bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Egg chemoattractants moderate intraspecific sperm competition
Authors: Lymbery Rowan A. , Kennington W. Jason , Evans Jonathan P. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractInteractions among eggs and sperm are often assumed to generate intraspecific variation in reproductive fitness, but the specific gamete-level mechanisms underlying competitive fertilization success remain elusive in most species. Sperm chemotaxis–the attraction of sperm by egg-derived chemicals—is a ubiquitous form of gamete signaling, occurring throughout the animal and plant kingdoms. The chemical cues released by eggs are known to act at the interspecific level (e.g., facilitating species recognition), but recent studies have suggested that they could have roles at the intraspecific level by moderating sperm competition. Here, we exploit the experimental tractability of a broadcast spawning marine invertebrate to test this putative mechanism of gamete-level sexual selection. We use a fluorescently labeled mitochondrial dye in mussels to track the real-time success of sperm as they compete to fertilize eggs, and provide the first direct evidence in any species that competitive fertilization success is moderated by differential sperm chemotaxis. Furthermore, our data are consistent with the idea that egg chemoattractants selectively attract ejaculates from genetically compatible males, based on relationships inferred from both nuclear and mitochondrial genetic markers. These findings for a species that exhibits the ancestral reproductive strategy of broadcast spawning have important implications for the numerous species that also rely on egg chemoattractants to attract sperm, including humans, and have potentially important implications for our understanding of the evolutionary cascade of sexual selection.
GATA4 Directly Regulates Runx2 Expression and Osteoblast Differentiation
Authors: Khalid Aysha B , Slayden Alexandria V , Kumpati Jerusha , Perry Chanel D , Osuna Maria Angeles Lillo , Arroyo Samantha R , Miranda‐Carboni Gustavo A , Krum Susan A 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTGATA4 is a zinc‐finger transcription factor that is a pioneer factor in various tissues and regulates tissue‐specific gene regulation. In vivo deletion of Gata4 using Cre‐recombinase under the control of the Col1a1 2.3 kb promoter showed significantly reduced values for trabecular bone properties by microCT analysis of femur and tibia of 14‐week‐old male and female mice, suggesting GATA4 is necessary for maintaining normal adult bone phenotype. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed higher expression of Gata4 in trabecular bone compared with cortical bone, suggesting a role for GATA4 in maintaining normal trabecular bone mass. In vivo and in vitro, reduction of Gata4 correlates with reduced Runx2 gene expression, along with reduced osteoblast mineralization. To determine if Runx2 is a direct target of GATA4, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was performed, and it demonstrated that GATA4 is recruited to the two Runx2 promoters and an enhancer region. Furthermore, when Gata4 is knocked down, the chromatin at the Runx2 region is not open, as detected by DNase assays and ChIP with antibodies to the open chromatin marks H3K4me2 (histone 3 lysine 4 dimethylation) and H3K27ac (histone 3 lysine 27 acetylation) and the closed chromatin mark H3K27me2 (histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation). Together, the data suggest that GATA4 binds near the Runx2 promoter and enhancer and helps maintain open chromatin to regulate Runx2 expression leading to bone mineralization. © 2017 The Authors. JBMR Plus is published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
On E(s2)‐optimal and minimax‐optimal supersaturated designs with 20 rows and 76 columns
Authors: Morales Luis B. , Bulutoglu Dursun A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe derive a previously unknown lower bound of 41 for the frequency of of an E(s2)‐optimal and minimax‐optimal supersaturated design (SSD) with 20 rows and 76 columns. This is accomplished by an exhaustive computer search that uses the combinatorial properties of resolvable 2 − (20, 10, 36) designs and the parallel class intersection pattern method. We also classify all nonisomorphic E(s2)‐optimal 4‐circulant SSDs with 20 rows and .
Mutagenic primer‐based PCR‐RFLP assay for genotyping IRGM gene promoter variant rs4958843 (C/T)
Authors: Sharma Ambika , Changotra Harish 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundSingle‐nucleotide polymorphisms play an important role in the susceptibility of many diseases, evolutionary studies, and genetic mapping. The rs4958843 in IRGM promoter is associated with tuberculosis and Crohn's disease. As this SNP is not present in any of the restriction sites, PCR‐RFLP is not possible. Therefore, we have developed artificial‐RFLP method to genotype this SNP.MethodsWe designed forward primer with mismatches that resulted in the creation of a restriction site for enzyme NheI in the amplicon. Control samples of known genotypes were obtained by sequencing. The amplified product for SNP rs4958843 was digested with NheI restriction enzyme and resolved on an agarose gel to know the genotypes of the samples.ResultsResults of sequencing and A‐RFLP were concordant. The developed method was applied to genotype this polymorphism in 100 samples from healthy individuals. The allelic frequencies of SNP rs4958843 were C (0.16) and T (0.84), while corresponding genotypic distribution was CC (2), CT (29), and TT (69).ConclusionThe newly developed method is simple, easy, and cost‐effective which could be used to genotype IRGM polymorphism −1161 C/T (rs4958843) in various populations in the replication studies and has its applicability in the clinical settings. The developed method was applied for genotyping samples from healthy individuals from North India. For the first time, we report the frequency of this polymorphism from this region.
Intracranial fetus‐in‐fetu with numerous fully developed organs
Authors: Traisrisilp Kuntharee , Srisupundit Kasemsri , Suwansirikul Songkiet , Norasetthada Thunya , Kosarat Shanika , Tongsong Theera 
Published: November 2017

AbstractFetus in fetu (FIF) is an extremely rare anomaly featuring a monozygotic, diamniotic, parasitic twin, enclosed within its host twin. It is characterized by the presence of vertebrae and well‐developed organs in a fetiform mass. Only 18 cases of intracranial FIF have been published. Of them, only five cases were prenatally detected. This study prenatally demonstrated triplet FIFs at 31 weeks within amniotic‐like sac in the fetal skull, consisting of multiple well‐defined organs. The FIF attached to the host twin via body stalk containing a single main feeding artery and vein, representing umbilical vessels. Surgical removal was performed at the age of two months. Pathological examination showed the triplet FIF, consisting of numerous well‐developed organs (musculocutaneous‐skeletal, nervous, respiratory, gastrointestinal systems etc.), with soft tissue/skin coverings, but no vertebral body was seen. Molecular genetic analysis revealed identical genetic mapping among the three FIFs and the host. This case provides strong evidence against Willis's hypothesis but supports Spencer's theory of abnormal twinning.
Left‐sided colitis and extensive colitis have similar colectomy rates after index episode of acute severe colitis: A long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Jain Saransh , Kedia Saurabh , Bopanna Sawan , Yadav Dawesh P , Goyal Sandeep , Sahni Peush , Dash Nihar R , Pal Sujoy , Makharia Govind , Ahuja Vineet 
Published: November 2017

Background and AimThe extent of disease of ulcerative colitis (UC) has been found to be a predictor of acute severe colitis (ASC), but it is unclear whether the extent of disease at the index episode of ASC is a predictor of long‐term outcome.MethodsHospitalized patients satisfying Truelove and Witts’ criteria under follow‐up at a single center from January 2003 to December 2016 were included. The extent of disease at index ASC was classified according to the Montreal classification as left‐sided or extensive colitis. Extent was used to predict the long‐term risk of colectomy or steroid dependence following an index episode of ASC.ResultsOf 2076 patients with ulcerative colitis, 241 (12%) had an index episode of ASC. In total, 34 (14%) patients underwent a colectomy at index admission and 53 (26%) over a median follow‐up of 48(1–172) months. Left‐sided colitis and extensive colitis did not differ in the rate of colectomy at index admission (12% vs 15%, P = 0.4) and colectomy in follow‐up (31% vs 23%, P = 0.17). Readmission due to ASC was also similar between the two groups (28% vs 32%, P = 0.6).ConclusionExtent of disease at index ASC does not predict colectomy at admission and over the long term.
Asunaprevir and daclatasvir in hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1b infection
Authors: Otsuka Taiga , Kawaguchi Yasunori , Mizuta Toshihiko , Ide Yasushi , Koga Futa , Kumagai Takanori , Yoshioka Wataru , Murayama Kenichiro , Rikitake Osamu , Ikeda Yuji , Ozaki Iwata 
Published: November 2017

Background and AimPatients requiring hemodialysis show high morbidity with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but there are difficulties associated with interferon‐based therapies. Asunaprevir and daclatasvir could help patients with HCV genotype 1b because the drugs have a nonrenal metabolism and show good viral eradication. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of combined asunaprevir and daclatasvir therapy.MethodsThis was a multicenter prospective trial of patients with chronic hepatitis or compensated cirrhosis from HCV genotype 1b who had end‐stage renal disease requiring chronic hemodialysis. Asunaprevir and daclatasvir were administered orally (100 mg twice daily and 60 mg once daily, respectively) for 24 weeks. The primary end‐point was the proportion of patients achieving sustained virological response 12, defined as HCV RNA <15 IU/mL undetectable at 12 weeks after completion of asunaprevir and daclatasvir treatment.ResultsBetween December 2014 and December 2015, 23 dialysis patients were enrolled, and 22 patients completed the protocol therapy. Sustained virological response 12 rates were 91.3% (95% confidence interval: 72.0–98.9) in the intention‐to‐treat and 95.5% (95% confidence interval: 77.2–99.9) in the per‐protocol populations. Serum aminotransferase significantly decreased after initiation of asunaprevir and daclatasvir (P < 0.01), although the level was low at baseline. Asunaprevir and daclatasvir were well tolerated; however, one patient could not continue because of infective endocarditis and cerebral infarction.ConclusionsAsunaprevir and daclatasvir could help patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving hemodialysis. Close collaboration with dialysis physicians is important when treating these patients because hemodialysis carries life‐threatening risks.
Estimating the arterial input function from dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI data with compensation for flow enhancement (II): Applications in spine diagnostics and assessment of crohn's disease
Authors: van Schie Jeroen J.N. , Lavini Cristina , van Vliet Lucas J. , Kramer Gem , Pieters ‐ van den Bos Indra , Marcus J.T. , Stoker Jaap , Vos Frans M. 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundPharmacokinetic (PK) models can describe microvascular density and integrity. An essential component of PK models is the arterial input function (AIF) representing the time‐dependent concentration of contrast agent (CA) in the blood plasma supplied to a tissue.Purpose/HypothesisTo evaluate a novel method for subject‐specific AIF estimation that takes inflow effects into account.Study TypeRetrospective study.SubjectsThirteen clinical patients referred for spine‐related complaints; 21 patients from a study into luminal Crohn's disease with known Crohn's Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity (CDEIS).Field Strength/SequenceDynamic fast spoiled gradient echo (FSPGR) at 3T.AssessmentA population‐averaged AIF, AIFs derived from distally placed regions of interest (ROIs), and the new AIF method were applied. Tofts' PK model parameters (including vp and Ktrans) obtained with the three AIFs were compared. In the Crohn's patients Ktrans was correlated to CDEIS.Statistical TestsThe median values of the PK model parameters from the three methods were compared using a Mann–Whitney U‐test. The associated variances were statistically assessed by the Brown‐Forsythe test. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was computed to test the correlation of Ktrans to CDEIS.ResultsThe median vp was significantly larger when using the distal ROI approach, compared to the two other methods (P < 0.05 for both comparisons, in both applications). Also, the variances in vp were significantly larger with the ROI approach (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). In the Crohn's disease study, the estimated Ktrans parameter correlated better with the CDEIS (r = 0.733, P < 0.001) when the proposed AIF was used, compared to AIFs from the distal ROI method (r = 0.429, P = 0.067) or the population‐averaged AIF (r = 0.567, P = 0.011).Data ConclusionThe proposed method yielded realistic PK model parameters and improved the correlation of the Ktrans parameter with CDEIS, compared to existing approaches.Level of Evidence: 3Technical Efficacy Stage 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1197–1204.
The impact of anger on creative process engagement: The role of social contexts
Authors: da Costa Carla Gomes , Zhou Qin , Ferreira Aristides I. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryDrawing on the cognitive persistence perspective of creativity and conservation of resources theory, we investigated how 2 social contexts (perceived relationship conflict and coworker support for creativity) influence the relationship between anger and creative process engagement (CPE) in organizations. We tested our hypotheses using 422 daily surveys from 98 participants, collected over 5 consecutive workdays. The results show that anger perceived relationship conflict and coworker support for creativity interact to influence CPE. Specifically, when relationship conflict is high, the anger–CPE relationship is positive for employees who receive high coworker support for creativity, but negative for those who receive low coworker support for creativity. In contrast, when relationship conflict is low, the anger–CPE relationship is positive but does not differ at high versus low coworker support for creativity.
Connecting ENSO‐related climatic variations with a long‐term crop supply data to enhance agro‐meteorological capability of Tongan stakeholders
Authors: Lee Eun‐Jeong , Kim Moosup , Kim Kwang‐Hyung 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTThe El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability affects crop production via its influence on climatic variability in many regions of the world. Recent studies show that the frequency and variation in ENSO cycles are influenced by a changing climate, indicating that more sophisticated studies on the agricultural impacts of ENSO are needed. In many less developed countries, however, securing agricultural data as well as climate data for the analysis is extremely difficult due to limited data availability. In this study, monthly historical precipitation data in Tonga were examined to establish an ENSO relationship with long‐term crop data. Local market supply data, the only extant long‐term crop data, were used as a proxy for crop supply and analysed to find any significant variations in agricultural output linked to ENSO impacts. Among several crops with statistical significance, swamp taro was selected for an in‐depth statistical analysis using monthly market supply and monthly climate data. As a result, a statistically significant relationship was found between rainfall amount in critical growth stages and corresponding swamp taro supplies in the market. Based on the results, we suggest a practically applicable information transfer to Tongan farmers using a tercile‐category probability estimation of the crop supply based on seasonal ENSO forecasts. Different counter‐decisions based on the information are expected from various stakeholders based on their experience and priority and also depending on their decision‐making position in the society.
Improved seasonal prediction skill of rainfall for the Primera season in Central America
Authors: Alfaro Eric J. , Chourio Xandre , Muñoz Ángel G. , Mason Simon J. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTThis study explores the predictive skill of seasonal rainfall characteristics for the first rainy (and planting) season, May–June, in Central America. Statistical predictive models were built using a Model Output Statistics (MOS) technique based on canonical correlation analysis, in which variables that forecast with the Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2) were used as candidate predictors for the observed total precipitation, frequency of rainy days and mean number of extremely dry and wet events in the season. CFSv2 initializations from February to April were explored. The CFSv2 variables used in the study consist of rainfall, as in a typical MOS technique, and a combination of low‐level winds and convective available potential energy (CAPE), a blend that has been previously shown to be a good predictor for convective activity. The highest predictive skill was found for the seasonal frequency of rainy days, followed by the mean frequency of dry events. In terms of candidate predictors, the zonal transport of CAPE (uCAPE) at 925 hPa offers higher skill across Central America than rainfall, which is attributed in part to the high model uncertainties associated with precipitation in the region. As expected, dynamical model predictors initialized in February provide lower skill than those initialized later. Nonetheless, the skill is comparable for March and April initializations. These results suggest that the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in Central America, and the Central American Regional Climate Outlook Forum, can produce earlier more skilful forecasts for May–June rainfall characteristics than previously stated.
A historical analysis of the mature stage of tropical cyclones
Authors: Wang Shuai , Toumi Ralf 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTThe characteristics of tropical cyclone intensity and size during the mature stage are presented. Rooted in the classic description by Herbert Riehl, the mature stage is identified as the period from the time of lifetime maximum intensity to the time of lifetime maximum size. This study is the first to analyse the global climatology of the mature stage of tropical cyclones in detail. Three basic features at the mature stage are observed: the reduction of intensity, the outward expansion of the eyewall, and the increase of tangential wind in the outer primary circulation. Globally, about a quarter of tropical cyclones undergo the mature stage. High intensity at the end of the immature stage favours the likelihood of the occurrence of the mature stage. The intensity reduction during the mature stage is considerable with nearly three‐quarters of cyclones decreasing by more than 10%, which makes the conventional ‘steady‐state’ presumption questionable. The increase in the radius of damaging‐force wind is typically about 50 km, while the decrease in maximum wind speed is typically 20% at the mature stage. However, the average integrated kinetic energy and hence destructive potential increases substantially by about 70%. This is consistent with our finding that most of the highly damaging landfalling hurricanes undergo a mature stage. Intensity downgrades during the mature stage may be misinterpreted as they are mostly not accompanied by an overall danger reduction.
Selective detection of organophosphate through molecularly imprinted GERS‐active hybrid organic–inorganic materials
Authors: Carboni D. , Jiang Y. , Malfatti L. , Innocenzi P. 
Published: November 2017

A selective sensing platform for the organophosphate paraoxon, a highly toxic organic pollutant, has been designed and tested on water samples. A porous hybrid organic–inorganic film, synthesised using tetraethoxysilane, 1,8‐bis(triethoxysilyl)octane and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, has been molecularly imprinted with a structural analogue of paraoxon, the diethyl(4‐nitrobenzyl)phosphonate, to induce selective recognition. Exfoliated graphene has been incorporated into the porous matrix to provide enhancement of the Raman scattering signal. The Raman sensor has been tested on different concentrations of paraoxon in both ethanol and water/ethanol mixture. The molecular selectivity has been assessed by comparing the Raman signal enhancement of paraoxon with a similar organophosphate, the bis‐(4‐nitrophenyl) phosphate. The molecularly imprinted film has shown a fourfold increase of the paraoxon signal, when compared with the corresponding not‐imprinted. The evaluation of the density of molecular cavities into the molecularly imprinted samples (4.50 * 10−10 μmol μm−3) has allowed assuming that each molecular cavity is capable of providing a remarkable signal enhancement of 1.47 * 1012 count * μmol−1 only when recognising paraoxon. The material design has allowed coupling the sensitivity of the graphene‐mediated enhancement of Raman scattering with the selectivity of molecular imprinting into a single and potentially portable, analytical system. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a LC–MS/MS method for the determination of isomeric glutamyl peptides in food ingredients
Authors: Desfontaine Vincent , Goyon Alexandre , Veuthey Jean‐Luc , Charve Joséphine , Guillarme Davy 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the determination of 27 glutamyl di‐ and tripeptides in food ingredients. Such compounds are of importance for the food industry, as they can modulate the perception of basic tastes (sweet, salty, and umami). Due to their high polarity, the hydrophilic interaction chromatography mode was selected to have sufficient retention on the column and the best separation was obtained on an amide hybrid silica stationary phase packed with 1.7 μm particles. Thorough optimization of the mobile phase was performed as the start‐composition had to be free of ammonium to avoid on‐column cis–trans isomerization of the first eluting proline dipeptide. A baseline separation was achieved for all α and γ isomers whereas only a partial resolution was obtained for γ‐Glu‐Leu and γ‐Glu‐Ile, for which only the position of a methyl group differs. A fast sample preparation, based on successive dilutions, was performed before injection into the liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry system. The developed method was then applied for the semi‐quantification of glutamyl di‐ and tri‐peptides in four different food ingredients. The methodology will further support the optimization of production processes to select the conditions for which the peptide concentrations would be the highest.
Development of a high‐performance liquid chromatography method for the simultaneous determination of chiral impurities and assay of (S)‐clopidogrel using a cellulose‐based chiral stationary phase in methanol/water mode
Authors: Ferretti Rosella , Zanitti Leo , Cirilli Roberto 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA simple reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method for the chiral separation of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (S)‐clopidogrel has been developed on the cellulose‐based Chiralcel OJ‐RH chiral stationary phase. The S enantiomer was baseline resolved from its R impurity (impurity C) with a mobile phase consisting of methanol/water (100:15) without any interference coming from the other two potential chiral impurities A and B. The enantio‐ and chemoselective method was partially validated and compared with that reported in the United States Pharmacopoeia for the drug product. The versatility of the Chiralcel OJ‐RH allowed separating the enantiomers of the impurity B also under normal phase and setting up an efficient strategy to convert the racemic sample into the enantiomeric S form on a semipreparative scale.