bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Competition‐driven niche segregation on a landscape scale: Evidence for escaping from syntopy towards allotopy in two coexisting sibling passerine species
Authors: Reif Jiří , Reifová Radka , Skoracka Anna , Kuczyński Lechosław 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe role of interspecific competition for generating patterns in species’ distribution is hotly debated and studies taking into account processes occurring at both large and small spatial scales are almost missing. Theoretically, competition between species with overlapping niches should result in divergence of their niches in sympatry to reduce the costs of competition. Many species show a mosaic distribution within sympatric zones, with the syntopic sites occupied by both species, and allotopic sites where only one species occurs. It is unclear whether such mosaics arise as a consequence of competition‐driven niche segregation or due to the decline of their abundances towards range edges driven by environmental gradients.If the interspecific competition matters, we should observe (1) a shift in habitat preferences of one or both species between syntopy and allotopy, and (2) between allopatry and allotopy. Moreover, (3) species should show greater divergence in their habitat preferences in allotopy than in allopatry where (4) no differences in habitat preferences may occur. Finally, (5) shifts should be generally greater in the competitively subordinate species than in the dominant species.We used a unique dataset on abundance of two closely related passerine species, the Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) and the Thrush Nightingale (Luscinia luscinia), collected across their syntopy, allotopy and allopatry. The predictions were tested within a generalized mixed‐effects modelling framework.After accounting for environmental gradients perpendicular to the species’ contact zone, we found a strong support for all but one prediction. Habitat preferences of both species shifted markedly between syntopy and allotopy, as well as between allopatry and allotopy. Whereas the species preferred the same habitats in allopatry, their preferences became strikingly different in allotopy where the abundance of the Common Nightingale increased towards dry and warm sites with low coverage of pastures, while the abundance of the Thrush Nightingale showed exactly opposite trends. Fifth prediction was not supported.Our results indicate that the competition between closely related species can result in considerable changes in habitat use across their geographic ranges accompanied with divergence in their habitat preferences in sympatry. Here, the species “escape” from competition to allotopic sites covered by habitats avoided by the competitor. Therefore, we argue that the interspecific competition is an important driver of species’ distribution at both large and small spatial scales.
Perinatal outcome of monochorionic and dichorionic twins after spontaneous and assisted conception: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hack Karien E.A. , Vereycken Marijn E.M.S. , Torrance Helen L. , Koopman‐Esseboom Corine , Derks Jan B. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to compare pregnancy outcomes in twin pregnancies after assisted conception and spontaneous conception, according to chorionicity.Material and methodsRetrospective cohort study of 1305 twin pregnancies between 1995 and 2015. All spontaneous (n = 731) and assisted conception conceived (n = 574) twin pregnancies with antenatal care and delivery in University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands, a tertiary obstetric care center were studied according to chorionicity.ResultsMaternal age and incidence of nulliparity were higher among the assisted conception twins. Hypertensive disorders also appeared to be more frequent in assisted conception pregnancies, which could largely be explained by the higher proportion of elderly nulliparous women in this group. Spontaneously conceived twins were born earlier than twins after assisted conception, with subsequent lower birthweights and more admissions to a neonatal intensive care unit with increased neonatal morbidity. Monochorionic twins had worse pregnancy outcomes compared with dichorionic twins, irrespective of mode of conception; monochorionic twins conceived by assisted reproduction had more neonatal morbidity (mainly respiratory distress syndrome and necrotizing enterocolitis) and late neonatal deaths compared with spontaneously conceived monochorionic twins.ConclusionsSpontaneously conceived twins have worse pregnancy outcome compared with twins after assisted conception, probably due to a lower incidence of monochorionicity in the assisted conception group. The already increased perinatal risks in monochorionic twins are even higher in monochorionic twins conceived after infertility treatments compared with spontaneously conceived monochorionic twins, which warrants extra attention to these high‐risk pregnancies.
Effects of l‐Carnosine Supplementation on Sleep Disorders and Disease Severity in Autistic Children: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Mehrazad‐Saber Zahra , Kheirouri Sorayya , Noorazar Seyyed‐Gholamreza 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSleep disorders are frequently reported in autistic patients. Evidences suggest that increased oxidative stress and reduced antioxidants may play a major role in the pathogenesis of these disorders. Carnosine acts as an antioxidant, antitoxic and neuroprotective agent. The aim of this trial study was to examine the effects of carnosine supplementation on the sleep disorders and severity of autism core symptoms in autistic patients. In this double‐blind, randomized clinical trial, 43 autistic patients (31 boys and 12 girls; aged 4 to 16 years) were divided into two groups of carnosine and control that received 500 mg of carnosine and 500 mg of placebo per day for 2 months, respectively. Sleep disorders were measured using Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaires. Gilliam Autism Rating Scale 2 was used to assess the effects of carnosine supplementation on the autism severity. Carnosine supplementation did not change anthropometric indices (p > 0.05) and showed no effect on autism severity (p > 0.05), whereas it significantly reduced sleep duration (p = 0.04), parasomnias (p = 0.02) and total sleep disorders score by 7.59% (p = 0.006) when compared with the control group. The results suggest that carnosine supplementation could be effective in improving sleep disturbances, in particular sleep duration and parasomnias subscales.
Characterization of the depocenters and the basement structure, below the central Chile Andean Forearc: A 3D geophysical modelling in Santiago Basin area
Authors: González Felipe Andrés , Maksymowicz Andrei , Díaz Daniel , Villegas Luis , Leiva Maximiliano , Blanco Bárbara , Vera Emilio , Contreras Sergio , Cabrera Daniel , Bonvalot Sylvain 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSince the last century, several geological and geophysical studies have been developed in the Santiago Basin to understand its morphology and tectonic evolution. However, some uncertainties regarding sedimentary fill properties and possible density anomalies below the sediments/basement boundary remain. Considering that this is an area densely populated with more than 6 million inhabitants in a highly active seismotectonic environment, the physical properties of the Santiago Basin are important to study the geological and structural evolution of the Andean forearc and to characterize its seismic response and related seismic hazard. Two and three‐dimensional gravimetric models were developed, based on a database of 797 compiled and 883 newly acquired gravity stations. To produce a well‐constrained basement elevation model, a review of 499 wells and 30 transient electromagnetic soundings were used, which contribute with basement depth or minimum sedimentary thickness information. For the 2‐D modelling, a total of 49 gravimetric profiles were processed considering a homogeneous density contrast and independent regional trends. A strong positive gravity anomaly was observed in the centre of the basin, which complicated the modelling process but was carefully addressed with the available constrains. The resulting basement elevation models show complex basement geometry with, at least, eight recognizable depocenters with maximum sedimentary infill of ~ 500 m. The 3‐D density models show alignments in the basement that correlates well with important intrusive units of the Cenozoic and Mesozoic. Along with interpreted fault zones westwards and eastwards of the basin, the observations suggest a structural control of Santiago basin geometry, where recent deformation associated with the Andean contractional deformation front and old structures developed during the Cenozoic extension are superimposed to the variability of river erosion/deposition processes.
Novel 3‐substituted N‐methylcarbazole–imidazolium salt derivatives: Synthesis and cytotoxic activity
Authors: Li Yan‐Hua , Zhou Bei , Shi Yi‐Min , Xun Yu‐Peng , Yang Yun‐Han , Yang Li‐Juan 
Published: February 2018

A series of novel 3‐substituted N‐methylcarbazole–imidazolium salt derivatives has been prepared and evaluated in vitro against a panel of tumor cell lines (Hep G‐2, Hela and PC12). The results suggest that the presence of substituted 2‐methyl‐imidazole or imidazole ring and substitution of the imidazolyl‐3‐position with a naphthylacyl or 4‐bromophenacyl group were important for improving cytotoxic activity. Compounds 17, 18, 27, and 28 with 4‐bromophenacyl and naphthylacyl groups displayed good activities with IC50 values of 0.09–7.20 μm against three tumor cell lines investigated and more active than DDP. Compound 35 exhibited cytotoxic activity selectively against Hela cell.
Left ventricular function of patients with pregnancy‐induced hypertension evaluated using velocity vector imaging echocardiography and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide
Authors: Yu Li , Zhou Qichang , Peng Qinghai , Yang Zurong 
Published: February 2018

PurposeTo investigate whether acute and transient pressure overload in patients with pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH) affects left ventricular (LV) systolic function.MethodsFrom pregnancy to 3 months after delivery, 82 patients were analyzed: 27, 25, and 30 with gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and the healthy control group, respectively. Conventional echocardiography and velocity vector imaging (VVI) were performed, and blood levels of N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐pro‐BNP) were analyzed.ResultsCompared with the control group, patients with gestational hypertension had significantly lower mean LV peak global longitudinal strain. Importantly, during both pregnancy and after delivery, patients with preeclampsia had significantly lower global longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain compared with the control group. The NT‐pro‐BNP levels were significantly higher in patients with PIH compared with normotensive pregnancies, and this situation continued for 3 months after delivery in women with preeclampsia.ConclusionsIn pregnancies complicated by pregnancy‐induced hypertension, especially preeclampsia, the systolic function is impaired and NT‐pro‐BNP levels are elevated compared with normal pregnancy. Velocity vector imaging (VVI) is more sensitive than left ventricular ejection fraction to evaluate heart function in patients with PIH.
Probing the limits of alpha power lateralisation as a neural marker of selective attention in middle‐aged and older listeners
Authors: Tune Sarah , Wöstmann Malte , Obleser Jonas 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn recent years, hemispheric lateralisation of alpha power has emerged as a neural mechanism thought to underpin spatial attention across sensory modalities. Yet, how healthy ageing, beginning in middle adulthood, impacts the modulation of lateralised alpha power supporting auditory attention remains poorly understood. In the current electroencephalography study, middle‐aged and older adults (N = 29; ~40–70 years) performed a dichotic listening task that simulates a challenging, multitalker scenario. We examined the extent to which the modulation of 8–12 Hz alpha power would serve as neural marker of listening success across age. With respect to the increase in interindividual variability with age, we examined an extensive battery of behavioural, perceptual and neural measures. Similar to findings on younger adults, middle‐aged and older listeners’ auditory spatial attention induced robust lateralisation of alpha power, which synchronised with the speech rate. Notably, the observed relationship between this alpha lateralisation and task performance did not co‐vary with age. Instead, task performance was strongly related to an individual's attentional and working memory capacity. Multivariate analyses revealed a separation of neural and behavioural variables independent of age. Our results suggest that in age‐varying samples as the present one, the lateralisation of alpha power is neither a sufficient nor necessary neural strategy for an individual's auditory spatial attention, as higher age might come with increased use of alternative, compensatory mechanisms. Our findings emphasise that explaining interindividual variability will be key to understanding the role of alpha oscillations in auditory attention in the ageing listener.
GABA‐ and serotonin‐expressing neurons take part in inhibitory as well as excitatory input pathways to the circadian clock of the Madeira cockroach Rhyparobia maderae
Authors: Giese Maria , Gestrich Julia , Massah Azar , Peterle Jonas , Wei HongYing , Stengl Monika 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn the Madeira cockroach, pigment‐dispersing factor‐immunoreactive (PDF‐ir) neurons innervating the circadian clock, the accessory medulla (AME) in the brain′s optic lobes, control circadian behaviour. Circadian activity rhythms are entrained to daily light–dark cycles only by compound eye photoreceptors terminating in the lamina and medulla. Still, it is unknown which neurons connect the photoreceptors to the clock to allow for light entrainment. Here, we characterized by multiple‐label immunocytochemistry the serotonin (5‐HT)‐ir anterior fibre fan and GABA‐ir pathways connecting the AME‐ and optic lobe neuropils. Colocalization of 5‐HT with PDF was confirmed in PDF‐ir lamina neurons (PDFLAs). Double‐labelled fibres were traced to the AME originating from colabelled PDFLAs branching in accessory laminae and proximal lamina. The newly discovered GABA‐ir medial layer fibre tract connected the AME to the medulla′s medial layer fibre system, and the distal tract fibres connected the AME to the medulla. With Ca2+ imaging on primary cell cultures of the AME and with loose‐patch‐clamp recordings in vivo, we showed that both neurotransmitters either excite or inhibit AME clock neurons. Because we found no colocalization of GABA and 5‐HT in any optic lobe neuron, GABA‐ and 5‐HT neurons form separate clock input circuits. Among others, both pathways converged also on AME neurons that coexpressed mostly inhibitory GABA‐ and excitatory 5‐HT receptors. Our physiological and immunocytochemical studies demonstrate that GABA‐ and 5‐HT‐immunoreactive neurons constitute parallel excitatory or inhibitory pathways connecting the circadian clock either to the lamina or medulla where photic information from the compound eye is processed.
Imoxin attenuates high fructose‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in renal epithelial cells via downregulation of protein kinase R pathway
Authors: Kalra Jaspreet , Mangali Suresh Babu , Bhat Audesh , Dhar Indu , Udumula Mary Priyanka , Dhar Arti 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDouble‐stranded RNA (dsRNA)‐activated protein kinase R (PKR), a ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine kinase, is a key inducer of inflammation, insulin resistance, and glucose homeostasis in obesity. Recent studies have demonstrated that PKR can respond to metabolic stress in mice as well as in humans. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of high fructose (HF) in cultured renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK‐52E) derived from rat kidney and to investigate whether inhibition of PKR could prevent any deleterious effects of HF in these cells. PKR expression was determined by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting. Oxidative damage and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. HF‐treated renal cells developed a significant increase in PKR expression. A significant increase in reactive oxygen species generation and apoptosis was also observed in HF‐treated cultured renal epithelial cells. All these effects of HF were attenuated by a selective PKR inhibitor, imoxin (C16). In conclusion, our study demonstrates PKR induces oxidative stress and apoptosis, is a significant contributor involved in vascular complications and is a possible mediator of HF‐induced hypertension. Inhibition of PKR pathway can be used as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
Malignant mesothelioma with squamous differentiation
Authors: Tanaka Hiroyuki , Akiyama Yutaka , Kitamura Akiko , Matsumoto Nobuhiro , Tomita Masaki , Kataoka Hiroaki 
Published: February 2018

AimsWe report the autopsy findings of a 58‐year‐old man with malignant mesothelioma in the left pleural cavity.Methods and resultsThe patient had a history of asbestos exposure, and the chest computed tomography scan on initial admission demonstrated an extrapleural sign, suggesting a nodular lesion in the chest wall. However, no nodular lesions were detectable in either of his lungs. In spite of chemotherapy, he died 4 months after the initial admission. An autopsy revealed markedly thickened pleura in a large section of the left pleural cavity without visible intrapulmonary primary tumour lesions. Histological examination of a biopsy specimen obtained prior to chemotherapy and that of an autopsy specimen showed that the pleural tumour was composed of a mixture of mesothelioma and tumour cells with squamous differentiation mimicking squamous cell carcinoma.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of mesothelioma with extensive squamous differentiation in the English‐language literature. The extensive squamous differentiation reminiscent of squamous cell carcinoma can be a pitfall in the pathological diagnosis of pleural cytology and that of biopsy specimens from patients with mesothelioma. Here, we report autopsy findings of a case of malignant mesothelioma with portions of extensive squamous differentiation, mimicking a squamous cell carcinoma.
A monoclonal antibody against SV40 large T antigen (PAb416) does not label Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Pelletier Daniel J , Czeczok Thomas W , Bellizzi Andrew M 
Published: February 2018

AimsMerkel cell carcinoma represents poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of cutaneous origin. In most studies, the vast majority of Merkel cell carcinomas are Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)‐associated. SV40 polyomavirus immunohistochemistry is typically used in the diagnosis of other polyomavirus‐associated diseases, including tubulointerstitial nephritis and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, given cross‐reactivity with BK and JC polyomaviruses. MCPyV‐specific immunohistochemistry is commercially available, but, if antibodies against SV40 also cross‐reacted with MCPyV, that would be advantageous from a resource‐utilisation perspective.Methods and resultsTissue microarrays were constructed from 39 Merkel cell carcinomas, 24 small‐cell lung carcinomas, and 18 extrapulmonary visceral small‐cell carcinomas. SV40 large T antigen immunohistochemistry (clone PAb416) was performed; MCPyV large T antigen immunohistochemistry (clone CM2B4) had been previously performed. UniProt was used to compare the amino acid sequences of the SV40, BK, JC and MCPyV large T antigens, focusing on areas recognised by the PAb416 and CM2B4 clones. SV40 immunohistochemistry was negative in all tumours; MCPyV immunohistochemistry was positive in 38% of Merkel cell carcinomas and in 0% of non‐cutaneous poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas. UniProt analysis revealed a high degree of similarity between SV40, BK, and JC viruses in the region recognised by PAb416. There was less homology between SV40 and MCPyV in this region, which was also interrupted by two long stretches of amino acids unique to MCPyV. The CM2B4 clone recognises a unique epitope in one of these stretches.ConclusionsThe PAb416 antibody against the SV40 large T antigen does not cross‐react with MCPyV large T antigen, and thus does not label Merkel cell carcinoma.
Enolase‐1 expression in the stratum corneum is elevated with parakeratosis of atopic dermatitis and disrupts the cellular tight junction barrier in keratinocytes
Authors: Tohgasaki T. , Ozawa N. , Yoshino T. , Ishiwatari S. , Matsukuma S. , Yanagi S. , Fukuda H. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectivePrevious studies have shown that enolase‐1 (ENO1) in the stratum corneum (SC) is more highly expressed in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) than in healthy individuals, suggesting that it is a novel biomarker for evaluating skin condition in patients withAD. However, the mechanism underlying highENO1 expression in theSCand its pathological relevance inADare unclear. In this study, the relationship betweenENO1 expression and keratinization of epidermis was investigated, and the role of highENO1 expression in keratinocytes was characterized.MethodsENO1 expression and morphological characteristics were examined inSCfrom the cheeks of 24 patients withAD. Additionally, the localization ofENO1 in the excised human epidermis was observed. Moreover, to analyse the role ofENO1 in cellular barrier function, tight junction proteins (TJs) and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in keratinocytes withENO1 overexpression were evaluated. Furthermore, the localization ofENO1 and plasminogen in keratinocytes was evaluated by immunostaining, and the cellular barrier function in keratinocytes was examined after treatment with tranexamic acid (TXA).ResultsENO1 expression was substantially correlated with the rate of nucleated corneocytes inAD. In addition,ENO1 localized in the basal to spinous layers, but was its expression dramatically decreased in healthy humanSC.ENO1 overexpression in human epidermal keratinocytes reduced the expression ofTJs (claudin‐4, E‐cadherin, tricellulin, and occludin) andTEER, and treatment with anti‐ENO1 IgG reversed these effects.ENO1 colocalized with plasminogen in keratinocytes. Treatment withTXArescued theENO1‐induced reductions inTJandTEERexpression.ConclusionWe found a substantial correlation betweenENO1 expression and the rate of nucleated corneocytes inADand decreasedENO1 expression with nuclear disappearance. These results suggest that highENO1 expression in theSCofADis caused by deficient keratinization, which is anADcharacteristic. Moreover,ENO1 overexpression in keratinocytes promoted dysfunction ofTJdynamics, leading to reduced integrity of the cellular barrier, and these effects might be mediated by plasmin activity. We propose thatENO1 is a useful indicator of parakeratosis and might have a potential role in cellularTJbarrier function in the epidermis.