bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The evolution of chemical defenses along invasion routes: Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera) as a case study
Authors: Magro Alexandra , Ramon‐Portugal Felipe , Facon Benoît , Ducamp Christine , Hemptinne Jean‐Louis 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe evolution of increased competitive ability (EICA) hypothesis (Blossey & Nötzold, ) postulates that escaping from coevolved enemies increases invaders fitness by energy reallocation from defenses and immunity to growth and reproduction. In this context, we evaluated the evidence of evolutionary change in invasive populations of Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera). We measured egg defenses—cocktail of hydrocarbons on the egg's surface flagging egg toxicity and the concentration of the main alkaloid harmonine—in individuals from three populations along the invasion route (Japan: native, United States: introduced more than 30 years ago, South Africa: introduced in the early 2000s) in a common garden experiment. Our results support the EICA hypothesis: We found changes along the invasion route in the profiles of the hydrocarbons coating the eggs’ surface and a decrease in the concentration of harmonine in eggs from the most recent invasive South African population compared to the long established in the United States and the native Japanese ones.
Discontinuities and functional resilience of large river fish assemblages
Authors: Bouska Kristen L. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractFunctional composition of communities across scales is increasingly used to infer resilience of biotic communities to environmental change. To assess the relevance of these concepts to management of large rivers, analyses were applied to fish community data of the Upper Mississippi River. First, to evaluate whether there was evidence for structural patterns in fish size distributions, a discontinuity analysis was performed. Using long‐term fish data, consistent discontinuities were identified across 14 reaches, suggesting similar structuring processes occur throughout the nearly 1300 river kilometers represented by those reaches. Increased variability in species abundance in relation to proximity to edges of body size aggregations supports the discontinuity hypothesis that body size aggregations are structured by key processes. Functional richness and redundancy were quantified within and across identified scales for each of 14 river reaches. Diversity of trophic and spawning guilds was generally greater in the upstream reaches in comparison with downstream reaches, with the exception of the diversity of large‐bodied spawning guilds. Evidence of functional shifts in the composition of fishes occurred, but differed by size aggregations, likely reflecting scale‐specific resource availability. Redundancy of spawning and trophic groups across body size aggregations suggested downstream reaches of this system may be less resilient to disturbances and were weakly associated with reduced habitat diversity. These findings suggest that discontinuities in large river fish assemblages do occur and may provide indication of shifting resource availability. Further investigation of the underlying processes and scales that support resource availability will be critical to managing for resilience in large river ecosystems.
The multifactorial effects of dispersal on biodiversity in environmentally forced metacommunities
Authors: Salois Sarah L. , Gouhier Tarik C. , Menge Bruce A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDisentangling the effects of dispersal and environmental heterogeneity on biodiversity is a central goal in ecology. Although metacommunity structure can be partitioned into spatial and environmental fractions, it remains unclear whether these statistical results can be used to infer the relative importance of dispersal limitation (spatial fraction) and environmental forcing (environmental fraction). Using an environmentally forced, spatially explicit metacommunity model, we show that the distinct effects of the mean (advection) and the standard deviation (diffusion) of the dispersal kernel on biodiversity are not easily detectable via variation partitioning alone. Although increasing dispersal ultimately leads to a decrease in the spatial fraction due to reduced dispersal limitation and greater species sorting, the magnitude of the spatial fraction depends on the complex interplay between the nature of dispersal and the type of boundary conditions in the metacommunity. Indeed, metacommunities characterized by either high or low dispersal can exhibit a small spatial fraction. A case study of a marine metacommunity experiencing strong alongshore transport is consistent with these findings, as the size of the spatial fraction is not associated with dispersal. Overall, our results suggest that accounting for the nature of environmental forcing as well as the multifactorial effects of dispersal is critical for understanding how ecological and environmental processes give rise to biodiversity across spatial scales.
Extraction of a photovoltaic cell's double‐diode model parameters from data sheet values
Authors: Sulyok Georg , Summhammer Johann 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn the data sheets of photovoltaic cells, manufacturers usually only provide selected points of the cell's current‐voltage curve, that is, short‐circuit current, open‐circuit voltage and current and voltage at the maximum power point. However, these three parameters do not suffice to deduce the cell's double diode model parameters. Thus, it is not possible to reproduce the complete current‐voltage characteristics. Here, we point out how the range of the double diode parameters can be determined from the available data points and present approximately valid conditions which can be exploited to derive unique double diode parameter sets. The introduced methods rely on the solution of one‐dimensional equations and the intervals within which their roots lie are established. Thus, a straightforward extraction of the parameters is possible. The reliability of four different methods is checked by comparison with real cells whose double diode parameters are known for varying temperature and illumination conditions as well as with numerically generated parameters. Accurate parameter guesses and a faithful reproduction of the cell's IV‐curve can be achieved, in particular, for present‐day high‐quality cells.
Antioxidant and alpha‐amylase inhibitory potentials of Cocos nucifera husk
Authors: Muritala Hamdalat Folake , Akolade Jubril Olayinka , Akande Sarah Abimbola , Abdulazeez Azeemat Titilola , Aladodo Raliat Abimbola , Bello Abdulkabir Bolakale 
Published: July 2018

AbstractConcoctions containing extract from Cocos nucifera husk fiber are used in Nigeria by traditional medicine practitioners for management of diabetes and its associated complications. Preliminary antidiabetic study was designed to validate the folkloric usage of the plant extract. Dried coconut husk fiber was pulverized and extracted with methanol, followed by partitioning of the methanolic extract in ethyl acetate. Phenolic content, radical scavenging activity and antioxidant capacity as well as inhibitory effects of C. nucifera methanolic (CN‐M) extract and its ethyl acetate (CN‐E) fraction on pancreatic α‐amylase and lipid peroxidation were determined. Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of CN‐E fraction were significantly higher than that of CN‐M extract, whereas there was no significant difference in their ability to scavenge free radicals. The CN‐E fraction also exhibited higher in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects on α‐amylase activity and lipid peroxidation; reducing blood glucose level within 5 days following intraperitoneal administration of the C. nucifera extract to alloxan‐induced hyperglycemic rats. The phenolic‐rich extracts from coconut husk can be further explored as nutraceutical supplement in food formulation for diabetic patients.
Correlation between auditory‐vestibular functions and estrogen levels in postmenopausal patients with Meniere's disease
Authors: Jian Huirong , Yu Gang , Chen Gang , Lin Naifen , Wang Haibo 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundTo investigate auditory and vestibular functions, estrogen levels, and its clinical correlation in postmenopausal females with Meniere's disease (MD).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the serum estradiol (E2) levels and the auditory and vestibular functions measured by auditory brainstem response (ABR) to high click rate, pure‐tone audiometry (PTA), and caloric test on postmenopausal women who suffered from MD or not at the Specialist Clinic of Vertigo, Shandong Provincial Hospital, during September 2010 to October 2014.ResultsA total of 76 postmenopausal patients with MD and 50 healthy postmenopausal controls were included. The patients with MD had lower estrogen levels (22.50 ± 16.66 pg/mL vs 30.69 ± 18.59 pg/mL, P = 0.011), longer I‐V interpeak latency of ABR (left 0.22 ± 0.16 mseconds vs 0.18 ± 0.10 mseconds, P = 0.118; right 0.24 ± 0.13 mseconds vs 0.17 ± 0.09 mseconds, P = 0.001), and higher unilateral weakness (UW) value (P < 0.001) in comparison with the controls. The mean pure‐tone thresholds of at the speech frequency (500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, and 3 kHz) were significantly elevated in patients with MD than those in the controls (left P < 0.001, right P < 0.01). The estradiol level of patients with MD was correlated with ABR latency (left r = −0.229, P < 0.05; right r = −0.220, P < 0.05) and UW value (r = −0.328, P < 0.05), but not with mean pure‐tone threshold.ConclusionsEstrogen levels correlated with auditory and vestibular function in postmenopausal patients with MD. Low estrogen may be involved in the microcirculatory disturbance of the inner ear, affecting the occurrence and development of MD.
The impact of caries in combination with periodontitis on oral health‐related quality of life in Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Passos‐Soares Johelle de Santana , Santos Lília Paula de Souza , Cruz Simone Seixas da , Trindade Soraya Castro , Cerqueira Eneida de Moraes Marcílio , Santos Kionna Oliveira Bernardes , Balinha Izadora da Silva Campodonio Eloy , Silva Ivana Conceição Oliveira da , Freitas Taciane Oliveira Bet , Miranda Samilly Silva , Seymour Gregory J. , Gomes‐Filho Isaac Suzart 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundBoth dental caries and periodontal disease, as isolated conditions, can generate limitations and disabilities with negative repercussions on the individual's quality of life, but the combination of both oral diseases has not been investigated yet. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the combined exposure to dental caries and periodontitis and the impact on oral health‐related quality of life.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted among 306 individuals seen in the public health services in Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil. The individuals were divided into three groups: individuals without caries and periodontitis (n = 60), those with caries or periodontitis separately (n = 155), and those with both caries and periodontitis (n = 91). Information regarding sociodemographic, health conditions, behavioral aspects, and health‐care characteristics were obtained through structured questionnaires. Oral clinical examination was performed to evaluate dental caries (decayed, missing, and filled teeth DMFT) and periodontal status including bleeding on probing, visible plaque index, probing depth, and clinical attachment level. The impact of oral health on quality of life was measured using the Brazilian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14).ResultsIn terms of the OHIP‐14, the mean ±SD and median of the severity scores were 11.07 ±9.45 and 9, respectively, and mean ±SD of the extension score: 1.78 ±2.27. The adjusted association measurement showed that in individuals exposed simultaneously to caries and periodontitis, the occurrence of the impact on quality of life was 63% greater than among those without these diseases.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the combined occurrence of dental caries and periodontitis is associated with a significant impact on oral health‐related quality of life when compared with absence of these oral diseases.
Validation of reported GLT6D1 (rs1537415), IL10 (rs6667202), and ANRIL (rs1333048) single nucleotide polymorphisms for aggressive periodontitis in a Brazilian population
Authors: Taiete Tiago , Casati Marcio Zaffalon , Stolf Camila Schmidt , Corrêa Mônica Grazieli , Santamaria Mauro Pedrine , Andere Naira Maria Rebelato Bechara , Coletta Ricardo D. , Sallum Enilson Antonio , Nociti Júnior Francisco Humberto , Silvério Karina Gonzales , Casarin Renato Corrêa Viana 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundAggressive periodontitis (AgP) is influenced by genetic factors. Recently, the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs1537415 (GLT6D1), rs6667202 (IL10), and rs1333048 (ANRIL) were associated with AgP in different European populations. However, these specific SNPs have not yet been determined in Brazilians. Therefore, this study investigated whether these SNPs previously associated with AgP could be replicated among Brazilians.MethodsThe SNPs rs1537415, rs6667202, and rs1333048 were genotyped using 5′‐nuclease allelic discrimination assay in AgP (n = 200), chronic periodontitis (CP, n = 190), and healthy patients (H, n = 196). Differences in allele and genotype frequencies were analyzed using chi‐square tests and stepwise logistic regression.ResultsThe minor C allele of rs6667202 was less frequently detected in AgP patients (23.5%) when compared to non‐AgP groups (H = 34.2% and CP = 30.3%; p < 0.01), making the SNP protective against AgP occurrence. Moreover, the final logistic model for AgP diagnosis included gender (p = 0.001) and the SNP rs6667202 (p < 0.001) as significant variables. The SNPs rs1537415 and rs1333048 did not show associations with AgP.ConclusionOnly the SNP rs6667202 was associated with AgP in a Brazilian population, being the minor C allele protective against AgP. Moreover, SNPs rs1333048 and rs1537415, previously associated with AgP in other population, was not validated to Brazilian population.
Integrated Remodeling of Gut–Liver Metabolism Induced by Moderate Protein Restriction Contributes to Improvement of Insulin Sensitivity
Authors: Zhang Xin , Qiu Kai , Wang Liqi , Xu Doudou , Yin Jingdong 
Published: July 2018

ScopeProtein restriction (PR) is beneficial for relieving metabolic disorders and aging‐related diseases. However, extreme PR could result in malnutrition due to severe deficiency of essential amino acids. Therefore, the effect of moderate PR on insulin sensitivity is investigated.Methods and resultsThe growing and adult pigs are subjected to moderate PR by 15–30%. Plasma insulin concentration and insulin resistance index HOMA‐IR are significantly decreased upon moderate PR. Furthermore, IRS1/PI3K/AKT pathway in the basal state is enhanced in both liver and skeletal muscle. The adapted metabolism in the liver upon moderate PR is in support of improving insulin sensitivity. The liver shares a coordinated metabolic adaption in terms of energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism with the small intestine. Particularly, alteration of the metabolic footprint appeared in the portal venous blood, representing metabolites to be absorbed into liver after intestinal metabolism, is also in favor of improvement of insulin sensitivity.ConclusionIn summary, the study proves that moderate PR could improve insulin sensitivity from childhood to adulthood in a pig model, and sheds a new light on the role of integrated remodeling of gut and liver metabolism in the improved insulin sensitivity induced by moderate PR.
Histogram‐based standardization of intravascular optical coherence tomography images acquired from different imaging systems
Authors: Liu Shengnan , Dzyubachyk Oleh , Eggermont Jeroen , Nakatani Shimpei , Lelieveldt Boudewijn P. F. , Dijkstra Jouke 
Published: July 2018

PurposeIntravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) is widely used for analysis of the coronary artery disease. Its high spatial resolution allows for visualization of arterial tissue components in detail. There are different OCT systems on the market, each of which produces data characterized by its own intensity range and distribution. These differences should be taken into account for the development of image processing algorithms. In order to overcome this difference in the intensity range and distribution, we developed a framework for matching intensities based on the exact histogram matching technique.MethodsIn our method, the key step for using the exact histogram matching is to determine the target histogram. For this, we proposed two schemes: a global scheme that uses a single histogram as the target histogram for all the pullbacks, and a local scheme that selects for each single image a target histogram from a predefined database. These two schemes are compared on a unique dataset containing pairs of pullbacks that were acquired shortly after each other with systems from two vendors, St. Jude and Terumo. Pullbacks were aligned according to anatomical landmarks, and a database of matched histogram pairs was created. A leave‐one‐out cross validation was used to compare performance of the two schemes. The matching accuracy was evaluated by comparing: (a) histograms using Euclidean (dx2) and Kolmogorov–Smirnov (dKS) distances, and (b) median intensity level within anatomical regions of interest.ResultsLeave‐one‐out validation indicated that both matching schemes yield comparably high accuracies across the entire validation dataset. The local scheme outperforms the global scheme with marginally lower dissimilarities at both histogram level and intensity level. High visual similarity was observed when comparing the matched images to their aligned counterparts.ConclusionBoth local and global schemes are robust and produce accurate intensity matching. While local scheme performs marginally better than the global scheme, it requires a predefined histogram dataset and is more time consuming. Thus, for offline standardization of the images, the local scheme should be preferred for being more accurate. For online standardization or when another system is involved, the global scheme can be used as a simple and nearly‐as‐accurate alternative.
Cancer survivors' experiences of return to work: A qualitative study
Authors: Zamanzadeh Vahid , Valizadeh Leila , Rahmani Azad , Zirak Mohammad , Desiron Huget 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe study aimed to explore Iranian cancer survivors' experiences of returning to work.MethodsSemistructured interviews were conducted with 20 cancer survivors at their workplace and in a referral cancer center. Data were analyzed using a conventional content analysis technique.ResultsThree main categories were identified as important in cancer survivors' experiences of returning to work: (1) individual perspectives, (2) nature of disease, and (3) access to support system. Results showed that returning to work contained different meaning for men and women. Also, it was found that cancer survivors had limited information about the disease and return to work that made them doubtful about returning to work.ConclusionCancer survivors have different individual perspectives that affect their decision about returning to work. Their perspectives should be assessed before returning to work, and necessary support should be provided for them in returning to work process. In this regard, health care systems and rehabilitation specialists should inform cancer survivors about the disease and return to work. Also, employers should prepare work places for cancer survivors' entrance.
Rapid detection and quantification of aminoglycoside phosphorylation products using direct‐infusion high‐resolution and ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Perez Johnny J. , Chen Chin‐Yi 
Published: July 2018

RationaleWorldwide efforts are underway to determine the extent of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) founded the Global Antimicrobial Surveillance System (GLASS) focusing on surveillance and dissemination of data. In addition, the WHO advocates method development focused on rapid determination and close to real‐time monitoring of antibiotic usage and its effectiveness. Rapid determination of aminoglycoside modification by O‐phosphorylation, the most prevalent mechanism of clinical resistance, was performed using direct flow and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS).MethodsA strain of Escherichia coli carrying a plasmid encoding an aminoglycoside modification enzyme (O‐phosphotransferase) was incubated with kanamycin, an aminoglycoside. The antibiotic and its modified form were observed using direct flow and LC/MS. Direct flow high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) using a Thermo Fisher Q‐Exactive hybrid quadrupole‐orbitrap mass spectrometer was employed for quantitative analysis and structural elucidation. Liquid chromatography coupled with the AB Sciex QTRAP 6500+ was also used for quantitative analysis.ResultsDetection of phosphorylated kanamycin was achieved in less than 4 h of incubation. Calibration curves for modified kanamycin from 2.5–250 and 10–200 μg mL−1 μg mL−1 were obtained for LC/MS and direct injection high‐resolution experiments, respectively. The high‐resolution measurements were employed for conformation and structural elucidation of the novel precursor and product ion biomarkers with high mass accuracy (≤7 ppm). These results confirm previous in vitro O‐phosphotransferase metabolite measurements.ConclusionsA new analytical method capable of determination and quantification of the most common form of aminoglycoside resistance (via phosphorylation) was developed requiring short incubation times for a positive confirmation 100‐fold lower than the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). High‐resolution data simultaneously revealed quantitative abilities and provided numerous novel product ions confirming placement of the phosphate group on kanamycin.
Lack of a meaningful association between dietary patterns and in vitro fertilization outcome among Japanese women
Authors: Sugawa Miki , Okubo Hitomi , Sasaki Satoshi , Nakagawa Yuko , Kobayashi Tamotsu , Kato Keiichi 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine whether preconception maternal dietary pattern is associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome among Japanese women.MethodsThis prospective study included 140 Japanese women who underwent conventional‐IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The patients’ diets during the previous month before egg retrieval were assessed with validated brief‐type self‐administered diet history questionnaire. Dietary patterns from 33 predefined food groups [energy‐adjusted food (g/1000 kcal)] were extracted by factor analysis. The primary outcome measure was clinical pregnancy rate after IVF.ResultsThirty‐six women had confirmed clinical pregnancy. Three dietary patterns were identified: “Vegetable and seafood,” “Western,” and “Rice and miso soup.” The “Vegetables and seafood” dietary pattern (high intakes of green and other vegetables, mushrooms, seasoning, fish, soy products, chicken, and potatoes) was not associated with clinical pregnancy ([odds ratio per one‐quartile increase in dietary pattern: 0.94 (95% confidence interval: 0.67‐1.32), P = 0.73]. This relationship was unaltered after controlling for potential confounders. Furthermore, no association was seen between the other two dietary patterns and clinical pregnancy.ConclusionsThe three maternal preconception dietary patterns identified revealed no meaningful association with IVF outcome in Japanese women. Further studies in various populations with different dietary patterns are needed to confirm these findings.