents disease, but is instead the result of an adaptive bone response to surgical trauma and implant loading. It is not uncommon for implants with early marginal bone loss to enter a long‐lasting state of bone stability. Extensive bone resorption after the first year is generally due to an exacerbation of adverse body reactions caused by non‐optimal implant components, adverse surgery or prosthodontics and/or compromised patient factors. Disease in the form of peri‐implantitis is a late complication that affects some implants with suppuration and rapid loss of crestal bone, and is probably caused by bacterial pathogens and immunological reactions. Unfortunately, the literature is not consistent with respect to the type or magnitude of clinical implant problems, including how they are defined and diagnosed. If the peri‐implantitis diagnosis is confined to cases with infection, suppuration and significant bone loss, the frequency of the disease is relatively low, which is in sharp contrast to the frequencies reported with unrealistic definitions of peri‐implantitis. We suggest that when modern implants are placed by properly trained individuals, only 1–2% of implants show true peri‐implantitis during follow‐up periods of 10 years or more. Peri‐implantitis must be separated from the initial and self‐limiting marginal bone loss.
Zirconia dental implants: where are we now, and where are we heading?
Authors: Cionca Norbert , Hashim Dena , Mombelli Andrea 
Published: December 2016

AbstractDespite decades of titanium as the gold standard in oral implantology, the search for alternatives has been growing. High esthetic standards and increasing incidence of titanium allergies, along with a rising demand for metal‐free reconstructions, have led to the proposal of ceramics as potential surrogates. Following numerous experimental studies, zirconium dioxide (zirconia) has earned its place as a potential substitute for titanium in implantology. Yet, despite zirconia's excellent biocompatibility and tissue integration, low affinity to plaque and favorable biomechanical properties, early failures were significantly higher for zirconia implants than for titanium implants. Technical failure as a result of fracture of the material is also a major concern. So far, zirconia implants have been mainly manufactured as one‐piece implant systems because of the material's limitations. Nevertheless, various two‐piece systems have been progressively emerging with promising results. Screw‐retained abutments are desirable but present a major technical challenge. Innovation and technical advances will undoubtedly lead to further improvement in the reliability and strength of zirconia implants, allowing for novel designs, connections and reconstructions. Additional clinical studies are required to identify all relevant technical and biological factors affecting implant success and patients’ satisfaction. However, the evidence for a final verdict is, at present, still incomplete.
The science pendulum: From programmatic to incremental—and back?
Authors: Bradley Margaret M. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe climate in which scientific research is conducted changes over time, and in recent years there has been a shift from a positive view of programmatic science to a more negative evaluation that its contribution to scientific progress is only incremental. In this special issue focusing on the tools of a programmatic approach—replication, reliability and reproducibility—I reflect on changes in scientific practice over my research career, considering some factors contributing to changes in emphasis and highlighting potential pitfalls, particularly in terms of the impact on scientific progress and future scientists. In concluding, I suggest that, as members of the scientific community, we can influence current scientific practices in our day‐to‐day roles as authors, reviewers, investigators, editors, employers, and educators.
A test‐retest reliability analysis of diffusion measures of white matter tracts relevant for cognitive control
Authors: Boekel W. , Forstmann B. U. , Keuken M. C. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractRecent efforts to replicate structural brain‐behavior correlations have called into question the replicability of structural brain measures used in cognitive neuroscience. Here, we report an evaluation of test‐retest reliability of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures, including fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity, in several white matter tracts previously shown to be involved in cognitive control. In a data set consisting of 34 healthy participants scanned twice on a single day, we observe overall stability of DTI measures. This stability remained in a subset of participants who were also scanned a third time on the same day as well as in a 2‐week follow‐up session. We conclude that DTI measures in these tracts show relative stability, and that alternative explanations for the recent failures of replication must be considered.
Anaesthetic management of sleep‐disordered breathing in adults
Authors: Hillman David R. , Chung Frances 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTAnaesthesia and sleep are different states of unconsciousness with considerable physiological common ground. Because of their shared depressant effects on muscle activation and ventilatory drive, patients with anatomically compromised airways will tend to obstruct in either state and those with impaired ventilatory capacity will tend to hypoventilate. Breathing behaviour in one state is predictive of that in the other. An essential difference is that while arousal responses are preserved during sleep, they are depressed during sedation and abolished by anaesthesia. This renders patients with sleep‐related breathing disorders vulnerable to hypoventilation and asphyxia when deeply sedated. Addressing this vulnerability requires a systematic approach to identification of patients and circumstances that magnify this risk, and methods of managing it that seek to reconcile the need for safety with cost‐effective use of resources.
Canalization of Language Structure From Environmental Constraints: A Computational Model of Word Learning From Multiple Cues
Authors: Monaghan Padraic 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThere is substantial variation in language experience, yet there is surprising similarity in the language structure acquired. Constraints on language structure may be external modulators that result in this canalization of language structure, or else they may derive from the broader, communicative environment in which language is acquired. In this paper, the latter perspective is tested for its adequacy in explaining robustness of language learning to environmental variation. A computational model of word learning from cross‐situational, multimodal information was constructed and tested. Key to the model's robustness was the presence of multiple, individually unreliable information sources to support learning. This “degeneracy” in the language system has a detrimental effect on learning, compared to a noise‐free environment, but has a critically important effect on acquisition of a canalized system that is resistant to environmental noise in communication.
Platelet responses to agonists in a cohort of highly characterised platelet donors are consistent over time
Authors: Garner S. F. , Furnell A. , Kahan B. C. , Jones C. I. , Attwood A. , Harrison P. , Kelly A. M. , Goodall A. H. , Cardigan R. , Ouwehand W. H. 
Published: December 2016

Background and ObjectivesPlatelet function shows significant inheritance that is at least partially genetically controlled. There is also evidence that the platelet response is stable over time, but there are few studies that have assessed consistency of platelet function over months and years. We aimed to measure platelet function in platelet donors over time in individuals selected from a cohort of 956 donors whose platelet function had been previously characterised.Materials and MethodsPlatelet function was assessed by flow cytometry, measuring fibrinogen binding and P‐selectin expression after stimulation with either cross‐linked collagen‐related peptide or adenosine 5′‐diphosphate. Eighty‐nine donors from the Cambridge Platelet Function Cohort whose platelet responses were initially within the lower or upper decile of reactivity were retested between 4 months and five and a half years later.ResultsThere was moderate‐to‐high correlation between the initial and repeat platelet function results for all assays (P ≤ 0·007, r2 0·2961–0·7625); furthermore, the range of results observed in the initial low and high responder groups remained significantly different at the time of the second test (P ≤ 0·0005).ConclusionPlatelet function remains consistent over time. This implies that this potential influence on quality of donated platelet concentrates will remain essentially constant for a given donor.
A Test of the ARCC© Model Improves Implementation of Evidence‐Based Practice, Healthcare Culture, and Patient Outcomes
Authors: Melnyk Bernadette Mazurek , Fineout‐Overholt Ellen , Giggleman Martha , Choy Katie 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTBackgroundAlthough several models of evidence‐based practice (EBP) exist, there is a paucity of studies that have been conducted to evaluate their implementation in healthcare settings.AimThe purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the Advancing Research and Clinical practice through close Collaboration (ARCC) Model on organizational culture, clinicians’ EBP beliefs and EBP implementation, and patient outcomes at one healthcare system in the western United States.DesignA pre‐test, post‐test longitudinal pre‐experimental study was conducted with follow‐up immediately following full implementation of the ARCC Model.Setting and SampleThe study was conducted at a 341‐bed acute care hospital in the western region of the United States. The sample consisted of 58 interprofessional healthcare professionals.MethodsThe ARCC Model was implemented in a sequential format over 12 months with the key strategy of preparing a critical mass of EBP mentors for the healthcare system. Healthcare professionals’ EBP beliefs, EBP implementation, and organizational culture were measured with valid and reliable instruments. Patient outcomes were collected in aggregate from the hospital's medical records.ResultsFindings indicated significant increases in clinicians’ EBP beliefs and EBP implementation along with positive movement toward an organizational EBP culture. Study findings also indicated substantial improvements in several patient outcomes.Linking Evidence to ActionImplementation of the ARCC Model in healthcare systems can enhance clinicians’ beliefs and implementation of evidence‐based care, improve patient outcomes, and move organizational culture toward EBP.
JUDICIAL REMEDIES OF DARAR IN ISLAMIC FAMILY LAW: A CRITICAL STUDY OF THE LAW AND PRACTICE IN BAUCHI STATE OF NIGERIA
Authors: Yelwa Mansur Isa , Zin Najibah Mohammad 
Published: December 2016

In both substantive and procedural rules, Islamic law enshrines a comprehensive legal framework that regulates the family system for the realisation of a sustainable justice for all parties to Islamic marriage institution. The basis of the philosophy of Islamic family law is that both husband and wife shall live together harmoniously, with mutual respect in order to produce an upright ummah, bearing rights and responsibilities towards one another. The husband, conferred with the privilege as head of the family and responsible for the wife, enjoys such favour within a limited sphere, to prevent ultra vires chances and abuses. The wife, ordained to bear the duty of followership and obedience towards the husband, is protected with judicial shield from darar which implies aggressive manners and ill treatment of irresponsible husbands. This paper critically examines these crucial issues pointing its sight on the classical texts, statutory provisions and the practical dispensation relating to the effect of darar on the wife and its judicial remedies with Bauchi state of Nigeria as case study. It is based on a qualitative research that employs both doctrinal and empirical research approach. The findings of the research reveal that the application of Islamic law in the Bauchi State Sharīʿah Courts has a number of challenges questioning the consistency of its practical aspect with the theoretical aspect; namely, the classical textual provisions. Keywords: Islamic law; procedure; darar; husband; wife; Bauchi state.