bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of an Antisense Oligonucleotide Inhibitor of C‐Reactive Protein Synthesis on the Endotoxin Challenge Response in Healthy Human Male Volunteers
Authors: Noveck Robert , Stroes Erik S. G. , Flaim JoAnn D. , Baker Brenda F. , Hughes Steve , Graham Mark J. , Crooke Rosanne M. , Ridker Paul M 
Published: July 2014

Background

C‐reactive protein (
CRP
) binds to damaged cells, activates the classical complement pathway, is elevated in multiple inflammatory conditions, and provides prognostic information on risk of future atherosclerotic events. It is controversial, however, as to whether inhibiting
CRP
synthesis would have any direct anti‐inflammatory effects in humans.

Methods and Results

A placebo‐controlled study was used to evaluate the effects of
ISIS
329993 (
ISIS
‐

CRP
R

x
) on the acute‐phase response after endotoxin challenge in 30 evaluable subjects. Healthy adult males were randomly allocated to receive 6 injections over a 22‐day period of placebo or active therapy with
ISIS
329993 at 400‐ or 600‐mg doses. Eligible subjects were subsequently challenged with a bolus of endotoxin (2 ng/kg). Inflammatory and hematological biomarkers were measured before and serially after the challenge.
ISIS
‐

CRP
R

x
was well tolerated with no serious adverse events. Median
CRP
levels increased more than 50‐fold from baseline 24 hours after endotoxin challenge in the placebo group. In contrast, the median increase in
CRP
levels was attenuated by 37% (400 mg) and 69% (600 mg) in subjects pretreated with
ISIS
‐

CRP
R

x
(
P
<0.05 vs. placebo). All other aspects of the acute inflammatory response were similar between treatment groups.

Conclusion

Pretreatment of subjects with
ISIS
‐

CRP
R

x
selectively reduced the endotoxin‐induced increase in
CRP
levels in a dose‐dependent manner, without affecting other components of the acute‐phase response. These data demonstrate the specificity of antisense oligonucleotides and provide an investigative tool to further define the role of
CRP
in human pathological conditions.
Symmetric and Antisymmetric Convection Signals in the Madden–Julian Oscillation. Part I: Basic Modes in Infrared Brightness Temperature
Authors: Tung Wen-wen , Giannakis Dimitrios , Majda Andrew J. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
This work studies the significance of north–south asymmetry in convection associated with the 20–90-day Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) propagating across the equatorial Indo-Pacific warm pool region. Satellite infrared brightness temperature data in the tropical belt for the period 1983–2006 were decomposed into components symmetric and antisymmetric about the equator. Using a recent nonlinear objective method called nonlinear Laplacian spectral analysis, modes of variability were extracted representing symmetric and antisymmetric features of MJO convection signals, along with a plethora of other modes of tropical convective variability spanning diurnal to interannual time scales. The space–time reconstruction of these modes during the 1992/93 Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Response Experiment (TOGA COARE) period is described in detail. In particular, the boreal winter MJO emerges as a single pair of modes in both symmetric and antisymmetric convection signals. Both signals originate in the Indian Ocean around 60°E. They coexist for all significant MJO events with a varying degree of relative importance, which is affected by ENSO. The symmetric signals tend to be suppressed when crossing the Maritime Continent, while the antisymmetric signals are not as inhibited. Their differences in peak phase and propagation speed suggest fundamental differences in the underlying mechanisms. The multiscale interactions between the diurnal, MJO, and ENSO modes of convection were studied. It was found that the symmetric component of MJO convection appears out of phase with the symmetric component of the diurnal cycle, while the antisymmetric component of MJO convection is in phase with the antisymmetric diurnal cycle. The former relationship likely breaks down during strong El Niño events, and both relationships likely break down during prolonged La Niña events.
On Becoming an Experiential Educator
Authors: Kolb Alice Y. , Kolb David A. , Passarelli Angela , Sharma Garima 
Published: July 2014

Background Becoming an experiential educator involves more than just being a facilitator or matching learning style with teaching style. Experiential education is a complex relational process that involves balancing attention to the learner and to the subject matter while also balancing reflection on the deep meaning of ideas with the skill of applying them. Aim To describe a dynamic matching model of education based on Experiential Learning Theory and to create a self-assessment instrument for helping educators understand their approach to education. Method A dynamic matching model for “teaching around the learning cycle” describes four roles that educators can adopt to do so—facilitator, subject expert, standard-setter/evaluator, and coach. A self-assessment instrument called the Educator Role Profile was created to help educators understand their use of these roles. Results Research using the Educator Role Profile indicates that to some extent educators do tend to teach the way they learn, finding that those with concrete learning styles are more learner-centered, preferring the facilitator role; while those with abstract learning styles are more subject-centered preferring the expert and evaluator roles. Conclusion A model for the practice of dynamic matching of educator roles, learner style, and subject matter can aid in the planning and implementation of educational experiences. With practice, both learners and educators can develop the flexibility to use all educator roles and learning styles to create a more powerful and effective process of teaching and learning—in Mary Parker Follett’s words to, “. . . free the energies of the human spirit . . . the highest potentiality of all human association.”
α1 Antitrypsin deficiency: current best practice in testing and augmentation therapy
Authors: Campos Michael A. , Lascano Jorge 
Published: July 2014

α1 Antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) increases the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), liver disease and other conditions. Although it is not a rare disease, it is a condition rarely diagnosed because of unawareness by most healthcare providers who manage subjects at risk. Testing recommendations have been published and strongly suggest testing all subjects with confirmed COPD, cryptogenic liver cirrhosis, subjects with incompletely reversible airflow obstruction and siblings of affected individuals. Testing strategies usually imply a combination of measures of α1 antitrypsin (AAT) levels, phenotyping and genotyping, techniques that have been facilitated for in-office use by development of testing kits using dried blood spots. Early detection of subjects is crucial to apply effective preventive measures and early institution of therapy. The only specific Food and Drug Administration - approved therapy for this condition is lifelong weekly intravenous AAT replacement (augmentation therapy). Observational studies strongly suggest a beneficial effect of augmentation therapy in slowing lung function decline and randomized trials suggest a beneficial effect in slowing the progression of emphysema over time as measured by computed tomography. In addition, augmentation therapy has been shown to modulate systemic inflammatory responses and affect markers of elastin degradation. As new markers of disease progression are discovered, new doses of AAT replacement are tested and sub-phenotypes of disease are described, treatment recommendations are likely to change towards a more individualized therapeutic approach.
Using the Glucometrics Website to Benchmark ICU Glucose Control Before and After the NICE-SUGAR Study
Authors: Lleva Ranee R. , Thomas Prem , Bozzo Janis E. , Hendrickson Karrie C. , Inzucchi Silvio E. 
Published: July 2014

Background: Prior to 2009, intensive glycemic control was the standard in main intensive care units (ICUs). Glucose targets have been recalibrated after publication of the NICE-SUGAR study in that year, followed by updated guidelines that endorsed more moderated control. We sought to determine if the prevalence of hyperglycemia in US ICUs had increased after the NICE-SUGAR study’s results were reported. Methods: We used data from hospitals submitted to the Yale Glucometrics™ website to assess mean blood glucose values, percentage of blood glucose within various ranges, and the prevalence of hypo- and hyperglycemic excursions, based on the patient-day method, comparing the pre- to post-NICE-SUGAR time period. Results: Among more than a total of 2 million blood glucose determinations, comprising 408 790 patient-days, median patient-day blood glucose decreased from 144 mg/dL to 141 mg/dL ( P < .001) in the pre- versus post-NICE-SUGAR time period. The percentage of patient days with a mean blood glucose of 110-179 mg/dl increased from 58.3 to 63.6%. The percentage of patient-days with either hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dl) or severe hyperglycemia (≥300 mg/dl) decreased during this time. Conclusions: Our results suggest that glycemic control in US ICUs has improved when comparing time periods before versus after publication of the NICE-SUGAR study. We found no evidence that fewer hypoglycemic events were achieved at the expense of more hyperglycemia.
Tined lead versus percutaneous nerve evaluation for sacral nerve stimulator assessment
Authors: Kass-Iliyya A , Jenks J , Moore CM , Hamid R , Shah JR , Greenwell TJ , Ockrim JL 
Published: July 2014

Purpose: We compared the outcomes of percutaneous nerve evaluation (PNE) with first-stage tined lead placement (FSTLP) for the testing phase of sacral nerve neuromodulation (SNM), and we assessed the outcomes of these two techniques following implantation of a (second-stage) permanent sacral nerve stimulator (SNS). Methods: Seventy consecutive patients had either PNE ( n = 35) or FSTLP ( n = 35) evaluation, and conversion to a permanent SNS implant according to response. Primary outcomes were assessed using frequency-volume charts, pad testing, ICIQ/EQ5D questionnaires and global health perception visual analogue scale (VAS). Success was considered if they achieved greater than 50% improvement in their urinary symptoms. Success and failure rates were compared during the test phase and after implantation of the SNS. Results: Mean follow-up for the FSTLP group was 14 months (nine to 20) and for the PNE group was 22 months (eight to 27). Sixteen (46%) of the PNE tests and 20 (57%) of the FSTLP patients were converted to permanent implant. A significant correlation was noted between patients’ general health (VAS score) and a successful test phase ( r = 0.297, p = 0.013). Eighteen of 19 (95%) of tined lead patients have successful SNS implants, whereas five of 16 (31%) of PNE evaluations failed to convert test efficacy to the permanent SNS implant ( p = 0.042). Furthermore, two of PNE-SNS patients were successfully salvaged by the implantation of a second tined lead. Conclusions: FSTLP-SNS has a significantly higher success rate than PNE-SNS in converting the test phase to SNS implantation. This may be due in part to difficulties retaining accurate lead placement with the two-lead (PNE-SNS) approach. These findings have important cost and logistical implications for SNS services.
Transcriptome analysis of the differences in gene expression between testis and ovary in green mud crab (Scylla paramamosain)
Authors: Gao Jie , Wang Xiaowei , Zou Zhihua , Jia Xiwei , Wang Yilei , Zhang Ziping 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background
The green mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) is the most prevalent crustacean on the southeast coast of China. The molecular regulatory mechanism of sex determination and gonadal differentiation in this species has received considerable attention in recent years because of the huge differences—both biological and economic—between male and female crabs. In this study, next-generation sequencing technology was used to develop deep-coverage transcriptomic sequencing data for the testis and ovary of S. paramamosain.

Results
A total of 365,116 reads (testis 171,962, ovary 193,154) with an average sequence length of 285 bp were produced from testis and ovary cDNA libraries. After filtering out contaminating reads, the clean reads were assembled, producing a total of 21,791 isotigs and leaving 22,814 reads as singlets. Using the BLASTX program, 3,471 unique sequences (2,275 isotigs and 1,196 singletons) were annotated with known protein sequences from the NCBI non-redundant (Nr) protein sequence database. The Gene Ontology and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analyses allowed the 224 unique sequences that were annotated with enzyme code (EC) numbers to be mapped into 174 KEGG pathways. After comparing the ovary and testis libraries, 4,021 gonad-differentially, 10,522 ovary-specifically, and 19,013 testis-specifically expressed genes were identified. Moreover, 33 ovary-specific, 14 testis-specific, and 34 gonad-differential transcripts were confirmed by semi-quantitative PCR and quantitative real-time PCR. In addition, 8,610 putative simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 23,879 potential single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified.

Conclusion
This is the first large-scale RNA sequencing of S. paramamosain to be reported. We have identified many important functional genes and made a preliminary attempt to construct the regulatory network involved in the gonadal development of crustaceans. The annotated transcriptome data will provide fundamental support for future research into the reproduction biology of S. paramamosain. A large number of candidate SSRs and SNPs were detected, which could be used as genetic markers for population genetics and functional genomics in this species.
High antioxidant and DNA protection activities of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and chitobiose produced by exolytic chitinase from Bacillus cereus EW5
Authors: Azam Mohammed Shariful , Kim Eun Jung , Yang Han-Soeb , Kim Joong Kyun 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Chitin-degrading bacterial strains were screened and tested for their ability to degrade shrimp-shell waste (SSW). Among the potential strains, B. cereus EW5 exhibited the highest chitin-degrading ability compared with other strains and produced 24 mg of reducing sugar per gram of dry SSW after 4 days of incubation. A TLC analysis of SSW biodegradation revealed that the chitosaccharides produced in the culture supernatant were mainly N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and chitobiose due to the isolate’s exolytic chitinase activity. The culture supernatant exhibited a high degree of antioxidant activity, as indicated by 83% DPPH, 99.6% ABTS, 51% hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and 0.34 reducing power. The formation of GlcNAc and chitobiose during biodegradation of SSW is considered to be the major contributor to the antioxidant activity. The EW5 culture supernatant also displayed inhibition of DNA damage, enhancing the reutilization value of SSW. This report presents the first description of fermented production of GlcNAc and DNA protective activity of culture supernatant from SSW by B. cereus.
Learning restricted Boolean network model by time-series data
Authors: Ouyang Hongjia , Fang Jie , Shen Liangzhong , Dougherty Edward R , Liu Wenbin 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Restricted Boolean networks are simplified Boolean networks that are required for either negative or positive regulations between genes. Higa et al. (BMC Proc 5:S5, 2011) proposed a three-rule algorithm to infer a restricted Boolean network from time-series data. However, the algorithm suffers from a major drawback, namely, it is very sensitive to noise. In this paper, we systematically analyze the regulatory relationships between genes based on the state switch of the target gene and propose an algorithm with which restricted Boolean networks may be inferred from time-series data. We compare the proposed algorithm with the three-rule algorithm and the best-fit algorithm based on both synthetic networks and a well-studied budding yeast cell cycle network. The performance of the algorithms is evaluated by three distance metrics: the normalized-edge Hamming distance

μ
ham
e

, the normalized Hamming distance of state transition

μ
ham
st

, and the steady-state distribution distance μ
ssd. Results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the others according to both

μ
ham
e

and

μ
ham
st

, whereas its performance according to μ
ssd is intermediate between best-fit and the three-rule algorithms. Thus, our new algorithm is more appropriate for inferring interactions between genes from time-series data.
Resource development in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery: An analysis on patient education resource development
Authors: Goldfarb Jeremy , Gupta Vishaal , Sampson Heather , Chiodo Albino 
Published: July 2014

Background There is a need for educational tools in the consenting process of otolaryngology-head and neck procedures. A development strategy for the creation of educational tools in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, particularly pamphlets on the peri-operative period in an adenotonsillectomy, is described. Methods A participatory design approach, which engages key stakeholders in the development of an educational tool, is used. Pamphlets were created through a review of traditional and grey literature and then reviewed by a community expert in the field. The pamphlets were then reviewed by an interdisciplinary team including educational experts, and finally by less vulnerable members of the target population. Questionnaires evaluating the pamphlets’ content, layout, style, and general qualitative features were included. Results The pamphlets yielded high ratings across all domains regardless of patient population. General feedback was provided by a non-vulnerable patient population and final pamphlets were drafted. Conclusions By using a participatory design model, the pamphlets are written at an appropriate educational level to incorporate a broad audience. Furthermore, this methodology can be used in future resource development of educational tools.
Physiological vagility and its relationship to dispersal and neutral genetic heterogeneity in vertebrates
Authors: Hillman Stanley S. , Drewes Robert C. , Hedrick Michael S. , Hancock Thomas V. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractVagility is the inherent power of movement by individuals. Vagility and the available duration of movement determine the dispersal distance individuals can move to interbreed which affects the fine-scale genetic structure of vertebrate populations. Vagility and variation in population genetic structure are normally explained by geographic variation and not by the inherent power of movement by individuals. We present a new, quantitative definition for physiological vagility that incorporates aerobic capacity, body size, body temperature, and the metabolic cost of transport, variables that are independent of the physical environment. Physiological vagility is the speed at which an animal can move sustainably based on these parameters. This meta-analysis tests whether this definition of physiological vagility correlates with empirical data for maximal dispersal distances and measured microsatellite genetic differentiation with distance ((FST/1-FST)/ ln km) for amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals utilizing three locomotor modes (running, flying, swimming). Maximal dispersal distance and physiological vagility increased with body mass for amphibians, reptiles and mammals utilizing terrestrial movement. The relative slopes of these relationships indicate that larger individuals require longer movement durations to achieve maximal dispersal distances. Both physiological vagility and maximal dispersal distance were independent of body mass for flying vertebrates. Genetic differentiation with distance was greatest for terrestrial locomotion, with amphibians showing the greatest mean and variance in differentiation. Flying birds, flying mammals, and swimming marine mammals showed the least differentiation. Mean physiological vagility of different groups (class and locomotor mode) accounted for 98% of the mean variation in genetic differentiation with distance in each group. Genetic differentiation with distance was not related to body mass. The physiological capacity for movement (physiological vagility) quantitatively predicts genetic isolation by distance in the vertebrates examined.
A context-dependent alarm signal in the antTemnothorax rugatulus
Authors: Sasaki Takao , Hölldobler Bert , Millar Jocelyn G. , Pratt Stephen C. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBecause collective cognition emerges from local signaling among group members, deciphering communication systems is critical to understanding underlying mechanisms. Alarm signals are widespread in the social insects and can elicit a variety of behavioral responses to danger, but the functional plasticity of these signals has not been well studied. Here we report an alarm pheromone in the ant Temnothorax rugatulus that elicits two different behaviors depending on context. When an ant was tethered inside an unfamiliar nest site and unable to move freely, she released a pheromone from her mandibular gland that signaled other ants to reject this nest as a potential new home, presumably to avoid potential danger. When the same pheromone was presented near the ants' home nest, they were instead attracted to it, presumably to respond to a threat to the colony. We used coupled gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to identify candidate compounds from the mandibular gland and tested each one in a nest choice bioassay. We found that 2,5-dimethylpyrazine was sufficient to induce rejection of a marked new nest and also to attract ants when released at the home nest. This is the first detailed investigation of chemical communication in the leptothoracine ants. We discuss the possibility that this pheromone's deterrent function can improve an emigrating colony's nest site selection performance.
Precocene-I inhibits juvenile hormone biosynthesis, ovarian activation, aggression and alters sterility signal production in bumble bee (Bombus terrestris) workers
Authors: Amsalem Etya , Teal Peter , Grozinger Christina M. , Hefetz Abraham 
Published: July 2014

AbstractJuvenile hormone (JH) is an important regulator of development and physiology in insects. While in many insect species, including bumble bees, JH functions as gonadotropin in adults, in some highly eusocial insects its role has shifted to regulate social behavior including division of labor, dominance and aggression. Studying JH functions across social insect species is important for understanding the evolution of sociality; however, these studies have been limited due to inability to reduce JH levels without surgically removing its glandular source, the corpora allata. Precocene is known to inhibit JH biosynthesis in several non-social insects, but was poorly studied in social insects. Here, we tested if precocene-I can effectively reduce JH levels in Bombus terrestris workers, and examined its effects on their physiology and behavior. Precocene-I treatment of 3-worker groups decreased JH titer and ovarian activation, irrespective of the bees' dominance rank within the group, and was remedied by JH replacement therapy. Precocene-I also decreased aggressiveness and increased ester-sterility-signal production. These changes were rank-dependent, affected mainly in the most reproductive and the least aggressive workers, respectively, and could not be remedied by JH replacement therapy. These results clearly confirm the role of JH as a gonadotropin and mediator of aggression in B. terrestris, and that JH effects are associated with worker dominance rank. The ability to chemically reduce JH titer provides us with a non-intrusive method to probe the evolutionary changes associated with JH and the hormonal mechanisms that are associated with reproduction and behavior in social insects.