bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous vegetation classification and mapping at large spatial scales
Authors: Lyons Mitchell B. , Foster Scott D. , Keith David A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimMultivariate mixture models offer the ability to streamline the typically multi‐stage process of vegetation classification and mapping into a single, simultaneous analytical step. Our aim is to demonstrate the model's utility over large and diverse areas, with comparison to existing classification and mapping conventions.LocationNew South Wales, Australia.MethodsWe demonstrate a statistical model that uses both multivariate species data and environmental covariate data to simultaneously classify observations into groups and predict those groups out into environmental and geographical space. We used two large data sets to demonstrate the method: an ~810,000 km2 area with 4,715 sites and 488 species and a ~220,000 km2 area with 5,183 sites and 446 species. A range of topographic, terrain, climate and soil predictors were used as environmental variables, including future projected climate variables. Models can be fit with the R package “RCPmod.”ResultsThe method results in probabilistic memberships to vegetation assemblages, for both the classification and map. There was general agreement between our approach and existing vegetation classification conventions, but we explore some notable differences. We were able to examine the environmental gradients that define the predicted vegetation distributions, as well as make predictions about how the distribution of species assemblages might shift as a result of climate change.Main conclusionsOur approach tightens the link between description of biodiversity patterns and their depiction in space, by considering both biotic and spatially explicit abiotic information simultaneously. The method allows uncertainty to be quantified objectively across a consistent set of groups for both vegetation classification and mapping, which is rarely the case in traditional multi‐stage approaches. A simultaneous modelling approach increases capacity to make predictions into varying spatial, temporal and environmental dimensions, providing new ecological insights and increasing capacity for evidence‐based decision making.
A Contribution to the Morphology and Phylogeny of Chlamydodon, with Three New Species from China (Ciliophora, Cyrtophoria)
Authors: Qu Zhishuai , Pan Hongbo , Lin Xiaofeng , Li Lifang , Aleidan Abdullah Mohammad A. , Al‐Farraj Saleh A. , Stoeck Thorsten , Hu Xiaozhong 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThree new cyrtophorian ciliates isolated from coastal areas of China were described based on morphological and genetic data. The Chlamydodon mnemosyne‐like species Chlamydodon similis sp. n. differs from its congeners mainly by its number of somatic kineties. Chlamydodon oligochaetus sp. n. is distinguished from its congeners mainly by having fewer somatic kineties, and/or an elongated body shape. Chlamydodon crassidens sp. n. is characterized mainly by an inverted triangular body shape, a posteriorly interrupted cross‐striated band (5–6 μm wide), and a large cytostome. Moreover, we provided small‐subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences of C. similis sp. n. and C. oligochaetus sp. n. Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) consistently placed C. similis sp. n. as a sister to C. paramnemosyne, but showed different branching position of C. oligochaetus sp. n., which may be due to a low taxon sampling in the Chlamydodontidae and/or an insufficient resolution of the marker gene at species level.
Effect of a multinutrient intervention after ischemic stroke in female C57Bl/6 mice
Authors: Wiesmann Maximilian , Timmer Nienke M. , Zinnhardt Bastian , Reinhard Dirk , Eligehausen Sarah , Königs Anja , Ben Jeddi Hasnae , Dederen Pieter J. , Jacobs Andreas H. , Kiliaan Amanda J. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractStroke can affect females very differently from males, and therefore preclinical research on underlying mechanisms and the effects of interventions should not be restricted to male subjects, and treatment strategies for stroke should be tailored to benefit both sexes. Previously, we demonstrated that a multinutrient intervention (Fortasyn) improved impairments after ischemic stroke induction in male C57Bl/6 mice, but the therapeutic potential of this dietary treatment remained to be investigated in females. We now induced a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo) in C57Bl/6 female mice and immediately after surgery switched to either Fortasyn or an isocaloric Control diet. The stroke females performed several behavioral and motor tasks before and after tMCAo and were scanned in an 11.7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner to assess brain perfusion, integrity, and functional connectivity. To assess brain plasticity, inflammation, and vascular integrity, immunohistochemistry was performed after killing of the mice. We found that the multinutrient intervention had diverse effects on the stroke‐induced impairments in females. Similar to previous observations in male stroke mice, brain integrity, sensorimotor integration and neurogenesis benefitted from Fortasyn, but impairments in activity and motor skills were not improved in female stroke mice. Overall, Fortasyn effects in the female stroke mice seem more modest in comparison to previously investigated male stroke mice. We suggest that with further optimization of treatment protocols more information on the efficacy of specific interventions in stroked females can be gathered. This in turn will help with the development of (gender‐specific) treatment regimens for cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke.
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This article is part of the Special Issue “Vascular Dementia”.
Interindividual differences in the intraindividual association of competence and well‐being: Combining experimental and intensive longitudinal designs
Authors: Neubauer Andreas B. , Lerche Veronika , Voss Andreas 
Published: September 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study is to assess whether people differ in the degree to which their well‐being is affected by fulfillment of the need for competence. Specifically, we want to examine (a) whether interindividual differences in the within‐person coupling of competence satisfaction and well‐being (competence satisfaction effect) and of competence dissatisfaction and well‐being (competence dissatisfaction effect) exist, and (b) whether these differences moderate the effects of an experimentally induced frustration of the need for competence.MethodA daily diary study (N = 89) and a laboratory based experiment (N = 150) were conducted to investigate interindividual differences in need effects. In a third study, participants of an additional daily diary study (N = 129) were subsequently subjected to an experimental frustration of the need for competence.ResultsIncluding interindividual differences in the within‐person coupling of need fulfillment and well‐being improved model fit significantly, indicating that there were statistically meaningful interindividual differences in need effects. The interaction of competence satisfaction effect and competence dissatisfaction effect moderated the effect of an experimental competence frustration on negative affect.ConclusionResults show that interindividual differences in the association of competence fulfillment and well‐being are a matter of degree, but not quality. They also support the claim that need satisfaction and dissatisfaction are more than psychometric opposites.
Opportunistic Invasive Cutaneous Fungal Infections Associated with Administration of Cyclosporine to Dogs with Immune‐mediated Disease
Authors: McAtee B.B. , Cummings K.J. , Cook A.K. , Lidbury J.A. , Heseltine J.C. , Willard M.D. 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundOpportunistic invasive fungal infections (OIFIs) occur in dogs administered immunosuppressive medications. However, the epidemiology ofOIFIs among dogs undergoing immunosuppressive treatment is poorly understood. The aims of this study were to (1) estimate the incidence ofOIFIs among dogs diagnosed with certain immune‐mediated diseases and treated with immunosuppressive drugs, and (2) determine if administration of particular drug(s) was a risk factor forOIFIs.HypothesisDogs receiving cyclosporine treatment (alone or as part of a multidrug protocol) are at higher risk of developingOIFIs.AnimalsOne hundred and thirteen client‐owned dogs diagnosed with select immune‐mediated diseases: 42 withIMHA, 29 withITP, 34 withIMPA, and 8 with Evans syndrome.MethodsRetrospective cohort study. Medical records of dogs presenting to the Texas A&M University, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between January 2008 and December 2015, and treated for 1 or more ofIMHA,IMPA,ITP, or Evans syndrome were retrospectively reviewed. Dogs that did not develop anOIFIwere excluded if they died, were euthanized, or were lost to follow‐up within 120 days of initiation of immunosuppressive treatment.ResultsFifteen dogs of 113 (13%) were diagnosed with anOIFIbased on 1 or more of cytology, culture, or histopathology. The odds of developing anOIFIwere greater among dogs that were treated with cyclosporine (OR= 7.1,P= 0.017; 95%CI, 1.5–34.4) and among male dogs (OR= 5.1,P= 0.018; 95%CI, 1.4–17.9).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceOIFIs were significantly more likely in male dogs and those receiving cyclosporine. It is important to considerOIFIs as a potential complication of immunosuppressive treatment, particularly cyclosporine.
SERPINA1 and MAN1B1 polymorphisms are not linked to severe liver disease in a French cohort of alpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency children
Authors: Joly Philippe , Lachaux Alain , Ruiz Mathias , Restier Lioara , Belmalih Abdelhouaed , Chapuis‐Cellier Colette , Francina Alain , Renoux Céline , Bouchecareilh Marion 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsFifteen to twenty percent of alpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency patients (A1ATD) have a severe liver outcome (portal hypertension ‐ PHT) during childhood. Since they all share the same ZZSERPINA1 genotype and that environmental factors such as alcohol cannot be advanced, the presence of modifier genes is now well recognized. SNPs located on the SERPINA1 and MAN1B1 genes have already been tested in very few studies with contradictory or not replicated results.MethodsOur genotype–phenotype correlation study, performed on 92 ZZ children, aimed at determining once and for all if SERPINA1 and MAN1B1 polymorphisms may be implied in the onset of PHT. To do so, we also performed for the first time a complete haplotype reconstruction for data analysis.ResultsThe two genetic associations with severe liver disease that had been suspected previously (one SNP for SERPINA1 and another for MAN1B1) were not confirmed in our cohort. Moreover, the haplotype analysis identified only one major genetic background for the SERPINA1 Z‐allele, allowing us to exclude the presence of a frequent modifier SNP within. For MAN1B1, four major haplotypes were identified but the prevalence of PHT did not significantly differ between them.ConclusionWe conclude that genetic polymorphisms in these two genes probably do not influence the onset of severe liver disease in A1ATD.
Absolute Time: The Limit of Kant's Idealism
Authors: Stan Marius 
Published: September 2017

AbstractI examine here if Kant can explain our knowledge of duration by showing that time has metric structure. To do so, I spell out two possible solutions: time's metric could be intrinsic or extrinsic. I argue that Kant's resources are too weak to secure any intrinsic, transcendentally‐based temporal metrics; but he can supply an extrinsic metric, based in ametaphysicalfact about matter. I conclude that Transcendental Idealism is incomplete: it cannot account for the durative aspects of experience—or it can do so only with help from a non‐trivial metaphysics of material substance.
Extracellular vesicles from oral squamous carcinoma cells display pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic properties
Authors: de Andrade ALDL , de Oliveira CE , Dourado MR , Macedo CCS , Winck FV , Paes Leme AF , Salo T , Coletta RD , de Almeida Freitas R , Galvão HC 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundA new intercellular communication mode established by neoplastic cells and tumor microenvironment components is based on extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, the biological effects of the EVs released by tumor cells on angiogenesis are not completely understood. Here, we aimed to understand the biological effects of EVs isolated from two cell lines of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) (SCC15 and HSC3) on endothelial cell tubulogenesis.MethodsOSCC‐derived EVs were isolated with a polymer‐based precipitation method, quantified using nanoparticle tracking analysis and verified for EV markers by dot blot. Functional assays were performed to assess the angiogenic potential of the OSCC‐derived EVs.ResultsThe results showed that EVs derived from both cell lines displayed typical spherical‐shaped morphology and expressed the EV markers CD63 and Annexin II. Although the average particle concentration and size were quite similar, SCC15‐derived EVs promoted a pronounced tubular formation associated with significant migration and apoptosis rates of the endothelial cells, whereas EVs derived from HSC3 cells inhibited significantly endothelial cell tubulogenesis and proliferation.ConclusionThe findings of this study reveal that EVs derived from different OSCC cell lines by a polymer‐based precipitation method promote pro‐ or anti‐angiogenic effects.
TLR‐Induced SMPD3 Defects Enhance Inflammatory Response of B Cell and Macrophage in the Pathogenesis of SLE
Authors: Liu F. , Li X. , Yue H. , Ji J. , You M. , Ding L. , Fan H. , Hou Y. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractB lymphocyte and macrophages may contribute to SLE pathogenesis through cytokine production after TLR stimulation. Emerging evidences suggested that defects of sphingolipid metabolism were responsible for SLE pathogenesis. However, it is not clear whether these defects exist in B cells and macrophages under SLE condition and whether TLR signalling pathway was related to the dysfunction of sphingolipid metabolism in SLE. Here, we demonstrated that the enzymes involved in the sphingolipid metabolism expressed abnormally in B cells from SLE patients and lupus‐prone mice. Moreover, we found that TLR signalling induced the abnormal expression of sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 3 (SMPD3), sphingosine‐1‐phosphate phosphatase 2 (SGPP2), ceramide kinase (CERK) and UDP glycosyltransferase 8 (UGT8), which were involved in sphingolipid metabolism. TLR signalling also induced the transportation of SMPD3 from Golgi apparatus. Furthermore, the dysfunction of SMPD3 enhanced TLR‐induced inflammatory response of B cells and macrophages in turn. Thus, these findings provide an innovative direction and a new target for research and treatment of SLE.
Increased Expression of Programmed Cell Death‐1 in Regulatory T Cells of Patients with Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock: An Observational Clinical Study
Authors: Liu Q. , An L. , Qi Z. , Zhao Y. , Li C. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWhile regulatory T cells (Tregs) constitutively express programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1), the role of PD‐1 expression in Tregs of patients with sepsis remains unclear. Thus, we determined PD‐1 expression in Tregs from the peripheral blood of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Seventy‐eight patients with severe sepsis and 40 with septic shock, as well as 21 healthy subjects, were enrolled in this study. The percentage of peripheral blood PD‐1+ Tregs, as well as absolute Treg counts, were compared between these three groups. PD‐1 expression in Tregs and absolute Treg counts were also compared between survivors and non‐survivors in patients with sepsis. PD‐1 expression in Tregs increased in patients with sepsis compared to healthy controls. Conversely, absolute Treg counts were significantly decreased in patients with sepsis compared to healthy controls; patients with septic shock had the lowest absolute Treg counts. Among patients with sepsis, survivors had lower levels of PD‐1 expression in Tregs, as well as higher absolute Treg counts, than non‐survivors. Additionally, the percentage of PD‐1+ Tregs correlated positively with lactate levels as well as the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores in patients with sepsis. PD‐1 was upregulated in Tregs of patients with sepsis and may indicate a state of immune dysfunction. Overexpression of PD‐1 in Tregs was associated with more severe sepsis as well as poor outcomes.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Overexpressing Interleukin‐35 Propagate Immunosuppressive Effects in Mice
Authors: Guo H. , Zhao N. , Gao H. , He X. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractTo explore generation of interleukin (IL)‐35‐expressing mouse adipocyte‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (Ad‐MSCs) using lentiviral vector and their potential immunosuppressive effects in mice. Ad‐MSCs were isolated and cultured in vitro and transfected with a lentivirus vector for overexpression of the therapeutic murine IL‐35 gene. IL‐35 expression in transfected MSCs (IL‐35‐MSCs) was quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The lymphocytes subsets after one‐way mixed lymphocyte culture and in vivo intravenous transplantation were analysed by flow cytometry to evaluate the immunosuppressive effects of IL‐35‐MSCs. ELISA was performed to examine IL‐10, IL‐17A and IL‐35 expression in lymphocyte culture. Mouse Ad‐MSCs were isolated and cultured. IL‐35 was expressed in the MSC supernatant and serum after IL‐35 transduction into Ad‐MSCs by lentiviral vector transfection in vitro and in vivo. The percentage of CD4+ CD25+ T regulatory (Treg) cells in mice treated with IL‐35‐MSCs significantly increased. IL‐35‐MSCs upregulated the CD4+ CD25+ Treg cells in the allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction system, and lowered the percentage of CD4+ T cells compared with the other two control groups (P < 0.01). IL‐17A expression significantly decreased and IL‐10 expression significantly increased in IL‐35‐MSCs and MSCs when compared by ELISA to the control groups (P < 0.01). IL‐35‐transduced Ad‐MSCs in vivo can enhance proliferation of CD4+ CD25+ Treg cells and suppress the function of effector T cells such as T helper (Th) 1, Th2 and Th17 cells and may reduce the development of allograft rejection. Our data suggest that transduced Ad‐MSCs overexpressing IL‐35 may provide a useful approach for basic research on cell‐based immunotolerance therapy for inducing transplantation tolerance.
Pre‐clinical evaluation of N‐acetylcysteine reveals side effects in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Pinniger Gavin J. , Terrill Jessica R. , Assan Evanna B. , Grounds Miranda D. , Arthur Peter G. 
Published: September 2017

Key points
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal muscle wasting disease associated with increased inflammation and oxidative stress.
The antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) has been proposed as a therapeutic intervention for DMD boys, but potential adverse effects of NAC have not been widely investigated.
We used young (6 weeks old) growing mdx mice to investigate the capacity of NAC supplementation (2% in drinking water for 6 weeks) to improve dystrophic muscle function and to explore broader systemic effects of NAC treatment.
NAC treatment improved normalised measures of muscle function, and decreased inflammation and oxidative stress, but significantly reduced body weight gain, muscle weight and liver weight.
Unexpected significant adverse effects of NAC on body and muscle weights indicate that interpretation of muscle function based on normalised force measures should be made with caution and careful consideration is needed when proposing the use of NAC as a therapeutic treatment for young DMD boys.
AbstractDuchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal X‐linked muscle wasting disease characterised by severe muscle weakness, necrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress. The antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) has been proposed as a potential therapeutic intervention for DMD boys. We investigated the capacity of NAC to improve dystrophic muscle function in the mdx mouse model of DMD. Young (6 weeks old) mdx and non‐dystrophic C57 mice receiving 2% NAC in drinking water for 6 weeks were compared with untreated mice. Grip strength and body weight were measured weekly, before the 12 week old mice were anaesthetised and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were excised for functional analysis and tissues were sampled for biochemical analyses. Compared to untreated mice, the mean (SD) normalised grip strength was significantly greater in NAC‐treated mdx [3.13 (0.58) vs 4.87 (0.78) g body weight (bw)−1; P < 0.001] and C57 mice [3.90 (0.32) vs 5.32 (0.60) g bw−1; P < 0.001]. Maximum specific force was significantly greater in NAC‐treated mdx muscles [9.80 (2.27) vs 13.07 (3.37) N cm−2; P = 0.038]. Increased force in mdx mice was associated with reduced thiol oxidation and inflammation in fast muscles, and increased citrate synthase activity in slow muscle. Importantly, NAC significantly impaired body weight gain in both strains of young growing mice, and reduced liver weight in C57 mice and muscle weight in mdx mice. These potentially adverse effects of NAC emphasise the need for caution when interpreting improvements in muscle function based on normalised force measures, and that careful consideration be given to these effects when proposing NAC as a potential treatment for young DMD boys.
Chitinase Expression in Listeria monocytogenes Is Influenced by
lmo0327
, Which Encodes an Internalin-Like Protein
Authors: Paspaliari Dafni Katerina , Kastbjerg Vicky Gaedt , Ingmer Hanne , Popowska Magdalena , Larsen Marianne Halberg 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

The chitinolytic system of
Listeria monocytogenes
thus far comprises two chitinases, ChiA and ChiB, and a lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase, Lmo2467. The role of the system in the bacterium appears to be pleiotropic, as besides mediating the hydrolysis of chitin, the second most ubiquitous carbohydrate in nature, the chitinases have been deemed important for the colonization of unicellular molds, as well as mammalian hosts. To identify additional components of the chitinolytic system, we screened a transposon mutant library for mutants exhibiting impaired chitin hydrolysis. The screening yielded a mutant with a transposon insertion in a locus corresponding to
lmo0327
of the EGD-e strain.
lmo0327
encodes a large (1,349 amino acids [aa]) cell wall-associated protein that has been proposed to possess murein hydrolase activity. The single inactivation of
lmo0327
, as well as of
lmo0325
that codes for a putative transcriptional regulator functionally related to
lmo0327
, led to an almost complete abolishment of chitinolytic activity. The effect could be traced at the transcriptional level, as both
chiA
and
chiB
transcripts were dramatically decreased in the
lmo0327
mutant. In accordance with that, we could barely detect ChiA and ChiB in the culture supernatants of the mutant strain. Our results provide new information regarding the function of the
lmo0325-lmo0327
locus in
L. monocytogenes
and link it to the expression of chitinolytic activity.

IMPORTANCE
Many bacteria from terrestrial and marine environments express chitinase activities enabling them to utilize chitin as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen. Interestingly, several bacterial chitinases may also be involved in host pathogenesis. For example, in the important foodborne pathogen
Listeria monocytogenes
, the chitinases ChiA and ChiB and the lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase Lmo2467 are implicated in chitin assimilation but also act as virulence factors during the infection of mammalian hosts. Therefore, it is important to identify their regulators and induction cues to understand how the different roles of the chitinolytic system are controlled and mediated. Here, we provide evidence for the importance of
lmo0327
and
lmo0325
, encoding a putative internalin/autolysin and a putative transcriptional activator, respectively, in the efficient expression of chitinase activity in
L. monocytogenes
and thereby provide new information regarding the function of the
lmo0325-lmo0327
locus.