bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medication use by adolescents and adults with fragile X syndrome
Authors: Laxman D. J. , Greenberg J. S. , DaWalt L. S. , Hong J. , Aman M. G. , Mailick M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe behavioural challenges and medical conditions associated with fragile X syndrome (FXS) can lead to increased need for medications.MethodThis longitudinal study examined the use of prescription medications for psychotropic and non‐psychotropic purposes by adolescents and adults with FXS drawn from a North American community sample (N = 105). Odds and probabilities of continuing or discontinuing medication were calculated. Predictors of medication use were calculated.ResultsMore than two‐thirds took psychotropic medication, and about one‐quarter took non‐psychotropic medication. Over a 3‐year period, those who initially took prescription medications were considerably more likely to remain on medications than to stop. Individuals with more autism symptoms, more behavioural problems, a mental health diagnosis, and greater family income were significantly more likely to use psychotropic medication 3 years later. Individuals who had more health problems, a mental health diagnosis, and were female were more likely to use non‐psychotropic medication over this time period.ConclusionsFindings highlight the elevated and ongoing use of medication by individuals with FXS. Implications for social and behavioural research on FXS are discussed.
2D:4D digit ratio is not a biomarker of developmental programming in baboons (Papio hamadryas species)
Authors: Huber Hillary F. , Li Cun , Nathanielsz Peter W. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWe hypothesized second‐to‐fourth hand digit ratio (2D:4D) is a biomarker of developmental programming in 3 baboon groups: intrauterine growth restriction (7 females, 8 males), exposure during fetal life to synthetic glucocorticoids (4 females, 5 males), and controls (66 females, 20 males). 2D:4D was similar between sexes and groups.
Scaling of the ankle extensor muscle‐tendon units and the biomechanical implications for bipedal hopping locomotion in the post‐pouch kangarooMacropus fuliginosus
Authors: Snelling Edward P. , Biewener Andrew A. , Hu Qiaohui , Taggart David A. , Fuller Andrea , Mitchell Duncan , Maloney Shane K. , Seymour Roger S. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBipedal hopping is used by macropods, including rat‐kangaroos, wallabies and kangaroos (superfamily Macropodoidea). Interspecific scaling of the ankle extensor muscle‐tendon units in the lower hindlimbs of these hopping bipeds shows that peak tendon stress increases disproportionately with body size. Consequently, large kangaroos store and recover more strain energy in their tendons, making hopping more efficient, but their tendons are at greater risk of rupture. This is the first intraspecific scaling analysis on the functional morphology of the ankle extensor muscle‐tendon units (gastrocnemius, plantaris and flexor digitorum longus) in one of the largest extant species of hopping mammal, the western grey kangarooMacropus fuliginosus(5.8–70.5 kg post‐pouch body mass). The effective mechanical advantage of the ankle extensors does not vary with post‐pouch body mass, scaling with an exponent not significantly different from 0.0. Therefore, larger kangaroos balance rotational moments around the ankle by generating muscle forces proportional to weight‐related gravitational forces. Maximum force is dependent upon the physiological cross‐sectional area of the muscle, which we found scales geometrically with a mean exponent of only 0.67, rather than 1.0. Therefore, larger kangaroos are limited in their capacity to oppose large external forces around the ankle, potentially compromising fast or accelerative hopping. The strain energy return capacity of the ankle extensor tendons increases with a mean exponent of ~1.0, which is much shallower than the exponent derived from interspecific analyses of hopping mammals (~1.4–1.9). Tendon safety factor (ratio of rupture stress to estimated peak hopping stress) is lowest in the gastrocnemius (< 2), and it decreases with body mass with an exponent of −0.15, extrapolating to a predicted rupture at 160 kg. Extinct giant kangaroos weighing 250 kg could therefore not have engaged in fast hopping using ‘scaled‐up’ lower hindlimb morphology of extant western grey kangaroos.
Sleep spindle detection using multivariate Gaussian mixture models
Authors: Patti Chanakya Reddy , Penzel Thomas , Cvetkovic Dean 
Published: October 2017

SummaryIn this research study we have developed a clustering‐based automatic sleep spindle detection method that was evaluated on two different databases. The databases consisted of 20 all‐night polysomnograph recordings. Past detection methods have been based on subject‐independent and some subject‐dependent parameters, such as fixed or variable thresholds to identify spindles. Using a multivariate Gaussian mixture model clustering technique, our algorithm was developed to use only subject‐specific parameters to detect spindles. We have obtained an overall sensitivity range (65.1–74.1%) at a (59.55–119.7%) false positive proportion.
Dietary Lipid Levels Affect the Growth Performance, Lipid Deposition, and Antioxidative Capacity of Juvenile Scaleless Carp, Gymnocypris przewalskii, on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Meng Yuqiong , Li Changzhong , Qin Qiwei , Tong Yanlin , Zhu Ruman , Xu Guoqian , Shi Yuan , Shi Jianquan , Ma Rui 
Published: October 2017

AbstractA 56‐d growth trial was conducted to evaluate the growth performance, lipid deposition, and antioxidative capacity of juvenile scaleless carp, Gymnocypris przewalskii, on Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. One‐year‐old juveniles (initial weight: 15.99 ± 0.02 g) were fed practical diets with different lipid levels of 4, 5.5, 7, 8.5, and 10%, respectively. Results showed that the best specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion rate, and total antioxidative capacity (T‐AOC) in hepatopancreas were observed in fish fed the diet with 7% lipid level. Fish fed with high lipid diets (8.5 and 10%) had significantly higher condition factor and viscerosomatic index as well as lipid in muscle, intestine, mesenteric fat tissue, and whole body. Highest level of hepatopancreas lipase and lipoprotein lipases activities as well as malondialdehyde content and the lowest level of feed intake and T‐AOC content in hepatopancreas and intestine were also observed in fish fed with high lipid diets (8.5 and 10%) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, based on SGR and hepatopancreas T‐AOC content, dietary lipid requirement of juvenile G. przewalskii was estimated to be 7.35 and 7.39%, respectively.
Liver elastography malignancy prediction score for noninvasive characterization of focal liver lesions
Authors: Grgurevic Ivica , Bokun Tomislav , Salkic Nermin N. , Brkljacic Boris , Vukelić‐Markovic Mirjana , Stoos‐Veic Tajana , Aralica Gorana , Rakic Mislav , Filipec‐Kanizaj Tajana , Berzigotti Annalisa 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsTo analyse elastographic characteristics of focal liver lesions (FLL)s and diagnostic performance of real‐time two‐dimensional shear‐wave elastography (RT‐2D‐SWE) in order to differentiate benign and malignant FLLs.MethodsConsecutive patients diagnosed with FLL by abdominal ultrasound (US) underwent RT‐2D‐SWE of FLL and non‐infiltrated liver by intercostal approach over the right liver lobe. The nature of FLL was determined by diagnostic work‐up, including at least one contrast‐enhanced imaging modality (MDCT/MRI), check‐up of target organs when metastatic disease was suspected and FLL biopsy in inconclusive cases.ResultsWe analysed 196 patients (median age 60 [range 50‐68], 50.5% males) with 259 FLLs (57 hepatocellular carcinomas, 17 cholangiocarcinomas, 94 metastases, 71 haemangiomas, 20 focal nodular hyperplasia) of which 70 (27%) were in cirrhotic liver. Malignant lesions were stiffer (P < .001) with higher variability in intralesional stiffness (P = .001). The best performing cut‐off of lesion stiffness was 22.3 kPa (sensitivity 83%; specificity 86%; positive predictive value [PPV] 91.5%; negative predictive value [NPV] 73%) for malignancy. Lesion stiffness <14 kPa had NPV of 96%, while values >32.5 kPa had PPV of 96% for malignancy. Lesion stiffness, lesion/liver stiffness ratio and lesion stiffness variability significantly predicted malignancy in stepwise logistic regression (P < .05), and were used to construct a new Liver Elastography Malignancy Prediction (LEMP) score with accuracy of 96.1% in validation cohort (online calculator available at http://bit.do/lemps).ConclusionThe comprehensive approach demonstrated in this study enables correct differentiation of benign and malignant FLL in 96% of patients by using RT‐2D‐SWE.
Cognitive Motor Coordination Training Improves Mental Rotation Performance in Primary School‐Aged Children
Authors: Pietsch Stefanie , Böttcher Caroline , Jansen Petra 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTThe long‐term physical activity in specific sport activities can change the quality of mental rotation performance. This study investigates the influence of Life Kinetik—a motion program with tasks of cognition and motor coordination—on mental rotation performance of 44 primary school–aged children. While the experimental group received Life Kinetik lessons twice a week for 5 weeks, the control group took part in regular physical education classes for the same period of time. Both groups performed a mental rotation task before and after the intervention. The experimental group showed a significant increase in mental rotation ability than the control group.
Inferring the geographic origin of a range expansion: Latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates inferred from genomic data in an ABC framework with the program x‐origin
Authors: He Qixin , Prado Joyce R. , Knowles Laura Lacey 
Published: October 2017

AbstractClimatic or environmental change is not only driving distributional shifts in species today, but it has also caused distributions to expand and contract in the past. Inferences about the geographic locations of past populations especially regions that served as refugia (i.e., source populations) and migratory routes are a challenging endeavour. Refugial areas may be evidenced from fossil records or regions of temporal stability inferred from ecological niche models. Genomic data offer an alternative and broadly applicable source of information about the locality of refugial areas, especially relative to fossil data, which are either unavailable or incomplete for most species. Here, we present a pipeline we developed (called x‐origin) for statistically inferring the geographic origin of range expansion using a spatially explicit coalescent model and an approximate Bayesian computation testing framework. In addition to assessing the probability of specific latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates of refugial or source populations, such inferences can also be made accounting for the effects of temporal and spatial environmental heterogeneity, which may impact migration routes. We demonstrate x‐origin with an analysis of genomic data collected in the Collared pika that underwent postglacial expansion across Alaska, as well as present an assessment of its accuracy under a known model of expansion to validate the approach.
The relationship between forearm skin speed‐resolved perfusion and oxygen saturation, and finger arterial pulsation amplitudes, as indirect measures of endothelial function
Authors: Bergstrand Sara , Morales Maria‐Aurora , Coppini Giuseppe , Larsson Marcus , Strömberg Tomas 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectiveEndothelial function is important for regulating peripheral blood flow to meet varying metabolic demands and can be measured indirectly during vascular provocations. In this study, we compared the PAT finger response (EndoPAT) after a 5‐minutes arterial occlusion to that from forearm skin comprehensive microcirculation analysis (EPOS).MethodsMeasurements in 16 subjects with varying cardiovascular risk factors were carried out concurrently with both methods during arterial occlusion, while forearm skin was also evaluated during local heating.ResultsPeak values for EPOS skin Perfconv and speed‐resolved total perfusion after the release of the occlusion were significantly correlated to the EndoPAT RHI (ρ = .68, P = .007 and ρ = .60, P = .025, respectively), mainly due to high‐speed blood flow. During local heating, EPOS skin oxygen saturation, , was significantly correlated to RHI (ρ = .62, P = .043). This indicates that may have diagnostic value regarding endothelial function.ConclusionsWe have demonstrated for the first time a significant relationship between forearm skin microcirculatory perfusion and oxygen saturation and finger PAT. Both local heating and reactive hyperemia are useful skin provocations. Further studies are needed to understand the precise regulation mechanisms of blood flow and oxygenation during these tests.
Regulation of voltage‐gated potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle during hypertension and metabolic disorders
Authors: Nieves‐Cintrón Madeline , Syed Arsalan U. , Nystoriak Matthew A. , Navedo Manuel F. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractVoltage‐gated potassium (KV) channels are key regulators of vascular smooth muscle contractility and vascular tone, and thus have major influence on the microcirculation. KV channels are important determinants of vascular smooth muscle membrane potential (Em). A number of KV subunits are expressed in the plasma membrane of smooth muscle cells. Each subunit confers distinct kinetics and regulatory properties that allow for fine control of Em to orchestrate vascular tone. Modifications in KV subunit expression and/or channel activity can contribute to changes in vascular smooth muscle contractility in response to different stimuli and in diverse pathological conditions. Consistent with this, a number of studies suggest alterations in KV subunit expression and/or function as underlying contributing mechanisms for small resistance artery dysfunction in pathologies such as hypertension and metabolic disorders, including diabetes. Here, we review our current knowledge on the effects of these pathologies on KV channel expression and function in vascular smooth muscle cells, and the repercussions on (micro)vascular function.
On‐Line Vehicle Routing Problems for Carbon Emissions Reduction
Authors: Liao Tsai‐Yun 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis paper proposes formulations and a hybrid meta‐heuristic algorithm to solve the on‐line vehicle routing problem (VRP) for minimizing costs related to economics and emissions. The on‐line VRP considers real‐time demands. Vehicle emissions are affected by travel speed and vehicle load. A hybrid meta‐heuristic algorithm GA‐Tabu is designed to solve the on‐line VRP and a solution framework using DynaTAIWAN simulation is implemented. The numerical results show CO2 can be reduced by combining the emission factors into the objective function. Also, the route updates for on‐line demands are analyzed and the performance measures of the on‐line VRP are investigated by using various on‐line demands.
Effective tolerance based on resource reallocation is a virus‐specific defence in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Shukla Aayushi , Pagán Israel , García‐Arenal Fernando 
Published: October 2017

SummaryPlant viruses often harm their hosts, which have developed mechanisms to prevent or minimize the effects of virus infection. Resistance and tolerance are the two main plant defences to pathogens. Although resistance to plant viruses has been studied extensively, tolerance has received much less attention. Theory predicts that tolerance to low‐virulent parasites would be achieved through resource reallocation from growth to reproduction, whereas tolerance to high‐virulent parasites would be attained through shortening of the pre‐reproductive period. We have shown previously that the tolerance of Arabidopsis thaliana to Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), a relatively low‐virulent virus in this host, accords to these predictions. However, whether other viruses trigger the same response, and how A. thaliana copes with highly virulent virus infections remains unexplored. To address these questions, we challenged six A. thaliana wild genotypes with five viruses with different genomic structures, life histories and transmission modes. In these plants, we quantified virus multiplication, virulence, and the effects of infection on plant growth and reproduction, and on the developmental schedule. Our results indicate that virus multiplication varies according to the virus × host genotype interaction. Conversely, effective tolerance is observed only on CMV infection, and is associated with resource reallocation from growth to reproduction. Tolerance to the other viruses is observed only in specific host–virus combinations and, at odds with theoretical predictions, is linked to longer pre‐reproductive periods. These findings only partially agree with theoretical predictions, and contribute to a better understanding of pathogenic processes in plant–virus interactions.
A root‐knot nematode small glycine and cysteine‐rich secreted effector, MiSGCR1, is involved in plant parasitism
Authors: Nguyen Chinh‐Nghia , Perfus‐Barbeoch Laetitia , Quentin Michaël , Zhao Jianlong , Magliano Marc , Marteu Nathalie , Da Rocha Martine , Nottet Nicolas , Abad Pierre , Favery Bruno 
Published: October 2017

SummaryRoot‐knot nematodes,Meloidogynespp., are obligate endoparasites that maintain a biotrophic relationship with their hosts. They infect roots as microscopic vermiform second‐stage juveniles, and establish specialized feeding structures called ‘giant‐cells’, from which they withdraw water and nutrients. The nematode effector proteins secretedin plantaare key elements in the molecular dialogue of parasitism.Here, we compared IlluminaRNA‐seq transcriptomes forM. incognitaobtained at various points in the lifecycle, and identified 31 genes more strongly expressed in parasitic stages than in preparasitic juveniles. We then selected candidate effectors for functional characterization.Quantitative real‐timePCRandin situhybridizations showed that the validated differentially expressed genes are predominantly specifically expressed in oesophageal glands of the nematode. We also soaked the nematodes in siRNAto silence these genes and to determine their role in pathogenicity.The silencing of the dorsal gland specific‐Minc18876and its paralogues resulted in a significant, reproducible decrease in the number of mature females with egg masses, demonstrating a potentially important role for the small glycine‐ and cysteine‐rich effector MiSGCR1 in early stages of plant‐nematode interaction. Finally, we report that MiSGCR1 suppresses plant cell death induced by bacterial or oomycete triggers of plant defense.
Influence of sulfate supply on selenium uptake dynamics and expression of sulfate/selenate transporters in selenium hyperaccumulator and nonhyperaccumulator Brassicaceae
Authors: El Mehdawi Ali F. , Jiang Ying , Guignardi Zack S. , Esmat Ahmad , Pilon Marinus , Pilon‐Smits Elizabeth A. H. , Schiavon Michela 
Published: October 2017

Summary

Stanleya pinnata not only hyperaccumulates selenium (Se) to 0.5% of its dry weight, but also exhibits higher tissue Se‐to‐sulfur (S) ratios than other species and its surroundings.

To investigate the mechanisms underlying this Se enrichment, we compared S. pinnata with the nonhyperaccumulators S. elata and Brassica juncea for selenate uptake in long‐ (9 d) and short‐term (1 h) assays, using different concentrations of selenate and competitor sulfate. Different sulfate pre‐treatments (0, 0.5, 5 mM, 3 d) were also tested for effects on selenate uptake and sulfate transporters’ expression.

Relative to nonhyperaccumulators, S. pinnata showed higher rates of root and shoot Se accumulation and less competitive inhibition by sulfate or by high‐S pretreatment. The selenate uptake rate for S. pinnata (1 h) was three‐ to four‐fold higher than for nonhyperaccumulators, and not significantly affected by 100‐fold excess sulfate, which reduced selenate uptake by 100% in S. elata and 40% in B. juncea. Real‐time reverse transcription PCR indicated constitutive upregulation in S. pinnata of sulfate transporters SULTR1;2 (root influx) and SULTR2;1 (translocation), but reduced SULTR1;1 expression (root influx).

In S. pinnata, selenate uptake and translocation rates are constitutively elevated and relatively sulfate‐independent. Underlying mechanisms likely include overexpression of SULTR1;2 and SULTR2;1, which may additionally have evolved enhanced specificity for selenate over sulfate.
Tea polyphenols for the prevention of UVB‐induced skin cancer
Authors: Sharma Pooja , Montes de Oca Mary K. , Alkeswani Amena R. , McClees Sarah F. , Das Tanushree , Elmets Craig A. , Afaq Farrukh 
Published: October 2017

SummarySkin cancer is the most common type of cancer with increasing incidence rate and public health burden. Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes an array of damaging cellular and molecular events that eventually lead to the development of skin cancer. Despite increased awareness about sun protection, the exposure rate remains high with less than 15% of men and 30% of women using sunscreen on a regular basis. Therefore, there is an imperative need for the development of novel preventive approaches. Skin cancer chemoprevention using phytochemicals either as dietary supplements or by topical applications has gained considerable attention due to their low toxicity, availability, and anticarcinogenic properties. Tea, the second most commonly consumed beverage in the world, is a rich source of promising phytochemicals known as polyphenols. In this review, we discuss the findings of various in vitro, in vivo and human studies signifying the chemopreventive effects of tea polyphenols against UVB‐induced skin cancer. This is accomplished by exploring the role of tea polyphenols in DNA repair, inflammation, oxidative stress, signaling pathways, and epigenetics. Finally, this review discusses a variety of innovative delivery methods that enhance the photochemopreventive effects of tea polyphenols against skin cancer.
Standardized Drought Indices: A Novel Univariate and Multivariate Approach
Authors: Erhardt Tobias M. , Czado Claudia 
Published: October 2017

SummaryAs drought is among the natural hazards which affect people and economies world wide and often results in huge monetary losses, sophisticated methods for drought monitoring and decision making are needed. Many approaches to quantify drought severity have been developed during recent decades. However, most of these drought indices suffer from different shortcomings, account only for one or two driving factors which promote drought conditions and neglect their interdependences. We provide novel methodology for the calculation of (multivariate) drought indices, which combines the advantages of existing approaches and omits their disadvantages. It can be used flexibly in different applications to model different types of drought on the basis of user-selected, drought relevant variables. The methodology benefits from the flexibility of vine copulas in modelling multivariate non-Gaussian intervariable dependence structures. Based on a three-variate data set, an exemplary agrometeorological drought index is developed. The data analysis illustrates and reasons the methodology described. A validation of the exemplary multivariate agrometeorological drought index against observed soybean yield affirms the validity and abilities of the methodology. A comparison with established drought indices shows the benefits of our multivariate approach.