bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isotopically labeled boldenone as a better marker of derivatization efficiency for improved quality control in anti‐doping analysis
Authors: Sobolevsky Tim , Kucherova Yulia , Ahrens Brian 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAt present, anti‐doping laboratories use androsterone, a major urinary steroid metabolite, to evaluate completeness of the derivatization step. This is typically done by calculating the ratio of mono‐trimethylsilyl (TMS) androsterone to the total mono‐ and di‐TMS androsterone. Certain samples may show an elevated percentage of mono‐TMS androsterone indicating a failed derivatization step. In such cases, the laboratory would have to repeat the analysis or perform other remedial actions to ensure that completeness of derivatization is achieved. We have noticed that a poorly derivatized positive control sample spiked with various target analytes has a disproportionally low abundance of the di‐TMS derivatives of boldenone and 18‐nor‐17β‐hydroxymethyl‐17α‐methylandrosta‐1,4,13‐trien‐3‐one (methandienone long‐term metabolite). A follow‐up investigation confirmed that 1,4‐diene‐3‐one steroids are more likely to fail during the trimethylsilylation step. To better control derivatization efficiency, 13C3‐boldenone (13C‐BLD) was incorporated into our routine procedure as an additional internal standard. Analysis of a large number of urine samples has shown that derivatization of 13C‐BLD could be grossly incomplete even in cases when mono‐TMS androsterone is well below 1%. In other words, one or both of boldenone and the long‐term metabolite of methandienone could remain undetected unless the laboratory has the means to recognize samples where derivatization of 1,4‐diene‐3‐one steroids failed.
Determining social and population structures requires multiple approaches: A case study of the desert antCataglyphis israelensis
Authors: Reiner Brodetzki Tali , Hefetz Abraham 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe remarkable diversity of ant social organization is reflected in both their life history and population kin structure. Different species demonstrate a high variation with respect to both social structure and mating strategies: from the ancestral colony type that is composed of a single queen (monogyny), singly inseminated (monoandry), to the more derived states of colonies headed by a multiply inseminated queen (polyandry), to colonies composed of multiple queens (polygyny) that are either singly or multiply inseminated. Moreover, the population structure of an ant species can range from multicoloniality to polydomy to supercoloniality, andCataglyphisis considered to be a model genus in regard to such diversity. The present study sought to determine the social and population structure of the recently describedC. israelensisspecies in Israel. For this purpose we employed a multidisciplinary approach, rather than the commonly used single approach that is mostly based on genetics. Our study encompassed behavior (nest insularity/openness), chemistry (composition of nestmate recognition signals and cuticular hydrocarbons), and genetics (microsatellite polymorphism). Each approach has been shown to possess both advantages and disadvantages, depending on the studied species. Our findings reveal thatC. israelensiscolonies are headed by a single, multiply inseminated queen and that the population structure is polydomous, with each colony comprising one main nest and several additional satellite nests. Moreover, our findings demonstrate that none of the above‐noted approaches, when employed individually, is suitable or sufficient in itself for delineating population structure, thus emphasizing the importance of using multiple approaches when assessing such complex systems.
Social effects on fruit fly courtship song
Authors: Marie‐Orleach Lucas , Bailey Nathan W. , Ritchie Michael G. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractCourtship behavior in Drosophila has often been described as a classic innate behavioral repertoire, but more recently extensive plasticity has been described. In particular, prior exposure to acoustic signals of con‐ or heterspecific males can change courtship traits in both sexes that are liable to be important in reproductive isolation. However, it is unknown whether male courtship song itself is socially plastic. We examined courtship song plasticity of two species in the Drosophila melanogaster subgroup. Sexual isolation between the species is influenced by two male song traits, the interpulse interval (IPI) and sinesong frequency (SSF). Neither of these showed plasticity when males had prior experience of con‐ and heterospecific social partners. However, males of both species produced longer bursts of song during courtship when they were exposed to social partners (either con‐ or heterospecific) than when they were reared in isolation. D. melanogaster carrying mutations affecting short‐ or medium‐term memory showed a similar response to the social environment, not supporting a role for learning. Our results demonstrate that the amount of song a male produces during courtship is plastic depending on the social environment, which might reflect the advantage of being able to respond to variation in intrasexual competition, but that song structure itself is relatively inflexible, perhaps due to strong selection against hybridization.
Protecting rare and endangered species under climate change on the Qinghai Plateau, China
Authors: Li Renqiang 
Published: December 2018

AbstractClimate change‐induced species range shift may pose severe challenges to species conservation. The Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau is the highest and biggest plateau, and also one of the most sensitive areas to global warming in the world, which provides important shelters for a unique assemblage of species. Here, ecological niche‐based model was employed to project the potential distributions of 59 key rare and endangered species under three climate change scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) in Qinghai Province. I assessed the potential impacts of climate change on these key species (habitats, species richness and turnover) and effectiveness of nature reserves (NRs) in protecting these species. The results revealed that that climate change would shrink the geographic ranges of about a third studied species and expand the habitats for two thirds of these species, which would thus alter the conservation value of some local areas and conservation effectiveness of some NRs in Qinghai Province. Some regions require special attention as they are expected to experience significant changes in species turnover, species richness or newly colonized species in the future, including Haidong, Haibei and Haixi junctions, the southwestern Yushu, Qinghai Nuomuhong Provincial NR, Qinghai Qaidam and Haloxylon Forest NR. The Haidong and the eastern part of Haibei, are projected to have high species richness and conservation value in both current and future, but they are currently not protected, and thus require extra protection in the future. The results could provide the first basis on the high latitude region to formulate biodiversity conservation strategies on climate change adaptation.
Assortative mating by flowering time and its effect on correlated traits in variable environments
Authors: Rubin Matthew J. , Schmid Kelly M. , Friedman Jannice 
Published: December 2018

AbstractReproductive timing is a key life‐history trait that impacts the pool of available mates, the environment experienced during flowering, and the expression of other traits through genetic covariation. Selection on phenology, and its consequences on other life‐history traits, has considerable implications in the context of ongoing climate change and shifting growing seasons. To test this, we grew field‐collected seed from the wildflower Mimulus guttatus in a greenhouse to assess the standing genetic variation for flowering time and covariation with other traits. We then created full‐sib families through phenological assortative mating and grew offspring in three photoperiod treatments representing seasonal variation in daylength. We find substantial quantitative genetic variation for the onset of flowering time, which covaried with vegetative traits. The assortatively‐mated offspring varied in their critical photoperiod by over two hours, so that families differed in their probability of flowering across treatments Allocation to flowering and vegetative growth changed across the daylength treatments, with consistent direction and magnitude of covariation among flowering time and other traits. Our results suggest that future studies of flowering time evolution should consider the joint evolution of correlated traits and shifting seasonal selection to understand how environmental variation influences life histories.
Aridity and competition drive fire resistance trait covariation in mountain trees
Authors: Fréjaville Thibaut , Vilà‐Cabrera Albert , Curt Thomas , Carcaillet Christopher 
Published: December 2018

AbstractFire resistance traits drive tree species composition in surface‐fire ecosystems, but how they covary at different scales of variation and with the environment is not well documented. We assessed the covariation of bark thickness (BT), tree height, and crown base‐to‐height ratio across Alpine forests, after accounting for the effects of tree diameter and competition for light on individual trait variation. Traits consistently correlated across individuals and communities, although the variance of BT mainly occurred among species, whereas crown elevation traits varied mainly within species. Aridity, temperature, and competition contributed to explain the variation of fire resistance traits among and within species, driving a trade‐off between fire resistance and the ability to compete for light. Thick‐barked species (fire‐tolerant) that self‐prune their lower branches (flame‐avoiders) dominated the most fire‐prone and flammable communities in sub‐Mediterranean southern Alps, whereas thin‐barked tree species that grow tall (competition for light) dominated the least fire‐prone communities in the northern Alps. Our findings suggest a long‐term interaction between mountain tree species and fire regime. Higher allocation to trunk elongation occurs in moist and shade environments, while higher allocation to thicken the bark and distancing the crown base from surface fuels occurs in open‐canopy, dry forests where fire spreads with higher intensity.
Impact of diabetes and sex in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients from the ASIAN‐HF registry
Authors: Chandramouli Chanchal , Teng Tiew‐Hwa Katherine , Tay Wan Ting , Yap Jonathan , MacDonald Michael R. , Tromp Jasper , Yan Limin , Siswanto Bambang , Reyes Eugenio B. , Ngarmukos Tachapong , Yu Cheuk‐Man , Hung Chung‐Lieh , Anand Inder , Richards A. Mark , Ling Lieng Hsi , Regensteiner Judith G. , Lam Carolyn S.P. ,   on behalf of the ASIAN‐HF Investigators
Published: December 2018

AimsTo examine sex differences in clinical characteristics, echocardiographic features, quality of life and 1‐year death or heart failure (HF) hospitalization outcomes in patients with/without diabetes mellitus (DM).Methods and resultsUtilizing the Asian Sudden Cardiac Death in HF (ASIAN‐HF) registry, 5255 patients (mean age 59.6 ± 13.1, 78% men) with symptomatic HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) were stratified by DM status to address the research aims. Despite similar prevalence of DM between Asian men (43%) and women (42%), the odds of DM increased at lower body mass index in women vs. men (≥ 23 vs. ≥ 27.5 kg/m2, Pinteraction = 0.014). DM was more strongly related to chronic kidney disease in women vs. men [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33–2.57 vs. OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.11–1.56, Pinteraction = 0.009]. Sex also modified the relationship between DM and left ventricular geometry (Pinteraction = 0.003), whereby DM was associated with a more concentric left ventricular geometry in women than men. Women had lower quality of life than men (P < 0.001), in both DM and non‐DM groups. DM was associated with worse composite outcomes at 1 year in women vs. men [hazard ratio (HR) 1.79, 95% CI 1.24–2.60 vs. HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.12–1.56; Pinteraction = 0.005).ConclusionsAsian women with HFrEF were more likely to have DM despite a lean body mass index, a greater burden of chronic kidney disease and more concentric left ventricular geometry, compared to men. Furthermore, DM confers worse quality of life, irrespective of sex, and a greater risk of adverse outcomes in women than men. These data underscore the need for sex‐specific approaches to diabetes in patients with HF.
Cationic Group 4 Complexes (M = Ti, Zr, Hf): Modifications and Limitations in the Design of Tridentate Cp,O,P‐Ligand Frameworks Built Directly in the Coordination Sphere of the Metal
Authors: Fischer Malte , Jaugstetter Maximilian , Schaper Raoul , Schmidtmann Marc , Beckhaus Rüdiger 
Published: December 2018

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue is the group of Rüdiger Beckhaus from the University of Oldenburg, Germany. The cover image shows the path to the cationic group 4 complexes prepared.
Oncologic outcomes in patients with 1‐cm to 4‐cm differentiated thyroid carcinoma according to extent of thyroidectomy
Authors: Choi Jung Bum , Lee Seul Gi , Kim Min Jhi , Kim Tae Hyung , Ban Eun Jeong , Lee Cho Rok , Lee Jandee , Kang Sang‐Wook , Jeong Jong Ju , Nam Kee‐Hyun , Chung Woong Youn , Park Cheong Soo 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundRecent guidelines advocate unilateral thyroidectomy for low‐risk 1‐cm to 4‐cm differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). This study was designed to examine the association between the extent of thyroidectomy and oncologic outcomes in patients with 1‐cm to 4‐cm DTC.Materials and MethodsFrom April 1978 to December 2011, 16 057 patients with DTC underwent thyroidectomy at Yonsei University Hospital. Among them, 5266 (32.8%) patients were classified as having 1‐cm to 4‐cm DTC and were enrolled in this study. Clinicopathologic features and prognostic results (disease‐free survival [DFS] and disease‐specific survival [DSS] rates) were analyzed by retrospective medical record review. The mean follow‐up duration was 57.3 ± 58.1 months.ResultsOf tumor subtypes in the study group, papillary thyroid carcinoma was the most common (97.5%) and follicular thyroid carcinoma occurred at a rate of 2.5%. In this study, the mean tumor size was 1.84 ± 0.74 cm. Patients had extrathyroidal extension (69.3%), multiplicity (35.1%), bilaterality (26.4%), central lymph node metastasis (53.0%), and lateral neck node metastases (19.9%). Of the 5266 patients, 4292 (81.5%) underwent total thyroidectomy and 974 (18.5%) had lobectomies. Recurrence rates in the total thyroidectomy and lobectomy groups were 5.7% and 9.4%, respectively. The lobectomy group had lower DFS (P = .007) and higher DSS (P = .034) than the total thyroidectomy group. A multivariate analysis for DFS revealed that tumor size, N classification, and extent of thyroidectomy were independent risk factors. On multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for DSS were age, sex, tumor size, and M classifications.ConclusionAlthough extent of thyroidectomy does not affect DSS, total thyroidectomy is beneficial for reducing recurrence in patients with 1‐cm to 4‐cm DTC. However, if such tumors have such low‐risk features as being unifocal, intrathyroidal, and lymph node metastasis‐negative, extent of thyroidectomy does not affect oncologic outcome and lobectomy may be sufficient.
Virtual evaluation of selected cervical lymph nodes with three‐dimensional ultrasound in thyroid cancer patients after thyroidectomy
Authors: Frank Susan J. , Ahn Se Jin , Surks Martin I. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundWe evaluated the usefulness of three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound of cervical lymph nodes (LN), when two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound evaluation is not sufficient to clearly evaluate lymph node characteristics, in thyroid cancer patients being followed after thyroidectomy.MethodsTwo readers retrospectively analyzed 2D and 3D images of 147 LNs; LNs were categorized as normal, reactive, suspicious, or indeterminate, and confidence level was rated. Results were compared to cytological/clinical data. Inter‐reader agreement was calculated.ResultsAddition of 3D ultrasound significantly increased specificity (0.787 with 2D ultrasound vs 0.905 with 2D + 3D ultrasound for reader 1, P = .009; 0.701 with 2D ultrasound vs 0.898 with 2D + 3D ultrasound for reader 2, P = .01). Addition of 3D ultrasound significantly increased confidence level of readers (P < .001). Inter‐reader agreement in LN categorization was almost perfect with 2D + 3D ultrasound.Conclusion3D ultrasound of cervical LNs enables better demonstration of imaging features that are important in differentiating benign and malignant LNs. These improvements can potentially obviate the need for FNA in post thyroidectomy cancer patients.
Concurrent chemoradiotherapy by simultaneously integrated boost volumetric‐modulated arc therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma‐toxicity/quality of life and survival
Authors: Fang Fu‐Min , Huang Tai‐Lin , Lin Yun‐Hsuan , Chien Chih‐Yen , Chuang Hui‐Ching , Luo Sheng‐Dean , Lin Hsin‐Ching , Lin Yu‐Tsai , Li Shau‐Hsuan , Liao Kuan‐Cho , Tsai Wen‐Ling 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate the toxicity, changes of quality of life (QOL), and survival for patients with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) treated by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with simultaneously integrated boost volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (SIB‐VMAT).MethodsA total of 68 NPC patients treated by CCRT with SIB‐VMAT technique were collected. QOL was longitudinally assessed by the EORTC QLQ‐C30 and HN35 questionnaires at the 4 time points: baseline, 42.4 Gy (20 fractions), and 3, 12 months after CCRT.ResultsThe 4‐year locoregional relapse free, distant metastasis free, failure free, and overall survival rates were 97.0%, 86.4%, 82.0%, and 88.1%, respectively. The 4‐year cumulative incidence rate of late toxicities with grade 3 or more was 3.0%. One year after CCRT, most QOL scales, except some oral related symptoms, recovered to baseline level.ConclusionCCRT with SIB‐VMAT produces excellent locoregional control, few severe late toxicity, and good general health status for NPC patients.
miR‐125a/b inhibits tumor‐associated macrophages mediated in cancer stem cells of hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting CD90
Authors: Wang Yufeng , Wang Bingyi , Xiao Shuai , Li Yang , Chen Quanning 
Published: December 2018

AbstractCancer stem cells promote tumorigenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, emerging evidence indicates tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in tumor progression. However, TAMs often occurs with unknown mechanisms. As an important mediator in intercellular communications, exosomes secreted by host cells mediate the exchange of genetic materials and proteins, which involves tumor aggressiveness. The aim of the study was to investigate whether exosomes derived from TAMs mediate stem cell properties in HCC. TAMs were isolated from the tissues of HCC. microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of TAMs were analyzed using miRNA microarray. In vitro cell coculture was further conducted to investigate the crosstalk between TAMs and tumor cells mediated by TAMs exosomes. In this study, we showed that TAMs exosomes promote HCC cell proliferation and stem cell properties. Using miRNA profiles assay, we identified significantly lower levels of miR‐125a and miR‐125b in exosomes and cell lysate isolated from TAMs. Functional studies revealed that the HCC cells were treated with TAM exosomes or transfected with miR‐125a/b suppressed cell proliferation and stem cell properties by targeting CD90, a stem cell marker of HCC stem cells. The study indicated that miR‐125a/b targeting CD90 played important roles in cancer stem cells of HCC.
LL‐37 and its analog FF/CAP18 attenuate neutrophil migration in sepsis‐induced acute lung injury
Authors: Qin Xiuchuan , Zhu Guangfa , Huang Lixue , Zhang Wenwei , Huang Yan , Xi Xin 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroduction: Sepsis can result in acute lung injury. LL‐37 is a small cationic host defense peptide involved in anti‐inflammatory. In the current study, it was hypothesized that antimicrobial peptide LL‐37 could play a protective role in attenuating the progression of sepsis‐induced acute lung injury.Methods: Forty male C57BL/6 mice were induced into sepsis using cecal ligation and puncture, and subsequently administered with recombinant mouse osteopontin. Peptides LL‐37, the LL‐37 analog (FF/CAP18, called sLL‐37), or normal saline was intravenously administered into septic mice for 20 hours. Then, proinflammatory cytokines (IL‐6 and IL‐1β), acute lung injury markers (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]), the neutrophil infiltration marker (myeloperoxidase [MPO]), and neutrophil infiltration were detected. Furthermore, the neutrophil migration and expression of migration‐related factors (focal adhesion kinase [FAK], ERK, and P38) in differentiated HL‐60 cells were detected.Results: Septic mice had upregulated IL‐6, IL‐1β, ALT, AST, LDH, MPO, p‐FAK, p‐ERK, and p‐P38, infiltrated neutrophils, and migrated neutrophil‐like HL‐60 cells. In contrast, the administration of peptide LL‐37 and sLL‐37 inhibited all these changes. Compared with septic mice, it was found that proinflammatory cytokines, lung injury markers, MPO, and infiltrated neutrophils decreased in mice treated with LL‐37 and sLL‐37. In addition, the migrated neutrophil‐like HL‐60 cells and activated p‐FAK, p‐ERK, and p‐P38 proteins were suppressed by LL‐37 and sLL‐37 treatments.Conclusions: Peptide LL‐37 and its analog sLL‐37 attenuated the progression of sepsis‐induced acute lung injury by inhibiting neutrophil infiltration and migration through the FAK, ERK, and P38 pathways.
Perspective into the regulation of cell‐generated forces toward stem cell migration and differentiation
Authors: Chen Liujing , Huang Tu , Qiao Yini , Jiang Fulin , Lan Jingxiang , Zhou Yimei , Yang Cai , Yan Shanyu , Luo Kaihui , Su Liping , Li Juan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractStem cells are promising candidates for cell‐based therapies in diverse conditions including regenerating damaged tissues, treating inflammation in virtue of sepsis, acute renal failure, and cardiovascular disease. Advancement of these therapies relies on the ability to guide stem cells to migrate directly and differentiate towards specific cell phenotypes. During the past decade, many researchers have demonstrated that exogenous applied forces could significantly affect the migration and lineage differentiation of stem cells. Besides, recent advances have highlighted the critical role of internal forces due to cell‐matrix interaction in the function of stem cells. Stem cells can generate contractile forces to sense the mechanical properties of cell‐generated force microenvironment, and thereby perceive mechanical information that directs broad aspects of stem cell functions, including migration and lineage commitment. In the review, we recount the cell‐generated force microenvironment of stem cells and discuss the interactions between cell‐generated forces with migration and differentiation of stem cells. We also summarize key experimental evidence of a tight linkage between migration and lineage differentiation of stem cells and pose important unanswered questions in this field.