bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal constraints of energy assimilation on geographical ranges among lungless salamanders of North America
Authors: Clay Timothy A. , Gifford Matthew E. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimUnderstanding biogeographical patterns of variation in distributional ranges of lungless salamanders in North America by examining the relationship between geography, temperature and range. We examined how these patterns fit with Rapoport's rule, that species distributional ranges increase with increasing elevation and latitude. We also examined a possible physiological mechanism behind Rapoport's rule, the climate variability hypothesis (CVH).LocationEastern North America.MethodsWe determined the thermal optimum and thermal performance breadth of energy assimilation for 12 species of lungless salamanders (Plethodon). From known collection localities, we determined species range characteristics (area, latitudinal and elevational range, and latitudinal and elevational mid‐point), and environmental characteristics (average mean temperature and temperature variability). We used an interspecific approach and phylogenetic generalized least squares (PGLS) to test assumptions of Rapoport's rule and the CVH. For Rapoport's rule we compared elevational and latitudinal mid‐points with measures of range size. For the CVH we examined the relationship between temperature variation, range size and thermal performance breadth. We also explored the relationship between thermal optima, average annual temperature and elevational and latitudinal mid‐points.ResultsSpecies range size increased respective to both their elevational and latitudinal mid‐points.Temperature variability and thermal performance breadth increased with increasing elevational and latitudinal mid‐points. Range size increased because of increases in thermal performance breadth. Average annual temperature and thermal optimum were positively correlated and decreased with increasing elevational and latitudinal mid‐points. Phylogenetic signal was strong with the relationships between physiological measures and geography.Main ConclusionsSupport for Rapoport's rule was found with respect to latitude and elevation amongPlethodon. The thermal physiology of salamanders appears to be co‐adapted to the prevailing environmental conditions within their geographical distributions. We provided support for the predictions of the CVH and suggest it is a driving mechanism for their distributional patterns. Our results also suggest that important aspects ofPlethodonphysiology are evolutionarily conserved.
Investigation of novel biomarkers for predicting the clinical course in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Hamanaka Shinsaku , Nakagawa Tomoo , Hiwasa Takaki , Ohta Yuki , Kasamatsu Shingo , Ishigami Hideaki , Taida Takashi , Okimoto Kenichiro , Saito Keiko , Maruoka Daisuke , Matsumura Tomoaki , Takizawa Hirotaka , Kashiwado Koichi , Kobayashi Sohei , Matsushita Kazuyuki , Matsubara Hisahiro , Katsuno Tatsuro , Arai Makoto , Kato Naoya 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe clinical course of ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by repeated episodes of relapse and remission. We hypothesized that biomarkers that help distinguish refractory UC patients who are in remission using strong anti‐immunotherapy could contribute in preventing the overuse of corticosteroids for treatment. Here, we clarified novel autoantibodies for UC patients in remission as clinical indicators to distinguish between refractory and non‐refractory UC.MethodsAntigen proteins recognized by serum antibodies of patients with UC in remission were screened using the protein array method. To validate the results, AlphaLISA was used to analyze the serum antibody titers with candidate protein antigens. Serum samples from 101 healthy controls, 121 patients with UC, and 39 patients with Crohn's disease were analyzed.ResultsOf 66 candidate protein antigens screened by ProtoArray™, six were selected for this study. The serum titers of anti‐poly ADP‐ribose glycohydrolase (PARG), anti‐transcription elongation factor A protein‐like 1, and anti‐proline‐rich 13 (PRR13) antibodies were significantly higher in patients with UC than in healthy controls. Anti‐PARG and anti‐PRR13 antibody titers were significantly higher in patients with refractory UC than in patients with non‐refractory UC. There were no significant differences in any antibody titer between the active and remission phases.ConclusionsThe serum titers of anti‐PARG, anti‐transcription elongation factor A protein‐like 1, and anti‐PRR13 antibodies were elevated in patients with UC. Anti‐PARG and anti‐PRR13 antibody titers may be novel clinical indicators for detecting refractory UC in patients in remission.
Magnetic resonance elastography increases usefulness and safety of non‐invasive screening for esophageal varices
Authors: Matsui Nobuaki , Imajo Kento , Yoneda Masato , Kessoku Takaomi , Honda Yasushi , Ogawa Yuji , Tomeno Wataru , Fujisawa Nobutaka , Misumi Toshihiro , Kazumi Kubota , Saito Satoru , Nakajima Atsushi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackground and AimsThe Baveno VI criteria enable non‐invasive screening for esophageal varices. However, these criteria were established based on studies examining a large proportion of patients with viral hepatitis and relatively few patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Furthermore, because vibration‐controlled transient elastography (VCTE) has a high incidence of measurement error, improved criteria are needed. We aimed to develop criteria based on magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) even among patients with NAFLD.MethodsWe performed a cross‐sectional analysis of patients who had undergone MRE and/or VCTE as well as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The patients were classified as having either a low risk or a high risk of varices. The optimal cut‐offs for ruling out esophageal varices were calculated for the MRE and VCTE liver stiffness measurement (LSM), the platelet count in an estimation cohort, and the cut‐offs were then evaluated using validation cohorts composed of patients who had undergone only MRE or VCTE.ResultsThe study included 627 patients (39% with NAFLD). The optimal cut‐off values for the MRE‐LSM and the platelet count were 4.2 kPa and 18.0 × 104/μL, respectively. An MRE‐LSM of 4.2 kPa plus a platelet count of 18.0 × 104/μL had a negative predictive value of 1.00 for both low‐risk plus high‐risk varices as well as for high‐risk varices in a validation cohort, enabling the presence of varices to be ruled out.ConclusionsMagnetic resonance elastography might enable a safer avoidance of screening endoscopy, with a smaller measurement error, among patient populations with a high prevalence of NAFLD.
Ex vivo assessment of anchoring force of covered biflanged metal stent and covered self‐expandable metal stent for interventional endoscopic ultrasound
Authors: Tonozuka Ryosuke , Yunoki Shunji , Itoi Takao , Sofuni Atsushi , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Ishii Kentaro , Tanaka Reina , Honjo Mitsuyoshi , Mukai Shuntaro , Fujita Mitsuru , Yamamoto Kenjiro , Asai Yasutsugu , Matsunami Yukitoshi , Kurosawa Takashi , Kojima Hiroyuki , Nagakawa Yuichi , Nagakawa Yoshiyasu 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackground and AimsEndoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided transmural drainage using a covered biflanged metal stent (CBFMS) and a conventional tubular biliary covered self‐expandable metal stent (CSEMS) has recently been performed by EUS experts. However, appropriate traction force of the sheath to prevent the migration during stent deployment is well unknown. Herein, we assessed the anchoring force (AF) of the distal flange in CBFMSs and CSEMSs.MethodsThe AFs of four CBFMSs (Stents AX, NG, PL, and SX) and six CSEMSs (Stents BF, BP, EG, HN, SP, and WF) were compared in an ex vivo setting. We assessed the AF produced by each stent using an EUS‐guided transmural drainage model and an EUS‐guided hepaticogastrostomy model consisting of sheet‐shaped specimens of the stomach, gelatin gel, and gelatin tubes.ResultsFor CBFMSs, the maximum AF of Stent AX was significantly higher than those of Stents PL and SX (P < 0.05) in the porcine model. In the gelatin series, all stents except Stent NG showed a nearly similar AF. For CSEMSs, Stents HN, EG, BF, and WF showed gradual AF elevation in the porcine stomach. Stents SP and BP showed a lower AF than the other four stents. For the gelatin setting, the maximum AF of Stents HN, EG, and WF was higher than those of the other stents regardless of the type of specimens.ConclusionsThe significance of the AF and traction distance according to the property of various CBFMSs and CSEMSs could be elucidated using ex vivo models.
Consumer Search, Incomplete Exchange Rate Pass‐Through, and Optimal Interest Rate Policy
Authors: COOKE DUDLEY 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis paper studies utility‐maximizing monetary policy in a two‐country economy with consumer search frictions. Search frictions provide a microfoundation for incomplete exchange rate pass‐through and international deviations from the law of one price (LOP). I show that optimal interest rate policy targets deviations from the LOP and acts to mitigate the effect of search frictions. In a quantitative setting, with internationally correlated technology and preference shocks, optimal policy generates positive cross‐country correlation of nominal interest rates.
Participation of membrane progesterone receptor α in the inhibitory effect of progesterone on prolactin secretion
Authors: Camilletti M. A. , Ferraris J. , Abeledo‐Machado A. , Converse A. , Faraoni E. Y. , Pisera D. , Gutierrez S. , Thomas P. , Díaz‐Torga G. 
Published: June 2018

The membrane progesterone receptors (mPRα, mPRβ, mPRγ, mPRδ and mPRε) are known to mediate rapid nongenomic progesterone functions in different cell types. However, the functions of these receptors in the pituitary have not been reported to date. In the present study, we show that the expression of mPRα was the highest among the mPRs in the rat anterior pituitary gland. Immunostaining of mPRα was detected in somatotrophs, gonadotrophs and lactotrophs. Interestingly, 63% of mPRα‐positive cells within the pituitary were lactotrophs, suggesting that mPRα is involved in controlling prolactin (PRL) secretion in the pituitary. To test this hypothesis, rat pituitaries were incubated (1 hour) with either progesterone (P4) or the mPRα‐specific agonist Org OD 02‐0. PRL secretion was then measured by radioimmunoassay. The results of this experiment revealed that both P4 and Org OD 02‐0 decreased PRL secretion. Moreover, the results from the GH3 cell line (CCL‐82.1) showed that P4 and Org OD 02‐0 inhibited PRL release, although the nuclear PR agonist R5020 was ineffective. Our investigation of the cellular mechanisms behind mPRα activity indicated that both P4 and Org OD 02‐0 decreased cAMP accumulation, whereas R5020 was ineffective. In addition, the Org OD 02‐0‐effect on PRL release was blocked by pretreatment with pertussis toxin, an inhibitor of Go/Gi proteins. Because transforming growth factor (TGF)β1 is a potent inhibitor of PRL secretion in lactotrophs, we lastly evaluated whether TGFβ1 was activated by progesterone and whether this effect was mediated by mPRα. Our results showed that P4 and Org OD 02‐0, but not R5020, increased active TGFβ1 levels. This effect was not observed when cells were transfected with mPRα‐small interfering RNA. Taken together, these data provide new evidence suggesting that mPRα mediates the progesterone inhibitory effect on PRL secretion through both decreases in cAMP levels and activation of TGFβ1 in the lactotroph population.
Improving equity and cultural responsiveness with marginalised communities: Understanding competing worldviews
Authors: Wilson Denise , Heaslip Vanessa , Jackson Debra 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimTo explore the impact of culture on health, healthcare provision and its contribution towards health inequity experienced by some marginalised communities.BackgroundHealth inequity is a global issue, which occurs across and within countries, and is the greatest barrier to worldwide health and the development of the human race. In response to this challenge, there is an international commitment to ensure universal health coverage based on the fundamental principle that individuals should be able to access healthcare services they need. Despite this, there is clear evidence that indigenous and other cultural minorities such as New Zealand Māori and Gypsy Roma Travellers still experience far poorer health outcomes when compared to the majority population. Furthermore, when they do access health care, their experiences are often not positive and this in turn results in reluctance to access preventative health care, instead accessing health services much later, reducing treatment options and compounding higher mortality rates. What is often not explored or examined is the impact of the different cultural beliefs of individuals in these communities and the nurses caring for them.DesignThis is a position paper drawing upon research experience with New Zealand Māori and Gypsy Roma Travellers. We critically review the experiences of health inequity of marginalised communities. It does so by examining how these communities may have a different world view to the nurses caring for them, and it is this lack of understanding and valuing of alternative worldviews that contributes to the poorer health outcomes both communities face.Conclusion and relevance to clinical practiceAs nurses work with many different individuals and groups, we have to find ways of ensuring a more embracing, culturally responsive healthcare environment which respects and values the beliefs of others.
Lengthening of the photoperiod influences sleep characteristics before and during total sleep deprivation in rat
Authors: Sauvet Fabien , Gomez‐Merino Danielle , Dorey Rodolphe , Ciret Sylvain , Gallopin Thierry , Drogou Catherine , Arnal Pierrick J. , Chennaoui Mounir 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe photoperiod has been evidenced to influence sleep regulation in the rat. Nevertheless, lengthening of the photoperiod beyond 30 days seems to have little effect on the 24‐hr baseline level of sleep and the response to total sleep deprivation. We studied the effects of 12:12 (habitual) and 16:8 (long) light–dark photoperiods on sleep, locomotor activity and body core temperature, before and after 24 hr of total sleep deprivation. Eight rats were submitted for 14 days to light–dark 12:12 (lights on: 08:00 hours–20:00 hours) followed by total sleep deprivation, and then for 14 days to light–dark 16:8 (light extended to 24:00 hours) followed by total sleep deprivation. Rats were simultaneously recorded for electroencephalogram, locomotor activity and body core temperature for 24 hr before and after total sleep deprivation. At baseline before total sleep deprivation, total sleep time and non‐rapid eye movement sleep per 24 hr and during extended light hours (20:00 hours–24:00 hours) were higher (13% for total sleep time) after light–dark exposure compared with habitual photoperiod, while percentage delta power in non‐rapid eye movements and rapid eye movements were unchanged. Locomotor activity and body core temperature were lower, particularly during extended light hours (20:00 hours–24:00 hours). Following total sleep deprivation, total sleep time and non‐rapid eye movements were significantly lower after long photoperiod between 20:00 hours and 24:00 hours, and between 10:00 hours and 12:00 hours, and unchanged per 24 hr. The percentage delta power in non‐rapid eye movements was lower between 08:00 hours and 11:00 hours. Total sleep deprivation decreased locomotor activity and body core temperature after habitual photoperiod exposure only. Fourteen days under long photoperiod (light–dark 16:8) increased non‐rapid eye movements sleep, and decreased sleep rebound related to total sleep deprivation (lower non‐rapid eye movements duration and delta power). This may create a model of sleep extension for the rat that has been found to favour anabolism in the brain and the periphery.
Emotional facial expressions during REM sleep dreams
Authors: Rivera‐García Ana P. , López Ruiz Irma E. , Ramírez‐Salado Ignacio , González‐Olvera Jorge J. , Ayala‐Guerrero Fructuoso , Jiménez‐Anguiano Anabel 
Published: June 2018

SummaryAlthough motor activity is actively inhibited during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, specific activations of the facial mimetic musculature have been observed during this stage, which may be associated with greater emotional dream mentation. Nevertheless, no specific biomarker of emotional valence or arousal related to dream content has been identified to date. In order to explore the electromyographic (EMG) activity (voltage, number, density and duration) of the corrugator and zygomaticus major muscles during REM sleep and its association with emotional dream mentation, this study performed a series of experimental awakenings after observing EMG facial activations during REM sleep. The study was performed with 12 healthy female participants using an 8‐hr nighttime sleep recording. Emotional tone was evaluated by five blinded judges and final valence and intensity scores were obtained. Emotions were mentioned in 80.4% of dream reports. The voltage, number, density and duration of facial muscle contractions were greater for the corrugator muscle than for the zygomaticus muscle, whereas high positive emotions predicted the number (R2 0.601, p = 0.0001) and voltage (R2 0.332, p = 0.005) of the zygomaticus. Our findings suggest that zygomaticus events were predictive of the experience of positive affect during REM sleep in healthy women.
Beyond Statistical Learning: Communication Principles and Language Internal Factors Shape Grammar in Child and Adult Beginners Learning Polish Through Controlled Exposure
Authors: Dimroth Christine 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis study investigated the predictions of two approaches to second language acquisition. According to the usage‐based approach, learner knowledge results from the strengths and weaknesses of input‐driven statistical learning. According to the learner‐varieties approach, pragmatic communication principles and language‐internal constraints play major roles in language development. For this study, novice child and adult learners of Polish (speakers of Italian or German) attended several controlled‐exposure sessions and retold a story after 14 hours of target language contact. Analyses focused on form–function associations in the learners’ production data and on comparisons with properties of the input that the learners had encountered. In addition to support for input‐driven factors, there was evidence for a uniform syntax, for individual creative constructions, and for reinterpreted morphological variation, pointing to an influence of communication principles and to an effect of system‐internal factors. Findings revealed differences due to learners’ age but not their language background.
Methodological nationalism and the politics of history‐writing: how imaginary scholarship perpetuates the nation
Authors: Vasilev George 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe aim of this article is to contribute a greater understanding of the processes by which nationalism passes by unnoticed in research and distorts knowledge about the past. It identifies four narrative practices typical of methodologically nationalist history‐writing and explains why they should be rejected as dubious scholarship. These are: concept overstretch; selection bias; the misrepresentation of governing bodies; and the conflation of culture with identity. It is argued that each functions as a hidden authentication route, entrenching nation‐centric understandings of the past as valid perspectives in scholarly discourses under the legitimating cover of scientific protocol. By increasing awareness around methodological nationalism in history‐writing, this article serves at least two normative purposes. First, it emphasises the reflectiveness required for analysts to avoid co‐option by ideology. Second, it functions as a critical vantage point for dispelling misunderstandings that fuel interstate disputes, interethnic tensions, and the oppression of minorities among populations understanding themselves as heirs to timelessly national property.
Temperature and photoperiod drive spring phenology across all species in a temperate forest community
Authors: Flynn D. F. B. , Wolkovich E. M. 
Published: June 2018

Summary

Accurate predictions of spring plant phenology with climate change are critical for projections of growing seasons, plant communities and a number of ecosystem services, including carbon storage. Progress towards prediction, however, has been slow because the major cues known to drive phenology – temperature (including winter chilling and spring forcing) and photoperiod – generally covary in nature and may interact, making accurate predictions of plant responses to climate change complex and nonlinear. Alternatively, recent work suggests many species may be dominated by one cue, which would make predictions much simpler.

Here, we manipulated all three cues across 28 woody species from two North American forests.

All species responded to all cues examined. Chilling exerted a strong effect, especially on budburst (−15.8 d), with responses to forcing and photoperiod greatest for leafout (−19.1 and −11.2 d, respectively). Interactions between chilling and forcing suggest that each cue may compensate somewhat for the other. Cues varied across species, leading to staggered leafout within each community and supporting the idea that phenology is a critical aspect of species' temporal niches.

Our results suggest that predicting the spring phenology of communities will be difficult, as all species we studied could have complex, nonlinear responses to future warming.
Alteration of macrophage viability, differentiation, and function by bisphosphonates
Authors: Patntirapong Somying , Poolgesorn Mahatana 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundA serious adverse effect of long‐term bisphosphonate (BP) administration is bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). Among different proposed pathogenesis, suppression of immune cells is gaining interest. Because monocytes/macrophages could get access to BP since residing in the blood and bone microenvironment, the aim of this study was to analyze the behaviors of macrophages after BP treatments in vitro.MethodsTHP‐1 cell, an established human monocytic cell model, was used in this study. The effects of BPs, alendronate (ALN) and zoledronic acid (ZA), on macrophage viability, differentiation, and function were investigated. MTT, morphological analysis, flow cytometry, quantitative PCR, and gelatin zymography assay were performed.ResultsBPs impaired macrophage viability at almost all concentration tested (1–100 μM). Cell morphology was altered in the presence of 100 μM BPs. Furthermore, differentiating macrophage viability was also affected by both ALN and ZA at 100 and 10–100 μM, respectively. At high concentration (100 μM), ZA caused a reduction in cell differentiation. On the contrary, ALN and ZA increased matrix metalloproteinase mRNA expressions and activities at low doses (1–10 μM).ConclusionBPs directly acted on macrophage by reducing macrophage survival, inducing morphological alterations, impairing differentiation from monocytes to macrophages, and affecting macrophage function at both mRNA and activity levels.