bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complex longitudinal diversification across South China and Vietnam in Stejneger's pit viper, Viridovipera stejnegeri (Schmidt, 1925) (Reptilia: Serpentes: Viperidae)
Authors: Guo Peng , Liu Qin , Zhu Fei , Zhong Guang H. , Chen Xin , Myers Edward A. , Che Jing , Zhang Liang , Ziegler Thomas , Nguyen Truong Q. , Burbrink Frank T. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractViridovipera stejnegeri is one of the most common pit vipers in Asia, with a wide distribution in southern China and Vietnam. We investigated historical demography and explored how the environment and climatic factors have shaped genetic diversity and the evolutionary history of this venomous snake. A total of 171 samples from 47 localities were sequenced and analysed for two mitochondrial gene fragments and three nuclear genes. Gene trees reveal the existence of two well‐supported clades (Southwest China and Southeast China) with seven distinct and strongly supported, geographically structured subclades within V. stejnegeri. Estimation of divergence time and ancestral area suggests that V. stejnegeri originated at ~6.0 Ma in the late Miocene on the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau. The estimated date of origin and divergence of the island populations of Taiwan and Hainan closely matches the geological origin of the both islands. The mtDNA gene tree reveals the presence of west–east diversification in V. stejnegeri populations. Complex orogenesis and heterogeneous habitats, as well as climate‐mediated habitat differentiation including glacial cycles, all have influenced population structure and the distribution of this taxon. The validity of V. stejnegeri chenbihuii is questionable, and this subspecies most probably represents an invalid taxon.
Imaging the Microcirculation
Authors: Murray Andrea , Dinsdale Graham 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis special issue includes the abstracts from, and three reviews by invited speakers at, the British Microcirculation Society's Annual Meeting in 2015. The reviews cover topics from the meeting symposium of “Imaging the Microcirculation” and discuss noninvasive methods of visualizing and measuring the microvasculature's structure and function.
Coordinated disassembly of the divisome complex in Escherichia coli
Authors: Söderström Bill , Mirzadeh Kiavash , Toddo Stephen , von Heijne Gunnar , Skoglund Ulf , Daley Daniel O. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThe divisome is the macromolecular complex that carries out cell division in Escherichia coli. Every generation it must be assembled, and then disassembled so that the sequestered proteins can be recycled. Whilst the assembly process has been well studied, virtually nothing is known about the disassembly process. In this study, we have used super‐resolution SIM imaging to monitor pairs of fluorescently tagged divisome proteins as they depart from the division septum. These simple binary comparisons indicated that disassembly occurs in a coordinated process that consists of at least five steps: [FtsZ, ZapA] ⇒ [ZipA, FtsA] ⇒ [FtsL, FtsQ] ⇒ [FtsI, FtsN] ⇒ [FtsN]. This sequence of events is remarkably similar to the assembly process, indicating that disassembly follows a first‐in, first‐out principle. A secondary observation from these binary comparisons was that FtsZ and FtsN formed division rings that were spatially separated throughout the division process. Thus the data indicate that the divisome structure can be visualized as two concentric rings; a proto‐ring containing FtsZ and an FtsN‐ring.
On the widespread capacity for, and functional significance of, extreme inbreeding in ferns
Authors: Sessa Emily B. , Testo Weston L. , Watkins James E. 
Published: April 2016

Summary

Homosporous vascular plants utilize three different mating systems, one of which, gametophytic selfing, is an extreme form of inbreeding only possible in homosporous groups. This mating system results in complete homozygosity in all progeny and has important evolutionary and ecological implications. Ferns are the largest group of homosporous land plants, and the significance of extreme inbreeding for fern evolution has been a subject of debate for decades.

We cultured gametophytes in the laboratory and quantified the relative frequencies of sporophyte production from isolated and paired gametophytes, and examined associations between breeding systems and several ecological and evolutionary traits.

The majority of fern species studied show a capacity for gametophytic selfing, producing sporophytes from both isolated and paired gametophytes. While we did not follow sporophytes to maturity to investigate potential detrimental effects of homozygosity at later developmental stages, our results suggest that gametophytic selfing may have greater significance for fern evolution and diversification than has previously been realized.

We present evidence from the largest study of mating behavior in ferns to date that the capacity for extreme inbreeding is prevalent in this lineage, and we discuss its implications and relevance and make recommendations for future studies of fern mating systems.
Functional compatibility in cucumber mycorrhizas in terms of plant growth performance and foliar nutrient composition
Authors: Ravnskov S. , Larsen J. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractFunctional compatibility in cucumber mycorrhizas in terms of plant and fungal growth, and foliar nutrient composition from all possible combinations of six cucumber varieties and three species of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi was evaluated. Measurements of foliar nutrient composition included N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Na, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu. Growth of AM fungi was measured in terms of root colonisation, as examined with microscopy and the AM fungus biomarker fatty acid 16:1ω5 from both phospholipids and neutral lipids. Different responses of plant growth and foliar nutrient profiles were observed for the different AM symbioses examined. The AM fungus Claroideoglomus claroideum caused growth depression in association with four out of six cucumber varieties; Rhizophagus irregularis caused growth promotion in one of six cucumber varieties; whereas Funneliformis mosseae had no effect on the growth performance of any of the cucumber varieties examined. All three AM fungi markedly altered host plant shoot nutrient composition, with the strongest contrast observed between cucumber–R. irregularis symbioses and non‐mycorrhizal cucumber plants, independent of cucumber variety. On the other hand, AM fungal growth in roots differed between the three AM fungi, but was unaffected by host genotype. Strong build‐up of storage lipids was observed for R. irregularis, which was more moderate in the two other AM fungi. In conclusion, strong differential responses of cucumber varieties to inoculation with different AM fungi in terms of growth and shoot nutrient composition revealed high functional diversity in AM symbioses in cucumber plants.
An In Vitro Evaluation of Biochemical Processes Involved in Lead‐Induced Changes on Ram Spermatozoa
Authors: Castellanos P , Maroto‐Morales A , García‐Álvarez O , Garde JJ , Mateo R 
Published: April 2016

ContentsLead (Pb2+) is a toxic heavy metal which interferes with several physiological processes regulated by Ca2+, including those characterized by changes of the membrane stability and the motility of spermatozoa necessary for the fertilization of the oocyte. In this study, ejaculated sperm from six rams (Ovis aries) have been incubated in vitro with or without 50 ng Pb2+/ml during 30 min and in the presence or absence of three different potential modulators of the effects of Pb2+ on changes in the sperm membrane before fertilization: charybdotoxin, quinacrine and staurosporine. Sperm samples incubated with Pb2+ have shown significant reductions in acrosome integrity and sperm viability and an increase in progressive movement. None of the studied potential modulators had a protective effect against Pb2+ action. On the contrary, Pb2+‐incubated sperm in the presence of staurosporine had lower acrosome integrity, and lower sperm viability was observed when spermatozoa were incubated with Pb2+ + charybdotoxin. Quinacrine was the only tested substance capable of increasing the concentration of Pb2+ in spermatozoa; thus, the enhancement of Pb2+ effects produced by staurosporine and charybdotoxin was not produced by an increased uptake of Pb2+ by spermatozoa. However, the increase of intracellular Pb2+ in those spermatozoa incubated with quinacrine did not result in an adverse effect on sperm motility or viability although the acrosome integrity was negatively affected.
Exchange Rate Flexibility in China: Measurement, Regime Shifts and Driving Forces of Change
Authors: Dixon Robert , Zhang Zhichao , Dai Yang 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWith an emphasis on government intervention that hinders market forces in currency movements, this paper presents a nuanced investigation of the degree and dynamics of flexibility in China's exchange rate regime. A high‐frequency data model is developed to more accurately detect the extent to which the Chinese currency is market‐driven. This indicator is then utilized in a Markov switching model to examine shifts in RMB regime flexibility. The results suggest a moderate increase in exchange rate flexibility since the 2005 reform. Additionally, two switching states are captured, and possible driving factors are discussed.
Familias Unidas’ Crossover Effects on Suicidal Behaviors among Hispanic Adolescents: Results from an Effectiveness Trial
Authors: Vidot Denise C. , Huang Shi , Poma Sofia , Estrada Yannine , Lee Tae Kyoung , Prado Guillermo 
Published: April 2016

The long‐term impact of Familias Unidas on suicidal behaviors among Hispanic 8th graders (N = 746) was examined along with parent–adolescent communication as a moderator of intervention effectiveness. At baseline, 9.2% (95% CI = 7.3%–11.6%) of adolescents reported suicide ideation and 5.7% (95% CI = 4.1%–7.7%) reported a past year suicide attempt. There were no significant intervention effects on suicidal behaviors; however, parent–adolescent communication was a moderator of suicide attempts in the past year, across the intervention (b = −.01, p = .01). Results suggest that Familias Unidas reduces suicidal behaviors among Hispanic adolescents with low levels of parent–adolescent communication despite no suicide‐specific intervention content. Implications of these findings are discussed.
The Effects of the Family Bereavement Program to Reduce Suicide Ideation and/or Attempts of Parentally Bereaved Children Six and Fifteen Years Later
Authors: Sandler Irwin , Tein Jenn‐Yun , Wolchik Sharlene , Ayers Tim S. 
Published: April 2016

Findings concerning the long‐term effects of the Family Bereavement Program (FBP) to reduce suicide ideation and/or attempts of parentally bereaved children and adolescents are presented. Parental death is a significant risk factor for suicide among offspring (Guldin et al., 2015). This study is a long‐term follow‐up of 244 children and adolescents who had participated in a randomized trial of the FBP, examining the intervention effects on suicide ideation and/or attempts as assessed through multiple sources. Results indicate a significant effect of the FBP to reduce suicide ideation and/or attempts at the 6‐ and 15‐year follow‐up evaluation. The findings support the potential benefits of further research on “upstream” suicide prevention.
Febrile neutropenia in cats treated with chemotherapy
Authors: Pierro J. , Krick E. , Flory A. , Regan R. , DeRegis C. , Boudreaux B. , Barber L. , Saam D. , Saba C. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, potential causative agents, treatment and outcome of febrile neutropenia (FN) in chemotherapy‐treated cats. Medical records from eight institutions were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 22FNevents in 20 cats were evaluated. Lymphoma was the most common cancer diagnosis; lomustine and vinca alkaloids were the most frequently implicated causative agents. Presenting clinical signs included decreased appetite, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhoea. Median body temperature and absolute neutrophil count at presentation were 104.1 °F; 40 °C (range: 103.1–105.1 °F; 39.5–40.6 °C) and 246mL‐1(range: 0–1600mL‐1), respectively. Median number of days between chemotherapy administration andFNonset was 5 (range: 4–25 days). All but one cat were treated with intravenous fluids and broad spectrum antibiotics. Fevers resolved in all cases and absolute neutrophil counts returned to normal in 19 cats. Clinical presentation of cats withFNappears similar to that of dogs.
REVIEW OF OFFLINE TEXT INDEPENDENT WRITER IDENTIFICATION TECHNIQUES
Authors: Khalid Shehzad , Naqv Uzma , Shokat Sana 
Published: April 2016

This paper reviews various text independent writer identification techniques through offline documents. Different features extraction methods are discussed. Classification approaches that are mainly used for identification by the researchers and verification by different groups and individuals are presented. Identification rates achieved by the reviewed papers are tabulated and analyzed. A survey of different databases used in the reviewed papers is performed. Application of writer identification in different language domains is also discussed. Future directions for the automated writer identification are presented in the end.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Eve Angelia 
Published: April 2016

Applied Finance and Accounting (AFA) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from August 30, 2014, to January 30, 2015. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether AFA publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Redfame Publishing appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period. Abdelaziz HAKIMI Adam Zaremba Anastasia, Kopaneli Aneta Karina Bernat Feng Jui Hsu Florin Peci Gheorghe Morosan Haitham Nobanee Hong Bo Kesseven Padachi Lee Kian Tek Luca Sensini Luo Yongli Marco Muscettola Mohamed Jalloh Nikolay Patonov Noriaki Okamoto Odumeso-Jimoh M I John Peibiao Zhao Rui FERNANDES Shahram Fattahi Vineet Chouhan Wei-Bin ZHANG Yao Zheng Yu Peng Lin Angelia Eve Editorial Assistant On behalf of, The Editorial Board of Applied Finance and Accounting Redfame Publishing 9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416 Beaverton, OR 97008, USA E-mail: afa@redfame.com URL: http://afa.redfame.com
Modelling effects on grid cells of sensory input during self‐motion
Authors: Raudies Florian , Hinman James R. , Hasselmo Michael E. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe neural coding of spatial location for memory function may involve grid cells in the medial entorhinal cortex, but the mechanism of generating the spatial responses of grid cells remains unclear. This review describes some current theories and experimental data concerning the role of sensory input in generating the regular spatial firing patterns of grid cells, and changes in grid cell firing fields with movement of environmental barriers. As described here, the influence of visual features on spatial firing could involve either computations of self‐motion based on optic flow, or computations of absolute position based on the angle and distance of static visual cues. Due to anatomical selectivity of retinotopic processing, the sensory features on the walls of an environment may have a stronger effect on ventral grid cells that have wider spaced firing fields, whereas the sensory features on the ground plane may influence the firing of dorsal grid cells with narrower spacing between firing fields. These sensory influences could contribute to the potential functional role of grid cells in guiding goal‐directed navigation.
image
Nuclear factor erythroid‐derived 2‐like 2 (NFE2L2, Nrf2) mediates exercise‐induced mitochondrial biogenesis and the anti‐oxidant response in mice
Authors: Merry Troy L. , Ristow Michael 
Published: April 2016

Key pointsReactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) regulate exercise‐induced nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NFE2L2) expression in skeletal muscle.NFE2L2 is required for acute exercise‐induced increases in skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis genes, such as nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF‐1) and mitochondrial transcription factor A, and anti‐oxidant genes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD)1, SOD2 and catalase.Following exercise training mice with impaired NFE2L2 expression have reduced exercise performance, energy expenditure, mitochondrial volume and anti‐oxidant activity.In muscle cells, ROS and NO can regulate mitochondrial biogenesis via a NFE2L2/NRF‐1‐dependent pathway.AbstractRegular exercise induces adaptations to skeletal muscle, which can include mitochondrial biogenesis and enhanced anti‐oxidant reserves. These adaptations and others are at least partly responsible for the improved health of physically active individuals. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) are produced during exercise and may mediate the adaptive response to exercise in skeletal muscle. However, the mechanisms through which they act are unclear. In the present study, we aimed to determine the role of the redox‐sensitive transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid‐derived 2‐like 2 (NFE2L2) in acute exercise‐ and training‐induced mitochondrial biogenesis and the anti‐oxidant response. We report that ROS and NO regulate acute exercise‐induced expression of NFE2L2 in mouse skeletal muscle and muscle cells, and that deficiency in NFE2L2 prevents normal acute treadmill exercise‐induced increases in mRNA of the mitochondrial biogenesis markers, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF‐1) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA), and the anti‐oxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1 and 2, as well as catalase, in mouse gastrocnemius muscle. Furthermore, after 5 weeks of treadmill exercise training, mice deficient in NFE2L2 had reduced exercise capacity and whole body energy expenditure, as well as skeletal muscle mitochondrial mass and SOD activity, compared to wild‐type littermates. In C2C12 myoblasts, acute treatment with exogenous H2O2(ROS)‐ and diethylenetriamine/NO adduct (NO donor) induced increases in mtTFA, which was prevented by small interfering RNA and short hairpin RNA knockdown of either NFE2L2 or NRF‐1. Our results suggest that, during exercise, ROS and NO can act via NFE2L2 to functionally regulate skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and anti‐oxidant defence gene expression.
Evaluation of Antihemagglutinin and Antineuraminidase Antibodies as Correlates of Protection in an Influenza A/H1N1 Virus Healthy Human Challenge Model
Authors: Memoli Matthew J. , Shaw Pamela A. , Han Alison , Czajkowski Lindsay , Reed Susan , Athota Rani , Bristol Tyler , Fargis Sarah , Risos Kyle , Powers John H. , Davey Richard T. , Taubenberger Jeffery K. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT
Despite long-term investment, influenza continues to be a significant worldwide problem. The cornerstone of protection remains vaccination, and approved vaccines seek to elicit a hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) titer of ≥1:40 as the primary correlate of protection. However, recent poor vaccine performance raises questions regarding the protection afforded and whether other correlates of protection should be targeted. A healthy volunteer challenge study was performed with a wild-type 2009 A(H1N1)pdm influenza A challenge virus at the NIH Clinical Center to evaluate two groups of participants with HAI titers of ≥1:40 and <1:40. The primary objective was to determine whether participants with HAI titers of ≥1:40 were less likely to develop mild to moderate influenza disease (MMID) after intranasal inoculation. HAI titers of ≥1:40 were protective against MMID but did not reduce the incidence of symptoms alone. Although the baseline HAI titer correlated with some reduction in disease severity measures, overall, the baseline NAI titer correlated more significantly with all disease severity metrics and had a stronger independent effect on outcome. This study demonstrates the importance of examining other immunological correlates of protection rather than solely HAI titers. This challenge study confirms the importance of NAI titer as a correlate and for the first time establishes that it can be an independent predictor of reduction of all aspects of influenza disease. This suggests that NAI titer may play a more significant role than previously thought and that neuraminidase immunity should be considered when studying susceptibility after vaccination and as a critical target in future influenza vaccine platforms.

IMPORTANCE
This study represents the first time the current gold standard for evaluating influenza vaccines as set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, a “protective” hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) titer of ≥1:40, has been evaluated in a well-controlled healthy volunteer challenge study since the cutoff was established. We used our established wild-type influenza A healthy volunteer human challenge model to evaluate how well this antibody titer predicts a reduction in influenza virus-induced disease. We demonstrate that although higher HAI titer is predictive of some protection, there is stronger evidence to suggest that neuraminidase inhibition (NAI) titer is more predictive of protection and reduced disease. This is the first time NAI titer has been clearly identified in a controlled trial of this type to be an independent predictor of a reduction in all aspects of influenza.
Evaluation of a Fully Automated Research Prototype for the Immediate Identification of Microorganisms from Positive Blood Cultures under Clinical Conditions
Authors: Hyman Jay M. , Walsh John D. , Ronsick Christopher , Wilson Mark , Hazen Kevin C. , Borzhemskaya Larisa , Link John , Clay Bradford , Ullery Michael , Sanchez-Illan Mirta , Rothenberg Steven , Robinson Ron , van Belkum Alex , Dunne W. Michael 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

A clinical laboratory evaluation of an intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy (IFS)-based identification system paired to a BacT/Alert Virtuo microbial detection system (bioMérieux, Inc., Durham, NC) was performed to assess the potential for fully automated identification of positive blood cultures. The prototype IFS system incorporates a novel method combining a simple microbial purification procedure with rapid
in situ
identification via spectroscopy. Results were available within 15 min of a bottle signaling positive and required no manual intervention. Among cultures positive for organisms contained within the database and producing acceptable spectra, 75 of 88 (85.2%) and 79 of 88 (89.8%) were correctly identified to the species and genus level, respectively. These results are similar to the performance of existing rapid methods.

IMPORTANCE
A fully automated research platform was developed to identify microbial growth from positive blood cultures in <15 min. Because of the automated format, results can be generated during all shifts, with or without staffing, which in turn could promote more timely administration of target antimicrobial therapy.