bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring non‐polyaminated lipocalin‐2 for cardiometabolic risk assessment
Authors: Yang Kangmin , Deng Han‐Bing , Man Andy W.C. , Song Erfei , Zhang Jialiang , Luo Cuiting , Cheung Bernard M.Y. , Yuen Kwok‐Yung , Jensen Pia Søndergaard , Irmukhamedov Akhmadjon , Elie Atlanta G.I.M. , Vanhoutte Paul M. , Xu Aimin , De Mey Jo G.R. , Wang Yu 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimsLipocalin‐2 is a pro‐inflammatory molecule characterized by a highly diversified pattern of expression and structure–functional relationships. In vivo, this molecule exists as multiple variants due to post‐translational modifications and/or protein–protein interactions. Lipocalin‐2 is modified by polyamination, which enhances the clearance of this protein from the circulation and prevents its excessive accumulation in tissues. On the other hand, animal studies suggest that non‐polyaminated lipocalin‐2 (npLcn2) plays a causal role in the pathogenesis of obesity‐associated medical complications. The present study examined the presence of npLcn2 in samples from healthy volunteers or patients with cardiac abnormalities and evaluated npLcn2 as a biomarker for cardiometabolic risk assessment.Methods and resultsImmunoassays were developed to quantify npLcn2 in blood and urine samples collected from 100 volunteers (59 men and 41 women), or venous plasma and pericardial fluid samples obtained from 37 cardiothoracic surgery patients. In healthy volunteers, npLcn2 levels in serum are significantly higher in obese and overweight than in lean subjects. After adjustment for age, gender, smoking, and body mass index (BMI), serum npLcn2 levels are positively correlated with heart rate, circulating triglycerides, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), and creatinine in plasma. The npLcn2 levels in urine are significantly increased in subjects with metabolic syndrome and positively correlated with BMI, heart rate, circulating triglycerides, and urinary aldosterone. In cardiothoracic surgery patients, the circulating concentrations of npLcn2 are higher (more than two‐fold) than those of healthy volunteers and positively correlated with the accumulation of this protein in the pericardial fluid. Heart failure patients exhibit excessive expression and distribution of npLcn2 in mesothelial cells and adipocytes of the parietal pericardium, which are significantly correlated with the elevated plasma levels of npLcn2, total cholesterol, and creatinine.ConclusionsQuantitative and qualitative evaluation of npLcn2 in human biofluid samples and tissue samples can be applied for risk assessment of healthy individuals and disease management of patients with obesity‐related cardiometabolic and renal complications.
Predicting the brain activation pattern associated with the propositional content of a sentence: Modeling neural representations of events and states
Authors: Wang Jing , Cherkassky Vladimir L. , Just Marcel Adam 
Published: June 2017

AbstractEven though much has recently been learned about the neural representation of individual concepts and categories, neuroimaging research is only beginning to reveal how more complex thoughts, such as event and state descriptions, are neurally represented. We present a predictive computational theory of the neural representations of individual events and states as they are described in 240 sentences. Regression models were trained to determine the mapping between 42 neurally plausible semantic features (NPSFs) and thematic roles of the concepts of a proposition and the fMRI activation patterns of various cortical regions that process different types of information. Given a semantic characterization of the content of a sentence that is new to the model, the model can reliably predict the resulting neural signature, or, given an observed neural signature of a new sentence, the model can predict its semantic content. The models were also reliably generalizable across participants. This computational model provides an account of the brain representation of a complex yet fundamental unit of thought, namely, the conceptual content of a proposition. In addition to characterizing a sentence representation at the level of the semantic and thematic features of its component concepts, factor analysis was used to develop a higher level characterization of a sentence, specifying the general type of event representation that the sentence evokes (e.g., a social interaction versus a change of physical state) and the voxel locations most strongly associated with each of the factors. Hum Brain Mapp 38:4865–4881, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of dispersant on early life stages of the water flea Daphnia magna and the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica
Authors: Salehi Maryam , Rodriguez Rachel , Boettcher Anne , Powers Sean , Geitner Nick , Ladner David A. , Rikard Scott , Whelton Andrew J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn response to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, over 1 million gallons of dispersant were applied in Gulf of Mexico offshore waters; Corexit 9500 was the most applied dispersant. The impact on organisms in nearshore and freshwaters has received little scrutiny. Acute 48 h toxicity of Corexit 9500 and a new hyperbranched polyethylenimine (HPEI) dispersant‐like compound were evaluated for the freshwater indicator organism, Daphnia magna and for larval and early spat stages of the Eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. For D. magna, Corexit 9500 demonstrated toxicity (EC50 of 0.14 [0.13, 0.15] ppm) similar to the 10‐kDa HPEI (EC50 of 0.16 [0.12, 0.19] ppm). HPEI toxicity increased as a function of molecular weight (1.2 to 750 kDa). The 10 kDa size HPEI was further investigated because it dispersed crude oil with equal effectiveness as Corexit. For Corexit, 100% oyster mortality was detected for the ≤0.2‐mm size classes and mortality >50% for the 0.3‐ and 0.7‐mm size classes at the two greatest concentrations (25 and 50 ppm). HPEI (10 kDa) exhibited low mortality rates (<30%) for all concentrations for all oyster size classes except the 0.1‐mm class. Although mortality rates for this size class were up to 60%, mortality was still less than the mortality caused by Corexit 9500. The low toxicity of HPEI polymers for C. virginica in comparison with Corexit 9500 suggests that HPEI polymers warrant further study.
Food Price, Food Security and Dietary Diversity: A Comparative Study of Urban Cameroon and Ghana
Authors: KC Krishna Bahadur , Legwegoh Alexander F. , Therien Alex , Fraser Evan D.G. , Antwi‐Agyei Philip 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis paper contributes to the urban food security literature by presenting the results of 600 household surveys conducted in Ghana and Cameroon. In this, we show how dietary diversity, which is a well‐developed proxy for food security, is similar in both countries but varies significantly based on household demographic characteristics. In particular, smaller, better‐off and more educated households were likely to have higher levels of dietary diversity and were less likely to respond to rising food prices by reducing diets or shifting buying patterns. In addition, households that live in ‘primary’ cities that are large and well integrated into global markets also enjoyed higher levels of dietary diversity. This research contributes to debates around whether or not food security is enhanced by being integrated into global markets or whether it is better served through national or regional food systems. The evidence uncovered here suggests that for well‐off households, integration into global markets is probably preferable as such households enjoy more diverse diets. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disrupted carbon cycling in restored and unrestored urban streams: Critical timescales and controls
Authors: Larsen L. G. , Harvey J. W. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractCarbon fixation and respiration in flowing waterways play significant roles in global and regional carbon budgets, yet how land use and watershed management interact with temporal disturbances (storms) to influence metabolism remains poorly understood. Here, we combine long‐term with synoptic sampling of metabolism and its variable controls in neighboring watersheds of the Chesapeake Bay to resolve limiting factors and critical timescales associated with recovery from disturbance. We found that, relative to predictions of the river continuum concept, focal streams have “disrupted” carbon cycles, with carbon balances closer to zero, and, in some cases, tighter coupling between gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER), attributable to carbon limitation. Carbon became limiting to ER where flashy storm hydrographs and simplified channel geomorphology inhibited accumulation of fine sediment. Shannon entropy analysis of timescales revealed that fine sediment served as a time‐release capsule for nutrients and carbon over 4–6 months, fueling biogeochemical transformations. Loss of fines through hydraulic disturbance had up to 30‐d impacts on GPP and 50‐d impacts on ER in the stream with carbon limitation. In contrast, where GPP and ER were not tightly coupled, recovery occurred within 1 d. Results suggest that a complex interplay between nutrient and carbon limitation and mechanical and chemical disturbance governs patterns and consequences of disrupted carbon cycling in urban streams. Carbon limitation and tight GPP/ER coupling enhance the vulnerability of stream ecosystem functions, but best management practices that target stormflow reduction and channel geomorphic diversity can break that coupling and minimize carbon cycle disruptions.
Locking the Coplanar Conformation of π‐Conjugated Molecules and Macromolecules Using Dynamic Noncovalent Bonds
Authors: Zhu Congzhi , Fang Lei 
Published: June 2017

AbstractTorsional conformation of the backbone of a π‐conjugated molecule or macromolecule shapes its solubility, optoelectronic characteristics, rheological behaviors, and ultimately solid‐state functions. In order to tailor these molecular, supramolecular, and materials properties, the desired coplanar conformation in π‐conjugated systems can be locked by using dynamic noncovalent bonds. In this article, the syntheses, characterizations, and unique properties of conjugated molecules/polymers involving a variety of bridging noncovalent bonds are disussed in the context of coplanar backbone conformation. In addition, challenges in this specific field are identified and discussed for future breakthroughs in exploiting the promising potential of noncovalent‐bond‐bridged, π‐conjugated organic materials.
Recycling of glucagon receptor to plasma membrane increases in adipocytes of obese rats by soy protein; implications for glucagon resistance
Authors: Velázquez‐Villegas Laura A. , Tovar‐Palacio Claudia , Palacios‐González Berenice , Torres Nimbe , Tovar Armando R. , Díaz‐Villaseñor Andrea 
Published: June 2017

ScopeHyperglucagonemia contributes to hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Previously, we have found that soy protein normalized fasting hyperglucagonemia in obese Zucker (fa/fa) rats, sensitizing the HSL‐lipolytic signaling pathway in white adipose tissue (WAT), however the mechanism remains unknown.Methods and resultsZucker (fa/fa) rats were fed casein or soy protein diet in combination with soybean or coconut oil. Glucagon receptor (GR) was increased at the plasma membrane of adipocytes of rats fed soy protein compared to those fed casein, without changes in total GR abundance. The protein abundance of Rab4, a GTPase involved in GR fast recycling, was dramatically up‐regulated in adipocytes of rats fed soy protein. The proportion of GR bound to Rab4 or to RAMP2, involved in promoting GR ligand‐binding and G protein selectivity, increased when soy protein was combined with soybean oil as fat source. In rats fed soy protein with coconut oil, Rab11 levels, a protein involved in the slow recycling of GR, was also increased.ConclusionSoy protein increases GR recycling to the membrane of adipocytes and its ligand‐binding and G protein selectivity, suggesting, it could be used in T2D dietary treatment to reestablish glucagon sensitivity in WAT, leading to the regulation of circulating glucagon levels.
Characterization of pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling: Simulations and experimental validation
Authors: Lorenz Kathrin , Mildner Toralf , Schlumm Torsten , Möller Harald E. 
Published: June 2017

PurposeTo characterize pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) through simulations of spin inversion and to discuss suitable parameter settings for measuring cerebral perfusion.MethodsSimulations of arterial spin inversion in pCASL were performed based on the Bloch equation. Both the labeling and the control condition of pCASL were analyzed separately, and the labeling efficiency,
, was calculated depending on the averages of both, the radiofrequency (RF) field amplitude and labeling gradient strength. The influence of additional parameters characterizing the pCASL pulse sequence, such as the interpulse interval, the RF duty cycle, and the labeling gradient, also were studied. An echo‐planar imaging protocol utilizing a short repetition time was developed for experimental validation by estimating α in the internal carotid artery.ResultsThe effectiveness of the control condition of balanced pCASL crucially depends on both the labeling gradient amplitude and the RF duty cycle. The use of large values for both quantities improves the insensitivity to off‐resonance gradients caused by magnetic field inhomogeneities. In addition, balanced and unbalanced pCASL become comparably effective.ConclusionBy use of appropriate parameter settings, labeling efficiencies of around 90% are feasible, independent of expected off‐resonance gradients at 3T. Magn Reson Med 79:1638–1649, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Student obesity prevalence and behavioral outcomes for the Massachusetts Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration project
Authors: Franckle Rebecca L. , Falbe Jennifer , Gortmaker Steven , Barrett Jessica L. , Giles Catherine , Ganter Claudia , Blaine Rachel E. , Buszkiewicz James , Taveras Elsie M. , Kwass Jo‐Ann , Land Thomas , Davison Kirsten K. 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveTo examine changes in prevalence of obesity and target health behaviors (fruit, vegetable, and beverage consumption; physical activity; screen time; sleep duration) among students from communities that participated in the Massachusetts Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration (MA‐CORD) project compared to controls.MethodsMA‐CORD was implemented in two low‐income communities. School‐level prevalence of obesity among students in first, fourth, and seventh grades was calculated for the intervention communities and nine matched control communities pre and post intervention. Fourth‐ and seventh‐grade students’ self‐reported health behaviors were measured in intervention communities at baseline and post intervention.ResultsAmong seventh‐graders (the student group with greatest intervention exposure), a statistically significant decrease in prevalence of obesity from baseline to post intervention in Community 2 (−2.68%, P = 0.049) and a similar but nonsignificant decrease in Community 1 (−2.24%, P = 0.099) was observed. Fourth‐ and seventh‐grade students in both communities were more likely to meet behavioral targets post intervention for sugar‐sweetened beverages (both communities: P < 0.0001) and water (Community 1: P < 0.01; Community 2: P = 0.04) and in Community 2 for screen time (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThis multisector intervention was associated with a modest reduction in obesity prevalence among seventh‐graders in one community compared to controls, along with improvements in behavioral targets.
Optimization of buffer allocation in unreliable production lines based on availability evaluation
Authors: Zhou Bing‐hai , Liu Yu‐wang , Yu Jia‐di , Tao Da 
Published: June 2017

SummaryThe buffer allocation problem is an important issue in production lines design. In this paper, we present new evaluation and optimization methods to optimally allocate buffers in unreliable production lines. Through analyzing different states of the machines and buffers by Markov process and incorporating the aggregation method, we make an evaluation on the system availability, instead of the throughput rate of the line. The optimization method is proposed by combining particle swarm optimization and estimation of distribution algorithm to maximize the system availability. It generates the new populations by estimation of distribution algorithm and particle swarm optimization to take their respective advantages in global and local optimization. Numerical tests and simulations are performed to validate the performance of the evaluation and optimization methods. The results indicate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed methods.
Promises, pitfalls and practicalities of prenatal whole exome sequencing
Authors: Best Sunayna , Wou Karen , Vora Neeta , Van der Veyver Ignatia B. , Wapner Ronald , Chitty Lyn S. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPrenatal genetic diagnosis provides information for pregnancy and perinatal decision‐making and management. In several small series, prenatal whole exome sequencing (WES) approaches have identified genetic diagnoses when conventional tests (karyotype and microarray) were not diagnostic. Here, we review published prenatal WES studies and recent conference abstracts. Thirty‐one studies were identified, with diagnostic rates in series of five or more fetuses varying between 6.2% and 80%. Differences in inclusion criteria and trio versus singleton approaches to sequencing largely account for the wide range of diagnostic rates. The data suggest that diagnostic yields will be greater in fetuses with multiple anomalies or in cases preselected following genetic review.Beyond its ability to improve diagnostic rates, we explore the potential of WES to improve understanding of prenatal presentations of genetic disorders and lethal fetal syndromes. We discuss prenatal phenotyping limitations, counselling challenges regarding variants of uncertain significance, incidental and secondary findings, and technical problems in WES. We review the practical, ethical, social and economic issues that must be considered before prenatal WES could become part of routine testing. Finally, we reflect upon the potential future of prenatal genetic diagnosis, including a move towards whole genome sequencing and non‐invasive whole exome and whole genome testing. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety profile of H1‐antihistamines in pediatrics: an analysis based on data from VigiBase
Authors: Motola Domenico , Donati Monia , Biagi Chiara , Calamelli Elisabetta , Cipriani Francesca , Melis Mauro , Monaco Luca , Vaccheri Alberto , Ricci Giampaolo 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPurposeH1‐antihistamines are commonly used in infants and children for the relief of histamine‐mediated symptoms in a variety of conditions. Little is known about their safety profile in these patients. We performed a comparative analysis of the safety profiles of H1‐antihistamines using data from the WHO database (VigiBase).MethodsWe selected adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports on H1‐antihistamines in children (0–16 years) up to June 2014 from VigiBase. ADRs were codified according to MedDRA terminology. The reporting odds ratios (RORs) with 95% confidence for drug‐reaction pairs were calculated.ResultsThe analysis was performed on 8918 reports related to antihistamines, corresponding to 19503 drug reaction pairs for 68 different drugs. Most of reports involved children aged 2 to 6 years (32%) and 6 to 12 years (34%). Most reported drugs were cetirizine (1608 reports, corresponding to 18%), loratadine (16%), and diphenhydramine (10%). ADRs were classified as serious in 23% of cases, and 400 cases had a fatal outcome. We found a significant associations for several drug‐reaction pairs such as levocetirizine and epilepsy (ROR, 6.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.51–28.53) and chlorphenamine and toxic epidermal necrolysis (ROR, 7.29; 95% CI, 2.39–22.2).ConclusionsH1‐antihistamines are among the most used drugs in pediatrics, also in an off‐label manner. Our data highlights associations with serious and unexpected ADRs. Educative intervention to clinicians and parents are needed to help doctors to make proper choices on the drug treatment and for the early detection of ADRs to maximize the benefits and reduce the risk of ADRs in these patients.
vigiRank for statistical signal detection in pharmacovigilance: First results from prospective real‐world use
Authors: Caster Ola , Sandberg Lovisa , Bergvall Tomas , Watson Sarah , Norén G. Niklas 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPurposevigiRank is a data‐driven predictive model for emerging safety signals. In addition to disproportionate reporting patterns, it also accounts for the completeness, recency, and geographic spread of individual case reporting, as well as the availability of case narratives. Previous retrospective analysis suggested that vigiRank performed better than disproportionality analysis alone. The purpose of the present analysis was to evaluate its prospective performance.MethodsThe evaluation of vigiRank was based on real‐world signal detection in VigiBase. In May 2014, vigiRank scores were computed for pairs of new drugs and WHO Adverse Reaction Terminology critical terms with at most 30 reports from at least 2 countries. Initial manual assessments were performed in order of descending score, selecting a subset of drug‐adverse drug reaction pairs for in‐depth expert assessment. The primary performance metric was the proportion of initial assessments that were decided signals during in‐depth assessment. As comparator, the historical performance for disproportionality‐ guided signal detection in VigiBase was computed from a corresponding cohort of drug‐adverse drug reaction pairs assessed between 2009 and 2013. During this period, the requirement for initial manual assessment was a positive lower endpoint of the 95% credibility interval of the Information Component measure of disproportionality, observed for the first time.Results194 initial assessments suggested by vigiRank's ordering eventually resulted in 6 (3.1%) signals. Disproportionality analysis yielded 19 signals from 1592 initial assessments (1.2%; P < .05).ConclusionsCombining multiple strength‐of‐evidence aspects as in vigiRank significantly outperformed disproportionality analysis alone in real‐world pharmacovigilance signal detection, for VigiBase.