bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early returning long‐distance migrant males do pay a survival cost
Authors: Lerche‐Jørgensen Mathilde , Korner‐Nievergelt Fränzi , Tøttrup Anders P. , Willemoes Mikkel , Thorup Kasper 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTiming of return to the breeding area presumably optimizes breeding output in migrants. How timing affects the other components of fitness — survival, has been comparatively little studied. Returning too early in spring is expected to be associated with high mortality in insectivorous migrants when weather conditions are still unsuitable. Yet, males in particular arrive early to get access to the best territories which have been suggested to cause arrival before it is optimal for their survival. For the outward migration in autumn, timing is presumably less directly associated with reproduction and fitness and how it might affect survival is not well understood. We use data of eight songbird species ringed across Denmark to investigate how timing of return migration in spring and departure migration in autumn close to the breeding areas affects survival for short‐ and long‐distance migrants. Further, we compare survival optimum to the timing of males and females at a stopover site in Denmark in three sexually dimorphic, protandric species. We find a clear relationship between return migration and survival which differs between short‐ and long‐distance migrants: Survival decreases with date for short‐distance migrants and a bell‐shaped relationship, with low survival for earliest and latest individuals, for long‐distance migrants. In protandric species, the majority of males return before survival is optimal, whereas females on average return close to the survival optimum. The pattern of survival in relation to autumn timing is less clear, although a similar bell‐shaped relationship is suggested for long‐distance migrants. Our findings support the predicted mortality consequences of too early return to the breeding grounds and also that selection for early return in males leads to suboptimal migration timing regarding survival.
Cumulative reproductive costs on current reproduction in a wild polytocous mammal
Authors: Kroeger Svenja B. , Blumstein Daniel T. , Armitage Kenneth B. , Reid Jane M. , Martin Julien G. A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe cumulative cost of reproduction hypothesis predicts that reproductive costs accumulate over an individual's reproductive life span. While short‐term costs have been extensively explored, the prevalence of cumulative long‐term costs and the circumstances under which such costs occur alongside or instead of short‐term costs, are far from clear. Indeed, few studies have simultaneously tested for both short‐term and cumulative long‐term reproductive costs in natural populations. Even in mammals, comparatively little is known about cumulative effects of previous reproduction, especially in species with high variation in offspring numbers, where costs could vary among successful reproductive events. Here, we quantify effects of previous short‐term and cumulative long‐term reproduction on current reproduction probability and litter size in wild female yellow‐bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventer) and test how these effects vary with age and between two contrasting environments. We provide evidence for cumulative long‐term effects: females that had both reproduced frequently and weaned large litters on average in previous years had decreased current reproduction probability. We found no evidence for short‐term reproductive costs between reproductive bouts. However, females weaned larger litters when they had weaned larger litters on average in previous years and had lower current reproduction probability when their previous reproductive success was low. Together these results suggest that, alongside persistent among‐individual variation, long‐term reproductive history affects current reproductive success.
Vegetation trends over eleven years on mountain summits in NW Argentina
Authors: Carilla Julieta , Halloy Stephan , Cuello Soledad , Grau Alfredo , Malizia Agustina , Cuesta Francisco 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAs global climate change leads to warmer and dryer conditions in the central Andes, alpine plant communities are forced to upward displacements following their climatic niche. Species range shifts are predicted to have major impacts on alpine communities by reshuffling species composition and abundances. Using a standardized protocol, we surveyed alpine plant communities in permanent plots on four high Andean summits in NW Argentina, which range from 4,040 to 4,740 m a.s.l. After a baseline survey in 2006–2008, we resurvey the same plots in 2012, and again in 2017. We found a significant decrease in plant cover, species richness, and diversity across the elevation gradient in the three censuses and a strong decrease in soil temperature along the elevation gradient. We found a high plant community turnover (37%–49%) among censuses, differentiating according to summits and aspects; major changes of community turnover were observed in the lowest summit (49%) and on the northern (47%) and western (46%) aspects. Temporal patterns in community changes were represented by increases in plant cover in the highest summit, in species richness in the lower summit, and in diversity (Shannon index) in the four summits, over time, together with increase in small herbs and non‐tussock grasses. We suggest that the observed trend in plant community dynamics responds to short‐term temperature and precipitation variability, which is influenced by El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and due to time lags in plant community response, it may take much longer than one decade for the observed trends to become stables and statistically significant. Our study provides an important foundation for documenting more profound changes in these subtropical alpine plant communities as global climate change continues.
Documenting archaeological thin sections in high‐resolution: A comparison of methods and discussion of applications
Authors: Haaland Magnus M. , Czechowski Matthias , Carpentier Frank , Lejay Mathieu , Vandermeulen Bruno 
Published: November 2018

AbstractOptical thin section observations represent the core empirical basis for most micromorphological interpretations at archaeological sites. These observations, which often vary in size and shape, are usually documented through digital graphic representations such as photomicrographs, scans, or figures. Due to variability in documentation practices, however, visual thin section data can be captured with a range of methods and in many different formats and resolutions. In this paper, we compare and evaluate five common image‐based methods for documenting thin sections in high‐resolution: a flatbed scanner, a film scanner, a macro photography rig, and conventional stereo and light microscopes. Through the comparison results, we demonstrate that advances in digital imaging technology now allow for fast and high‐resolution visual recording of entire thin sections up to at least ×30 magnification. We suggest that adopting a digital micromorphological documentation practice has several advantages. First, a digital thin section may be observed more efficiently and consistently, for example, on a computer screen, and the spatial configuration of large or complex features may be more accurately documented. Second, they allow for the establishment of digital repositories that may promote scientific reproducibility and inter‐laboratory communication, as well as lay the foundations for more consensus‐based educational training of archaeological micromorphology.
The acceleration of CAR‐T therapy in non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Munshi Pashna N. , Ujjani Chaitra 
Published: November 2018

AbstractRecent advances in diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas have included both identification of high‐risk subtypes characterized by multiply relapsed and/or refractory disease as well as novel treatment in the form of cellular therapy. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cell therapy is a recently developed approach to address the poor outcomes in this patient population. The CAR‐T cell construct has evolved although several iterations as it transitioned from the lab to the clinic. Three major studies have evaluated the efficacy of CD19‐directed CAR‐T cell therapy in aggressive B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma; each demonstrating durable complete remissions in heavily pretreated patients. The cost of this remarkable therapy, however, includes cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity shortly after administration as well as delayed infectious complications due to B‐cell aplasia. Future investigations are focused on the optimizing both safety and efficacy of CAR‐T cell therapy.
Chemerin/ChemR23 axis triggers an inflammatory response in keratinocytes through ROS‐sirt1‐NF‐κB signaling
Authors: Wang Yuan , Huo Jia , Zhang Dingwei , Hu Gang , Zhang Yanfei 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPsoriasis is a chronic disease which carries the emotional and social burden, promotes joint disability and raises comorbidity possibility in patients. Obesity is closely correlated with the occurrence of psoriasis and adipokines produced by adipose tissues were found to be critical culprits. Chemerin is one of them and its expression was increased in patients with psoriatic arthritis. In our hypothesis, chemerin might act on keratinocytes and promote an inflammatory response, which plays an essential role in psoriatic epidermis. To validate our hypothesis, HaCaT cells and primary human keratinocytes were treated with chemerin (5, 10, and 20 ng/mL for 24 hours). Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the secretion of inflammatory factors. Nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation and p65 acetylation were evaluated by Western blot analysis. The expression and activity of sirtuin 1 (sirt1), a deacetylase act on p65, were also analyzed. The results showed that chemerin prompted inflammatory factors secretion, NF‐κB activation and p65 acetylation through chemerin receptor 23 receptor. Chemerin constrained the expression and deacetylase activity of sirt1 through augment of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Additionally, chemerin exacerbated psoriasiform dermatitis in imiquimod‐treated mice model. In conclusion, chemerin can seduce inflammatory response and promote NF‐κB activation through inhibition of sirt1 activity by ROS production.
microRNA‐383 regulates cell viability and apoptosis by mediating Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Gu Biao , Wang Jipeng , Song Yaqi , Wang Qi , Wu Qingquan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the roles of microRNA‐383 (miRNA‐383) in progression of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the potential mechanism. The expressions of miR‐383 and Wnt1 protein were detected in lung cancer tissues and cells by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Western blot analysis. After the transfection of miR‐383 mimics, si‐Wnt1 or miR‐383+Wnt1, the viability and apoptosis of NSCLC cells were detected by cell counting kit‐8 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling, respectively. The interaction between miR‐383 and Wnt1 was investigated by luciferase activity and Western blot analysis. Cells stably transfected with miR‐383 mimics were inoculated into the right axillary of nude mice by subcutaneous injection. The tumor volume and weight were measured, and the expressions of miR‐383, Wnt1, β‐catenin, and cyclin D1 were detected by qRT‐PCR and Western blot analysis. The expression of miR‐383 was significantly decreased, and the level of Wnt1 was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in lung cancer tissues and cells. Upregulation of miR‐383 or inhibition of Wnt1 expression inhibited the cell viability and induce apoptosis in NSCLC cells. Moreover, Wnt1 was the target gene of miR‐383, and its overexpression weakened the regulatory effect of miR‐383 on cell viability and apoptosis in NSCLC cells. Besides, the addition of miR‐383 decreased the tumor volume and size and inhibited the expressions of Wnt1, β‐catenin, and cyclin D1 at the protein level in nude mice. Collectively, miR‐383 induced apoptosis and inhibited cell viability as well as tumorigenic capacity in nude mice via regulating the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway.
Long noncoding RNA uc.4 inhibits cell differentiation in heart development by altering DNA methylation
Authors: Zhang Qijun , Feng Mengwen , Zhang Hao , Xu Jia , Zhang Li , Wang Xuejun , Cheng Zijie , Qian Lingmei 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn previous studies, we have demonstrated that long noncoding RNA uc.4 may influence the cell differentiation through the TGF‐β signaling pathway, suppressed the heart development of zebrafish and resulting cardiac malformation. DNA methylation plays a significant role in the heart development and disordered of DNA methylation may cause disruption of control of gene promoter. In this study, methylated DNA immunoprecipitation was performed to identify the different expression levels of methylation regions. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were also performed to identify the possible biological process and pathway that uc.4 may join, associated with Rap1 signaling pathway, gonadotropin‐releasing hormone signaling pathway, and Calcium signaling pathway. We found that the distribution of differentially methylated regions peaks was mainly located in intergenic and intron regions. Altogether, our result showed that differentially methylated genes are significantly expressed in uc.4‐overexpression cells, providing valuable data for further exploration of the role of uc.4 in heart development.
Gene therapy by lentivirus‐mediated RNA interference targeting extracellular‐regulated kinase alleviates neuropathic pain in vivo
Authors: Jia Lei , Zhang Yang , Qu Yu‐Juan , Huai Juan , Wei Hui , Yue Shou‐Wei 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundsNeuropathic pain is an abnormal pain, which is related to the activation of extracellular‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling. This study was to investigate the effects of ERK knockdown via lentivirus‐mediated RNA interference on allodynia in rats with chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and to uncover the potential mechanisms.MethodsThe model of chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglia (CCD) was established in rats by surgery. Gene silence was induced by injecting rats with lentivirus expressing ERK short hairpin RNA (shRNA). Behavioral test was performed by calculating paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency (TPWL).ResultsWe firstly generated lentivirus expressing ERK shRNA to downregulate ERK gene expression both in vitro and in vivo by using Western blot analysis and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In CCD, ERK mRNA, and protein levels in DRG neurons were dramatically increased, accompanied with decreased PWMT and TPWL. Lentivirus‐mediated RNA interference decreased ERK gene expression in DRG neurons and normalized the PWMT and TPWL in CCD rats, but not in rats infected with lentivirus expressing negative control shRNA. Further, calcium responses of DRG neurons to the hypotonic solution and 4α‐phorbol 12,13‐didecanoate were enhanced in CCD rats, which were suppressed by lentivirus‐mediated ERK gene silence. Finally, the levels of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 gene expressions in DRG neurons and L4 to L5 spinal cord isolated from CCD rats were dramatically upregulated, which were reversed by lentivirus‐mediated ERK gene knockdown.ConclusionLentivirus‐mediated RNA interference (RNAi) silencing targeting ERK might reverse CCD‐induced neuropathic pain in rats through transient receptor potential vanilloid 4.
TGFβ mediates collagen production in human CRSsNP nasal mucosa‐derived fibroblasts through Smad2/3‐dependent pathway and CTGF induction and secretion
Authors: Shieh Jiunn‐Min , Tsai Yih‐Jeng , Chi Jessie Chao‐Yun , Wu Wen‐Bin 
Published: November 2018

AbstractChronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyp (CRSsNP) is characterized by tissue remodeling and fibrosis. Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) is considered a master switch in the induction of the profibrotic program which can induce fibroblasts to synthesize and contract extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. A previous study has shown TGF‐β1 signaling and collagen overproduction in the CRSsNP, but the responsible cells and mechanism of action remain unclear. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the relationship between TGF‐β1 stimulation and collagen expression and to explore the role of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) during the remodeling process using human CRSsNP nasal mucosa tissues and mucosa‐derived fibroblasts as main materials. We found that TGF‐β1 and its isoforms could promote collagen protein expression. Concomitantly, TGF‐β1 caused CTGF expression and secretion. An addition of exogenous CTGF to fibroblasts also caused collagen expression. In accordance with these observations, TGF‐β1, CTGF, and collagen were highly expressed in the subepithelial stroma region of CRSsNP nasal mucosa, as determined by immunohistochemistry. The TGF‐β1‐mediated collagen expression could be blocked by actinomycin D and SIS3, suggesting that the induction was through transcriptional regulation and Smad2/3‐dependent pathway. Finally, we demonstrated that CTGF small interfering RNA knockdown led to a substantial decrease in TGF‐β1‐mediated collagen expression. Collectively, our results provide first and further evidence that TGF‐β1 mediates collagen expression–production through a canonical Smad2/3‐dependent pathway and CTGF induction and secretion in human nasal fibroblasts. Moreover, TGF‐β1, CTGF, and collagen are highly expressed in human CRSsNP nasal mucosa specimens, suggesting their roles in tissue remodeling during CRSsNP progression.
A review of the molecular pathways mediating the improvement in diabetes mellitus following caloric restriction
Authors: Yaribeygi Habib , Atkin Stephen L. , Ramezani Majid , Sahebkar Amirhossein 
Published: November 2018

AbstractLifestyle modification is the cornerstone of diabetes prevention and treatment. Weight loss through caloric restriction (CR) is effective in improving glycemic control, though it is difficult for patients to follow in practice, and remains critical to achieve optimal glucose homeostasis. In this review, we look at what is known about the molecular pathways involved in CR‐induced insulin sensitivity and improved insulin resistance.
Pattern of cerebral blood flow and the interrelationship of vascular parameters of transcranial Doppler imaging in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Asbeutah Akram M. , AlMajran Abdullah A. , Adekile Adekunle 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPurposeWe assessed the pattern of cerebral blood flow and the relationship between the different transcranial Doppler imaging (TCDI) vascular parameters in children with sickle cell disease (SCD).MethodsForty‐three SCD pediatric patients with a stable condition (21 HbSS, 19 HbSβ0 Thal, and 3 HbSD), aged 10.1 ± 3.9 years were studied. A control group of 26 with age and sex‐matched, were included for comparison. TCDI scanning was carried out using a phased array transducer of 1‐3 MHz through the trans‐temporal window. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), time‐averaged mean of the maximum velocity (TAMxV), pulsatility index (PI), and resistive index (RI) were in the anterior circle of Willis vessels and posterior cerebral artery.ResultsThe highest mean ± SD values for the middle cerebral artery PSV, EDV, TAMxV, PI, and RI were 130.30 + 26.5, 145.0 ± 21.9; 58.60 + 13.70, 67.90 ± 13.3; 84.90 + 14.50, 94.80 ± 17.9; 0.95 + 0.20, 0.80 ± 0.20; 0.58 + 0.09, 0.50 ± 0.10 in the control and SCD groups, respectively. Independent t‐test showed significant difference (P < .05) for all vascular parameters in all vessels in each side between both groups. There was a positive significant correlation between TAMxV, PSV, and EDV (P = .001, r = .96), and a negative significant correlation between TAMxV and PI in the SCD group (P = .001, r = −.46) but not in the control group (P > .05, r = −.62).ConclusionsThere was a direct relationship between TAMxV and PSV and EDV, and an inverse relationship between TAMxV and PI in a group of SCD patients with normal TCDI values.
Fast food, ads, and taste in a Russian child’s mind
Authors: Effertz Tobias , Teichert Thorsten , Tsoy Marina 
Published: November 2018

AbstractResearch demonstrates that brands can influence children’s food preferences and potentially contribute to unhealthy consumption patterns. This article extends this line of research by investigating the complex and interacting effects of food brand marketing on experienced taste. The empirical field in a remote Russian town enabled the assessment of branding effects when entering a newly established market. Examining the combination of various advertisement features with emotional brand elicitation, we derive hypotheses about the interplay of brands and advertisement components linked to the perceived taste of a fast food meal. In Novosibirsk, Russia, 778 children and adolescents aged 10–18 years were exposed to fast food advertisements with real and imaginary brand logos and varying advertising claims. The advertisements consisted of a warning, an exaggerated credence claim, or both. A subsequently offered fast food meal—a portion of French fries—was experimentally varied and prepared to be either healthier but less tasty and unsalted, or less healthy but tastier and salted. The findings verify strong and positive brand effects on children’s taste satisfaction. Warnings in advertisements “worked” only for novel fast food brands by negatively affecting taste satisfaction, but increased taste satisfaction when applied in advertisements for established brands. Single credence claims did not improve the taste experience, but counteracted the negative effects of warnings for novel brands. Finally, the established brand influenced taste satisfaction positively when the fries were saltier. The findings reveal various opportunities for fast food marketing to artificially create taste satisfaction for potentially unhealthy food. Public health strategies that focus on advertising claim restrictions should be reconsidered in the context of possible evasion strategies of the food industry and counter‐effects of warnings among strong fast food brands.
Four‐bit instantaneous frequency measurement systems based on frequency selective surfaces
Authors: Pinheiro Giordano J. , de Oliveira Manuelle R. T. , Silva Filho Hawson V. H. , de Melo Marcos T. , Neto Alfredo G. , de Sousa Thayuan R. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis paper presents four frequency selective surfaces (FSSs) to be used in an instantaneous frequency measurement (IFM) systems. The FSS based on simple dipoles have a frequency response corresponding to the characteristics of frequency discriminators. An IFM system with 4‐bits is shown with resolution around 300 MHz. The system contains 16 distinct frequency sub‐bands between 3.21 and 8.75 GHz. CST software simulations and measurements of insertion loss are presented and compared with theoretical results to provide the binary codes of the system.