bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The two-fold cost of sex: Experimental evidence from a natural system
Authors: Gibson Amanda K. , Delph Lynda F. , Lively Curtis M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractOver four decades ago, John Maynard Smith showed that a mutation causing asexual reproduction should rapidly spread in a dioecious sexual population. His reasoning was that the per-capita birth rate of an asexual population would exceed that of a sexual population, because asexual females do not invest in sons. Hence, there is a cost of sexual reproduction that Maynard Smith called the “cost of males.” Assuming all else is otherwise equal among sexual and asexual females, the cost is expected to be two-fold in outcrossing populations with separate sexes and equal sex ratios. Maynard Smith's model led to one of the most interesting questions in evolutionary biology: why is there sex? There are, however, no direct estimates of the proposed cost of sex. Here, we measured the increase in frequency of asexual snails in natural, mixed population of sexual and asexual snails in large outdoor mesocosms. We then extended Maynard Smith's model to predict the change in frequency of asexuals for any cost of sex and for any initial frequency of asexuals. Consistent with the “all-else equal” assumption, we found that the increase in frequency of asexual snails closely matched that predicted under a two-fold cost.
Integrating viability and fecundity selection to illuminate the adaptive nature of genetic clines
Authors: Wadgymar Susana M. , Daws S. Caroline , Anderson Jill T. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractGenetically based trait variation across environmental gradients can reflect adaptation to local environments. However, natural populations that appear well-adapted often exhibit directional, not stabilizing, selection on ecologically relevant traits. Temporal variation in the direction of selection could lead to stabilizing selection across multiple episodes of selection, which might be overlooked in short-term studies that evaluate relationships of traits and fitness under only one set of conditions. Furthermore, nonrandom mortality prior to trait expression can bias inferences about trait evolution if viability selection opposes fecundity selection. Here, we leveraged fitness and trait data to test whether phenotypic clines are genetically based and adaptive, whether temporal variation in climate imposes stabilizing selection, and whether viability selection acts on adult phenotypes. We monitored transplants of the subalpine perennial forb, Boechera stricta (Brassicaceae), in common gardens at two elevations over 2–3 years that differed in drought intensity. We quantified viability, and fecundity fitness components for four heritable traits: specific leaf area, integrated water-use efficiency, height at first flower, and flowering phenology. Our results indicate that genetic clines are maintained by selection, but their expression is context dependent, as they do not emerge in all environments. Moreover, selection varied spatially and temporally. Stabilizing selection was most pronounced when we integrated data across years. Finally, viability selection prior to trait expression targeted adult phenotypes (age and size at flowering). Indeed, viability selection for delayed flowering opposed fecundity selection for accelerated flowering; this result demonstrates that neglecting to account for viability selection could lead to inaccurate conclusions that populations are maladapted. Our results suggest that reconciling clinal trait variation with selection requires data collected across multiple spatial scales, time frames, and life-history stages.
Surface‐sampled simulations of turbulent flow at high Reynolds number
Authors: Sandham Neil D. , Johnstone Roderick , Jacobs Christian T. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryA new approach to turbulence simulation, based on a combination of large eddy simulation (LES) for the whole flow and an array of non–space‐filling quasi‐direct numerical simulations (QDNS), which sample the response of near‐wall turbulence to large‐scale forcing, is proposed and evaluated. The technique overcomes some of the cost limitations of turbulence simulation, since the main flow is treated with a coarse‐grid LES, with the equivalent of wall functions supplied by the near‐wall sampled QDNS. Two cases are tested, at friction Reynolds number Reτ=4200 and 20000. The total grid point count for the first case is less than half a million and less than 2 million for the second case, with the calculations only requiring a desktop computer. A good agreement with published direct numerical simulation (DNS) is found at Reτ=4200, both in the mean velocity profile and the streamwise velocity fluctuation statistics, which correctly show a substantial increase in near‐wall turbulence levels due to a modulation of near‐wall streaks by large‐scale structures. The trend continues at Reτ=20000, in agreement with experiment, which represents one of the major achievements of the new approach. A number of detailed aspects of the model, including numerical resolution, LES‐QDNS coupling strategy and subgrid model are explored. A low level of grid sensitivity is demonstrated for both the QDNS and LES aspects. Since the method does not assume a law of the wall, it can in principle be applied to flows that are out of equilibrium.
Total versus superficial parotidectomy for stage III melanoma
Authors: Wertz Aileen P. , Durham Alison B. , Malloy Kelly M. , Johnson Timothy M. , Bradford Carol R. , McLean Scott A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe primary purpose of this study was to describe the parotid recurrence rates after superficial and total parotidectomy.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed on patients with cutaneous melanoma metastatic to the parotid gland who underwent parotidectomy from 1998 through 2014. Primary outcome was parotid bed recurrence. Secondary outcomes were facial nerve function postoperatively and at last follow‐up.ResultsOne hundred twenty‐nine patients were included in the study. Thirty‐four patients (26%) underwent a total parotidectomy and 95 patients underwent superficial parotidectomy. Twelve patients (13%) developed parotid bed recurrence after superficial parotidectomy alone versus zero after total parotidectomy (P = .035). Facial nerve function, clinically detected disease, stage, and adjuvant treatment were not statistically different between the groups (P = .32, .32, .13, and 0.99, respectively).ConclusionParotid bed melanoma recurrence was more common after superficial parotidectomy compared to total parotidectomy, and recurrence resulted in significant facial nerve functional deficit. Our results support total parotidectomy when metastatic melanoma involves the parotid nodal basin.
Polytetrafluoroethylene topographies determine the adhesion, activation, and foreign body giant cell formation of macrophages
Authors: Lamichhane Sujan , Anderson Jordan A. , Vierhout Thomas , Remund Tyler , Sun Hongli , Kelly Patrick 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is one of the commonly used materials in making various cardiovascular implants. However, the success rates of these implants in several occasions are hindered by unwanted immune responses from immune cells, such as macrophages. In this study, we investigated the response of macrophages with different structures (flat, expanded, and electrospun) of PTFE having varied surface topographies: smooth planar surface (flat PTFE), node‐fibrils (ePTFE), and randomly oriented microfibers (electrospun PTFE). The electrospun PTFE showed the least adhesion of macrophages. Also, the morphology of macrophages adhered on electrospun PTFE exhibited minimal activation. The macrophage pro‐inflammatory cytokine secretions showed that the lowest level of TNF‐α was produced on electrospun PTFE whereas IP‐10 was produced in lowest levels on expanded PTFE (ePTFE). The production of IL‐6 and MCP‐1 cytokines was also dependent on the structure of PTFE that the macrophages interacted with, but in a time‐dependent manner. Confocal microscopy images taken at 7, 14, and 21 days showed that the electrospun PTFE resulted in the lowest percentage of macrophage fusion, thus indicating the least possible chance of foreign body giant cell (FBGC) formation. Therefore, this study showed that electrospun PTFE with randomly oriented microfibers can provide reduced adhesion, activation, and FBGC formation of macrophages compared to the smooth and planar surface of flat PTFE and node‐fibril structured surface of ePTFE. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2441–2450, 2017.
Effect of HAp and β‐TCP incorporation on the tribological response of Ti6Al4V biocomposites for implant parts
Authors: Dantas T. A. , Costa M. M. , Miranda G. , Silva F. S. , Abreu C. S. , Gomes J. R. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTitanium and its alloys have been widely used in many engineering areas due to their properties. Despite having a high implant‐tissue osseointegration time, Ti6Al4V has been extensively used in prosthesis and articular implants. To promote a faster bone ingrowth and consequently reduce the implant fixation time, the addition of a bioactive phase to form a biocomposite seems to be an excellent solution. Because of their bioactivity and similarity in composition with the human bone, HAp and β‐TCP are two of the most widely used calcium phosphates in biomedical applications. To guarantee a strong adhesion of the previous bioactive materials in the implants surface, samples of Ti6Al4V, Ti6Al4V+HAp (10 vol %) and Ti6Al4V+β‐TCP (10 vol %) TCP were processed by the hot pressing technique. Tribological tests against Al2O3, lubricated in PBS at 37°C were carried out on a ball‐on‐flat reciprocating sliding geometry. Loads in the range of 3 N to 30 N were applied and their effect on the friction behavior and wear resistance of the tested materials was evaluated. Values of the coefficient of friction as well as the wear rate tend to increase with the addition of a bioactive phase to the Ti alloy. Micrographs of the worn surfaces showed that abrasion and plastic deformation are the prevailing wear mechanisms in the studied tribosystems. For biocomposites, particularly in the case of Ti6Al4V+HAp, pull‐out of bioactive particle clusters has a determinant role on the tribological response, increasing both the friction coefficient and the specific wear rate. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1010–1016, 2018.
Prognostic and Clinicopathological Significance of ARID1A in Endometrium‐Related Gynecological Cancers: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Liu Guangquan , Xu Pengfei , Fu Ziyi , Hua Xiangdong , Liu Xiaoguang , Li Wenqu , Zhang Mi , Wu Jiacong , Wen Juan , Xu Juan , Jia Xuemei 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTThe tumor suppressor gene, AT Rich Interactive Domain 1A (ARID1A) mutation has been reported in a variety of cancers, especially the endometrium‐related gynecological cancers, including the ovarian clear cell carcinoma, ovarian endometrioid carcinoma, and uterine endometrioid carcinoma. However, the prognostic value of ARID1A in endometrium‐related gynecological cancers is still inconclusive. Therefore, we performed this meta‐analysis to evaluate the clinical significance of ARID1A in endometrium‐related gynecological cancers. By systematically searching all the relevant studies from Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science up to September 2016, 11 studies with 1,432 patients were included. All the study characteristics and the prognostic data were extracted. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using the fixed‐effect or random‐effect model. Our results indicated that negative ARID1A expression predicted shorter Progression free survival (PFS, HR, 1.84; 95%CI, 1.32–2.57, P = 0.000) of patients with endometrium related gynecological cancers, especially the patiently with OCCC and the patients in Japan. Besides, a marginal trend towards the same direction was found in the Overall analysis (OS, HR, 1.34; 95%CI, 0.93–1.93, P = 0.112). Furthermore, the significant correlation was achieved between the negative ARID1A expression and the FIGO stage of endometrium‐related gynecological cancers, but not the other characteristics. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4517–4525, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CRISPR Editing in Biological and Biomedical Investigation
Authors: Zhang Han , McCarty Nami 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTThe revolutionary technology for genome editing known as the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)‐CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) system has sparked advancements in biological and biomedical research. The scientific breakthrough of the development of CRISPR‐Cas9 technology has allowed us to recapitulate human diseases by generating animal models of interest ranging from zebrafish to non‐human primates. The CRISPR‐Cas9 system can also be used to delineate the mechanisms underlying the development of human disorders and to precisely correct disease‐causing mutations. Repurposing this technology enables wider applications in transcriptome and epigenome manipulation and holds promise to reach the clinic. In this review, we highlight the latest advances of the CRISPR‐Cas9 system in different platforms and discuss the hurdles and challenges this technology is facing. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4152–4162, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transabdominal sonography to measure the total vaginal and mucosal thicknesses
Authors: Balica Adrian , Schertz Katherine , Wald‐Spielman Daniella , Egan Susan , Bachmann Gloria 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTTransabdominal and transvaginal sonography are used to measure bladder wall and detrusor thickness. Only transvaginal sonography has been used to measure the vaginal wall thickness. We describe the use of transabdominal sonography to measure the total vaginal wall thickness and total vaginal mucosal thickness at the bladder trigone. The mean bladder wall thickness and SD from published data were within the 95% confidence interval of our data. Total vaginal and mucosal thicknesses are reliable measurements, which require specific evaluation in a postmenopausal population. They could be used to quantify vaginal atrophy and could correlate to symptoms of atrophy and response to treatment. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:461–464, 2017
Adequacy assessment of a 2 area system with renewable integration
Authors: Nayak Ashwini Kumar , Mohanty Kanungo Barada , Kommukuri Vinaya Sagar 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn this paper, impacts of renewable sources on the adequacy of a 2 area system are presented. Integration of popular renewable sources like photovoltaic (PV) and wind is forcing the operational planner to operate differently. Here, an effort has been made to propose some planning scenarios for 2 area system on the basis of renewable sources integration, and reliability is evaluated corresponding to each scenario. Loss of load expectation is popular method for adequacy assessment following 2 state principle (available or unavailable) of conventional sources. Photovoltaic and wind system never follow 2 state principle unlike conventional. Existing PV module configuration determine the unavailability rate of PV plant considering component failure. Random wind speed is simulated using time series auto regressive moving average model. Wind turbine characteristics and simulated wind speed create multistate wind energy conversion system and reduced by apportioning method to predict unavailability rate. A simple 2 area system is considered to validate the efficacy of proposed theme.
Multiple sclerosis: Presence of serum antibodies to lipids and predominance of cholesterol recognition
Authors: Jurewicz Anna , Domowicz Malgorzata , Galazka Grazyna , Raine Cedric S. , Selmaj Krzysztof 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA lot of available data on lipid immunology in multiple sclerosis (MS) have been derived from studies using synthetic lipids, therefore the role of lipids in the immunopathogenesis of MS remains poorly defined. The present study on the lipid response in MS was performed on native lipids from autopsied brain tissue. For this, lipid fractions (n = 9) were prepared from MS (n = 3) and control (n = 2) white matter according to the Folch procedure and were characterized depending on their solubility in chloroform/methanol. TLC showed that, in brain from MS cases, neutral lipids were rich in cholesterol and cholesterol esters while lipids from control brains displayed a predominance of phospholipids. MS serum IgG and IgM were found to bind to MS brain lipid fractions with a higher efficacy (p < 0.05) than the control serum. F(ab)2 fractionation revealed that MS serum IgG binding depended on a specific antibody‐type of recognition. Pre‐adsorption of serum with cholesterol, galactocerebrosides, sulfitides, and phosphatidylinositol prior to ELISA with MS brain lipids, showed that cholesterol diminished IgG and IgM binding up to 70%. Experiments with synthetic lipids confirmed the predominance of cholesterol binding by MS serum. Our results demonstrate that IgG and IgM fractions from MS serum specifically and predominantly recognize native cholesterol and cholesterol esters isolated from the brain tissue of patients with MS. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Repair of the musculocutaneous nerve using the vagus nerve as donor by helicoid end‐to‐side technique: an experimental study in rats
Authors: Yan Ji‐Geng , Shen Feng‐Yi , Thayer Jacob , Yan Yuhui , LoGiudice John , Matloub Hani , Sanger James , Zhang Lin‐Ling , Havlik Robert 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAlthough several donor nerves can be chosen to repair avulsed brachial plexus nerve injury, available nerves are still limited. The purpose of this study is to validate whether the vagus nerve (VN) can be used as a donor. Eighteen Sprague‐Dawley male rats were divided into three groups (n = 6). The right musculocutaneous nerve (McN) was transected with differing subsequent repair. (1) HS‐VN group: a saphenous nerve (SN) graft‐end was helicoidally wrapped round the VN side (epi‐and perineurium was opened) with a 30 ° angle, distal SN end was coapted to the McN with end‐to‐end repair. (2) EE‐PN group: a SN was interpositionally grafted between the transected phrenic nerve (PN) and the McN by end‐to‐end coaptation. (3) Sham control group: McN was transected and not repaired and postoperative vital signs were checked daily. At three months, electrophysiology, tetanic force, wet biceps muscle weight, and histology were evaluated. Every tested mean value in HS‐VN group was significantly greater than the EE‐PN or the sham control groups (p < 0.05 or p < 0.005). The mean recovery ratio of regenerated nerve fibers was 96% and, in HS‐VN group, the mean recovery ratio of CMAP was 79%. No vital signs changed in any group. There was no statistical difference (p > 0.5) between the mean VN nerve‐fiber numbers of the segments proximal (2237 ± 134) and distal (2150 ± 156) to the VN graft‐attachment site. Histological analysis revealed no axon injury or intraneural scarring at any point along the VN. This study demonstrated that VN is a practical and reliable donor nerve for end‐to‐side nerve transfer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Activation of ryanodine receptors is required for PKA‐mediated downregulation of A‐type K+ channels in rat hippocampal neurons
Authors: Yang Yoon‐Sil , Jeon Sang‐Chan , Kang Moon‐Suk , Kim Seon‐Hee , Eun Su‐Yong , Jin Soo‐Hee , Jung Sung‐Cherl 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA‐type K+ channels (IA channels) contribute to learning and memory mechanisms by regulating neuronal excitabilities in the CNS, and their expression level is targeted by Ca2+ influx via synaptic NMDA receptors (NMDARs) during long‐term potentiation (LTP). However, it is not clear how local synaptic Ca2+ changes induce IA downregulation throughout the neuron, extending from the active synapse to the soma. In this study, we tested if two major receptors of endoplasmic reticulum (ER), ryanodine (RyRs), and IP3 (IP3R) receptors, are involved in Ca2+‐mediated IA downregulation in cultured hippocampal neurons of rats. The downregulation of IA channels was induced by doubling the Ca2+ concentration in culture media (3.6 mM for 24 hrs) or treating with glycine (200 μM for 3 min) to induce chemical LTP (cLTP), and the changes in IA peaks were measured electrophysiologically by a whole‐cell patch. We confirmed that Ca2+ or glycine treatment significantly reduced IA peaks and that their effects were abolished by blocking NMDARs or voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs). In this cellular processing, blocking RyRs (by ryanodine, 10 μM) but not IP3Rs (by 2APB, 100 μM) completely abolished IA downregulation, and the LTP observed in hippocampal slices was more diminished by ryanodine rather than 2APB. Furthermore, blocking RyRs also reduced Ca2+‐mediated PKA activation, indicating that sequential signaling cascades, including the ER and PKA, are involved in regulating IA downregulation. These results strongly suggest a possibility that RyR contribution and mediated IA downregulation are required to regulate membrane excitability as well as synaptic plasticity in CA3‐CA1 connections of the hippocampus. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Further inquiry into characteristics of MJO in boreal winter
Authors: Chen Xiong , Li Chongyin , Tan Yanke 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTThe characteristics of Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO), especially over the equatorial western Pacific, during the boreal winter (November to March) have got a further investigation based on the reanalysis data. The MJO activity prevails over the equatorial Indian Ocean and western Pacific and its main active centres are in the Southern Hemisphere. The MJO also has the highest percentage in the atmospheric variability and strong interannual variability here. The MJO over the equatorial western Pacific shows a prominent interannual variability with a period of 2–8 years and an interdecadal variability with a period of 12–16 years. These variabilities of MJO are closely related to the intensity and duration of strong discrete MJO events over there. During the equatorial western Pacific MJO activity strong winter, the MJO is intensified throughout the tropics and its eastward propagation is more continuous, more coherent, and further east. Anomalous ascending motion and moisture convergence over the equatorial western Pacific could enhance the Walker circulation over the equatorial Pacific and favour the activity of MJO over the equatorial western Pacific. The further eastward propagation of MJO in strong MJO activity winter is mainly due to the strong moistening at the lower troposphere to the east of the MJO convection centre. This moistening is dominated by the vertical advection of moisture. In weak MJO activity winter, the above characteristics are reversed. Furthermore, the MJO activity over the Indian Ocean and Pacific has undergone several interdecadal changes in both of its intensity and propagation during the past 150 years.