bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishing Bayesian priors for natural mortality rate in carnivore populations
Authors: Porteus Tom A. , Reynolds Jonathan C. , McAllister Murdoch K. 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTIn managed carnivore populations, natural mortality rate (d) is difficult to estimate directly, and context‐specific data are typically weakly informative about it. Nevertheless, natural mortality is potentially an important component of total mortality, particularly if additive to harvest or culling mortality. The natural mortality rate exhibits allometric or life‐history relationships that are invariant across diverse taxonomic groups, and it is valuable to derive estimates on this basis to serve as priors in later Bayesian models, steering parameter uncertainty towards biologically plausible values, and leading to more reliable model predictions and improved management recommendations. We used Bayesian hierarchical modeling and data from the literature to establish informative priors for instantaneousdas predictions scaled from body mass or maximum age. Posterior mean estimates of the scaling parameters of these models were −0.27 (body mass) and −1.07 (maximum age), respectively, conforming to expected values of −0.25 and −1.00. Direct estimates ofdfrom published studies of coyotes (Canis latrans) in southern Texas, fisher (Pekania pennanti) in Sierra Nevada, and slender mongoose (Galerella sanguinea) in the Kalahari Desert were within the credible intervals of predictions fordusing both models. We also compared survivorship curves based on model predictions with observed survivorship of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) from a variety of studies in Britain, among which intensity of culling varied markedly. Across all species, there was better support for thedprediction from maximum age, than from body mass. We thus recommend use of maximum age data to establish informative priors fordwhere possible. Posterior median predictions ofdfrom maximum age were within 0.01–0.14/year of the direct estimates, whereas the differences between direct estimates and predictions from body mass were 0.04–0.27/year. Sensitivity analysis showed trivial effects of between‐sex differences in body mass, and age‐specific mortality, on predictions ofd. Differences between body mass and maximum age model predictions were attributed to the relative importance of intrinsic and extrinsic mortality factors in the 2 approaches (i.e., maximum age predictions allowed for extrinsic factors to affect predicted mortality). © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Dietary Unsaturated Fatty Acids Modulate Maternal Dyslipidemia‐Induced DNA Methylation and Histone Acetylation in Placenta and Fetal Liver in Rats
Authors: Ramaiyan Breetha , Talahalli Ramaprasad Ravichandra 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe present study assessed the role of dietary unsaturated fatty acids in maternal dyslipidemia‐induced DNA methylation and histone acetylation in placenta and fetal liver and accumulation of lipids in the fetal liver. Weanling female Wistar rats were fed control and experimental diets for 2 months, mated, and continued on their diets during pregnancy. At gestation days of 18–20, rats were euthanized to isolate placenta and fetal liver. DNA methylation, DNA methyl transferase‐1 (DNMT1) activity, acetylation of histones (H2A and H2B), and histone acyl transferase (HAT) activity were evaluated in placenta and fetal liver. Fetal liver lipid accumulation and activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPAR‐α) were assessed. Maternal dyslipidemia caused significant epigenetic changes in placenta and fetal liver. In the placenta, (1) global DNA methylation increased by 37% and DNMT1 activity by 86%, (2) acetylated H2A and H2B levels decreased by 46% and 24% respectively, and (3) HAT activity decreased by 39%. In fetal liver, (1) global DNA methylation increased by 52% and DNMT1 activity by 78%, (2) acetylated H2A and H2B levels decreased by 28% and 26% respectively, and (3) HAT activity decreased by 37%. Maternal dyslipidemia caused a 4.75‐fold increase in fetal liver triacylglycerol accumulation with a 78% decrease in DNA‐binding ability of PPAR‐α. Incorporation of dietary unsaturated fatty acids in the maternal high‐fat diet significantly (p < 0.05) modulated dyslipidemia‐induced effects in placenta and fetal liver. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n‐3) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3) exhibited a profound effect followed by alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n‐3) than linoleic acid (LNA, 18:2n‐6) in modulating the epigenetic parameters in placenta and fetal liver.
Introduction of a pseudo demons force to enhance deformation range for robust reconstruction of super‐resolution time‐resolved 4DMRI
Authors: Li Guang , Sun August , Nie Xingyu , Moody Jason , Huang Kirk , Zhang Shirong , Sharma Satyam , Deasy Joseph 
Published: September 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to enhance the deformation range of demons‐based deformable image registration (DIR) for large respiration‐induced organ motion in the reconstruction of time‐resolved four‐dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (TR‐4DMRI) for multi‐breath motion simulation.MethodsA demons‐based DIR algorithm was modified to enhance the deformation range for TR‐4DMRI reconstruction using the super‐resolution approach. A pseudo demons force was introduced to accelerate the coarse deformation in a multi‐resolution (n = 3) DIR approach. The intensity gradient of a voxel was applied to its neighboring (5 × 5 × 5) voxels with a weight of Gaussian probability profile (σ = 1 voxel) to extend the demons force, especially on those voxels that have little intensity gradience but high‐intensity difference. A digital 4DMRI phantom with 3–8 cm diaphragmatic motions was used for DIR comparison. Six volunteers were scanned with two high‐resolution (highR: 2 × 2 × 2 mm3) breath‐hold (BH) 3DMR images at full inhalation (BHI) and full exhalation (BHE) and low‐resolution (lowR: 5 × 5 × 5 mm3) free‐breathing (FB) 3DMR cine images (2 Hz) under an IRB‐approved protocol. A cross‐consistency check (CCC) (BHI→FB←BHE), with voxel intensity correlation (VIC) and inverse consistency error (ICE), was introduced for cross‐verification of TR‐4DMRI reconstruction.ResultsUsing the digital phantom, the maximum deformable magnitude is doubled using the modified DIR from 3 to 6 cm at the diaphragm. In six human subjects, the first 15‐iteration DIR using the pseudo force deforms 200 ± 150% more than the original force, and succeeds in all 12 cases, whereas the original demons‐based DIR failed in 67% of tested cases. Using the pseudo force, high VIC (>0.9) and small ICE (1.6 ± 0.6 mm) values are observed for DIR of BHI&BHE, BHI→FB, and BHE→FB. The CCC identifies four questionable cases, in which two cases need further DIR refinement, without missing true negative.ConclusionsThe introduction of a pseudo demons force enhances the largest deformation magnitude up to 6 cm. The cross‐consistency check ensures the quality of TR‐4DMRI reconstruction. Further investigation is ongoing to fully characterize TR‐4DMRI for potential multi‐breathing‐cycle radiotherapy simulation.
Occupation and lower urinary tract symptoms in women: A rapid review and meta‐analysis from the PLUS research consortium
Authors: Markland Alayne , Chu Haitao , Epperson C. Neill , Nodora Jesse , Shoham David , Smith Ariana , Sutcliffe Siobhan , Townsend Mary , Zhou Jincheng , Bavendam Tamara ,   Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium
Published: September 2018

AimsChronic, infrequent voiding may be a risk factor for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in women. To inform this hypothesis, we conducted a rapid literature review and meta‐analysis of LUTS by occupation as an indirect measure of infrequent voiding behaviors.MethodsTwo independent medical librarians searched Pubmed.gov studies (1990‐2017) on adult women for occupations, industries, and workplace environment and LUTS outcomes: overactive bladder (OAB), urinary incontinence (UI), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and individual voiding and storage LUTS. Two authors reviewed full text articles meeting content criteria. Among studies with similar UI definitions, we estimated the prevalence of monthly UI using a random effects meta‐analysis model.ResultsOf 1078 unique citations identified, 113 underwent full article review and 33 met inclusion criteria. Twenty‐six of these studies examined specific occupation groups, including nurses/midwives (n = 6 studies), healthcare workers/support staff (n = 6), military personnel (n = 3), teachers (n = 3), and other groups (n = 7), whereas eight compared findings across broad occupation groups. UI was reported in 30 studies (23% using validated measures), OAB in 6 (50% validated), and UTIs in 2 (non‐validated). In pooled models, the degree of heterogeneity was too high (I2 = 96.9‐99.2%) among the studies to perform valid prevalence estimates for LUTS.ConclusionsCurrent literature limits the ability to evaluate LUTS by occupation types. Future studies should characterize voiding frequency and toilet access in a consistent manner by occupation and explore its relation to LUTS development.
Study design and outcomes measures: The influence of composite endpoints and other design variables on outcomes in a study of a novel device for stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Dmochowski Roger R. , Rovner Eric S. , Connors Kevin G. , Winters J. Christian 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesTo perform a post hoc analysis of the outcome data from a phase III study of a novel incontinence therapy for female stress incontinence (SUI) and to understand the pitfalls inherent to performing trials in SUI.MethodsResults of the SUCCESS Trial, a multicenter, prospective, single‐blinded, randomized, sham‐controlled study were assessed post hoc for parameters and variables consistent with changes in the symptoms or signs of SUI. Subjects were randomized to either the investigative device (Vesair Balloon) placement or placebo. The efficacy endpoint analysis herein evaluated a composite of both a >50% reduction from baseline on 1‐hour provocative pad weight test and a ≥10‐point improvement in symptoms on the Incontinence Quality of Life (I‐QOL) questionnaire assessed at the three‐month study visit. Further analysis was performed utilizing more challenging success criteria for each endpoint and a subset of subjects with more severe baseline symptoms.ResultsThe three‐month composite efficacy endpoint was achieved in 42.1% of treatment group subjects compared with 28.1% of control subjects on an intention‐to‐treat analysis (P = .046). This difference between groups was not evident when analyzing each component of the composite endpoint separately. These endpoints diverged from endpoints involving improvement in PGI‐I score and a 50% reduction of incontinence episode frequency as reported by subjects on a diary.ConclusionsIndividual endpoints may not demonstrate a significant treatment effect as standalone SUI measures but may as components of a composite endpoint. Defining patient selection and outcomes assessments is a critical aspect of study design, experimental flaws, and therapeutic accuracy.
Early Enteral Nutrition Adequacy Mitigates the Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio Improving Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Surgical Patients
Authors: Ortiz‐Reyes Luis Alfonso , Chang Yuchiao , Quraishi Sadeq A. , Yu Liyang , Kaafarani Haytham , de Moya Marc , King David R. , Fagenholz Peter , Velmahos George , Yeh Daniel Dante 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundNeutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a measure of host inflammatory response; a higher NLR is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Enteral nutrition (EN) may mitigate inflammation through interaction with gut‐associated lymphoid tissue. We hypothesized that early EN adequacy in critically ill surgical patients is associated with lower NLR and better clinical outcomes.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we analyzed data from adult surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients receiving EN. NLR at baseline ICU admission (NLR‐B), NLR after 3–5 days of EN (F‐NLR), nutrition adequacy, caloric deficit (CD), protein deficit (PD), hospital length of stay (LOS), ICU LOS, 28‐day ventilator‐free days (28‐VFD), and in‐hospital mortality were collected. Tertiles groups were created for NLR, F‐NLR, CD, and PD; the highest (H) and lowest (L) tertiles were compared. Regression analyses were performed to control for effect of age, gender, APACHE II, and NLR.ResultsSubjects in the L‐CD group had lower median F‐NLR (7 [range, 5–11] vs 10 [7–22], P = 0.005) and shorter ICU LOS (9 [6–16]) vs 16 [9–32] days; P = 0.006). The L‐NLR group had shorter hospital LOS (18 [10–31] vs 22 [15–38] days, P = 0.023), greater 28‐VFD (23 [18–25] vs 19 [11–22] days, P = 0.005), and lower in‐hospital mortality (13% vs 41%, P = 0.002).ConclusionIn critically ill surgical patients, early enteral caloric adequacy is associated with less inflammation and improved clinical outcomes.
Phase II Feasibility Study of a Weight Loss Intervention in Female Breast and Colorectal Cancer Survivors (SWOG S1008)
Authors: Greenlee Heather , Lew Danika L. , Hershman Dawn L. , Newman Vicky A. , Hansen Lisa , Hartman Sheri J. , Korner Judith , Shi Zaixing , Sardo Molmenti Christine L. , Sayegh Antoine , Fehrenbacher Lou , Lo Shelly , Klemp Jennifer , Rinn Kristine , Robertson John M. , Unger Joseph , Gralow Julie , Albain Kathy , Krouse Robert , Fabian Carol 
Published: September 2018

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to test the feasibility of a 12‐month weight loss intervention using telephone‐based counseling plus community‐situated physical activity (PA) in female breast cancer (BC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors.MethodsThis multisite cooperative group study enrolled sedentary, female, postmenopausal BC and CRC survivors with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 to receive 12‐month fitness center memberships and telephone counseling encouraging 150 min/wk of PA and a 500‐kcal/ddecrease in energy intake. Feasibility criteria included accrual, adherence, and retention. Target weight loss was ≥ 5%.ResultsAmong 25 BC survivors, median baseline BMI was 37.2 (range: 27.7‐54.6), accrual occurred in 10 months, 60% and 28% met diet and exercise goals, 80% provided 12‐month measures, and average weight loss was 7.6% (95% CI: −3.9%, 19.2%). Among 23 CRC survivors, median BMI was 31.8 (range: 26.4‐48.7), accrual occurred in 24 months, 61% and 17% met diet and exercise goals, 87% provided measures, and average weight loss was 2.5% (95% CI: −8.2%, 13.3%).ConclusionsIt is feasible to recruit and retain BC survivors in a cooperative group diet and PA weight loss trial. BC survivors achieved clinically meaningful weight loss but did not meet a priori adherence goals. In CRC survivors, recruitment was more difficult, and the intervention was less effective.
Lifestyle Intervention Decreases Urine Trimethylamine N‐Oxide Levels in Prepubertal Children with Obesity
Authors: Leal‐Witt María J. , Llobet Marina , Samino Sara , Castellano Pol , Cuadras Daniel , Jimenez‐Chillaron Josep C. , Yanes Oscar , Ramon‐Krauel Marta , Lerin Carles 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveEarly lifestyle interventions in children with obesity decrease risk of obesity and metabolic disorders during adulthood. This study aimed to identify metabolic signatures associated with lifestyle intervention in urine samples from prepubertal children with obesity.MethodsThirty‐four prepubertal children with obesity were studied before and after a 6‐month lifestyle intervention program, and anthropometric, metabolic, and nutritional variables were collected. A nuclear magnetic resonance approach was applied to obtain the metabolomic profile from urine samples. Partial least squares‐discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) was used to achieve group classification and variable importance on projection (VIP) for biomarker selection.ResultsThe intervention reduced caloric intake by 10% (P < 0.05) and BMI standard deviation score by 0.47 SD (P < 0.001). PLS‐DA identified trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO, VIP = 2.21) as the metabolite with the highest discrimination properties between groups. Urine TMAO levels were reduced after the intervention (P < 0.05). TMAO is a biomarker of cardiovascular disease risk and is a product of gut microbiota‐dependent metabolism of certain dietary compounds, including choline. Notably, changes in TMAO levels after the intervention did not correlate to differences in choline intake but were inversely associated with fiber intake (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThese results indicate that lifestyle intervention decreases TMAO levels in children with obesity.
The dishonest gambler: Low HEXACO honesty–humility and gambling severity in a community sample of gamblers
Authors: Kim Hyoun S. , Rash Christina L. , McGrath Daniel S. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPersonality dimensions have been found to be important in understanding the aetiology of disordered gambling. While the majority of research has focused on the Five‐Factor Model of personality, recent empirical evidence also indicated that the honesty–humility factor of the HEXACO personality model may be a key personality correlate of gambling behaviour. In the present research, we extend the understanding between personality and gambling severity by further assessing whether HEXACO dimensions are associated with both current gambling status and gambling severity in a community‐recruited sample of gamblers (N = 427). In addition, we examined whether motivations to engage in gambling (enhancement, coping, social and financial) mediated the relationship between personality and gambling severity on the Problem Gambling Severity Index. Demographic covariates were controlled for in our analyses. The results indicate that honesty–humility was the only personality dimension that significantly predicted gambling status (non‐gamblers vs. current gamblers). In addition, lower scores on honesty–humility, conscientiousness and openness were significantly associated with gambling severity. Lastly, coping motives were the only significant mediator in the relationship between honesty–humility and increased gambling severity. The results offer further support to the notion that honesty–humility may be an especially pertinent personality dimension in understanding the aetiology of disordered gambling. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new mite IPM strategy: predator avoidance behaviour resulting from the synergetic effects of predator release and acaricide‐treated nets
Authors: Kungu Miriam , Deletre Emilie , Subramanian Sevgan , Fiaboe Komi KM , Gitonga Linus , Lagat Zipporah Osiemo , Martin Thibaud 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundTetranychus evansi and T. urticae spider mites are known major pests of Solanaceae. Smallholders in Africa rely heavily on pesticide treatments. However, farmers claim that pesticides are generally ineffective despite high‐frequency sprays. New management solutions are thus urgently needed. This study assessed the efficacy of using acaricide‐treated nets combined with predatory mite release for controlling spider mites.ResultsThe results showed the acaricide‐treated net alone was more effective at reducing numbers of T. urticae than T. evansi. We observed the opposite for release of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus longipes. This difference could be explained by the specific dispersion strategies of the two spider mite pests; T. evansi is gregarious, whereas T. urticae dispersed rapidly. Joint application of both techniques resulted in a synergetic effect that reduced T. evansi and T. urticae spider mite numbers close to zero. The synergetic effect could be explained by predator avoidance behaviour of the prey spider mites, resulting in higher prey trapping and killing rates on acaricide‐treated nets, while P. longipes fed on spider mite eggs.ConclusionThese techniques are profitable for smallholders as they are not expensive and avoid residues on the crop. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Isolation of CarE genes from the Chinese white pine beetle Dendroctonus armandi (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) and their response to host chemical defense
Authors: Dai Lulu , Gao Haiming , Ye Jiaqi , Fu Danyang , Sun Yaya , Chen Hui 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDBark beetles rely on detoxifying enzymes to resist the defensive terpenoids of their host trees. Research on carboxylesterases (CarEs) has focused on their multiple functions in the metabolic detoxification of pesticides and plant allelochemicals, drug resistance, and juvenile hormone and pheromone degradation.RESULTWe identified eight new CarE genes in the Chinese white pine beetle (Dendroctonus armandi) and carried out bioinformatics analysis on the deduced full‐length amino acid sequences. Differential transcript levels of CarE genes were observed between sexes; within these levels, significant differences were found among the different development stages, and between insects fed on the phloem of Pinus armandi and exposed to five stimuli [(−)‐α‐pinene, (−)‐β‐pinene, (+)‐3‐carene, limonene and turpentine] at 8 and 24 h.CONCLUSIONTranscription levels of CarE genes suggest some relationship with the detoxification of terpenoids released by host trees. The functions of bark beetle esterase are mainly in hydrolyzing the host chemical defense and degrading odorant molecules during host selection and colonization. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecular basis and mechanism underlying the insecticidal activity of venoms and toxins from Latrodectus spiders
Authors: Wang Xianchun , Tang Xiaochao , Xu Dehong , Yu Dianmei 
Published: September 2018

AbstractLatrodectus species are among the most venomous of spiders, with abundant toxic proteinaceous components in their venomous glands and other tissues, as well as their eggs. To date, several proteinaceous toxins with insecticidal potential, including α‐insectotoxin and δ‐insectotoxin, two of the most potent known insecticidal toxins, have been purified and characterized by comprehensively utilizing conventional biochemical techniques. This has greatly enhanced our knowledge of the molecular basis and mechanism of action of their toxicity. Application of proteomic and transcriptomic techniques further revealed the synergistic action of multiple Latrodectus proteinaceous toxins and toxin‐like components. Insecticidal toxins from Latrodectus spiders have great potential in insect pest control; however, more studies are needed to further reveal their mechanisms of action and understand their structures and properties before any practical application, for example, the insecticidal toxin‐containing fusion proteins with oral activity. Here, we review current knowledge of the molecular basis and mechanism of action underlying the insecticidal activity of venoms and toxins from Latrodectus spiders, and examine their potential application in insect pest control. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Role of doping and sheet size in tailoring optoelectronic properties of germanene: A TDDFT study
Authors: Bhandari Aashka S. , Hassan Walid M. I. , Al‐Hashimi Nessreen , Shibl Mohamed F. , Patil Sunil R. , Verma Amit 
Published: September 2018

AbstractGermanene is a novel 2D material with promising optoelectronic properties, tuning of which is to be explored. This work demonstrates that doping and increasing the sheet size can alter optical and electronic properties of germanene via perturbation of the band structure. This feature has also been observed in other nanostructures, notably, silicon nanostructures, and may be attributed to quantum confinement effects. Our main findings on H‐terminated germanene are, (i) band gap can be reduced by 30%, (ii) exciton binding energy can be reduced by 60%, and (iii) absorption spectra can be tuned from UV to visible range. We employ time‐dependent density functional theory to investigate the role of dopants, boron (B), phosphorus (P), carbon (C), silicon (Si), and zirconium (Zr). Width of the germanene sheet is varied from 0.78 nm to 2.78 nm. Frequency and energy calculations are carried out to analyze the infrared (IR) and ultra‐violet (UV)‐visible (VIS) spectra.