bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reconciling niches and neutrality in a subalpine temperate forest
Authors: Furniss Tucker J. , Larson Andrew J. , Lutz James A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe Unified Neutral Theory of Biodiversity has been put forth to explain species coexistence in forests worldwide, but its assumption of species equivalence has been met with much debate. Theoretical advancements have reconciled the opposing concepts of neutral and niche theories as two ends of a continuum, improving our understanding of global patterns in diversity and community assembly. However, the relative importance of niche and neutral processes remains understudied in temperate forests. To determine the balance of niche and neutral processes in climatically limited subalpine temperate forests, we established the Utah Forest Dynamics Plot, a 13.64‐ha plot comprising 27,845 stems ≥1 cm diameter at breast height (1.37 m) representing 17 species at 3100 m elevation on the Colorado Plateau. We examined the fit of niche‐ and neutral‐based models to the species abundance distribution (SAD), and tested three underlying assumptions of neutral theory. The neutral model was a poor fit to the SAD, but we did not find the alternative model to provide a better fit. Using spatial analyses, we tested the neutral assumptions of functional equivalence, ecological equivalence, and habitat generality. Half of species analyzed were characterized by non‐neutral recruitment processes, and the two most abundant species exhibited asymmetric competitive and facilitative interactions with each other. The assumption of habitat generality was strongly contradicted, with all common species having habitat preferences. We conclude niche‐based processes play the dominant role in structuring subalpine forest communities, and we suggest possible explanations for variation in the relative importance of niche vs. neutral processes along ecological gradients.
Disturbance‐mediated facilitation by an intertidal ecosystem engineer
Authors: Wright Jeffrey T. , Gribben Paul E. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractEcosystem engineers facilitate communities by providing a structural habitat that reduces abiotic stress or predation pressure for associated species. However, disturbance may damage or move the engineer to a more stressful environment, possibly increasing the importance of facilitation for associated communities. In this study, we determined how disturbance to intertidal boulders (i.e., flipping) and the subsequent movement of a structural ecosystem engineer, the tube‐forming serpulid worm Galeolaria caespitosa, from the bottom (natural state, low abiotic stress) to the top (disturbed state, high abiotic stress) surface of boulders influenced the importance of facilitation for intertidal communities across two intertidal zones. Theory predicts stronger relative facilitation should occur in the harsher environments of the top of boulders and the high intertidal zone. To test this prediction, we experimentally positioned boulders with the serpulids either face up or face down for 12 months in low and high zones in an intertidal boulder field. There were very different communities associated with the different boulders and serpulids had the strongest facilitative effects on the more stressful top surface of boulders with approximately double the species richness compared to boulders lacking serpulids. Moreover, within the serpulid matrix itself there was also approximately double the species richness (both zones) and abundance (high zone only) of small invertebrates on the top of boulders compared to the bottom. The high relative facilitation on the top of boulders reflected a large reduction in temperature by the serpulid matrix on that surface (up to 10°C) highlighting a key role for modification of the abiotic environment in determining the community‐wide facilitation. This study has demonstrated that disturbance and subsequent movement of an ecosystem engineer to a more stressful environment increased the importance of facilitation and allowed species to persist that would otherwise be unable to survive in that environment.
Heart rate and its reduction in chronic heart failure and beyond
Authors: Nikolovska Vukadinović Aleksandra , Vukadinović Davor , Borer Jeffrey , Cowie Martin , Komajda Michel , Lainscak Mitja , Swedberg Karl , Böhm Michael 
Published: June 2017

AbstractHeart rate (HR) is associated with cardiovascular outcomes in all the stages of the cardiovascular continuum as well as in patients with pulmonary, cerebrovascular, and renal disease, sepsis, cancer, and erectile dysfunction. In patients with cardiovascular disease, but also in the general population, increased HR represents an important indicator of mortality with each acceleration of HR over 70 b.p.m. increasing the risk. In patients in sinus rhythm with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), a HR >70 b.p.m. increased the risk of hospitalization, and >75 b.p.m. the risk of cardiovascular death as shown in the Systolic Heart Failure Treatment with the If Inhibitor Ivabradine Trial (SHIFT). Reducing HR with ivabradine by 11 b.p.m. (placebo‐controlled) reduced the primary composite endpoint (cardiovascular death and hospitalization for worsening heart failure). Ivabradine was well tolerated showing benefit irrespective of age or diabetes status, and also in the presence of low systolic blood pressure and severe heart failure (SHIFT trial). Therefore, HR qualifies as a modifiable risk factor in heart failure. In patients with stable coronary disease, HR is a risk marker but HR reduction with ivabradine does not improve outcomes. The role of selective HR lowering remains unclear in patients with pulmonary, renal, cerebrovascular, and other diseases, as the potential benefit of interventions on HR has not been explored in these conditions. Future studies should scrutinize if HR reduction improves outcomes, defining HR as a potential risk factor and therapeutic target in other conditions beyond heart failure.
Proteomics approach to identify novel metastatic bone markers from the secretome of PC‐3 prostate cancer cells
Authors: Sung EunJi , Kwon Oh Kwang , Lee Jae‐Mok , Lee Sangkyu 
Published: June 2017

AbstractProstate cancer is the leading type of cancer diagnosed, and the most frequent cause of worldwide male cancer‐related deaths annually. The limitations of current prostate cancer screening tests demand the identification of novel biomarkers for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer bone metastasis. In the present study, we performed a proteomic analysis of secreted proteins from the prostate cancer bone metastasis cell line, PC‐3, and the normal prostate cell line, RWPE‐1. We thus quantified 917 proteins, of which 68 were found to be secreted at higher levels by PC‐3 than by RWPE‐1 cells via LC‐MS/MS. To characterize the highly secreted proteins in the PC‐3 cell line and thereby identify biomarker proteins, we divided the quantifiable proteins into four quantitative categories (Q1–Q4). The KEGG lysine degradation and osteoclast differentiation pathways were demonstrated to be enriched in the highly secreted Q4 protein group. Transforming growth factor (TGF) beta family proteins related to osteoclast differentiation were identified as key regulators of PC‐3 cell proliferation. Immunoblotting was used to confirm the observed high level of pentraxin, follistatin, TGF‐beta family members, and serpin B3 secretion by PC‐3 cells. From the collective results of the present study, we suggest that serpin B3 is a promising novel biomarker candidate for the diagnosis of prostate cancer bone metastasis.
Using ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry and toxicity identification techniques to characterize the toxicity of oil sands process-affected water: The case for classical naphthenic acids
Authors: Hughes Sarah A. , Mahaffey Ashley , Shore Bryon , Baker Josh , Kilgour Bruce , Brown Christine , Peru Kerry M. , Headley John V. , Bailey Howard C. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Previous assessments of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) toxicity were hampered by lack of high-resolution analytical analysis, use of nonstandard toxicity methods, and variability between OSPW samples. We integrated ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry with a toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) approach to quantitatively identify the primary cause of acute toxicity of OSPW to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The initial characterization of OSPW toxicity indicated that toxicity was associated with nonpolar organic compounds, and toxicant(s) were further isolated within a range of discrete methanol fractions that were then subjected to Orbitrap mass spectrometry to evaluate the contribution of naphthenic acid fraction compounds to toxicity. The results showed that toxicity was attributable to classical naphthenic acids, with the potency of individual compounds increasing as a function of carbon number. Notably, the mass of classical naphthenic acids present in OSPW was dominated by carbon numbers ≤16; however, toxicity was largely a function of classical naphthenic acids with ≥17 carbons. Additional experiments found that acute toxicity of the organic fraction was similar when tested at conductivities of 400 and 1800 μmhos/cm and that rainbow trout fry were more sensitive to the organic fraction than larval fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). Collectively, the results will aid in developing treatment goals and targets for removal of OSPW toxicity in water return scenarios both during operations and on mine closure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3148–3157. © 2017 SETAC
Abstract
The aquatic toxicity of oil sands process-affected water was isolated to the organic fraction using toxicity identification evaluation techniques. The organic fraction was then further fractionated into different percent methanol fractions and analyzed for toxicity and naphthenic acids using ultrahigh-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry to confirm the potency of naphthenic acid species and identify those responsible for toxicity.
Geochemistry and zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopes of the granitoids of Qianjinchang pluton in the Xi Ujimqi, Inner Mongolia: Implications for petrogenesis and geodynamic setting
Authors: Wang Guosheng , Liu Changfeng , Pei Weixun , Zhou Zhiguang , Li Hongying , Wu Chen , Zhu Yan , Ye Baoying 
Published: June 2017

We conducted zircon U–Pb dating and geochemical analyses for the Qianjinchang (QJC) pluton in the Xi Ujimqi, Northeast China, with an aim to determine their ages, petrogenesis, and sources. The QJC pluton consists of coarse/medium‐grained biotite monzogranite in the core and fine‐grained biotite granodiorite in the rim; those rocks intrude into quartz diorite but are intruded by minor intrusive phases, including small biotite syenogranite, diorite bodies, late diorite, granodiorite, granite, and pegmatite dykes. Our new laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry zircon U–Pb data indicate that the QJC composite pluton composed of 2 phases of magmatic activities, with the ages of 301~313 Ma for the quartz diorite, 283 ± 1 Ma for the biotite granodiorite, 280 ± 1 Ma for the biotite syenogranite, and 280 ± 2 Ma for the diorite dyke. Hf isotopic analyses for the quartz diorite sample show εHf(t) = 3.75 to 11.72, with 2‐stage Hf model age (TDM2) ranging 568–1,078 Ma. The biotite syenogranite sample also shows a depleted εHf(t) = 4.47 to 8.71, withTDM2ranging 745–1,015 Ma, suggesting the major involvement of juvenile crustal components. The various εHfvalues of the QJC pluton indicate a hybrid magma source of juvenile material with old crustal component, and theTDM2values increase from the Carboniferous to Permian, which suggests an increasing proportion of old continental material during this period. Petrological and geochemical characteristics of the biotite granodiorite and biotite monzogranite samples suggest that they are S‐type granites and derived from partial melting of the clay‐poor, plagioclase‐rich psammitic source, produced at low‐medium pressure. The biotite syenogranite sample belongs to alkaline and shoshonitic series and probably formed by a hybridization process between basaltic magma and old continental components. Combined with previous studies on the contemporaneous magma‐tectonic activities in the Xilinhot microcontinent, we suggest that the QJC pluton formed in a postcollisional setting.
The frontal assessment battery in clinical practice: a systematic review
Authors: Hurtado‐Pomares Miriam , Carmen Terol‐Cantero M. , Sánchez‐Pérez Alicia , Peral‐Gómez Paula , Valera‐Gran Desirée , Navarrete‐Muñoz Eva María 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundThe frontal assessment battery (FAB) is a brief tool designed to evaluate executive function. Some studies have particularly focused on assessing its applicability addressing two issues: first, on detecting the brain regions responsible for the FAB performance, and second, on determining its capability for differential diagnosis. Our aim was to summarize and analyze critically the studies that assessed the neuroanatomical correspondence and the differential diagnostic value of the FAB in several study populations suffering from different pathologies.MethodsWe completed a literature search in MEDLINE (via PubMed) database by using the term “frontal assessment battery” and the combination of this term with “applicability” or “use” or “usefulness”. The search was limited to articles in English or Spanish languages, published between 1 September 2000 and 30 September 2016, human studies, and journal articles.ResultsA total of 32 studies met inclusion criteria. Seventeen studies were aimed at identifying the brain regions or the neural substrates involved in executive functions measured by the FAB and 15 studies at verifying that the FAB was an appropriate tool for the differential diagnosis in neurological diseases.ConclusionOur study showed that the FAB may be an adequate assessment tool for executive function and may provide useful information for differential diagnosis in several diseases. Given that the FAB takes short time and is easy to administer, its usage may be of great interest as part of a full neuropsychological assessment in clinical settings. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The applicability of a weight loss grading system in cancer cachexia: a longitudinal analysis
Authors: Vagnildhaug Ola Magne , Blum David , Wilcock Andrew , Fayers Peter , Strasser Florian , Baracos Vickie E. , Hjermstad Marianne J. , Kaasa Stein , Laird Barry , Solheim Tora S. ,   for the European Palliative Care Cancer Symptom study group
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundA body mass index (BMI) adjusted weight loss grading system (WLGS) is related to survival in patients with cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the applicability of the WLGS by confirming its prognostic validity, evaluating its relationship to cachexia domains, and exploring its ability to predict cachexia progression.MethodsAn international, prospective observational study of patients with incurable cancer was conducted. For each patient, weight loss grade was scored 0–4. Weight loss grade 0 represents a high BMI with limited weight loss, progressing through to weight loss grade 4 representing low BMI and a high degree of weight loss. Survival analyses were used to confirm prognostic validity. Analyses of variance were used to evaluate the relationship between the WLGS and cachexia domains [anorexia, dietary intake, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), and physical and emotional functioning]. Cox regression was used to evaluate if the addition of cachexia domains to the WLGS improved prognostic accuracy. Predictive ability of cachexia progression was assessed by estimating proportion of patients progressing to a more advanced weight loss grade.ResultsOne thousand four hundred six patients were analysed (median age 66 years; 50% female, 63% KPS ≤ 70). The overall effect of the WLGS on survival was significant as expressed by change in −2 log likelihood (P < 0.001) and persisted after adjustment for age, sex, and cancer type and stage (P < 0.001). Median survival decreased across the weight loss grades ranging from 407 days (95% CI 312–502)—weight loss grade 0 to 119 days (95% CI 93–145)—weight loss grade 4. All cachexia domains significantly deteriorated with increasing weight loss grade, and deterioration was greatest for dietary intake, with a difference corresponding to 0.87 standard deviations between weight loss grades 0 and 4. The addition of KPS, anorexia, and physical and emotional functioning improved the prognostic accuracy of the WLGS. Likelihood of cachexia progression was greater in patients with weight loss grade 2 (39%) than that with weight loss grade 0 (19%) or 1 (22%).ConclusionsThe WLGS is related to survival, cachexia domains, and the likelihood of progression. Adding certain cachexia domains to the WLGS improves prognostic accuracy.
Synthesis, preclinical, and pharmacokinetic evaluation of a new zoledronate derivative as a promising antiosteoporotic candidate using radiolabeling technique
Authors: Motaleb H.A. , Ibrahim Ismail Taha , El‐Tawoosy M. , Mohamed M.I. 
Published: June 2017

A novel zoledronic acid (ZL) derivative, 3‐(2‐ethyl‐4‐methyi‐1H‐imidazole‐1‐yl)‐1‐hydroxy‐1‐phosphonopropyl phosphonic acid (EMIHPBP), was synthesized, characterized, and successfully radiolabeled with 99mTc. The in vivo biodistribution of 99mTc‐EMIHPBP was investigated and compared with the previously reported zoledronate derivatives aiming to formulate a novel zoledronate derivative with a high‐potential uptake to bone as a promising antiosteoporotic candidate. To further evaluate the bone uptake efficiency, the pharmacokinetics of 99mTc‐EMIHPBP was investigated and showed that maximum concentration in bone (Cmax) was 31.60 ± 0.15%ID/gram after 60 minutes (tmax). Cumulative residence of 99mTc‐EMIHPBP in the bone [AUC (0−∞) (%ID∙min/gram bone)] was 3685.23, mean residence time was 384.354 minutes, and the calculated bone bioavailability was 15.831%. Finally, the time needed for half of the 99mTc‐EMIHPBP formulation to be eliminated from bone (t1/2) was 263.914 minutes. Excellent bone uptake can be obtained 1‐hour postinjection with high bone/blood ratio of 23.76 detected with gamma counter. The biodistribution and kinetic studies could recommend EMIHPBP as a promising antiosteoporotic candidate with high selectivity to the skeletal system and rapid clearance from soft tissues.
Pre‐ and post‐operative HBsAg levels may predict recurrence and survival after curative resection in patients with HBV‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Qiu Jing‐Feng , Ye Jia‐Zhou , Feng Xu‐Zhuo , Qi Ya‐Peng , Ma Liang , Yuan Wei‐Ping , Zhong Jian‐Hong , zhang Zhi‐Ming , Xiang Bang‐De , Li Le‐Qun 
Published: June 2017

PurposeTo investigate pre‐ and post‐operative levels of HBsAg influence prognosis of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative resection.MethodsMedical records were retrospectively analyzed for 881 patients with HBV‐related HCC treated by curative resection. Patients were classified as having high or low serum HBsAg levels (≥200 or <200 ng/mL) pre‐ or post‐operatively.ResultsOS and RFS were better for patients with low pre‐operative serum levels of HBsAg than for those with high levels. Similarly, OS was better among patients with low post‐operative serum levels of HBsAg than among those with high levels. RFS, in contrast, was similar between these two groups. After generating propensity score‐matched pairs of patients, OS was higher in patients with falling post‐operative HBsAg levels than in those with rising levels. In contrast, RFS was similar between these two groups. Antiviral nucleoside analog therapy prolonged OS in patients with high pre‐operative HBsAg levels.ConclusionsLow pre‐ and post‐operative levels of HBsAg may be associated with better long‐term survival in patients with HBV‐related HCC. Pre‐operative serum levels of HBsAg ≥200 ng/mL may identify patients more likely to benefit from antiviral treatment.
Predicting the evolutionary consequences of trophy hunting on a quantitative trait
Authors: Coulson Tim , Schindler Susanne , Traill Lochran , Kendall Bruce E. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTSome ecologists suggest that trophy hunting (e.g., harvesting males with a desirable trait above a certain size) can lead to rapid phenotypic change, which has led to an ongoing discussion about evolutionary consequences of trophy hunting. Claims of rapid evolution come from the statistical analyses of data, with no examination of whether these results are theoretically plausible. We constructed simple quantitative genetic models to explore how a range of hunting scenarios affects the evolution of a trophy such as horn length. We show that trophy hunting does lead to trophy evolution defined as change in the mean breeding value of the trait. However, the fastest rates of phenotypic change attributable to trophy hunting via evolution that are theoretically possible under standard assumptions of quantitative genetics are 1–2 orders of magnitude slower than the fastest rates of phenotypic change reported from statistical analyses. Our work suggests a re‐evaluation of the likely evolutionary consequences of trophy hunting would be appropriate when setting policy. Our work does not consider the ethical or ecological consequences of trophy hunting. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Studies on sliding wear characteristics of aluminium LM25/silicon dioxide functionally graded composite and optimisation of parameters using response surface methodology
Authors: Bhatija K. A. , Radhika N. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis paper deals with the study of dry sliding wear of LM25/silicon dioxide (10 wt.%) functionally graded composite. The composite was fabricated using stir casting technique and the melt was poured into a horizontal centrifugal die rotating at 1200 min−1. After casting, the specimen (length 150 mm, external diameter 150 mm and internal diameter 130 mm) was subjected to microstructure and hardness tests at three different depths from the outer periphery (1 mm, 8 mm and 13 mm). The results of the respective tests revealed that the outer periphery of the specimen had higher particle concentration and hardness. Then, wear test was done on a pin‐on‐disc tribometer at room temperature with the experiments designed using response surface methodology and by taking specimens of size 8 x 8 x 15 mm such that the surface undergoing wear was at 1 mm from the outer periphery of the cast. The process variables of load (10 ‐ 40 N), velocity (1 ‐ 4 m/s) and sliding distance (400 ‐ 1200 m) were varied using a level 5 design and experiments were carried on for 20 different optimal combinations. From the regression equation generated for the wear response, it was found that load had maximum effect on the wear rate. The confirmation experiments proved that the regression model could serve well in predicting the wear rate for the given ranges of the continuous factors, for the given composite. Surface plots showed that the wear rate had an increasing trend with respect to load, which was the dominating continuous factor. Though the wear rate increased, severe delamination of the functionally graded composite was delayed. The optimum levels of the continuous factors to minimize the wear rate were found using response optimisation and found to be 10 N, 1.7576 m/s and 2000 m respectively. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the worn surface of the specimens connected to the obtained trends and thus further validated the model developed. Thus, a functionally graded LM13 composite with silicon dioxid reinforcements is developed and a wear model to predict its wear rate under different process parameters is proposed with predictions of optimal performance conditions. This composite can increase life of components of wear applications in aerospace and automobile industry.