bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discovery of novel vitamin D‐regulated proteins in INS‐1 cells: a proteomic approach
Authors: Pepaj Milaim , Bredahl May K. , Gjerlaugsen Nina , Bornstedt Mette E. , Thorsby Per M. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundExperimental evidence indicates that vitamin D may have a beneficial role in pancreatic β‐cell function. Global gene expression studies have shown that the active metabolite 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25‐(OH)2D3] modulates genes involved in ion transport, lipid metabolism and insulin secretion.MethodsWe employed stable isotope labelling by amino acids in cell culture in combination with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry to quantitatively assess the impact of two vitamin D metabolites, 1,25‐(OH)2D3 and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 [25‐(OH)D3], on global protein expression on a model rat β‐cell line, insulinoma‐derived INS‐1 cells.ResultsAlthough treatment with 1,25‐(OH)2D3 resulted in 31 differentially expressed proteins, 25‐(OH)D3 had no impact on protein expression. Of these 31 proteins, 29 were upregulated, whereas two showed a decrease in abundance. Proteins whose expression levels markedly increased in the presence of 1,25‐(OH)2D3 included Crat, Hmgn2, Protein Tmsbl1 and Gdap1. One of the most important findings in this study is upregulation of proteins implicated in insulin granule motility and insulin exocytosis, suggesting a positive effect on insulin secretion. Moreover, modulation of several membrane transport proteins suggests that 1,25‐(OH)2D3 has an impact on the homeostatic regulation of ions, which is critical for most functions in the β‐cell.ConclusionsIn this study, we discovered a number of novel 1,25‐(OH)2D3‐regulated proteins, which may contribute to a better understanding of the reported beneficial effects of vitamin D on pancreatic β‐cells. All in all, our findings should pave the way for future studies providing insights into molecular mechanisms by which 1,25‐(OH)2D3 regulates protein expression in pancreatic β‐cells. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The risks of learning: confounding detection and demographic trend when using count‐based indices for population monitoring
Authors: Gervasi Vincenzo , Brøseth Henrik , Gimenez Olivier , Nilsen Erlend B. , Linnell John D. C. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractTheory recognizes that a treatment of the detection process is required to avoid producing biased estimates of population rate of change. Still, one of three monitoring programmes on animal or plant populations is focused on simply counting individuals or other fixed visible structures, such as natal dens, nests, tree cavities. This type of monitoring design poses concerns about the possibility to respect the assumption of constant detection, as the information acquired in a given year about the spatial distribution of reproductive sites can provide a higher chance to detect the species in subsequent years. We developed an individual‐based simulation model, which evaluates how the accumulation of knowledge about the spatial distribution of a population process can affect the accuracy of population growth rate estimates, when using simple count‐based indices. Then, we assessed the relative importance of each parameter in affecting monitoring performance. We also present the case of wolverines (Gulo gulo) in southern Scandinavia as an example of a monitoring system with an intrinsic tendency to accumulate knowledge and increase detectability. When the occupation of a nest or den is temporally autocorrelated, the monitoring system is prone to increase its knowledge with time. This happens also when there is no intensification in monitoring effort and no change in the monitoring conditions. Such accumulated knowledge is likely to increase detection probability with time and can produce severe bias in the estimation of the rate and direction of population change over time. We recommend that a systematic sampling of the population process under study and an explicit treatment of the underlying detection process should be implemented whenever economic and logistical constraints permit, as failure to include detection probability in the estimation of population growth rate can lead to serious bias and severe consequences for management and conservation.
MODISTools – downloading and processing MODIS remotely sensed data in R
Authors: Tuck Sean L. , Phillips Helen R.P. , Hintzen Rogier E. , Scharlemann Jörn P.W. , Purvis Andy , Hudson Lawrence N. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractRemotely sensed data – available at medium to high resolution across global spatial and temporal scales – are a valuable resource for ecologists. In particular, products from NASA's MODerate‐resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), providing twice‐daily global coverage, have been widely used for ecological applications. We present MODISTools, an R package designed to improve the accessing, downloading, and processing of remotely sensed MODIS data. MODISTools automates the process of data downloading and processing from any number of locations, time periods, and MODIS products. This automation reduces the risk of human error, and the researcher effort required compared to manual per‐location downloads. The package will be particularly useful for ecological studies that include multiple sites, such as meta‐analyses, observation networks, and globally distributed experiments. We give examples of the simple, reproducible workflow that MODISTools provides and of the checks that are carried out in the process. The end product is in a format that is amenable to statistical modeling. We analyzed the relationship between species richness across multiple higher taxa observed at 526 sites in temperate forests and vegetation indices, measures of aboveground net primary productivity. We downloaded MODIS derived vegetation index time series for each location where the species richness had been sampled, and summarized the data into three measures: maximum time‐series value, temporal mean, and temporal variability. On average, species richness covaried positively with our vegetation index measures. Different higher taxa show different positive relationships with vegetation indices. Models had high R2 values, suggesting higher taxon identity and a gradient of vegetation index together explain most of the variation in species richness in our data. MODISTools can be used on Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms, and is available from CRAN and GitHub (https://github.com/seantuck12/MODISTools).
Proposed design models for the asymmetric friction connection
Authors: Khoo Hsen‐Han , Clifton Charles , MacRae Gregory , Zhou Hao , Ramhormozian Shahab 
Published: December 2014

SummaryThe Asymmetric Friction Connection (AFC) remains elastic during moderate earthquake shaking but slides and dissipates energy through friction during severe earthquake shaking. The sliding friction forces developed are dependent on the clamping force in the connection which is provided by fully tensioned bolts which pass through slotted holes. During sliding these bolts are subject to moment and shear as well as axial force. Moment–shear–axial force interaction reduces the clamping axial force on the sliding interfaces thereby reducing the sliding shear resistance (Vss). Two methods to evaluate the moment–shear–axial force interaction have been proposed so that the sliding shear strength can be quantified, but as yet, these methods are not robust. This paper describes the results of 60 tests undertaken to improve the two methods, namely the moment–shear–axial force bolt model and the effective coefficient of friction method, for AFCs with high hardness steel shims. The bolts were M16 to M30 bolts and cleat thicknesses ranged from 12 mm to 25 mm. It is shown that either method may be used in design as the results obtained are similar. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interaction between nickel and cobalt toxicity in Enchytraeus crypticus is due to competitive uptake
Authors: He Erkai , Baas Jan , Van Gestel Cornelis A.M. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Uptake and toxicity of Ni-Co mixtures in Enchytraeus crypticus were determined after 4 d, 7 d, 10 d, and 14 d exposure. Generally, body concentrations of Ni and Co increased with increasing exposure concentrations. Ni body concentration was significantly reduced in the presence of Co, whereas Ni only marginally affected Co uptake. When expressed as free ion activities, individual toxicity of Ni and Co increased with time, with median lethal concentrations (LC50) decreasing from 78.3 μM and 511 μM at 4 d to 40.4 μM and 393 μM at 14 d, respectively. When expressed as body concentrations, LC50BodyNi remained constant with time whereas LC50BodyCo increased during the first 7 d but remained stable afterwards. As identified by the MIXTOX model, interactions between Ni and Co were mainly antagonistic when based on free ion activities, however, no interaction was observed when based on body concentrations. A process-based model, incorporating exposure time to analyze the mechanisms underlying the dynamic mixture toxicity confirmed the differences in toxicokinetics of the 2 metals. The author's findings suggest that body concentrations, which incorporate bioaccumulation processes, are time-independent and can act as a more constant indicator of metal toxicity. The observed antagonism was mainly caused by competition between Co and Ni for binding sites and subsequent inhibition of Ni uptake. This competitive interaction occurred at the uptake level (toxicokinetics), but not at the target level (toxicodynamics). Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;9999:1–10. © 2014 SETAC
Deciphering a pathway of Halobacterium salinarum N‐glycosylation
Authors: Kandiba Lina , Eichler Jerry 
Published: December 2014

AbstractGenomic analysis points to N‐glycosylation as being a common posttranslational modification in Archaea. To date, however, pathways of archaeal N‐glycosylation have only been described for few species. With this in mind, the similarities of N‐linked glycans decorating glycoproteins in the haloarchaea Haloferax volcanii and Halobacterium salinarum directed a series of bioinformatics, genetic, and biochemical experiments designed to describe that Hbt. salinarum pathway responsible for biogenesis of one of the two N‐linked oligosaccharides described in this species. As in Hfx. volcanii, where agl (archaeal glycosylation) genes that encode proteins responsible for the assembly and attachment of a pentasaccharide to target protein Asn residues are clustered in the genome, Hbt. salinarum also contains a group of clustered homologous genes (VNG1048G‐VNG1068G). Introduction of these Hbt. salinarum genes into Hfx. volcanii mutant strains deleted of the homologous sequence restored the lost activity. Moreover, transcription of the Hbt. salinarum genes in the native host, as well as in vitro biochemical confirmation of the predicted functions of several of the products of these genes provided further support for assignments made following bioinformatics and genetic experiments. Based on the results obtained in this study, the first description of an N‐glycosylation pathway in Hbt. salinarum is offered.
Heat stress during in vitro fertilization decreases fertilization success by disrupting anti‐polyspermy systems of the oocytes
Authors: Sakatani Miki , Yamanaka Kenichi , Balboula Ahmed Z. , Takenouchi Naoki , Takahashi Masashi 
Published: December 2014

SUMMARYLow pregnancy rates during the summer are due, in part, to reduced fertilization. Given that elevated temperature is associated with this season, we investigated the effect of heat stress during fertilization using an in vitro model. Three experiments were performed to determine the mechanism by which exposure to elevated temperature disrupts fertilization. Oocytes were fertilized for 6 hr at 38.5°C or 41.0°C or 40.0°C with non‐pre‐incubated sperm, or for 6 hr at 38.5°C with sperm that had been pre‐incubated at 38.5°C or 41.0°C for 4 hr. In each experiment, zygotes were cultured at 38.5°C in 5% CO2 and 5% O2. Rates of cleavage and blasocyst formation were reduced when fertilization occurs at elevated temperatures. The percent of sperm classified as alive, using fluorescein diacetate labeling, was decreased by pre‐incubation and fertilization at 40.0°C. Although no difference was observed in sperm penetration rate, polyspermy tended to be increased by heat stress during fertilization. The zona pellucidae of zygotes formed following fertilization at 40.0°C for 6 hr were more sensitive to digestion with pronase. Furthermore, these zygotes exhibited higher hydrogen peroxide levels, measured by 2,7‐dihydrodichlorofluorescein diacetate staining, and showed increased transcript abundance for HSPA1A, a gene involved in the heat‐shock response, but decreased transcript abundance for UCHL1, a gene involved in preventing polyspermy. Results indicate that heat stress during fertilization is lethal to sperm, and causes oxidative stress, altered transcript abundance, and a defective block to polyspermy in the zygote. Thus, an increase in polyspermy is likely one cause of the reduced competency of zygotes fertilized under elevated temperatures to develop to the blastocyst stage. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 36–47, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deterministic Modeling of Copolymer Microstructure: Composition Drift and Sequence Patterns
Authors: Kryven Ivan , Iedema Piet D. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractA concept of a population balance is applied to study evolving structures of propagating linear copolymer chains. As a result, a general numerical toolbox was developed capable to handle various copolymerization mechanisms utilizing two‐dimensional distributions as means of system description. The method was applied to free radical copolymerization of styrene–acrylonitrile explaining peculiar bimodality in chain length distribution observed for asymmetrical initial monomer ratios.
Long‐term adherence to daily controller medication in children with asthma: The role of outpatient clinic visits
Authors: Keemink Yvette S. , Klok Ted , Brand Paul L.P. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryObjectiveTo investigate changes in inhaled corticosteroids adherence, both before and after a scheduled follow‐up visit, in young children in a comprehensive asthma management program.Study designOne‐year prospective follow‐up study in 104 asthmatic children (mean age 4.8 years). Adherence to inhaled corticosteroids was assessed using electronic (Smartinhaler®) devices. We assessed changes in adherence before and after clinic visits. A  > 10% increase in adherence in the 3 days preceding a clinic visit was considered to reflect clinically relevant white coat adherence (WCA) if it exceeded background variation in adherence (median change >0, and increase larger than adherence changes after a clinic visit).ResultsOverall adherence was high (median 85%). A pre‐visit increase in adherence of >10% was demonstrated in 17 patients (22%), but the median change in adherence around a clinic visit was 0. There were no significant differences in changes in adherence between the days before or after a visit (P > 0.2). The median coefficient of variation in adherence was 9%, and did not significantly differ between children with and without a pre‐visit increase in adherence (P = 0.12). Twelve patients (15.4%) showed an increase of adherence in the month following a clinic visit; their overall mean (SE) adherence was slightly lower (73% (4.6%)) than those without such an increase (80% (2.2%), P = 0.054).ConclusionsThere was no WCA in children with asthma enrolled in a comprehensive asthma management program with high overall adherence. This suggests that WCA in pediatric chronic conditions primarily occurs against the background of low overall adherence. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:1060–1064. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treating dyspnea with morphine sulfate in nonverbal children with neurological impairment
Authors: Hauer Julie M. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryChildren with severe neurological impairment (NI) are at risk for recurrent respiratory illness with risk for associated distressing respiratory symptoms as respiratory exacerbations become more frequent. Evidence for treating dyspnea in adults with severe pulmonary disease offers interventions for consideration, including morphine sulfate. This case series of four individuals with severe NI reviews the benefit from morphine for respiratory distress. Information includes descriptors of distress, starting dose, and dose increases. This is the first report to review the use of morphine for the treatment of dyspnea in nonverbal children with severe impairment of the central nervous system. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:E9–E12. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence and characteristics of tracheal cobblestoning in children
Authors: Dave Mital H. , Gerber Andreas , Bailey Martin , Gysin Claudine , Hoeve Hans , Hammer Juerg , Nicolai Thomas , Weiss Markus 
Published: December 2014

SummaryBackgroundTracheal follicular pattern or so‐called tracheal cobblestoning is a poorly described entity in the literature and is depicted as a nodular or lumpy appearance of the tracheal wall mucosa suggesting tracheal irritation from factors like gastro‐esophageal reflux (GERD) or pulmonary infection. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of tracheal cobblestones in a large pediatric population.MethodsA large database of rigid tracheoscopies recorded in children (0–6 years of age) undergoing general anesthesia with planned tracheal intubation for elective surgical procedures was retrospectively analyzed. Tracheoscopy records were reviewed by five pediatric airway experts (authors 3–7). Data were compared using the Mann–Whitney test, chi‐square or Fisher exact test as appropriate (P < 0.05).ResultsA total of 971 rigid tracheoscopy records were analyzed. The median age of the patients was 3.3 years (range 0.4–6.0 yrs). Cobblestones were present in 377 out of 971 patients (38.8%) with a male to female prevalence of 254 (40.6%)/123 (35.5%). None of the children under four months of age showed the presence of cobblestones. The prevalence of cobblestones was significantly less in patients under 3 years of age compared to over 3 years (P < 0.01). There was no association between prevalence of cobblestones and GERD, current or recent respiratory infection or concomitant enlarged tonsils.ConclusionThe prevalence of tracheal cobblestones in otherwise healthy children is high and is not associated with GERD or respiratory infection. The gender and age related differences are novel interesting findings that require further investigations. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:995–999. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Efficacy of Low‐Level Laser Therapy for Shoulder Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Haslerud Sturla , Magnussen Liv Heide , Joensen Jon , Lopes‐Martins Rodrigo Alvaro Brandao , Bjordal Jan Magnus 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackground and PurposeLow‐level laser therapy (LLLT) is proposed as a treatment for tendinopathies. This is the first systematic review focusing solely on LLLT treatment effects in shoulder tendinopathy.MethodsA systematic review with meta‐analysis and primary outcome measures pain relief on 100‐mm visual analogue scale (VAS) and relative risk for global improvement. Two independent assessors rated the included studies according to the PEDro scale. Intervention quality assessments were performed of LLLT dosage and treatment procedures according to World Association for Laser Therapy guidelines. The included trials were sub‐grouped by intervention quality and use of other physiotherapy interventions.ResultsSeventeen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria, and 13 RCTs were of high and 4 RCTs of moderate methodological quality. Significant and clinically important pain relief was found with weighted mean differences (WMD) over placebo, for LLLT as monotherapy at 20.41 mm (95% CI: 12.38 to 28.44) and as adjunct to exercise therapy at 16.00 mm (95% CI: 11.88 to 20.12). The WMD when LLLT was used in a multimodal physiotherapy treatment regime reached statistical significance over placebo at 12.80 (95% CI: 1.67–23.94) mm pain reduction on VAS. Relative risks for global improvement were statistically significant at 1.96 (95% CI: 1.25–3.08) and 1.51 (95% CI: 1.12–2.03), for laser as monotherapy or adjunctive in a physiotherapy regime, respectively. Secondary outcome measures of shoulder function were only significantly in favour of LLLT when used as monotherapy. Trials performed with inadequate laser doses were ineffective across all outcome measures.ConclusionThis review shows that optimal LLLT can offer clinically relevant pain relief and initiate a more rapid course of improvement, both alone and in combination with physiotherapy interventions. Our findings challenge the conclusions in previous multimodal shoulder reviews of physiotherapy and their lack of intervention quality assessments. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cariprazine exerts antimanic properties and interferes with dopamine D2 receptor β‐arrestin interactions
Authors: Gao Yonglin , Peterson Sean , Masri Bernard , Hougland M. Tyler , Adham Nika , Gyertyán Istvan , Kiss Béla , Caron Marc G. , El‐Mallakh Rif S. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractActivation of dopamine D2 receptors (D2R) modulates G protein/cAMP‐dependent signaling and also engages Akt‐GSK‐3 signaling through D2R/β‐arrestin 2 scaffolding of Akt and PP2A. This G protein‐independent pathway may be important in mediating the antimanic effects of mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. The mood stabilizer lithium influences behavior and Akt/GSK‐3 signaling in mice and many antipsychotics have been shown to more potently antagonize the activity of the β‐arrestin‐2 pathway relative to the G protein‐dependent pathway. Cariprazine, an antipsychotic with potent D3R/D2R partial agonist activity and preferential binding to D3R, was investigated for its effects on the mediators of D2R pathways in vitro and its efficacy in animal models of mania. Effects on G protein‐dependent activity were measured via inhibition of isoproterenol‐induced cAMP production; effects on D2R/β‐arrestin 2 signaling were determined using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). Cariprazine was tested in vivo for antimanic‐like activity, using the ouabain‐induced hyperactivity model in rats. Cariprazine was more potent than aripiprazole in inhibiting isoproterenol‐induced cAMP although both compounds showed similar maximum efficacy. In assays of D2R/β‐arrestin 2‐dependent interactions, cariprazine showed very weak partial agonist activity, unless the levels of receptor kinase were increased; as an antagonist it showed similar potency to haloperidol and ~fivefold greater potency than aripiprazole. In an animal model of mania, cariprazine showed similar efficacy as lithium in attenuating the effects of ouabain‐induced hyperactivity. In summary, the differential effects of cariprazine on D2R G protein and β‐arrestin 2 mediators of signal transduction pathways could contribute to its potent antimanic‐like activity.