bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foraging and recruitment hotspot dynamics for the largest Atlantic loggerhead turtle rookery
Authors: Ceriani Simona A. , Weishampel John F. , Ehrhart Llewellyn M. , Mansfield Katherine L. , Wunder Michael B. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDetermining patterns of migratory connectivity for highly-mobile, wide-ranging species, such as sea turtles, is challenging. Here, we combined satellite telemetry and stable isotope analysis to estimate foraging locations for 749 individual loggerheads nesting along the east central Florida (USA) coast, the largest rookery for the Northwest Atlantic population. We aggregated individual results by year, identified seven foraging hotspots and tracked these summaries to describe the dynamics of inter-annual contributions of these geographic areas to this rookery over a nine-year period. Using reproductive information for a subset of turtles (n = 513), we estimated hatchling yields associated with each hotspots. We found considerable inter-annual variability in the relative contribution of foraging areas to the nesting adults. Also reproductive success differed among foraging hotspots; females using southern foraging areas laid nests that produced more offspring in all but one year of the study. These analyses identified two high priority areas for future research and conservation efforts: the continental shelf adjacent to east central Florida and the Great Bahama Bank, which support higher numbers of foraging females that provide higher rates of hatchling production. The implementation of the continuous-surface approach to determine geographic origins of unknown migrants is applicable to other migratory species.
Blink associated resetting eye movements (BARMs) are functionally complementary to microsaccades in correcting for fixation errors
Authors: Khazali Mohammad Farhan , Pomper Joern K. , Thier Peter 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBlinks do not only protect the eye, but they do also correct for torsional eye position deviations by blink-associated resetting eye movements (BARMs). Although BARMs are functionally distinct from other eye movements in the torsional dimension, it has remained open if BARMs observed in the horizontal and vertical dimensions (fixational BARMs) are not simply microsaccades coinciding with blinks. We show here that fixational BARMs are functionally distinct and complementary to microsaccades in the following way: First, they compensate for large fixational error more efficiently than microsaccades, secondly, their probability to be executed in eccentric eye positions is higher, and thirdly, they reset the eyes into a position zone that is broader as compared to microsaccades. This suggests that BARMs help to keep the eyes in a working range wherein microsaccades guarantee high acuity vision. Moreover, we establish that fixational BARMs operate in a retina-centric frame.
Rainbow trout exposed to benzo[a]pyrene yields conserved microRNA binding sites in DNA methyltransferases across 500 million years of evolution
Authors: Kuc Christopher , Richard Daniel J. , Johnson Samantha , Bragg Leslie , Servos Mark R. , Doxey Andrew C. , Craig Paul M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe objective of this study was to examine the regulation of DNA methylation following acute (24 h) and prolonged (14 d) exposure to low (1 ng/L) and high (10 ng/L) benzo[a]pyrene. However, with the recent release of the rainbow trout genome, we were able to conduct a more detailed analysis regarding the regulation of the enzymes involved in DNA methylation; DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). Bioinformatic approaches were used to identify candidate microRNA (miRNA) that potentially bind to the DNMT1 and DNMT3a 3′UTR. Results indicated a significant decrease in global methylation in both liver and muscle, with an associated decrease in DNA methyltransferase activity and DNMT3a transcript abundance. There was a significant increase in one specific candidate miRNA (miR29a) that was predicted to bind to DNMT3a. Taking a comparative genomics approach, the binding sites of miR29a to the DNMT3a 3′UTR was compared across species, spanning fish to mammals, and revealed a highly conserved binding motif that has been maintained since the vertebrate ancestor, approximately 500 million years ago. This research establishes that miRNA act as an essential mediator between the environment and DNA methylation patterns via DNMTs, which is further confirmed by a genomic regulatory mechanism that has been deeply conserved throughout evolution.
Increased pollinator service and reduced pollen limitation in the fixed dune populations of a desert shrub
Authors: Pan Cheng-Chen , Qu Hao , Feng Qi , Liu Lin-De , Zhao Ha-Lin , Li Yu-Lin , Li Yu-Qiang , Zhang Tong-Hui , Liu Xin-Ping 
Published: November 2017

AbstractEvaluations of restoration success usually focus on the structural aspects of ecosystems. Pollination, as an important functional aspect, is often overlooked. Here, the shifts in pollinator assemblage and pollen limitation in the desert shrub Caragana microphylla were examined along a restoration gradient in Horqin Sand Land, northern China. We identified seven species of bees; however, only four bee species were found to be effective pollinators, with Xanthosaurus remota dominating in the fixed dunes, and with no bee species or only a single species, X. remota, being observed in the semi-fixed and mobile dunes. Flower visitation rate was nearly ten times higher in the fixed dunes than in the mobile and semi-fixed dunes. Experimental floral manipulations revealed that the fixed dune populations experienced less pollen limitation, along with the increase in pollinator availability. Between the mobile and semi-fixed dune populations, pollen limitation was severe and at similar levels. The intensity of pollen limitation was negatively related to pollinator abundance and richness. Overall, the dependence on pollinators for reproduction may be an important constraint that limits persistence in this system. Increased pollinator service during the restoration process may ameliorate pollen limitation, benefiting the restoration of vegetation in this semiarid sandy area.
Solution structure of the major fish allergen parvalbumin Sco j 1 derived from the Pacific mackerel
Authors: Kumeta Hiroyuki , Nakayama Haruka , Ogura Kenji 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAlthough fish is an important part of the human diet, it is also a common source of food allergy. The major allergen in fish is parvalbumin, a well-conserved Ca2+-binding protein found in the white muscle of many fish species. Here, we studied the solution structure of the parvalbumin Sco j 1, derived from the Pacific mackerel, using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We mapped the IgE-binding epitope proposed in a recent study onto the present structure. Interestingly, three of four residues, which were elucidated as key residues of the IgE-binding epitope, were exposed to solvent, whereas one residue faced the inside of the molecule. We expect that this solution structure can be used in future studies attempting to analyze the various IgE-binding modes of these allergens.
Effective litmus gene test for monitoring the quality of blood samples: Application to Alzheimer’s disease diagnostics
Authors: Shim Sung-Mi , Kim Jong-Hoon , Jeon Jae-Pil 
Published: November 2017

AbstractGene expression profiles reflect the biologically diverse activities of cells under specific cell environments. Using the transcriptional response of cultured cells to blood composition, we developed a litmus gene assay to discriminate blood samples reflecting different sample qualities or disease conditions. This cell-based litmus gene assay identified six genes (CCL20,CEMIP,IL1B,IL8,PRG2,PTGS2) as potential biomarkers of plasma quality control and theSPC25gene as a diagnostic biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In addition, theSPC25gene expression level was significantly increased in the cell-based assay using serum samples from patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In conclusion, we demonstrated the effectiveness and potential of a litmus gene assay to detect the orchestrated effects of circulating systemic factors, leading to the successful diagnosis of AD and MCI. This method is broadly applicable to the diagnosis of disease subtypes or patho-physiological stages of complex diseases and tumors.
Association between smoking and the peripheral vestibular disorder: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wada Masaoki , Takeshima Taro , Nakamura Yosikazu , Nagasaka Shoichiro , Kamesaki Toyomi , Kajii Eiji , Kotani Kazuhiko 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCommon inner ear diseases include peripheral vestibular disorder (PVD) and hearing impairment. The association between smoking and peripheral vestibular disorder (PVD) is unclear. We examined associations between smoking and new PVD events. In this retrospective study, we consecutively enrolled 393 participants aged ≥20 years [mean age 65.3 years; males 133 (33.8%)] treated for hypertension, dyslipidaemia, or diabetes mellitus at a primary care clinic between November 2011 and March 2013. Participants were categorized as ever-smokers (including current and past -smokers; divided per <30 and ≥30 pack-years), and never-smokers. New PVD events were reported over a 1-year follow-up period. Hazard ratios (HR) for new onset PVD were estimated using the Cox proportional hazard regression model. Compared to never-smokers, the adjusted HR was 2.22 for ever-smokers and 2.70 for all ever-smokers with ≥30 pack-years among all 393 participants. Among male participants, compared to never-smokers, the adjusted HR was 4.41 for ever-smokers with ≥30 pack-years. A smoking history of ≥30 pack-years was strongly associated with the risk of new onset PVD in males but not, females. This study may assist patients with smoking cessation for the prevention of new PVD events among males.
Re-entrant spin glass transitions: new insights from acoustic absorption by domain walls
Authors: Kustov S. , Torrens-Serra J. , Salje E. K. H. , Beshers D. N. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractRe-entrant spin glass (RSG) transitions in Ni-Mn and Au-Fe have been reassessed by acoustic measurements of the magneto-mechanical damping by domain walls. Stress-induced non-thermally activated domain wall dynamics is progressively replaced by an intense thermally activated relaxational response when the temperature approaches the RSG freezing point. A “frozen” state with negligible motion of domain walls on atomic and mesoscopic scales occurs in the RSG. We propose that RSG freezing has its origin in intrinsic properties of domain walls.
IL-4 driven transcription factor FoxQ1 is expressed by monocytes in atopic dermatitis and stimulates monocyte migration
Authors: Ovsiy Ilja , Riabov Vladimir , Manousaridis Ioannis , Michel Julia , Moganti Kondaiah , Yin Shuiping , Liu Tengfei , Sticht Carsten , Kremmer Elisabeth , Harmsen Martin C. , Goerdt Sergij , Gratchev Alexei , Kzhyshkowska Julia 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMonocytes are actively recruited at sites of chronic inflammation. However, molecular factors involved in this process are not fully elucidated. Here, we show that cytokine IL-4 which is implicated in the development of chronic inflammatory disease atopic dermatitis (AD) induces expression of transcription factor FoxQ1 in human monocytes and macrophages. FoxQ1 mRNA levels were elevated in monocytes of AD patients compared to healthy donors. Overexpression of FoxQ1 in RAW 264.7 monocytic cells facilitated their migration towards MCP-1 and was associated with decreased expression of migration-regulating genes (claudin 11 and plexin C1). Furthermore, FoxQ1 overexpression in RAW cells accelerated TNFα secretion after LPS challenge. Overall, our results indicate that FoxQ1 stimulates monocyte motility, increases pro-inflammatory potential, and directs monocyte migration towards MCP-1 that is crucial for monocyte influx into inflammatory sites. This mechanism could contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory disorders such as AD.
Local field potentials are induced by visually evoked spiking activity in macaque cortical area MT
Authors: Esghaei Moein , Daliri Mohammad Reza , Treue Stefan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractLocal field potentials (LFP) have been the focus of many recent studies in systems neuroscience. However, the exact neural basis of these signals remains unclear. To address this question, we determined the relationship between LFP signals and another, much better understood, signature of neural activity: action potentials. Specifically, we focused on the relationship between the amplitude of stimulus-induced LFPs and the magnitude of spiking activity in visual cortex of non-human primates. Our trial-by-trial correlation analyses between these two components of extracellular signals in macaque visual cortex show that the spike rate is coupled to the LFP amplitude with a surprisingly long latency, typically 50 ms. Our analysis shows that the neural spike rate is a significant predictor of the LFP amplitude. This limits the functional interpretation of LFP signals beyond that based on spiking activities.
A Novel Electroactive Agarose-Aniline Pentamer Platform as a Potential Candidate for Neural Tissue Engineering
Authors: Zarrintaj Payam , Bakhshandeh Behnaz , Rezaeian Iraj , Heshmatian Behnam , Ganjali Mohammad Reza 
Published: December 2017

AbstractNeuronal disorder is an important health challenge due to inadequate natural regeneration, which has been responded by tissue engineering, particularly with conductive materials. A bifunctional electroactive scaffold having agarose biodegradable and aniline pentamer (AP) conductive parts was designed that exhibits appropriate cell attachment/compatibility, as detected by PC12 cell seeding. The developed carboxyl-capped aniline-pentamer improved agarose cell adhesion potential, also the conductivity of scaffold was in the order 10−5 S/cm reported for cell membrane. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was applied to plot the Nyquist graph and subsequent construction of the equivalent circuit model based on the neural model, exhibiting an appropriate cell signaling and an acceptable consistency between the components of the scaffold model with neural cell model. The ionic conductivity was also measured; exhibiting an enhanced ionic conductivity, but lower activation energy upon a temperature rise. Swelling behavior of the sample was measured and compared with pristine agarose; so that aniline oligomer due to its hydrophobic nature decreased water uptake. Dexamethasone release from the developed electroactive scaffold was assessed through voltage-responsive method. Proper voltage-dependent drug release could be rationally expected because of controllable action and elimination of chemically responsive materials. Altogether, these characteristics recommended the agarose/AP biopolymer for neural tissue engineering.
Outcomes of Traumatic Pancreatic Injuries in Pediatric and Adult Patients: A Retrospective Study Involving Four Trauma Centers
Authors: Iurcotta Toni , Addison Poppy , Amodu Leo , Akerman Meredith , Rilo Horacio 
Published: November 2017

AbstractTraumatic injuries of the pancreas are rare and affect both children and adults. Very little has been done to investigate differences in outcome between these two age groups. We performed a retrospective review of cases in four trauma hospitals to determine the differences in outcomes between pediatric and adult patients with traumatic pancreatic injuries. A retrospective chart review was performed for 69 pediatric and adult patients seen at four trauma centers in our health system between 1990 and 2014. The Mann–Whitney's U-test was used to compare continuous variables, while the chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used for categorical variables. Mortality was determined using the Social Security Death Master File. In this study, 26 pediatric and 43 adult patients were included. Median ages were 11.4 and 42.3 years, respectively. There were significant differences in mechanism of blunt injury between pediatric and adults (motor vehicle collisions = 17.4 vs. 64.9%, bicycle accidents = 43.5 vs. 0.0%; p-value for both comparisons < 0.0001), median injury severity score (6.5 vs. 12; p = 0.030), surgical management (30.8 vs. 67.4%; p = 0.003), and postinjury pancreatitis (57.7 vs. 20.9%; p = 0.002). Median hospital length of stay was 5 versus 11 days (p = 0.005), respectively. There were no differences in mortality or other complications. In spite of significant differences in blunt injury type, injury severity, and the need for surgery, there were no significant differences in mortality or most postinjury complications between pediatric and adult patients with traumatic pancreatic injuries.
Ultrasound-Guided Cannulation of the Brachiocephalic Vein in Neonates and Preterm Infants: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Alonso-Quintela Paula , Terroba-Seara Sandra , Jiménez-González Aquilina , Rodríguez-Blanco Silvia , Vázquez-Martínez José , Oulego-Erroz Ignacio 
Published: November 2017

Introduction Percutaneous central venous catheter (CVC) insertion is a challenging procedure in neonates, especially in preterm infants.
Objective This study aims to describe the technical success and safety profile of ultrasound (US)-guided brachiocephalic vein (BCV) cannulation in neonates.
Methods Prospective observational study. Neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in whom US-guided cannulation of the BCV was attempted were eligible. Outcomes included first attempt success rate, the overall success rate, the number of attempts, the cannulation time, immediate mechanical complications, catheter indwelling days, and late complications.
Results A total of 40 procedures in 37 patients were included. Median weight and age at the time of cannulation were 1.85 kg (0.76–4.8) and 13 days (3–31), respectively. First attempt and overall success rates were 29 (72.5%) and 38 (95%), respectively. No major complications were observed. Catheter-associated infection rate was 2.4/1,000 catheter days. There were no difference in outcomes between low weight preterm infants (<1.5 kg) and the rest of the cohort. There was no linear relationship between weight at time of insertion and the number of puncture attempts (r = 0.250; p = 0.154) or cannulation time (r = 0.257; p = 0.142).
Conclusion US-guided cannulation of the BCV may be considered in acutely ill neonates, including small preterm infants, who need a large bore CVC.
Neonatal Outcomes Differ after Spontaneous and Indicated Preterm Birth
Authors: Demaree Devyn , Merfeld Emily , Tuuli Methodius , Wambach Jennifer , Cole F. , Cahill Alison , Stout Molly 
Published: November 2017

Objective Preterm birth (PTB) at <37 weeks of gestation complicates 10% of pregnancies and requires accurate counseling regarding anticipated neonatal outcomes. PTB classification as spontaneous or indicated is commonly used to cluster PTB into subtypes, but whether neonatal outcomes differ by PTB subtype is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that neonatal morbidity differs based on subtype of PTB.
Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of live-born, non-anomalous preterm infants from 2004 to 2008. Spontaneous PTB was defined as PTB from spontaneous preterm labor or preterm rupture of membranes. Indicated PTB was defined as PTB from any maternal or fetal medical complication necessitating delivery. The primary outcome was a composite of early respiratory morbidity. Secondary outcomes included late composite respiratory morbidity and other neonatal morbidities.
Results Of 1,223 preterm neonates, 60.9% were born after spontaneous PTB and 30.1% after indicated PTB. Composite early respiratory morbidity was significantly higher after indicated PTB versus spontaneous PTB (1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–1.4). Composite late respiratory morbidity (1.8, 95% CI 1.3–2.3) and neonatal death (2.8, 95% CI 1.5–5.1) were also significantly higher after indicated PTB versus spontaneous PTB.
Conclusion Neonatal respiratory outcomes and death differ according to PTB subtype. PTB subtype should be considered while counseling families and anticipating neonatal outcomes after PTB.
Impact of Intended Mode of Delivery on Outcomes in Preterm Growth-Restricted Fetuses
Authors: Kuper Spencer , Wang Michelle , Steele Robin , Biggio Joseph , Harper Lorie , Baalbaki Sima 
Published: November 2017

Background Scheduled cesarean is frequently performed for fetal growth restriction due to concerns for fetal intolerance of labor.
Objective We compared neonatal outcomes in preterm growth-restricted fetuses by intended mode of delivery.
Study Design We performed a retrospective cohort study of indicated preterm births with prenatally diagnosed growth restriction from 2011 to 2014 at a single institution. Patients were classified by intended mode of delivery. The primary outcome was a composite of adverse neonatal outcomes, including perinatal death, cord blood acidemia, chest compressions during neonatal resuscitation, seizures, culture-proven sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and grade III–IV intraventricular hemorrhage. Secondary analysis was performed examining the impact of umbilical artery Dopplers.
Results Of 101 fetuses with growth restriction, 75 underwent planned cesarean deliveries. Of those induced, 46.2% delivered vaginally. Delivery by scheduled cesarean was not associated with a decreased risk of the composite outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45–5.78), even when only those with abnormal umbilical artery Dopplers were considered (aOR, 2.8; 95% CI, 0.40–20.2).
Conclusion In this cohort, planned cesarean was not associated with a reduction in neonatal morbidity, even when considering only those with abnormal umbilical artery Dopplers. In otherwise appropriate candidates for vaginal delivery, fetal growth restriction should not be considered a contraindication to trial of labor.
Does Posterior Condylar Offset Affect Clinical Results following Total Knee Arthroplasty?
Authors: Degen Ryan , Matz Jacob , Teeter Matthew , Lanting Brent , Howard James , McCalden Richard 
Published: November 2017

AbstractTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an effective, durable treatment for knee osteoarthritis. However, a subset of patients experiences incomplete pain relief and ongoing dysfunction. Posterior condylar offset (PCO) has previously been shown to be associated with postoperative range of motion (ROM) following TKA; however, an association with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) has not been established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between PCO and postoperative ROM and PROMs. A retrospective review of 970 posterior-stabilized single design TKAs was performed. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were analyzed to measure the change in PCO and anteroposterior (AP) femoral dimension. Clinical outcome measures, including Short Form-12 physical and mental component summaries, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, and Knee Society Score were reviewed to determine if these were influenced by changes in PCO and AP dimension. PCO was increased by more than 3 mm in 15.1%, maintained (within 3 mm) in 59.6%, and decreased by more than 3 mm in 25.3% of patients. Comparing between these groups, there were no significant differences in postoperative ROM or PROM. AP dimension increased in 24.4%, maintained in 47.8%, and decreased in 27.8%. Similarly, there were no significant differences in ROM or PROM between these groups. Spearman's correlation analyses failed to identify an association between PCO and ROM or PROMs. In conclusion, increasing or decreasing PCO or AP femoral dimension with this PS TKA design did not significantly affect postoperative ROM or PROM. Similarly, maintenance of PCO within one implant size with this system compared with optimal sizing had no deleterious effect on TKA outcomes.