bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlates of obesity-related chronic ventilatory failure
Authors: Manuel Ari R , Hart Nicholas , Stradling John R 
Published: February 2016

IntroductionOnly a third of obese patients develop chronic ventilatory failure. This cross-sectional study assessed multiple factors potentially associated with chronic ventilatory failure.Materials/patients and methodsParticipants had a body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2, with or without chronic ventilatory failure (awake arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide >6 kPa or base excess (BE) ≥2 mmols/L). Factors investigated were grouped into domains: (1) obesity measures, (2) pulmonary function, (3) respiratory and non-respiratory muscle strength, (4) sleep study derivatives, (5) hypoxic and hypercapnic responses, and (6) some hormonal, nutritional and inflammatory measures.Results71 obese participants (52% male) were studied over 27 months, 52 (SD 9) years and BMI 47 (range 32–74) kg/m2. The best univariate correlates of BE from each domain were: (1) dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurement of visceral fat (r=+0.50, p=0.001); (2) supine forced expiratory volume in 1 s (r=−0.40, p=0.001); (3) sniff maximum pressure (r=−0.28, p=0.02); (4) mean overnight arterial oxygen saturation (r=−0.50, p<0.001); (5) ventilatory response to 15% O2breathing (r=−0.28, p=0.02); and (6) vitamin D (r=−0.30, p=0.01). In multivariate analysis, only visceral fat and ventilatory response to hypoxia remained significant.ConclusionsWe have confirmed that in the obese, BMI is a poor correlate of chronic ventilatory failure, and the best independent correlates are visceral fat and hypoxic ventilatory response.Trial registration numberNCT01380418.
Usual alcohol consumption and suicide mortality among the Korean elderly in rural communities: Kangwha Cohort Study
Authors: Yi Sang-Wook , Jung Myoungjee , Kimm Heejin , Sull Jae-Woong , Lee Eunsook , Lee Kwang Ok , Ohrr Heechoul 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundThe evidence from prospective studies on whether greater usual alcohol consumption is associated with a higher risk of death by suicide in the general population is inconclusive.Methods6163 participants (2635 men; 3528 women) in a 1985 survey among rural residents in Korea aged 55 years and above were followed until 2008. A Cox model was used to calculate HRs of suicide death after adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic and health-related confounders.Results37 men and 24 women died by suicide. Elderly persons who consumed alcohol daily, 70 g alcohol (5 drinks) or more per drinking day, or 210 g alcohol (15 drinks) or more per week had higher suicide mortality (p<0.05), compared with non-drinkers. An increase of one drinking day per week (HR=1.17, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.31), 70 g (5 drinks) additional alcohol intake per drinking day (HR=1.38, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.70), and 140 g (10 drinks) additional alcohol intake per week was associated with a 17%, 38% and 12% higher risk of suicide death, respectively. Women had a higher relative risk of suicide death associated with alcohol consumption, compared with men.ConclusionsA greater frequency and amount of usual alcohol consumption was linearly associated with higher suicide death. Given the same amount of alcohol consumption, women might have a higher relative risk of suicide than men. Our findings support ‘the lower the better’ for alcohol intake, no protective effect of moderate alcohol consumption, and a sex-specific guideline (lower alcohol threshold for women) as actions to prevent suicide death.
Effect of electric field on Fe2O3 nanowire growth during thermal oxidation
Authors: Zhao Chunwang , Xue Yannan , Jin Yongjun 
Published: February 2016

A direct current of 5 A was applied to narrow strips of iron foil in air to synthesize iron oxide nanowires (NWs) via thermal oxidation route of resistive heating. Transverse electric fields of 0–4000 V/m were applied perpendicularly to the surface of the iron foil during thermal oxidations. Results showed that the Fe2O3 NW array can grow perpendicularly on that surface by using this kind of thermal oxidation method. Transverse electric fields applied during thermal oxidation significantly affected the morphology of the Fe2O3 NW array. With increasing strength of the transverse electric fields, the Fe2O3 NWs became much longer, thinner and denser in distribution, and the diameters became more uniform. Furthermore, solid state based-up diffusion growth mechanism for the Fe2O3 NW array was confirmed by thermal oxidation.
FITNESS LANDSCAPE EPISTASIS AND RECOMBINATION
Authors: DEL RÍO MANUEL BELTRÁN , STEPHENS CHRISTOPHER R. , ROSENBLUETH DAVID A. 
Published: February 2016

Homologous recombination is an important operator in the evolution of biological organisms. However, there is still no clear, generally accepted understanding of why it exists and under what circumstances it is useful. In this paper, we consider its utility in the context of an infinite population haploid model with selection and homologous recombination. We define utility in terms of two metrics — the increase in frequency of fit genotypes, and the increase in average population fitness, relative to those associated with selection only. Explicitly, we explore the full parameter space of a two-locus two-allele system, showing, as a function of the landscape and the initial population, that recombination is beneficial in terms of these metrics in two distinct regimes: a relatively landscape independent regime — the search regime — where recombination aids in the search for a fit genotype that is absent or at low frequency in the population; and the modular regime, where recombination allows for the juxtaposition of fit “modules” or Building Blocks (BBs). Thus, we conclude that the ubiquity and utility of recombination is intimately associated with the existence of modularity and redundancy in biological fitness landscapes.
Formation of arc-shaped orogenic belts in the Western and Central Mediterranean: a palaeomagnetic review
Authors: Cifelli Francesca , Caricchi Chiara , Mattei Massimo 
Published: February 2016

Abstract

During the past few decades, palaeomagnetism has been used as a powerful tool for constraining kinematic models of curved orogenic systems, because of its great potential in quantifying vertical axis rotations and in discriminating between primary and secondary (orocline
s.l.
) arcs. The Mediterranean area has represented an attractive region to apply palaeomagnetic analysis, as it shows a large number of narrow arcs, defining an irregular and rather diffuse plate boundary. This paper is intended to be an updated review on the contribution of palaeomagnetism to the reconstruction of the Neogene geodynamic evolution of the arc-shaped orogenic belts in the Western and Central Mediterranean Basin. The Gibraltar Arc, the Northern Apennines and the Calabria Arc are here described, underlining the common and the different features that characterize these arcuate mountain chains. In particular, the mechanisms that lead to the present-day shape of these arcs (the subduction process) will be discussed, in the general framework of the geometry and space–time evolution of the Mediterranean subduction system.
Activation of the MDA-5–IPS-1 Viral Sensing Pathway Induces Cancer Cell Death and Type I IFN-Dependent Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Yu Xiaofei , Wang Hongxia , Li Xia , Guo Chunqing , Yuan Fang , Fisher Paul B. , Wang Xiang-Yang 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Melanoma differentiation–associated gene 5 (MDA-5, IFIH1), a cytosolic innate pattern recognition receptor, functions as a first line of defense against viral infection by sensing double-stranded RNA. Ectopic expression of MDA-5 has been shown to induce cancer cell death, but the mechanism of action by which MDA-5 exerts these cytotoxic effects is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that ectopic expression of MDA-5 via replication-incompetent adenovirus (Ad.Mda-5) initiates multiple signaling cascades, culminating in cytotoxicity and type I IFN production in mouse and human prostate cancer cells. This intrinsic dual activity of MDA-5 required the adaptor protein IFNβ promoter stimulator 1 (IPS-1, MAVS) and could be functionally uncoupled. MDA-5 lacking N-terminal caspase recruitment domains (CARD) engaged an intracellular death program in cancer cells but was unable to efficiently stimulate the expression of IFNβ. In contrast to cancer cells susceptible to MDA-5–mediated cytotoxicity, normal cells were highly resistant and instead developed a robust type I IFN response. Strikingly, intratumoral delivery of Ad.Mda-5 led to regression of preestablished prostate cancers and development of long-lasting antitumor immune memory, which was primarily attributed to the activation of tumor-reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes and/or natural killer cells. Using the CARD-truncated MDA-5 mutant, silencing of IPS-1, and antibody blockade of the IFNα/β receptor, we further demonstrate that type I IFN signaling was crucial for in situ MDA-5–induced protective antitumor immunity. Therefore, deliberately targeting the evolutionarily conserved MDA-5–IPS-1 antiviral pathway in tumors can provoke parallel tumoricidal and immunostimulatory effects that bridge innate and adaptive immune responses for the therapeutic treatment of cancer. Cancer Res; 76(8); 2166–76. ©2016 AACR.
Mitochondrial Reprogramming Regulates Breast Cancer Progression
Authors: Kannan Anbarasu , Wells Robert B. , Sivakumar Subramaniam , Komatsu Satoshi , Singh Karan P. , Samten Buka , Philley Julie V. , Sauter Edward R. , Ikebe Mitsuo , Idell Steven , Gupta Sudeep , Dasgupta Santanu 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Purpose: The goal of this study was to understand the role of altered mitochondrial function in breast cancer progression and determine the potential of the molecular alteration signature in developing exosome-based biomarkers.
Experimental Design: This study was designed to characterize the critical components regulating mitochondrial function in breast tumorigenesis. Experiments were conducted to assess the potential of these molecules for exosome-based biomarker development.
Results: We observed a remarkable reduction in spontaneous metastases through the interplay in mitochondria by SH3GL2, vesicular endocytosis–associated protein and MFN2, an important regulator of mitochondrial fusion. Following its overexpression in breast cancer cells, SH3GL2 translocated to mitochondria and induced the production of superoxide and release of cytochrome C from mitochondria to the cytoplasm. These molecular changes were accompanied by decreased lung and liver metastases and primary tumor growth. SH3GL2 depletion reversed the above phenotypic and associated molecular changes in nontumorigenic and tumorigenic breast epithelial cells. Loss of SH3GL2 and MFN2 expression was evident in primary human breast cancer tissues and their positive lymph nodes, which was associated with disease progression. SH3GL2 and MFN2 expression was detected in sera exosomes of normal healthy women, but barely detectable in the majority of the women with breast cancer exhibiting SH3GL2 and MFN2 loss in their primary tumors.
Conclusions: This study identified a new mitochondria reprogramming pathway influencing breast cancer progression through SH3GL2 and MFN2. These proteins were frequently lost in breast cancer, which was traceable in the circulating exosomes. Clin Cancer Res; 22(13); 3348–60. ©2016 AACR.
Detection of a global aquatic invasive amphibian, Xenopus laevis, using environmental DNA
Authors: Secondi Jean , Dejean Tony , Valentini Alice , Audebaud Benjamin , Miaud Claude 
Published: February 2016

Detection is crucial in the study and control of invasive species but it may be limited by methodological issues. In amphibians, classical survey techniques exhibit variable detection probability depending on species and are often constrained by climatic conditions often requiring several site visits. Furthermore, detection may be reduced at low density because probability capture (passive traps), or activity (acoustic surveys) drop. Such limits may impair the study of invasive species because low density is typical of the onset of colonisation on a site. In the last few years, environmental DNA (eDNA) methods have proved their ability to detect the presence of aquatic species. We developed here an eDNA method to detectXenopus laevisin ponds. This austral African species is now present worldwide because of its use in biology and as a pet. Populations have settled and expanded on several continents so that it is now considered as one of the major invasive amphibians in the World. We detected the presence ofX. laevisat density as low as 1 ind/100 m2and found a positive relationship between density in ponds and rate of DNA amplification. Results show that eDNA can be successfully applied to survey invasive populations ofX. laeviseven at low density in order to confirm suspected cases of introduction, delimit the expansion of a colonized range, or monitor the efficiency of a control program.
Mahādeva in Dunhuang
Authors: Borgland Jens Wilhelm 
Published: February 2016

Mahādeva, the “Indian Oedipus”, is in some sources blamed for the initial schism between the two main branches of the early Buddhist sects, the Mahāsāṃghikas and the Sthaviras. In this paper I examine a version of the story of Mahādeva found in the Tibetan Dunhuang manuscript labelled IOL Tib J 26, showing that it contains evidence supporting the hypothesis that this story reached Tibet through China. I further show that this Dunhuang manuscript contains an older version of the corresponding section in an early Tibetan history of Buddhism, Mkhas pa lde’u’s Rgya bod kyi chos ’byuṅ rgyas pa (“Extensive history of Buddhism in India and Tibet”).
Role of Large-Scale Circulation and Terrain in Causing Extreme Heat in Western North China
Authors: Chen Ruidan , Lu Riyu 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that, because of its particular location on the southeastern lee side of mountains, extreme heat (EH) over western north China (WNC) is affected by the foehn phenomenon. In this study, the EH days during summer over this region are categorized into foehn-favorable EH and no-foehn EH, according to whether there are anomalous northwesterlies over mountains, and composite analyses are performed on them. The analyzed results indicate that the no-foehn EH is characterized by an anticyclonic anomaly and a large-scale higher surface air temperature, while the foehn-favorable EH is featured by a cyclonic anomaly to the northeast and a localized higher temperature. Associated with the cyclonic anomaly, northwesterlies prevail over the mountain surface and provide a favorable environment for the occurrence of the foehn effect over WNC, which is located on the southeastern lee side of mountains. That is, both cyclonic and anticyclonic anomalies can induce EH over WNC (i.e., foehn-favorable EH and no-foehn EH, respectively). Further investigation indicates that large-scale cyclonic and anticyclonic anomalies tend to favor local descent and ascent anomalies over the lee side, respectively, through interaction with the particular terrain. Therefore, large-scale circulations and local terrain-induced winds play an offsetting role in affecting the surface air temperatures over WNC, and EH occurs when anomalous large-scale anticyclone or terrain-induced descent dominate. This study implies that attention should be paid to not only the upper-level/large-scale circulations but also to their impact on lower-level/local winds for temperature variability over the places with great topographic relief worldwide.
In vivo diffusion tensor imaging of chronic spinal cord compression: a rat model with special attention to the conus medullaris
Authors: Zhao Peng , Kong Chao , Chen Xueming , Guan Hua , Yu Zhenshan , Cui Libin , Wang Yanhui , Yuan Xin 
Published: February 2016

Background Few studies have focused on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters of the conus medullaris after chronic compression in the cervical spinal cord. Purpose To discuss the correlation of DTI parameters between the chronically compressed cervical spinal cord and the conus medullaris in a rat model at different time points. Material and Methods Fifty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into five groups: control group (group A), sham group (group B), and test groups C, D, and E (1, 2, and 3 weeks after compression, respectively). Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the cervical spinal cord and conus medullaris were compared among different groups. Correlations of ADC and FA values of the cervical spinal cord with those of the conus medullaris were performed in all groups. Results The ADC values at the cervical spinal cord and conus medullaris in all test groups were higher than those of group A and B, while the FA values were lower. The ADC value of the cervical spinal cord was linearly correlated with that of the conus medullaris only in group D. There were no linear correlations of FA values between the cervical spinal cord and the conus medullaris in all test groups. Conclusion After compression of the cervical spinal cord, ADC values of the cervical spinal cord and conus medullaris in test group were significantly increased, while FA values were significantly decreased. The ADC value of the cervical spinal cord was linearly correlated with that of the conus medullaris at 2 weeks after compression.
Comparison of long-labeled pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (ASL) features between young and elderly adults: special reference to parameter selection
Authors: Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Matsuda Tsuyoshi , Kanamoto Masayuki , Tsuchida Tatsuro , Tsuji Kazunobu , Kosaka Nobuyuki , Adachi Toshiki , Kimura Hirohiko 
Published: February 2016

Background The signal intensity obtained by arterial spin labeling (ASL) depends not only on perfusion signal, but also on arterial transit time (ATT). Although ATT has a more significant effect on accurate regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) calculations, the multiple post-labeling delay (PLD) approach is difficult to use in routine examinations. Purpose To optimize imaging parameters for labeling duration (LD) and PLD and to confirm their validity in long-labeled pseudo-continuous ASL. Material and Methods The perfusion signal was simulated in four LDs and theoretical signal-to-noise ratio efficiency (SNReff) was calculated. In vivo studies were performed on a 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner and 15 volunteers were categorized into either the young or elderly adult groups. We compared the differences in CBF values with or without ATT correction. Results Regarding signal simulation, perfusion signal increased with the length of LD. SNReff also improved with LD, but SNReff plateaued at an LD of 3.0 s. As for the in vivo study, SNR linearly increased along with the LD. The CBF differences with the correction of ATT were larger in the elderly adult group. This trend was most prominent in the longer ATT area in the occipital cortical region. Conclusion A combination of imaging settings of LD = 3.5 s and PLD = 2.0 s were suggested as optimal imaging parameters for allowing acceptable CBF quantification and sufficient SNR in both young and elderly individuals.
A survey of subcutaneous blood flow in patients with SMID and subcutaneous ceftazidime administration using mentholated warm compresses in healthy subjects
Authors: Ebihara Tsuyoshi , Oshima Shinji , Yasuda Yuko , Okita Mitsuyoshi , Ohara Kousuke , Negishi Akio , Ohshima Shigeru , Iwasaki Hiroyuki , Yoneyama Akira , Kitazumi Eiji , Kobayashi Daisuke 
Published: February 2016

Objectives To investigate subcutaneous blood flow rate (SBFR) in healthy volunteers and patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities (SMID), and evaluate the effect of mentholated warm compresses (MWCs) on SBFR and subcutaneous ceftazidime absorption in healthy volunteers. Methods SBFR at the forearm, chest and abdomen were evaluated in Japanese healthy volunteers and in adults with SMID. The effects of MWCs on blood flow rate and ceftazidime pharmacokinetics were evaluated in healthy volunteers. Results SBFR was significantly lower in the forearms of female patients with SMID ( n = 11) than in the forearms of healthy females ( n = 6); it was not significantly lower in the abdomen or chest. There were no significant differences between male patients ( n = 18) or controls ( n = 12) in SBFR at any site. MWC application increased SBFR 1.3- to 2.0-fold compared with baseline in healthy controls ( n = 6). MWC application increased ceftazidime maximum blood concentration, SBFR and time above mutant prevention concentration in a single healthy subject. Conclusions Abdominal SBFR in patients with SMID did not differ from that of healthy subjects. MWC application increases SBFR and subcutaneous drug absorption rate in healthy humans.
Fasciotomy for Deep Posterior Compartment Syndrome in the Lower Leg
Authors: Winkes Michiel B. , van Zantvoort Aniek P.M. , de Bruijn Johan A. , Smeets Stef J.M. , van der Cruijsen-Raaijmakers Marike , Hoogeveen Adwin R. , Scheltinga Marc R. 
Published: February 2016

Background: Patients with exercise-induced lower leg pain may suffer from deep posterior chronic exertional compartment syndrome (dp-CECS). Current evidence for the efficacy of surgery is based on retrospective studies. Effects of fasciotomy on symptoms associated with dp-CECS have not been systematically studied, and reasons for unsuccessful surgery are unknown. Purpose: To report the short- and long-term effects of fasciotomy on pain, tightness, and cramps in a prospective cohort of patients with isolated dp-CECS. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Between September 2011 and January 2015, pain, tightness, cramps, muscle weakness, and diminished sensation were scored (5-item verbal rating scale ranging from very severe [5 points] to absent [1 point]) in patients with dp-CECS before and after fasciotomy. Outcomes were graded as excellent, good, moderate, fair, or poor. Fair and poor cases were again analyzed during a follow-up visit in the outpatient department. Results: Forty-four patients underwent surgery for isolated dp-CECS. Short-term follow-up (median, 4 months; range, 3-7 months) was complete in 42 of the 44 patients (95%; median patient age, 23 years; 23 male; 64 operated legs). Long-term follow-up (median, 27 months; range, 12-42 months) was complete in 34 of 37 eligible patients (92%). Before surgery, exertional pain was very severe (27%) or severe (61%). Fasciotomy improved all symptoms, both in the short term (preoperative vs postoperative pain, 4.1 ± 0.6 vs 2.3 ± 1.1; P < .001) and the long term (pain, 4.2 ± 0.6 vs 2.7 ± 1.3; P < .001). Levels of tightness, cramps, muscle weakness, and diminished sensation demonstrated similar significant improvements. Short- and long-term symptom scores did not differ. The short-term outcome was excellent in 29%, good in 29%, moderate in 21%, fair in 12%, and poor in 10% of patients. In the long term, outcomes were similar (excellent, 12%; good, 35%; moderate, 24%; fair, 18%; and poor, 12%). An unsatisfactory outcome (fair or poor) was often caused by alternative types of CECS (eg, anterior or lateral CECS) or to medial tibial stress syndrome. Based on their outcome, 76% of patients would opt for surgery again. Conclusion: Fasciotomy was beneficial in 71% of patients with dp-CECS in the lower leg; 47% of study patients experienced a good to excellent outcome. Outcomes were stable in the long term. Persistent complaints were often caused by other untreated conditions.