bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of a point‐of‐care prothrombin time test after cardiopulmonary bypass in cardiac surgery
Authors: Meesters M. I. , Kuiper G. , Vonk A. B. A. , Loer S. A. , Boer C. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryPoint‐of‐care coagulation monitoring can be used for the guidance of haemostasis management. However, the influence of time on point‐of‐care prothrombin time testing following protamine administration after cardiopulmonary bypass has not been investigated. Bland–Altman and error grid analysis were used to analyse the level of agreement between prothrombin time measurements from point‐of‐care and laboratory tests before cardiopulmonary bypass, and then 3 min, 6 min and 10 min after protamine administration. Prothrombin times were expressed as International Normalised Ratios. While the point‐of‐care and laboratory prothrombin time measurements showed a high level of agreement before bypass, this agreement deteriorated following protamine administration to a mean (SD) bias of −0.22 (0.13) [limits of agreement 0.48–0.04]. Error grid analysis revealed that 35 (70%) of the paired values showed a clinically relevant discrepancy in international normalised ratio. At 3 min, 6 min and 10 min after cardiopulmonary bypass there is a clinical unacceptable discrepancy between the point‐of‐care and laboratory measurement of prothrombin time.
Correlation between the presence of degenerated inclusion‐bearing cells in voided urine samples and the occurrence of polyomavirus infection
Authors: Ranzi A. D. , Introíni G. O. , Prolla J. C. , Brackmann R. , Bassani N. C. , Pasqualotto A. C. , Bica C. G. 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveThe purpose of the present, prospective, cohort study was to monitor urine cytology samples from recipients of renal transplants to search for the occurrence of decoy cells and degenerated inclusion‐bearing cells with an aim to correlate the existence of these cells with molecular detection of polyomavirus BK (BKV) DNA in urine.Material and methodsThis study included patients who underwent renal transplantation. Patients had their urine tested quarterly, during the first year post‐transplantation, for the presence of decoy cells and degenerated cells, as well as by quantitative determination of BKV load in the urine and plasma.ResultsThree hundred and sixty‐one examinations were performed on 101 patients within 12 months of attendance. Urine cytology results were: 198 (54.9%) negative and 60 (16.6%) positive for the presence of viral cytopathic effects depending on the presence of BKV infection, 72 (19.9%) positive for the manifestation of degenerated cells and 31 (8.6%) unsatisfactory for analysis. There was a subtle tendency towards the presence of degenerated inclusion‐bearing cells in cases in which the virus was detected in voided urine. However, the presence of degenerated cells exhibited a tendency to BKV positivity in months 3, 6 and 9 and, exclusively in month 12, this trend was statistically significant.ConclusionsThere were not enough strong morphological and staining elements to state the origin of the degenerated cells or to describe the nature of the infection (viral or bacterial), given that these cells were undergoing an apoptotic process in post renal transplant patients.
Environmental variability and the evolution of the glucocorticoid receptor (Nr3c1) in African starlings
Authors: Hofmeister Natalie R. , Rubenstein Dustin R. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractOne of the primary ways that organisms cope with environmental change is through regulation of the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, the neuroendocrine system that controls reactions to stress. Variation in genes regulating the HPA axis – particularly the glucocorticoid receptor – may facilitate adaptation to changing climatic conditions by altering expression. Here we examine signatures of selection on the glucocorticoid receptor gene (Nr3c1) in African starlings that inhabit a range of environments, including those with variable climatic conditions. To investigate potential adaptive mechanisms underlying the vertebrate stress response, we sequence the Nr3c1 gene in 27 species of African starlings. Although we find some evidence of positive selection, substitution rate is negatively correlated with variance in precipitation. This suggests climatic cycling in sub‐Saharan Africa may have resulted in lower substitution rates to maintain a successful coping strategy. When environmental conditions fluctuate rapidly, variation in the strength of purifying selection can explain evolutionary rate variation.
Phosphorus accumulates faster than nitrogen globally in freshwater ecosystems under anthropogenic impacts
Authors: Yan Zhengbing , Han Wenxuan , Peñuelas Josep , Sardans Jordi , Elser James J. , Du Enzai , Reich Peter B. , Fang Jingyun 
Published: August 2016

AbstractCombined effects of cumulative nutrient inputs and biogeochemical processes that occur in freshwater under anthropogenic eutrophication could lead to myriad shifts in nitrogen (N):phosphorus (P) stoichiometry in global freshwater ecosystems, but this is not yet well‐assessed. Here we evaluated the characteristics of N and P stoichiometries in bodies of freshwater and their herbaceous macrophytes across human‐impact levels, regions and periods. Freshwater and its macrophytes had higher N and P concentrations and lower N : P ratios in heavily than lightly human‐impacted environments, further evidenced by spatiotemporal comparisons across eutrophication gradients. N and P concentrations in freshwater ecosystems were positively correlated and N : P was negatively correlated with population density in China. These results indicate a faster accumulation of P than N in human‐impacted freshwater ecosystems, which could have large effects on the trophic webs and biogeochemical cycles of estuaries and coastal areas by freshwater loadings, and reinforce the importance of rehabilitating these ecosystems.
Midazolam–ketamine dual therapy stops cholinergic status epilepticus and reduces Morris water maze deficits
Authors: Niquet Jerome , Baldwin Roger , Norman Keith , Suchomelova Lucie , Lumley Lucille , Wasterlain Claude G. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryObjectivePharmacoresistance remains an unsolved therapeutic challenge in status epilepticus (SE) and in cholinergic SE induced by nerve agent intoxication. SE triggers a rapid internalization of synaptic γ‐aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptors and externalization of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors that may explain the loss of potency of standard antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). We hypothesized that a drug combination aimed at correcting the consequences of receptor trafficking would reduce SE severity and its long‐term consequences.MethodsA severe model of SE was induced in adult Sprague‐Dawley rats with a high dose of lithium and pilocarpine. The GABAA receptor agonist midazolam, the NMDA receptor antagonist ketamine, and/or the AED valproate were injected 40 min after SE onset in combination or as monotherapy. Measures of SE severity were the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were acute neuronal injury, spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS), and Morris water maze (MWM) deficits.ResultsMidazolam–ketamine dual therapy was more efficient than double‐dose midazolam or ketamine monotherapy or than valproate–midazolam or valproate–ketamine dual therapy in reducing several parameters of SE severity, suggesting a synergistic mechanism. In addition, midazolam–ketamine dual therapy reduced SE‐induced acute neuronal injury, epileptogenesis, and MWM deficits.SignificanceThis study showed that a treatment aimed at correcting maladaptive GABAA receptor and NMDA receptor trafficking can stop SE and reduce its long‐term consequences. Early midazolam–ketamine dual therapy may be superior to monotherapy in the treatment of benzodiazepine‐refractory SE.
Parental Background Matters: Intergenerational Mobility and Assimilation of Italian Immigrants in Germany
Authors: Bönke Timm , Neidhöfer Guido 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWe investigate the hypothesis of failed integration and low social mobility of immigrants. An intergenerational assimilation model is tested empirically on household survey data and validated against registry data provided by the Italian Embassy in Germany. Although we confirm substantial disparities between educational achievements of immigrants and natives, we find that the children of Italian immigrants exhibit high intergenerational mobility and no less opportunity than natives to achieve high schooling degrees. These findings suggest a rejection of the failed assimilation hypothesis. Additionally, we evaluate different patterns by time of arrival, Italian region of origin and language spoken at home.
The analysis of scalp irritation by coacervates produced in hair shampoo via FTIR with focal plane array detector, X‐ray photoelectron microscopy and HaCaT cells
Authors: Jung I. K. , Park S. C. , Kim S. H. , Kim J. H. , Cha N. R. , Bae W. R. , Kim H. N. , Cho S. A. , Yoo J. W. , Kim B. M. , Lee J. H. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractObjectiveCoacervates are inevitably formed on scalp on using hair washing products. Our goal was to analyse the coacervates in detail to identify the part responsible for scalp stimulation.MethodsShampoo that increases coacervate formation was applied to in vitro skin and was washed. The residue was then analysed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy–focal plane array (FTIR‐FPA) and X‐ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS). And HaCaT cells were used for irritant test of coacervate.ResultsThrough this research, it was confirmed that the coacervate was a macromolecule structurally similar to a cationic polymer and contains an anionic surfactant. Its anionic surfactant was structurally semi‐stable so that it released onto scalp when it absorbs moisture.ConclusionCoacervate releases sulphate bonding into the matrix when it is exposed to water. Thus, the scalp stimulation would be expected.
Role of the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway on proteolytic activity in postmortem proteolysis and tenderisation of sheep skeletal muscle
Authors: Liu Yue , Du Manting , Li Xin , Chen Li , Shen Qingwu , Tian Jianwen , Zhang Dequan 
Published: August 2016

SummaryThe objective of this study was to investigate the effects of ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway on meat tenderisation. The sheep muscle longissimus lumborum was injected with or without PYR‐41 (inhibitor of ubiquitination) or MG‐132 (inhibitor of proteasome). Muscle samples were collected at 6, 15, 24 and 48 h after injection. Myofibrillar protein degradation, muscle ultrastructure and sarcomere length were determined. Results showed that inhibition of proteasome or ubiquitination affected sarcomere length at 48 h after treatments. Destruction of muscle ultrastructure in both treatments was reduced when compared to control. Inhibition of proteasome produced different fragments of myofibrillar proteins in comparison with control at 48 h. In conclusion, ubiquitin‐proteasome plays a role in postmortem proteolysis and might contribute to meat tenderisation.
Significant improvement for the functional properties of konjac glucomannan based on phase separation
Authors: Huang Qing , Ge Honghe , Jin Weiping , Shah Bakht R. , Ye Shuxin , Hu Ying , Li Bin , Chen Yijie 
Published: August 2016

SummaryKonjac glucomannan (KGM) serves as a stabiliser due to its high molecular weight and viscosity. However, these properties limit its addition in food products, especially in drinks. The main aim of this study was to improve the functional properties of KGM by a green and effective method, that is phase separation. It was found that increasing temperature accelerated phase separation of KGM/gum arabic mixture. KGM‐rich phase was characterised and its physical properties were investigated by different methods. Crystal property showed no significant changes after phase separation. Nevertheless, rheological properties indicated that the viscosities of samples after phase separation (FKGM) decreased dramatically. Their emulsifying capacities also improved. Moreover, the differences in molecular rearrangement at the oil–water interface were also studied by using interfacial rheology. These results suggested that FKGM with low viscosity had better interfacial properties, and thus may have potential applications as food ingredients.
Integrated time–cost tradeoff and resources leveling problems with allowed activity splitting
Authors: Hariga Moncer , Shamayleh Abdulrahim , El‐Wehedi Fekrat 
Published: August 2016

AbstractResource leveling and time–cost tradeoff are among the most challenging optimization problems in project management. These two problems are usually addressed separately because each problem optimizes different objective functions. In this paper, we develop an integrated model that addresses both problems when activities are allowed to split for better utilization of resources. The formulated mixed integer linear program (MILP) model considers the tradeoff between the crashing‐dependent costs; direct and indirect costs, and resource utilization related costs; acquiring, releasing, and splitting costs. The model can be used as a decision tool to determine whether crashing is recommended when decision makers are also concerned with the better utilization of project's resources. A one‐way sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess total cost savings achieved through the integration of time–cost tradeoff and resource leveling problems. Another experimental study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of the MILP runtime.
A robust possibilistic programming approach to multiperiod hospital evacuation planning problem under uncertainty
Authors: Rabbani Masoud , Zhalechian Mohammad , Farshbaf‐Geranmayeh Amir 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn this paper, a biobjective programming model is developed to address the hospital evacuation problem under uncertainty. It aims to concurrently minimize the total evacuation time and the total weighted number of unevacuated patients in each period. The presented model considers two types of patients and three transportation modes. Moreover, the evacuating hospitals are divided into two groups. In the first group, it is not possible to send vehicles to the evacuating hospitals due to the poor road condition or congestion, whereas there is no such limitation in the second group. A robust possibilistic programming approach is adopted to deal with the inherent uncertainty in the input data. To cope with the computational complexity of the problem, two well‐known metaheuristic algorithms are developed to solve the large‐sized problems. Finally, several computational experiments and sensitivity analyses are conducted and the results are analyzed.
Nestedness and species replacement along bathymetric gradients in the deep sea reflect productivity: a test with polychaete assemblages in the oligotrophic north‐west Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Stuart Carol T. , Brault Solange , Rowe Gilbert T. , Wei Chih‐Lin , Wagstaff Martine , McClain Craig R. , Rex Michael A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAimTo test the hypothesis that low productivity drives the nestedness component of β‐diversity in polychaetes at the deep‐sea floor.LocationWestern Gulf of Mexico.MethodsWe used A. Baselga's (2010, Global Ecology and Biogeography, 19, 134–143) metrics of species replacement and nestedness to assess their overall significance with differences in depth and particulate organic carbon (POC) flux to the seafloor. We used M. A. Rodríguez‐Gironés & L. Santamaría's (2006, Journal of Biogeography, 33, 924–935) BINMATNEST to calculate the significance and direction of nestedness with depth and POC flux.ResultsNestedness was the most significant part of β‐diversity with depth and POC flux. The rank order of nestedness increased significantly with increasing depth, and decreased significantly with increasing POC flux. There was little endemism below 2000 m.Main conclusionThe polychaete fauna in the deepest western Gulf of Mexico is largely a nested subset of the shallower upper to mid‐bathyal fauna. While the causes of β‐diversity in the deep sea are undoubtedly multivariate, the relative importance of turnover and nestedness appears to be modulated by productivity in the form of POC flux to the seafloor. Under circumstances of extremely low POC flux and animal density in the deepest reaches of the Gulf, nestedness may be caused by some populations being maintained by immigration from larger populations upslope, or by biogeographic filtering for tolerance to abyssal conditions. Resources at great depths in regions of exceptionally low productivity may be too limited to permit adaptation resulting in endemism and continued downslope turnover. If productivity helps to explain the nestedness part of β‐diversity, this may lead to a more unified theory of deep‐sea biodiversity.
Favourable areas for co‐occurrence of parapatric species: niche conservatism and niche divergence in Iberian tree frogs and midwife toads
Authors: Reino Luís , Ferreira Mário , Martínez‐Solano Íñigo , Segurado Pedro , Xu Chi , Márcia Barbosa A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAimThe study of areas of sympatry of species with predominantly parapatric distributions can provide valuable insights into their evolutionary history and the factors shaping patterns of species co‐occurrence. This information is key in biogeography, evolutionary biology and conservation planning. In this study we analyse the distributions of two pairs of partially co‐occurring congeneric amphibian species: tree frogs (Hyla molleri and H. meridionalis) and midwife toads (Alytes obstetricans and A. cisternasii).LocationIberian Peninsula (SW Europe).MethodsWe obtained distribution data from the herpetological atlases of Portugal and Spain, consisting of presences and absences on UTM 10 × 10 km grid cells. We built an environmental favourability model for each species, using 24 potential predictor variables representative of physiography, climate and human activity. Variables were selected for each model using both information and significance criteria. Models were evaluated using both calibration and discrimination measures. Models were then combined using fuzzy intersection, and compared using correlation analysis (accounting for spatial autocorrelation), niche comparison metrics and fuzzy similarity indices.ResultsWe found significant dissimilarity between the favourability patterns for A. obstetricans and A. cisternasii, indicating environmental segregation of these two midwife toad species. In tree frogs, we found significant similarity between favourability for H. meridionalis and for its co‐occurrence with H. molleri – that is, sympatry occurs mainly in areas that are favourable for H. meridionalis.Main conclusionsThese results provide clues to understand the evolutionary history of these four species, including the evolution of reproductive isolation, and suggest that conservation efforts for tree frogs may be focused on the areas that are favourable for both species, whereas midwife toads will require specific measures tailored for each species.
Rise and fall of vector infectivity during sequential strain displacements by mosquito‐borne dengue virus
Authors: Andrade C. C. , Young K. I. , Johnson W. L. , Villa M. E. , Buraczyk C. A. , Messer W. B. , Hanley K. A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractEach of the four serotypes of mosquito‐borne dengue virus (DENV‐1‐4) comprises multiple, genetically distinct strains. Competitive displacement between strains within a serotype is a common feature of DENV epidemiology and can trigger outbreaks of dengue disease. We investigated the mechanisms underlying two sequential displacements by DENV‐3 strains in Sri Lanka that each coincided with abrupt increases in dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) incidence. First, the post‐DHF strain displaced the pre‐DHF strain in the 1980s. We have previously shown that post‐DHF is more infectious than pre‐DHF for the major DENV vector, Aedes aegypti. Then, the ultra‐DHF strain evolved in situ from post‐DHF and displaced its ancestor in the 2000s. We predicted that ultra‐DHF would be more infectious for Ae. aegypti than post‐DHF but found that ultra‐DHF infected a significantly lower percentage of mosquitoes than post‐DHF. We therefore hypothesized that ultra‐DHF had effected displacement by disseminating in Ae. aegypti more rapidly than post‐DHF, but this was not borne out by a time course of mosquito infection. To elucidate the mechanisms that shape these virus–vector interactions, we tested the impact of RNA interference (RNAi), the principal mosquito defence against DENV, on replication of each of the three DENV strains. Replication of all strains was similar in mosquito cells with dysfunctional RNAi, but in cells with functional RNAi, replication of pre‐DHF was significantly suppressed relative to the other two strains. Thus, differences in susceptibility to RNAi may account for the differences in mosquito infectivity between pre‐DHF and post‐DHF, but other mechanisms underlie the difference between post‐DHF and ultra‐DHF.
Amyloid β attenuates metabotropic zinc sensing receptor, mZnR/GPR39, dependent Ca2+, ERK1/2 and Clusterin signaling in neurons
Authors: Abramovitch‐Dahan Chen , Asraf Hila , Bogdanovic Milos , Sekler Israel , Bush Ashley I. , Hershfinkel Michal 
Published: August 2016

AbstractA hallmark of Alzheimer's disease is accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) deposits, which are associated with neuronal dysfunction, spine loss, and impaired Ca2+ homeostasis. Amyloid beta (Aβ) binds to and is aggregated by Zn2+, a metal released from synaptic glutamatergic vesicles during neuronal activity. Synaptically released Zn2+ activates a metabotropic Gq‐coupled Zn2+‐sensing receptor, mZnR/GPR39, and induces Ca2+‐signaling in post‐synaptic neurons. We examined if Aβ, as a Zn2+ binding protein, regulates neuronal Zn2+‐signaling mediated by mZnR/GPR39 using SHSY‐5Y cells and cortical neurons from GPR39 wild‐type and knockout mice. Following acute or chronic treatment with Aβ neuronal Zn2+‐dependent Ca2+ release via mZnR/GPR39 is significantly reduced. This impairment is overcome when excess Zn2+ is applied, suggesting that impaired Ca2+‐signaling results from Aβ binding of Zn2+. The Zn2+‐dependent mZnR/GPR39 activation triggers phosphorylation of extracellular regulated kinase and up‐regulates expression of the chaperone protein clusterin (Clu). Importantly, neuronal Zn2+‐dependent extracellular regulated kinase1/2 phosphorylation and up‐regulation of Clu are attenuated by silencing mZnR/GPR39 as well as by Aβ treatment. In contrast, Zn2+‐dependent AKT phosphorylation is not mediated by mZnR/GPR39 and is not attenuated by Aβ treatment. Thus, Zn2+ signaling via mZnR/GPR39 is distinctively disrupted by a critical pathological component of Alzheimer's disease.
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Synaptically released Zn2+ activates a Zn2+‐sensing receptor, mZnR/GPR39, and induces Ca2+‐signaling, followed by ERK1/2 MAPK activation and up‐regulation of clusterin. Amyloid beta (Aβ) binds to Zn2+ thus forming oligomers that are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. We show that Aβ attenuates Zn2+‐dependent Ca2+‐responses, abolishes ERK1/2 activation and down‐regulates clusterin expression. Thus, Zn2+ signaling via mZnR/GPR39 is disrupted by Aβ, a critical pathological component of Alzheimer's disease.