bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does Dapagliflozin Affect Energy Intake and Appetite? A Randomized, Controlled Exploratory Study in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Bertran Elizabeth , Berlie Helen D. , Nixon Aaron , Jaber Linda 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe primary aims of this study were to assess the effects of dapagliflozin versus placebo on energy intake and appetite ratings in healthy individuals. This was a randomized, single‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 2‐period crossover study. In each period, healthy individuals received either dapagliflozin or placebo for 2 weeks. On assessment days, participants were asked to consume a standard preload breakfast. Appetite ratings were measured with 100‐mm visual analog scales immediately before and during the 4.25‐hour period after breakfast. Energy intake was measured at an ad libitum lunch. Energy intake and appetite responses were assessed at the end of each 2‐week treatment period by mixed‐design analysis of variance. Eighteen individuals completed all assessments (44% female; mean age, 22.8 years; 44% Caucasian; mean BMI, 25.2 kg/m2). There was no difference in energy intake on dapagliflozin compared to placebo (mean difference, −19.8 kcal; P = .516). Mean differences in prebreakfast desire for salty foods (11.3 mm, P = .094) and postbreakfast desire for sweet foods (8.1 mm, P = .054) trended higher with dapagliflozin relative to placebo. Our data do not support an effect of dapagliflozin on energy intake or appetite measures in young, healthy subjects. Although not statistically significant, the size of the mean differences in prebreakfast desire for salty foods and postbreakfast desire for sweet foods on dapagliflozin were larger than placebo and reflect the drug's natriuretic and glucuretic effects. These findings should be further evaluated in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Correlations From 2 Studies Evaluating Abuse Potential of Hydrocodone Extended‐Release Tablets
Authors: Schoedel Kerri A. , Gillespie Michael , Levy‐Cooperman Naama , Shram Megan J. , Rabinovich‐Guilatt Laura 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) correlations were explored in 2 human abuse potential studies of orally and intranasally administered hydrocodone extended‐release (ER) 45 mg in healthy, nondependent opioid users. In a crossover study design, subjects received intact hydrocodone ER, finely milled hydrocodone ER, and hydrocodone powder in solution in the oral study and finely milled hydrocodone ER, hydrocodone powder, and finely milled Zohydro® ER in the intranasal study. Spearman ρ2 and Pearson r2 values were calculated for PD (maximum effect [Emax] for “at the moment” Drug Liking, Overall Drug Liking, and Take Drug Again visual analog scales [VAS]) vs PK (partial area under the concentration‐time curve [AUC], maximum drug concentration [Cmax], time to Cmax [Tmax], and abuse quotient [PK AQ; Cmax/Tmax]) for all treatments. In the oral study, correlations were strongest between Emax of “at the moment” Drug Liking and PK parameters (Cmax [ρ2 = 0.4446], PK AQ [ρ2 = 0.5179], Tmax [ρ2 = 0.5093], and early systemic exposure [ρ2 = 0.4782]). For Overall Drug Liking and Take Drug Again VAS, ρ2 values for correlations with PK parameters ranged from 0.2620 to 0.3637. In the intranasal study, no clear correlations between PK and PD parameters were apparent.
Independent directors' background and CSR disclosure
Authors: Fernández‐Gago Roberto , Cabeza‐García Laura , Nieto Mariano 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis paper extends research on how the background of independent directors may affect the way in which their companies disclose information about corporate social responsibility (CSR). Using a sample of 83 Spanish‐listed firms over the period 2009–2014, the findings of a random effects probit model suggest that, in addition to board independence, having independent directors with political backgrounds and diverse education has a positive impact on their firm's probability of issuing a CSR report following the standards of the Global Reporting Initiative.
Molecular Simulation Results on Charged Carbon Nanotube Forest‐Based Supercapacitors
Authors: Muralidharan Ajay , Pratt Lawrence R. , Hoffman Gary G. , Chaudhari Mangesh I. , Rempe Susan B. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractElectrochemical double‐layer capacitances of charged carbon nanotube (CNT) forests with tetraethyl ammonium tetrafluoro borate electrolyte in propylene carbonate are studied on the basis of molecular dynamics simulation. Direct molecular simulation of the filling of pore spaces of the forest is feasible even with realistic, small CNT spacings. The numerical solution of the Poisson equation based on the extracted average charge densities then yields a regular experimental dependence on the width of the pore spaces, in contrast to the anomalous pattern observed in experiments on other carbon materials and also in simulations on planar slot‐like pores. The capacitances obtained have realistic magnitudes but are insensitive to electric potential differences between the electrodes in this model. This agrees with previous calculations on CNT forest supercapacitors, but not with experiments which have suggested electrochemical doping for these systems. Those phenomena remain for further theory/modeling work.
Towards Hydrogen Storage through an Efficient Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Dehydrogenation of Formic Acid
Authors: Xin Zhuo , Zhang Jiahui , Sordakis Katerina , Beller Matthias , Du Chen‐Xia , Laurenczy Gabor , Li Yuehui 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHydrogen is of fundamental importance for the construction of modern clean‐energy supply systems. In this context, the catalytic dehydrogenation of formic acid (FA) is a convenient method to generate H2 gas from an easily available liquid. One of the issues associated with current catalytic dehydrogenation systems is insufficient stability. Here, we present a robust and recyclable system for FA dehydrogenation by combining a ruthenium 1,1,1‐tris(diphenylphosphinomethyl)ethane complex and aluminum trifluoromethanesulfonate (Al(OTf)3). This robust system allows steady H2 production under pressure and recycling for an additional 14 runs without any apparent loss of activity (turnover frequencies up to 1920 h−1, turnover numbers up to 20 000). Notably, the catalyst can also be used for the dehydrogenation of formates and the reverse hydrogenation of bicarbonates and CO2.
Studying the quantity component of seed dispersal effectiveness from exclosure treatments and camera trapping
Authors: Campos Claudia M. , Velez Silvina , Miguel María Florencia , Papú Sofía , Cona Mónica I. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe quantity component of effectiveness of seed dispersal by animals is determined by two events: fruit removal (intensity of the interaction) and animal visitation to the plant (frequency of interactions). Considering dispersal of Prosopis flexuosa seeds as case study, this work aimed at investigating the strengths and weaknesses of the two methods for assessing the quantity component of seed dispersal effectiveness: exclosures and camera traps. Prosopis fruits were offered for 48 hr. Exclosure treatments were performed using two types of wire‐screen cages, allowing access to ants (“closed exclosure”) and to small mammals up to 100 g (“open to small mammals”), and a treatment without exclosure (“open to all removers”). The camera trapping experiment was carried out using vertically oriented cameras placed at approximately 1.80 m height and focused on the fruits. The cameras were set in “motion detect mode,” taking series of three consecutive photographs. The exclosures largely allowed estimation of fruit removal by size‐based groups of animals, but did not provide information on species identity. In contrast, camera traps were able to identify all visitors to species level and could not only determine the number of visits by each species but also the proportion of visits, which resulted in removal of fruits. Camera trapping allowed discriminating among small mammals playing different roles, without underestimating fruit removal by scatter‐hoarding species. The quality of estimation of the quantity component of seed dispersal is remarkably better when the camera trapping method is applied. Additional information obtained, such as activity patterns of visitors, can contribute to a better understanding of the seed dispersal process.
Consistent pollen nutritional intake drives bumble bee (Bombus impatiens) colony growth and reproduction across different habitats
Authors: Vaudo Anthony D. , Farrell Liam M. , Patch Harland M. , Grozinger Christina M. , Tooker John F. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractForaging behavior is a critical adaptation by insects to obtain appropriate nutrients from the environment for development and fitness. Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) form annual colonies which must rapidly increase their worker populations to support rearing reproductive individuals before the end of the season. Therefore, colony growth and reproduction should be dependent on the quality and quantity of pollen resources in the surrounding landscape. Our previous research found that B. impatiens foraging preferences to different plant species were shaped by pollen protein:lipid nutritional ratios (P:L), with foragers preferring pollen species with a ~5:1 P:L ratio. In this study, we placed B. impatiens colonies in three different habitats (forest, forest edge, and valley) to determine whether pollen nutritional quality collected by the colonies differed between areas that may differ in resource abundance and diversity. We found that habitat did not influence the collected pollen nutritional quality, with colonies in all three habitats collecting pollen averaging a 4:1 P:L ratio. Furthermore, there was no difference in the nutritional quality of the pollen collected by colonies that successfully reared reproductives and those that did not. We found however, that “nutritional intake,” calculated as the colony‐level intake rate of nutrient quantities (protein, lipid, and sugar), was strongly related to colony growth and reproductive output. Therefore, we conclude that B. impatiens colony performance is a function of the abundance of nutritionally appropriate floral resources in the surrounding landscape. Because we did not comprehensively evaluate the nutrition provided by the plant communities in each habitat, it remains to be determined how B. impatiens polylectic foraging strategies helps them select among the available pollen nutritional landscape in a variety of plant communities to obtain a balance of key macronutrients.
Model averaging in ecology: a review of Bayesian, information‐theoretic, and tactical approaches for predictive inference
Authors: Dormann Carsten F. , Calabrese Justin M. , Guillera‐Arroita Gurutzeta , Matechou Eleni , Bahn Volker , Bartoń Kamil , Beale Colin M. , Ciuti Simone , Elith Jane , Gerstner Katharina , Guelat Jérôme , Keil Petr , Lahoz‐Monfort José J. , Pollock Laura J. , Reineking Björn , Roberts David R. , Schröder Boris , Thuiller Wilfried , Warton David I. , Wintle Brendan A. , Wood Simon N. , Wüest Rafael O. , Hartig Florian 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn ecology, the true causal structure for a given problem is often not known, and several plausible models and thus model predictions exist. It has been claimed that using weighted averages of these models can reduce prediction error, as well as better reflect model selection uncertainty. These claims, however, are often demonstrated by isolated examples. Analysts must better understand under which conditions model averaging can improve predictions and their uncertainty estimates. Moreover, a large range of different model averaging methods exists, raising the question of how they differ in their behaviour and performance. Here, we review the mathematical foundations of model averaging along with the diversity of approaches available. We explain that the error in model‐averaged predictions depends on each model's predictive bias and variance, as well as the covariance in predictions between models, and uncertainty about model weights. We show that model averaging is particularly useful if the predictive error of contributing model predictions is dominated by variance, and if the covariance between models is low. For noisy data, which predominate in ecology, these conditions will often be met. Many different methods to derive averaging weights exist, from Bayesian over information‐theoretical to cross‐validation optimized and resampling approaches. A general recommendation is difficult, because the performance of methods is often context dependent. Importantly, estimating weights creates some additional uncertainty. As a result, estimated model weights may not always outperform arbitrary fixed weights, such as equal weights for all models. When averaging a set of models with many inadequate models, however, estimating model weights will typically be superior to equal weights. We also investigate the quality of the confidence intervals calculated for model‐averaged predictions, showing that they differ greatly in behaviour and seldom manage to achieve nominal coverage. Our overall recommendations stress the importance of non‐parametric methods such as cross‐validation for a reliable uncertainty quantification of model‐averaged predictions.
From concept to practice to policy: modeling coupled natural and human systems in lake catchments
Authors: Cobourn Kelly M. , Carey Cayelan C. , Boyle Kevin J. , Duffy Christopher , Dugan Hilary A. , Farrell Kaitlin J. , Fitchett Leah , Hanson Paul C. , Hart Julia A. , Henson Virginia Reilly , Hetherington Amy L. , Kemanian Armen R. , Rudstam Lars G. , Shu Lele , Soranno Patricia A. , Sorice Michael G. , Stachelek Jemma , Ward Nicole K. , Weathers Kathleen C. , Weng Weizhe , Zhang Yu 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRecent debate over the scope of the U.S. Clean Water Act underscores the need to develop a robust body of scientific work that defines the connectivity between freshwater systems and people. Coupled natural and human systems (CNHS) modeling is one tool that can be used to study the complex, reciprocal linkages between human actions and ecosystem processes. Well‐developed CNHS models exist at a conceptual level, but the mapping of these system representations in practice is limited in capturing these feedbacks. This article presents a paired conceptual–empirical methodology for functionally capturing feedbacks between human and natural systems in freshwater lake catchments, from human actions to the ecosystem and from the ecosystem back to human actions. We address extant challenges in CNHS modeling, which arise from differences in disciplinary approach, model structure, and spatiotemporal resolution, to connect a suite of models. In doing so, we create an integrated, multi‐disciplinary tool that captures diverse processes that operate at multiple scales, including land‐management decision‐making, hydrologic‐solute transport, aquatic nutrient cycling, and civic engagement. In this article, we build on this novel framework to advance cross‐disciplinary dialogue to move CNHS lake‐catchment modeling in a systematic direction and, ultimately, provide a foundation for smart decision‐making and policy.
The TSC1‐mTOR‐PLK axis regulates the homeostatic switch from Schwann cell proliferation to myelination in a stage‐specific manner
Authors: Jiang Minqing , Rao Rohit , Wang Jincheng , Wang Jiajia , Xu Lingli , Wu Lai Man , Chan Jonah R. , Wang Huimin , Lu Q. Richard 
Published: May 2018

AbstractProper peripheral myelination depends upon the balance between Schwann cell proliferation and differentiation programs. The serine/threonine kinase mTOR integrates various environmental cues to serve as a central regulator of cell growth, metabolism, and function. We report here that tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (TSC1), a negative regulator of mTOR activity, establishes a stage‐dependent program for Schwann cell lineage progression and myelination by controlling cell proliferation and myelin homeostasis. Tsc1 ablation in Schwann cell progenitors in mice resulted in activation of mTOR signaling, and caused over‐proliferation of Schwann cells and blocked their differentiation, leading to hypomyelination. Transcriptome profiling analysis revealed that mTOR activation in Tsc1 mutants resulted in upregulation of a polo‐like kinase (PLK)‐dependent pathway and cell cycle regulators. Attenuation of mTOR or pharmacological inhibition of polo‐like kinases partially rescued hypomyelination caused by Tsc1 loss in the developing peripheral nerves. In contrast, deletion of Tsc1 in mature Schwann cells led to redundant and overgrown myelin sheaths in adult mice. Together, our findings indicate stage‐specific functions for the TSC1‐mTOR‐PLK signaling axis in controlling the transition from proliferation to differentiation and myelin homeostasis during Schwann cell development.
Biomonitoring of bisphenol A, triclosan and perfluorooctanoic acid in hair samples of children and adults
Authors: Karzi Vasiliki , Tzatzarakis Manolis N. , Vakonaki Elena , Alegakis Thanasis , Katsikantami Ioanna , Sifakis Stavros , Rizos Apostolos , Tsatsakis Aristidis M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBisphenol A (BPA), triclosan (TCS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are endocrine disruptors linked with negative health effects such as developmental, reproductive and cardiovascular toxicity. The aim of this study was to determine simultaneously the concentration of BPA, TCS and PFOA in hair from children and adults and examine possible associations between biomonitoring data and age, gender, dietary habits and body mass index. Methanolic extraction was applied and the compounds were determined by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Low levels of exposure to PFOA were detected for children and adults at concentrations below limit of quantification. The mean concentration of BPA in children and adults was 20.6 and 16.6 pg mg−1, while for TCS 275.2 and 687.0 pg mg−1, respectively. Children were highly exposed to BPA relative to adults (P = .011) although adults had greater exposure to TCS (P = .003). Hair from girls had a greater burden of BPA (P = .06) compared to boys. Moreover, higher TCS levels were depicted for females in both examined groups (children P = .200 and adults P = .213) compared to males, but no statistical differences were observed. Significant differences were also observed between age groups (P = .0007) for TCS. No correlations were found between BPA or TCS levels and body mass index or dietary habits for both children and adults. Children have a greater exposure to BPA compared to adults, whereas exposure of adults to TCS seems to be higher than that in children and elderly people. Exposure to BPA occurs mainly via ingestion whereas exposure to TCS mainly via dermal absorption.
Transcriptome analysis of different sizes of 3‐mercaptopropionic acid‐modified cadmium telluride quantum dot‐induced toxic effects reveals immune response in rat hippocampus
Authors: Wu Tianshu , Liang Xue , He Keyu , Wei Tingting , Wang Yan , Zou Lingyue , Lu Jie , Yao Ying , Liu Na , Zhang Ting , Xue Yuying , Tang Meng 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRecently, the increasing number of bio‐safety assessments on cadmium‐containing quantum dots (QDs) suggested that they could lead to detrimental effects on the central nervous system (CNS) of living organisms, but the underlying action mechanisms are still rarely reported. In this study, whole‐transcriptome sequencing was performed to analyze the changes in genome‐wide gene expression pattern of rat hippocampus after treatments of cadmium telluride (CdTe) QDs with two sizes to understand better the mechanisms of CdTe QDs causing toxic effects in the CNS. We identified 2095 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Fifty‐five DEGs were between the control and 2.2 nm CdTe QDs, 1180 were between the control and 3.5 nm CdTe QDs and 860 were between the two kinds of CdTe QDs. It seemed that the 3.5 nm CdTe QD exposure might elicit severe effects in the rat hippocampus than 2.2 nm CdTe QDs at the transcriptome level. After bioinformatics analysis, we found that most DEG‐enriched Gene Ontology subcategories and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were related with the immune system process. For example, the Gene Ontology subcategories included immune response, inflammatory response and T‐cell proliferation; Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways included NOD/Toll‐like receptor signaling pathway, nuclear factor‐κB signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, natural killer cell‐mediated cytotoxicity and T/B‐cell receptor signaling pathway. The traditional toxicological examinations confirmed the systemic immune response and CNS inflammation in rats exposed to CdTe QDs. This transcriptome analysis not only revealed the probably molecular mechanisms of CdTe QDs causing neurotoxicity, but also provided references for the further related studies.
Trichloroethylene exposure results in the phosphorylation of histone H2AX in a human hepatic cell line through cytochrome P450 2E1‐mediated oxidative stress
Authors: Toyooka Tatsushi , Yanagiba Yukie , Ibuki Yuko , Wang Rui‐Sheng 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTrichloroethylene (TCE), a chlorinated hydrocarbon, was recently reclassified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Genotoxic events are known to be crucial steps in the initiation of cancer. The genotoxic properties of TCE have been examined in many studies using a standard battery of genotoxicity tests both in vitro and in vivo. However, consistent results have not been obtained, and studies investigating the mechanism behind the genotoxicity of this compound are lacking. In the present study, we examined the genotoxicity of TCE by assessing phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ‐H2AX), a new sensitive and reliable marker of DNA damage, in WRL‐68 cells, cultured human hepatocytes and mouse livers. Our results showed that TCE exposure results in the generation of γ‐H2AX, both in vitro and in vivo. By investigating the in vitro mechanism, we found that TCE increases the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and that this increase in ROS levels is attenuated in the presence of disulfiram, a specific cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) inhibitor. Furthermore, γ‐H2AX induced by TCE was also attenuated by CYP2E1 inhibitors and the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine. These results suggested that ROS, produced via cytochrome P450 2E1‐mediated metabolic processing, is a major causal factor for γ‐H2AX generation upon exposure to TCE.
Dependency of speckle reduction by wavelength diversity on angular diversity in laser projection system
Authors: Yamada Hirotaka , Moriyasu Kengo , Sato Hiroto , Hatanaka Hidekazu 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSpeckle is one of the most serious problems in laser projection system. Most speckle reduction methods in a laser projector can be categorized into wavelength diversity, angular diversity, and polarization diversity. In order to reduce speckle to the acceptable level, the combination of some or all of these methods are used. When the speckle reduction by wavelength diversity and angular diversity are used at the same time, the total speckle reduction can be different from the product of each speckle reduction effect when each of them is used separately. Here, the theoretical model of speckle reduction by wavelength diversity and angular diversity when they are used at the same time is derived. The calculation results by the theoretical model are compared with the experimental results. It is shown that theoretical calculation agrees well with the experimental results.