bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decreasing population trend in coastal bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) from the Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador
Authors: Félix Fernando , Calderón Andrea , Vintimilla Michelle , Bayas‐Rea Rosa A. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

The population status of the coastal bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting the inner estuary of the Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador (3°S, 81°W) was assessed. Evaluated aspects included social organization, abundance and spatial distribution.
Surveys focused on the western part of the estuary (Posorja and Estero Salado) but other areas in the central and eastern inner estuary were also surveyed.
Effort included 68 trips, 5001 km of survey and 288.8 h at sea. Between 735 and 793 dolphins in 92 groups were recorded during the study.
Dolphins are not evenly distributed but concentrated their activities in the mouths of large channels.
A cluster analyses indicated that dolphins organize in partially discrete subunits referred to as communities.
Abundance estimations were obtained using mark–recapture modelling for two communities: Posorja and Estero Salado (43 dolphins, 95% CI 37–49 and 65 dolphins, 95% CI 52–82 respectively).
Four demographic parameters: average size of communities, average group size, average encounter rate and average density were compared with information obtained during the 1990s. In all cases the current values were between 39 and 54% lower; in the last three cases the difference was statistically significant.
Possible causes of this apparent decline include bycatch, ship strikes, pollution and habitat degradation; however, none of these have been assessed in depth. Most probably, different stressors are affecting dolphin communities to different extents.
A comprehensive assessment of the whole population inside the gulf is needed. Identifying major threats is a priority to define concrete actions to prevent further population decline.
Enhanced Inflammasome Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Is Mediated via Type I Interferon–Induced Up‐Regulation of Interferon Regulatory Factor 1
Authors: Liu Jianhua , Berthier Celine C. , Kahlenberg J. Michelle 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveThe inflammasome complex is a driver of organ damage in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although type I interferons (IFNs) are well established as mediators of SLE pathogenesis, their role in inflammasome activation in SLE has not been assessed. The aim of this study was to examine type I IFNs as regulators of the inflammasome.MethodsSLE patients fulfilled ≥4 American College of Rheumatology criteria and were recruited from the University of Michigan Lupus Cohort. Primary monocytes were isolated from SLE patients or healthy controls by negative selection, treated with inflammasome activators in the presence or absence of IFNα, and IL‐1β secretion was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Expression levels of IFN and inflammasome‐related molecules were assessed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF‐1) expression was specifically down‐regulated by small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection and a chemical inhibitor.ResultsMonocytes from patients with SLE exhibited increased expression and enhanced activation of the inflammasome by ATP when compared with control monocytes. Expression of inflammasome and IFN‐regulated genes was significantly correlated in monocytes from SLE patients but not in control monocytes. Inflammasome activity was increased after prolonged exposure to IFNα. Reduction of IRF‐1 expression via siRNA blocked caspase 1 up‐regulation after treatment with IFNα. Importantly, hyperactivity of the inflammasome in the monocytes of SLE patients was significantly reduced after knockdown or inhibition of IRF‐1.ConclusionProlonged type I IFN exposure, as seen in SLE patients, primes monocytes for robust inflammasome activation in an IRF‐1–dependent manner. IRF‐1 inhibition may serve as a novel target for treatment of SLE‐associated inflammation and organ damage.
Myeloperoxidase/HLA Class II Complexes Recognized by Autoantibodies in Microscopic Polyangiitis
Authors: Hiwa Ryosuke , Ohmura Koichiro , Arase Noriko , Jin Hui , Hirayasu Kouyuki , Kohyama Masako , Suenaga Tadahiro , Saito Fumiji , Terao Chikashi , Atsumi Tatsuya , Iwatani Hirotsugu , Mimori Tsuneyo , Arase Hisashi 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveAutoantibodies against myeloperoxidase (MPO) that are expressed in neutrophils play an important role in the pathogenesis of microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). We recently observed that misfolded cellular proteins are transported to the cell surface by HLA class II molecules and are targeted by autoantibodies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or antiphospholipid syndrome, suggesting that HLA class II molecules play an important role in autoantibody recognition. The aim of this study was to address the role of HLA class II molecules in the cell surface expression of MPO in patients with MPA.MethodsThe association of MPO with HLA–DR was analyzed using MPO and HLA–DR transfectants as well as neutrophils from healthy donors and patients with MPA. Autoantibody binding to the MPO/HLA–DR complex was analyzed by flow cytometry. The association of MPO with HLA–DR was assessed using the immunoprecipitation technique. The function of MPO–antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) was assessed using a neutrophil‐like cell line expressing HLA–DR and MPO.ResultsMPO protein was detected on the cell surface in the presence of HLA–DR, and the MPO/HLA–DR complex was recognized by MPO‐ANCA. A competitive inhibition assay suggested that MPO associated with HLA–DR expresses cryptic autoantibody epitopes for MPO‐ANCA. Autoantibody binding to the MPO/HLA–DR complex was correlated with disease susceptibility conferred by each HLA–DR allele, suggesting that the MPO/HLA–DR complex is involved in the pathogenicity of MPA. Indeed, MPO–HLA class II complexes were detected in neutrophils from a patient with MPA as well as in cytokine‐stimulated neutrophils from healthy donors. Moreover, MPO‐ANCA stimulated MPO/HLA–DR complex–expressing HL‐60 cells.ConclusionOur findings suggest that MPO complexed with HLA class II molecules is involved in the pathogenesis of MPA as a target for MPO‐ANCA.
Trifocal constructive approach in developing coders, simulated, and hardware implemented, for the introduction of coding theory
Authors: Pecanin Emir , Mekic Edis , Spalević Petar , Mohamed Himar Swhli Khaled M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractConstructive approach (CA) for increased efficiency of engineering education has been receiving growing attention and wider application in engineering education in recent years. New approach combining CA and Unified Process Model (UPM) for developing of software simulation packages and hardware is developed and proposed, on this way novel trifocal approach to engineering is proposed and discussed. Through this approach students developed virtual simulators as software prototype for hardware implementation of coders. This approach increased learning and understanding of mathematical and theoretical basics of coding theory, which is integral part of digital communication systems. For implementing construction of software simulator and hardware coders in the curricula we developed multidisciplinary approach. Joint and interconnected lectures were developed for the courses of digital communication and software engineering. For validation of developed software packages and constructed hardware coders used laboratory facilities for digital electronics. Trends of the level of understanding and result achieved on the exams showed that implementation of this approach provided better results in solving mathematical problems in the field of coding theory.
Long‐term quality of life after definitive treatment for prostate cancer: patient‐reported outcomes in the second posttreatment decade
Authors: Jang Joanne W. , Drumm Michael R. , Efstathiou Jason A. , Paly Jonathan J. , Niemierko Andrzej , Ancukiewicz Marek , Talcott James A. , Clark Jack A. , Zietman Anthony L. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDefinitive treatment for prostate cancer includes radical prostatectomy (RP), external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), and brachytherapy (BT). The different side effect profiles of these options are crucial factors for patients and clinicians when deciding between treatments. This study reports long‐term health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) for patients in their second decade after treatment for prostate cancer. We used a validated survey to assess urinary, bowel, and sexual function and HRQOL in a prospective cohort of patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer 14–18 years previously. We report and compare the outcomes of patients who were initially treated with RP, EBRT, or BT. Of 230 eligible patients, the response rate was 92% (n = 211) and median follow‐up was 14.6 years. Compared to baseline, RP patients had significantly worse urinary incontinence and sexual function, EBRT patients had worse scores in all domains, and BT patients had worse urinary incontinence, urinary irritation/obstruction, and sexual function. When comparing treatment groups, RP patients underwent larger declines in urinary continence than did BT patients, and EBRT and BT patients experienced larger changes in urinary irritation/obstruction. Baseline functional status was significantly associated with long‐term function for urinary obstruction and bowel function domains. This is one of the few prospective reports on quality of life for prostate cancer patients beyond 10 years, and adds information about the late consequences of treatment choices. These data may help patients make informed decisions regarding treatment choice based on symptoms they may experience in the decades ahead.
Biomarker release after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients without established myocardial infarction as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance with late gadolinium enhancement
Authors: Vieira de Melo Rodrigo Morel , Hueb Whady , Nomura Cesar Higa , Ribeiro da Silva Expedito Eustáquio , Villa Alexandre Volney , Oikawa Fernando Teiichi Costa , da Costa Leandro Menezes Alves , Rezende Paulo Cury , Garzillo Cibele Larrosa , Lima Eduardo Gomes , Franchini Ramires Jose Antonio , Kalil Filho Roberto 
Published: June 2017

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the amount and pattern of cardiac biomarker release after elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients without evidence of a new myocardial infarction (MI) after the procedure as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE).BackgroundThe release of myocardial necrosis biomarkers after PCI frequently occurs. However, the correlation between biomarker release and the diagnosis of procedure‐related MI type 4a has been controversial.MethodsPatients with normal baseline cardiac biomarkers who were referred for elective PCI were prospectively included. CMR with LGE was performed in all of the patients before and after the intervention. Measurements of troponin I (TnI) and creatine kinase MB fraction (CK‐MB) were systematically performed before and after the procedure. Patients with a new LGE on the post‐procedure CMR were excluded.ResultsOf the 56 patients with no evidence of a procedure‐related MI as assessed by CMR after the PCI, 48 (85.1%) exhibited an elevation of TnI above the 99th percentile. In 32 patients (57.1%), the peak was greater than five times this limit. Additionally, 17 patients (30.4%) had a CK‐MB peak above the 99th percentile limit, but this peak was greater than five times the 99th percentile in only two patients (3.6%). The median peak release of TnI was 0.290 (0.061–1.09) ng/mL, which was 7.25‐fold higher than the 99th percentile.ConclusionsIn contrast to CK‐MB, an abnormal release of TnI often occurs after an elective PCI procedure, despite the absence of a new LGE on CMR.
Surgically cured paraneoplastic hypoglycemia associated with solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura: report of two cases
Authors: Fukai Ryuta , Irie Yoshihito , Watanabe Hiroyoshi 
Published: May 2017

Key Clinical MessageHypoglycemia is seldom seen in association with insulinomas, rare autoimmune diseases, and paraneoplastic situations. Paraneoplastic hypoglycemia is known as nonislet cell tumor‐induced hypoglycemia (NICTH). It is also known that a solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura can cause NICTH and that surgical resection is crucial to the success of NICTH treatment.
Catalytic Materials Based on Surface Coating with Poly(ethyleneimine)‐Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Ortega‐Muñoz Mariano , Blanco Victor , Hernandez‐Mateo Fernando , Lopez‐Jaramillo F. Javier , Santoyo‐Gonzalez Francisco 
Published: June 2017

AbstractGold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can be obtained from HAuCl4 by using poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) as both reductant and stabilizing agent. However, the known affinity of PEI for different materials has not been exploited to coat them and turn their surface catalytic. We demonstrate that the irradiation of a solution of HAuCl4 and branched PEI 1800 (bPEI2K) with microwave (MW) yields PEI‐stabilized AuNPs (MW‐PEI@AuNPs) with an average size of 7.6 nm that are catalytically active in the reduction with NaBH4 of different nitroarenes functionalized with a variety of functional groups. Moreover, the as‐prepared MW‐PE@‐AuNPs show affinity for different materials such as polystyrene (standard spectrophotometry disposal cuvettes), polypropylene (Falcon‐type tubes), and silica (Silica gel 60), turning their surface catalytic without any additional synthetic step. This feature was exploited to transform standard tubing (Tygon, poly(ether ether ketone), and stainless steel) into flow reactors by simple passage of a solution of MW‐PEI@AuNPs. This straightforward functionalization is especially appealing in the case of the stainless‐steel tubing, one of the materials more widely used in HPLC, which is of interest for flow nanocatalysis.
Photoactivation of Anticancer Ru Complexes in Deep Tissue: How Deep Can We Go?
Authors: Sun Wen , Thiramanas Raweewan , Slep Leonardo D. , Zeng Xiaolong , Mailänder Volker , Wu Si 
Published: May 2017

AbstractActivation of anticancer therapeutics such as ruthenium (Ru) complexes is currently a topic of intense investigation. The success of phototherapy relies on photoactivation of therapeutics after the light passes through skin and tissue. In this paper, the photoactivation of anticancer Ru complexes with 671‐nm red light through tissue of different thicknesses was studied. Four photoactivatable Ru complexes with different absorption wavelengths were synthesized. Two of them (Ru3 and Ru4) were responsive to wavelengths in the “therapeutic window” (650–900 nm) and could be activated using 671‐nm red light after passing through tissue up to 16‐mm‐thick. The other two (Ru1 and Ru2) could not be activated using red light. Additionally, activated Ru4 caused inhibition of cancer cells. These results suggest that photoactivatable Ru complexes are promising for applications in deep‐tissue phototherapy.
Reductive Coupling of CO2, Primary Amine, and Aldehyde at Room Temperature: A Versatile Approach to Unsymmetrically N,N‐Disubstituted Formamides
Authors: Ke Zhengang , Hao Leiduan , Gao Xiang , Zhang Hongye , Zhao Yanfei , Yu Bo , Yang Zhenzhen , Chen Yu , Liu Zhimin 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe present a simple, metal‐free, and versatile route to synthesize unsymmetrically N,N‐disubstituted formamides (NNFAs) from CO2, primary amine, and aldehyde promoted by an ionic liquid (1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride) at room temperature. This approach features wide scopes of amines and aldehydes, and various unsymmetrical NNFAs could be obtained in good to excellent yields. The ionic liquid can be reused for at least five runs without obvious activity loss.
Sustainable, Oxidative, and Metal‐Free Annulation
Authors: Bering Luis , Manna Srimanta , Antonchick Andrey P. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAnnulation has received steadily growing interest in the interplay with the increasing emphasis towards selective C−H bond functionalization reactions. Metal‐free oxidative annulation through functionalization of inert and abundant C−H bonds offers great improvements in terms of atom‐ and step‐economics as well as reduced waste production under mild reaction conditions. Annulation is considered to be a highly efficient strategy for the construction of cyclic molecules because at least two new bonds are formed within a single reaction step. The combination of annulation and direct C−H bond functionalization allows the efficient and straightforward synthesis of carbo‐ and heterocyclic molecules using simple and non‐prefunctionalized precursors. This Concept highlights novel strategies and recent breakthroughs for metal‐free annulation through C−H bond functionalization giving access to a variety of important structural motifs.
Diversity in gender stereotypes? A comparison of heterosexual, gay and lesbian perspectives
Authors: Clarke Heather M. , Arnold Kara A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractResearch on gender stereotypes has not examined whether gay men and lesbians hold the same gender stereotypes as heterosexual individuals. To address this gap, we asked participants to indicate how likely they believed it was for a typical gay man, lesbian, heterosexual man, or heterosexual woman to exhibit stereotypical personality traits and engage in stereotypical activities and occupations. Ratings of heterosexual male and female targets' masculinity and femininity were significantly different in the expected direction. However, the difference between the gay man and lesbian target ratings on masculinity and femininity was not statistically significant. Our findings further suggest that gay men and lesbians hold the same gender stereotypes as heterosexuals about both homosexual and heterosexual targets. Copyright © 2017 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lipid Internal Dynamics Probed in Nanodiscs
Authors: Martinez Denis , Decossas Marion , Kowal Julia , Frey Lukas , Stahlberg Henning , Dufourc Erick J. , Riek Roland , Habenstein Birgit , Bibow Stefan , Loquet Antoine 
Published: June 2017

AbstractNanodiscs offer a very promising tool to incorporate membrane proteins into native‐like lipid bilayers and an alternative to liposomes to maintain protein functions and protein–lipid interactions in a soluble nanoscale object. The activity of the incorporated membrane protein appears to be correlated to its dynamics in the lipid bilayer and by protein–lipid interactions. These two parameters depend on the lipid internal dynamics surrounded by the lipid‐encircling discoidal scaffold protein that might differ from more unrestricted lipid bilayers observed in vesicles or cellular extracts. A solid‐state NMR spectroscopy investigation of lipid internal dynamics and thermotropism in nanodiscs is reported. The gel‐to‐fluid phase transition is almost abolished for nanodiscs, which maintain lipid fluid properties for a large temperature range. The addition of cholesterol allows fine‐tuning of the internal bilayer dynamics by increasing chain ordering. Increased site‐specific order parameters along the acyl chain reflect a higher internal ordering in nanodiscs compared with liposomes at room temperature; this is induced by the scaffold protein, which restricts lipid diffusion in the nanodisc area.
The more, the better? Behavioral and neural correlates of frequent and infrequent vowel exposure
Authors: Tsuji Sho , Fikkert Paula , Minagawa Yasuyo , Dupoux Emmanuel , Filippin Luca , Versteegh Maarten , Hagoort Peter , Cristia Alejandrina 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA central assumption in the perceptual attunement literature holds that exposure to a speech sound contrast leads to improvement in native speech sound processing. However, whether the amount of exposure matters for this process has not been put to a direct test. We elucidated indicators of frequency‐dependent perceptual attunement by comparing 5–8‐month‐old Dutch infants’ discrimination of tokens containing a highly frequent [hɪt‐he:t] and a highly infrequent [hʏt‐hø:t] native vowel contrast as well as a non‐native [hɛt‐hæt] vowel contrast in a behavioral visual habituation paradigm (Experiment 1). Infants discriminated both native contrasts similarly well, but did not discriminate the non‐native contrast. We sought further evidence for subtle differences in the processing of the two native contrasts using near‐infrared spectroscopy and a within‐participant design (Experiment 2). The neuroimaging data did not provide additional evidence that responses to native contrasts are modulated by frequency of exposure. These results suggest that even large differences in exposure to a native contrast may not directly translate to behavioral and neural indicators of perceptual attunement, raising the possibility that frequency of exposure does not influence improvements in discriminating native contrasts.
“How” and “what” matters: Sampling method affects biodiversity estimates of reef fishes
Authors: Bosch Néstor E. , Gonçalves Jorge M. S. , Erzini Karim , Tuya Fernando 
Published: May 2017

AbstractUnderstanding changes in biodiversity requires the implementation of monitoring programs encompassing different dimensions of biodiversity through varying sampling techniques. In this work, fish assemblages associated with the “outer” and “inner” sides of four marinas, two at the Canary Islands and two at southern Portugal, were investigated using three complementary sampling techniques: underwater visual censuses (UVCs), baited cameras (BCs), and fish traps (FTs). We firstly investigated the complementarity of these sampling methods to describe species composition. Then, we investigated differences in taxonomic (TD), phylogenetic (PD) and functional diversity (FD) between sides of the marinas according to each sampling method. Finally, we explored the applicability/reproducibility of each sampling technique to characterize fish assemblages according to these metrics of diversity. UVCs and BCs provided complementary information, in terms of the number and abundances of species, while FTs sampled a particular assemblage. Patterns of TD, PD, and FD between sides of the marinas varied depending on the sampling method. UVC was the most cost‐efficient technique, in terms of personnel hours, and it is recommended for local studies. However, for large‐scale studies, BCs are recommended, as it covers greater spatio‐temporal scales by a lower cost. Our study highlights the need to implement complementary sampling techniques to monitor ecological change, at various dimensions of biodiversity. The results presented here will be useful for optimizing future monitoring programs.