bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Machine learning algorithms to infer trait‐matching and predict species interactions in ecological networks
Authors: Pichler Maximilian , Boreux Virginie , Klein Alexandra‐Maria , Schleuning Matthias , Hartig Florian 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Ecologists have long suspected that species are more likely to interact if their traits match in a particular way. For example, a pollination interaction may be more likely if the proportions of a bee's tongue fit a plant's flower shape. Empirical estimates of the importance of trait‐matching for determining species interactions, however, vary significantly among different types of ecological networks.

Here, we show that ambiguity among empirical trait‐matching studies may have arisen at least in parts from using overly simple statistical models. Using simulated and real data, we contrast conventional generalized linear models (GLM) with more flexible Machine Learning (ML) models (Random Forest, Boosted Regression Trees, Deep Neural Networks, Convolutional Neural Networks, Support Vector Machines, naïve Bayes, and k‐Nearest‐Neighbor), testing their ability to predict species interactions based on traits, and infer trait combinations causally responsible for species interactions.

We found that the best ML models can successfully predict species interactions in plant–pollinator networks, outperforming GLMs by a substantial margin. Our results also demonstrate that ML models can better identify the causally responsible trait‐matching combinations than GLMs. In two case studies, the best ML models successfully predicted species interactions in a global plant–pollinator database and inferred ecologically plausible trait‐matching rules for a plant–hummingbird network from Costa Rica, without any prior assumptions about the system.

We conclude that flexible ML models offer many advantages over traditional regression models for understanding interaction networks. We anticipate that these results extrapolate to other ecological network types. More generally, our results highlight the potential of machine learning and artificial intelligence for inference in ecology, beyond standard tasks such as image or pattern recognition.
Maternal plasma proteomics in a rat model of pregnancy complications reveals immune and pro‐coagulant gene pathway activation
Authors: Sanchez Tino W. , Li Bo , Molinaro Christine , Casiano Carlos A. , Bellinger Denise L. , Mata‐Greenwood Eugenia 
Published: November 2019

AbstractProblemThe Brown Norway (BN) rat is a model of T‐helper 2 immune diseases, and also a model of pregnancy disorders that include placental insufficiency, fetal loss, and pre‐eclampsia‐like symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the plasma proteomic/cytokine profile of pregnant BN rats in comparison to that of the Lewis (LEW) rat strain.Method of studyPlasma proteomics differences were studied at day 13 of pregnancy in pooled plasma samples by differential in‐gel electrophoresis, and protein identification was performed by mass spectrometry. Key protein findings and predicted cytokine differences were validated by ELISA using plasma from rats at various pregnancy stages. Proteomics data were used for ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA).ResultsIn‐gel analysis revealed 74 proteins with differential expression between BN and LEW pregnant dams. ELISA studies confirmed increased maternal plasma levels of complement 4, prothrombin, and C‐reactive protein in BN compared to LEW pregnancies. LEW pregnancies showed higher maternal plasma levels of transthyretin and haptoglobin than BN pregnancies. Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed that BN pregnancies are characterized by activation of pro‐coagulant, reactive oxygen species, and immune‐mediated chronic inflammation pathways, and suggested increased interleukin 6 and decreased transforming growth factor‐β1 as potential upstream events. Plasma cytokine analysis revealed that pregnant BN dams have a switch from anti‐ to pro‐inflammatory cytokines with the opposite switch observed in pregnant LEW dams.ConclusionBrown Norway rats show a maternal pro‐inflammatory response to pregnancy that likely contributes to the reproductive outcomes observed in this rat strain.
Ontogenetic pattern, morphological sexual and side dimorphism in the saccular otolith of a scaleless killifish Aphanius furcatus (Teleostei: Aphaniidae)
Authors: Motamedi Mina , Teimori Azad , Iranmanesh Atefeh 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe relationships between ontogenetic and sexual factors with otolith morphology are poorly studied in killifish genus Aphanius Nardo, 1827. We studied the ontogeny, morphological sexual and side dimorphism in the saccular otolith of a scaleless killifish Aphanius furcatus inhabiting a high‐salinity environment in Southern Iran. The results highlighted growth‐dependent variability in the otolith of A. furcatus, which might be useful to define its certain developmental stages. We underlined those characters that were consistent during fish development, which could be valuable to identify the species. Considering the ontogenetic pattern of otolith in A. furcatus, it was found that the otoliths of young individuals have largely been influenced by sexes and that it was reduced during the fish development. Morphological side dimorphism in the otolith of A. furcatus tends to be increased during fish development. The outcomes of this study are essential since they have provided new information on ontogenetic changes and the sexual and side dimorphism of Aphanius otolith.
Immunolabelling for RhoV and actin in early regenerating tail of the lizard Podarcis muralis suggests involvement in epithelial and mesenchymal cell motility
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo , Borsetti Francesca 
Published: November 2019

AbstractImmunolabelling for RhoV and actin in early regenerating tail of the lizard Podarcis muralis suggests involvement in epithelial and mesenchymal cell motility. Acta Zoologica, Stockolm. Immunolabelling for RhoV and α‐smooth muscle actin, genes that are highly expressed in the regenerating tail of lizards, shows that a main protein band immunolabelled for RhoV is seen at 65–70 kDa and only a weak band at 22–24 kDa. This suggests that alteration occurred during extraction or is due to biochemical processing of the protein. RhoV immunolabelled cells are present in apical and proximal regenerating epidermis during scale neogenesis. The apical ependyma is labelled but labelling fades and disappears in medial‐proximal regions, near the original spinal cord. Differentiating muscles and cartilage show low labelling. Ultrastructural immunolocalization of RhoV in wound keratinocytes shows labelling in regions containing actin filaments that associate with tonofilaments and desmosomes while a low labelling is present in mesenchymal cells. Filamentous regions of the nucleus, nuclear membrane and the nucleolus are immune‐labelled for RhoV. Similar localization is seen for actin that is present along the perimeters of keratinocytes associated with tonofilaments, in elongations of mesenchymal cells, in muscle satellite cells, endothelial and pericytes of blood vessels. It is suggested that RhoV and actin are associated in the dynamic cytoskeleton needed for the movements of epidermal and mesenchymal cells and in endothelial cells forming new blood vessels.
Immunological features of a lung cancer patient achieving an objective response with anti‐programmed death‐1 blockade therapy
Authors: Kamata Toshiko , Yoshida Shigetoshi , Takami Mariko , Ihara Fumie , Yoshizawa Hiroko , Toyoda Takahide , Takeshita Yuichiro , Nobuyama Seiichi , Kanetsuna Yukiko , Sato Tetsuo , Yoshino Ichiro , Motohashi Shinichiro 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe role of immune checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic lung cancer has been established in recent years and the pretherapeutic profiles of the tumor microenvironment in responders have been increasingly reported. The role of salvage surgery and the immune profiles of the posttherapeutic specimens in patients achieving an objective response have rarely been studied. We report a case of metastatic lung cancer treated by anti‐programmed death‐1 Ab followed by surgical resection. The immune status of the tumor was assessed, showing germinal center formation, memory B cell infiltration, and a high frequency of interferon gamma ‐secreting T cells.
Women's preferences for communication with the cervical screening programme: A qualitative study
Authors: Ravindran Roshini , Cotton Seonaidh , Cruickshank Margaret 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn Scotland, invitations and results for cervical screening are sent by post. We ask the question: is this an effective means of communication in the 21st century? Consideration of other ways of communicating with women may help to increase acceptability of the cervical screening programme.ObjectiveTo explore perspectives of screening‐eligible women, regarding methods for communication of invitations and results from the cervical screening programme to improve acceptability.MethodsA qualitative study design using semi‐structured face‐to‐face or telephone interviews with women aged 25‐65 years. Thirty interviews were directed using visual cues to generate discussion. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis of the data was conducted using a Framework approach.ResultsThe main advantage of the postal system is its perceived formality; however, its lack of speed was a concern. Advantages of e‐communication included speed and convenience; however, concerns such as lack of confidentiality and access were mentioned. Telephone communication was deemed impractical, while face‐to‐face communication was highly regarded. Furthermore, the majority of participants felt screening appointments set at a specific date and time may improve uptake. Overall, participants believed there is no universal solution regarding the issue of communication.ConclusionAt present, the postal system may be an appropriate method for invitation and results for cervical screening; however, there may be greater scope for preference of communication to improve the acceptability of the screening programme to women.
Sessile serrated adenoma/polyp showed rapid malignant transformation in the final 13 months
Authors: Amemori Sadahiro , Yamano Hiro‐o , Tanaka Yoshihito , Yoshikawa Kenjiro , Matsushita Hiro‐o , Takagi Ryo , Harada Eiji , Yoshida Yuko , Tsuda Kazunori , Kato Bunichiro , Tamura Eri , Eizuka Makoto , Sugai Tamotsu , Adachi Yasushi , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Suzuki Hiromu , Nakase Hiroshi 
Published: November 2019

Based on the concept of the adenoma‐carcinoma sequence, most colorectal cancers are considered to arise from conventional adenomas. However, recent studies suggested that a subset of colorectal cancers develop through the serrated neoplastic pathway. It has also been documented that serrated polyps can rapidly transform into invasive cancers even when they are small in size. We now describe a case of a sessile serrated adenoma/polyp which had been followed up for 4 years but eventually showed rapid transformation into an advanced cancer accompanied by a remarkable morphological change within only 13 months. Retrospective genetic and epigenetic analyses showed microsatellite instability, CpG island methylator phenotype‐positive, and BRAF mutation in the lesion, suggesting the tumor had developed through the serrated neoplastic pathway. This case may provide valuable information about the natural history of sessile serrated adenoma/polyps which eventually progress to advanced cancers.
Socioeconomic status and executive function in early childhood: Exploring proximal mechanisms
Authors: Vrantsidis Daphne M. , Clark Caron A. C. , Chevalier Nicolas , Espy Kimberly Andrews , Wiebe Sandra A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAlthough there is substantial evidence that socioeconomic status (SES) predicts children's executive function (EF), the mechanisms underlying this association are poorly understood. This study tested the utility of two theories proposed to link SES to children's EF: the family stress model and the family investment model. Data came from the Midwestern Infant Development Study (N = 151). To measure SES, parental education and income were assessed during pregnancy, and income was also assessed when children were 6 and 36 months old. Children's EF, operationalized as working memory/inhibitory control (WMIC) and self‐control, was assessed at 36 months of age, along with potential mediators including maternal psychological distress, harsh parenting, and cognitive stimulation. Using structural equation modeling, we tested simultaneous pathways from SES to EF: (a) via maternal psychological distress to harsh parenting (family stress model) and (b) via cognitive stimulation (family investment model). Of the SES measures, lower education predicted poorer WMIC directly and indirectly via greater maternal psychological distress. Lower education also predicted poorer self‐control via greater maternal psychological distress. This effect was partially suppressed by an indirect path from lower education to better self‐control via greater psychological distress and increased harsh parenting. Cognitive stimulation did not act as a mediator. Income was not directly or indirectly associated with EF. These findings provide partial support for the family stress model and suggest that family functioning is an important proximal mechanism for children's EF development. This study also highlights the importance of considering SES as a multidimensional construct.
CHD2‐related epilepsy: novel mutations and new phenotypes
Authors: Chen Jiaoyang , Zhang Jing , Liu Aijie , Zhang Liping , Li Hua , Zeng Qi , Yang Zhixian , Yang Xiaoling , Wu Xiru , Zhang Yuehua 
Published: November 2019

The aim of this report was to refine the genotypes and phenotypes of chromodomain helicase DNA‐binding protein 2 (CHD2)‐related epilepsy. Seventeen patients with CHD2 mutations were enrolled. CHD2 mutations were identified by application of next‐generation sequencing of epilepsy or whole exome sequencing. Sixteen mutations were identified, among which 15 have not yet been reported. Thirteen mutations were de novo. Age at seizure onset ranged from 3 months to 10 years 5 months. Seizures observed were generalized tonic–clonic, myoclonic, atonic, atypical absence, focal, and myoclonic–atonic. Epileptic spasms occurred in two patients. Developmental disability was present in 14 patients. Autism features were observed in seven patients. Video electroencephalogram was abnormal in 15 patients. Five patients were diagnosed with non‐specific epileptic encephalopathy, two with epilepsy with myoclonic–atonic seizures, two with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome, two with febrile seizures plus, and one with West syndrome. Seizures were controlled in nine patients. Q1392TfsX17 may be a hot‐spot mutation of CHD2. West syndrome was observed as a new phenotype of CHD2 mutation. The severity of the phenotypes of CHD2 mutations ranged from mild febrile seizures to severe epileptic encephalopathy.What this paper adds

Q1392TfsX17 maybe the hot‐spot mutation of CHD2.

West syndrome could be a new phenotype of CHD2 mutation.
Expression profiling of winged‐ and wingless‐destined pea aphid embryos implicates insulin/insulin growth factor signaling in morph differences
Authors: Grantham Mary E. , Shingleton Alexander W. , Dudley Emma , Brisson Jennifer A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDevelopmental plasticity allows the matching of adult phenotypes to different environments. Although considerable effort has gone into understanding the evolution and ecology of plasticity, less is known about its developmental genetic basis. We focused on the pea aphid wing polyphenism, in which high‐ or low‐density environments cause viviparous aphid mothers to produce winged or wingless offspring, respectively. Maternally provided ecdysone signals to embryos to be winged or wingless, but it is unknown how embryos respond to that signal. We used transcriptional profiling to investigate the gene expression state of winged‐destined (WD) and wingless‐destined (WLD) embryos at two developmental stages. We found that embryos differed in a small number of genes, and that gene sets were enriched for the insulin‐signaling portion of the FoxO pathway. To look for a global signature of insulin signaling, we examined the size and stage of WD and WLD embryos but found no differences. These data suggest the hypothesis that FoxO signaling is important for morph development in a tissue‐specific manner. We posit that maternally supplied ecdysone affects embryonic FoxO signaling, which ultimately plays a role in alternative morph development. Our study is one of an increasing number that implicate insulin signaling in the generation of alternative environmentally induced morphologies.
The uropygial gland of the monk parakeet Myiopsitta monachus: Histology, morphogenesis, and evolution within Psittaciformes (Aves)
Authors: Carril Julieta , Chiale María C. , Barbeito Claudio G. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe describe the morphology, histology, and histochemical characteristics of the uropygial gland (UG) of the monk parakeet Myiopsitta monachus. The UG has a heart‐shape external appearance and adenomers extensively branched with a convoluted path, covered by a stratified epithelium formed by different cellular strata and divided into three zones (based on the epithelial height and lumen width), a cylindrical papilla with an internal structure of delicate type and two excretory pores surrounded by a feather tuft. Histochemical and lectin‐histochemical techniques performed showed positivity against PAS, AB pH 2.5, AB‐PAS, and some lectines, likely related to the granivorous feeding habits. Also, we describe the morphogenesis of the UG of the monk parakeet, which appears at embryological stage 34 as a pair of ectodermal invaginations. Heterochronic events in the onset development of the UG when compared with other birds could be recognized. Finally, to examine the phylogenetic occurrence of the UG within the Psittaciformes and infer its evolutionary history, we mapped its presence/absence over a molecular phylogeny. The reconstruction of the characters states at ancestral nodes revealed that the presence of the UG was the plesiomorphic feature for Psittaciformes and its loss evolved independently more than once.
Phorid species from Acromyrmex’s hosts and effect on their survival of two fungi proposed for the control of leafcutter ants
Authors: Goffre Daniela , Folgarait Patricia J. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPhorid flies (Diptera: Phoridae, Metopinini) are natural enemies of leafcutter ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae, Attini), which are among the most important pests in the Neotropical region. These parasitoids lay their eggs inside worker ants, causing the death of the parasitized ants, and the oviposition attacks on foraging workers interfere with the collection of vegetal material used in fungal gardens, thereby affecting the whole colony. However, because of the large number of ants per colony, more than one type of biological control agent is needed to have a significant impact. We collected parasitized leafcutter ants Acromyrmex lundii (Guérin‐Méneville), Acromyrmex heyeri (Forel), and Acromyrmex ambiguus (Emery) from various places in Argentina and reared their parasitoids. We recorded developmental times, host and phorid sizes, and other aspects of the biology of the phorids Apocephalus neivai Borgmeier, Apocephalus noetingerorum Brown & Disney, Myrmosicarius gracilipes Borgmeier, Myrmosicarius catharinensis Borgmeier, Myrmosicarius crudelis Borgmeier, and Myrmosicarius cristobalensis Disney et al. This is the first record of A. ambiguus, an important pest of pine plantations, being a host of phorids. We found the first cases of gregarious parasitoidism of a parasitoid with no‐free pupae: M. catharinensis on A. lundii ants. We also evaluated the effect on pupal survival of two cosmopolitan fungi, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuill. and Trichoderma lentiforme (Rehm) Chaverri et al., which are also considered as potential biological control agents of leafcutter ants. Suspensions of conidia were tested on Myrmosicarius and Apocephalus parasitoid pupae of different ages. No negative effect on pupal survival was found under either fungal treatment. Therefore, the use of both natural enemies separately but simultaneously, or the introduction of fungi‐inoculated pupae in the pest habitats, seems to be a promising strategy for the multiple biological control of leafcutter ants.
Anatomy of the stridulation apparatus of the beech leaf‐mining weevil and characterization of, and behavioral responses to, stridulation sounds
Authors: Goodwin Joel T.L. , Hillier N. Kirk , Roscoe Lucas E. , Sweeney Jon D. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe investigated auditory signals and morphology of the stridulatory apparatus of the European beech leaf‐mining weevil, Orchestes fagi L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), an invasive herbivore now established in Nova Scotia, Canada, to determine their potential for enhancing survey tools to monitor the spread of the species in Canada. We recorded and described sounds produced by adult O. fagi, analyzed the morphology of the stridulatory mechanism for intersexual differences and asymmetry, and examined behavioral responses elicited in conspecifics by playback of stridulation recordings. Adult O. fagi produced sounds under three conditions: male in distress, female in distress, and male in the presence of female. Female distress chirps lasted significantly longer than male distress chirps and male chirps in the presence of females, but peak frequencies and mean number of chirps per s did not differ significantly among the three groups. Morphology of the stridulation structures in male and female O. fagi was compared using scanning electron microscopy. Orchestes fagi have an elytro‐tergal file‐ and scraper‐type sound production apparatus, through which sound is produced upon anterior motion of the abdomen. Female O. fagi have a ‘pars stridens’ that is longer and has more ridges than males. Width and number of ridges per length of pars stridens did not differ between the sexes. Evidence of asymmetry was found in male pars stridens, with the right side being longer than the left. Playback of recorded sounds to adult weevils suggests female O. fagi were repelled by sounds produced by distressed males.