bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Convergent evolution in social swallows (Aves: Hirundinidae)
Authors: Johnson Allison E. , Mitchell Jonathan S. , Brown Mary Bomberger 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBehavioral shifts can initiate morphological evolution by pushing lineages into new adaptive zones. This has primarily been examined in ecological behaviors, such as foraging, but social behaviors may also alter morphology. Swallows and martins (Hirundinidae) are aerial insectivores that exhibit a range of social behaviors, from solitary to colonial breeding and foraging. Using a well‐resolved phylogenetic tree, a database of social behaviors, and morphological measurements, we ask how shifts from solitary to social breeding and foraging have affected morphological evolution in the Hirundinidae. Using a threshold model of discrete state evolution, we find that shifts in both breeding and foraging social behavior are common across the phylogeny of swallows. Solitary swallows have highly variable morphology, while social swallows show much less absolute variance in all morphological traits. Metrics of convergence based on both the trajectory of social lineages through morphospace and the overall morphological distance between social species scaled by their phylogenetic distance indicate strong convergence in social swallows, especially socially foraging swallows. Smaller physical traits generally observed in social species suggest that social species benefit from a distinctive flight style, likely increasing maneuverability and foraging success and reducing in‐flight collisions within large flocks. These results highlight the importance of sociality in species evolution, a link that had previously been examined only in eusocial insects and primates.
Effects of biotic interactions on modeled species' distribution can be masked by environmental gradients
Authors: Godsoe William , Franklin Janet , Blanchet F. Guillaume 
Published: December 2016

AbstractA fundamental goal of ecology is to understand the determinants of species' distributions (i.e., the set of locations where a species is present). Competition among species (i.e., interactions among species that harms each of the species involved) is common in nature and it would be tremendously useful to quantify its effects on species' distributions. An approach to studying the large‐scale effects of competition or other biotic interactions is to fit species' distributions models (SDMs) and assess the effect of competitors on the distribution and abundance of the species of interest. It is often difficult to validate the accuracy of this approach with available data. Here, we simulate virtual species that experience competition. In these simulated datasets, we can unambiguously identify the effects that competition has on a species' distribution. We then fit SDMs to the simulated datasets and test whether we can use the outputs of the SDMs to infer the true effect of competition in each simulated dataset. In our simulations, the abiotic environment influenced the effects of competition. Thus, our SDMs often inferred that the abiotic environment was a strong predictor of species abundance, even when the species' distribution was strongly affected by competition. The severity of this problem depended on whether the competitor excluded the focal species from highly suitable sites or marginally suitable sites. Our results highlight how correlations between biotic interactions and the abiotic environment make it difficult to infer the effects of competition using SDMs.
Nonlethal laparoscopic detection of intersex (testicular oocytes) in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu)
Authors: MacLeod Alexander H. , Blazer Vicki S. , Matsche Mark A. , Yonkos Lance T. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Intersex in wild fish populations has received considerable attention in the scientific literature and public media. Conventional detection of testicular oocytes, the presence of immature oocytes within testis of male fish, commonly employs transverse sectioning of excised testis and is lethal. The present study used a nonlethal laparoscopic technique to collect biopsies of testis from black bass, entering the body cavity via the genital pore. Detection of testicular oocytes was compared between biopsy and conventional methods using 79 smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) from 8 sites and 68 largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) from 4 sites. The 2 methods performed similarly at sites where testicular oocyte severity was moderate or high (6 of 8 smallmouth bass sites), whereas transverse sectioning resulted in superior testicular oocyte detection at sites where severity was low (2 of 8 smallmouth bass sites and all 4 largemouth bass sites). In smallmouth bass, testicular oocyte prevalence by transverse and biopsy methods was strongly correlated across sites (r2 = 0.81) and severity reported by enumeration of testicular oocytes was moderately correlated across sites (r2 = 0.59). Survival of a subset of largemouth bass (n = 20) to 28 d after laparoscopic surgery was 90%. The present research indicates that laparoscopy may be useful for monitoring the prevalence and severity of testicular oocytes in Micropterus species, particularly when lethal sampling is precluded. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1924–1933. © 2016 SETAC
Linking Composite Scores: Effects of Anchor Test Length and Content Representativeness
Authors: Lin Peng , Dorans Neil , Weeks Jonathan 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe nonequivalent groups with anchor test (NEAT) design is frequently used in test score equating or linking. One important assumption of the NEAT design is that the anchor test is a miniversion of the 2 tests to be equated/linked. When the content of the 2 tests is different, it is not possible for the anchor test to be adequately representative of both tests. Lin and Dorans conducted a simulation study in 2010 to investigate the effect of content representativeness of the anchor test on linking via different linking methods when the 2 tests are nonparallel in content structure in the unique case where the groups are equivalent. The current study extends the Lin and Dorans study to the case with nonequivalent group data. Specifically, the current study investigates the impact of content representativeness and length of anchor test on linking when the 2 tests are multidimensional and nonparallel in content structure. The NEAT design was employed. The linking results from 3 classic linear equating methods—Levine observed score, Tucker equating, and chained linear—were examined. The results from the study indicated that equating the tests with different structure should be avoided. For equatings with anchor test, additional bias is likely to be introduced by using an inadequate anchor test.
Genomic and transcriptomic analysis of imatinib resistance in gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Elzawahry Asmaa , Mimaki Sachiyo , Furukawa Eisaku , Nakatsuka Rie , Nakamura Hiromi , Nishigaki Takahiko , Serada Satoshi , Naka Tetsuji , Hirota Seiichi , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Tsuchihara Katsuya , Nishida Toshirou , Kato Mamoru 
Published: December 2016

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors represent the most common mesenchymal tumor of the digestive tract, driven by gain‐of‐function mutations in KIT. Despite its proven benefits, half of the patients treated with imatinib show disease progression within 2 years due to secondary resistance mutations in KIT. It remains unclear how the genomic and transcriptomic features change during the acquisition of imatinib resistance. Here, we performed exome sequencing and microarray transcription analysis for four imatinib‐resistant cell lines and one cell line briefly exposed to imatinib. We also performed exome sequencing of clinical tumor samples. The cell line briefly exposed to imatinib exhibited few single‐nucleotide variants and copy‐number alterations, but showed marked upregulation of genes related to detoxification and downregulation of genes involved in cell cycle progression. Meanwhile, resistant cell lines harbored numerous genomic changes: amplified genes related to detoxification and deleted genes with cyclin‐dependent kinase activity. Some variants in the resistant samples were traced back to the drug‐sensitive samples, indicating the presence of ancestral subpopulations. The subpopulations carried variants associated with cell death. Pre‐existing cancer cells with genetic alterations promoting apoptosis resistance may serve as a basis whereby cancer cells with critical mutations, such as secondary KIT mutations, can establish full imatinib resistance. © 2017 The Authors Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Current sights for mechanisms of deoxynivalenol‐induced hepatotoxicity and prospective views for future scientific research: A mini review
Authors: Peng Zhao , Chen Liangkai , Nüssler Andreas K. , Liu Liegang , Yang Wei 
Published: December 2016

AbstractDeoxynivalenol (DON) belongs to the group B trichothecenes, which are the most common mycotoxins in cereal commodities. It is very stable within the temperature range 170–350 °C, showing no reduction in its concentration after 30 min at 170 °C. This chemical property is a very dangerous factor for human and animal health. Liver is also responsible for the detoxification and formation of DON‐glucuronide in both human and animals. Some studies already demonstrated that DON could induce liver damage remarkably through DON altering expressions of p53, caspase‐3, caspase‐7, caspase‐8 and Bax in different cell lines. At the same time, other publications illustrated some opposite results. At present, a full and systematic discussion of the hepatic toxicity of DON is still lacking. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to summarize and update the prominent evidence, regarding DON effects on liver tissues and cell lines. Moreover, based on the current studies we outline some of the identified molecule targets or pathways involved in DON‐induced hepatotoxicity, and put forward our opinions and suggest an hypothesis for future research. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanogel‐based scaffolds fabricated for bone regeneration with mesoporous bioactive glass and strontium: In vitro and in vivo characterization
Authors: Zhang Qiao , Chen Xiaohui , Geng Shinan , Wei Lingfei , Miron Richard J. , Zhao Yanbing , Zhang Yufeng 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe delivery of novel bioactive scaffolds for the repair of bone defects remains a prominent challenge worldwide. Currently osteoporosis, a disease caused by low bone mineral density affects over 200 million people worldwide with up to half of this population experiencing at least one fracture within their lifetime. Recently temperature‐sensitive p(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐butyl methylacrylate) nanogel (PIB nanogel) scaffolds have emerged as biomaterial candidate for regenerative therapies. It has the advantage of being injected from syringes as a soluble gel form (capable of delivering growth and/or living progenitor cells) yet hardens once it reaches body temperatures. Although this material demonstrates optimal clinical delivery of scaffolds, its main drawback is its low osteoconductivity and bioactivity. Recently we have demonstrated that mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) loaded with strontium was able to regenerate osteoporotic defects in vivo and enhance osteoblast differentiation in vitro. The aim of this study was to combine the advantages of these two therapies and prepare PIB‐nanogel scaffolds containing Sr‐MBG and investigate their ability to regenerate femur defects created in ovarectamized rats. The results demonstrate that groups containing Sr‐MBG within the nanogel formulation had significantly higher new bone formation when compared with other modalities. We further demonstrate that although nanogel demonstrated poor osteogenic ability, the addition of osteoblasts worked synergistically with Sr‐MBG particles to enhance the regeneration of the created femur defects in osteoporotic animals. In conclusion, PIB nanogel scaffolds are a viable treatment modality for bone tissue engineering and may serve as a carrier‐scaffold for osteogenic cells and/or bioactive scaffolds such as Sr‐MBG. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1175–1183, 2017.
Study of IL4‐590C/T and IL6‐174G/C Gene Polymorphisms in Type 2 Diabetic Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease in North Indian Population
Authors: Neelofar Km , Ahmad Jamal , Ahmad Arif , Alam Khursheed 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTTo explore the associations between potential functional promoter polymorphisms in pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory (IL‐4(‐590C/T) and IL‐6(‐174G/C) cytokine genes, and kidney dysfunction in North Indian type 2 diabetic subjects with chronic kidney disease. A total of 150 subjects aged 25–75 year were included in this study. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and serum creatinine were estimated. PCR was performed to analyse genotype distribution in IL‐4 (‐590T/C) and IL‐6 (‐174G/C) among healthy, type 2 diabetic patients with or without CKD. The genotype distributions were determined by Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. CKD patients showed lower GFR (59.36 ± 1.33 ml/min/1.73 m2) and higher serum creatinine (1.93 ± 0.99% mg) level in comparison to diabetic patients without CKD and healthy subjects. Genotypic distribution of the different genotypes among the study groups in IL‐4 gene was genotype CC = 30, TC = 12, and TT = 8 in CKD patients. In type 2 diabetic patients without CKD, genotype distribution was CC = 38, TC = 10, and TT = 2. In healthy subjects, distribution of genotype was CC = 35, TC = 14, and TT = 1. The distribution of different genotype among the study groups for IL‐6 gene was GG = 27, GC = 20, and CC = 3 in healthy subjects; GG = 28, GC = 19, and CC = 3 in diabetic patients without CKD and GG = 38, GC = 11, and CC = 1 in diabetic patients with CKD. There was no significant difference in the distribution of genotype frequencies between healthy subjects and diabetic patients without CKD but a significant difference was found in diabetic patients with CKD. The functional promoter polymorphisms IL4‐590C/T and IL6‐174G/C, which affect the IL‐4 and IL‐6 levels in north Indian subjects, were associated with kidney dysfunction and CKD. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1803–1809, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Eco‐friendly biorefractory films of gelatin and TEMPO‐oxidized cellulose ester for food packaging application
Authors: Zhuang Chen , Tao Furong , Cui Yuezhi 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn recent years, many types of food‐packaging films and composites have been prepared using gelatin because of its good film‐forming ability, non‐toxic nature and cost‐effectiveness. However, the relatively weak thermal stability, poor mechanical properties and easily‐degradable quality limit the potential application of gelatin as a practical material. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), which comprises one of the most abundant biomass resources, has been regarded as a safe and reliable food additive because it has the same ingredients as the cellulose in people's daily intake. Food‐packaging films with the excellent properties provided by gelatin and oxidized‐cellulose represent a topic of great interest.RESULTSMCC was modified by 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO)‐mediated oxidation and chosen as the base of the macromolecule cross‐linker (TMN). After modification of gelatin film by TMN, the minimum amount of free ‐NH2 in solution was 4.8 × 10−4 mol g−1). The thermal property obviously increased (from 322.31 oC to 352.63 oC) and was crucial for usage in the food industry. The highest water contact value 123.09° (η = 25%) indicated a better surface hydrophobicity. The higher Eab (58.88%) and lower Em (77.16%) demonstrated that a more flexible and shatter‐proof material was obtained. Water vapor uptake studies suggested increased moisture absorption and greater swelling ability.CONCLUSIONThe film material obtained in the present study was safe, stable, eco‐friendly and biorefractory and could also be decomposed completely by the environment after disposal as a result of the properties of the ingredients gelatin and cellulose. The incorporation of a cellulosic cross‐linker to gelatin‐based films was an ideal choice with respect to developing a packaging for the food industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
The Key Role of Sulfation and Branching on Fucoidan Antitumor Activity
Authors: Oliveira Catarina , Ferreira Andreia S. , Novoa‐Carballal Ramon , Nunes Cláudia , Pashkuleva Iva , Neves Nuno M. , Coimbra Manuel A. , Reis Rui L. , Martins Albino , Silva Tiago H. 
Published: December 2016

There is an urgent need for antitumor bioactive agents with minimal or no side effects over normal adjacent cells. Fucoidan is a marine‐origin polymer with known antitumor activity. However, there are still some concerns about its application due to the inconsistent experimental results, specifically its toxicity over normal cells and the mechanism behind its action. Herein, three fucoidan extracts (FEs) have been tested over normal and breast cancer cell lines. From cytotoxicity results, only one of the extracts shows selective antitumor behavior (at 0.2 mg mL−1), despite similarities in sulfation degree and carbohydrates composition. Although the three FEs present different molecular weights, depolymerization of selected samples discarded Mw as the key factor in the antitumor activity. Significant differences in sulfates position and branching are observed, presenting FE 2 the higher branching degree. Based on all these experimental data, it is believed that these last two properties are the ones that influence the cytotoxic effects of fucoidan extracts.
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Influence of Social Media over the Stock Market
Authors: Piñeiro‐Chousa Juan , Vizcaíno‐González Marcos , Pérez‐Pico Ada María 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTThis research analyzes investors’ activity through social media and these media's influence over the Chicago Board Options Exchange Market Volatility Index (VIX) using a logit model and a fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The logit results show that social media sentiment influences stock markets. Meanwhile, the fsQCA results show that the investors’ profile is important for explaining how social media influence the stock market. Particularly, holding period combined with experience in technical investors contributes to avoiding a raise in market risk, whereas for nontechnical investors message sentiment and experience form the combination that contributes to avoid a raise in market risk.
Proper performance of autonomic function testing
Authors:   Policy Department, American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe aim of this position statement is to provide a recommendation from experts at the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) on the proper performance of autonomic testing.MethodsThe AANEM Professional Practice Committee and selected AANEM members reached a consensus based on expert opinion on the training required to perform autonomic testing and the appropriate performance of such tests.ResultsIndividuals without sufficient medical education in autonomic disorders are unqualified to interpret the data generated or to coordinate the findings with other clinical information in order to reach a clinical diagnosis.ConclusionsThe AANEM strongly recommends that autonomic testing procedures be performed by physicians with comprehensive knowledge of neurologic and autonomic disorders to ensure precise interpretation and diagnosis at the completion of the testing. The same physician should obtain a relevant history and physical examination and should directly supervise and interpret the data on‐site and in real time. Muscle Nerve 55: 3–4, 2017
Genetic ablation of P65 subunit of NF‐κB in mdx mice to improve muscle physiological function
Authors: Yin Xi , Tang Ying , Li Jian , Dzuricky Anna T. , Pu Chuanqiang , Fu Freddie , Wang Bing 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTIntroductionDuchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic muscle disease characterized by dystrophin deficiency. Beyond gene replacement, the question of whether ablation of the p65 gene of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) in DMD can improve muscle physiology function is unknown. In this study, we investigated muscle physiological improvement in mdx mice (DMD model) with a genetic reduction of NF‐κB.MethodsMuscle physiological function and histology were studied in 2‐month‐old mdx/p65+/−, wild‐type, mdx, and human minidystrophin gene transgenic mdx (TghΔDys/mdx) mice.ResultsImproved muscle physiological function was found in mdx/p65+/− mice when compared with mdx mice; however, it was similar to TghΔDys/mdx mice. The results indicate that genetic reduction of p65 levels diminished chronic inflammation in dystrophic muscle, thus leading to amelioration of muscle pathology and improved muscle physiological function.ConclusionsThe results show that inhibition of NF‐κB may be a promising therapy when combined with gene therapy for DMD. Muscle Nerve 56: 759–767, 2017
Loperamide Trends in Abuse and Misuse Over 13 Years: 2002–2015
Authors: Lasoff Daniel R. , Koh Cynthia H. , Corbett Bryan , Minns Alicia B. , Cantrell F. Lee 
Published: December 2016

Study ObjectiveWith the increasing amount of information available on the Internet describing techniques for using loperamide either for self‐treatment of opioid withdrawal syndromes or for recreational use (so‐called legal highs), the objective was to describe a statewide poison control system's experience with loperamide misuse and abuse, with specific interest in cases of cardiotoxicity, and to determine if reported loperamide misuse or abuse cases have recently increased.DesignRetrospective review.Data SourceStatewide poison control system electronic database.PatientsA total of 224 adults who presented or were referred to a health care facility between January 1, 2002, and November 10, 2015, for intentional ingestions of loperamide, and whose cases were reported to the poison control system by either physicians or nurses at the bedside.Measurements and Main ResultsBetween 2002 and 2013, the number of yearly calls to the poison control system regarding loperamide cases ranged from 12–19 (mean 16.4, median 17.5 calls). In 2014, a sharp increase to 41 calls was noted. On completion of the study (November 10, 2015), 27 calls had been recorded. Medical outcomes of loperamide exposure for each patient were classified in accordance with the American Association of Poison Control Center's classification system as minor, moderate, or severe. For those patients with known outcomes, 3 resulted in death, 9 had major effects, 49 had moderate effects, and 36 had minor effects. We identified nine reports of patients who developed cardiotoxicity, with eight of them occurring between 2012 and 2015. A spike in the number of cases of loperamide toxicity reported in 2014 and 2015 coincided with an abundance of online instructions on how to abuse this drug. Almost all cases of recorded cardiotoxicity occurred over the last 3 years. Cardiotoxicity from loperamide abuse has only recently been recognized as a potential complication during the last few years, so earlier cases of cardiotoxicity resulting from loperamide abuse were likely missed.ConclusionOur data suggest that loperamide may be increasing in popularity as a drug of abuse and for treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms. Given the potential for significant toxicity with loperamide exposure, including life‐threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, clinicians should consider obtaining a screening electrocardiogram for patients presenting after acute or chronic high‐dose ingestions of loperamide. In addition, increased control over the availability of loperamide may be warranted.