bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First-passage times of two-dimensional Brownian motion
Authors: Kou Steven , Zhong Haowen 
Published: January 2017

AbstractFirst-passage times (FPTs) of two-dimensional Brownian motion have many applications in quantitative finance. However, despite various attempts since the 1960s, there are few analytical solutions available. By solving a nonhomogeneous modified Helmholtz equation in an infinite wedge, we find analytical solutions for the Laplace transforms of FPTs; these Laplace transforms can be inverted numerically. The FPT problems lead to a class of bivariate exponential distributions which are absolute continuous but do not have the memoryless property. We also prove that the density of the absolute difference of FPTs tends to ∞ if and only if the correlation between the two Brownian motions is positive.
Clustering and preferential concentration of finite-size particles in forced homogeneous-isotropic turbulence
Authors: Uhlmann Markus , Chouippe Agathe 
Published: January 2017

We have performed interface-resolved direct numerical simulations of forced homogeneous-isotropic turbulence in a dilute suspension of spherical particles in the Reynolds number range $Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}=115{-}140$. The solid–fluid density ratio was set to $1.5$, gravity was set to zero and two particle diameters were investigated corresponding to approximately $5$ and $11$ Kolmogorov lengths. Note that these particle sizes are clearly outside the range of validity of the point-particle approximation, as has been shown by Homann & Bec (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 651, 2010, pp. 81–91). At the present parameter points the global effect of the particles upon the fluid flow is weak. We observe that the dispersed phase exhibits clustering with moderate intensity. The tendency to cluster, which was quantified in terms of the standard deviation of Voronoï cell volumes, decreases with the particle diameter. We have analysed the relation between particle locations and the location of intense vortical flow structures. The results do not reveal any significant statistical correlation. Contrarily, we have detected a small but statistically significant preferential location of particles with respect to the ‘sticky points’ proposed by Goto & Vassilicos (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 100 (5), 2008, 054503), i.e. points where the fluid acceleration field is acting such as to increase the local particle concentration in one-way coupled point-particle models under Stokes drag. The presently found statistical correlation between the ‘sticky points’ and the particle locations further increases when focusing on regions with high local concentration. Our results suggest that small finite-size particles can be brought together along the expansive directions of the fluid acceleration field, as previously observed only for the simplest model for sub-Kolmogorov particles. We further discuss the effect of density ratio and collective particle motion upon the basic Eulerian and Lagrangian statistics.
Recurrent acute otitis media detracts from health-related quality of life
Authors: Kujala T , Alho O-P , Kristo A , Uhari M , Renko M , Pokka T , Koivunen P 
Published: January 2017

AbstractObjective:Acute otitis media causes discomfort to children and inconvenience to their parents. This study evaluated the quality of life in children with recurrent acute otitis media aged less than 24 months.Methods:Quality of life was evaluated in 149 children aged 10 to 24 months who were referred to the Oulu University Hospital on account of recurrent acute otitis media. The children were treated with or without surgery. Age-matched controls were selected randomly from the general child population. Parents completed the Child Health Questionnaire.Results:The children with recurrent acute otitis media had a significantly poorer quality of life than control children. The control children with a history of a few acute otitis media episodes had a significantly poorer quality of life than those without any such history. The quality of life of the children with recurrent acute otitis media improved during the one-year follow up, regardless of the treatment, but did not reach the same level as healthy children.Conclusion:Acute otitis media detracted from quality of life when a generic measure was used. The mode of treatment used to prevent further recurrences of acute otitis media did not influence quality of life improvement.
Avoiding impacts on biodiversity through strengthening the first stage of the mitigation hierarchy
Authors: Phalan Ben , Hayes Genevieve , Brooks Sharon , Marsh David , Howard Pippa , Costelloe Brendan , Vira Bhaskar , Kowalska Aida , Whitaker Samir 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe mitigation hierarchy is a decision-making framework designed to address impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services through first seeking to avoid impacts wherever possible, then minimizing or restoring impacts, and finally by offsetting any unavoidable impacts. Avoiding impacts is seen by many as the most certain and effective way of managing harm to biodiversity, and its position as the first stage of the mitigation hierarchy indicates that it should be prioritized ahead of other stages. However, despite an abundance of legislative and voluntary requirements, there is often a failure to avoid impacts. We discuss reasons for this failure and outline some possible solutions. We highlight the key roles that can be played by conservation organizations in cultivating political will, holding decision makers accountable to the law, improving the processes of impact assessment and avoidance, building capacity, and providing technical knowledge. A renewed focus on impact avoidance as the foundation of the mitigation hierarchy could help to limit the impacts on biodiversity of large-scale developments in energy, infrastructure, agriculture and other sectors.
Study on the mitochondrial apoptosis pathways of small cell lung cancer H446 cells induced by Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae ESPs
Authors: LUO JINGMEI , YU LI , XIE GUANGCHENG , LI DAN , SU MENG , ZHAO XUERONG , DU LUANYING 
Published: January 2017

SUMMARYTrichinella spiralis (T.spiralis) muscle-larva (ML) excretory–secretory proteins (ESPs) contain antitumour-active substances. ESPs have been shown to inhibit tumour growth. To explore the effects of these proteins on small cell lung cancer cells and the possible mechanisms of their antineoplastic action, H446 SCLC cells were co-cultured with different concentrations of T. spiralis ML ESPs for 12, 24 and 48 h. Our results showed that T. spiralis ML ESPs significantly inhibited H446 cell proliferation, which was dose-and time-dependent. The results of flow cytometry testing indicate a clear apoptosis trend in H446 cells co-cultured with ESPs for 24 h. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting results showed increased expression of pro-apoptosis genes Bax, Cyt-C, Apaf-1, caspase-9 and caspase-3, compared with the negative control group, and decreased the expression of anti-apoptosis genes Bcl-2 and Livin. Our results suggest that T. spiralis ML ESPs can induce apoptosis in H446 cells through a mitochondrial pathway, which may be a mechanism of antineoplastic action in T. spiralis ML ESPs.
Immediate and lag effects of pesticide exposure on parasite resistance in larval amphibians
Authors: POCHINI KATHERINE M. , HOVERMAN JASON T. 
Published: January 2017

SUMMARYAcross host–parasite systems, there is evidence that pesticide exposure increases parasite loads and mortality following infection. However, whether these effects are driven by reductions in host resistance to infection or slower rates of parasite clearance is often unclear. Using controlled laboratory experiments, we examined the ability of larval northern leopard frogs (Lithobates pipiens) and American toads (Anaxyrus americanus) to resist and clear trematode (Echinoparyphium sp.) infections following exposure to the insecticide carbaryl. Northern leopard frogs exposed to 1 mg L−1 of carbaryl had 61% higher parasite loads compared with unexposed individuals, while there was no immediate effect of carbaryl on parasite encystment in American toads. However, when tadpoles were exposed to carbaryl and moved to freshwater for 14 days before the parasite challenge, we recovered 37 and 63% more parasites from carbaryl-exposed northern leopard frogs and American toads, respectively, compared with the control. No effects on clearance were found for either species. Collectively, our results suggest that pesticide exposure can reduce the ability of amphibians to resist parasite infections and that these effects can persist weeks following exposure. It is critical for researchers to incorporate species interactions into toxicity studies to improve our understanding of how contaminants affect ecological communities.
Does the dilution effect generally occur in animal diseases?
Authors: HUANG ZHENG Y. X. , YU YANG , VAN LANGEVELDE FRANK , DE BOER WILLEM F. 
Published: January 2017

SUMMARYThe dilution effect (DE) has been reported in many diseases, but its generality is still highly disputed. Most current criticisms of DE are related to animal diseases. Particularly, some critical studies argued that DE is less likely to occur in complex environments. Here our meta-analyses demonstrated that the magnitude of DE did not differ between animalvsplant diseases. Moreover, DE generally occurs in all three subgroups of animal diseases, namely direct-transmitted diseases, vector-borne diseases and diseases caused by parasites with free-living stages. Our findings serve as an important contribution to understanding the generality of DE.
Evaluation of methylene blue, pyrimethamine and its combination on anin vitro Neospora caninummodel
Authors: PEREIRA LUIZ MIGUEL , VIGATO-FERREIRA ISABEL CRISTINA , DE LUCA GABRIELA , BRONZON DA COSTA CÁSSIA MARIANA , YATSUDA ANA PATRÍCIA 
Published: January 2017

SUMMARYNeospora caninumis an apicomplexan parasite strongly related to reproductive problems in cattle. The neosporosis control is not well established and several fronts are under development, predominantly based on immune protection, immunomodulation and chemotherapy. The use of anti-malarial drugs as therapeutic sources has, in theory, considerable potential for any apicomplexan. Drugs such as methylene blue (MB) and pyrimethamine (Pyr) represent therapeutic options for malaria; thus, their use for neosporosis should be assessed. In this work, we tested the effects of MB and Pyr onN. caninumproliferation and clearance, using LacZ-tagged tachyzoites. The drugs inhibited at nanomolar dosages and its combination demonstrated an antagonistic interaction in proliferation assays, according to the Chou and Talalay method for drug combination index. However, the drug combination significantly improved the parasitein vitroclearance. The repositioning of well-established drugs opens a short-term strategy to obtain low-cost therapeutics approaches against neosporosis.
The cestode parasite Schistocephalus pungitii: castrator or nutrient thief of ninespine stickleback fish?
Authors: HEINS DAVID C. 
Published: January 2017

SUMMARYIn this investigation, the host–parasite relationship of ninespine stickleback fish Pungitius pungitius and the cestode parasite Schistocephalus pungitii was studied using samples from Dog Bone Lake, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, to test the hypothesis that S. pungitii is a castrator of ninespine stickleback. Infected, adult females of all sizes (ages) were capable of producing clutches of eggs. S. pungitii had a negative effect on the ability of host females to produce a clutch, which was related to increasing parasite:host mass ratio (parasite index, PI). Among infected females with egg clutches, both clutch size and egg size were reduced; and the reduction increased with greater PI. The results of this study are consistent with the hypothesis that S. pungitii causes host sterility as a result of simple nutrient theft and is not a true castrator as hypothesized in earlier reports. The degree of parasite-induced sterility appears to vary among populations of the ninespine stickleback, perhaps reflecting differences in resource availability. Populations of ninespine stickleback appear to show a greater reduction in host reproductive capacity with PI than populations of the threespine stickleback infected by Schistocephalus solidus, possibly owing, in part, to the length-adjusted somatic mass of the threespine stickleback being greater.
The edge also matters: human threats in a rare Mediterranean habitat for Cantabrian Capercaillie
Authors: GONZÁLEZ MANUEL ANTONIO , FUERTES BENITO , BLANCO-FONTAO BEATRIZ , DE FRUTOS ÁNGEL 
Published: January 2017

SummaryNature reserves focused on the protection of an endangered species are often restricted to the core of the species’ distribution, leaving peripheral populations unprotected due to a lack of specific knowledge. This study describes the factors that potentially contribute to degradation of habitats of a peripheral population of the endangered Cantabrian CapercaillieTetrao urogallus cantabricus. Using presence/absence data, we compared forest fragmentation, fire risk, and distance from leks to human infrastructure. Forest fragments in which Cantabrian Capercaillie were detected were significantly larger, closer to the nearest occupied fragments, and had a higher proximity index than fragments in which no presence was detected. Eighteen percent of the area of fragments in which Cantabrian Capercaillie presence was detected were placed in the high risk of fire category. Human infrastructure represents a permanent loss of Mediterranean habitat for the Cantabrian Capercaillie. The study area is highly modified by human activities; a priority conservation measure should be inclusion within the Natura 2000 network.
The gut-brain axis: is intestinal inflammation a silent driver of Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis?
Authors: Houser Madelyn C. , Tansey Malú G. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe state of the intestinal environment can have profound effects on the activity of the central nervous system through the physiological contributions of the microbiota, regulation of intestinal barrier function, and altered activity of peripheral neurons. The common language employed for much of the gut-brain communication is the modulation of immune activity. Chronic proinflammatory immune activity is increasingly being recognized as a fundamental element of neurodegenerative disorders, and in Parkinson’s disease, inflammation in the intestine appears particularly relevant in pathogenesis. We review the evidence that intestinal dysfunction is present in Parkinson’s disease and that it may reflect the earliest manifestations of Parkinson’s disease pathology, and we link these findings to dysregulated immune activity. Based on this, we present a model for Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis in which the disorder originates in the intestine and progresses with inflammation as its underlying mechanism. More in-depth investigations into the physiological mechanisms underlying peripheral pre-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease are expected to lead to the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic measures that can slow or limit progression of the disease to more advanced stages involving debilitating motor and cognitive symptoms.
Local field potentials primarily reflect inhibitory neuron activity in human and monkey cortex
Authors: Teleńczuk Bartosz , Dehghani Nima , Le Van Quyen Michel , Cash Sydney S. , Halgren Eric , Hatsopoulos Nicholas G. , Destexhe Alain 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe local field potential (LFP) is generated by large populations of neurons, but unitary contribution of spiking neurons to LFP is not well characterised. We investigated this contribution in multi-electrode array recordings from human and monkey neocortex by examining the spike-triggered LFP average (st-LFP). The resulting st-LFPs were dominated by broad spatio-temporal components due to ongoing activity, synaptic inputs and recurrent connectivity. To reduce the spatial reach of the st-LFP and observe the local field related to a single spike we applied a spatial filter, whose weights were adapted to the covariance of ongoing LFP. The filtered st-LFPs were limited to the perimeter of 800 μm around the neuron, and propagated at axonal speed, which is consistent with their unitary nature. In addition, we discriminated between putative inhibitory and excitatory neurons and found that the inhibitory st-LFP peaked at shorter latencies, consistently with previous findings in hippocampal slices. Thus, in human and monkey neocortex, the LFP reflects primarily inhibitory neuron activity.
High-precision, non-invasive anti-microvascular approach via concurrent ultrasound and laser irradiation
Authors: Hu Zizhong , Zhang Haonan , Mordovanakis Aghapi , Paulus Yannis M. , Liu Qinghuai , Wang Xueding , Yang Xinmai 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAntivascular therapy represents a proven strategy to treat angiogenesis. By applying synchronized ultrasound bursts and nanosecond laser irradiation, we developed a novel, selective, non-invasive, localized antivascular method, termed photo-mediated ultrasound therapy (PUT). PUT takes advantage of the high native optical contrast among biological tissues and can treat microvessels without causing collateral damage to the surrounding tissue. In a chicken yolk sac membrane model, under the same ultrasound parameters (1 MHz at 0.45 MPa and 10 Hz with 10% duty cycle), PUT with 4 mJ/cm2 and 6 mJ/cm2 laser fluence induced 51% (p = 0.001) and 37% (p = 0.018) vessel diameter reductions respectively. With 8 mJ/cm2 laser fluence, PUT would yield vessel disruption (90%, p < 0.01). Selectivity of PUT was demonstrated by utilizing laser wavelengths at 578 nm or 650 nm, where PUT selectively shrank veins or occluded arteries. In a rabbit ear model, PUT induced a 68.5% reduction in blood perfusion after 7 days (p < 0.001) without damaging the surrounding cells. In vitro experiments in human blood suggested that cavitation may play a role in PUT. In conclusion, PUT holds significant promise as a novel non-invasive antivascular method with the capability to precisely target blood vessels.
Quaternary climate change drives allo-peripatric speciation and refugial divergence in the Dysosma versipellis-pleiantha complex from different forest types in China
Authors: Wang Yi-Han , Comes Hans Peter , Cao Ya-Nan , Guo Rui , Mao Yun-Rui , Qiu Ying-Xiong 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSubtropical China harbours the world’s most diverse temperate flora, but little is known about the roles of geographical and eco-climatic factors underlying the region’s exceptionally high levels of species diversity and endemism. Here we address this key question by investigating the spatio-temporal and ecological processes of divergence within theDysosma versipellis-pleianthaspecies complex, endemic to subtropical China. Our cpDNA phylogeny showed that this monophyletic group of understory herbs is derived from a Late Pliocene ancestor of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP)/Southwest China. Genetic and ENM data in conjunction with niche differentiation analyses support that the early divergence ofD. versipellisandD. pleianthaproceeded through allo-peripatric speciation, possibly triggered by Early Pleistocene climate change, while subsequent climate-induced cycles of range contractions/expansions enhanced the eco-geographical isolation of both taxa. Furthermore, modelling of population-genetic data indicated that major lineage divergences withinD. versipellislikely resulted from long-term allopatric population isolation in multiple localized refugia over the last glacial/interglacial periods, and which in turn fostered endemic species formation (D. difformis, D. majoensis) from withinD. versipellisin Southwest China. These findings point to an overriding role of Quaternary climate change in triggering essentially allopatric (incipient) speciation in this group of forest-restricted plant species in subtropical China.
Evolution of protein N-glycosylation process in Golgi apparatus which shapes diversity of protein N-glycan structures in plants, animals and fungi
Authors: Wang Peng , Wang Hong , Gai Jiangtao , Tian Xiaoli , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Lv Yongzhi , Jian Yi 
Published: January 2017

AbstractProtein N-glycosylation (PNG) is crucial for protein folding and enzymatic activities, and has remarkable diversity among eukaryotic species. Little is known of how unique PNG mechanisms arose and evolved in eukaryotes. Here we demonstrate a picture of onset and evolution of PNG components in Golgi apparatus that shaped diversity of eukaryotic protein N-glycan structures, with an emphasis on roles that domain emergence and combination played on PNG evolution. 23 domains were identified from 24 known PNG genes, most of which could be classified into a single clan, indicating a single evolutionary source for the majority of the genes. From 153 species, 4491 sequences containing the domains were retrieved, based on which we analyzed distribution of domains among eukaryotic species. Two domains in GnTV are restricted to specific eukaryotic domains, while 10 domains distribute not only in species where certain unique PNG reactions occur and thus genes harboring these domains are supoosed to be present, but in other ehkaryotic lineages. Notably, two domains harbored by β-1,3 galactosyltransferase, an essential enzyme in forming plant-specific Lea structure, were present in separated genes in fungi and animals, suggesting its emergence as a result of domain shuffling.
Genetic Variants Identified from Epilepsy of Unknown Etiology in Chinese Children by Targeted Exome Sequencing
Authors: Wang Yimin , Du Xiaonan , Bin Rao , Yu Shanshan , Xia Zhezhi , Zheng Guo , Zhong Jianmin , Zhang Yunjian , Jiang Yong-hui , Wang Yi 
Published: January 2017

AbstractGenetic factors play a major role in the etiology of epilepsy disorders. Recent genomics studies using next generation sequencing (NGS) technique have identified a large number of genetic variants including copy number (CNV) and single nucleotide variant (SNV) in a small set of genes from individuals with epilepsy. These discoveries have contributed significantly to evaluate the etiology of epilepsy in clinic and lay the foundation to develop molecular specific treatment. However, the molecular basis for a majority of epilepsy patients remains elusive, and furthermore, most of these studies have been conducted in Caucasian children. Here we conducted a targeted exome-sequencing of 63 trios of Chinese epilepsy families using a custom-designed NGS panel that covers 412 known and candidate genes for epilepsy. We identified pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in 15 of 63 (23.8%) families in known epilepsy genes including SCN1A, CDKL5, STXBP1, CHD2, SCN3A, SCN9A, TSC2, MBD5, POLG and EFHC1. More importantly, we identified likely pathologic variants in several novel candidate genes such as GABRE, MYH1, and CLCN6. Our results provide the evidence supporting the application of custom-designed NGS panel in clinic and indicate a conserved genetic susceptibility for epilepsy between Chinese and Caucasian children.
Mapping curved spacetimes into Dirac spinors
Authors: Sabín Carlos 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWe show how to transform a Dirac equation in a curved static spacetime into a Dirac equation in flat spacetime. In particular, we show that any solution of the free massless Dirac equation in a 1 + 1 dimensional flat spacetime can be transformed via a local phase transformation into a solution of the corresponding Dirac equation in a curved static background, where the spacetime metric is encoded into the phase. In this way, the existing quantum simulators of the Dirac equation can naturally incorporate curved static spacetimes. As a first example we use our technique to obtain solutions of the Dirac equation in a particular family of interesting spacetimes in 1 + 1 dimensions.