bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecology, adaptation, and function of methane‐sulfidic spring water biofilm microorganisms, including a strain of anaerobic fungus Mucor hiemalis
Authors: Hoque Enamul , Fritscher Johannes 
Published: May 2017

AbstractEcological aspects, adaptation, and some functions of a special biofilm and its unique key anaerobic fungus Mucor hiemalis strain EH11 isolated from a pristine spring (Künzing, Bavaria, Germany) are described. The spring's pure nature is characterized by, for example, bubbling methane, marine‐salinity, mild hydrothermal (~19.1°C), sulfidic, and reductive‐anoxic (Eh: −241 to −253 mV, O2: ≤ 0.1 mg/L) conditions. It is geoecologically located at the border zone between Bavarian Forest (crystalline rocky mountains) and the moor‐like Danube River valley, where geological displacements bring the spring's water from the deeper layers of former marine sources up to the surface. In the spring's outflow, a special biofilm with selective microorganisms consisting of archaea, bacteria, protozoa (ciliate), and fungus was found. Typical sulfidic‐spring bryophyta and macrozoobenthos were missing, but many halo‐ and anaerotolerant diatoms and ciliate Vorticella microstoma beside EH11 were identified. Phase contrast and scanning electron microscopy revealed the existence of a stabilizing matrix in the biofilm formed by the sessile fungal hyphae and the exopolysaccharide substance (EPS) structures, which harbors other microorganisms. In response to ecological adaptation pressure caused by methane bubbles, EH11 developed an atypical spring‐like hyphal morphology, similar to the spiral stalk of ciliate V. microstoma, to rise up with methane bubbles. For the first time, it was also demonstrated that under strict anaerobic conditions EH11 changes its asexual reproduction process by forming pseudosporangia via hyphal cell divisions as well as switching its metabolism to chemoautotrophic bacteria‐like anaerobic life using acetate as an e‐donor and ferrihydrite as an e‐acceptor, all without fermentation. EH11 can be suggested to be useful for the microbial community in the Künzing biofilm not only due to its physical stabilization of the biofilm's matrix but also due to its ecological functions in element recycling as well as a remover of toxic metals.
Genetic determination of body fat distribution and the attributive influence on metabolism
Authors: Fehlert Ellen , Wagner Róbert , Ketterer Caroline , Böhm Anja , Machann Jürgen , Fritsche Louise , Machicao Fausto , Schick Fritz , Staiger Harald , Stefan Norbert , Häring Hans‐Ulrich , Fritsche Andreas , Heni Martin 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveGenome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with estimates of body fat distribution. Using predefined risk allele scores, the correlation of these scores with precisely quantified body fat distribution assessed by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques and with metabolic traits was investigated.MethodsData from 4,944 MR scans from 915 subjects of European ancestry were analyzed. Body fat distribution was determined by MR imaging and liver fat content by 1H‐MR spectroscopy. All subjects underwent a five‐point 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test. A total of 65 SNPs with reported genome‐wide significant associations regarding estimates of body fat distribution were genotyped. Four genetic risk scores were created by summation of risk alleles.ResultsA higher allelic load of waist‐to‐hip ratio SNPs was associated with lower insulin sensitivity, higher postchallenge glucose levels, and more visceral and less subcutaneous fat mass.ConclusionsGWAS‐derived polymorphisms estimating body fat distribution are associated with distinct patterns of body fat distribution exactly measured by MR. Only the risk score associated with the waist‐to‐hip ratio in GWAS showed an unhealthy pattern of metabolism and body fat distribution. This score might be useful for predicting diseases associated with genetically determined, unhealthy obesity.
The polynomial chaos approach for reachable set propagation with application to chance‐constrained nonlinear optimal control under parametric uncertainties
Authors: Bergner Lilli , Kirches Christian 
Published: May 2017

SummaryOptimal control problems with parametric uncertainties frequently arise in control practice and can be addressed by means of a probabilistic robustification using the concept of chance constraints. In this article, we develop an efficient method based on the polynomial chaos expansion to compute nonlinear propagations of the reachable sets of all uncertain states and show how it can be used to approximate nonlinear and joint chance constraints. The strength of the obtained estimator in guaranteeing a satisfaction level is supported by providing an a priori error estimate with exponential convergence in case of sufficiently smooth solutions. The proposed approach is readily implemented in existing state‐of‐the‐art direct methods to optimal control and is evaluated for 2 real‐world nonlinear uncertain optimal control problems. The achieved level of robustness in terms of constraint satisfaction is verified by extensive Monte Carlo sampling.
Clinical outcomes following proton therapy for children with central nervous system tumors referred overseas
Authors: Indelicato Daniel J. , Bradley Julie A. , Sandler Eric S. , Aldana Philipp R. , Sapp Amy , Gains Jennifer E. , Crellin Adrian , Rotondo Ronny L. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundInternational, multidisciplinary care of children with central nervous system (CNS) tumors presents unique challenges. The aim of this study is to report patient outcomes of U.K. children referred for proton therapy to a North American facility.MethodsFrom 2008 to 2016, 166 U.K. children with approved CNS tumors were treated with proton therapy at a single academic medical center in the United States. Median age was 7 years (range, 1–19). Median follow‐up was 2.6 years.ResultsThe 3‐year actuarial overall survival (OS) and local control (LC) rates were 96% and 91%, respectively, for the overall group, 92% and 85% for the ependymoma subgroup (n = 57), 95% and 88% for the low‐grade glioma subgroup (n = 54), and 100% and 100%, respectively, for the craniopharyngioma subgroup (n = 45). Cyst expansion was observed in 13 patients, including one case resulting in visual impairment. Serious side effects included new‐onset seizures in three patients (1.8%), symptomatic vasculopathy in three patients (1.8%), and symptomatic brainstem necrosis in one patient (0.6%).ConclusionsIn this cohort of British children referred overseas for proton therapy, disease control does not appear compromised, toxicity is acceptable, and improvement in long‐term function is anticipated in survivors owing to the reduced brain exposure afforded by proton therapy.
The impact of the boxed warning on the duration of use for depot medroxprogesterone acetate
Authors: Eworuke Efe , Lee Joo‐Yeon , Soule Lisa , Popat Vaishali , Moeny David G. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the impact of the Food and Drug Administration's boxed warning on the utilization of depot medroxyprogesterone (DMPA).MethodsFrom the IMS Lifelink data (2001–2009), we identified DMPA and oral combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) users without a prescription claim 6 months before and after the first and last claim. Episodes were defined as all contiguous claims with no more than 90‐day DMPA or 30‐day CHC between claims. Days' supply (CHC) and 90‐day duration (DMPA) was used to determine episodes. We used interrupted time series to evaluate changes in the mean episode length and proportion of episodes >2 years before and after the Food and Drug Administration's November 2004 boxed warning. Stratified analyses by birth cohort were conducted.ResultsFrom 2001 to 2009, 126 528 DMPA and 651 356 CHC episodes were used for segmented regression. For the DMPA cohort, there was an immediate decline in the mean duration (−34.7 days [confidence interval: −45.4 to −24.1]) and episodes >2 years (−1.9% [confidence interval: −2.9% to −1.1%]) after the boxed warning. We did not observe any change in mean duration or episodes >2 years for the CHC cohort. The largest declines in mean duration and proportion >2 years were seen with the oldest women.ConclusionWe observed a modest decline in the mean duration and episodes >2 years for DMPA use immediately after the boxed warning not observed among CHC users. In the stratified analysis, we saw declines in the duration of use >2 years in all age groups, except adolescents who continue to use DMPA for longer than 2 years. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Characterization of Aging Behavior of Butacene® Based Composite Propellants by Loss Factor Curves
Authors: Seyidoglu Tijen , Bohn Manfred A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractButacene® is a polymeric binder with ferrocenyl groups chemically bonded to HTPB backbone. Through incorporation in the AP−Al composite propellant formulation, it leads to high burning rates (BR) >20 mm/s at 7 MPa, and low pressure exponents n<0.5, allowing more flexibility to the rocket design, keeping the characteristics (process, mechanical properties, pot‐life) of HTPB binder formulations together with a lower vulnerability (IM) contribution by Butacene®. The key molecular level characteristic of such HTPB based elastomeric binder systems of solid composite rocket propellants (SCRP) is the glass‐rubber transition region, which is mainly defined by the molecular mobility of the components in the polymeric network during the transition from energy to entropy elasticity with respect to temperature. The molecular rearrangement regions or binder mobility fractions related to the glass‐rubber transition of such composite propellants during storage are important in terms of in‐service time estimations. They are detectable by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Formulations with and without Butacene® were prepared and analyzed using the loss factor curves obtained by torsion DMA. A special modelling with so named Exponentially Modified Gaussian (EMG) distribution was used to define and quantify sub‐transition regions in the loss factor curve. SEM images revealed the network formation connected with AP bonding, which correlate to the tensile results. DMA loss factors revealed a strong oxidation with Butacene® containing formulations during aging. Burning rates of the formulations show slight increases with aging.
Effect of pathologic revision and Ki67 and ERG immunohistochemistry on predicting radical prostatectomy outcome in men initially on active surveillance
Authors: Bokhorst Leonard P. , Roobol Monique J. , Bangma Chris H. , van Leenders Geert J. 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo investigate if pathologic biopsy reevaluation and implementation of immunohistochemical biomarkers could improve prediction of radical prostatectomy outcome in men initially on active surveillance.MethodsBiopsy specimens from diagnosis until switching to radical prostatectomy in men initially on active surveillance in the Dutch part of the Prostate cancer Research International Active Surveillance (PRIAS) study were collected and revised by a single pathologist. Original and revised biopsy Gleason score were compared and correlated with radical prostatectomy Gleason score. Biopsy specimens were immunohistochemically stained for Ki67 and ERG. Predictive ability of clinical characteristics and biomarkers on Gleason ≥7 or ≥pT3 on radical prostatectomy was tested using logistic regression and ROC curve analysis.ResultsA total of 150 biopsies in 95 men were revised. In 13% of diagnostic or second‐to‐last biopsies and 20% of the last biopsies on active surveillance revision of Gleason score resulted in change of recommendation (ie, active treatment or active surveillance). Concordance with Gleason score on radical prostatectomy was however similar for both the revised and original Gleason on biopsy. Ki67 and ERG were not statistically significant predictors of Gleason ≥7 or ≥pT3 on radical prostatectomy.ConclusionsAlthough interobserver differences in pathology reporting on biopsy could result in a change of management strategy in approximately 13‐20% of men on active surveillance, both pathological revision and tested biomarkers (Ki67 and ERG) did not improve prediction of outcome on radical prostatectomy. Undersampling of most aggressive tumor remains the main focus in order to increase accurate grading at time of treatment decision making.
Not all breaks are equal: Variable hydrologic and geomorphic responses to intentional levee breaches along the lower Cosumnes River, California
Authors: Nichols A. L. , Viers J. H. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe transport of water and sediment from rivers to adjacent floodplains helps generate complex floodplain, wetland, and riparian ecosystems. However, riverside levees restrict lateral connectivity of water and sediment during flood pulses, making the re‐introduction of floodplain hydrogeomorphic processes through intentional levee breaching and removal an emerging floodplain restoration practice. Repeated topographic observations from levee breach sites along the lower Cosumnes River (USA) indicated that breach architecture influences floodplain and channel hydrogeomorphic processes. Where narrow breaches (<75 m) open onto graded floodplains, archetypal crevasse splays developed along a single dominant flowpath, with floodplain erosion in near‐bank areas and lobate splay deposition in distal floodplain regions. Narrow breaches opening into excavated floodplain channels promoted both transverse advection and turbulent diffusion of sediment into the floodplain channel, facilitating near‐bank deposition and potential breach closure. Wide breaches (>250 m) enabled multiple modes of water and sediment transport onto graded floodplains. Advective sediment transport along multiple flow paths generated overlapping crevasse splays, while turbulent diffusion promoted the formation of lateral levees through large wood and sediment accumulation in near‐bank areas. Channel incision (>2 m) upstream from a wide levee breach suggests that large flow diversions through such breaches can generate water surface drawdown during flooding, resulting in localized flow acceleration and upstream channel incision. Understanding variable hydrogeomorphic responses to levee breach architecture will help restoration managers design breaches that maximize desired floodplain topographic change while also minimizing potential undesirable consequences such as levee breach closure or channel incision.
Tracheal Replacement Therapy with a Stem Cell-Seeded Graft: Lessons from Compassionate Use Application of a GMP-Compliant Tissue-Engineered Medicine
Authors: Elliott Martin J. , Butler Colin R. , Varanou-Jenkins Aikaterini , Partington Leanne , Carvalho Carla , Samuel Edward , Crowley Claire , Lange Peggy , Hamilton Nicholas J. , Hynds Robert E. , Ansari Tahera , Sibbons Paul , Fierens Anja , McLaren Claire , Roebuck Derek , Wallis Colin , Muthialu Nagarajan , Hewitt Richard , Crabbe David , Janes Sam M. , De Coppi Paolo , Lowdell Mark W. , Birchall Martin A. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Tracheal replacement for the treatment of end-stage airway disease remains an elusive goal. The use of tissue-engineered tracheae in compassionate use cases suggests that such an approach is a viable option. Here, a stem cell-seeded, decellularized tissue-engineered tracheal graft was used on a compassionate basis for a girl with critical tracheal stenosis after conventional reconstructive techniques failed. The graft represents the first cell-seeded tracheal graft manufactured to full good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards. We report important preclinical and clinical data from the case, which ended in the death of the recipient. Early results were encouraging, but an acute event, hypothesized to be an intrathoracic bleed, caused sudden airway obstruction 3 weeks post-transplantation, resulting in her death. We detail the clinical events and identify areas of priority to improve future grafts. In particular, we advocate the use of stents during the first few months post-implantation. The negative outcome of this case highlights the inherent difficulties in clinical translation where preclinical in vivo models cannot replicate complex clinical scenarios that are encountered. The practical difficulties in delivering GMP grafts underscore the need to refine protocols for phase I clinical trials.
Planning for Technology Integration in a Professional Learning Community
Authors: Thoma Jennifer , Hutchison Amy , Johnson Debra , Johnson Kurt , Stromer Elizabeth 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBarriers to technology integration in instruction include a lack of time, resources, and professional development. One potential approach to overcoming these barriers is through collaborative work, or professional learning communities. This article focuses on one group of teachers who leveraged their professional learning community to focus on integrating technology into their literacy instruction. Through this experience, teachers changed the way they approached technology integration. This article adds to the current literature on professional development and technology integration by exploring the perspectives of three fifth‐grade teachers working in a collaborative learning community over a period of one year. Implications from this experience suggest that using common formative assessments, providing ample time to learn together, and using a facilitator can help teachers work together effectively to integrate technology into literacy instruction.
Adaptive capacity: exploring the research frontier
Authors: Mortreux Colette , Barnett Jon 
Published: May 2017

In the past 15 years there has been rapid growth in research on adaptive capacity. This article critically reviews this literature, describing changes in the field over time, and highlighting the new frontiers in research. It explains how research on adaptive capacity began and remains heavily influenced by a one‐size‐fits‐all assets‐based theory that assumes that adaptation action is commensurate with the possession of capitals. It explains how this theory has been unable to explain how adaptation is actually practiced across diverse contexts and scales. The article then highlights new research, particularly that which extends analysis to include psycho‐social and institutional dimensions applied at smaller scales of analysis. This shift recognizes and helps overcome the limits of traditional approaches to adaptive capacity, but the field still lacks theories that can explain the relationship between adaptive capacity and adaptation outcomes. Drawing on findings from disaster risk reduction and behavioral science literatures, this article outlines a framework comprised of six factors that better explain how capacity is translated and mobilized into action, namely: risk attitudes, personal experience, trust in and expectations of authorities, place attachment, competing concerns, and household composition and dynamics.WIREs Clim Change2017, 8:e467. doi: 10.1002/wcc.467This article is categorized under:Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Institutions for Adaptation
Protein design: from computer models to artificial intelligence
Authors: Paladino Antonella , Marchetti Filippo , Rinaldi Silvia , Colombo Giorgio 
Published: May 2017

The rational design of novel biomolecules with desired functional properties is one of the most fascinating challenges in science, with implications at the fundamental and practical levels. From the fundamental point of view, the design of proteins able to support nonnatural reactivities represents the decisive test on our understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which biomolecules operate. From the practical point of view, new designs may open the way to applications in a wide variety of fields, ranging from health to life science, and from catalysis to material sciences. During the past decades, we have witnessed an amazing transition in the application of computational methods to protein and enzyme design, from simple fold prediction to ab initio structural design. Herein, we review key areas and fundamental aspects of research in the design of protein structures, interactions, and reactivities. We also provide our perspective on the exciting range of developments that are made possible by the integration of innovations in hardware, software, and theory, while keeping an eye on the applications, challenges, and opportunities that can open up in many different domains of science. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2017, 7:e1318. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1318This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics
Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Dynamics and Monte-Carlo Methods
Electrophysiological analysis of synaptic transmission in Drosophila
Authors: Bykhovskaia Maria , Vasin Alexander 
Published: May 2017

Synaptic transmission is dynamic, plastic, and highly regulated. Drosophila is an advantageous model system for genetic and molecular studies of presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms and plasticity. Electrical recordings of synaptic responses represent a wide‐spread approach to study neuronal signaling and synaptic transmission. We discuss experimental techniques that allow monitoring synaptic transmission in Drosophila neuromuscular and central systems. Recordings of synaptic potentials or currents at the larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ) are most common and provide numerous technical advantages due to robustness of the preparation, large and identifiable muscles, and synaptic boutons which can be readily visualized. In particular, focal macropatch recordings combined with the analysis of neurosecretory quanta enable rigorous quantification of the magnitude and kinetics of transmitter release. Patch‐clamp recordings of synaptic transmission from the embryonic NMJ enable overcoming the problem of lethality in mutant lines. Recordings from the adult NMJ proved instrumental in the studies of temperature‐sensitive paralytic mutants. Genetic studies of behavioral learning in Drosophila compel an investigation of synaptic transmission in the central nervous system (CNS), including primary cultured neurons and an intact brain. Cholinergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission has been recorded from the Drosophila CNS both in vitro and in vivo. In vivo patch‐clamp recordings of synaptic transmission from the neurons in the olfactory pathway is a very powerful approach, which has a potential to elucidate how synaptic transmission is associated with behavioral learning. WIREs Dev Biol 2017, 6:e277. doi: 10.1002/wdev.277This article is categorized under:

Signaling Pathways > Global Signaling Mechanisms
Invertebrate Organogenesis > Flies
Technologies > Analysis of Cell, Tissue, and Animal Phenotypes