bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using digital recordings and sonogram analysis to obtain counts of yellow rails
Authors: Drake Kiel L. , Frey Matthew , Hogan Danica , Hedley Richard 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTAutonomous recording units (ARUs) are emerging as a useful technology for the study and monitoring of animals that produce vocalizations. During summer and fall of 2013, we performed a series of experiments aimed at developing sampling protocols to count nocturnally active yellow rails (Coturnicops noveboracensis) from sound recordings. Field‐based portions of the work took place in the rural municipality of Foam Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada, in an open landscape where yellow rails can be found during the breeding season; lab‐based portions of the work occurred in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Our objectives were to 1) determine the frequency of yellow rail vocalizations to derive an empirically based sampling interval for counting individual birds; 2) assess the accuracy of yellow rail counts made from recordings; 3) determine the approximate sampling radius of the ARU for detecting yellow rails; and 4) determine the approximate audio volume (“loudness”) of yellow rail calls. We developed a sonogram‐based method for counting individual birds on recordings. Using field recordings of individual yellow rails, we generated recordings with known numbers of calling individuals (i.e., 1–12) and tested the accuracy of the sonogram‐based counts. Regardless of experience, observers were able to determine the number of rails calling with a high level of accuracy, especially when the chorus was composed of ≤6 individuals. From broadcast trials employing multiple ARUs, we found the effective detection radius of calling yellow rails to be between 150 m and 175 m. Although detection radius was influenced by broadcast intensity and ambient conditions, we view this range of distance as a reasonable estimate of the effective sampling radius for the ARUs that we used, which is useful for deriving values of density estimates. Finally, we measured loudness of yellow rail calling at approximately 95 dB; this value is useful to research efforts attempting to mimic actual yellow rails (e.g., call‐broadcast surveys, additional ARU experiments). A combination of the sonogram‐counting method and baseline information on detection radius of the ARU provides a tool that will generate high‐quality data on yellow rail occurrence, abundance, and density. Digital recorders represent a means to rapidly improve survey coverage of yellow rails throughout the species' range. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Comparison of Salvage Living Donor Liver Transplantation and Local Regional Therapy for Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yong Chee‐Chien , Tsai Ming‐Chao , Lin Chih‐Che , Wang Chih‐Chi , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Hung Chao‐Hung , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Chen Chao‐Long 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackground and aimsSalvage liver transplantation (LT) provides definite treatment for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after primary liver resection. However, salvage living donor LT (SLDLT) involves more surgical difficulty, compared to local regional therapy (LRT). The optimal treatment strategy remains unclear. This study aims to compare the survival between SLDLT and LRT for patients with recurrent HCC after primary hepatic resection in a single center.MethodsBetween 2001 and 2010, 211 patients with recurrent HCC after primary liver resection and a certain Milan criteria were enrolled. Among these patients, 41 and 170 patients received SLDLT and LRT, respectively. Clinical parameters were analyzed in terms of overall survival by multivariate analysis.ResultsThe 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year overall survival rates were 90.2, 80.4, and 80.4 % in the SLDLT group, and 91.6, 71.7, and 51.1 % in LRT group, respectively. A paradoxical phenomenon of survival was noticed—a poorer survival rate within the first year in the SLDLT group but a better one after that year. For patients who survived more than 1 year, the SLDLT led to significantly better survival outcomes than LRT (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, SLDLT and alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) level < 200 ng/ml at recurrence were associated with better survival.ConclusionsTo manage recurrent HCC, SLDLT with reasonable surgical mortality provided better long‐term survival. AFP is an independent risk factor for overall survival.
Effects of developmental alcohol and valproic acid exposure on play behavior of ferrets
Authors: Krahe Thomas E. , Filgueiras Claudio C. , Medina Alexandre E. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractExposure to alcohol and valproic acid (VPA) during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and fetal valproate syndrome, respectively. Altered social behavior is a hallmark of both these conditions and there is ample evidence showing that developmental exposure to alcohol and VPA affect social behavior in rodents. However, results from rodent models are somewhat difficult to translate to humans owing to the substantial differences in brain development, morphology, and connectivity. Since the cortex folding pattern is closely related to its specialization and that social behavior is strongly influenced by cortical structures, here we studied the effects of developmental alcohol and VPA exposure on the play behavior of the ferret, a gyrencephalic animal known for its playful nature. Animals were injected with alcohol (3.5 g/kg, i.p.), VPA (200 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline (i.p) every other day during the brain growth spurt period, between postnatal days 10 and 30. The play behavior of pairs of the same experimental group was evaluated 3 weeks later. Both treatments induced significant behavioral differences compared to controls. Alcohol and VPA exposed ferrets played less than saline treated ones, but while animals from the alcohol group displayed a delay in start playing with each other, VPA treated ones spent most of the time close to one another without playing. These findings not only extend previous results on the effects of developmental exposure to alcohol and VPA on social behavior, but make the ferret a great model to study the underlying mechanisms of social interaction.
Kant's Demonstration of Free Will, Or, How to Do Things with Concepts
Authors: YOST BENJAMIN S. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT:Kant famously insists that free will is a condition of morality. The difficulty of providing a demonstration of freedom has left him vulnerable to devastating attack: critics charge that Kant's post-Groundwork justification of morality amounts to a dogmatic assertion of morality's authority. My paper rebuts this objection, showing that Kant offers a cogent demonstration of freedom. My central claim is that the demonstration must be understood in practical rather than theoretical terms. A practical demonstration of x works by bringing x into existence, and what the demonstration of freedom brings into existence is a moral will, a will regulated by the moral law and capable of acting in accordance with it. Since to act morally is to act freely, bringing a moral will into existence actualizes our capacity for freedom and demonstrates that we possess it. To confirm the viability of such a demonstration, Kant must establish that agents can regulate their wills by practical principles, and that practical judgments are efficacious of themselves (i.e., that non-Humean motivational internalism is true). Kant, I argue, is successful on both counts.
Velocity-dependent quantum phase slips in 1D atomic superfluids
Authors: Tanzi Luca , Scaffidi Abbate Simona , Cataldini Federica , Gori Lorenzo , Lucioni Eleonora , Inguscio Massimo , Modugno Giovanni , D’Errico Chiara 
Published: May 2016

AbstractQuantum phase slips are the primary excitations in one-dimensional superfluids and superconductors at low temperatures but their existence in ultracold quantum gases has not been demonstrated yet. We now study experimentally the nucleation rate of phase slips in one-dimensional superfluids realized with ultracold quantum gases, flowing along a periodic potential. We observe a crossover between a regime of temperature-dependent dissipation at small velocity and interaction and a second regime of velocity-dependent dissipation at larger velocity and interaction. This behavior is consistent with the predicted crossover from thermally-assisted quantum phase slips to purely quantum phase slips.
Disruption of Notch signaling aggravates irradiation-induced bone marrow injury, which is ameliorated by a soluble Dll1 ligand through Csf2rb2 upregulation
Authors: Chen Juan-Juan , Gao Xiao-Tong , Yang Lan , Fu Wei , Liang Liang , Li Jun-Chang , Hu Bin , Sun Zhi-Jian , Huang Si-Yong , Zhang Yi-Zhe , Liang Ying-Min , Qin Hong-Yan , Han Hua 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPhysical and chemical insult-induced bone marrow (BM) damage often leads to lethality resulting from the depletion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and/or a deteriorated BM stroma. Notch signaling plays an important role in hematopoiesis, but whether it is involved in BM damage remains unclear. In this study, we found that conditional disruption of RBP-J, the transcription factor of canonical Notch signaling, increased irradiation sensitivity in mice. Activation of Notch signaling with the endothelial cell (EC)-targeted soluble Dll1 Notch ligand mD1R promoted BM recovery after irradiation. mD1R treatment resulted in a significant increase in myeloid progenitors and monocytes in the BM, spleen and peripheral blood after irradiation. mD1R also enhanced hematopoiesis in mice treated with cyclophosphamide, a chemotherapeutic drug that induces BM suppression. Mechanistically, mD1R increased the proliferation and reduced the apoptosis of myeloid cells in the BM after irradiation. The β chain cytokine receptor Csf2rb2 was identified as a downstream molecule of Notch signaling in hematopoietic cells. mD1R improved hematopoietic recovery through up-regulation of the hematopoietic expression of Csf2rb2. Our findings reveal the role of Notch signaling in irradiation- and drug-induced BM suppression and establish a new potential therapy of BM- and myelo-suppression induced by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
VEGF-B inhibits hyperglycemia- and Macugen-induced retinal apoptosis
Authors: Huang Delong , Zhao Chen , Ju Rong , Kumar Anil , Tian Geng , Huang Lijuan , Zheng Lei , Li Xianglin , Liu Lixian , Wang Shasha , Ren Xiangrong , Ye Zhimin , Chen Wei , Xing Liying , Chen Qishan , Gao Zhiqin , Mi Jia , Tang Zhongshu , Wang Bin , Zhang Shuping , Lee Chunsik , Li Xuri 
Published: May 2016

AbstractVascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B) was discovered a long time ago. However, its role in hyperglycemia- and VEGF-A inhibition-induced retinal apoptosis remains unknown thus far. Yet, drugs that can block VEGF-B are being used to treat patients with diabetic retinopathy and other ocular neovascular diseases. It is therefore urgent to have a better understanding of the function of VEGF-B in these pathologies. Here, we report that both streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats and Macugen intravitreal injection in mice leads to retinal apoptosis in retinal ganglion cell and outer nuclear layers respectively. Importantly, VEGF-B treatment by intravitreal injection markedly reduced retinal apoptosis in both models. We further reveal that VEGF-B and its receptors, vascular endothelial growth factor 1 (VEGFR1) and neuropilin 1 (NP1), are abundantly expressed in rat retinae and choroids and are upregulated by high glucose with concomitant activation of Akt and Erk. These data highlight an important function of VEGF-B in protecting retinal cells from apoptosis induced by hyperglycemia and VEGF-A inhibition. VEGF-B may therefore have a therapeutic potential in treating various retinal degenerative diseases, and modulation of VEGF-B activity in the eye needs careful consideration.
Rho kinase inhibitor enables cell-based therapy for corneal endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Okumura Naoki , Sakamoto Yuji , Fujii Keita , Kitano Junji , Nakano Shinichiro , Tsujimoto Yuki , Nakamura Shin-ichiro , Ueno Morio , Hagiya Michio , Hamuro Junji , Matsuyama Akifumi , Suzuki Shingo , Shiina Takashi , Kinoshita Shigeru , Koizumi Noriko 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe corneal endothelium maintains corneal transparency; consequently, its dysfunction causes severe vision loss. Tissue engineering-based therapy, as an alternative to conventional donor corneal transplantation, is anticipated to provide a less invasive and more effective therapeutic modality. We conducted a preclinical study for cell-based therapy in a primate model and demonstrated regeneration of the corneal endothelium following injection of cultured monkey corneal endothelial cells (MCECs) or human CECs (HCECs), in combination with a Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, Y-27632, into the anterior chamber. We also evaluated the safety and efficacy of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-grade HCECs, similar to those planned for use as transplant material for human patients in a clinical trial and we showed that the corneal endothelium was regenerated without adverse effect. We also showed that CEC engraftment is impaired by limited substrate adhesion, which is due to actomyosin contraction induced by dissociation-induced activation of ROCK/MLC signaling. Inclusion of a ROCK inhibitor improves efficiency of engraftment of CECs and enables cell-based therapy for treating corneal endothelial dysfunction as a clinically relevant therapy.
Identification and Characterization of Epstein-Barr Virus Genomes in Lung Carcinoma Biopsy Samples by Next-Generation Sequencing Technology
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Xiong Hongchao , Yan Shi , Wu Nan , Lu Zheming 
Published: May 2016

AbstractEpstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been detected in the tumor cells of several cancers, including some cases of lung carcinoma (LC). However, the genomic characteristics and diversity of EBV strains associated with LC are poorly understood. In this study, we sequenced the EBV genomes isolated from four primary LC tumor biopsy samples, designated LC1 to LC4. Comparative analysis demonstrated that LC strains were more closely related to GD1 strain. Compared to GD1 reference genome, a total of 520 variations in all, including 498 substitutions, 12 insertions and 10 deletions were found. Latent genes were found to harbor the most numbers of nonsynonymous mutations. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all LC strains were closely related to Asian EBV strains, whereas different from African/American strains. LC2 genome was distinct from the other three LC genomes, suggesting at least two parental lineages of EBV among the LC genomes may exist. All LC strains could be classified as China 1 and V-val subtype according to the amino acid sequence of LMP1 and EBNA1, respectively. In conclusion, our results showed the genomic diversity among EBV genomes isolated from LC, which might facilitate to uncover the previously unknown variations of pathogenic significance.
Topical Delivery of Protein and Peptide Using Novel Cell Penetrating Peptide IMT-P8
Authors: Gautam Ankur , Nanda Jagpreet Singh , Samuel Jesse S. , Kumari Manisha , Priyanka Priyanka , Bedi Gursimran , Nath Samir K. , Mittal Garima , Khatri Neeraj , Raghava Gajendra Pal Singh 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSkin, being the largest organ of the body, is an important site for drug administration. However, most of the drugs have poor permeability and thus drug delivery through the skin is very challenging. In this study, we examined the transdermal delivery capability of IMT-P8, a novel cell-penetrating peptide. We generated IMT-P8-GFP and IMT-P8-KLA fusion constructs and evaluated their internalization into mouse skin after topical application. Our results demonstrate that IMT-P8 is capable of transporting green fluorescent protein (GFP) and proapoptotic peptide, KLA into the skin and also in different cell lines. Interestingly, uptake of IMT-P8-GFP was considerably higher than TAT-GFP in HeLa cells. After internalization, IMT-P8-KLA got localized to the mitochondria and caused significant cell death in HeLa cells signifying an intact biological activity. Further in vivo skin penetration experiments revealed that after topical application, IMT-P8 penetrated the stratum corneum, entered into the viable epidermis and accumulated inside the hair follicles. In addition, both IMT-P8-KLA and IMT-P8-GFP internalized into the hair follicles and dermal tissue of the skin following topical application. These results suggested that IMT-P8 could be a potential candidate to be used as a topical delivery vehicle for various cosmetic and skin disease applications.
Cross-linked Composite Gel Polymer Electrolyte using Mesoporous Methacrylate-Functionalized SiO2 Nanoparticles for Lithium-Ion Polymer Batteries
Authors: Shin Won-Kyung , Cho Jinhyun , Kannan Aravindaraj G. , Lee Yoon-Sung , Kim Dong-Won 
Published: May 2016

AbstractLiquid electrolytes composed of lithium salt in a mixture of organic solvents have been widely used for lithium-ion batteries. However, the high flammability of the organic solvents can lead to thermal runaway and explosions if the system is accidentally subjected to a short circuit or experiences local overheating. In this work, a cross-linked composite gel polymer electrolyte was prepared and applied to lithium-ion polymer cells as a safer and more reliable electrolyte. Mesoporous SiO2 nanoparticles containing reactive methacrylate groups as cross-linking sites were synthesized and dispersed into the fibrous polyacrylonitrile membrane. They directly reacted with gel electrolyte precursors containing tri(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, resulting in the formation of a cross-linked composite gel polymer electrolyte with high ionic conductivity and favorable interfacial characteristics. The mesoporous SiO2 particles also served as HF scavengers to reduce the HF content in the electrolyte at high temperature. As a result, the cycling performance of the lithium-ion polymer cells with cross-linked composite gel polymer electrolytes employing methacrylate-functionalized mesoporous SiO2 nanoparticles was remarkably improved at elevated temperatures.
The “Necessity” of New Position Limits in Agricultural Futures Markets: The Verdict from Daily Firm‐level Position Data
Authors: Sanders Dwight R. , Irwin Scott H. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractRegulators are proposing new position limits in U.S. commodity futures markets while the actual impact of long‐only index funds on futures prices continues to be debated. Researchers have noted the data limitations—frequency and market breadth—associated with using data compiled by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This research addresses these shortfalls by using daily position data for a specific long‐only index fund. The empirical analysis focuses on the firm‐level position data across 13 U.S. agricultural futures markets. The firm‐level data are shown to be representative of the overall index fund industry. Empirical tests fail to find any evidence linking the firm's trading with market returns. However, there does appear to be a consistent negative relationship between the firm's roll transactions and changes in calendar price spreads. Notably, the direction of this impact runs contrary to the price‐pressure hypothesis. The results of this study, and others, indicate that a clear verdict can be reached—new limits on speculation in agricultural futures markets are unnecessary.
Seed germination of seven desert plants and implications for vegetation
restoration
Authors: Lai Liming , Chen Lijun , Jiang Lianhe , Zhou Jihua , Zheng Yuanrun , Shimizu Hideyuki 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Germination cues reflect the conditions under which a species is likely to succeed in recruitment. Therefore, knowledge of the seed germination characteristics of key plant species in desertified areas is essential for restoration. The aims of this study were to evaluate the seed germination responses of seven native species, and to explore the implications for vegetation restoration. Seeds of seven desert species were sown in Petri dishes and subjected to various temperature and light conditions. The seeds germinated well at day/night temperatures of 25/15 °C and 30/20 °C but poorly at 35/25 °C. Seeds germinated best in the dark, and final germination percentages of all species were strongly inhibited at a photon irradiance of 1000 µmol m −2 s −1 . Based on these results and the environmental conditions of their natural habitat, Agropyron cristatum and Artemisia halodendron are best adapted to shifting sand dunes: Elymus dahuricus , Caragana korshinskii and C. microphylla for semi-fixed sand dunes: and Medicago sativa and Melilotus suaveolen for fixed sand dunes. If seeds are sown in early May, they will likely be buried in sand, and the precipitation and temperature conditions will be suitable for seedling survival.
Genetic admixture and lineage separation in a southern Andean plant
Authors: Morello Santiago , Sede Silvana M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMountain uplifts have generated new ecologic opportunities for plants, and triggered evolutionary processes, favouring an increase on the speciation rate in all continents. Moreover, mountain ranges may act as corridors or barriers for plant lineages and populations. In South America a high rate of diversification has been linked to Andean orogeny during Pliocene/Miocene. More recently, Pleistocene glacial cycles have also shaped species distribution and demography. The endemic genus Escallonia is known to have diversified in the Andes. Species with similar morphology obscure species delimitation and plants with intermediate characters occur naturally. The aim of this study is to characterize genetic variation and structure of two widespread species of Escallonia : E. alpina and E. rubra . We analyzed the genetic variation of populations of the entire distribution range of the species and we also included those with intermediate morphological characters; a total of 94 accessions from 14 populations were used for the Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) analysis. Plastid DNA sequences ( trnS-trnG , 3 ′ trnV-ndhC intergenic spacers and the ndhF gene) from sixteen accessions of Escallonia species were used to construct a Statistical Parsimony network. Additionally, we performed a geometric morphometrics analysis on 88 leaves from 35 individuals of the two E. alpina varieties to further study their differences. Wright’s Fst and analysis of molecular variance tests performed on AFLP data showed a significant level of genetic structure at the species and population levels. Intermediate morphology populations showed a mixed genetic contribution from E. alpina var. alpina and E. rubra both in the Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) and STRUCTURE. On the other hand, E. rubra and the two varieties of E. alpina are well differentiated and assigned to different genetic clusters. Moreover, the Statistical Parsimony network showed a high degree of divergence between the varieties of E. alpina : var. alpina is more closely related to E. rubra and other species than to its own counterpart E. alpina var. carmelitana . Geometric morphometrics analysis (Elliptic Fourier descriptors) revealed significant differences in leaf shape between varieties. We found that diversity in Escallonia species analyzed here is geographically structured and deep divergence between varieties of E. alpina could be associated to ancient evolutionary events like orogeny. Admixture in southern populations could be the result of hybridization at the margins of the parental species’ distribution range.