bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perturbations in growth trajectory due to early diet affect age‐related deterioration in performance
Authors: Lee Who‐Seung , Monaghan Pat , Metcalfe Neil B. 
Published: August 2015

Summary

Fluctuations in early developmental conditions can cause changes in growth trajectories that subsequently affect the adult phenotype. Here, we investigated whether compensatory growth has long‐term consequences for patterns of senescence.

Using three‐spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus), we show that a brief period of dietary manipulation in early life affected skeletal growth rate not only during the manipulation itself, but also during a subsequent compensatory phase when fish caught up in size with controls.

However, this growth acceleration influenced swimming endurance and its decline over the course of the breeding season, with a faster decline in fish that had undergone faster growth compensation.

Similarly, accelerated growth led to a more pronounced reduction in the breeding period (as indicated by the duration of sexual ornamentation) over the following two breeding seasons, suggesting faster reproductive senescence. Parallel experiments showed a heightened effect of accelerated growth on these age‐related declines in performance if the fish were under greater time stress to complete their compensation prior to the breeding season.

Compensatory growth led to a reduction in median life span of 12% compared to steadily growing controls. While life span was independent of the eventual adult size attained, it was negatively correlated with the age‐related decline in swimming endurance and sexual ornamentation.

These results, complementary to those found when growth trajectories were altered by temperature rather than dietary manipulations, show that the costs of accelerated growth can last well beyond the time over which growth rates differ and are affected by the time available until an approaching life‐history event such as reproduction.
Antisense‐mediated reduction of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9): a first‐in‐human randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: van Poelgeest Eveline P. , Hodges Michael R. , Moerland Matthijs , Tessier Yann , Levin Arthur A. , Persson Robert , Lindholm Marie W. , Dumong Erichsen Kamille , Ørum Henrik , Cohen Adam F. , Burggraaf Jacobus 
Published: August 2015

AimsLDL‐receptor expression is inhibited by the protease proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), which is considered a pharmacological target to reduce LDL‐C concentrations in hypercholesterolaemic patients. We performed a first‐in‐human trial with SPC5001, a locked nucleic acid antisense inhibitor of PCSK9.MethodsIn this randomized, placebo‐controlled trial, 24 healthy volunteers received three weekly subcutaneous administrations of SPC5001 (0.5, 1.5 or 5 mg kg–1) or placebo (SPC5001 : placebo ratio 6 : 2). End points were safety/tolerability, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of SPC5001.ResultsSPC5001 plasma exposure (AUC(0,24 h)) increased more than dose‐proportionally. At 5 mg kg–1, SPC5001 decreased target protein PCSK9 (day 15 to day 35: −49% vs. placebo, P < 0.0001), resulting in a reduction in LDL‐C concentrations (maximal estimated difference at day 28 compared with placebo −0.72 mmol l–1, 95% confidence interval − 1.24, −0.16 mmol l–1; P < 0.01). SPC5001 treatment (5 mg kg–1) also decreased ApoB (P = 0.04) and increased ApoA1 (P = 0.05). SPC5001 administration dose‐dependently induced mild to moderate injection site reactions in 44% of the subjects, and transient increases in serum creatinine of ≥20 μmol l–1 (15%) over baseline with signs of renal tubular toxicity in four out of six subjects at the highest dose level. One subject developed biopsy‐proven acute tubular necrosis.ConclusionsSPC5001 treatment dose‐dependently inhibited PCSK9 and decreased LDL‐C concentrations, demonstrating human proof‐of‐pharmacology. However, SPC5001 caused mild to moderate injection site reactions and renal tubular toxicity, and clinical development of SPC5001 was terminated. Our findings underline the need for better understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind the side effects of compounds such as SPC5001, and for sensitive and relevant renal toxicity monitoring in future oligonucleotide studies.
Insulin administered by needle‐free jet injection corrects marked hyperglycaemia faster in overweight or obese patients with diabetes
Authors: de Wit H. M. , Engwerda E. E. C. , Tack C. J. , de Galan B. E. 
Published: August 2015

AimsTo test whether jet injection of insulin resulted in faster correction of marked hyperglycaemia than when insulin is injected by a conventional pen in patients with diabetes.MethodsAdult, overweight or obese (BMI ≥25 and ≤40 kg/m2) patients with type 1 diabetes (n = 10) or insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes (n = 10) were enrolled in a randomized, controlled, crossover study. On two separate occasions, patients were instructed to reduce insulin dose(s) to achieve marked hyperglycaemia (18–23 mmol/l). Subsequently, insulin aspart was administered either by jet injection or by conventional pen, in a dose based on estimated individual insulin sensitivity. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles were derived from plasma glucose and insulin levels, measured for 6 h after injection.ResultsAfter conventional injection, plasma glucose concentration dropped by ≥10 mmol/l after 192.5 ± 13.6 min. The jet injector advanced this time to 147.9 ± 14.4 min [difference 44.6 (95% confidence interval 4.3, 84.8); P = 0.03], except in 3 patients who failed to reach this endpoint. The time advantage exceeded 1.5 h in patients with a BMI above the median. Jet injection also reduced the hyperglycaemic burden during the first 2 h (2042 ± 37.2 vs 2168 ± 26.1 mmol/min; P = 0.01) and the time to peak insulin levels (40.5 ± 3.2 vs 76.8 ± 7.7 min; P < 0.001), but did not increase the risk for hypoglycaemia.ConclusionsAdministration of rapid‐acting insulin by jet injection results in faster correction of marked hyperglycaemia in overweight or obese patients with insulin‐requiring diabetes.
Genetic control of cuticular wax compounds inEucalyptus globulus
Authors: Gosney Benjamin J. , Potts Brad M. , O'Reilly‐Wapstra Julianne M. , Vaillancourt René E. , Fitzgerald Hugh , Davies Noel W. , Freeman Jules S. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryPlant cuticular wax compounds perform functions that are essential for the survival of terrestrial plants. Despite their importance, the genetic control of these compounds is poorly understood outside of model taxa. Here we investigate the genetic basis of variation in cuticular compounds inEucalyptus globulususing quantitative genetic and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses.Quantitative genetic analysis was conducted using 246 open‐pollinated progeny from 13 native sub‐races throughout the geographic range.QTLanalysis was conducted using 112 clonally replicated progeny from an outcross F2population.Nine compounds exhibited significant genetic variation among sub‐races with three exhibiting signals of diversifying selection. Fifty‐twoQTLwere found with co‐location ofQTLfor related compounds commonly observed. Notable among these was theQTLfor five wax esters, which co‐located with a gene from theKCSfamily, previously implicated in the biosynthesis of cuticular waxes in Arabidopsis.In combination, theQTLand quantitative genetic analyses suggest the variation and differentiation in cuticular wax compounds withinE. globulushas a complex genetic origin. Sub‐races exhibited independent latitudinal and longitudinal differentiation in cuticular wax compounds, likely reflecting processes such as historic gene flow and diversifying selection acting upon genes that have diverse functions in distinct biochemical pathways.
Sexually transmitted infection screening and reproductive health counseling in adolescent renal transplant recipients: Perceptions and practice patterns. A study from the Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium
Authors: Ashoor Isa F. , Dharnidharka Vikas R. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWe wanted to identify practice patterns and perceived barriers among pediatric nephrologists regarding STI screening and reproductive health counseling in adolescent renal transplant recipients. We created an online Likert‐scaled survey. Response rate was 54%. The majority (83%) believed STI risk in their patients was similar to or higher than healthy teens. Interestingly, while 67% felt moderately or very confident in asking about sexual activity and counseling about safer sex, only 43% routinely or always inquired about sexual activity, and only 42% routinely or always counseled about safer sex. Fifty‐four percent routinely or always discussed contraceptive options and implications of unintentional pregnancy. Fifty‐one percent routinely or always referred patients to a gynecologist or adolescent provider for contraception prescription. The most common counseling mechanism was informal discussions in clinic (87%). Ten percent had no mechanism in place. Major barriers included time limitations, adolescents' fear regarding confidentiality, and lack of professional training. This is the first report of perceptions and practice patterns of pediatric nephrologists regarding STI screening and reproductive health counseling. Providers seem to recognize the importance of counseling; however, translation into practice remains low. Professional training in this area and increased encounter time could improve counseling delivery and thereby reduce risk in this population.
Management of patient with acrometageria for routine dental treatment: A case report
Authors: Young Andrew S. , Cooke Matthew R. , Taiclet Lynne M. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTThe population of special needs patients in dental offices is growing. Therefore, the demand for well‐trained, educated practitioners must increase to fit the need. Conditions such as intellectual developmental disorder, Down syndrome, and autism spectrum disorder are more readily encountered in dental settings. However, it is equally appropriate to identify management techniques for patients with less common conditions. A case is reported in which a 38‐year‐old Caucasian male with a history significant for acrometageria and associated signs of Mallampati Class IV, micrognathia, decreased mouth opening, decreased thyromental distance, and decreased cervical range of motion presented for routine dental treatment under intravenous sedation. Providers should recognize appropriate management techniques to safely and effectively care for a wide patient demographic.
Implementation of spot scanning dose optimization and dose calculation for helium ions in Hyperion
Authors: Fuchs Hermann , Alber Markus , Schreiner Thomas , Georg Dietmar 
Published: August 2015

Purpose:Helium ions (4He) may supplement current particle beam therapy strategies as they possess advantages in physical dose distribution over protons. To assess potential clinical advantages, a dose calculation module accounting for relative biological effectiveness (RBE) was developed and integrated into the treatment planning system Hyperion.Methods:Current knowledge on RBE of 4He together with linear energy transfer considerations motivated an empirical depth‐dependent “zonal” RBE model. In the plateau region, a RBE of 1.0 was assumed, followed by an increasing RBE up to 2.8 at the Bragg‐peak region, which was then kept constant over the fragmentation tail. To account for a variable proton RBE, the same model concept was also applied to protons with a maximum RBE of 1.6. Both RBE models were added to a previously developed pencil beam algorithm for physical dose calculation and included into the treatment planning system Hyperion. The implementation was validated against Monte Carlo simulations within a water phantom using γ‐index evaluation. The potential benefits of 4He based treatment plans were explored in a preliminary treatment planning comparison (against protons) for four treatment sites, i.e., a prostate, a base‐of‐skull, a pediatric, and a head‐and‐neck tumor case. Separate treatment plans taking into account physical dose calculation only or using biological modeling were created for protons and 4He.Results:Comparison of Monte Carlo and Hyperion calculated doses resulted in a γmean of 0.3, with 3.4% of the values above 1 and γ1% of 1.5 and better. Treatment plan evaluation showed comparable planning target volume coverage for both particles, with slightly increased coverage for 4He. Organ at risk (OAR) doses were generally reduced using 4He, some by more than to 30%. Improvements of 4He over protons were more pronounced for treatment plans taking biological effects into account. All OAR doses were within tolerances specified in the QUANTEC report.Conclusions:The biological 4He model proposed above is a first approach matching biological data published so far. The advantage of 4He seems to lie in the reduction of dose to surrounding tissue and to OARs. Nevertheless, additional biological experiments and treatment planning studies with larger patient numbers and more tumor indications are necessary to study the possible benefits of helium ion beam therapy in detail.
Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Activity in Response to the MJO in NOAA’s CFS Model
Authors: Barnston Anthony G. , Vigaud Nicolas , Long Lindsey N. , Tippett Michael K. , Schemm Jae-Kyung E. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is known to exert some control on the variations of North Atlantic tropical cyclone (TC) activity within a hurricane season. To explore the possibility of better TC predictions based on improved MJO forecasts, retrospective hindcast data on MJO and on TC activity are examined both in the current operational version of the CFSv2 model (T126 horizontal resolution) and a high-resolution (T382) experimental version of CFS. Goals are to determine how well each CFS version reproduces reality in 1) predicting MJO and 2) reproducing observed relationships between MJO phase and TC activity. For the operational CFSv2, skill of forecasts of TC activity is evaluated directly.
Both CFS versions reproduce MJO behavior realistically and also roughly approximate observed relationships between MJO phase and TC activity. Specific biases in the high-resolution CFS are identified and their causes explored. The high-resolution CFS partially reproduces an observed weak tendency for TC activity to propagate eastward during and following the high-activity MJO phases. The operational (T126) CFSv2 shows useful skill (correlation &gt;0.5) in predicting the MJO phase and amplitude out to ~3 weeks. A systematic error of slightly too slow MJO propagation is detected in the operational CFSv2, which still shows usable skill (correlation &gt;0.3) in predicting weekly variations in TC activity out to 10–14 days. A conclusion is that prediction of intraseasonal variations of TC activity by CFSv2 is already possible and implemented in real-time predictions. An advantage of the higher resolution in the T382 version is unable to be confirmed.
The circadianClockgene regulates acrosin activity of sperm through serine protease inhibitor A3K
Authors: Cheng Shuting , Liang Xin , Wang Yuhui , Jiang Zhou , Liu Yanyou , Hou Wang , Li Shiping , Zhang Jing , Wang Zhengrong 
Published: August 2015

Our previous study found that CLOCK knockdown in the testes of male mice led to a reduced fertility, which might be associated with the lower acrosin activity. In this present study, we examined the differential expression in proteins of CLOCK knockdown sperm. Clock gene expression was knocked down in cells to confirm those differentially expressions and serine protease inhibitor SERPINA3K was identified as a potential target. The up-regulated SERPINA3K revealed an inverse relationship with Clock knockdown. Direct treatment of normal sperm with recombinant SERPINA3K protein inhibited the acrosin activity and reduced in vitro fertilization rate. The luciferase reporter gene assay showed that the down-regulated of Clock gene could activate the Serpina3k promoter, but this activation was not affected by the mutation of E-box core sequence. Co-IP demonstrated a natural interaction between SERPIAN3K and RORs (α and β). Taken together, these results demonstrated that SERPINA3K is involved in the Clock gene-mediated male fertility by regulating acrosin activity and provide the first evidence that SERPINA3K could be regulated by Clock gene via retinoic acid-related orphan receptor response elements.
The Shielding Effect of Carbon Nanotubes on the Chemical Shift of Adsorbates
Authors: Shen Wanling , Li Xin 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to study the shielding effect of carbon nanotubes on NMR chemical shifts of various adsorbates. NMR chemical shifts of adsorbates inside/outside carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were calculated using the gauge-including-atomic-orbital (GIAO) method. Our calculations show parabolic correlation between NMR chemical shift and the distance (R) between CNT and adsorbate. In addition, we have found that there exists a negative region compared to free gases. The shielding effect is more pronounced for adsorbates inside CNT than outside; hence, this finding would certainly be useful for spectroscopic identification of species adsorbed inside or outside of CNT.
Preparation of a Thermo- and Photoresponsive Water-soluble Polymer
Authors: Enomoto Ryusuke , Kousaka Shouta , Yusa Shin-ichi 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Malachite green (MG) is a type of leuco dye that changes to a cationic form upon UV irradiation, and returns to a nonionic form in the dark. A random copolymer (p(NIPAM/SMG)) composed of N-isopropylacylamide (NIPAM) and a small amount of MG-bearing monomer (SMG) was prepared. Monitoring the absorbance of an aqueous solution of p(NIPAM/SMG) at 620 nm revealed that absorbance increased upon UV irradiation due to formation of cationic MG. The lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of p(NIPAM/SMG) was shifted to a higher temperature upon UV irradiation compared to that in the dark.
Los retos actuales de la alfabetización académica: estado de la cuestión y últimas investigaciones
Authors: Castelló Montserrat 
Published: August 2015

<p>En este capítulo nos proponemos definir los retos actuales del estudio de la alfabetización académica analizando su carácter situado, social e interdisciplinar y su impacto en las situaciones educativas que se promueven en la universidad. Esta caracterización no ha empezado a ser ampliamente aceptada por la comunidad científica hasta los últimos veinte años y es, por tanto, heredera de tradiciones teóricas y epistemológicas anteriores. En primer lugar haremos un repaso al estado actual de la investigación en escritura académica situando geográfica, conceptual y epistemológicamente los enfoques predominantes. En un segundo momento analizaremos las implicaciones educativas de estos enfoques haciendo especial énfasis en el rol de los centros de escritura como agentes dinamizadores de la renovación en las prácticas de escritura y de alfabetización académica en contextos anglosajones. Finalmente, analizaremos el estado de la cuestión en el contexto español y daremos cuenta de algunas iniciativas de investigación recientes que tienen por objetivo avanzar en nuestro conocimiento acerca de las prácticas de alfabetización académica en nuestro contexto y sensibilizar a la comunidad universitaria de los retos a los que se enfrentan profesores y estudiantes.</p>
La interdisciplinariedad y la formación profesional: una reflexión desde la disciplina de física
Authors: Rodríguez Peña Yaima 
Published: August 2015

El sistema educativo universitario cubano se ha enfrentado a varios retos en la actualidad, uno de ellos es la interdisciplinariedad. Esta metodología dentro del proceso docente se considera imprescindible en los primeros años de cualquier carrera universitaria. A continuación se exponen algunas relaciones interdisciplinarias, entre la Física y otras materias que forman parte del plan de estudios de la especialidad de Agronomía. La disciplina de Física cumple con su función individual como ciencia esencial, pero no independiente de los conocimientos comunes entre todas las que se relacionan. Por ello, el establecimiento de relaciones interdisciplinarias permite demostrar a los alumnos, la importancia de esta disciplina en su formación básica
Relationship between matrix metalloproteinase-9 and oxidative stress in drug-free male schizophrenia: a case control study
Authors: Devanarayanan Sivasankar , Nandeesha Hanumanthappa , Kattimani Shivanand , Sarkar Siddharth 
Published: August 2015

AbstractDeregulation of synaptic plasticity and oxidative stress are reported to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is an extracellular protease involved in regulation of synaptic plasticity. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a marker of lipid peroxidation which is elevated in schizophrenia. Earlier studies have reported polymorphism of MMP-9 and its association with schizophrenia. The present study was designed to assess the serum levels of MMP-9, MDA and total antioxidant status (TAS) and their association in schizophrenia.A total of 40 cases and 40 controls were included in the study. Serum MMP-9, MDA and TAS were estimated in all the subjects. Disease severity was assessed using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).MMP-9 and MDA were significantly increased and TAS were significantly reduced in schizophrenia cases compared to controls. MMP-9 was positively correlated with MDA (r=0.353, p=0.025) and negatively correlated with TAS (r=−0.461, p=0.003). TAS was significantly correlated with total (r=0.322, p=0.043) and negative symptom scores (r=0.336, p=0.034). Higher MMP-9 levels were associated with previous exposure to antipsychotics (p=0.032).MMP-9 and oxidative stress were increased and correlate well with each other in schizophrenia cases. Though total oxidant status showed positive association with disease severity, MMP-9 and MDA were not associated with the severity of the disease.
Patient pools and the use of “patient means” are valuable tools in quality control illustrated by a bone-specific alkaline phosphatase assay
Authors: Hinge Maja , Lund Erik D. , Brandslund Ivan , Plesner Torben , Madsen Jonna S. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractQuality control (QC) is an essential part of clinical biochemistry to ensure that laboratory test results are reliable and correct. Those tests without a defined reference method constitute a special challenge, as is the case with bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP).The present study reports an example where a shift in a BAP assay was detected by use of a patient pool and supported by a retrospective calculation of “patient mean”, while the external QC and specific assay control material were unaffected by the shift.Patient pools and the use of patient means remain a useful and inexpensive procedure for internal QC.