bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dampening of population cycles in voles affects small mammal community structure, decreases diversity, and increases prevalence of a zoonotic disease
Authors: Ecke Frauke , Angeler David G. , Magnusson Magnus , Khalil Hussein , Hörnfeldt Birger 
Published: June 2017

AbstractLong‐term decline and depression of density in cyclic small rodents is a recent widespread phenomenon. These observed changes at the population level might have cascading effects at the ecosystem level. Here, we assessed relationships between changing boreal landscapes and biodiversity changes of small mammal communities. We also inferred potential effects of observed community changes for increased transmission risk of Puumala virus (PUUV) spread, causing the zoonotic disease nephropatica epidemica in humans. Analyses were based on long‐term (1971–2013) monitoring data of shrews and voles representing 58 time series in northern Sweden. We calculated richness, diversity, and evenness at alpha, beta, and gamma level, partitioned beta diversity into turnover (species replacement) and nestedness (species addition/removal), used similarity percentages (SIMPER) analysis to assess community structure, and calculated the cumulated number of PUUV‐infected bank voles and average PUUV prevalence (percentage of infected bank voles) per vole cycle. Alpha, beta, and gamma richness and diversity of voles, but not shrews, showed long‐term trends that varied spatially. The observed patterns were associated with an increase in community contribution of bank vole (Myodes glareolus), a decrease of gray‐sided vole (M. rufocanus) and field vole (Microtus agrestis) and a hump‐shaped variation in contribution of common shrew (Sorex araneus). Long‐term biodiversity changes were largely related to changes in forest landscape structure. Number of PUUV‐infected bank voles in spring was negatively related to beta and gamma diversity, and positively related to turnover of shrews (replaced by voles) and to community contribution of bank voles. The latter was also positively related to average PUUV prevalence in spring. We showed that long‐term changes in the boreal landscape contributed to explain the decrease in biodiversity and the change in structure of small mammal communities. In addition, our results suggest decrease in small mammal diversity to have knock‐on effects on dynamics of infectious diseases among small mammals with potential implications for disease transmission to humans.
A framework for testing assumptions about foraging scales, body mass, and niche separation using telemetry data
Authors: Cumming Graeme S. , Henry Dominic A.W. , Reynolds Chevonne 
Published: June 2017

AbstractEcological theory predicts that if animals with very similar dietary requirements inhabit the same landscape, then they should avoid niche overlap by either exploiting food resources at different times or foraging at different spatial scales. Similarly, it is often assumed that animals that fall in different body mass modes and share the same body plan will use landscapes at different spatial scales. We developed a new methodological framework for understanding the scaling of foraging (i.e. the range and distribution of scales at which animals use their landscapes) by applying a combination of three well‐established methods to satellite telemetry data to quantify foraging patch size distributions: (1) first‐passage time analysis; (2) a movement‐based kernel density estimator; and (3) statistical comparison of resulting histograms and tests for multimodality. We demonstrate our approach using two sympatric, ecologically similar species of African ducks with quite different body masses: Egyptian Geese (actually a shelduck), and Red‐billed Teal. Contrary to theoretical predictions, the two species, which are sympatric throughout the year, foraged at almost identical spatial scales. Our results show how ecologists can use GPS tracking data to explicitly quantify and compare the scales of foraging by different organisms within an animal community. Our analysis demonstrates both a novel approach to foraging data analysis and the need for caution when making assumptions about the relationships among niche separation, diet, and foraging scale.
Geographically distinct patterns of reproductive isolation and hybridization in two sympatric species of theJaera albifronscomplex (marine isopods)
Authors: Ribardière Ambre , Daguin‐Thiébaut Claire , Houbin Céline , Coudret Jérôme , Broudin Caroline , Timsit Olivier , Broquet Thomas 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSympatric species that in some populations hybridize and in other populations remain reproductively isolated open interesting research possibilities for the study of hybridization and speciation. Here, we test for such a situation in two littoral isopods (Jaera albifronsandJ. praehirsuta) that occur in mixed populations and where past morphological descriptions suggested that the two species are generally reproductively isolated except in rare populations where hybridization may be happening. Using field surveys and microsatellite genetic structure analyses in two regions from France (Normandy and Brittany), we confirmed that introgressive hybridization occurs in a subset of mixedJ. albifrons/J. praehirsutapopulations (region Normandy) where the two species are found in the same habitat (pebbles on the shore). Moreover, we found that introgression in these populations is differential, 21 of 23 microsatellite markers showing little genetic divergence between species (hierarchical analysis of molecular varianceFCT = 0.017) while the remaining two loci were strongly differentiated (FCT = 0.428). By contrast,J. albifronsandJ. praehirsutain mixed populations from region Brittany occupied distinct habitats (pebbles and seaweeds, respectively) with little overlap and showed stronger genetic divergence (FCT = 0.132). In hybridizing populations, the majority of individuals show morphological traits that are characteristic of one or the other species. This raises the question of the forces that act to maintain this polymorphism, noting that hybridizing populations seem to be geographically isolated from potential source parental populations and show no detectable habitat divergence between species.
Ecohydrological disturbances associated with roads: Current knowledge, research needs, and management concerns with reference to the tropics
Authors: Wemple Beverley C. , Browning Trevor , Ziegler Alan D. , Celi Jorge , Chun Kwok Pan (Sun) , Jaramillo Fernando , Leite Nei K. , Ramchunder Sorain J. , Negishi Junjiro N. , Palomeque Ximena , Sawyer Derek 
Published: June 2017

AbstractRoads are a pervasive form of disturbance with potential to negatively affect ecohydrological processes. Some of the most rapid growth in road networks is occurring in developing countries, particularly in the tropics, where political agendas are often focused on strengthening the economy, improving infrastructure, bolstering national security, achieving self‐sufficiency, and increasing citizen well‐being, often at the expense of the environment. We review what is known about road impacts on ecohydrological processes, focusing on aquatic systems, both temperate and tropical. We present seven cases that represent the broader trends of road development and impacts in tropical settings. Many of these process dynamics and impacts are not different from those experienced in temperate settings, although the magnitude of impacts in the tropics may be amplified with intense rainfall and lack of best management practices applied to road construction/maintenance. Impacts of roads in tropical settings may also be unique because of particular organisms or ecosystems affected. We outline a set of best practices to improve road network management and provide recommendations for adopting an agenda of research and road management in tropical settings. Importantly, we call for incorporation of transdisciplinary approaches to further study the effects of roads on ecohydrological processes in the tropics. Specific emphasis should also be placed on collaboration with governments and developers that are championing road development to help identify the drivers of road expansion and thresholds of negative impact, as well as methods of sustainable road construction and maintenance.
The mortality risk of deferring optimal medical therapy in heart failure: a systematic comparison against norms for surgical consent and patient information leaflets
Authors: Zaman Sameer , Zaman Saman S. , Scholtes Timothy , Shun‐Shin Matthew J. , Plymen Carla M. , Francis Darrel P. , Cole Graham D. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimsThe prescription of optimal medical therapy for heart failure is often delayed despite compelling evidence of a reduction in mortality. We calculated the absolute risk resulting from delayed prescription of therapy. For comparison, we established the threshold applied by clinicians when discussing the risk for death associated with an intervention, and the threshold used in official patient information leaflets.Methods and resultsWe undertook a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials to calculate the excess mortality caused by deferral of medical therapy for 1 year. Risk ratios for angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, beta‐blockers and aldosterone antagonists were 0.80, 0.73 and 0.77, respectively. In patients who might achieve a 1‐year survival rate of 90% if treated, a 1‐year deferral of treatment reduced survival to 78% (i.e. an annual absolute increase in mortality of 12 in 100 patients). This corresponds to an additional absolute mortality risk per month of 1%. A survey of clinicians carried out to establish the risk threshold at which they would obtain written consent showed the majority (85%) sought written consent for interventions associated with a 12‐fold lower mortality risk: one in 100 patients. A systematic review of UK patient information leaflets to establish the magnitude of risk considered sufficient to be stated explicitly showed that leaflets begin to mention death at a ∼18 000‐fold lower mortality risk of just 0.0007 in 100 patients.ConclusionsDeferring heart failure treatment for 1 year carries far greater risk than the level at which most doctors seek written consent, and 18 000 times more risk than the level at which patient information leaflets begin to mention death.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy in Denmark: a retrospective, population‐based study of incidence, management and outcome
Authors: Ersbøll Anne S. , Johansen Marianne , Damm Peter , Rasmussen Steen , Vejlstrup Niels G. , Gustafsson Finn 
Published: June 2017

AimPopulation‐based European studies of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) are few. We aimed to estimate the nationwide incidence and outcome of PPCM in Denmark during 2005–2014.Methods and resultsThe Danish National Birth Register and the Danish National Patient Register were linked and searched for cardiomyopathy and heart failure ICD‐10 diagnoses in a period of nine months before to 12 months after a delivery from 1 January 2005 through 31 December 2014. Diagnoses were validated and additional data were extracted from patient charts. A total of 61 women met the inclusion criteria equalling 1 in 10 149 deliveries. The majority recovered left ventricular systolic function within one year, but 14.8% suffered a major adverse event with 3.3% mortality, 8.2% mechanical circulatory support requirement and/or heart transplantation and 4.9% persistent severe heart failure. Half of the women had a concomitant hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, and this subgroup had a milder course of the disease. Baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was the only significant predictor of LVEF 10–14 months after diagnosis, and cabergoline therapy to inhibit lactation predicted the dichotomous outcome of complete recovery (LVEF ≥55%).ConclusionThe first validated, population‐based European estimate of PPCM incidence is 1 in 10 149 deliveries, which places Denmark between American and Japanese estimates. Clinical outcome in the cohort was similar to those reported in recent cohorts. Women with concomitant hypertensive disorder of pregnancy had a milder course of PPCM. Baseline LVEF predicted LVEF 10–14 months after diagnosis and cabergoline predicted complete recovery.
Validation of a procedure to quantify oxolinic acid, danofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin in selected meats by micellar liquid chromatography according to EU Commission Decision 2002/657/EC
Authors: Peris‐Vicente Juan , Tayeb‐Cherif Khaled , Carda‐Broch Samuel , Esteve‐Romero Josep 
Published: June 2017

The suitability of an analytical method to determine oxolinic acid, danofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin in edible tissues, based on micellar liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection, to be applied in chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, goat, rabbit and horse muscle, is described. The method was fully matrix‐matched in‐lab revalidated, for each antimicrobial drug and meat, following the guidelines of the EU Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. The permitted limits were the maximum residue limits stated by the EU Commission Regulation 37/2010. The results obtained for the studied validation parameters were in agreement with the guidelines: selectivity (the antibiotics were resolved), linearity (r2 > 0.995), limit of detection (0.004–0.02 mg/kg), limits of quantification (0.01–0.05 mg/kg), calibration range (up to 0.5 mg/kg), recovery (89.5–105.0%), precision (<8.3%), decision limit, detection capability, ruggedness, stability and application to incurred samples. The method was found to be able to provide reliable concentrations with low uncertainty within a large interval, including the maximum residue limits, and then was useful to find out prohibited contaminated samples. The method did not require to be adapted for these matrices, and then it maintained its interesting advantages: short‐time, eco‐friendly, safe, inexpensive, easy‐to‐conduct, minimal manipulation and useful for routine analysis.
Automated long‐term EEG analysis to localize the epileptogenic zone
Authors: van Mierlo Pieter , Strobbe Gregor , Keereman Vincent , Birot Gwénael , Gadeyne Stefanie , Gschwind Markus , Carrette Evelien , Meurs Alfred , Van Roost Dirk , Vonck Kristl , Seeck Margitta , Vulliémoz Serge , Boon Paul 
Published: June 2017

SummaryObjectiveWe investigated the performance of automatic spike detection and subsequent electroencephalogram (EEG) source imaging to localize the epileptogenic zone (EZ) from long‐term EEG recorded during video‐EEG monitoring.MethodsIn 32 patients, spikes were automatically detected in the EEG and clustered according to their morphology. The two spike clusters with most single events in each patient were averaged and localized in the brain at the half‐rising time and peak of the spike using EEG source imaging. On the basis of the distance from the sources to the resection and the known patient outcome after surgery, the performance of the automated EEG analysis to localize the EZ was quantified.ResultsIn 28 out of the 32 patients, the automatically detected spike clusters corresponded with the reported interictal findings. The median distance to the resection in patients with Engel class I outcome was 6.5 and 15 mm for spike cluster 1 and 27 and 26 mm for cluster 2, at the peak and the half‐rising time of the spike, respectively. Spike occurrence (cluster 1 vs. cluster 2) and spike timing (peak vs. half‐rising) significantly influenced the distance to the resection (p < 0.05). For patients with Engel class II, III, and IV outcomes, the median distance increased to 36 and 36 mm for cluster 1. Localizing spike cluster 1 at the peak resulted in a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 100%, positive prediction value (PPV) of 100%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 53%. Including the results of spike cluster 2 led to an increased sensitivity of 79% NPV of 55% and diagnostic OR of 11.4, while the specificity dropped to 75% and the PPV to 90%.SignificanceWe showed that automated analysis of long‐term EEG recordings results in a high sensitivity and specificity to localize the epileptogenic focus.
Experimental evaluation of fog computing techniques to reduce latency in LTE networks
Authors: García‐Pérez César Augusto , Merino Pedro 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe changes in new mobile networks toward a full Internet protocol–based architecture have led to opportunities for service‐oriented optimizations based on emergent technologies like fog computing, software‐defined networking, or network function virtualization. This paper explores 2 ways of using these new technologies to reduce the latency in Long‐Term Evolution (LTE) networks. Both solutions reduce the path that the data packets should follow from the base station (evolved Node B [eNB]) to the network components that connect to the servers. The first solution, called Fog Gateway, is based on the interception of the packets in the tunnel at the eNB and their redirection to local servers running the fog services. This solution is fully compliant with the current LTE architecture and only requires new components. The second solution, called General Packet Radio Service Tunneling Protocol Gateway (GTP), is based on splitting the eNB's functionality to avoid unnecessary GTP encapsulation of the packets geared toward the fog services. This paper includes an analysis of the latency split in LTE networks, the evaluation of both solutions with experiments in an end‐to‐end LTE network testbed, and a discussion around their applicability in future fifth‐generation networks. The results confirm that they are feasible to provide low‐latency services and that they are compatible with some of the emergent paradigms (software‐defined networking and network function virtualization) as well as with the studies on fifth‐generation networks from the standardization bodies.
Branched chain α‐ketoacid dehydrogenase kinase 111–130, a T cell epitope that induces both autoimmune myocarditis and hepatitis in A/J mice
Authors: Krishnan Bharathi , Massilamany Chandirasegaran , Basavalingappa Rakesh H. , Gangaplara Arunakumar , Kang Guobin , Li Qingsheng , Uzal Francisco A. , Strande Jennifer L. , Delhon Gustavo A. , Riethoven Jean‐Jack , Steffen David , Reddy Jay 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIntroductionOrgan‐specific autoimmune diseases are believed to result from immune responses generated against self‐antigens specific to each organ. However, when such responses target antigens expressed promiscuously in multiple tissues, then the immune‐mediated damage may be wide spread.MethodsIn this report, we describe a mitochondrial protein, branched chain α‐ketoacid dehydrogenase kinase (BCKDk) that can act as a target autoantigen in the development of autoimmune inflammatory reactions in both heart and liver.ResultsWe demonstrate that BCKDk protein contains at least nine immunodominant epitopes, three of which, BCKDk 71–90, BCKDk 111–130 and BCKDk 141–160, were found to induce varying degrees of myocarditis in immunized mice. One of these, BCKDk 111–130, could also induce hepatitis without affecting lungs, kidneys, skeletal muscles, and brain. In immunogenicity testing, all three peptides induced antigen‐specific T cell responses, as verified by proliferation assay and/or major histocompatibility complex class II/IAk dextramer staining. Finally, the disease‐inducing abilities of BCKDk peptides were correlated with the production of interferon‐γ, and the activated T cells could transfer disease to naive recipients.ConclusionsThe disease induced by BCKDk peptides could serve as a useful model to study the autoimmune events of inflammatory heart and liver diseases.
Biphasic Effect of ATP on In Vitro Mineralization of Dental Pulp Cells
Authors: Techatharatip Oranuch , Nowwarote Nunthawan , Taebunpakul Suthisa , Pavasant Prasit 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTDental pulp cells release adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in response to intrapulpal pressure and the amount released depends on the magnitude of the pressure. ATP regulates the differentiation of stem cells into adipocytes and osteoblasts. However, it is unknown whether extracellular ATP influences the stemness and osteogenic differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs). Therefore, this study investigated the effects of extracellular ATP at a low (0.1 μM) and high (10 μM) concentration on the stemness and osteogenic differentiation of SHEDs. Cells were cultured in either growth medium or osteogenic medium with or without 0.1–10 μM ATP. In growth medium, both concentrations of ATP increased the mRNA expression of pluripotent and osteogenic markers. In contrast, in osteogenic medium, 0.1 μM ATP enhanced in vitro mineralization, whereas 10 μM ATP inhibited this process. In addition, 10 μM ATP stimulated the mRNA expression and activity of ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (ENPP), an enzyme that regulates the phosphate/pyrophosphate ratio. Thus, depending on the growth condition and its concentration, ATP stimulated stemness and in vitro mineralization or inhibited mineralization. In growth medium, both ATP concentrations stimulated pluripotent and osteogenic marker gene expression. However, in osteogenic medium, a biphasic effect was found on in vitro mineralization; the low concentration stimulated, whereas the high concentration inhibited, mineralization. We propose that ATP released due to mechanical stress modulates the stemness and differentiation of SHEDs. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 488–498, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Novel Interacting Protein SERP1 Regulates the N‐Linked Glycosylation and Function of GLP‐1 Receptor in the Liver
Authors: Xiao Yuanyuan , Han Junfeng , Wang Qianqian , Mao Yueqin , Wei Meilin , Jia Weiping , Wei Li 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTGlucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) exerts multiple effects on metabolism through its receptor, GLP‐1R, in the liver. Activation and transduction of GLP‐1R require complex interactions of largely unknown accessory proteins, and these processes are crucial to the response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Using the membrane‐based split ubiquitin yeast two‐hybrid system (MYTH) and a human liver cDNA library, we obtained the human GLP‐1R interactome and identified SERP1 as a potential interacting protein based on its ability to stabilize membrane proteins and facilitate N‐linked glycosylation. GLP‐1R and SERP1 were co‐expressed in HEK‐293 cells, and their interaction was confirmed by co‐immunoprecipitation. We then found that overexpression of SERP1 could rescue GLP‐1R glycosylation after application of tunicamycin to block N‐linked glycosylation. SERP1 overexpression also attenuated exendin‐4‐stimulated cAMP accumulation and AMPK activation. However, the glycosylation and function of mutant GLP‐1R, in which all three sites for N‐linked glycosylation were mutated, were not increased with overexpression of SERP1. Moreover, as a GLP‐1R interactor, SERP1 could also partly reverse the accumulation of tunicamycin‐induced ER stress. Taken together, our findings identify a group of proteins that interact with GLP‐1R and show that one specific interacting protein, SERP1, has an important role in facilitating the glycosylation of GLP‐1R and rescuing its activities after ER stress induced by tunicamycin. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3616–3626, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.