bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide association study of a nicotine metabolism biomarker in African American smokers: impact of chromosome 19 genetic influences
Authors: Chenoweth Meghan J. , Ware Jennifer J. , Zhu Andy Z. X. , Cole Christopher B. , Cox Lisa Sanderson , Nollen Nikki , Ahluwalia Jasjit S. , Benowitz Neal L. , Schnoll Robert A. , Hawk Larry W. , Cinciripini Paul M. , George Tony P. , Lerman Caryn , Knight Joanne , Tyndale Rachel F. ,   on behalf of the PGRN‐PNAT Research Group
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackground and aimsThe activity of CYP2A6, the major nicotine‐inactivating enzyme, is measurable in smokers using the nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR; 3′hydroxycotinine/cotinine). Due to its role in nicotine clearance, the NMR is associated with smoking behaviours and response to pharmacotherapies. The NMR is highly heritable (~80%), and on average lower in African Americans (AA) versus whites. We previously identified several reduce and loss‐of‐function CYP2A6 variants common in individuals of African descent. Our current aim was to identify novel genetic influences on the NMR in AA smokers using genome‐wide approaches.DesignGenome‐wide association study (GWAS).SettingMultiple sites within Canada and the United States.ParticipantsAA smokers from two clinical trials: Pharmacogenetics of Nicotine Addiction Treatment (PNAT)‐2 (NCT01314001; n = 504) and Kick‐it‐at‐Swope (KIS)‐3 (NCT00666978; n = 450).MeasurementsGenome‐wide SNP genotyping, the NMR (phenotype) and population substructure and NMR covariates.FindingsMeta‐analysis revealed three independent chromosome 19 signals (rs12459249, rs111645190 and rs185430475) associated with the NMR. The top overall hit, rs12459249 (P = 1.47e‐39; beta = 0.59 per C (versus T) allele, SE = 0.045), located ~9.5 kb 3′ of CYP2A6, remained genome‐wide significant after controlling for the common (~10% in AA) non‐functional CYP2A6*17 allele. In contrast, rs111645190 and rs185430475 were not genome‐wide significant when controlling for CYP2A6*17. In total, 96 signals associated with the NMR were identified; many were not found in prior NMR GWASs in individuals of European descent. The top hits were also associated with the NMR in a third cohort of AA (KIS2; n = 480). None of the hits were in UGT or OCT2 genes.ConclusionsThree independent chromosome 19 signals account for ~20% of the variability in the nicotine metabolite ratio in African American smokers. The hits identified may contribute to inter‐ethnic variability in nicotine metabolism, smoking behaviours and tobacco‐related disease risk.
Non‐drainage versus drainage in tourniquet‐free knee arthroplasty: a prospective trial
Authors: Zhou Kai , Wang Haoyang , Li Jinglong , Wang Duan , Zhou Zongke , Pei Fuxing 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundIt is still unknown whether drainage is necessary and non‐drainage is safe and acceptable after tourniquet‐free total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We aim to investigate whether non‐drainage use is accepted in TKA that is performed without a tourniquet.MethodsClinical data of 80 adult patients who did or did not receive drainage in our centres from August 2015 to December 2015 were prospective investigated.ResultsThe drainage group exhibited reduced hidden blood loss (47.6 ± 43.6 mL versus 151.1 ± 97.1 mL, P < 0.001), less calf swelling (d1: 3.2% versus 5.2%, P = 0.02) and milder knee active pain (d3: 4.9 ± 1.9 versus 5.9 ± 1.2, P = 0.01; d5: 3.2 ± 1.6 versus 4.2 ± 1.5, P = 0.003) than the non‐drainage group. However, the non‐drainage group had higher haemoglobin level (d1: 112.1 ± 10.6 g/dL versus 106.1 ± 12.4 g/dL, P = 0.026; d3: 99.5 ± 9.6 g/dL versus 92.7 ± 13.1 g/dL, P = 0.011) and less haematopoietic medication usage (42.1% versus 66.6%, P = 0.03) in the initial postoperative period following TKA. Earlier postoperative time to ambulation (22.4 ± 12.3 h versus 30.1 ± 14.6 h, P = 0.01) and shorter length of stay (5.5 ± 1.2 days versus 6.3 ± 1.7 days, P = 0.02) were found in the non‐drainage group.ConclusionIt is practicable to abandon wound drainage in uncomplicated, primary, tourniquet‐free TKA.
Extremely prematurely born adolescents self‐report of anxiety symptoms, and the mothers' reports on their offspring
Authors: Sømhovd M J , Esbjørn B H , Hansen B M , Greisen G 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimTo compare anxiety symptoms in adolescents born extremely prematurely to term‐born controls.MethodsWe had 96 preterm‐born adolescents and 40 term‐born controls from Denmark, and their mothers score the adolescents on the Revised Children Anxiety and Depression scale. We analysed group differences, cross‐informant correlations and relative risks for elevated anxiety symptoms.ResultsSelf‐reported anxiety symptoms did not significantly differ, although the upper confidence limit (95% CI: −3.3 to 5.1) supported an odds ratio of 2 for the preterm‐born participants. Mothers of the preterm‐born participants reported higher social anxiety symptoms than did mothers of controls (51.7 versus 46.8, p = 0.001). The relative risk for being above a threshold indicating distressing anxiety was small from self‐reports (1.39; p = 0.60). From mother‐reports, the relative risk was noticeable but not significant (4.58; p = 0.14). Cross‐informant scores correlated significant for total anxiety and social anxiety for the preterm‐born (rτ = 0.2, p = 0.001; rτ = 0.3, p ≤ 0.001).ConclusionsSelf‐reports did not clearly indicate more anxiety in the preterm group, although confidence intervals supported a possible twofold increase. Mother‐ and self‐reports correlated only for the preterm group, which may indicate increased sensitivity for their children's symptoms.
Moral bioenhancement and agential risks: Good and bad outcomes
Authors: Torres Phil 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn Unfit for the Future, Ingmar Persson and Julian Savulescu argue that our collective existetial predicment is unprecedentedly dangerous due to climate change and terrorism. Given these global risks to human prosperity and survival, Persson and Savulescu argue that we should explore the radical possibility of moral bioenhancement in addition to cognitive enhancement. In this article, I argue that moral bioenhancements could nontrivially exacerbate the threat posed by certain kinds of malicious agents, while reducing the threat of other kinds. This introduces a previously undiscussed complication to Persson and Savulescu's proposal. In the final section, I present a novel argument for why moral bioenhancement should either be compulsory or not be made available to the public at all.
miR‐203 inhibits cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of non‐small‐cell lung cancer by downregulating RGS17
Authors: Chi Yongbin , Jin Qinqin , Liu Xinghui , Xu Limin , He Xiaoxue , Shen Yan , Zhou Qiang , Zhang Jue , Jin Mingming 
Published: September 2017

Involvement of the RGS17 oncogene in the promotion of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been reported, but the regulation mechanism in NSCLC remains unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) negatively regulate gene expression, and their dysregulation has been implicated in tumorigenesis. To understand the role of miRNAs in Regulator of G Protein Signaling 17 (RGS17)‐induced NSCLC, we showed that miR‐203 was downregulated during tumorigenesis, and inhibited the proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells. We then determined whether miR‐203 regulated NSCLC by targeting RGS17. To characterize the regulatory effect of miR‐203 on RGS17, we used lung cancer cell lines, A549 and Calu‐1, and the constructed miR‐203 and RGS17 overexpression vectors. The CCK8 kit was used to determine cell proliferation, and the Transwell® assay was used to measure cell invasion and migration. RT‐PCR, western blots, and immunofluorescence were used to analyze expression of miR‐203 and RGS17, and the luciferase reporter assay was used to examine the interaction between miR‐203 and RGS17. Nude mice were used to characterize in vivo tumor growth regulation. Expression of miR‐203 inhibited proliferation, invasion, and migration of lung cancer cell lines A549 and Calu‐1 by targeting RGS17. The regulatory effect of miR‐203 was inhibited after overexpression of RGS17. The luciferase reporter assay showed that miR‐203 downregulated RGS17 by direct integration into the 3′‐UTR of RGS17 mRNA. In vivo studies showed that expression of miR‐203 significantly inhibited growth of tumors. Taken together, the results suggested that expression of miR‐203 inhibited tumor growth and metastasis by targeting RGS17.
Rapoport's rule and determinants of species range size in snakes
Authors: Böhm Monika , Kemp Rachael , Williams Rhiannon , Davidson Ana D. , Garcia Andrés , McMillan Kirsten M. , Bramhall Huw R. , Collen Ben 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimUnderstanding determinants of species' range size is paramount to explaining global ecological patterns and estimating extinction risk of species. Here, we examined whether a sample of 536 snake species exhibits a latitudinal gradient of range size in support of Rapoport's rule, and determined predictors of range size from a set of environmental and biological factors.LocationGlobal.MethodsBased on a priori hypotheses about the effects of latitude, environmental and biological factors on species' range, we calculated mid‐latitudes of species ranges, and collected data on environmental factors (altitude, temperature, precipitation, size and number of ecoregions occupied) and biological traits (body size, fecundity, habitat breadth and species age) to construct multivariate models of snake range size. We used a recently published dated consensus phylogeny to determine minimum adequate models of range size using phylogenetic generalized least squares models and establish correlations between range size and time since species' description.ResultsRange size increased significantly with latitude, consistent with Rapoport's rule, especially across mid‐ and high latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. Habitat breadth, body size and altitudinal range had a significant positive effect on range size, with minor negative effects on range size from mean altitude and reproductive output. Biological variables explained more variation in range size than environmental variables. Species' range size had a significant effect on species' description, with larger‐ranged species having been described earlier.Main conclusionsPrediction of range size in lesser‐known species such as snakes relies on a suite of factors. Species with restricted habitat breadth, small body size and at high altitudes generally have smaller ranges, and are thus likely to have higher extinction risk. [Correction added on 10 October 2017, after first online publication: The preceding sentence has been rephrased for clarity.] Our work illustrates that it is these species we are likely to under‐report in extinction risk assessments.
Potential and realized connectivity of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica and their implication for conservation
Authors: Jahnke Marlene , Casagrandi Renato , Melià Paco , Schiavina Marcello , Schultz Stewart T. , Zane Lorenzo , Procaccini Gabriele 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimConnectivity assessments are crucial to large‐scale conservation planning, in particular for establishing and monitoring connected networks of marine protected areas (MPAs). Using biophysical modelling and genetic analyses, we assessed potential and realized connectivity among MPA populations of a benthic foundation species, the Mediterranean endemic seagrass Posidonia oceanica.LocationAdriatic and Ionian seas (central Mediterranean).MethodsWe assessed potential and realized connectivity among eight P. oceanica meadows, mostly located in MPAs. Potential connectivity was assessed over a time horizon of 10 years via an individual‐based biophysical model whose physical component relies on fine‐scale spatio‐temporal ocean circulation fields. Genetic assessments of realized connectivity were carried out by means of a set of 14 neutral microsatellite loci, as well as a larger dataset of 19 loci including outlier loci that did not conform to expectations under neutrality.ResultsOur findings point out a relatively high potential connectivity through long‐range dispersal of floating fruits. Genetic connectivity analyses show a complex scenario with an apparent lower realized connectivity. The P. oceanica meadow within Torre Guaceto MPA (TOG), a well‐enforced MPA within our study area, showed one of the highest levels of genotypic richness, indicative of high levels of sexual reproduction and/or recruitment of foreign genotypes. Both biophysical modelling and population genetics indicate that TOG is important to ensure the viability of the species at the local scale, and does likely play a key role as a source of propagules for the whole Adriatic area.Main conclusionsOur results show that realized dispersal does not necessarily match with the potential for dispersal. Still, both genetic and physical connectivity analyses show good agreement in identifying hotspots of connectivity. Such information can guide management of networks of MPAs and advance conservation of marine biodiversity.
Long‐range cortical dynamics: a perspective from the mouse sensorimotor whisker system
Authors: Ni Jianguang , Chen Jerry L. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn the mammalian neocortex, the capacity to dynamically route and coordinate the exchange of information between areas is a critical feature of cognitive function, enabling processes such as higher‐level sensory processing and sensorimotor integration. Despite the importance attributed to long‐range connections between cortical areas, their exact operations and role in cortical function remain an open question. In recent years, progress has been made in understanding long‐range cortical circuits through work focused on the mouse sensorimotor whisker system. In this review, we examine recent studies dissecting long‐range circuits involved in whisker sensorimotor processing as an entry point for understanding the rules that govern long‐range cortical circuit function.
Selective remodeling of glutamatergic transmission to striatal cholinergic interneurons after dopamine depletion
Authors: Aceves Buendia Jose de Jesus , Tiroshi Lior , Chiu Wei‐Hua , Goldberg Joshua A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe widely held view that the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease arises from an under‐activation of the direct pathway striatal spiny neurons (dSPNs) has gained support from a recently described weakening of the glutamatergic projection from the parafascicular nucleus (PfN) to dSPNs in experimental parkinsonism. However, the impact of the remodeling of the thalamostriatal projection cannot be fully appreciated without considering its impact on cholinergic interneurons (ChIs) that themselves preferentially activate indirect pathway spiny neurons (iSPNs). To study this thalamostriatal projection, we virally transfected with Cre‐dependent channelrhodopsin‐2 (ChR2) the PfN of Vglut2‐Cre mice that were dopamine‐depleted with 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA). In parallel, we studied the corticostriatal projection to ChIs in 6‐OHDA‐treated transgenic mice expressing ChR2 under the Thy1 promoter. We found the 6‐OHDA lesions failed to affect short‐term synaptic plasticity or the size of unitary responses evoked optogenetically in either of these projections. However, we found that NMDA‐to‐AMPA ratios at PfN synapses—that were significantly larger than NMDA‐to‐AMPA ratios at cortical synapses—were reduced by 6‐OHDA treatment, thereby impairing synaptic integration at PfN synapses onto ChIs. Finally, we found that application of an agonist of the D5 dopamine receptors on ChIs potentiated NMDA currents without affecting AMPA currents or short‐term plasticity selectively at PfN synapses. We propose that dopamine depletion leads to an effective de‐potentiation of NMDA currents at PfN synapses onto ChIs which degrades synaptic integration. This selective remodeling of NMDA currents at PfN synapses may counter the selective weakening of PfN synapses onto dSPNs in parkinsonism.
Interaction of spatial and non‐spatial cues in auditory stream segregation in the European starling
Authors: Itatani Naoya , Klump Georg M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIntegrating sounds from the same source and segregating sounds from different sources in an acoustic scene are an essential function of the auditory system. Naturally, the auditory system simultaneously makes use of multiple cues. Here, we investigate the interaction between spatial cues and frequency cues in stream segregation of European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) using an objective measure of perception. Neural responses to streaming sounds were recorded, while the bird was performing a behavioural task that results in a higher sensitivity during a one‐stream than a two‐stream percept. Birds were trained to detect an onset time shift of a B tone in an ABA‐ triplet sequence in which A and B could differ in frequency and/or spatial location. If the frequency difference or spatial separation between the signal sources or both were increased, the behavioural time shift detection performance deteriorated. Spatial separation had a smaller effect on the performance compared to the frequency difference and both cues additively affected the performance. Neural responses in the primary auditory forebrain were affected by the frequency and spatial cues. However, frequency and spatial cue differences being sufficiently large to elicit behavioural effects did not reveal correlated neural response differences. The difference between the neuronal response pattern and behavioural response is discussed with relation to the task given to the bird. Perceptual effects of combining different cues in auditory scene analysis indicate that these cues are analysed independently and given different weights suggesting that the streaming percept arises consecutively to initial cue analysis.
Opportunistic attachment assembles plant–pollinator networks
Authors: Ponisio Lauren C. , Gaiarsa Marilia P. , Kremen Claire 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSpecies and interactions are being lost at alarming rates and it is imperative to understand how communities assemble if we have to prevent their collapse and restore lost interactions. Using an 8‐year dataset comprising nearly 20 000 pollinator visitation records, we explore the assembly of plant–pollinator communities at native plant restoration sites in an agricultural landscape. We find that species occupy highly dynamic network positions through time, causing the assembly process to be punctuated by major network reorganisations. The most persistent pollinator species are also the most variable in their network positions, contrary to what preferential attachment – the most widely studied theory of ecological network assembly – predicts. Instead, we suggest assembly occurs via an opportunistic attachment process. Our results contribute to our understanding of how communities assembly and how species interactions change through time while helping to inform efforts to reassemble robust communities.
Intangible assets and the book‐to‐market effect
Authors: Park Hyuna 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe book‐to‐market effect is well known but prior research does not analyze the impact of goodwill and related transformations in accounting rules that may bring significant changes to the effect. This paper analyzes the impact of SFAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, issued in 2001. I find that the book‐to‐market effect is weaker in the post‐SFAS 142 period, especially in firms that have goodwill, impairment loss, or risk. The book‐to‐market effect is stronger for subsamples of firms that do not have goodwill. These findings are robust to size groups, different factor models, and test methods.
Landscape context explains changes in the functional diversity of regenerating forests better than climate or species richness
Authors: Sams M. A. , Lai H. R. , Bonser S. P. , Vesk P. A. , Kooyman R. M. , Metcalfe D. J. , Morgan J. W. , Mayfield M. M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimA rich literature on forest succession provides general expectations for the steps forests go through while reassembling after disturbance, yet we still have a surprisingly poor understanding of why the outcomes of forest recovery after logging (or other disturbances) vary so extensively. In this paper, we test the hypothesis that regional species pool, system productivity, climate and landscape structure are important drivers of forest reassembly outcomes.LocationTransect 1,500 km in length along the east coast of Australia.Time periodSurvey of 50‐ to 60‐year‐old rain forest regrowth and primary forest conducted in 2012 and 2013.Major taxa studiedRain forest plants.MethodsIn this study, we compare species and functional diversity patterns in pairs of remnant and regrowth (‘secondary’) rain forests spread across a 1,500 km climate and productivity gradient along the east coast of Australia. Our controlled natural experiment was designed to test the importance of regional species pool, system productivity, climate and landscape structure as drivers of species and functional diversity in regenerating forests. Notably, our study design allowed us to hold soil type, general forest type and disturbance history relatively constant in order to test our hypotheses effectively.ResultsCounter to expectations, few tested factors were strongly related to the recovery of species or functional diversity in regenerating Australian rain forests. The extent of local forest fragmentation was the only factor strongly related to differences between regrowth forests and primary forest remnants, and then only for functional diversity. We found no evidence that species diversity is a reasonable proxy for, or potential driver of, functional diversity patterns.Main conclusionsOur findings suggest that forest functional recovery over decades is influenced more by regional landscape context than distinct assembly processes operating across climate and productivity gradients.
Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus fermentum alone or in combination regulate intestinal flora composition and systemic immunity to alleviate obesity syndrome in high‐fat diet rat
Authors: Li Xiuliang , Song Yong , Ma Xiuyan , Zhang Yanyan , Liu Xinyang , Cheng Li , Han Dequan , Shi Yue , Sun Quan , Yang Chunhai , Pan Bo , Sun Qingshen 
Published: September 2017

SummaryRelationship between intestinal flora and obesity has aroused great interest. The probiotic effects of Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) and Lactobacillus fermentum (LF) have been documented extensively. This study aimed to explore the effects of LP and LF alone or in combination on lipid‐lowering effects of the high‐fat diet rat via intestinal flora modulation and systemic immunity. The rats in high‐fat diet plus LP (LP 108 cfu day−1) showed significantly lower IL‐6 and endotoxin (ET) content, increased the number of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and decreased the liver steatosis and fat vehicle sizes. The Lactobacillus LP and LF in combination can regulate intestinal flora and systemic immune function in rats with high‐fat diet. It provides the foundation for the further development and application of multiple Lactobacillus strain in controlling obesity‐related syndrome.
BLOOD GROUPS AND DISEASE: PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS
Authors: KOOPTZOFF OLGA , WALSH R. J. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe A B O, M N S and Rh blood groups have been determined on 470 patients suffering from active pulmonary tuberculosis. The distribution is similar to that found in the random Australian population except that there are fewer group AB subjects amongst the patients. This finding is probably not significant.