bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental disturbance alters the ecological impact of an invading shrimp
Authors: Candolin Ulrika , Bertell Elina , Kallio Jarkko 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAlien species are altering ecosystems around the globe. To predict and manage their impacts, the underlying mechanisms need to be understood. This is challenging in ecosystems undergoing multiple disturbances as unexpected interactions can alter the impact of individual disturbances. Such interactions are likely to be common in disturbed ecosystems, but have so far received little attention.We investigated whether interactions between an invading shrimpPalaemon elegansand another human‐induced disturbance, the population growth of a native mesopredator, the threespine stickleback, influences a third human‐induced disturbance, the increase in biomass of filamentous algae. Increases in both the native mesopredator population and algal biomass have been promoted by eutrophication and a trophic cascade triggered by declining predatory fish stocks.We used mesocosm and field enclosure experiments, combined with analyses of long‐term trends in the abundance of the invader and the native mesopredator, to dissect the influence of the two species on algal biomass when alone and when co‐occurring.The impact of the invader on algal biomass depended on the native mesopredator; shrimp on their own had no effect on algal growth, but mitigated algae accumulation when competing with the stickleback for resources. Competition caused the shrimp to shift its diet from grazers to algae, and its habitat choice from open to vegetated habitats. The native mesopredator, in contrast, increased algal biomass irrespective of the presence of the invader, by preying on grazers and inducing a trophic cascade.Our results show that the presence of a native mesopredator causes an invader to alter its behaviour and thereby its ecological impact. This demonstrates that interactions between invaders and other anthropogenic disturbances can alter the ecological impact of invaders, and, notably, that the impact of invaders can be positive and stabilize disturbed ecosystems. These results stress the importance of considering interactions among disturbances when investigating the ecological impact of alien species.Aplain language summaryis available for this article.
Application of synchrosqueezed wavelet transforms to estimate the reservoir fluid mobility
Authors: Xue Ya‐Juan , Cao Jun‐Xing , Zhang Gu‐Lan , Cheng Guang‐Hui , Chen Hui 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a new methodology for estimating reservoir fluid mobility using synchrosqueezed wavelet transforms. Synchrosqueezed wavelet transforms, which adopts a reassignment method, can improve the temporal and spatial resolutions of conventional time‐frequency transforms. The synchrosqueezed wavelet transforms‐based fluid mobility estimation requires the favourable selection of sensitive low‐frequency segment and more accurate estimation of the change rate of the low frequency segment in the spectrum. The least‐squares fitting method is employed in the synchrosqueezed wavelet transforms‐based fluid mobility estimation for improving the precision of the estimation of change rate of the low‐frequency segment in the spectrum. We validate our approach with a model test. Two field examples are used to illustrate that the fluid mobility estimation using the synchrosqueezed wavelet transforms‐based method gives a better reflection of fluid storage space and monitors hydrocarbon‐saturated reservoirs well.
RasGRP3, a Ras guanyl releasing protein 3 that contributes to malignant proliferation and aggressiveness in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Ziteng , Ma Ming , Hu Ronghang , Xu Baobin , Zong Ling , Wei Haixiang , Meng Yanhong 
Published: February 2018

SummaryEsophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide; however, clinical and pathological parameters have limited ability in discriminating between clinically significant and indolent ESCC. Since RasGRP3 transcript levels have prognostic value in discriminating ESCC with different clinical aggressiveness, we decided to investigate its putative oncogenic role in ESCC. We found that RasGRP3 was highly expressed in ESCC cells. Suppression of endogenous RasGRP3 expression in esophageal cell lines reduced Ras‐GTP formation as well as AKT phosphorylation. RasGRP3 suppression also inhibited cell invasion and migration and reduced proliferation, demonstrating the importance of RasGRP3 for the transformed phenotype of melanoma cells. Suppression of RasGRP3 expression in these cells inhibited downstream RasGRP3 responses and suppressed cell growth and migration, confirming the functional role of RasGRP3 in the altered behaviour of these cells. This suggests that RasGRP3 may function as a Ras activator in the phosphoinositide signalling pathway and may potentially serve as a new therapeutic target.
Characterization of diverse ploidy in the arctic‐alpine Arenaria ciliata species complex (Caryophyllaceae) using shoot meristem staining and flow cytometry analysis of archived frozen tissue
Authors: Abukrees Fathi , Kozlowski Gregor , Meade Conor 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPloidy levels were analyzed in 21 European populations of the Arenaria ciliata complex using baseline chromosome counts derived from Feulgen staining of HCl‐treated shoot meristems and calibrated flow‐cytometry analysis of fresh and archival frozen tissue. Calibration with two to three control samples of different ploidy facilitated rapid identification of ploidy states in unknown samples. Observed ploidy levels varied from 2N = 40–200, with the majority of populations showing 2N = 40–80. High‐altitude populations collectively showed the full range of ploidy states, but at low elevations only lower ploidy levels were observed. Populations with the highest observed ploidy contained the greatest observed phylogenetic diversity in the western and eastern Alps. Multiple polyploidization events are inferred in the continental European metapopulation, with lower, more stable ploidy characteristic of the west and north. The method deployed provides an effective approach to ploidy analysis for archival desiccated/frozen tissue samples from biogeographic collections.
Viable but non‐culturable and persistence describe the same bacterial stress state
Authors: Kim Jun‐Seob , Chowdhury Nityananda , Yamasaki Ryota , Wood Thomas K. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryBacteria are often thought of as having two dormant phenotypes: the viable but non‐culturable (VBNC) state and the persister state. Here we investigate the relatedness of the two stress‐induced phenotypes at the single‐cell level and examine cell morphology and quantify cell resuscitation. Using the classic starvation conditions to create VBNC cells, we found that the majority of the remaining Escherichia coli population are spherical, have empty cytosol and fail to resuscitate; however, some of the spherical cells resuscitate immediately (most probably those with dense cytosol). Critically, all the culturable cells in this starved population became persister cells within 14 days of starvation. We found that the persister cells initially are rod‐like, have clear but limited membrane damage, can resuscitate immediately and gradually become spherical by aging. After 24 h, only rod‐shaped persister cells survive, and all the spherical cells lyse. Both cell populations formed under the VBNC‐inducing conditions and the persister conditions are metabolically inactive. Therefore, the bacterial population consists of dead cells and persister cells in the VBNC‐inducing conditions; that is, the non‐lysed particles that do not resuscitate are dead, and the dormant cells that resuscitate are persister cells. Hence, ‘VBNC’ and ‘persister’ describe the same dormant phenotype.
Recasting Urban Governance through Leeds City Lab: Developing Alternatives to Neoliberal Urban Austerity in Co‐production Laboratories
Authors: Chatterton Paul , Owen Alice , Cutter Jo , Dymski Gary , Unsworth Rachael 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis article reports on a research project, Leeds City Lab, that brought together partner organizations to explore the meanings and practices of co‐production in the context of urban change. Our intention is to offer a response to the crisis in urban governance by combining the growing academic and practitioner debates on co‐production and urban laboratories in order to explore radically different institutional personae that can respond to deficits in contemporary urban governance, especially relating to participation and disenfranchisement, and ultimately unlock improved ways of designing, managing and living in cities. Our analysis has identified four key ways in which co‐production labs can recast urban governance to more progressive ends: by moving beyond traditional organizational identities and working practices, embracing grey spaces of new civic interfaces, foregrounding emotions and power and committing to durable solutions. Ultimately, what we point towards is that urban governance can be more effectively enacted in co‐production labs that bring together universities and the public, private and civil society sectors on a basis of equality, trust and openness. These spaces have the potential to unlock a city's knowledge, resources and assets, to unpack complex challenges and to build capacity to deliver improved city‐wide solutions.
Reproductive outcome of patients undergoing in vitro fertilisation treatment and diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis or abnormal vaginal microbiota: a systematic PRISMA review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Haahr T , Zacho J , Bräuner M , Shathmigha K , Skov Jensen J , Humaidan P 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundDespite recent efforts, the risks associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) or abnormal vaginal microbiota in IVF patients are not well‐established.ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate the risks associated with BV in IVF patients using meta‐analysis.Search strategyFollowing preliminary searches to find relevant keywords and MeSH terms, a systematic search was performed in PubMed (MEDLINE) in September 2017.Selection criteriaThe population was infertile women attending IVF treatment. The exposure was BV or abnormal vaginal microbiota. Outcomes included live birth rate, early spontaneous abortion rate and clinical pregnancy rate.Data collection and analysisData were collected for each study and for each outcome using a summary of findings table. If appropriate, data were quantitatively assessed using meta‐analysis, sensitivity analysis, funnel plots and GRADE evidence assessment were performed for the above‐mentioned outcomes.Main resultsA total of 12 studies were eligible, comprising a total of 2980 patients. The prevalence of BV was 16% (95% CI 15–18%) in the general study population and tubal factor infertility was highly prevalent in patients diagnosed with BV compared with normal vaginal microbiota patients (P = 0.001). Despite a significant association with early spontaneous abortion [relative risk (RR) 1.68, 95% CI 1.24–2.27], BV did not significantly impact the live birth rate (RR 1.47, 95% CI 0.96–1.57) or the clinical pregnancy rate (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.75–1.15).ConclusionsBV is associated with tubal factor infertility and early spontaneous abortion. However, the quality of evidence was very low and the equivocal results justify the need for further research.Tweetable abstractAbnormal vaginal microbiota is associated with early spontaneous abortion in IVF patients.
Estimating Sex Using Metric Analysis of the Scapula by Postmortem Computed Tomography
Authors: Ali Zabiullah , Cox Christopher , Stock Michala K. , Zandee vanRilland Eddy E. , Rubio Ana , Fowler David R. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPostmortem computed tomography (CT) has been extensively used in the last decade for identification purposes and in various anthropologic studies. PostmortemCTmeasurements of scapulae, analyzed using logistic discriminant function developed in this study, showed 94.5% accuracy in estimating sex. Data analyzed using the Dabbs and Moore‐Jansen (2010) discriminant function and the discriminant function generated in this study provided nearly identical results with disagreement in only one case. Height and weight were not statically significant in sex prediction. The results of this study show that data obtained from volume rendered postmortemCTimages can be considered reliable and treated as a practical option to standard anthropological methods, especially in mass fatalities as a rapid triage tool for sex determination.
Regulation of specialised metabolites in Actinobacteria – expanding the paradigms
Authors: Hoskisson Paul A. , Fernández‐Martínez Lorena T. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThe increase in availability of actinobacterial whole genome sequences has revealed huge numbers of specialised metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters, encoding a range of bioactive molecules such as antibiotics, antifungals, immunosuppressives and anticancer agents. Yet the majority of these clusters are not expressed under standard laboratory conditions in rich media. Emerging data from studies of specialised metabolite biosynthesis suggest that the diversity of regulatory mechanisms is greater than previously thought and these act at multiple levels, through a range of signals such as nutrient limitation, intercellular signalling and competition with other organisms. Understanding the regulation and environmental cues that lead to the production of these compounds allows us to identify the role that these compounds play in their natural habitat as well as provide tools to exploit this untapped source of specialised metabolites for therapeutic uses. Here, we provide an overview of novel regulatory mechanisms that act in physiological, global and cluster‐specific regulatory manners on biosynthetic pathways in Actinobacteria and consider these alongside their ecological and evolutionary implications.
Removal of early fruit branches triggered regulations in senescence, boll attributes and yield of Bt cotton genotypes
Authors: Saleem M.F. , Shahid M. , Shakoor A. , Wahid M.A. , Anjum S.A. , Awais M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPremature senescence, unopened and rotted bolls are the primary constrictions hampering the accomplishment of yield potential in Bt cotton. An experiment was conducted with the objectives to delay senescence, enhance boll opening and reduce the boll rotting. The experiment was conducted at two randomly selected sites of University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, during 2015 and repeated in 2016. Each experiment was laid out in randomised complete block design with two by two factorial arrangement structure and replicated five times. Treatments were comprised of R0 = no fruit removal; R1 = removal of early fruit branches (REFB) and two genotypes, viz. V1 = FH‐142 and V2 = MNH‐886. Genotypes were selected on the basis of abiotic stress tolerance (FH‐142) and susceptibility (MNH‐886). Nodes above cracked bolls, monopodial branches, opened bolls per plant and seed cotton yield were enhanced by 23, 12, 13 and 17%, respectively, under the influence of REFB over no fruit branch removal, while the REFB‐mediated decrease in boll rotting was 27%. Moreover, the response of MNH‐886 was more remarkable than FH‐142 for all studied variables. Conclusively, REFB increased the number of nodes above a cracked boll, monopodial branches, opened bolls per plant and seed cotton yield while decreased rotted bolls per plant in both genotypes.
The effects of prescribing varenicline on two‐year health outcomes: an observational cohort study using electronic medical records
Authors: Davies Neil M. , Taylor Gemma M. J. , Taylor Amy E. , Jones Timothy , Martin Richard M. , Munafò Marcus R. , Windmeijer Frank , Thomas Kyla H. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimsTo investigate whether smokers prescribed varenicline had lower risks of serious ill‐health during the 4 years following treatment compared with those prescribed nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).DesignObservational cohort study of electronic medical records.SettingA total of 370 UK general practices sampled from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink.ParticipantsA total of 126 718 patients aged 18 and over who were issued smoking cessation prescriptions between 1 September 2006 and 31 March 2014.MeasurementsOur primary outcome was all‐cause mortality within 2 years of first prescription as indicated by linked Office of National Statistics data. Our secondary outcomes were cause‐specific mortality, all‐cause, cause‐specific hospitalization, primary care diagnosis of myocardial infarction or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), body mass index and attendance rate to primary care within 2 years of first prescription. Risk differences and 95% confidence intervals were estimated by multivariable adjusted regression and propensity score matched regression. We used instrumental variable analysis to overcome residual confounding.FindingsPeople prescribed varenicline were healthier at baseline than those prescribed NRT in almost all characteristics, highlighting the potential for residual confounding. Our instrumental variable analysis results found that people prescribed varenicline had a similar risk of mortality at 2 years [risk difference per 100 patients treated = 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) = ‐0.11 to 1.46)] to those prescribed NRT, and there were similar rates of all‐cause hospitalization, incident primary‐care diagnoses of myocardial infarction and COPD. People prescribed varenicline subsequently attended primary care less frequently.ConclusionsSmokers prescribed varenicline in primary care in the United Kingdom do not appear to be less likely to die, be hospitalized or experience a myocardial infarction or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease during the following 2 years compared with smokers prescribed nicotine replacement therapy, but they gain more weight and attend primary care less frequently.
Nutritional influences on brain development
Authors: Georgieff Michael K. , Ramel Sara E. , Cusick Sarah E. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThere is increasing evidence from preclinical and human studies that nutrition in the late foetal and early neonatal period has a significant impact on neurodevelopment across the lifespan. Certain nutrients have particularly large effects in this time period, and their deficits cause greater long‐term risk. The mechanisms by which nutrients influence early brain growth and the sensitive periods for when certain nutrients should be provided are being elucidated. Assessments of nutritional status that index brain growth and predict long‐term development are important to assess the efficacy of early life nutritional therapies. Conclusion: Optimizing nutrition during foetal and early postnatal life is a golden opportunity to impact neurodevelopment and brain function across the lifespan.
Systematic review: probiotics in the management of lower gastrointestinal symptoms – an updated evidence‐based international consensus
Authors: Hungin A. P. S. , Mitchell C. R. , Whorwell P. , Mulligan C. , Cole O. , Agréus L. , Fracasso P. , Lionis C. , Mendive J. , Philippart de Foy J.‐M. , Seifert B. , Wensaas K.‐A. , Winchester C. , de Wit N. ,   the European Society for Primary Care Gastroenterology
Published: February 2018

SummaryBackgroundIn 2013, a systematic review and Delphi consensus reported that specific probiotics can benefit adult patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal (GI) problems.AimTo update the consensus with new evidence.MethodsA systematic review identified randomised, placebo‐controlled trials published between January 2012 and June 2017. Evidence was graded, previously developed statements were reassessed by an 8‐expert panel, and agreement was reached via Delphi consensus.ResultsA total of 70 studies were included (IBS, 34; diarrhoea associated with antibiotics, 13; diarrhoea associated with Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy, 7; other conditions, 16). Of 15 studies that examined global IBS symptoms as a primary endpoint, 8 reported significant benefits of probiotics vs placebo. Consensus statements with 100% agreement and “high” evidence level indicated that specific probiotics help reduce overall symptom burden and abdominal pain in some patients with IBS and duration/intensity of diarrhoea in patients prescribed antibiotics or H. pylori eradication therapy, and have favourable safety. Statements with 70%‐100% agreement and “moderate” evidence indicated that, in some patients with IBS, specific probiotics help reduce bloating/distension and improve bowel movement frequency/consistency.ConclusionsThis updated review indicates that specific probiotics are beneficial in certain lower GI problems, although many of the new publications did not report benefits of probiotics, possibly due to inclusion of new, less efficacious preparations. Specific probiotics can relieve lower GI symptoms in IBS, prevent diarrhoea associated with antibiotics and H. pylori eradication therapy, and show favourable safety. This study will help clinicians recommend/prescribe probiotics for specific symptoms.
Microvesicles in hepatic and peripheral vein can predict nonresponse to corticosteroid therapy in severe alcoholic hepatitis
Authors: Sukriti S. , Maras J. S. , Bihari C. , Das S. , Vyas A. K. , Sharma S. , Hussain S. , Shasthry S. , Choudhary A. , Premkumar M. , Kumar D. , Kumar G. , Mukhopadhyay C. , Kumar A. , Trehanpati N. , Rautou P. E. , Moreau R. , Sarin S. K. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryBackgroundSevere alcoholic hepatitis patients have high mortality and limited response to corticosteroids. Microvesicles reflect cellular stress and disease conditions.AimsTo investigate whether microvesicles are associated with severity, response to steroid therapy and inflammation in severe alcoholic hepatitis.MethodsMicrovesicles originating from different cells were studied pre‐therapy in 101 patients; (71 responder to corticosteroid therapy and 30 nonresponders) and 20 healthy controls. Microvesicles and cells were determined in peripheral and hepatic vein samples using flow cytometry and correlated with outcomes. Inflammatory signalling pathways and functional alterations of immune cells after stimulation with microvesicles were also investigated.ResultsMicrovesicles mean levels were higher in nonresponders for T cells (CD3+ CD4+; 10.1 MV/μL vs 5.4; P = 0.06), macrophages (CD68+ CD11b+; 136.5 vs 121.9 MV/μL; P = 0.01), haematopoietic stem‐cells (CD45+ CD34+; 116.8 vs 13.4 MV/μL; P = 0.0001) and hepatocytes (ASGPR+; 470 vs 361 MV/μL; P = 0.01); the latter two predicting steroid nonresponse in 94% patients at baseline in peripheral plasma. Microvesicle levels correlated with histological and liver disease severity indices. Whereas, in non‐responders hepatic vein CD34+ cells were lower (P = 0.02), the CD34+ microvesicles there from were higher (P = 0.04), thus suggesting impaired regeneration. Also, microvesicles of 0.2‐0.4 μm size were higher in nonresponders (P < 0.03) at baseline. Microvesicles from patients trigger more (P = 0.04) ROS generation, TNF‐α production (P = 0.04) and up‐regulate pro‐inflammatory cytokine related genes in neutrophils in vitro.ConclusionsPre‐therapy peripheral plasma levels of CD34+ and ASGPR+ microvesicles are reliable non‐invasive markers of steroid nonresponse and mortality in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis.