bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vegetation type and grazing intensity jointly shape grazing effects on grassland biodiversity
Authors: Török Péter , Penksza Károly , Tóth Edina , Kelemen András , Sonkoly Judit , Tóthmérész Béla 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn the Palaearctic steppe zone, overgrazing was identified as one of the key drivers of declining grassland biodiversity, which underlines the necessity of the functional evaluation of increased grazing pressure on grassland vegetation. We tested the following hypotheses: (a) The effect of grazing intensity on species and functional diversity is strongly dependent on grassland type. (b) The magnitude of diet selectivity of grazers decreases with increasing grazing intensity. (c) Increasing grazing intensity increases evenness and functional evenness of the subjected grasslands. We analyzed vegetation patterns in four types of grasslands (Dry alkali short‐grass steppes, Dry loess steppes, Non‐alkali wet and Alkali wet grasslands) along an intensity gradient of beef cattle grazing at 73 sites in Hungary. Species richness, Shannon diversity, evenness, and four leaf traits were analyzed. We calculated community‐weighted means for each single trait, and multi‐trait functional richness, functional evenness, and divergence for all leaf traits. All species and functional diversity metrics were significantly affected by the grassland type, except leaf dry matter content. The effect of interaction between grazing intensity and grassland type was also significant for functional richness, functional evenness, community‐weighted means of leaf area, and for species richness and evenness. An upward trend of specific leaf area was detected in all grasslands with the highest scores for the overgrazed sites, but the change was also grassland type dependent. The detected trend suggests that with increased intensity the overall selectivity of grazing decreased. We found that evenness was affected but functional evenness was not affected by grazing intensity. Functional evenness scores were more related to the grassland type than to changes in grazing intensity, and displayed a high variability. We stress that one‐size‐fits‐all strategies cannot be recommended and actions should be fine‐tuned at least at the level of grassland type.
A study of the transit amplification divisions during spermatogenesis in Oncopetus fasciatus to assess plasticity in sperm numbers or sperm viability under different diets
Authors: Duxbury Ashley E. , Weathersby Brandie , Sanchez Zachary , Moore Patricia J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractOncopeltus fasciatus males fed the ancestral diet of milkweed seeds prioritize reproduction over lifespan as evidenced by higher rates of fertility and shorter lifespans than males from the same population fed the adapted diet of sunflower seeds. We examined the proximate mechanisms by which milkweed‐fed males maintained late‐life fertility. We tested the hypothesis that older milkweed‐fed males maintained fertility by producing more, higher quality sperm. Our results, that older males have more sperm, but their sperm do not have higher viability, are in general agreement with other recent studies on how nutrition affects male fertility in insects. We further examined the mechanisms by which sperm are produced by examining the progression of spermatogonial cells through the cell cycle during the transit amplification divisions. We demonstrated that diet affects the likelihood of a spermatocyst being in the S‐phase or M‐phase of the cell cycle. Given work in model systems, these results have implications for subtle effects on sperm quality either through replication stress or epigenetic markers. Thus, viability may not be the best marker for sperm quality and more work is called for on the mechanisms by which the germline and the production of sperm mediate the cost of reproduction.
Evaluating the individuality of animal‐habitat relationships
Authors: Montgomery Robert A. , Redilla Kyle M. , Ortiz‐Calo Waldemar , Smith Trenton , Keller Barbara , Millspaugh Joshua J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractExamining the ways in which animals use habitat and select resources to satisfy their life history requirements has important implications for ecology, evolution, and conservation. The advent of radio‐tracking in the mid‐20th century greatly expanded the scope of animal‐habitat modeling. Thereafter, it became common practice to aggregate telemetry data collected on a number of tagged individuals and fit one model describing resource selection at the population level. This convention, however, runs the risk of masking important individuality in the nature of associations between animals and their environment. Here, we investigated the importance of individual variation in animal‐habitat relationships via the study of a highly gregarious species. We modeled elk (Cervus elaphus) location data, collected from Global Positioning System (GPS) collars, using Bayesian discrete choice resource selection function (RSF) models. Using a high‐performance computing cluster, we batch‐processed these models at the level of each individual elk (n = 88) and evaluated the output with respect to: (a) the composition of parameters in the most supported models, (b) the estimates of the parameters featured in the global models, and (c) spatial maps of the predicted relative probabilities of use. We detected considerable individual variation across all three metrics. For instance, the most supported models varied with respect to parameter composition with a range of seven to 17 and an average of 14.4 parameters per individual elk. The estimates of the parameters featured in the global models also varied greatly across individual elk with little conformity detected across age or sex classes. Finally, spatial mapping illustrated stark differences in the predicted relative probabilities of use across individual elk. Our analysis identifies that animal‐habitat relationships, even among the most gregarious of species, can be highly variable. We discuss the implications of our results for ecology and present some guiding principles for the development of RSF models at the individual‐animal level.
MYC‐driven malignant transformation of mature murine B cells requires inhibition of both intrinsic apoptosis and p53 activity
Authors: Högstrand Kari , Grandien Alf 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIncreased expression of the oncogene MYC is a common feature of many B‐cell malignancies, however MYC overexpression by itself is not sufficient for transformation, and additional genetic events are required, although the exact nature of these remains unknown. In patients and in transgenic mouse models, oncogenic transformation may occur in B cells at various differentiation stages interacting with complex microenvironments. B‐cell oncogenesis often occurs after prolonged periods of time, making it difficult to accurately identify the genetic events required for transformation. An in vitro system, where malignant transformation of primary B cells could be analyzed, would facilitate the identification of genetic events required for transformation. Here, we describe such a system and show that primary murine B cells rapidly become transformed upon forced expression of MYC, in conjunction with simultaneous inhibition of the ARF/p53 axis via overexpression of BMI1, as well as through downregulation of p19ARF or expression of a dominant‐negative p53 and suppression of intrinsic apoptosis through overexpression of BCLXL or MCL1. Established tumor cells remained addicted to expression of the lymphoma‐inducing genes. In mice, transformed cells rapidly established fatal B‐cell lymphomas.Our results suggest that transformation of normal mature B cells into lymphomas can occur as a consequence of three defined events.
miR‐191 modulates B‐cell development and targets transcription factors E2A, Foxp1, and Egr1
Authors: Blume Jonas , Ziętara Natalia , Witzlau Katrin , Liu Yanshan , Sanchez Oskar Ortiz , Puchałka Jacek , Winter Samantha J. , Kunze‐Schumacher Heike , Saran Namita , Düber Sandra , Roy Bishnudeo , Weiss Siegfried , Klein Christoph , Wurst Wolfgang , Łyszkiewicz Marcin , Krueger Andreas 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe interdependence of posttranscriptional gene regulation via miRNA and transcriptional regulatory networks in lymphocyte development is poorly understood. Here, we identified miR‐191 as direct upstream modulator of a transcriptional module comprising the transcription factors Foxp1, E2A, and Egr1. Deletion as well as ectopic expression of miR‐191 resulted in developmental arrest in B lineage cells, indicating that fine tuning of the combined expression levels of Foxp1, E2A, and Egr1, which in turn control somatic recombination and cytokine‐driven expansion, constitutes a prerequisite for efficient B‐cell development. In conclusion, we propose that miR‐191 acts as a rheostat in B‐cell development by fine tuning a key transcriptional program.
Development of novel PLGA nanoparticles with co‐encapsulation of docetaxel and abiraterone acetate for a highly efficient delivery into tumor cells
Authors: Sokol Mariya B. , Nikolskaya Elena D. , Yabbarov Nikita G. , Zenin Vladimir A. , Faustova Mariya R. , Belov Alexey V. , Zhunina Olga A. , Mollaev Murad D. , Zabolotsky Artur I. , Tereshchenko Oksana G. , Severin Eugen S. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCo‐encapsulation of abiraterone acetate (AbrA) and docetaxel (Dtx) in polymeric nanoparticles as novel prototypes for prostate cancer treatment combining hormonal and chemotherapy was designed. Nanoparticles (NPs) composed of poly(dl‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) were prepared by single‐emulsion solvent evaporation technique and characterized in terms of morphology with atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. HPLC method for simultaneous determination of AbrA and Dtx encapsulation efficacy was developed. Also differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy were provided. To study the effectiveness of cellular internalization and distribution of NPs with AbrA and Dtx co‐encapsulation (NP‐AbrA/Dtx), a fluorescence microscopy was utilized. NPs prepared had size 256.3 ±9.4 nm and zeta potential −18.4 ±1.4 mV. Encapsulation efficacy for AbrA was 68.7% and for Dtx was 74.3%. NPs were able to control the AbrA and Dtx release within 24 h. The mathematical model of drug release was performed. The results obtained from confocal microscopy showed the effective accumulation of the NP‐AbrA/Dtx in the cytoplasm of cells. Synthesized NPs possessed satisfactory parameters and a biphasic release profile, proceeding by the Fick diffusion mechanism, which provide prolonged release of the drugs and maintenance of their concentration. It was shown that NPs loaded with AbrA and Dtx exhibited a high cytotoxic activity on the LNCaP cell line, similar to the combination of free drugs of AbrA and Dtx, but in contrast to the combination of substances, had a synergistic mechanism of action. Our findings support the potential use of developed NPs in further in vivo studies. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1150–1158, 2019.
Using of keratin substrate for enrichment of HT29 colorectal cancer stem‐like cells
Authors: Abbasian Mahdi , Mousavi Elham , Khalili Mohsen , Arab‐Bafrani Zahra 
Published: October 2018

AbstractEradication of cancer stem‐like cells (CSLCs) are becoming increasingly an important target for new cancer therapies. The ability to study their behavior in vitro will provide the opportunity for high‐throughput testing of more effective treatments. In this study, spheroid‐like structures’ formation and enrichment of HT29 CSLCs were evaluated on a wool keratin‐based substrate as a bio‐mimic of natural extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. The results indicated that culturing on keratin substrate increased spheroid formation ability and radio‐/chemoresistance of HT29 cells. Moreover, cell surface expression of CD133 CSLCs’ marker and the mRNA level of stemness genes such as Nanog, Oct4, and c‐MYC were increased. These data suggest that keratin can potentially be used for spheroid‐like structure formation and enrichment of HT29 CSLCs. In addition, it seems that the induction of stemness characteristics on keratin substrate is probably because of the activation of α2β1 integrin signaling pathway. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1264–1271, 2019.
Static Preload Inhibits Loading‐Induced Bone Formation
Authors: Srinivasan Sundar , Balsiger Danica , Huber Phillipe , Ausk Brandon J , Bain Steven D , Gardiner Edith M , Gross Ted S 
Published: October 2018

AbstractNearly all exogenous loading models of bone adaptation apply dynamic loading superimposed upon a time invariant static preload (SPL) in order to ensure stable, reproducible loading of bone. Given that SPL may alter aspects of bone mechanotransduction (eg, interstitial fluid flow), we hypothesized that SPL inhibits bone formation induced by dynamic loading. As a first test of this hypothesis, we utilized a newly developed device that enables stable dynamic loading of the murine tibia with SPLs ≥ −0.01 N. We subjected the right tibias of BALB/c mice (4‐month‐old females) to dynamic loading (−3.8 N, 1 Hz, 50 cycles/day, 10 s rest) superimposed upon one of three SPLs: −1.5 N, −0.5 N, or −0.03 N. Mice underwent exogenous loading 3 days/week for 3 weeks. Metaphyseal trabecular bone adaptation (μCT) and midshaft cortical bone formation (dynamic histomorphometry) were assessed following euthanasia (day 22). Ipsilateral tibias of mice loaded with a −1.5‐N SPL demonstrated significantly less trabecular bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) than contralateral tibias (−12.9%). In contrast, the same dynamic loading superimposed on a −0.03‐N SPL significantly elevated BV/TV versus contralateral tibias (12.3%) and versus the ipsilateral tibias of the other SPL groups (−0.5 N: 46.3%, −1.5 N: 37.2%). At the midshaft, the periosteal bone formation rate (p.BFR) induced when dynamic loading was superimposed on −1.5‐N and −0.5‐N SPLs was significantly amplified in the −0.03‐N SPL group (>200%). These data demonstrate that bone anabolism induced by dynamic loading is markedly inhibited by SPL magnitudes commonly implemented in the literature (ie, −0.5 N, −1.5 N). The inhibitory impact of SPL has not been recognized in bone adaptation models and, as such, SPLs have been neither universally reported nor standardized. Our study therefore identifies a previously unrecognized, potent inhibitor of mechanoresponsiveness that has potentially confounded studies of bone adaptation and translation of insights from our field. © 2018 The Authors.JBMR PlusPublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Dabigatran as a Treatment Option for Heparin‐Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Nasiripour Somayyeh , Saif Maryam , Farasatinasab Maryam , Emami Sepide , Amouzegar Atefeh , Basi Ali , Mokhtari Majid 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHeparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a potentially serious adverse drug reaction that can result in lethal vascular thrombosis. Dabigatran is a direct thrombin inhibitor that might be useful in the management of HIT. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of dabigatran in patients with HIT. We included 43 patients in the study who received dabigatran for the management of suspected HIT, based on 4Ts (thrombocytopenia, timing of platelet count drop, thrombosis or other sequelae, and other causes of thrombocytopenia) scores. Three patients were excluded because they had received dabigatran with a creatinine clearance <15 mL/min. Patients’ records were analyzed longitudinally, with 12 months follow‐up from the time of initiation of dabigatran, for occurrence of thrombosis, dabigatran‐related complications, and outcome. Patients with chronic kidney disease, hepatic impairment, mechanical heart valves, active bleeding, and extremes of weights (<50 and >120 kg) were excluded from the study. Arterial thrombosis was not observed in any of our patients. The platelet counts normalized in all patients except for 2, which was attributed to the underlying comorbidities. We did not observe any hemorrhagic events or significant thrombosis during the follow‐up period. Eight patients died from nonthrombotic causes, which were unrelated to adverse effects of dabigatran. Based on our findings, dabigatran could be considered a safe and effective agent in the management of HIT, particularly in the developing countries, where there could be issues with the cost and availability of other agents recommended for this condition. Further studies are needed to validate our findings.
Microbial fuel cell‐mediated lignin depolymerization: a sustainable approach
Authors: Sharma Rakesh K , Mukhopadhyay Dhruva , Gupta Pratima 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundA microbial electrochemical cell was designed for lignin depolymerization. Alkali‐extracted wheat straw lignin was used as catholyte in a microbial fuel cell and operated for six days. At the cathode, lignin was depolymerized by H2O2, produced during microbial fuel cell operation.ResultsThe power density reached its maximum over two to three days (0.58 µW cm−2), and declined thereafter. Fourier transform infrared analysis of the residual lignin indicated the cleavage of C–O–C (β‐O‐4) bonds without disturbing the phenolic ring structure and high‐power liquid chromatography analysis confirmed the presence of vanillin in the depolymerized sample.ConclusionThe proposed strategy involves a self‐sustainable microbial electrochemical process to convert complex lignin into low molecular weight value‐added aromatic chemicals such as vanillin. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Cubic vertices in planar hypohamiltonian graphs
Authors: Zamfirescu Carol T. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThomassen showed in 1978 that every planar hypohamiltonian graph contains a cubic vertex. Equivalently, a planar graph with minimum degree at least 4 in which every vertex‐deleted subgraph is hamiltonian, must be itself hamiltonian. By applying work of Brinkmann and the author, we extend this result in three directions. We prove that (i) every planar hypohamiltonian graph contains at least four cubic vertices, (ii) every planar almost hypohamiltonian graph contains a cubic vertex, which is not the exceptional vertex (solving a problem of the author raised in J. Graph Theory [79 (2015) 63–81]), and (iii) every hypohamiltonian graph with crossing number 1 contains a cubic vertex. Furthermore, we settle a recent question of Thomassen by proving that asymptotically the ratio of the minimum number of cubic vertices to the order of a planar hypohamiltonian graph vanishes.
Three‐dimensional spin‐echo‐based black‐blood MRA in the detection of vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Takano Koichi , Hida Kosuke , Iwaasa Mitsutoshi , Inoue Tooru , Yoshimitsu Kengo 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundBlack‐blood MR angiography (BBMRA), which utilizes a non‐T1 contrast spin‐echo type technique, has been expected to overcome several issues associated with time‐of‐flight (TOF) MRA.PurposeTo investigate the efficacy of BBMRA to detect vasospasms following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsSeventeen patients with SAH in their early posttreatment period.Field Strength/SequenceBBMRA, which uses a volumetric isotropic turbo spin‐echo acquisition (VISTA), and TOF‐MRA on 1.5T scanners.AssessmentVisualization of supratentorial arteries and veins in BBMRA was rated on a 4‐point scale by two neuroradiologists. Another neuroradiologist independently assessed TOF‐MRA. The degree of the vasospasm was then evaluated using a 3‐point scale by the same readers. The diagnostic performance of the MRAs was evaluated using computed tomography angiography (CTA) or digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the standard of reference.Statistical TestsWilcoxon signed rank test, McNemar test, and Cohen's kappa coefficient.ResultsBBMRA provided superior visualization of the anterior and middle cerebral arteries than TOF‐MRA (P < 0.05). The depiction of the veins was more pronounced on BBMRA (P < 0.01). Of the 166 arterial segments evaluated by CTA or DSA, 23 (13.9%) could not be assessed using TOF‐MRA because of high signal hemorrhage, whereas BBMRA enabled visualization of all the segments. Vasospasm was confirmed in 30 segments by CTA or DSA. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 73, 96, 76, and 95 for TOF‐MRA and 91, 100, 100, and 98 for BBMRA, respectively (P = 0.13 for sensitivity, P = 0.06 for specificity). The agreement of the degree of vasospasm between MRA and the standard of reference, as indicated by kappa value, was 0.71 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55–0.87) for TOF‐MRA and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.82–0.99) for BBMRA.Data ConclusionBBMRA, owing to its contrast properties, may be superior to TOF‐MRA for the evaluation of intracranial arteries after SAH.Level of Evidence: 3Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:800–807.
Designing of ultra‐low‐power high‐speed repeaters for performance optimization of VLSI interconnects at 32 nm
Authors: Khursheed Afreen , Khare Kavita , Haque Fozia Zia 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis paper resolves the performance issue encountered in very‐large‐scale integration interconnects due to downsizing of integrated circuits. Interconnects designed using carbon nanotubes (CNT) are compared with conventional copper interconnect. The propagation delay of very lengthy interconnect wires is ameliorated by interpolating smart buffers as repeaters within the wires. Existing buffer designs are contrived using both CNT and MOS technology for comparison using a different combination of MOS repeater‐Cu interconnect and CNT repeater‐CNT interconnect. Propound buffer uses power gating techniques and automated toggling approach to reduce delay besides mitigating average power consumption. Compared to conventional buffer, PropoundDesign3 brings about dynamic power saving of 99.94% and leakage power saving of 93%, but causes delay penalty. PropoundDesign2 saves dynamic power by 99.86% and leakage power by 88% and offers reduction in delay by 52%. Whereas PropoundDesign1 saves dynamic power by 98% and reduces propagation delay by 64% but on the cost of leakage power consumption. Simulation for 32 nm is done in HSPICE by considering a section of long interconnect line as driver interconnect load system using Stanford SPICE model for CNT and BSIM4 PTM for MOS.