bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Habitat niche breadth predicts invasiveness in solitary ascidians
Authors: Granot Itai , Shenkar Noa , Belmaker Jonathan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA major focus of invasion biology is understanding the traits associated with introduction success. Most studies assess these traits in the invaded region, while only few compare nonindigenous species to the pool of potential invaders in their native region. We focused on theniche breadth hypothesis, commonly evoked but seldom tested, which states that generalist species are more likely to become introduced as they are capable of thriving under a wide set of conditions. Based on the massive introduction of tropical species into the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal (Lessepsian migration), we defined ascidians in the Red Sea as the pool of potential invaders. We constructed unique settlement plates, each representing six different niches, to assess ascidian niche breadth, and deployed them in similar habitats in the native and invaded regions. For each species found on plates, we evaluated its abundance, relative abundance across successional stages, and niche breadth, and then compared (1) species in the Red Sea known to have been introduced into the Mediterranean (Lessepsian species) and those not known from the Mediterranean (non‐Lessepsian); and (2) nonindigenous and indigenous species in the Mediterranean. Lessepsian species identified on plates in the Red Sea demonstrated wider niche breadth than non‐Lessepsian species, supporting theniche breadth hypothesiswithin the native region. No differences were found between Lessepsian and non‐Lessepsian species in species abundance and successional stages. In the Mediterranean, nonindigenous species numerically dominated the settlement plates. This precluded robust comparisons of niche breadth between nonindigenous and indigenous species in the invaded region. In conclusion, using Red Sea ascidians as the pool of potential invaders, we found clear evidence supporting theniche breadth hypothesisin the native region. We suggest that such patterns may often be obscured when conducting trait‐based studies in the invaded regions alone. Our findings indicate that quantifying the niche breadth of species in their native regions will improve estimates of invasiveness potential.
The prognostic value of highly sensitive cardiac troponin assays for adverse events in men and women with stable heart failure and a preserved vs. reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Gohar Aisha , Chong Jenny P.C. , Liew Oi Wah , den Ruijter Hester , de Kleijn Dominique P.V. , Sim David , Yeo Daniel P.S. , Ong Hean Yee , Jaufeerally Fazlur , Leong Gerard K.T. , Ling Lieng H. , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Richards A. Mark 
Published: August 2017

AimsCirculating biomarkers are important in the diagnosis, risk stratification and management of patients with heart failure (HF). Given the current lack of biomarkers in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), we aimed to investigate the prognostic performance of the newly developed high‐sensitivity (hs) assays for cardiac troponin I (hsTnI) compared with troponin T (hsTnT) for adverse events in HFpEF vs. HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Findings in these two HF subgroups were also compared with those in the recently defined HF with mid‐range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) subgroup.Methods and resultsBoth hsTnI and hsTnT were measured in 1096 patients with HFrEF [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50%; n = 853] or HFpEF (LVEF ≥50%; n = 243) enrolled in the Singapore Heart Failure Outcomes and Phenotypes (SHOP) study. Both troponin assays were more strongly associated with the composite endpoint (all‐cause mortality or first rehospitalization for HF) in HFpEF than in HFrEF. The hsTnT assay provided the greatest additional prognostic value in HFpEF in comparison with hsTnI and NT‐proBNP. TnI was more strongly associated with composite events in men with HFpEF [hazard ratio (HR) 3.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.82–6.09; P < 0.001 per standard deviation (SD) increase in log‐transformed hsTnI] than in women with HFpEF (HR 1.35, 95% CI 0.94–1.93; P = 0.10 per SD increase in log‐transformed hsTnI).ConclusionsThere is a potential role for the prognostic use of high‐sensitivity troponin assays, particularly hsTnT, in men and women with HFpEF. The predictive association of hsTnI with outcome appears strongest in men with HFpEF.
Recent advances in CE and microchip‐CE in clinical applications: 2014 to mid‐2017
Authors: Phillips Terry M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractCE and microchip CE (ME) are powerful tools for the analysis of a number of different analytes and have been applied to a variety of clinical fields and human samples. This review will present an overview of the most recent applications of these techniques to different areas of clinical medicine during the period of 2014 to mid‐2017. CE and ME have been applied to clinical chemistry, drug detection and monitoring, hematology, infectious diseases, oncology, endocrinology, neonatology, nephrology, and genetic screening. Samples examined range from serum, plasma, and urine to lest utilized materials such as tears, cerebral spinal fluid, sweat, saliva, condensed breath, single cells, and biopsy tissue. Examples of clinical applications will be given along with the various detection systems employed.
Parametric studies on droplet generation reproducibility for applications with biological relevant fluids
Authors: Wiedemeier Stefan , Eichler Marko , Römer Robert , Grodrian Andreas , Lemke Karen , Nagel Krees , Klages Claus‐Peter , Gastrock Gunter 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAlthough the great potential of droplet based microfluidic technologies for routine applications in industry and academia has been successfully demonstrated over the past years, its inherent potential is not fully exploited till now. Especially regarding to the droplet generation reproducibility and stability, two pivotally important parameters for successful applications, there is still a need for improvement. This is even more considerable when droplets are created to investigate tissue fragments or cell cultures (e.g. suspended cells or 3D cell cultures) over days or even weeks. In this study we present microfluidic chips composed of a plasma coated polymer, which allow surfactants‐free, highly reproducible and stable droplet generation from fluids like cell culture media. We demonstrate how different microfluidic designs and different flow rates (and flow rate ratios) affect the reproducibility of the droplet generation process and display the applicability for a wide variety of bio(techno)logically relevant media.
First-generation annotations for the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) genome
Authors: Saari Travis W. , Schroeder Anthony L. , Ankley Gerald T. , Villeneuve Daniel L. 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Ab initio gene prediction and evidence alignment were used to produce the first annotations for the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) genome. We also describe a genome browser, hosted by the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, that provides simplified access to the annotation data in context with the genomic sequence. The present study extends the utility of the fathead minnow genome and supports the continued development of this species as a model organism for predictive toxicology. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3436–3442. Published 2017 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Splicing variant profiles and single nucleotide polymorphisms of the glucocorticoid receptor gene in relation to glucocorticoid sensitivity of B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Huang Meixian , Inukai Takeshi , Kagami Keiko , Abe Masako , Shinohara Tamao , Watanabe Atsushi , Somazu Shinpei , Oshiro Hiroko , Goi Kumiko , Goto Hiroaki , Minegishi Masayoshi , Iwamoto Shotaro , Urayama Kevin Y. , Sugita Kanji 
Published: August 2017

AbstractGlucocorticoid (GC) shows antileukaemic activity via binding to the GC receptor (GR). The human GR gene has 4 splicing variants besides the functional isoform GRα, but their significance in GC sensitivity of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) has been inconsistent. Additionally, several studies evaluated the relevance of GR gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the GC sensitivity of ALL, but the current cumulative evidence appears inconclusive. Addressing limitations in previous studies, we used a large series of B‐cell precursor ALL (BCP‐ALL) cell lines established from Japanese patients to comprehensively examine all 5 splicing variants of the GR gene and candidate SNPs, and their association with GC‐sensitivity. We performed real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analyses with 10 sets of primers that differentially quantify the 5 isoforms in different combinations, and the strongest correlations with GC sensitivity were observed for the real‐time RT‐PCR of exons 7 and 8 (prednisolone sensitivity; r = −0.534, R2 = 0.29, P = 1.4 × 10−6) and exons 8 and 9a (r = −0.583, R2 = 0.34, P = 7.6 × 10−8), both specific for GRα and GRγ isoforms. In contrast, the real‐time RT‐PCR of junction of exons 3g and 4 and exon 4, specific for GRγ isoform alone, did not show significant correlation with GC sensitivity (prednisolone sensitivity; r = −0.403, R2 = 0.16, P = 4.6 × 10−4). These observations are consistent with the notion that GRα plays a central role in the GC‐mediated proapoptotic activity in BCP‐ALL. In addition, a promoter region SNP genotype (rs72555796) showed a significant association with GC sensitivity (prednisolone sensitivity; P = .010) and tended to show an association with GR gene expression (RT‐PCR of exons 7 and 8; P = .170). These findings indicate that isoform profiles and SNP genotypes of the GR gene may be useful indicators of GC sensitivity in BCP‐ALL.
Reducing radiotherapy waiting times for palliative patients: The role of the Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist
Authors: Job Mary , Holt Tanya , Bernard Anne 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroductionPalliative radiotherapy is effective in reducing symptom burden and improving quality of life in patients with symptomatic metastatic cancer and should be delivered in a timely manner. The aim of this study was to determine whether referring patients directly to a Palliative Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist (APRT) improves access to palliative radiotherapy and reduces time from referral to treatment.MethodsAt Radiation Oncology Mater Center (ROMC) in Brisbane, Australia a new referral pathway was developed which involved patients requiring palliative radiotherapy, being referred directly to the APRT from a single external hospital medical oncology and palliative care departments. Over a 5 months period, patient demographics and time in working days from referral to treatment were compared for consecutive palliative patients seen within our department. Patients were stratified by method of referral i.e. via the new referral pathway (NP) or via standard referral pathway (SP).ResultsBetween October 2014 and March 2015, a total of 150 patients were referred for palliative radiotherapy. Of these patients, 48 were referred and processed via the NP. There was a significant reduction in the number of days from referral to treatment for patients referred through the NP. Patients referred through the NP via the APRT had a mean and median wait time of 3.5 and 3 days respectively compared with 8.1 and 5 days for patients referred through the SP (P = <0.001). Patients were also more likely to have the treatment completed with less visits to the hospital (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe new referral pathway utilising a dedicated palliative APRT decreased waiting times for patients receiving palliative radiotherapy and improved timely access to the radiotherapy service for both referrers and patients.
Detection of cancerous kidney tissue by means of SERS spectroscopy of extracellular fluid
Authors: Velicka M. , Pucetaite M. , Urboniene V. , Ceponkus J. , Jankevicius F. , Sablinskas V. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe present a novel approach for detection of cancerous kidney tissue areas by measuring surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of extracellular fluid taken from kidney tissue. The method is based on spectral analysis of the cancerous and normal tissue areas in order to find the specific spectral markers. The samples were prepared by sliding the kidney tissue over a substrate—calcium fluoride optical window. For producing the SERS signal, the dried extracellular fluid film was covered by silver nanoparticle colloidal solution. In order to suppress fluorescence background, the measurements of the dried samples were performed in the NIR spectral region with the Raman excitation wavelength of 1,064 nm. The most significant spectral differences—spectral markers—were found in the wavenumber region between 400 and 1,800 cm−1, where spectral bands related to various vibrations of carbohydrates, amino acids, and nucleic acids are located. Spectral markers in the SERS spectra are different from those in IR absorption spectra. The SERS spectroscopic method has a potential to be used directly during the surgery.
Diagnostic Performance of Superb Microvascular Imaging and Other Sonographic Modalities in the Assessment of Lateral Epicondylosis
Authors: Arslan Serdar , Karahan Ali Yavuz , Oncu Fatih , Bakdik Suleyman , Durmaz Mehmet Sedat , Tolu Ismet 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of different sonographic modalities for diagnosing lateral epicondylosis.MethodsA total of 50 symptomatic and 50 asymptomatic common extensor tendons in 44 patients with lateral epicondylosis, and 25 healthy participants were prospectively examined by B‐mode sonography, color Doppler imaging, power Doppler imaging, Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI; Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Tokyo, Japan), and strain elastography. We evaluated blood flow in common extensor tendons by using a grading system with color Doppler imaging, power Doppler imaging, and SMI. The diagnostic performance of the modalities was compared.ResultsWhen a cutoff value of hypoechogenicity was used for the mean strain ratio, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy rates were 92.0%, 94%.0, 93.9%, 92.2%, and 93.0%, respectively. When a cutoff point of grade 1 was used, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy rates were 26.0%, 10.0%, 10.0%, 57.5%, and 63.0, for color Doppler imaging; 40.0%, 10.0%, 10.0%, 62.5%, and 70.0% for power Doppler imaging; and 84.0%, 94.0%, 93.0%, 85.5%, and 89.0% for SMI. When a cutoff value of 3.94 was used for the mean strain ratio, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy rates were 78.0%, 92.0%, 90.7%, 80.7%, and 85.0%, respectively. A statistically significant correlation was detected between SMI, strain elastography, and visual analog scale scores (P < .001).ConclusionsThe combination of SMI and B‐mode sonography was found to have excellent diagnostic performance for lateral epicondylosis. Neovascularzation in patients' tendons with lateral epicondylosis was identified much better with SMI compared to color or power Doppler imaging.
Highly Efficient Excitation of Surface Plasmons Using a Si Gable Tip
Authors: Dewanjee Arnab , Alam M. Z. , Aitchison J. Stewart , Mojahedi Mo 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA compact and highly efficient technique to excite SPP mode at an Au/SiO2 interface by using an engineered high index (silicon) gabled tip at the 1550 nm wavelength has been proposed. The optimized geometry of the Si tip enables a highly efficient excitation of the single interface SPP mode through near field interaction in an ultra‐compact setup. An experimental demonstration of the proposed scheme is also presented in the paper which converts 25.5% of the total input power to an SPP mode. With an improved fabrication, this efficiency can reach as high as 52%. The device is compact, facilitates on‐chip excitation of the SPP, its fabrication is compatible with the standard Si fabrication processes, and, as such it is expected to be very useful in the design of future integrated photonic circuits as well as integrated sensors. Also, this scheme can find applications in studying nonlinear characteristics of materials.
An ultra‐high field strength MR image‐guided robotic needle delivery system for in‐bore small animal interventions
Authors: Gravett Matthew , Cepek Jeremy , Fenster Aaron 
Published: August 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to develop and validate an image‐guided robotic needle delivery system for accurate and repeatable needle targeting procedures in mouse brains inside the 12 cm inner diameter gradient coil insert of a 9.4 T MR scanner. Many preclinical research techniques require the use of accurate needle deliveries to soft tissues, including brain tissue. Soft tissues are optimally visualized in MR images, which offer high‐soft tissue contrast, as well as a range of unique imaging techniques, including functional, spectroscopy and thermal imaging, however, there are currently no solutions for delivering needles to small animal brains inside the bore of an ultra‐high field MR scanner. This paper describes the mechatronic design, evaluation of MR compatibility, registration technique, mechanical calibration, the quantitative validation of the in‐bore image‐guided needle targeting accuracy and repeatability, and demonstrated the system's ability to deliver needles in situ.MethodsOur six degree‐of‐freedom, MR compatible, mechatronic system was designed to fit inside the bore of a 9.4 T MR scanner and is actuated using a combination of piezoelectric and hydraulic mechanisms. The MR compatibility and targeting accuracy of the needle delivery system are evaluated to ensure that the system is precisely calibrated to perform the needle targeting procedures. A semi‐automated image registration is performed to link the robot coordinates to the MR coordinate system. Soft tissue targets can be accurately localized in MR images, followed by automatic alignment of the needle trajectory to the target. Intra‐procedure visualization of the needle target location and the needle were confirmed through MR images after needle insertion.ResultsThe effects of geometric distortions and signal noise were found to be below threshold that would have an impact on the accuracy of the system. The system was found to have negligible effect on the MR image signal noise and geometric distortion. The system was mechanically calibrated and the mean image‐guided needle targeting and needle trajectory accuracies were quantified in an image‐guided tissue mimicking phantom experiment to be 178 ± 54 μm and 0.27 ± 0.65°, respectively.ConclusionsAn MR image‐guided system for in‐bore needle deliveries to soft tissue targets in small animal models has been developed. The results of the needle targeting accuracy experiments in phantoms indicate that this system has the potential to deliver needles to the smallest soft tissue structures relevant in preclinical studies, at a wide variety of needle trajectories. Future work in the form of a fully‐automated needle driver with precise depth control would benefit this system in terms of its applicability to a wider range of animal models and organ targets.
Nematicidal activity of grammicin produced by Xylaria grammica KCTC 13121BP against Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Kim Tae Yoon , Jang Ja Yeong , Yu Nan Hee , Chi Won Jae , Bae Chang‐Hwan , Yeo Joo Hong , Park Ae Ran , Hur Jae‐Seon , Park Hae Woong , Park Ji‐Yeon , Park Jong‐Hwan , Lee Sung Ki , Kim Jin‐Cheol 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe endolichenic fungus Xylaria grammica KCTC 13121BP showed strong nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne incognita. This study aimed to identify the nematicidal metabolites and to evaluate the efficacy of the strain as a biocontrol agent under pot and field conditions.RESULTSBioassay‐guided fractionation and instrumental analyses led to grammicin being identified as the nematicidal metabolite. Because patulin is a mycotoxic isomer of grammicin and is known to have strong antibacterial and cytotoxic activities, several biological activities of the two compounds were compared. Grammicin showed strong second‐stage juvenile killing and egg‐hatching inhibitory effects, with a 50% effective concentration at 72 h (EC50/72 h) of 15.9 µg/mL and a 50% effective concentration at 14 days (EC50/14 days) of 5.87 µg/mL, respectively, whereas patulin was virtually inactive in both respects. Patulin was strongly active toward various phytopathogenic bacteria in vitro, whereas grammicin was weakly so. Patulin at the concentration range of 0.1–10 µg/mL also showed dose‐dependent cytotoxicity toward the human first‐trimester trophoblast cell line SW.71, whereas grammicin was not toxic toward this cell line. In pot and field experiments, a wettable powder‐type formulation and fermentation broth filtrate of X. grammica KCTC 13121BP effectively suppressed the development of root‐knot nematode disease on tomato and melon plants.CONCLUSIONThe results suggest that X. grammica and grammicin may have potential applications for control of root‐knot nematode disease of various crops. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Knowledge about big cats matters: Insights for conservationists and managers
Authors: Engel Mônica Taís , Vaske Jerry J. , Marchini Silvio , Bath Alistair J. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTJaguars (Panthera onca) and pumas (Puma concolor) are declining in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest because of anthropogenic threats (e.g., habitat loss, depletion of prey, human persecution). We assessed the influence of local people's factual knowledge about jaguars and pumas on fear of these big cats, attitudes toward big cats, and the acceptability of big cats. We also examined the influence of demographics (i.e., age, gender) on knowledge. We collected data from 326 rural residents adjacent to 2 protected areas located in a pristine fragment of the Atlantic Forest: Alto do Ribeira State Park and Intervales State Park. Although factual knowledge did not influence attitudes, knowledge was related to fear of big cats and acceptability of these species in the wild. Individuals that were more knowledgeable about big cats were less afraid and more tolerant of jaguars and pumas. Males and adults were more knowledgeable about big cats than were females and younger individuals. Our findings provide evidence that local knowledge can affect tolerance for big cats in the region and potentially reduce people–big cat conflict. Our findings also suggest that conservation efforts should focus on women and youth. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.