bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supramolecular Self‐Sorting Networks using Hydrogen‐Bonding Motifs
Authors: Coubrough Heather M. , van der Lubbe Stephanie C. C. , Hetherington Kristina , Minard Aisling , Pask Christopher , Howard Mark J. , Fonseca Guerra Célia , Wilson Andrew J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA current objective in supramolecular chemistry is to mimic the transitions between complex self‐sorted systems that represent a hallmark of regulatory function in nature. In this work, a self‐sorting network, comprising linear hydrogen motifs, was created. Selecting six hydrogen‐bonding motifs capable of both high‐fidelity and promiscuous molecular recognition gave rise to a complex self‐sorting system, which included motifs capable of both narcissistic and social self‐sorting. Examination of the interactions between individual components, experimentally and computationally, provided a rationale for the product distribution during each phase of a cascade. This reasoning holds through up to five sequential additions of six building blocks, resulting in the construction of a biomimetic network in which the presence or absence of different components provides multiple unique pathways to distinct self‐sorted configurations.
Community clinical practice patterns and mortality in patients with intermediate oncotype DX recurrence scores: Who benefits from chemotherapy?
Authors: Ibraheem Abiola F. , Press David J. , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Huo Dezheng 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundThe Oncotype DX recurrence score (RS) is used as a tool for making decisions about chemotherapy for patients who have hormone receptor (estrogen receptor or progesterone receptor)‐positive, HER2‐negative breast cancer. There is no benefit from chemotherapy among patients aged ≥50 years who have lymph node‐negative disease and an RS from 11 to 25, but the benefit of chemotherapy in the lymph node‐positive group remains unknown.MethodsOn the basis of data from the National Cancer Data Base between 2010 and 2014, a nationwide, retrospective cohort study included 73,185 women who had stage I through IIIA breast cancer and an RS between 11 and 30.ResultsReceipt of chemotherapy was associated with a reduced risk of death among patients who had lymph node‐positive breast cancer (hazard ratio [HR] 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45‐0.74; P < .001) after adjusting for other prognostic factors in a multivariable Cox model. The 5‐year survival gain ranged from 1.3% (RS 11‐17 subgroup), to 3.3% (RS 18‐25 subgroup), and to 6.7% (RS 26‐30 subgroup). Among patients who had lymph node‐negative disease, chemotherapy was associated with a reduced risk of death for those with an RS from 25 to 30 (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.48‐0.96; P = .03; 5‐year survival gain, 1.8%), but there was no benefit from chemotherapy for patients who had an RS from 11 to 17 (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.61‐1.55; P = .90), and there was a marginally significant benefit for women who had an RS from 18 to 25 (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.62‐1.00; P = .05). Similar results were observed using propensity score‐matching method.ConclusionsThe benefit of chemotherapy for patients with breast cancer who have an intermediate RS is driven in a nonlinear fashion by RS: the higher the RS, the larger the absolute benefit. Findings from this study underscore the utility of real‐world data to inform joint decision making in practice.
Consensus‐based distributed learning for robust convex optimization with a scenario approach
Authors: Cao Feilong , Feng Fan 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThis paper aims to solve the robust convex optimization (RCO) problem, where the constraints of RCO are parameterized with uncertainties, and the scenario approach is applied to transform RCO into standard convex optimization with a finite number of constraints through probabilistic approximation. The transformed problem is called a scenario problem (SP). Two consensus‐based distributed learning algorithms for SP are designed in consideration of a large number of sampled constraints. One is based on the distributed average consensus (DAC), and the other is based on the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). It has regulated that data distributed to nodes are not allowed to communicate. Simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithms are suitable for handling large‐scale data and achieve excellent performance, with the ADMM‐based algorithm performing the best. Furthermore, the DAC‐based algorithm has certain advantages in terms of computational time and complexity. In addition, to improve the communicative efficiency based on a DAC, an efficient distributed average consensus (EDAC) is put forward. The average time for every node when using an EDAC is less than that of a DAC, despite the exact same performance.
Minimum degree of overlap between IL‐9R and IL‐2R on human T lymphoma cells: A quantitative CLSM and FRET analysis
Authors: Nizsalóczki Enikő , Nagy Péter , Mocsár Gábor , Szabó Ágnes , Csomós István , Waldmann Thomas A. , Vámosi György , Mátyus László , Bodnár Andrea 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe heterodimeric receptor complex of IL‐9 consists of the cytokine‐specific α‐subunit and the common γc‐chain shared with other cytokines, including IL‐2, a central regulator of T cell function. We have shown previously the bipartite spatial relationship of IL‐9 and IL‐2 receptors at the surface of human T lymphoma cells: in addition to common clusters, expression of the two receptor kinds could also be observed in segregated membrane areas. Here we analyzed further the mutual cell surface organization of IL‐9 and IL‐2 receptors. Complementing Pearson correlation data with co‐occurrence analysis of confocal microscopic images revealed that a minimum degree of IL‐9R/IL‐2R co‐localization exists at the cell surface regardless of the overall spatial correlation of the two receptor kinds. Moreover, our FRET experiments demonstrated molecular scale assemblies of the elements of the IL‐9/IL‐2R system. Binding of IL‐9 altered the structure and/or composition of these clusters. It is hypothesized, that by sequestering receptor subunits in common membrane areas, the overlapping domains of IL‐9R and IL‐2R provide a platform enabling both the formation of the appropriate receptor complex as well as subunit sharing between related cytokines. © 2018 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Silver carbene complexes: An emerging class of anticancer agents
Authors: Kankala Shravankumar , Thota Niranjan , Björkling Fredrik , Taylor Myles K. , Vadde Ravinder , Balusu Ramesh 
Published: November 2018

AbstractCancer is a major global health problem with large therapeutic challenges. Although substantial progress has been made in cancer therapy, there still remains a need to develop novel and effective treatment strategies to treat several relapsed and refractory cancers. Recently, there has been growing demand for considering organometallics as antineoplastic agents. This review is focused on a group of organometallics, silver N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes (SCCs) and their anticancer efficacy in targeting multiple pathways in various in vitro cancer model systems. However, the precise molecular mechanism of SCCs anticancer properties remains unclear. Here, we discuss the SCCs chemistry, potential molecular targets, possible molecular mechanism of action, and their application in cancer therapies.
Quantification of cocaine and cocaine metabolites in dried blood spots from a controlled administration study using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Ambach Lars , Menzies Eleanor , Parkin Mark C. , Kicman Andrew , Archer John R.H. , Wood David M. , Dargan Paul I. , Stove Christophe 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCocaine is a common illicit stimulant and is mainly metabolized by hydrolysis to benzoylecgonine (BE) and ecgonine methyl ester (EME), but also to minor metabolites like norcocaine, or hydroxy‐BE. When ethanol is present, cocaethylene is formed. Dried blood spot (DBS) sampling is a minimally invasive microsampling technique with possible advantages for analyte stability and ease of storage, making it an attractive matrix in forensic and clinical settings. We developed a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry‐based (LC–MS/MS) method for quantifying cocaine, BE, EME, norcocaine, hydroxy‐BE, and cocaethylene in DBS. Six‐mm punches were extracted with aqueous buffer followed by protein precipitation, evaporation and reconstitution in mobile phase. Separation was achieved on a Polar‐RP column (Phenomenex) in a 6‐minute gradient including baseline‐separation of norcocaine and BE. For MS detection, a QTRAP 5500 (Sciex) was used in positive electrospray ionization (ESI) multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The method was validated for selectivity, sensitivity [lower limited of quantification (LLOQ) 1.0–5.0 ng/mL], imprecision (≤13.4%, ≤19.6% at LLOQ), accuracy (≤ ± 14.9%), matrix effects, extraction efficiency (≥20.9%), hematocrit effect, volume spotted, punch location, long‐term and autosampler stability. Concentrations in DBS from a controlled cocaine administration study in healthy volunteers were compared to whole blood and plasma. Although concentrations correlated moderately to strongly (Spearman's ρ 0.603–0.958), agreement between paired samples was poor, with overestimation of DBS concentrations and wide confidence intervals in Bland–Altman analysis. A possible cause are differences in capillary and venous blood concentrations, with the underlying mechanism requiring further research before DBS analysis for cocaine and its metabolites can be considered equivalent to whole blood or plasma analysis.
A mechanistic assessment of the relationship between gut morphology and endozoochorous seed dispersal by waterfowl
Authors: Kleyheeg Erik , Nolet Bart A. , Otero‐Ojea Sandra , Soons Merel B. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMany plants and invertebrates rely on internal transport by animals for long‐distance dispersal. Their dispersal capacity is greatly influenced by interactions with the animal's digestive tract. Omnivorous birds adjust their digestive tract morphology to seasonally variable diets. We performed feeding trials in waterfowl to unravel how changing organ size, in combination with seed size, affects dispersal potential. We subjected captive mallards to mimics of summer (animal‐based), winter (plant‐based), and intermediate diets, and analyzed gut passage of seeds before and after the treatment (trials 1 and 2). To test the effect of gut morphology on seed digestion, we measured digestive organ size after euthanasia. Three hours before euthanasia, differently sized seeds were fed to test how seed size affects gut passage by determining their relative position in the digestive tract (trial 3). Trials 1 and 2 showed that intact seed passage was lower in the plant‐based than in the animal‐based diet group. Retention time changed only within groups, decreasing in the animal‐based, and increasing in the plant‐based diet group. No post‐diet differences in organ size were detected, probably due to large between‐individual variation within groups. Digestive tract measures did not explain variation in seed survival or retention time. Trial 3 revealed that small seeds pass the digestive tract rapidly, while large seeds are retained longer, particularly in the gizzard. Differential retention in the gizzard, the section where seeds can be destroyed, is likely why larger seeds have a lower probability to pass the digestive tract intact. Our results confirm that rapid, flexible adaptation to diet shifts affects seed digestion in waterfowl, although we could not conclusively relate this to organ size. Large interindividual variation in digestive efficiency between mallards feeding on the same diet may provide opportunities for seed dispersal in the field throughout the annual cycle.
Measuring agreement among experts in classifying camera images of similar species
Authors: Gooliaff TJ , Hodges Karen E. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCamera trapping and solicitation of wildlife images through citizen science have become common tools in ecological research. Such studies collect many wildlife images for which correct species classification is crucial; even low misclassification rates can result in erroneous estimation of the geographic range or habitat use of a species, potentially hindering conservation or management efforts. However, some species are difficult to tell apart, making species classification challenging—but the literature on classification agreement rates among experts remains sparse. Here, we measure agreement among experts in distinguishing between images of two similar congeneric species, bobcats (Lynx rufus) and Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis). We asked experts to classify the species in selected images to test whether the season, background habitat, time of day, and the visible features of each animal (e.g., face, legs, tail) affected agreement among experts about the species in each image. Overall, experts had moderate agreement (Fleiss’ kappa = 0.64), but experts had varying levels of agreement depending on these image characteristics. Most images (71%) had ≥1 expert classification of “unknown,” and many images (39%) had some experts classify the image as “bobcat” while others classified it as “lynx.” Further, experts were inconsistent even with themselves, changing their classifications of numerous images when they were asked to reclassify the same images months later. These results suggest that classification of images by a single expert is unreliable for similar‐looking species. Most of the images did obtain a clear majority classification from the experts, although we emphasize that even majority classifications may be incorrect. We recommend that researchers using wildlife images consult multiple species experts to increase confidence in their image classifications of similar sympatric species. Still, when the presence of a species with similar sympatrics must be conclusive, physical or genetic evidence should be required.
Population responses of common ravens to reintroduced gray wolves
Authors: Walker Lauren E. , Marzluff John M. , Metz Matthew C. , Wirsing Aaron J. , Moskal L. Monika , Stahler Daniel R. , Smith Douglas W. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTop predators have cascading effects throughout the food web, but their impacts on scavenger abundance are largely unknown. Gray wolves (Canis lupus) provide carrion to a suite of scavenger species, including the common raven (Corvus corax). Ravens are wide‐ranging and intelligent omnivores that commonly take advantage of anthropogenic food resources. In areas where they overlap with wolves, however, ravens are numerous and ubiquitous scavengers of wolf‐acquired carrion. We aimed to determine whether subsidies provided through wolves are a limiting factor for raven populations in general and how the wolf reintroduction to Yellowstone National Park in 1995–1997 affected raven population abundance and distribution on the Yellowstone's Northern Range specifically. We counted ravens throughout Yellowstone's Northern Range in March from 2009 to 2017 in both human‐use areas and wolf habitat. We then used statistics related to the local wolf population and the winter weather conditions to model raven abundance during our study period and predict raven abundance on the Northern Range both before and after the wolf reintroduction. In relatively severe winters with greater snowpack, raven abundance increased in areas of human use and decreased in wolf habitat. When wolves were able to acquire more carrion, however, ravens increased in wolf habitat and decreased in areas with anthropogenic resources. Raven populations prior to the wolf reintroduction were likely more variable and heavily dependent on ungulate winter‐kill and hunter‐provided carcasses. The wolf recovery in Yellowstone helped stabilize raven populations by providing a regular food supply, regardless of winter severity. This stabilization has important implications for effective land management as wolves recolonize the west and global climate patterns change.
Realized niche and microhabitat selection of the eastern green lizard (Lacerta viridis) at the core and periphery of its distribution range
Authors: Prieto‐Ramirez Ana M. , Pe’er Guy , Rödder Dennis , Henle Klaus 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe available range of habitats and suitable abiotic conditions like temperature and radiation tends to be narrower toward the periphery of the distribution range of species. Peripheral populations of generalist species could then be more specialized and have a smaller and differentiated realized niche (habitat niche in our study) compared to populations at the core. Likewise, patterns of microhabitat selection can differ between periphery and core. In our study, we compared niche size and microhabitat selection among core (Bulgaria) and northern peripheral (Germany, Czech Republic) populations of Lacerta viridis and estimated niche differentiation among regions. We collected data on vegetation structure and abiotic parameters at the microhabitat scale in each region. In order to compare niche size among regions and estimate niche differentiation, we built multidimensional niche hypervolumes. We applied generalized linear mixed models and model averaging, accounting for spatial autocorrelation when necessary, to analyze microhabitat differences among regions and microhabitat selection in each region. Peripheral populations were more specialized, having a smaller niche than core ones, and their niche differed from that in the core (Sørensen overlap in all comparisons <0.3). Microhabitats at the periphery had lower radiation and soil compaction and less structured vegetation. Microhabitat selection at the core depended solely on abiotic parameters, while at the periphery it was defined by only vegetation structure (Czech Republic) or a combination of both, vegetation structure, and abiotic factors (Germany). Thus, peripheral populations seem to compensate for overall harsher climatic conditions by responding to different parameters of the microhabitat compared to core populations. We suggest specific conservation measures for L. virids in each studied region and point out the general implications of a higher specialization degree of peripheral populations in relation to climate change and habitat fragmentation.
Fine‐scale population differences in Atlantic cod reproductive success: A potential mechanism for ecological speciation in a marine fish
Authors: Roney Nancy E. , Oomen Rebekah A. , Knutsen Halvor , Olsen Esben M. , Hutchings Jeffrey A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSuccessful resource‐management and conservation outcomes ideally depend on matching the spatial scales of population demography, local adaptation, and threat mitigation. For marine fish with high dispersal capabilities, this remains a fundamental challenge. Based on daily parentage assignments of more than 4,000 offspring, we document fine‐scaled temporal differences in individual reproductive success for two spatially adjacent (<10 km) populations of a broadcast‐spawning marine fish. Distinguished by differences in genetics and life history, Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) from inner‐ and outer‐fjord populations were allowed to compete for mating and reproductive opportunities. After accounting for phenotypic variability in several traits, reproductive success of outer‐fjord cod was significantly lower than that of inner‐fjord cod. This finding, given that genomically different cod ecotypes inhabit inner‐ and outer‐fjord waters, raises the intriguing hypothesis that the populations might be diverging because of ecological speciation. Individual reproductive success, skewed within both sexes (more so among males), was positively affected by body size, which also influenced the timing of reproduction, larger individuals spawning later among females but earlier among males. Our work suggests that spatial mismatches between management and biological units exist in marine fishes and that studies of reproductive interactions between putative populations or ecotypes can provide an informative basis on which determination of the scale of local adaptation can be ascertained.
The extended consequences of genetic conductivity: Mating distance affects community phenotypes in Norway spruce
Authors: Axelsson Erik Petter , Senior John Keith 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAnthropogenic landscape‐level alterations such as habitat fragmentation and long distance translocation of genetic material are currently altering the genetic connectivity and structure of forest tree populations globally. As the susceptibility of individual trees to dependent organisms is often genetically determined, it is possible that these genetic changes may extend beyond individuals to affect associated communities. To test this, we examined how variation in crossing distance among the progeny of 18 controlled crosses of Norway spruce (Picea abies) populations occurring across central Sweden affected chemical defense, and subsequently, a small community of galling Adelges aphids infecting planted trees at two common garden trails. Although crossing distance did not influence growth, vitality or reproduction in the studied population, it did influence the expression of one candidate defensive chemical compound, apigenin, which was found in higher concentrations within outcrossed trees. We also show that this variation in apigenin induced by crossing distance correlated with susceptibility to one member of the galling community but not the other. Furthermore, the effect of crossing distance on galling communities and the general susceptibility of Norway spruce to infection also varied with environment. Specifically, in the more benign environment, inbred trees suffered greater gall infection than outcrossed trees, which is contrary to general predictions that the effects of inbreeding should be more pronounced in harsher environments. These findings suggest that the effects of variation in crossing distance in forest trees can extend beyond the individual to influence whole communities.