bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in prostate cancer: evidence from 16,266 patients
Authors: Gu Xiaobin , Gao Xianshu , Li Xiaoying , Qi Xin , Ma Mingwei , Qin Shangbin , Yu Hao , Sun Shaoqian , Zhou Dong , Wang Wen 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis study was aimed to investigate the prognostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa). A meta-analysis including 14 publications (15 cohorts) with 16,266 patients was performed to evaluate the association between NLR and overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS)/recurrence-free survival (RFS) in PCa using hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The combining data showed that increased NLR predict poor OS (HR = 1.38, 95%CI: 1.22–1.56) and PFS/RFS (HR = 1.24, 95%CI 1.05–1.46) in PCa. Stratified analysis by PCa type, sample size, ethnicity and NLR cut-off value revealed that NLR showed consistent prognostic value in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients and predict poor PFS/RFS in Asians, but not in Caucasians. These statistical data suggested that increased NLR could predict poor prognosis in patients with PCa.
Inactivated poliovirus type 2 vaccine delivered to rat skin via high density microprojection array elicits potent neutralising antibody responses
Authors: Muller David A. , Pearson Frances E. , Fernando Germain J.P. , Agyei-Yeboah Christiana , Owens Nick S. , Corrie Simon R. , Crichton Michael L. , Wei Jonathan C.J. , Weldon William C. , Oberste M. Steven , Young Paul R. , Kendall Mark A. F. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPolio eradication is progressing rapidly and the live attenuated Sabin strains in the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) are being removed sequentially, starting with type 2 in April 2016. For risk mitigation, countries are introducing inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) into routine vaccination programs. After April 2016, monovalent type 2 OPV will be available for type 2 outbreak control. Because the current IPV is not suitable for house-to-house vaccination campaigns (the intramuscular injections require health professionals), we developed a high-density microprojection array, the Nanopatch, delivered monovalent type 2 IPV (IPV2) vaccine to the skin. To assess the immunogenicity of the Nanopatch, we performed a dose-matched study in rats, comparing the immunogenicity of IPV2 delivered by intramuscular injection or Nanopatch immunisation. A single dose of 0.2 D-antigen units of IPV2 elicited protective levels of poliovirus antibodies in 100% of animals. However, animals receiving IPV2 by IM required at least 3 immunisations to reach the same neutralising antibody titres. This level of dose reduction (1/40th of a full dose) is unprecedented for poliovirus vaccine delivery. The ease of administration coupled with the dose reduction observed in this study points to the Nanopatch as a potential tool for facilitating inexpensive IPV for mass vaccination campaigns.
The Synthetic Tie2 Agonist Peptide Vasculotide Protects Renal Vascular Barrier Function In Experimental Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Rübig Eva , Stypmann Jörg , Van Slyke Paul , Dumont Daniel J , Spieker Tilmann , Buscher Konrad , Reuter Stefan , Goerge Tobias , Pavenstädt Hermann , Kümpers Philipp 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMicrovascular barrier dysfunction plays a major role in the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury (AKI). Angiopoietin-1, the natural agonist ligand for the endothelial-specific Tie2 receptor, is a non-redundant endothelial survival and vascular stabilization factor. Here we evaluate the efficacy of a polyethylene glycol-clustered Tie2 agonist peptide, vasculotide (VT), to protect against endothelial-cell activation with subsequent microvascular dysfunction in a murine model of ischemic AKI. Renal ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) was induced by clamping of the renal arteries for 35 minutes. Mice were treated with VT or PEGylated cysteine before IRI. Sham-operated animals served as time-matched controls. Treatment with VT significantly reduced transcapillary albumin flux and renal tissue edema after IRI. The protective effects of VT were associated with activation of Tie2 and stabilization of its downstream effector, VE-cadherin in renal vasculature. VT abolished the decline in renal tissue blood flow, attenuated the increase of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen after IRI, improved recovery of renal function and markedly reduced mortality compared to PEG [HR 0.14 (95% CI 0.05–0.78) P < 0.05]. VT is inexpensive to produce, chemically stable and unrelated to any Tie2 ligands. Thus, VT may represent a novel therapy to prevent AKI in patients.
The evolutionary history of genes involved in spoken and written language: beyond FOXP2
Authors: Mozzi Alessandra , Forni Diego , Clerici Mario , Pozzoli Uberto , Mascheretti Sara , Guerini Franca R. , Riva Stefania , Bresolin Nereo , Cagliani Rachele , Sironi Manuela 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHumans possess a communication system based on spoken and written language. Other animals can learn vocalization by imitation, but this is not equivalent to human language. Many genes were described to be implicated in language impairment (LI) and developmental dyslexia (DD), but their evolutionary history has not been thoroughly analyzed. Herein we analyzed the evolution of ten genes involved in DD and LI. Results show that the evolutionary history of LI genes for mammals and aves was comparable in vocal-learner species and non-learners. For the human lineage, several sites showing evidence of positive selection were identified in KIAA0319 and were already present in Neanderthals and Denisovans, suggesting that any phenotypic change they entailed was shared with archaic hominins. Conversely, in FOXP2, ROBO1, ROBO2, and CNTNAP2 non-coding changes rose to high frequency after the separation from archaic hominins. These variants are promising candidates for association studies in LI and DD.
Conjugate refractive–reflective homogeniser in a 500× Cassegrain concentrator: design and limits
Authors: Shanks Katie , Baig Hasan , Senthilarasu Sundaram , Reddy K.S. , Mallick Tapas K. 
Published: February 2016

In this study, we present the conjugate refractive reflective homogeniser (CRRH) to be used in a 500× Cassegrain photovoltaic concentrator. The CRRH is a dielectric crossed v‐trough lined with a reflective film whilst maintaining an air gap between them. This air gap between the two surfaces helps in trapping the scattered light from the refractive geometry and ensures both total internal reflection and standard reflection of the escaped rays. A 10–42% drop in optical efficiency has been shown to occur due to varying the surface roughness of the homogeniser in these ray trace simulations for the Cassegrain setup. The CRRH increased the overall optical efficiency by a maximum of 7.75% in comparison with that of a standard refractive homogeniser simulated within the same concentrator system. The acceptance angle and flux distribution of these homogenisers was also investigated. The simple shape of the CRRH ensures easy manufacturing and produces a relatively uniform irradiance distribution on the receiver. The theoretical benefit of the CRRH is also validated via practical measurements. Further research is required but a 6.7% power increase was measured under a 1000 W/m2 solar simulator at normal incidence for the experimental test.
Gut passage of epigeous ectomycorrhizal fungi by two opportunistic mycophagous rodents
Authors: Castillo-Guevara Citlalli , Sierra Josette , Galindo-Flores Gema , Cuautle Mariana , Lara Carlos 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Mycophagists can influence fungal diversity within their home ranges by ensuring the continued and effective dispersal of spores from one site to another. However, the passage of spores through the digestive tract of vertebrates can affect the activity and viability of the spores ingested. This phenomenon has been rarely documented in opportunistic mycophagists consuming epigeous fungi. Using laboratory experiments, we investigated the activity and viability of spores of two epigeous ectomycorrhizal fungal species (Laccaria trichodermophora and Suillus tomentosus) after passage through the digestive tract of two opportunistic mycophagous small rodents, the volcano mouse Peromyscus alstoni and the deer mouse P. maniculatus. We found that passage through the gut of either species of rodent had a significant effect on spore activity and viability for both fungal species. The proportion of active spores (0.37–0.40) of L. trichodermophora in the feces of both species of rodents was less than that recorded for the control (0.82). However, the proportion of active spores (0.64–0.73) of S. tomentosus in the feces of each species of rodent was higher than in the control (0.40). On the other hand, the viability of spores was lower (0.26–0.30 in L. trichodermophora and 0.60–0.69 in S. tomentosus) for both fungi when consumed by either rodent relative to the controls (0.90 in L. trichodermophora and 0.82 in S. tomentosus). These findings suggest that these rodent species may be effective dispersers of both epigeous fungi.
Comparing children’s Homo sapiens and chimpanzees’ Pan troglodytes quantity judgments of sequentially presented sets of items
Authors: Beran Michael J. , Johnson-Pynn Julie S. , Ready Christopher 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
We presented a quantity judgment task that involved comparing two sequentially presented sets of items to preschoolers and chimpanzees using nearly identical procedures that excluded verbal instructions to children. Trial difficulty in this task reflected the ratio difference between sets of discrete items where larger ratios (e.g., 0.80 as from comparing 4 to 5) were more difficult than smaller ones (e.g., 0.50 as from comparing 4 to 8). Children also completed verbal-based tasks probing the relationship between counting proficiency and performance on the quantity judgment task of sequentially presented identical sized items. Both species’ performance was best when ratios between comparison sets were small regardless of set size in all types of tasks. Generally, chimpanzees and older children performed better than younger children except at larger ratios. Children’s counting proficiency was not related to success in choosing the larger of two quantities of identical-sized items. These results indicate that chimpanzees and children share an approximate number sense that is reflected through analog magnitude estimation when comparing quantities.
Male and female meadow voles Microtus pennsylvanicus respond differently to scent marks from the top- middle-, and bottom-scent donors of an over-mark
Authors: Ferkin Michael H. , Hobbs Nicholas J. , Ferkin Benjamin D. , Ferkin Adam C. , Ferkin Daniel A. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Previous studies have shown that individuals responded preferentially to the mark of the top-scent donor relative to that of the bottom-scent donor of an over-mark. However, terrestrial mammals are likely to encounter over-marks consisting of the scent marks of more than two same-sex conspecifics in the intersections of runways, near the nests of sexually receptive female conspecifics, and inside and along the borders of the territories of conspecifics. We determined how meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus, respond to the marks of the top-, middle-, and bottom-scent donors of an over-mark. We tested the hypothesis that voles exposed to an over-mark will respond preferentially to the scent marks that were deposited more recently, the scent marks that were on top or near the top of the over-mark, compared to the scent marks that were deposited earlier or near the bottom of the over-mark. Voles spent more time investigating the mark of the top-scent donor than that of the either the middle- or bottom-scent donor. However, males but not female voles spent more time investigating the middle-scent mark than the bottom-scent mark. We also tested the hypothesis that voles evaluate and respond to over-marks differently from single scent marks. Voles spent more time investigating the marks of the top-, middle-, and bottom-scent donors compared to scent marks that were not part of the over-mark. Voles can distinguish among the overlapping scent marks of three scent donors and sex differences exist in the values they appear to attach to each of these scent marks.
Landmark learning by the Ozark zigzag salamander Plethodon angusticlavius
Authors: Crane Adam L. , Mathis Alicia 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Although salamanders have been shown to respond to classical conditioning, spatial learning has been largely unstudied. We tested whether salamanders could learn to locate foraging areas by using landmarks. We trained 10 salamanders Plethodon angusticlavius to use landmarks (small rocks) to locate patches within the arena containing food (blackworms Lum-briculus variegatus). At the corners of each square testing arena were four plastic dishes, one containing blackworms and the other three empty. A rock was placed in front of the dish containing blackworms, and the location of the food-dish was randomly chosen for each training trial. A control group was also trained to feed on blackworms in the presence of a rock, but the rock was positioned randomly among the four dish locations so that the rock was not a reliable landmark for the worms. Although the length of the training period for individual salamanders varied (22–38 trainings per individual), the mean number of trainings for salamanders in the control and experimental groups was equal (30 training trials). During testing, no blackworms were present to eliminate any visual or chemical cues emanating directly from the prey. Individuals trained with the rock landmarks spent significantly more time in the area of the landmark than did control salamanders.
The effects of gonadal hormones on learning and memory in male mammals: A review
Authors: Leonard Stuart T. , Winsauer Peter J. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The primary role of the gonadal steroid hormones in mammals is to regulate reproduction and related behaviors; however, both androgens and estrogens are also integrally involved in mediating higher brain function and processes including cognition, neural development, and neural plasticity. In particular, a number of studies show that estradiol modulates dendritic spine growth and synapse density (synaptic plasticity) in the hippocampus of females, and that increased estradiol levels are generally associated with improvements on a variety of learning and memory tasks. While the majority of research has focused on the beneficial effects of estradiol in females, much less attention has been given to testosterone and its effects on learning and memory in males. Similar to estradiol titers in females, testosterone titers in males decline with age, albeit more gradually, and this decline has been correlated with impairment of certain cognitive tasks. Moreover, studies involving both humans and animals indicate that testosterone and its metabolites can augment responding on certain behavioral tasks, depending on the subject’s current hormonal state, the response required, and the stimuli involved (e.g., those involving spatial or nonspatial stimuli). While the exact mechanisms by which testosterone exerts its effects on learning and memory are not fully understood, recent findings suggest that testosterone modulates learning and memory in males through an interaction with the cholinergic system. The overall objective of this review is to discuss studies investigating the role of the gonadal hormones in mediating learning and memory processes in male mammals.
Invasion and predation in aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Weis Judith S. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
This article reviews biological invasions in which predation (or its absence) plays a major role in the success of the invader. Examples are described in which the invader out-competes native species for the same food, and cases in which the invader consumes valued native species. In many instances, better predator avoidance by the invasive species or the absence of predators in the new habitat contributes to the success of the invaders; in other cases native or introduced predators appear to be able to keep the invasive species in check. A relatively new management approach in the US is the idea of adding another trophic level – to have humans act as the predators and consume the invasive species. This approach is being utilized in Florida and throughout the Caribbean against the lionfish, but could be extended to other fishes, as well as to various invasive crustaceans and mollusks. This idea is controversial, and current regulations prohibiting the possession of individuals of the invasive species (e.g., mitten crabs or snakefish) would preclude the development of a fishery for them.
Acetaminophen and zinc phosphide for lethal management of invasive lizards Ctenosaura similis
Authors: Avery Michael L. , Eisemann John D. , Keacher Kandy L. , Savarie Peter J. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Reducing populations of invasive lizards through trapping and shooting is feasible in many cases but effective integrated management relies on a variety of tools, including toxicants. In Florida, using wild-caught non-native black spiny-tailed iguanas Ctenosaura similis, we screened acetaminophen and zinc phosphide to determine their suitability for effective population management of this prolific invasive species. Of the animals that received acetaminophen, none died except at the highest test dose, 240 mg per lizard, which is not practical for field use. Zinc phosphide produced 100% mortality at dose levels as little as 25 mg per lizard, equivalent to about 0.5% in bait which is lower than currently used in commercial baits for commensal rodent control. We conclude that zinc phosphide has potential as a useful tool for reducing populations of invasive lizards such as the black spiny-tailed iguana provided target-selective delivery methods are developed.
How will climate change affect the potential distribution of Eurasian tree sparrows Passer montanus in North America?
Authors: Graham Jim , Jarnevich Catherine , Young Nick , Newman Greg , Stohlgren Thomas 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Habitat suitability models have been used to predict the present and future potential distribution of a variety of species. Eurasian tree sparrows Passer montanus, native to Eurasia, have established populations in other parts of the world. In North America, their current distribution is limited to a relatively small region around its original introduction to St. Louis, Missouri. We combined data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility with current and future climate data to create habitat suitability models using Maxent for this species. Under projected climate change scenarios, our models show that the distribution and range of the Eurasian tree sparrow could increase as far as the Pacific Northwest and Newfoundland. This is potentially important information for prioritizing the management and control of this non-native species.
Wild dogma II: The role and implications of wild dogma for wild dog management in Australia
Authors: Allen Benjamin L. , Engeman Richard M. , Allen Lee R. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The studies of Allen (2011) and Allen et al. (2011) recently examined the methodology underpinning claims that dingoes provide net benefits to biodiversity by suppressing foxes and cats. They found most studies to have design flaws and/or observational methods that preclude valid interpretations from the data, describing most of the current literature as ‘wild dogma’. In this short supplement, we briefly highlight the roles and implications of wild dogma for wild dog management in Australia. We discuss nomenclature, and the influence that unreliable science can have on policy and practice changes related to apex predator management.
Effects of acute low temperature stress on the endocrine reactions of the Qinghai toad-headed lizard
Authors: Li Chunwang , Gu Yuan , Tang Songhua , Fang Hongxia , Jiang Guohua , Jiang Zhigang 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Endocrinological action is generally thought to be a way for animals to respond to stress at low temperatures. To learn the role of hormones in ectotherms inhabiting alpine environments, we studied the effects of acute low temperature exposure on the endocrinological reactions of Qinghai toad-headed lizards in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. We monitored plasma corticosterone and insulin concentration of the lizards under five low temperature treatments. We found no significant difference in plasma corticosterone or insulin in lizards among our five different treatments. For males and females the correlation between plasma corticosterone and insulin concentrations was not significant. In contrast to other studies on reptiles at low altitude, we suggest that due to the alpine environment (low temperature and low oxygen concentration) they inhabit, Qinghai toad-headed lizards respond to experimental cold stress slightly to mobilize energy and live their vivid life. In addition, corticosterone and insulin of Qinghai toad-headed lizards are secreted independently along with low temperature treatments.
Sexual size dimorphism and female reproduction in the white-striped grass lizard Takydromus wolteri
Authors: Luo Laigao , Wu Yilian , Zhang Zhuyuan , Xu Xuefeng 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) has long attracted the attention of biologists, and life-history variation is thought to play an important role in the evolution of SSD. Here we quantified SSD and female reproductive traits to identify potential associations between SSD and female reproduction in the white-striped grass lizard Takydromus wolteri. In a population from Chuzhou, China, the largest male and female were 53.0 mm and 57.5 mm in snout-vent length (SVL), respectively. Females were larger in SVL and abdomen length, whereas males were larger in head size and tail length. Females produced up to five clutches of eggs during the breeding season, with large females producing more clutches and more eggs per clutch than small ones. As a result, large females had a higher annual fecundity and reproductive output. Egg size was positively correlated with maternal SVL in the first clutch, but not in subsequent clutches. These results suggest that T. wolteri is a species with female-biased SSD, and that fecundity selection, in which large females have higher fecundity due to their higher capacity for laying eggs, is likely correlated with the evolution of SSD in this species [Current Zoology 58 (2): 236–243, 2012].
Individual variability in life-history traits drives population size stability
Authors: Dochtermann Ned A. , Gienger C. M. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Understanding how population sizes vary over time is a key aspect of ecological research. Unfortunately, our understanding of population dynamics has historically been based on an assumption that individuals are identical with homogenous life-history properties. This assumption is certainly false for most natural systems, raising the question of what role individual variation plays in the dynamics of populations. While there has been an increase of interest regarding the effects of within population variation on the dynamics of single populations, there has been little study of the effects of differences in within population variation on patterns observed across populations. We found that life-history differences (clutch size) among individuals explained the majority of the variation observed in the degree to which population sizes of eastern fence lizards Sceloporus undulatus fluctuated. This finding suggests that differences across populations cannot be understood without an examination of differences at the level of a system rather than at the level of the individual [Current Zoology 58 (2): 358–362, 2012].