bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cluster validity and uncertainty assessment for self‐organizing map pest profile analysis
Authors: Roigé Mariona , McGeoch Melodie A. , Hui Cang , Worner Susan P. 
Published: October 2016

Summary

Pest risk assessment (PRA) comprises a set of quantitative and qualitative tools to protect productive ecosystems from the impacts of unwanted biological invasions.

Self‐organizing maps for pest profile analysis (SOM PPA) is a methodological approach aimed to support PRA. It is based on cluster analysis and extracts information out of current distributions of insect crop pests world‐wide, allowing the analyst to generate a list of potential risk species for a target region.

Self‐organizing maps for pest profile analysis currently lacks of a measure of performance able to provide a level of confidence for its outputs.

In this study, we investigate ζ diversity as an ecologically meaningful and generalizable metric of similarity. The application of ζ allowed us to quantify and thus reveal different levels of similarity across pest profiles.

The use of ζ diversity applied to the SOM PPA provides an informative measure of uncertainty for the output of SOM PPA, thus adding major improvements to the methodology while only marginally increasing its complexity.
Protein and RNA extraction from mucosal swabs: a minimally invasive source of ecological data for studies of natural populations
Authors: Espinosa‐de Aquino Wendy , Olvera‐Ramírez Andrea , Arellano‐Carbajal Fausto , Lanz‐Mendoza Humberto , Villagrán‐Herrera Elena , Acevedo‐Whitehouse Karina 
Published: October 2016

Summary

Mucosal swabs have long been used to study various physiological processes in humans. In contrast, systematic sampling of mucosae is rare for wild animals, and except for its use as a source of DNA for population genetics, its potential as a tool to study physiologically relevant processes of natural populations has not been explored fully.

We collected swabs from the rectal, genital, nasal and oral mucosae of California sea lion pups and investigated differences in RNA and protein yield, quality and integrity between storage times and mucosal types. Downstream applications were tested on the extracted products to determine the potential value of mucosal sampling in free‐ranging mammals.

For most samples, RNA yield was stable regardless of storage time, and RNA quality and integrity were equal for all mucosal types. Ribosomal fragments of sizes expected for mammals, yeast and bacteria were observable in genital and rectal samples, but in nasal and oral samples only bacterial ribosomal fragments were observable. Amplification of selected transcripts was successful for all samples. The protein profile was distinct between mucosae, and samples with high protein yields were useful for antibody detection.

Our study demonstrates that mucosal swabbing is a minimally invasive tool that yields useful physiological data for free‐ranging wildlife. Minimum experience is needed to collect samples, processing is inexpensive, and downstream applications for ecological studies are realistic.
Do never smokers make up an increasing share of snus users as cigarette smoking declines? Changes in smoking status among male snus users in Norway 2003–15
Authors: Lund Karl Erik , Vedøy Tord Finne , Bauld Linda 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimsTo examine how the relative size of six groups of male ever snus users (current and former users of snus who were current, former or never cigarette smokers) varied over time in Norway, and how these groups differ with regard to important measures of tobacco behaviour.DesignRepeated cross‐sectional nationally representative surveys of tobacco use. The association between survey year and the six categories of ever snus use was examined using cross‐tabulation and multinomial logistic regression. Differences in tobacco behaviour across snus use categories were examined using logistic and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression.SettingNorway, 2003–15.ParticipantsA total of 2067 males aged 15–79 years.MeasurementsThe categories of ever snus use represented all six combinations of cigarette smoking (current, former or never) among current and former users of snus. The variables measuring tobacco behaviour were: order of product uptake (snus or cigarettes first), mean cigarette consumption, reduction from daily to occasional smoking, intention to quit cigarettes, future smoking identity and use of snus in latest quit attempt.FindingsDuring the period 2003–15, the relative share of current snus users who had never smoked, and current snus users who were former smokers, increased. The share of dual users, and smokers who were former snus users, decreased. Among men who reported life‐time experience with both products, a large majority had initiated their tobacco use with cigarettes. The average number of cigarettes smoked weekly was lower among dual users compared with current smokers who were former snus users or had never used snus.ConclusionsDuring the period 2003–15 in Norway, which has a mature snus market, even though smoking has declined and the relative size of the category of never‐smokers among male users of snus has increased, the majority of snus users are still former or current smokers.
The role of leaf cellulose content in determining host plant preferences of three defoliating insects present in the Andean‐Patagonian forest
Authors: Pietrantuono A. L. , Bruzzone O. A. , Fernández‐Arhex V. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractPhytophagous insects choose their feeding resources according to their own requirements in addition to properties of the host plants, such as biomechanical defences. The feeding preferences of the native folivorous insects of the Andean‐Patagonian forest (Argentina) have rarely been studied. These environments present a wide diversity and abundance of insects associated with trees of the Nothofagus and Lophozonia (Nothofagaceae) genera, which represent the main tree species of the forests of the southern hemisphere. In particular, Lophozonia alpina and Lophozonia obliqua are of great interest because they have a wide distribution, a high capacity for hybridization and exhibit great phenotypic plasticity. This versatility causes substantial variation in the biomechanical properties of leaves, affecting the feeding preferences of insects. The purpose of this work was to study the food selection behaviour of three leaf‐chewing insects (Polydrusus nothofagii, Polydrusus roseaus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Perzelia arda (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae)) associated with L. alpina and L. obliqua as host plants. Based on their choices, our aim was to determine a preference scale for each insect species and the variables on which these preferences were based. Therefore, we selected trees of L. alpina and L. obliqua, measured several properties such as cellulose content and recorded which leaves were eaten. As a result, we determined that the three species of insects feed on both host plants but prefer the leaves of L. obliqua, with cellulose content being the main determining factor for their decisions. However, in the case of P. arda, there was a positive relationship between cellulose and host plant preference, whereas there was an opposite relationship for the weevils. We conclude that during feeding selection, there are some properties of the leaves that have a more important role than others and that the same property does not exert the same behavioural response in all folivorous insects.
Endometriosis and uterine malformations: infertility may increase severity of endometriosis
Authors: Boujenah Jeremy , Salakos Eleonora , Pinto Mélodie , Shore Joanna , Sifer Christophe , Poncelet Christophe , Bricou Alexandre 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of our study was to compare the stage and severity of endometriosis in fertile and infertile women with congenital uterine malformations.Material and methodsWe performed an observational study from September 2007 to December 2015 in a tertiary care university hospital and assisted reproductive technology center. A total of 52 patients with surgically proven uterine malformations were included. We compared 41 infertile patients with uterine malformations with 11 fertile patients with uterine malformation. The main outcome was the stage, score and type of endometriosis in regard to infertility and class of uterine malformation.ResultsThe rate of endometriosis did not differ between the two groups (43.9 vs. 36.4%). The mean revised American Fertility Society score was higher in infertile patients with uterine malformations (19.02 vs. 6, p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the rate of superficial peritoneal endometriosis (43.9 vs. 37.5%). Endometrioma and deep infiltrating endometriosis were associated with uterine malformations in infertile women, respectively 14.6 and 0%. No difference in the characteristics of endometriosis was found regarding the class of malformation.ConclusionsThe association of uterine malformations and infertility may increase the severity of endometriosis and raise the issue of their diagnosis and management.
Spallation of Small Particles From Peristaltic Pump Tube Segments
Authors: Liu Yi , Faria Monica , Leonard Edward 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn most extracorporeal filtration devices such as hemodialysis a peristaltic pump is used to circulate blood. Pump function requires the repeated compression of an elastomeric tube from which particles may be shed into the circulatory system, a process called spallation. Earlier studies are likely to have missed the large number of small particles (<2 µm in diameter) that appear. The present study uses more modern equipment that detects and sizes particles down to 0.6 µm. As polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing is commonly used for this process, a series of studies was conducted on three different types to study its spallation characteristics, along with a co‐extruded PVC/polyurethane tubing known for its enhanced biocompatibility properties. For all types of PVC tubes, the average size of the spallated particles was 0.83 ± 0.03 µm; for the PVC/polyurethane tubing the average size of the spallated particles was approximately twice that reported for PVC tubing. For PVC tubes with equal inner diameter, those with less plasticizer released fewer particles; for tubes with the same Shore hardness, tubes with larger internal diameters released fewer particles. It was also shown that PVC tubes operating at a slower flow rate does not reduce the total number of particles released per volume pumped. The total number of particles spallated from the PVC/polyurethane tubing was 10 times lower than from the lowest spallating PVC tubing.
Is it possible to cure childhood acute myeloid leukaemia without significant cardiotoxicity?
Authors: Jarfelt Marianne , Andersen Niels H. , Hasle Henrik 
Published: October 2016

SummarySince cardiotoxicity is a life threatening late effect, a reduction of cardiotoxicity in the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is essential. This review is a compilation of the current knowledge about cardiotoxicity after AML treatment and of how future directions in treatment may affect its incidence. A total of six studies concerning AML and cardiotoxicity were identified. The incidence of late subclinical cardiotoxicity varied between 1·3 and 15·3%, and late clinical cardiotoxicity varied between 1·3 and 9·3%. Cumulative dose of anthracyclines (ACs) and history of relapse were the most common risk factors identified. No conclusions could be drawn about new, potentially less toxic ACs. Differences in treatment data and variations in study populations made comparisons uncertain. The echocardiographic techniques used in the majority of the studies are inferior to more modern echocardiographic methods. This decreases reproducibility and may increase the risk of overestimation of cardiotoxicity. In summary, AML cannot be cured today without ACs. However, some ACs may cause less cardiotoxicity than others. Furthermore there is currently no consensus on equipotent doses of ACs and risk factors for cardiotoxicity. Further research including randomized trials is needed to evaluate whether or not the potentially less cardiotoxic agents fulfil their promise.
Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma with testicular involvement: outcome and risk of CNS relapse in the rituximab era
Authors: Kridel Robert , Telio David , Villa Diego , Sehn Laurie H. , Gerrie Alina S. , Shenkier Tamara , Klasa Richard , Slack Graham W. , Tan King , Gascoyne Randy D. , Connors Joseph M. , Savage Kerry J. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryThe addition of rituximab has improved outcomes in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), however, there remains limited information on the impact of rituximab in those with testicular involvement. All patients with diffuse large cell lymphoma and testicular involvement treated with curative intent were identified in the British Columbia Cancer Agency Lymphoid Cancer Database. In total, 134 patients diagnosed between 1982 and 2015 with diffuse large cell lymphoma involving the testis were identified: 61 received CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone)‐like chemotherapy and 73 received CHOP plus rituximab (R‐CHOP). A greater proportion of R‐CHOP treated patients had higher International Prognostic Index (IPI, P = 0·005). In multivariate analysis, the protective effect of rituximab on progression‐free survival (hazard ratio (HR) 0·42, P < 0·001), overall survival (HR 0·39, P < 0·001) and cumulative incidence of progression (HR 0·46, P = 0·014) were independent of the IPI. However, in a competing risk multivariate analysis including central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis and the CNS‐IPI, rituximab was not associated with a decreased risk of CNS relapse. The addition of rituximab has reduced the risk of lymphoma recurrence in testicular DLBCL, presumably through improved eradication of systemic disease. However, CNS relapse risk remains high and further studies evaluating effective prophylactic strategies are needed.
Participation of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in a parent support programme: longitudinal associations between playgroup attendance and child, parent and community outcomes
Authors: Williams K. E. , Berthelsen D. , Viviani M. , Nicholson J. M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundPlaygroups are a relatively unique form of family support programme that is common in Australia which has high community acceptance and significant government investment. However, limited evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of playgroups to achieve better outcomes for children and their parents. This study describes patterns of playgroup participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families with young children and examines the extent to which participation from birth to three years is associated with subsequent child, parent and community outcomes.MethodsThis study uses three years of longitudinal data for 622 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were participants in the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC). Longitudinal associations between playgroup attendance when children were age 2 and 3 years and outcome measures for child vocabulary, motor skills, behaviour problems, prosocial development, parent home learning engagement, resilience, advice‐seeking and health service use, and community trustworthiness were examined using path analysis.ResultsRates of playgroup participation in this sample group were generally lower than for Australian children overall. Playgroup attendance when children were age 2 to 3 years was associated with higher parental engagement in home learning activities when children were aged 4 years which, in turn, was associated with stronger expressive vocabulary scores for children.ConclusionThe findings from this study suggest that playgroup participation can enhance the home learning environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Playgroups as a parent support programme hold strong potential to reach and engage families, particularly in areas of high geographic isolation, which can realize improved outcomes for children, parents and communities.
Dorsal root ganglion axon bifurcation tolerates increased cyclic GMP levels: the role of phosphodiesterase 2A and scavenger receptor Npr3
Authors: Schmidt Hannes , Peters Stefanie , Frank Katharina , Wen Lai , Feil Robert , Rathjen Fritz G. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractA cyclic GMP (cGMP) signaling pathway, comprising C‐type natriuretic peptide (CNP), its guanylate cyclase receptor Npr2, and cGMP‐dependent protein kinase I, is critical for the bifurcation of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and cranial sensory ganglion axons when entering the mouse spinal cord and the hindbrain respectively. However, the identity and functional relevance of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) that degrade cGMP in DRG neurons are not completely understood. Here, we asked whether regulation of the intracellular cGMP concentration by PDEs modulates the branching of sensory axons. Real‐time imaging of cGMP with a genetically encoded fluorescent cGMP sensor, RT‐PCR screens, in situ hybridization, and immunohistology combined with the analysis of mutant mice identified PDE2A as the major enzyme for the degradation of CNP‐induced cGMP in embryonic DRG neurons. Tracking of PDE2A‐deficient DRG sensory axons in conjunction with cGMP measurements indicated that axon bifurcation tolerates increased cGMP concentrations. As we found that the natriuretic peptide scavenger receptor Npr3 is expressed by cells associated with dorsal roots but not in DRG neurons itself at early developmental stages, we analyzed axonal branching in the absence of Npr3. In Npr3‐deficient mice, the majority of sensory axons showed normal bifurcation, but a small population of axons (13%) was unable to form T‐like branches and generated turns in rostral or caudal directions only. Taken together, this study shows that sensory axon bifurcation is insensitive to increases of CNP‐induced cGMP levels and Npr3 does not have an important scavenging function in this axonal system.
2‐Deoxy‐d‐glucose enhances tonic inhibition through the neurosteroid‐mediated activation of extrasynaptic GABAA receptors
Authors: Forte Nicola , Medrihan Lucian , Cappetti Beatrice , Baldelli Pietro , Benfenati Fabio 
Published: October 2016

SummaryObjectiveThe inhibition of glycolysis exerts potent antiseizure effects, as demonstrated by the efficacy of ketogenic and low‐glucose/nonketogenic diets in the treatment of drug‐resistant epilepsy. ATP‐sensitive potassium (KATP) channels have been initially identified as the main determinant of the reduction of neuronal hyperexcitability. However, a plethora of other mechanisms have been proposed. Herein, we report the ability of 2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose (2‐DG), a glucose analog that inhibits glycolytic enzymes, of potentiating γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic tonic inhibition via neurosteroid‐mediated activation of extrasynaptic GABAA receptors.MethodsAcute effects of 2‐DG on the ATP‐sensitive potassium currents, GABAergic tonic inhibition, firing activity, and interictal events were assessed in hippocampal slices by whole‐cell patch‐clamp and local field potential recordings of dentate gyrus granule cells.ResultsAcute application of 2‐DG activates two distinct outward conductances: a KATP channel–mediated current and a bicuculline‐sensitive tonic current. The effect of 2‐DG on such GABAergic tonic currents was fully prevented by either finasteride or PK11195, which are specific inhibitors of the neurosteroidogenesis pathway acting via different mechanisms. Moreover, the oxidized form of vitamin C, dehydroascorbic acid, known for its ability to induce neurosteroidogenesis, also activated a bicuculline‐sensitive tonic current in a manner indistinguishable from that of 2‐DG. Finally, we found that the enhancement of KATP current by 2‐DG primarily regulates intrinsic firing rate of granule cells, whereas the increase of the GABAergic tonic current plays a key role in reducing the frequency of interictal events evoked by treatment of hippocampal slices with the convulsive agent 4‐aminopyridine.SignificanceWe demonstrated, for the first time, that 2‐DG potentiates the extrasynaptic tonic GABAergic current through activation of neurosteroidogenesis. Such tonic inhibition represents the main conductance responsible for the antiseizure action of this glycolytic inhibitor.
Fatigue remaining life estimation for remanufacturing truck crane Jib structure based on random load spectrum
Authors: Dong Q. , Xu G.N. , Ren H.L. , Wang A.H. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractFor remanufacturing truck cranes with the characteristic of single piece production, the coupling effect of multi‐physical fields and the correlation of multi‐defect modes are also faced in service. This causes that the safety of crane jib structures has great volatility and uncertainty and is difficult to be judged by fatigue test and damage test. To solve the above problems, an approach of fatigue remaining life evaluation based on random load spectrum is presented. By collecting operating cycle times corresponding to characteristic parameter values during the given time period, the small‐sample measured load spectrum is acquired. Six probability distribution models are used to fit the lifting weight sample in characteristic parameters and the optimal distribution model based on Akaike's information criterion (AIC) is obtained. With the Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) method, a random sample of lifting weight is determined within the fixed inspection cycle. In addition, combining with the rated lifting weight table of truck crane, the corresponding jib length and working range are confirmed. Through defining random values of character parameters and matched operating cycle times, a random load spectrum is gained, thus enabling the extension of measured load spectrum. Depending on the remanufacturing information database, the remanufacturing information of truck crane are retrieved to determine fatigue dangerous cross sections and critical points of jib structures. In order to reflect the variation of structure stress level, the equivalent cross sections of dangerous cross sections are constructed. The first principal stress–time history simulation model for critical points is established, and the rain‐flow counting technology is adopted to extract the two‐dimensional stress spectrum from simulation results. Using the Paris formula combined with the greatest risk principle, the fatigue residual life of jib structure is estimated. Furthermore, the fatigue remaining life evaluation system for jib structure of remanufacturing truck crane is developed for easier application of the proposed method. Finally, as an illustrative example, jib structures of ZLJ5551JQZ110V remanufacturing truck crane are provided to demonstrate the validity and feasibility of this method and system.