bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aging and Alzheimer’s disease: Comparison and associations from molecular to system level
Authors: Xia Xian , Jiang Quanlong , McDermott Joseph , Han Jing‐Dong J. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAlzheimer's disease is the most prevalent cause of dementia, which is defined by the combined presence of amyloid and tau, but researchers are gradually moving away from the simple assumption of linear causality proposed by the original amyloid hypothesis. Aging is the main risk factor for Alzheimer's disease that cannot be explained by amyloid hypothesis. To evaluate how aging and Alzheimer's disease are intrinsically interwoven with each other, we review and summarize evidence from molecular, cellular, and system level. In particular, we focus on study designs, treatments, or interventions in Alzheimer's disease that could also be insightful in aging and vice versa.
Haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for thalassaemia major based on an FBCA conditioning regimen
Authors: Sun Qixin , Wu Bingyi , Lan Hekui , Meng Fanyi , Ma Xiaoxiao , Chen Xinxin , Huang Zhiwei , Yao Qianqian , Xu Jianhui , Huang Yuxian , Wu Shaojie , Zhu Zhigang 
Published: July 2018

SummaryAllogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only available curative therapy for patients with thalassaemia major. With the progress in human leucocyte antigen (HLA) antigen typing technology and supportive care, the outcomes of thalassaemia major have greatly improved in recent years, even in high‐risk patients. However, the problem of finding a suitable donor is still a major obstacle to curing these patients. In recent decades, the lack of available HSCT donors has led to the increased use of haploidentical donors (HDs) for HSCT in haematological malignancies. Recently, we explored the effect of HD HSCT to eight children with thalassaemia major based on the FBCA conditioning regimen (fludarabine, busulphan, cyclophosphamide, antithymocyte globulin), which is usually used in leukaemia patients receiving haploidentical HSCT in our centre. So far, all of the transplanted patients have a stable engraftment and are transfusion independent in daily life. This encouraging result has revised our previous conception about haploidentical HCST for thalassaemia major and strongly suggests that HD HSCT is a feasible and safe method for thalassaemia major patients.
An attempt to incorporate effect of direct interaction between a ligand and explicit water molecules into MM/3D‐RISM
Authors: Gohda Keigo 
Published: July 2018

AbstractEndpoint methods using continuum‐solvent models are widely used to estimate protein–ligand affinity. A recently developed method, MM/3D‐RISM, estimates the solvation energy using statistical mechanics by 3D‐RISM. This method is theoretically expected to accurately describe solvation effects and to also be less dependent on protein–ligand systems. In this study, we examined the performance of MM/3D‐RISM for a set of α‐thrombin inhibitors with a non‐congeneric series of ligands, containing three diverse chemical scaffolds. The standard MM/3D‐RISM showed a weak correlation (R2 = 0.191) but correctly estimated affinity for two of the three scaffolds. However, the simplest inhibitor, benzamidine, was not ranked appropriately. From visual inspection of inhibitor‐binding modes, an attempt was made to incorporate the direct interaction between a ligand and water molecules into MM/3D‐RISM. A model (Model‐1) dealing with directly interacting water molecules (Wat) as an independent component of a protein (R)–ligand (L) complex‐formation, that is, R + L + Wat → R–L–Wat, showed a better linearity (R2 = 0.422) than that of the standard MM/3D‐RISM model and achieved a good ranking of all three scaffolds of α‐thrombin inhibitors. Additionally, an attempt was made to model avidin–biotin system with a congeneric series of inhibitors, and results showed that both the standard MM/3D‐RISM model (R2 = 0.839) and Model‐1 (R2 = 0.695) satisfactorily estimated the affinity.
Fluoride intake and cortical and trabecular bone characteristics in adolescents at age 17: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Oweis Reem Reda , Levy Steven M. , Eichenberger‐Gilmore Julie M. , Warren John J. , Burns Trudy L. , Janz Kathleen F. , Torner James C. , Saha Punam K. , Letuchy Elena 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the associations between period‐specific and cumulative fluoride (F) intakes from birth to age 17 years, and radial and tibial bone measures obtained using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT).MethodsParticipants (n = 380) were recruited from hospitals at birth and continued their participation in the ongoing Iowa Fluoride Study/Iowa Bone Development Study until age 17. Fluoride intakes from water, other beverages, selected foods, dietary fluoride supplements and dentifrice were determined every 1.5‐6 months using detailed questionnaires. Associations between F intake and bone measures (cortical and trabecular bone mineral content [BMC], density and strength) were determined in bivariate and multivariable analyses adjusted for height, weight, maturity offset, physical activity, and daily calcium and protein intake using robust regression analysis.ResultsFluoride intake ranged from 0.7 to 0.8 mg F/d for females and from 0.7 to 0.9 mg F/d for males. Spearman correlations between daily F intake and pQCT bone measures were weak. For females, Spearman correlations ranged from r = −.08 to .21, and for males, they ranged from r = −.03 to .30. In sex‐specific, height‐, weight‐ and maturity offset‐ partially adjusted regression analyses, associations between females’ fluoride intake and bone characteristics were almost all negative; associations for males were mostly positive. In the fully adjusted models, which also included physical activity, and protein and calcium intakes, no significant associations were detected for females; significant positive associations were detected between F intake from 14 to 17 years and tibial cortical bone content (β = 21.40, P < .01) and torsion strength (β = 175.06, P < .01) for males.ConclusionIn this cohort of 17‐year‐old adolescents, mostly living in optimally fluoridated areas, lifelong F intake from combined sources was weakly associated with bone pQCT measures.
A common environment experiment reveals plastic and genetic contributions to the fast life‐history strategy of an invasive fish
Authors: Rooke Anna C. , Fox Michael G. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractInvasive species often exhibit a suite of life‐history traits that promote rapid population growth, including early age and small size at maturation, and high reproductive investment. The common expression of these “fast” life‐history traits in invasive populations could be the result of plastic and/or genetic responses to the non‐native environment, or in response to the process of range expansion. To determine the relative importance of plastic and genetic contributions to the expression of life‐history traits, we reared two native Canadian and two invasive Spanish populations of Pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus) in a common environment in central Ontario, Canada. In the wild, European Pumpkinseed tend to exhibit faster juvenile growth rates, younger age and smaller size at maturity, and higher reproductive investment than native North American populations. When reared in a common environment, both native and invasive populations exhibited similar juvenile growth rates, and similar age and size at maturity, suggesting that the differences seen among wild populations are a plastic response to the warmer non‐native environment. However, reproductive investment was consistently higher in the Spanish populations regardless of rearing environment, suggesting a genetic difference in reproductive investment between native and invasive populations. Selection for greater reproductive investment in non‐native Pumpkinseed may have contributed to their widespread success in Europe.
Quantifying trophic interactions and niche sizes of juvenile fishes in an invaded riverine cyprinid fish community
Authors: Gutmann Roberts Catherine , Britton J. Robert 
Published: July 2018

AbstractQuantifying feeding interactions between nonindigenous and indigenous fishes in invaded fish communities is important for determining how introduced species integrate into native food webs. Here, the trophic interactions of invasive 0+ European barbelBarbus barbus(L.) and the three other principal 0+ fishes in the community,Squalius cephalus(L.),Leuciscus leuciscus(L.) andPhoxinus phoxinus(L.), were investigated in the River Teme, a River Severn tributary in Western England.B. barbushas been present in the River Teme for approximately 40 years. Analyses of stomach contents from samples collected from three sites between June and September 2015 revealed that, overall, fishes displayed a generalist feeding strategy, with most prey having low frequency of selection. Relationships of diet composition versus body length and gape height were species‐specific, with increasing dietary specialisms apparent as the 0+ fishes increased in length and gape height. The trophic niche size of invasiveB. barbuswas always significantly smaller thanS. cephalusandL. leuciscusand was significantly smaller thanP. phoxinusat two sites. This was primarily due to differences in the functional morphology of the fishes; 0+B. barbuswere generally restricted to foraging on the benthos, whereas the other fishes were able to forage on prey present throughout the water column. Nevertheless, the invasiveB. barbuswere exploiting very similar prey items to populations in their native range, suggesting these invaders were strongly pre‐adapted to the River Teme and this arguably facilitated their establishment and invasion.
Trophic ecology of speckled peacock bass Cichla temensis Humboldt 1821 in the middle Negro River, Amazon, Brazil
Authors: Aguiar‐Santos Jamerson , deHart Pieter A. P. , Pouilly Marc , Freitas Carlos E. C. , Siqueira‐Souza Flávia K. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to analyse the trophic ecology of speckled peacock bass Cichla temensis inhabiting two tributaries of the middle Negro River, the Aracá River and the Demeni River. Using an analysis of stomach contents and stable isotope composition (δ15N, δ13C) of scales, we describe the diet and evaluate the trophic position of subadult and adult individuals. We then test whether diet shifts and trophic positions occurred among successive size classes and among sample locations. The stomach content analysis confirmed the piscivorous feeding habit of the species and showed that the speckled peacock bass preyed on a variety species belonging to different trophic guilds. The length of the ingested prey increased with the size of the speckled peacock bass. Diet composition and trophic position were not different among size classes. δ13C values yielded significant shifts among the size classes: larger individuals displayed higher δ13C values than smaller individuals. Trophic position varied between locations, with lowest values observed in fish from the Aracá River. This study demonstrated that diet of C. temensis may vary according to the size of the fish, even at the subadult or adult stages, and according to the river/locality, even within a same basin. We then suggest that further studies take into account local availability of food resources to better explore C. temensis diet and tropic ecology.
Integrating threshold concepts with reflective practice: Discussing a theory‐based approach for curriculum refinement in dental education
Authors: Hyde S. , Flatau A. , Wilson D. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe theory of threshold concepts (TCs) is a burgeoning area of educational research and curriculum reform. This study describes and reviews the TCs literature, describes the differences between TCs and threshold learning outcomes (TLOs) and seeks to promote discussion on using an integrated reflective practice approach to facilitate the translation of TCs into fulfilment of TLOs. A worked example is included in this study to explore the challenges inherent in this task but also the learning gains to be made for both staff and students in this endeavour.Intersection of reflective clinical practice and threshold conceptsReflection is intrinsic to all aspects of learning and is a vital characteristic of developing competence in the health professions. Further, the need for explicit teaching and assessment of reflection in health professions education is recognised. We suggest that the identification of TCs can help to scaffold reflective processes in dentistry and argue that TCs may achieve a bridging function between theory and practice when used in conjunction with reflective writing and dialogue. This study provides a discussion of the complexities and challenges involved as well as an explicit example of the process involved for 1 TC in 1 particular discipline—removable prosthodontics.DiscussionReflective practice is recognised by the authors as a pedagogical tool to support the acquisition of threshold concepts. An example is provided of integrating reflective practice tasks with identified TCs in curricula which shows the potential of reflective dialogue and discourse as vehicles to make TCs explicit as well as facilitate the attainment of threshold learning outcomes or graduate attributes. This is an ongoing process, and although the fully revised curriculum is not ready to be translated to other contexts, we suggest it is beneficial to start working towards the integration of reflective practice tasks and identified TLOs as part of curriculum refinement—rather than adding to a crowded curriculum. We suggest such an integrated approach can harness the challenges inherent in discipline‐specific contexts to bridge the theory‐practice nexus for students and permit staff greater flexibility in the teaching and assessment of such traditionally difficult areas.SummaryWe propose a way of thinking about curriculum change by integrating threshold concepts with the explicit use and assessment of reflective practice tasks as a means to achieve threshold learning outcomes and professional attributes identified by accrediting bodies. We provide an overview of the literature in this area and an example of our approach in linking reflective practice with newly identified threshold concepts in our School. We welcome further discussion, debate and collaboration in this area.
Tree cricket baffles are manufactured tools
Authors: Mhatre Natasha 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTree crickets use sound to attract mates and make acoustic baffles to increase their sound production efficiency. It has been recently discovered that these insects use a flexible yet inherited behavioural programme to make acoustically optimal baffles. Whether these baffles qualify as tools, however, remains controversial. Here, baffle‐using and baffle‐making behaviours are analysed using the most current and authoritative definition of tool use. The current definition of tool use does not require the tool to be detached from the substrate and includes attached but manipulable external objects. Given this schema, tree cricket baffles, which are attached but manipulated prior to use, must be considered tools. The mode of manufacture for a baffle is “Subtract,” and the mode of use is “Drape”.
FAM83G/Fam83g genetic variants affect canine and murine hair formation
Authors: Balmer Pierre , Fellay Auxanne K. , Sayar Beyza S. , Hariton William V. J. , Wiener Dominique J. , Galichet Arnaud , Müller Eliane J. , Roosje Petra J. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractFAM83G/Fam83g genetic variants have been described in dogs, mice and recently also in humans. They are associated with palmoplantar keratoderma and altered hair or coat phenotype, reported as wooly phenotype in mice. FAM83G/Fam83g is an unexplored effector of temporally and spatially coordinated Wnt and BMP signalling which are key pathways in pre‐ and postnatal hair follicle morphogenesis and differentiation. The aim of this study was to unravel phenotypic consequences of FAM83G/Fam83g variants on hair coat formation in dogs and mice. Our results show differences in hair types and hair shaft structures in both species. Additionally, mice exhibit deregulated hair cycle progression which timely correlates with defective Wnt signalling (Axin2) and Bmp2/4 expression. These results affirm the involvement of FAM83G in hair morphogenesis, hair follicle differentiation and cycling.
Drivers of postfire soil organic carbon accumulation in the boreal forest
Authors: Andrieux Benjamin , Beguin Julien , Bergeron Yves , Grondin Pierre , Paré David 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe accumulation of soil carbon (C) is regulated by a complex interplay between abiotic and biotic factors. Our study aimed to identify the main drivers of soil C accumulation in the boreal forest of eastern North America. Ecosystem C pools were measured in 72 sites of fire origin that burned 2–314 years ago over a vast region with a range of ∆ mean annual temperature of 3°C and one of ∆ 500 mm total precipitation. We used a set of multivariate a priori causal hypotheses to test the influence of time since fire (TSF), climate, soil physico‐chemistry and bryophyte dominance on forest soil organic C accumulation. Integrating the direct and indirect effects among abiotic and biotic variables explained as much as 50% of the full model variability. The main direct drivers of soil C stocks were: TSF >bryophyte dominance of the FH layer and metal oxide content >pH of the mineral soil. Only climate parameters related to water availability contributed significantly to explaining soil C stock variation. Importantly, climate was found to affect FH layer and mineral soil C stocks indirectly through its effects on bryophyte dominance and organo‐metal complexation, respectively. Soil texture had no influence on soil C stocks. Soil C stocks increased both in the FH layer and mineral soil with TSF and this effect was linked to a decrease in pH with TSF in mineral soil. TSF thus appears to be an important factor of soil development and of C sequestration in mineral soil through its influence on soil chemistry. Overall, this work highlights that integrating the complex interplay between the main drivers of soil C stocks into mechanistic models of C dynamics could improve our ability to assess C stocks and better anticipate the response of the boreal forest to global change.
Dynamic responses of tree‐ring growth to multiple dimensions of drought
Authors: Gao Shan , Liu Ruishun , Zhou Tao , Fang Wei , Yi Chuixiang , Lu Ruijie , Zhao Xiang , Luo Hui 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDroughts, which are characterized by multiple dimensions including frequency, duration, severity, and onset timing, can impact tree stem radial growth profoundly. Different dimensions of drought influence tree stem radial growth independently or jointly, which makes the development of accurate predictions a formidable challenge. Measurement‐based tree‐ring data have obvious advantages for studying the drought responses of trees. Here, we explored the use of abundant tree‐ring records for quantifying regional response patterns to key dimensions of drought. Specifically, we designed a series of regional‐scaled “natural experiments,” based on 357 tree‐ring chronologies from Southwest USA and location‐matched monthly water balance anomalies, to reveal how tree‐ring responds to each dimension of drought. Our results showed that tree‐ring was affected significantly more by the water balance condition in the current hydrological year than that in the prior hydrological year. Within the current hydrological year, increased drought frequency (number of dry months) and duration (maximum number of consecutive dry months) resulted in “cumulative effects” which amplified the impacts of drought on trees and reduced the drought resistance of trees. Drought events that occurred in the pregrowing seasons strongly affected subsequent tree stem radial growth. Both the onset timing and severity of drought increased “legacy effects” on tree stem radial growth, which reduced the drought resilience of trees. These results indicated that the drought impact on trees is a dynamic process: even when the total water deficits are the same, differences among the drought processes could lead to considerably different responses from trees. This study thus provides a conceptual framework and probabilistic patterns of tree‐ring growth response to multiple dimensions of drought regimes, which in turn may have a wide range of implications for predictions, uncertainty assessment, and forest management.
Acceleration of global vegetation greenup from combined effects of climate change and human land management
Authors: Wang Lanhui , Tian Feng , Wang Yuhang , Wu Zhendong , Schurgers Guy , Fensholt Rasmus 
Published: July 2018

AbstractGlobal warming and human land management have greatly influenced vegetation growth through both changes in spring phenology and photosynthetic primary production. This will presumably impact the velocity of vegetation greenup (Vgreenup, the daily rate of changes in vegetation productivity during greenup period), yet little is currently known about the spatio‐temporal patterns of Vgreenup of global vegetation. Here, we define Vgreenup as the ratio of the amplitude of greenup (Agreenup) to the duration of greenup (Dgreenup) and derive global Vgreenup from 34‐year satellite leaf area index (LAI) observations to study spatio‐temporal dynamics of Vgreenup at the global, hemispheric, and ecosystem scales. We find that 19.9% of the pixels analyzed (n = 1,175,453) experienced significant trends toward higher greenup rates by an average of 0.018 m2 m−2 day−1 for 1982–2015 as compared to 8.6% of pixels with significant negative trends (p < 0.05). Global distribution and dynamics of Vgreenup show high spatial heterogeneity and ecosystem‐specific patterns, which is primarily determined by the high spatial variation in Agreenup, while the temporal dynamics of Vgreenup are directly controlled by both changes in Dgreenup and Agreenup. Areas with the largest Vgreenup and largest positive trends are both observed in deciduous and mixed forests as compared to nonforest ecosystems showing both lower Vgreenup and trends. For nonforest ecosystems, human‐managed ecosystems (e.g., rangelands and rainfed croplands) exhibited higher Vgreenup and positive trends than those of natural counterparts, suggesting strong imprints of human land management on terrestrial ecosystem functioning. Globally, warming has accelerated Vgreenup in temperature‐constrained high latitude forest ecosystems and arctic regions, but decelerated Vgreenup in temperate and arid/semiarid areas. These results suggest that the combined effects of climate change and human land management have greatly accelerated global vegetation greenup, with important implications for changes in terrestrial ecosystem functioning and global carbon cycling.