bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of an Innovative Fixation System for Chevron Bunionectomy
Authors: Bennett Gordon L. , Sabetta James A. 
Published: September 2015

Background: Distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy bunionectomy is a commonly performed procedure for the treatment of mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity. There are several different methods to stabilize this osteotomy. We evaluated a new intramedullary plate system. Methods: We prospectively evaluated 57 consecutive patients who underwent distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy bunionectomy utilizing the intramedullary plate system. All operative procedures were performed by the senior author. Patients were evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively, and at a final follow-up utilizing the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot scoring system. Results: Sixty-three surgically corrected feet went on to heal the osteotomy site. There were no hardware failures. We had one patient that expressed mild discomfort over the plate. All patients significantly improved their AOFAS scores compared with preoperative values. Conclusion: We concluded that the distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy bunionectomy resulted in excellent function and pain relief. The new plate system was a reliable and stable implant with a low profile, good strength, and ease of use. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Discovery of Potential Therapeutic miRNA Targets in Cardiac Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Zhou Yue , Chen Qiying , Lew Kar Sheng , Richards A. Mark , Wang Peipei 
Published: September 2015

Background: A highly efficient approach to select microRNA (miRNA) targets is a key to develop a miRNA-based therapeutic approach to cardiac ischemia–reperfusion (I/R). To reverse the change induced by disease, I/R in this case, is the traditional strategy to develop therapeutic drugs. However, examples show that it will not always serve the purpose. In this study, we demonstrate an additional approach of selecting miRNA targets with therapeutic potential following cues from cardioprotection-induced changes rather than by reversing disease-induced changes in cardiac I/R. Methods: Isolated perfused rat hearts subjected to I/R were treated with 50 μmol/L sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) or 10 nmol/L urocortin 2 (UCN2). Cardiac miRNA regulations were determined by miRNA array. Functional screening of selected miRNA mimics, assessed by WST (2-(4-Iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, monosodium salt) activity and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, was performed in H9c2 and neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) with hypoxia/reoxygenation. RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC)-loaded miRNAs caused by mimic transfection were quantified following argonaute-2 immunoprecipitation. Gene regulations of 1 selected miRNA were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Results: Treatment with NaHS and UCN2 significantly improved cardiac function and reduced LDH release. The miRNA array indicated a panel of commonly up- and downregulated miRNAs. Among them, 10 upregulated miRNAs with antiapoptotic and antiautophagy potentials were selected for further screening. Mimics of miRNA-221, -150, and -206 were protective in both H9c2 and NRVM. RISC-loaded miRNAs were up by ∼20-fold above. To further prove the feasibility of this approach, miRNA-221 was studied. It reduced I/R-induced caspase 3/7 activity and LC3-II (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3). Measuring genes predicted to regulate apoptosis and autophagy, miRNA-221 mimic decreased Ddit4, TP53inp1, and p27 at both messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels, and reduced mRNA of Bak1 and Puma and proteins of Bim and Bmf. Conclusion: Mimicking miRNA changes caused by cardioprotective agents, combined with functional screening, enables investigators to efficiently identify novel miRNAs with therapeutic potential in cardiac I/R.
Early e-consultation face-to-face conversions
Authors: Pecina Jennifer L , North Frederick 
Published: September 2015

Introduction E-consultations are asynchronous, text-based consultations. The specialist e-consultant answers clinical questions in a similar way to a standard consultation but the questions and answers are sent electronically. The e-consultant has access to some or all of the medical record but does not have contact with the patient. Although e-consultations are meant to substitute for face-to-face (F2F) consultations, a significant proportion of e-consultations are converted to F2F consultations. Methods We examined e-consultation content from a sample of e-consultations that had subsequent F2F visits in the same specialty as the e-consultation within 28 days of the e-consultation. Results Out of 5115 e-consultations, there were a total of 547 (10.7%) early F2F conversions. One hundred and fifty-one e-consultations with subsequent early F2F conversions were reviewed in eight specialties. In 64% of the F2F conversions, specialists recommended the F2F consultations. In 75% there were complex diagnostic or treatment considerations. In only 1% was there a sense of medical urgency or a stated need for physical examination. Discussion E-consultations convert to F2F consultations primarily at the request of the specialist. Diagnostic and treatment complexity appear to be the main reasons. We found little evidence that patients decided independently to get a F2F visit or that specialists needed a F2F visit to perform a physical examination. Although e-consultations might not be a complete substitute for F2F consultations, they may serve as an entry level consultation that could be supplemented by a video consultation as needed for cases with more diagnostic and treatment complexity.
Improved working ability in a contemporary MS population compared with a historic non-treated MS population in the same geographic area of Sweden
Authors: Wickström Anne , Sundström Peter , Wickström Lucas , Dahle Charlotte , Vrethem Magnus , Svenningsson Anders 
Published: September 2015

Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) often causes a reduced ability to work. Improved disease control as well as adjustment of working conditions may improve work ability in MS. Objectives The objective of this article is to compare the degree of sickness absence in two MS populations that either have or have not received disease-modifying drug (DMD) treatments or active work-promoting measures. Methods We investigated the occurrence of sickness absence in MS patients living in Västerbotten County, Sweden, in 2013, in which the majority of MS patients receive DMD treatment. The result was compared with a previous survey in the same area during a period when no DMD was available and no work-promoting measures for MS patients were practiced. Results The proportion of MS patients active in the labor market or studying increased from 38% to 70% in the contemporary compared with the historic population ( p < 0.001). The proportion of MS patients with a full-time disability pension decreased from 27% to 12% ( p < 0.001). There was a significant decrease of sickness absence in several individual EDSS grades. Conclusions Our data indicate that treatment with DMDs combined with active work-promoting measures lead to improved work ability in MS.
Complement anaphylatoxin receptors C3aR and C5aR are required in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune uveitis
Authors: Zhang Lingjun , Bell Brent A , Yu Minzhong , Chan Chi-Chao , Peachey Neal S , Fung John , Zhang Xiaoming , Caspi Rachel R , Lin Feng 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that reagents inhibiting complement activation could be effective in treating T cell mediated autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune uveitis. However, the precise role of the complement anaphylatoxin receptors (C3a and C5a receptors) in the pathogenesis of autoimmune uveitis remains elusive and controversial. We induced experimental autoimmune uveitis in mice deficient or sufficient in both C3a and C5a receptors and rigorously compared their retinal phenotype using various imaging techniques, including indirect ophthalmoscopy, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, topical endoscopic fundus imaging, and histopathological analysis. We also assessed retinal function using electroretinography. Moreover, we performed Ag-specific T cell recall assays and T cell adoptive transfer experiments to compare pathogenic T cell activity between wild-type and knockout mice with experimental autoimmune uveitis. These experiments showed that C3a receptor/C5a receptor-deficient mice developed much less severe uveitis than did control mice using all retinal examination methods and that these mice had reduced pathogenic T cell responses. Our data demonstrate that both complement anaphylatoxin receptors are important for the development of experimental autoimmune uveitis, suggesting that targeting these receptors could be a valid approach for treating patients with autoimmune uveitis.
Estrogen anti-inflammatory activity on human monocytes is mediated through cross-talk between estrogen receptor ERα36 and GPR30/GPER1
Authors: Pelekanou Vasiliki , Kampa Marilena , Kiagiadaki Foteini , Deli Alexandra , Theodoropoulos Panayiotis , Agrogiannis George , Patsouris Efstratios , Tsapis Andreas , Castanas Elias , Notas George 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Estrogens are known modulators of monocyte/macrophage functions; however, the underlying mechanism has not been clearly defined. Recently, a number of estrogen receptor molecules and splice variants were identified that exert different and sometimes opposing actions. We assessed the expression of estrogen receptors and explored their role in mediating estrogenic anti-inflammatory effects on human primary monocytes. We report that the only estrogen receptors expressed are estrogen receptor-α 36-kDa splice variant and G-protein coupled receptor 30/G-protein estrogen receptor 1, in a sex-independent manner. 17-β-Estradiol inhibits the LPS-induced IL-6 inflammatory response, resulting in inhibition of NF-κB transcriptional activity. This is achieved via a direct physical interaction of ligand-activated estrogen receptor-α 36-kDa splice variant with the p65 component of NF-κB in the nucleus. G-protein coupled receptor 30/G-protein estrogen receptor 1, which also physically interacts with estrogen receptor-α 36-kDa splice variant, acts a coregulator in this process, because its inhibition blocks the effect of estrogens on IL-6 expression. However, its activation does not mimic the effect of estrogens, on neither IL-6 nor NF-κB activity. Finally, we show that the estrogen receptor profile observed in monocytes is not modified during their differentiation to macrophages or dendritic cells in vitro and is shared in vivo by macrophages present in atherosclerotic plaques. These results position estrogen receptor-α 36-kDa splice variant and G-protein coupled receptor 30 as important players and potential therapeutic targets in monocyte/macrophage-dependent inflammatory processes.
Yeast GSK-3 kinase regulates astral microtubule function through phosphorylation of the microtubule-stabilizing kinesin Kip2
Authors: Drechsler Hauke , Tan Ann Na , Liakopoulos Dimitris 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT
The S. cerevisiae kinesin Kip2 stabilises astral microtubules (MTs) and facilitates spindle positioning through transport of MT-associated proteins, such as the yeast CLIP-170 homologue Bik1, dynein and the adenomatous-polyposis-coli-related protein Kar9 to the plus ends of astral MTs. Here, we show that Kip2 associates with its processivity factor Bim1, the yeast homologue of the plus-end-tracking protein EB1. This interaction requires an EB1-binding motif in the N-terminal extension of Kip2 and is negatively regulated by phosphorylation through Mck1, the yeast glycogen synthase kinase 3. In addition, Mck1-dependent phosphorylation decreases the intrinsic MT affinity of Kip2. Reduction in Kip2 phosphorylation leads to stabilisation of astral MTs, and accumulation of Kip2, dynein and Kar9 at MT plus ends, whereas loss of Mck1 function leads to defects in spindle positioning. Furthermore, we provide evidence that a subpopulation of Mck1 at the bud-cortex phosphorylates Kip2. We propose that yeast GSK-3 spatially controls astral MT dynamics and the loading of dynein and Kar9 on astral MT plus ends by regulating Kip2 interactions with Bim1 and MTs.
Vocal differentiation parallels development of auditory saccular sensitivity in a highly soniferous fish
Authors: Vasconcelos Raquel O. , Alderks Peter W. , Ramos Andreia , Fonseca Paulo J. , Amorim M. Clara P. , Sisneros Joseph A. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT
Vocal differentiation is widely documented in birds and mammals but has been poorly investigated in other vertebrates, including fish, which represent the oldest extant vertebrate group. Neural circuitry controlling vocal behaviour is thought to have evolved from conserved brain areas that originated in fish, making this taxon key to understanding the evolution and development of the vertebrate vocal-auditory systems. This study examines ontogenetic changes in the vocal repertoire and whether vocal differentiation parallels auditory development in the Lusitanian toadfish Halobatrachus didactylus (Batrachoididae). This species exhibits a complex acoustic repertoire and is vocally active during early development. Vocalisations were recorded during social interactions for four size groups (fry: &lt;2 cm; small juveniles: 2–4 cm; large juveniles: 5–7 cm; adults &gt;25 cm, standard length). Auditory sensitivity of juveniles and adults was determined based on evoked potentials recorded from the inner ear saccule in response to pure tones of 75–945 Hz. We show an ontogenetic increment in the vocal repertoire from simple broadband-pulsed ‘grunts’ that later differentiate into four distinct vocalisations, including low-frequency amplitude-modulated ‘boatwhistles’. Whereas fry emitted mostly single grunts, large juveniles exhibited vocalisations similar to the adult vocal repertoire. Saccular sensitivity revealed a three-fold enhancement at most frequencies tested from small to large juveniles; however, large juveniles were similar in sensitivity to adults. We provide the first clear evidence of ontogenetic vocal differentiation in fish, as previously described for higher vertebrates. Our results suggest a parallel development between the vocal motor pathway and the peripheral auditory system for acoustic social communication in fish.
Predator-induced defences inDaphnia longicephala: location of kairomone receptors and timeline of sensitive phases to trait formation
Authors: Weiss Linda C. , Leimann Julian , Tollrian Ralph 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTThe freshwater crustacean Daphnia adapts to changing predation risks by forming inducible defences. These are only formed when they are advantageous, saving associated costs when the defence is superfluous. However, in order to be effective, the time lag between the onset of predation and the defence formation has to be short. Daphnia longicephala develop huge protective crests upon exposure to chemical cues (kairomones) from its predator the heteropteran backswimmer Notonecta glauca. To analyse time lags, we determined kairomone-sensitive stages and the developmental time frames of inducible defences. Moreover, we looked at additive effects that could result from the summation of prolonged kairomone exposure. Kairomones are perceived by chemoreceptors and integrated by the nervous system, which alters the developmental program leading to defence formation. The underlying neuronal and developmental pathways are not thoroughly described and surprisingly, the location of the kairomone receptors is undetermined. We show that D. longicephala start to sense predator cues at the onset of the second juvenile instar, defences develop with a time lag of one instar and prolonged kairomone exposure does not impact the magnitude of the defence. By establishing a method to reversibly impair chemosensors, we show the first antennae as the location of kairomone-detecting chemoreceptors. This study provides fundamental information on kairomone perception, kairomone-sensitive stages, developmental time frames and lag times of inducible defences in D. longicephala that will greatly contribute to the further understanding of the neuronal and developmental mechanisms of predator-induced defences in Daphnia.
Functional morphology and kinematics of terrestrial feeding in the largescale foureyes (Anableps anableps)
Authors: Michel Krijn B. , Aerts Peter , Gibb Alice C. , Van Wassenbergh Sam 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTA major challenge for aquatic vertebrates that invade land is feeding in the terrestrial realm. The capacity of the gape to become parallel with the ground has been shown to be a key factor to allow fishes to feed on prey lying on a terrestrial surface. To do so, two strategies have been identified that involve a nose-down tilting of the head: (1) by pivoting on the pectoral fins as observed in mudskippers, and (2) curling of the anterior part of the body supported by a long and flexible eel-like body as shown in eel-catfish. Although Anableps anableps successfully feeds on land, it does not possess an eel-like body or pectoral fins to support or lift the anterior part of the body. We identified the mechanism of terrestrial prey capture in A. anableps by studying kinematics and functional morphology of the cranial structures, using high-speed video and graphical 3D reconstructions from computed tomography scans. In contrast to the previously described mechanisms, A. anableps relies solely on upper and lower jaw movement for re-orientation of the gape towards the ground. The premaxilla is protruded anteroventrally, and the lower jaw is depressed to a right angle with the substrate. Both the lower and upper jaws are selectively positioned onto the prey. Anableps anableps thereby uses the jaw protrusion mechanism previously described for other cyprinodontiforms to allow a continued protrusion of the premaxilla even while closing the jaws. Several structural adaptations appear to allow more controlled movements and increased amplitude of anterior and ventral protrusion of the upper jaw compared with other cyprinodontiforms.
The Brezis–Nirenberg problem for nonlocal systems
Authors: Faria Luiz F. O. , Miyagaki Olimpio H. , Pereira Fabio R. , Squassina Marco , Zhang Chengxiang 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
By means of variational methods
we investigate existence, nonexistence as well as regularity of weak solutions
for a system of nonlocal equations involving the fractional laplacian
operator and with nonlinearity reaching the critical growth and interacting, in
a suitable sense, with the spectrum of the operator.
P.Tebt. Suppl. 1519: frammento di petizione
Authors: Mascellari Roberto 
Published: September 2015

AbstractEdition of a fragment of a petition found in Tebtunis, probably related to an act of violence perpetrated by a group of people. The bottom of the document is preserved, with the standard request formulae, the identification of the petitioner, and the date (22nd September 98 AD).
Drei neue Papyrusfragmente zur Wirtschafts- und Verwaltungsgeschichte Ägyptens
Authors: Gruber Christian-Jürgen 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe following three papyrus documents shed some light on the finances of a Ptolemaic or Roman household and on the financial administration of Egypt in Roman and Byzantine times. The household account may be one of the first accounts returning to accounting in the silver standard. The second document is a list most likely to be attributed to a logistērion on the nome level, and the third is a request for a boēthos to facilitate the tax collection.
Effect of Nitrogen, Boron, Zinc and Molybdenum Application on Yield of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) on Greyic Phaeozem in the Czech Republic
Authors: Hlisnikovský L. , Kunzová E. , Hejcman M. , Škarpa P. , Menšík L. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe sunflower is a newly planted crop in the Czech Republic, which represents the northern edge of the species’ range, and there is a lack of information about the effect of nutrient application on yield components. To fill this gap, we performed a fertilizer experiment on Greyic Phaeozem over the years 2008–2012 to evaluate the effects of N, B, Zn and Mo application on achenes yield. We compared the control (C) without any N fertilizer, N treatments (N 60, N 90, N120 kg N ha−1) and N treatments accompanied with micronutrients (N 90+B – 0.3 kg B ha−1, N 90+Zn – 0.35 kg Zn ha−1, N 90+Mo – 0.125 kg Mo ha−1). The mean achenes yield over all years ranged from 3.9 in C to 4.34 t ha−1 in N 60. Achenes yield over all treatments ranged from 3.04 in 2008 to 4.91 t ha−1 in 2010. We concluded that sunflower can be produced with application rate up to 60 kg N ha−1 on highly productive soils in the Czech Republic and for similar other soils in the region. The increase in N application above 60 kg N ha−1 can decrease achenes yield. Application of B and Zn achieved slightly higher, while the addition of Mo slightly lower achenes yields when compared to the treatment with the same level of N and without micronutrients addition. We concluded that the application of micronutrients at the sites with sufficient content of those micronutrients in soil has almost no effect on achenes and biomass yield. Achenes and biomass yield was primarily affected by weather conditions in particular years, affecting plant growth, disease and predatory occurrence. Fertilizer treatments did not significantly affect the weight of achenes per head, weight of thousand achenes, the number of achenes per head, the number of heads per ha and number of achenes per ha during the experiment. The significant effect of the year was recorded, showing major effect of weather conditions on above mentioned parameters.
Study of Factors Effecting Surface Roughness and Tool Tip Temperature in Step Turning Using Factorial Technique
Authors: Siva Prasad Kondapalli 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe paper focuses on the effect of various process parameters like spindle speed, feed, depth of cut, nose radius and machining condition on the Tool tip temperature and surface roughness in step turning process is investigated by using Factorial Technique. Five factors- Two levels are used and total 32 experiments are performed. The coefficients are calculated by using regression analysis and the model is constructed. The adequacy of the developed model is checked using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) technique. By using the mathematical model the main and interaction effect of various process parameters on tool tip temperature and surface roughness are studied.
Soft Sensing Method Of LS-SVM Using Temperature Time Series For Gas Flow Measurements
Authors: Xu Weiqing , Fan Zichuan , Cai Maolin , Shi Yan , Tong Xiaomeng , Sun Junpeng 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
This paper proposes a soft sensing method of least squares support vector machine (LS-SVM) using temperature time series for gas flow measurements. A heater unit has been installed on the external wall of a pipeline to generate heat pulses. Dynamic temperature signals have been collected upstream of the heater unit. The temperature time series are the main secondary variables of soft sensing technique for estimating the flow rate. A LS-SVM model is proposed to construct a non-linear relation between the flow rate and temperature time series. To select its inputs, parameters of the measurement system are divided into three categories: blind, invalid and secondary variables. Then the kernel function parameters are optimized to improve estimation accuracy. The experiments have been conducted both in the single-pulse and multiple-pulse heating modes. The results show that estimations are acceptable.