bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mobile, Phased-Array, Doppler Radar Observations of Tornadoes at X Band
Authors: French Michael M. , Bluestein Howard B. , PopStefanija Ivan , Baldi Chad A. , Bluth Robert T. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
A mobile, phased-array Doppler radar, the Mobile Weather Radar, 2005 X-band, Phased Array (MWR-05XP), has been used since 2007 to obtain data in supercells and tornadoes. Rapidly updating, volumetric data of tornadic vortex signatures (TVSs) associated with four tornadoes are used to investigate the time–height evolution of TVS intensity, position, and dissipation up through storm midlevels. Both TVS intensity and position were highly variable in time and height even during tornado mature phases. In one case, a TVS associated with a tornado dissipated aloft and a second TVS formed shortly thereafter while there was one continuous TVS near the ground. In a second case, the TVS associated with a long-lived, violent tornado merged with a second TVS (likely a second cyclonic tornado) causing the original TVS to strengthen. TVS dissipation occurred first at a height of ~1.5 km AGL and then at progressively higher levels in two cases; TVS dissipation occurred last in the lowest 1 km in three cases examined. Possible explanations are provided for the unsteady nature of TVS intensity and a conceptual model is presented for the initial dissipation of TVSs at ~1.5 km AGL.
Generation of biofunctional and biodegradable electrospun nanofibers composed of poly (l-lactic acid) and wool isoelectric precipitate
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Yi , Li Jiashen , Zhao Zheng , Liu Xuan , Zhang Yu , Hu Junyan , Li Gang 
Published: October 2013

The present study introduced a novel biocompatible electrospun membrane composed of poly ( l-lactic acid) (PLLA) and water-insoluble keratin precipitates from wool hydrolyzed solution. Ultrafine nanofibrous membranes were successfully prepared by electrospinning the blend of PLLA and keratin/alcohol suspension. Uniform structure of the composite nanofibers was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy pictures indicated keratin was evenly distributed within the composite fibers. The result of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra revealed the composition of the keratin/PLLA membrane. X-ray differential spectroscopy suggested that higher crystallinity can be observed from keratin/PLLA composite nanofibers than pristine keratin precipitates. The thermogravimetric analyzer spectra indicated that keratin/PLLA composite fibers possessed more constant thermostability than pristine keratin precipitates. The in vitro degradation of keratin/PLLA composite nanofibers was evaluated by FT-IR spectra and ultraviolet spectra. The experimental results showed that the degradation rate was fast on the first day and slow in the following period. The biocompatibility of the keratin/PLLA composite membrane was examined by MTT assay and the cell proliferation profile was observed by fluorescent micrographs. The results indicated that with the promoting effect on cell adherence and proliferation, this composite material was suitable as a biomedical fabrics candidate for use in drug delivery vehicle and tissue engineering scaffolds.
IL-21 signalling via STAT3 primes human naïve B cells to respond to IL-2 to enhance their differentiation into plasmablasts
Authors: Berglund Lucinda J. , Avery Danielle T. , Ma Cindy S. , Moens Leen , Deenick Elissa K. , Bustamante Jacinta , Boisson-Dupuis Stephanie , Wong Melanie , Adelstein Stephen , Arkwright Peter D. , Bacchetta Rosa , Bezrodnik Liliana , Dadi Harjit , Roifman Chaim M. , Fulcher David A. , Ziegler John B. , Smart Joanne M. , Kobayashi Masao , Picard Capucine , Durandy Anne , Cook Matthew C. , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Uzel Gulbu , Tangye Stuart G. 
Published: October 2013

Key PointsIL21-mediated induction of CD25 expression on naïve human B cells requires STAT3. A lack of response to IL-2 may amplify humoral immunodeficiency in patients with STAT3, IL2RG, or IL21R mutations due to unresponsiveness to IL21.
Multilocus phylogeny and cryptic diversity in Asian shrew-like moles (Uropsilus, Talpidae): implications for taxonomy and conservation
Authors: Wan Tao , He Kai , Jiang Xue-Long 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe genusUropsiluscomprises a group of terrestrial, montane mammals endemic to the Hengduan and adjacent mountains. These animals are the most primitive living talpids. The taxonomy has been primarily based on cursory morphological comparisons and the evolutionary affinities are little known. To provide insight into the systematics of this group, we estimated the first multi-locus phylogeny and conducted species delimitation, including taxon sampling throughout their distribution range.ResultsWe obtained two mitochondrial genes (~1, 985 bp) and eight nuclear genes (~4, 345 bp) from 56 specimens. Ten distinct evolutionary lineages were recovered from the three recognized species, eight of which were recognized as species/putative species. Five of these putative species were found to be masquerading as the gracile shrew mole. The divergence time estimation results indicated that climate change since the last Miocene and the uplift of the Himalayas may have resulted in the diversification and speciation ofUropsilus.ConclusionsThe cryptic diversity found in this study indicated that the number of species is strongly underestimated under the current taxonomy. Two synonyms ofgracilis(atronatesandnivatus) should be given full species status, and the taxonomic status of another three potential species should be evaluated using extensive taxon sampling, comprehensive morphological, and morphometric approaches. Consequently, the conservation status ofUropsilusspp. should also be re-evaluated, as most of the species/potential species have very limited distribution.
Codon usage patterns in Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra) based on RNA-Seq data
Authors: Feng Chao , Xu Chang-jie , Wang Yue , Liu Wen-li , Yin Xue-ren , Li Xian , Chen Ming , Chen Kun-song 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Codon usage analysis has been a classical topic for decades and has significances for studies of evolution, mRNA translation, and new gene discovery, etc. While the codon usage varies among different members of the plant kingdom, indicating the necessity for species-specific study, this work has mostly been limited to model organisms. Recently, the development of deep sequencing, especial RNA-Seq, has made it possible to carry out studies in non-model species.

Result
RNA-Seq data of Chinese bayberry was analyzed to investigate the bias of codon usage and codon pairs. High frequency codons (AGG, GCU, AAG and GAU), as well as low frequency ones (NCG and NUA codons) were identified, and 397 high frequency codon pairs were observed. Meanwhile, 26 preferred and 141 avoided neighboring codon pairs were also identified, which showed more significant bias than the same pairs with one or more intervening codons. Codon patterns were also analyzed at the plant kingdom, organism and gene levels. Changes during plant evolution were evident using RSCU (relative synonymous codon usage), which was even more significant than GC3s (GC content of 3rd synonymous codons). Nine GO categories were differentially and independently influenced by CAI (codon adaptation index) or GC3s, especially in 'Molecular function’ category. Within a gene, the average CAI increased from 0.720 to 0.785 in the first 50 codons, and then more slowly thereafter. Furthermore, the preferred as well as avoided codons at the position just following the start codon AUG were identified and discussed in relation to the key positions in Kozak sequences.

Conclusion
A comprehensive codon usage Table and number of high-frequency codon pairs were established. Bias in codon usage as well as in neighboring codon pairs was observed, and the significance of this in avoiding DNA mutation, increasing protein production and regulating protein synthesis rate was proposed. Codon usage patterns at three levels were revealed and the significance in plant evolution analysis, gene function classification, and protein translation start site predication were discussed. This work promotes the study of codon biology, and provides some reference for analysis and comprehensive application of RNA-Seq data from other non-model species.
Targeted over-expression of endothelin-1 in astrocytes leads to more severe brain damage and vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Yeung Patrick KK , Shen Jiangang , Chung Stephen SM , Chung Sookja K 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundEndothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor, and astrocytic ET-1 is reported to play a role in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemic injury and cytotoxic edema. However, it is still unknown whether astrocytic ET-1 also contributes to vasogenic edema and vasospasm during subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In the present study, transgenic mice with astrocytic endothelin-1 over-expression (GET-1 mice) were used to investigate the pathophysiological role of ET-1 in SAH pathogenesis.ResultsThe GET-1 mice experienced a higher mortality rate and significantly more severe neurological deficits, blood–brain barrier breakdown and vasogenic edema compared to the non-transgenic (Ntg) mice following SAH. Oral administration of vasopressin V1areceptor antagonist, SR 49059, significantly reduced the cerebral water content in the GET-1 mice. Furthermore, the GET-1 mice showed significantly more pronounced middle cerebral arterial (MCA) constriction after SAH. Immunocytochemical analysis showed that the calcium-activated potassium channels and the phospho-eNOS were significantly downregulated, whereas PKC-α expression was significantly upregulated in the MCA of the GET-1 mice when compared to Ntg mice after SAH. Administration of ABT-627 (ETAreceptor antagonist) significantly down-regulated PKC-α expression in the MCA of the GET-1 mice following SAH.ConclusionsThe present study suggests that astrocytic ET-1 involves in SAH-induced cerebral injury, edema and vasospasm, through ETAreceptor and PKC-mediated potassium channel dysfunction. Administration of ABT-627 (ETAreceptor antagonist) and SR 49059 (vasopressin V1areceptor antagonist) resulted in amelioration of edema and vasospasm in mice following SAH. These data provide a strong rationale to investigate SR 49059 and ABT-627 as therapeutic drugs for the treatment of SAH patients.
An international survey of physicians regarding clinical trials: a comparison between Kyoto University Hospital and Seoul National University Hospital
Authors: Ito-Ihara Toshiko , Hong Jeong-Hwa , Kim Ock-Joo , Sumi Eriko , Kim Soo-Youn , Tanaka Shiro , Narita Keiichi , Hatta Taichi , Choi Eun-Kyung , Choi Kyu-Jin , Miyagawa Takuya , Minami Manabu , Murayama Toshinori , Yokode Masayuki 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
International clinical trials are now rapidly expanding into Asia. However, the proportion of global trials is higher in South Korea compared to Japan despite implementation of similar governmental support in both countries. The difference in clinical trial environment might influence the respective physicians’ attitudes and experience towards clinical trials. Therefore, we designed a questionnaire to explore how physicians conceive the issues surrounding clinical trials in both countries.

Methods
A questionnaire survey was conducted at Kyoto University Hospital (KUHP) and Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) in 2008. The questionnaire consisted of 15 questions and 2 open-ended questions on broad key issues relating to clinical trials.

Results
The number of responders was 301 at KUHP and 398 at SNUH. Doctors with trial experience were 196 at KUHP and 150 at SNUH. Among them, 12% (24/196) at KUHP and 41% (61/150) at SUNH had global trial experience. Most respondents at both institutions viewed clinical trials favorably and thought that conducting clinical trials contributed to medical advances, which would ultimately lead to new and better treatments. The main reason raised as a hindrance to conducting clinical trials was the lack of personnel support and time. Doctors at both university hospitals thought that more clinical research coordinators were required to conduct clinical trials more efficiently. KUHP doctors were driven mainly by pure academic interest or for their desire to find new treatments, while obtaining credits for board certification and co-authorship on manuscripts also served as motivation factors for doctors at SNUH.

Conclusions
Our results revealed that there might be two different approaches to increase clinical trial activity. One is a social level approach to establish clinical trial infrastructure providing sufficient clinical research professionals. The other is an individual level approach that would provide incentives to encourage doctors to participate in and conduct clinical trials.
Phase I drug-interaction study of effects of calcium and magnesium infusions on oxaliplatin pharmacokinetics and acute neurotoxicity in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Han Catherine H , Khwaounjoo Prashannata , Kilfoyle Dean H , Hill Andrew , McKeage Mark J 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Calcium and magnesium (Ca/Mg) infusions have been suggested as an effective intervention for preventing oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity, but the effects of Ca/Mg infusions on oxaliplatin pharmacokinetics, motor nerve hyperexcitability and acute neurotoxicity symptoms are unclear.

Methods
In this double blind crossover study, colorectal cancer patients undergoing oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy were randomised to receive Ca/Mg (1g Ca Gluconate plus 1g MgSO4) on cycle 1 and placebo (vehicle alone) on cycle 2, or to receive the same treatments in the opposite sequence. Study endpoints included plasma pharmacokinetics of intact oxaliplatin and free platinum; electromyography (EMG) detection of abnormal spontaneous high-frequency motor unit action potential discharges; and patient-reported acute neurotoxicity symptoms and their preferred study treatment for reducing these symptoms.

Results
Nineteen of 20 enrolled patients completed the study. Plasma pharmacokinetics of intact oxaliplatin and free platinum were similar when oxaliplatin was given with Ca/Mg or placebo (ratio of geometric means of AUC0-t with Ca/Mg or placebo: intact oxaliplatin, 0.95 (90% CI, 0.90 – 1.01); free platinum, 0.99 (90% CI, 0.94 – 1.05)). EMG motor nerve hyperexcitability scores were similar with Ca/Mg and placebo (mean difference in EMG score between Ca/Mg and placebo: -0.3 (95% CI, -2.2 – 1.6)). Patient-reported acute neurotoxicity symptoms were similar in frequency with Ca/Mg and placebo. For reducing neurotoxic symptoms, fewer patients preferred Ca/Mg than placebo or neither treatment (26% versus 74%; P<0.01).

Conclusions
Ca/Mg infusions do not alter the clinical pharmacokinetics of oxaliplatin and do not seem to reduce its acute neurotoxicity.

Trial registration
Trial registration identifier ACTRN12611000738921
Structural insights into Resveratrol’s antagonist and partial agonist actions on estrogen receptor alpha
Authors: Chakraborty Sandipan , Levenson Anait S , Biswas Pradip K 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundResveratrol, a naturally occurring stilbene, has been categorized as a phytoestrogen due to its ability to compete with natural estrogens for binding to estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and modulate the biological responses exerted by the receptor. Biological effects of resveratrol (RES) on estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) remain highly controversial, since both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic properties were observed.ResultsHere, we provide insight into the structural basis of the agonist/antagonist effects of RES on ERα ligand binding domain (LBD). Using atomistic simulation, we found that RES bound ERα monomer in antagonist conformation, where Helix 12 moves away from the ligand pocket and orients into the co-activator binding groove of LBD, is more stable than RES bound ERα in agonist conformation, where Helix 12 lays over the ligand binding pocket. Upon dimerization, the agonistic conformation of RES-ERα dimer becomes more stable compared to the corresponding monomer but still remains less stable compared to the corresponding dimer in antagonist conformation. Interestingly, while the binding pocket and the binding contacts of RES to ERα are similar to those of pure agonist diethylstilbestrol (DES), the binding energy is much less and the hydrogen bonding contacts also differ providing clues for the partial agonistic character of RES on ERα.ConclusionsOur Molecular Dynamics simulation of RES-ERα structures with agonist and antagonist orientations of Helix 12 suggests RES action is more similar to Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) opening up the importance of cellular environment and active roles of co-regulator proteins in a given system. Our study reveals that potential co-activators must compete with the Helix 12 and displace it away from the activator binding groove to enhance the agonistic activity.
Possible modulation of FAS and PTP-1B signaling in ameliorative potential of Bombax ceiba against high fat diet induced obesity
Authors: Gupta Paras , Goyal Rohit , Chauhan Yamini , Sharma Pyare Lal 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background

Bombax ceiba Linn., commonly called as Semal, is used in various gastro-intestinal disturbances. It contains Lupeol which inhibits PTP-1B, adipogenesis, TG synthesis and accumulation of lipids in adipocytes and adipokines whereas the flavonoids isolated from B. ceiba has FAS inhibitory activity. The present study was aimed to investigate ameliorative potential of Bombax ceiba to experimental obesity in Wistar rats, and its possible mechanism of action.

Methods
Male Wistar albino rats weighing 180-220 g were employed in present study. Experimental obesity was induced by feeding high fat diet for 10 weeks. Methanolic extract of B. ceiba extract 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg and Gemfibrozil 50 mg/kg as standard drug were given orally from 7th to 10th week.

Results
Induction with HFD for 10 weeks caused significant (p < 0.05) increase in % body wt, BMI, LEE indices; serum glucose, triglyceride, LDL, VLDL, cholesterol, free fatty acid, ALT, AST; tissue TBARS, nitrate/nitrite levels; different fat pads and relative liver weight; and significant decrease in food intake (g and kcal), serum HDL and tissue glutathione levels in HFD control rats. Treatment with B. ceiba extract and Gemfibrozil significantly attenuated these HFD induced changes, as compared to HFD control. The effect of B. ceiba 200 and 400 mg/kg was more pronounced in comparison to Gemfibrozil.

Conclusion
On the basis of results obtained, it may be concluded that the methanolic extract of stem bark of Bombax ceiba has significant ameliorative potential against HFD induced obesity in rats, possibly through modulation of FAS and PTP-1B signaling due to the presence of flavonoids and lupeol.
Exendin-4 and sitagliptin protect kidney from ischemia-reperfusion injury through suppressing oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction
Authors: Chen Yen-Ta , Tsai Tzu-Hsien , Yang Chih-Chau , Sun Cheuk-Kwan , Chang Li-Teh , Chen Hung-Hwa , Chang Chia-Lo , Sung Pei-Hsun , Zhen Yen-Yi , Leu Steve , Chang Hsueh-Wen , Chen Yung-Lung , Yip Hon-Kan 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
This study tested the hypothesis that exendin-4 and sitagliptin can effectively protect kidney from acute ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury.

Methods
Adult SD-rats (n = 48) equally divided into group 1 (sham control), group 2 (IR injury), group 3 [IR + sitagliptin 600 mg/kg at post-IR 1, 24, 48 hr)], and group 4 [IR + exendin-4 10 μm/kg at 1 hr after procedure] were sacrificed after 24 and 72 hrs (n = 6 at each time from each group) following clamping of bilateral renal pedicles for 60 minutes (groups 2–4).

Results
Serum creatinine level and urine protein to creatinine ratio were highest in group 2 and lowest in group 1 (all p < 0.001) without notable differences between groups 3 and 4. Kidney injury score, expressions of inflammatory biomarkers at mRNA (MMP-9, TNF-α, IL-1β, PAI-1), protein (TNF-α, NF-κB and VCAM-1), and cellular (CD68+) levels in injured kidneys at 24 and 72 hr showed an identical pattern compared to that of creatinine level in all groups (all p < 0.0001). Expressions of oxidized protein, reactive oxygen species (NOX-1, NOX-2), apoptosis (Bax, caspase-3 and PARP), and DNA damage marker (γH2AX+) of IR kidney at 24 and 72 hrs exhibited a pattern similar to that of inflammatory mediators among all groups (all p < 0.01). Renal expression of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor, and anti-oxidant biomarkers at cellular (GPx, GR) and protein (NQO-1, HO-1, GPx) levels at 24 and 72 hr were lowest in group 1, significantly lower in group 2 than in groups 3 and 4 (all p < 0.01).

Conclusion
Exendin-4 and sitagliptin provided significant protection for the kidneys against acute IR injury.
Efficacy of in-service nutrition training for mid-level providers to improve feeding practices among HIV-positive children in Tanga, Tanzania: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sunguya Bruno F , Poudel Krishna C , Mlunde Linda B , Urassa David P , Jimba Masamine , Yasuoka Junko 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundFeeding practices and child undernutrition can be improved when trained health workers provide proper nutrition counseling to caregivers. However, this important management component is difficult to achieve in countries where trained health workers are limited; Tanzania is no exception. In rural and semi-urban areas, mid-level providers (MLPs) are left to manage diseases such as HIV/AIDS.Training health workers in nutrition has been shown to be an effective intervention among HIV-negative children elsewhere, but no studies have been conducted among HIV-positive children. Furthermore, in Tanzania and other countries with MLPs, no evidence currently exists demonstrating an improvement in nutrition among children who receive health services given by MLPs. This study thus aims to examine the efficacy of nutrition training of MLPs on feeding practices and the nutrition status of HIV-positive children in Tanga, Tanzania.Methods/DesignWe will conduct a cluster randomized controlled trial in care and treatment centers (CTCs) in Tanga, Tanzania. The CTCs will be the unit of randomization. We will select 16 CTCs out of 32 for this study, of which we will randomly assign 8 to the intervention arm and 8 to the control arm by coin flipping. From the selected CTCs we will attempt to recruit a total of 800 HIV-positive children aged 6 months to 14 years, half of whom will be receiving care and/or treatment in the CTCs of the intervention arm, and the other half of whom will be receiving care and/or treatment in the CTCs of the control arm (400 children in each condition).We will provide nutrition training to MLPs of the CTCs selected for the intervention arm. In this intervention, we will use the World Health Organization guidelines on nutrition training of health workers for HIV-positive children aged 6 months to 14 years. The trained MLPs will then provide tailored nutrition counseling to caregivers of children being treated at the 8 CTCs of the intervention arm. We will measure nutrition status and child feeding practices monthly for a total of six months.ConclusionsResults of this trial will help expanding undernutrition interventions among HIV-positive children in Tanzania and other countries.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials:ISRCTN65346364.