bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extreme genetic structure in a social bird species despite high dispersal capacity
Authors: Morinha Francisco , Dávila José A. , Bastos Estela , Cabral João A. , Frías Óscar , González José L. , Travassos Paulo , Carvalho Diogo , Milá Borja , Blanco Guillermo 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSocial barriers have been shown to reduce gene flow and contribute to genetic structure among populations in species with high cognitive capacity and complex societies, such as cetaceans, apes and humans. In birds, high dispersal capacity is thought to prevent population divergence unless major geographical or habitat barriers induce isolation patterns by dispersal, colonization or adaptation limitation. We report that Iberian populations of the red‐billed chough, a social, gregarious corvid with high dispersal capacity, show a striking degree of genetic structure composed of at least 15 distinct genetic units. Monitoring of marked individuals over 30 years revealed that long‐distance movements over hundreds of kilometres are common, yet recruitment into breeding populations is infrequent and highly philopatric. Genetic differentiation is weakly related to geographical distance, and habitat types used are overall qualitatively similar among regions and regularly shared by individuals of different populations, so that genetic structure is unlikely to be due solely to isolation by distance or isolation by adaptation. Moreover, most population nuclei showed relatively high levels of genetic diversity, suggesting a limited role for genetic drift in significantly differentiating populations. We propose that social mechanisms may underlie this unprecedented level of genetic structure in birds through a pattern of isolation by social barriers not yet described, which may have driven this remarkable population divergence in the absence of geographical and environmental barriers.
Biochemical characterization of metabolism‐based atrazine resistance in Amaranthus tuberculatus and identification of an expressed GST associated with resistance
Authors: Evans Anton F. , O'Brien Sarah R. , Ma Rong , Hager Aaron G. , Riggins Chance W. , Lambert Kris N. , Riechers Dean E. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryRapid detoxification of atrazine in naturally tolerant crops such as maize (Zea mays) and grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) results from glutathione S‐transferase (GST) activity. In previous research, two atrazine‐resistant waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) populations from Illinois, U.S.A. (designated ACR and MCR), displayed rapid formation of atrazine‐glutathione (GSH) conjugates, implicating elevated rates of metabolism as the resistance mechanism. Our main objective was to utilize protein purification combined with qualitative proteomics to investigate the hypothesis that enhanced atrazine detoxification, catalysed by distinct GSTs, confers resistance in ACR and MCR. Additionally, candidate AtuGST expression was analysed in an F2 population segregating for atrazine resistance. ACR and MCR showed higher specific activities towards atrazine in partially purified ammonium sulphate and GSH affinity‐purified fractions compared to an atrazine‐sensitive population (WCS). One‐dimensional electrophoresis of these fractions displayed an approximate 26‐kDa band, typical of GST subunits. Several phi‐ and tau‐class GSTs were identified by LC‐MS/MS from each population, based on peptide similarity with GSTs from Arabidopsis. Elevated constitutive expression of one phi‐class GST, named AtuGSTF2, correlated strongly with atrazine resistance in ACR and MCR and segregating F2 population. These results indicate that AtuGSTF2 may be linked to a metabolic mechanism that confers atrazine resistance in ACR and MCR.
Follow‐up of surgically treated patients with cystic echinococcosis: can novel recombinant antigens compete with imaging? Analysis of a patient cohort
Authors: Stojkovic Marija , Adt Hans‐Micha , Rosenberger Kerstin , Boubaker Ghalia , Hernandez‐Gonzalez Ana , Junghanss Thomas , Zwahlen Marcel , Siles‐Lucas Mar 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the performance of two novel recombinant antigens (EgP29, 2B2t) with imaging in a well‐defined cohort of surgically treated cystic echinococcosis (CE) patients to determine whether serology reflects surgical cure as defined by imaging.MethodsFrom a cohort of 223 CE‐confirmed patients of a national clinical center for echinococcosis, 36 surgically treated patients were eligible for analysis. Sera were tested by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for specific IgG and IgG4 antibodies against the EgP29 and 2B2t antigens. We used a hierarchical linear regression model to examine the course of antibody levels over time for each patient. A meta‐analysis of the patient‐specific estimates of the time to negativity was performed using the metan command in Stata.ResultsThe range of positive serological results at the beginning of post‐surgical monitoring was 34–60%: 2B2t 51%, 2B2t‐IgG4 34%, EgP29 60% and EgP29‐IgG4 40%. The pooled estimates of time to seronegativity were as follows: 2B2t‐ELISA 3.92 (3.24, 4.61) years; 2B2t‐IgG4‐ELISA 4.60 (3.91, 5.29) years; EgP29‐ELISA 3.94 (3.50, 4.39) years; EgP29‐IgG4‐ELISA 2.55 (1.93, 3.18) years.ConclusionAfter surgical treatment, antibodies to the recombinant antigens 2B2t and EgP29 become negative in the majority of CE‐confirmed, surgically cured patients. The major drawback is the fact that only around half of the CE‐confirmed, surgically treated patients were at all responsive to the test antigens, so they are of limited benefit for documenting primary cure. Equally, these antigens do not appear to be sensitive to recurrences.
“The Gaze Heuristic:” Biography of an Adaptively Rational Decision Process
Authors: Hamlin Robert P. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis article is a case study that describes the natural and human history of the gaze heuristic. The gaze heuristic is an interception heuristic that utilizes a single input (deviation from a constant angle of approach) repeatedly as a task is performed. Its architecture, advantages, and limitations are described in detail. A history of the gaze heuristic is then presented. In natural history, the gaze heuristic is the only known technique used by predators to intercept prey. In human history the gaze heuristic was discovered accidentally by Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter command just prior to World War II. As it was never discovered by the Luftwaffe, the technique conferred a decisive advantage upon the RAF throughout the war. After the end of the war in America, German technology was combined with the British heuristic to create the Sidewinder AIM9 missile, the most successful autonomous weapon ever built. There are no plans to withdraw it or replace its guiding gaze heuristic. The case study demonstrates that the gaze heuristic is a specific heuristic type that takes a single best input at the best time (take the best2). Its use is an adaptively rational response to specific, rapidly evolving decision environments that has allowed those animals/humans/machines who use it to survive, prosper, and multiply relative to those who do not.
Differently localized lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferases crucial for triacylglycerol biosynthesis in the oleaginous alga Nannochloropsis
Authors: Nobusawa Takashi , Hori Koichi , Mori Hiroshi , Kurokawa Ken , Ohta Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2017

SummaryThe production of renewable bioenergy will be necessary to meet rising global fossil fuel demands. Members of the marine microalgae genus Nannochloropsis produce large quantities of oils (triacylglycerols; TAGs), and this genus is regarded as one of the most promising for biodiesel production. Recent genome sequencing and transcriptomic studies on Nannochloropsis have provided a foundation for understanding its oleaginous trait, but the mechanism underlying oil accumulation remains to be clarified. Here we report Nannochloropsis knock‐out strains of four extraplastidic lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferases (LPAT1–LPAT4) that catalyze a major de novo biosynthetic step of TAGs and membrane lipids. We found that the four LPATs are differently involved in lipid metabolic flow in Nannochloropsis. Double knock‐outs among the LPATs revealed the pivotal LPATs for TAG biosynthesis, and localization analysis indicated that the stramenopile‐specific LPATs (LPAT3 and LPAT4) associated with TAG synthesis reside at the perimeter of lipid droplets. No homologous region has been found with other lipid droplet‐associated proteins, however. Lipid droplets are an organelle found in nearly all organisms, and recently they were shown to play important roles in cellular metabolism and signaling. Our results provide direct evidence for the importance of the perimeter of lipid droplet in TAG synthesis in addition to its known role in maintaining TAG stability, and these findings suggest that the oleaginous trait of Nannochloropsis is enabled by the acquisition of LPATs at the perimeter of lipid droplets.
Comparative analysis of DNA methylation patterns of equine sarcoid and healthy skin samples
Authors: Semik E. , Ząbek T. , Gurgul A. , Fornal A. , Szmatoła T. , Pawlina K. , Wnuk M. , Klukowska‐Rötzler J. , Koch C. , Mählmann K. , Bugno‐Poniewierska M. 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveIn this study, for the first time we report the genome‐wide DNA methylation profile of skin tumour in horses and describe differentially methylated genomic regions (DMRs) with respect to healthy skin.Materials & MethodsThe comparative analysis of DNA methylation patterns detected using Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing (RRBS) technique, allowed identification of 136 regions showing differential methylation between sarcoid and normal skin tissue.ResultsMost of the identified DMRs were short fragments, less than 1 kb in size, located in the intergenic regions. Among identified DMRs there were also regions located within genes directly or indirectly related with oncogenesis. We additionally validated 9 CpG sites showing hypomethylation and 9 CpG sites that were hypermethylated in lesional sample, confirming the identified changes in the DNA methylation.ConclusionKnowledge on the changes taking place in the process of DNA methylation may provide a basis for the development of new alternative diagnostic or therapeutic approaches to equine sarcoids.
Mortality outcomes in patients transfused with fresher versus older red blood cells: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Chai‐Adisaksopha C. , Alexander P. E. , Guyatt G. , Crowther M. A. , Heddle N. M. , Devereaux P. J. , Ellis M. , Roxby D. , Sessler D. I. , Eikelboom J. W. 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundAmong transfused patients, the effect of the duration of red blood cell storage on mortality remains unclear. This study aims to compare the mortality of patients who were transfused with fresher versus older red blood cells.MethodsWe performed an updated systematic search in the CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases, from January 2015 to October 2016. RCTs of hospitalized patients of any age comparing transfusion of fresher versus older red blood cells were eligible. We used a random‐effects model to calculate pooled risk ratios (RRs) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsWe identified 14 randomized trials that enrolled 26 374 participants. All‐cause mortality occurred in 1219 of 9531 (12·8%) patients who received a transfusion of fresher red blood cells and 1810 of 16 843 (10·7%) in those who received older red blood cells (RR: 1·04, 95% CI: 0·98–1·12, P = 0·90, I2 = 0%, high certainty for ruling out benefit of fresh blood, moderate certainty for ruling out harm of fresh blood). In six studies, in‐hospital death occurred in 691 of 7479 (9·2%) patients receiving fresher red cells and 1291 of 14 757 (8·8%) receiving older red cells (RR: 1·06, 95% CI: 0·97–1·15, P = 0·81, I2 = 0%, high certainty for ruling out benefit of fresh blood, moderate certainty for ruling out harm of fresh blood).ConclusionTransfusion of fresher red blood cells does not reduce overall or in‐hospital mortality when compared with older red blood cells. Our results support the practice of transfusing patients with the oldest red blood cells available in the blood bank.
Serological evidence for exposure to avian influenza viruses within poultry workers in southern China
Authors: de Bruin E. , Zhang X. , Ke C. , Sikkema R. , Koopmans M. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryThe risk of infection with avian influenza viruses for poultry workers is relatively unknown in China, and study results are often biased by the notification of only the severe human cases. Protein microarray was used to detect binding antibodies to 13 different haemagglutinin (HA1‐part) antigens of avian influenza A(H5N1), A(H7N7), A(H7N9) and A(H9N2) viruses, in serum samples from poultry workers and healthy blood donors collected in the course of 3 years in Guangdong Province, China. Significantly higher antibody titre levels were detected in poultry workers when compared to blood donors for the most recent H5 and H9 strains tested. These differences were most pronounced in younger age groups for antigens from older strains, but were observed in all age groups for the recent H5 and H9 antigens. For the H7 strains tested, only poultry workers from two retail live poultry markets had significantly higher antibody titres compared to blood donors.
Surgical criteria for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: a scoping review
Authors: Peters Scott , Laing Alisha , Emerson Courtney , Mutchler Kelsey , Joyce Thomas , Thorborg Kristian , Hölmich Per , Reiman Michael 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundThe purpose of this review was to analyse and report criteria used for open and arthroscopic surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).MethodsA librarian-assisted computer search of Medline, CINAHL and Embase for studies related to criterion for FAIS surgery was used in this study. Inclusion criteria included studies with the primary purpose of surgery or surgical outcomes for treatment of FAIS with and without labral tear, and reporting criteria for FAIS surgery.ResultsDiagnostic imaging was a criterion for surgery in 92% of the included studies, with alpha angle the most frequently reported (68% of studies) criterion. Reporting of symptoms was a criterion for surgery in 75%, and special tests a criterion in 70% of studies. Range-of-motion limitations were only a required criterion in 30%, only 12% of studies required intra-articular injection and 44% of studies described previously failed treatment (non-surgical or physiotherapist-led rehabilitation) as a criterion for surgery. Only 56% of included studies utilised the combination of symptoms, clinical signs and diagnostic imaging combined for diagnosis of FAIS as suggested by the Warwick Agreement on FAIS meeting.ConclusionDiagnostic imaging evidence of FAIS was the most commonly reported criterion for surgery. Only 56% of included studies utilised the combination of symptoms, clinical signs and diagnostic imaging for diagnosis of FAIS as suggested by the Warwick Agreement on FAIS meeting, and only 44% of studies had failed non-surgical treatment (and 18% a failed trial of physiotherapy) as a criterion for surgery.
Development and validation of an instrument to measure collaborative goal setting in the care of patients with diabetes
Authors: Morris Heather L , Dumenci Levent , Lafata Jennifer E 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveDespite known benefits of patient-perceived collaborative goal setting, we have a limited ability to monitor this process in practice. We developed the Patient Measure of Collaborative Goal Setting (PM-CGS) to evaluate the use of collaborative goal setting from the patient's perspective.Research design and methodsA random sample of 400 patients aged 40 years or older, receiving diabetes care from the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System between 8/2012 and 8/2013, were mailed a survey containing potential PM-CGS items (n=44) as well as measures of patient demographics, perceived self-management competence, trust in their physician, and self-management behaviors. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate construct validity. External validity was evaluated via a structural equation model (SEM) that tested the association of the PM-CGS with self-management behaviors. The direct and two mediated (via trust and self-efficacy) pathways were tested.ResultsA total of 259 patients responded to the survey (64% response rate), of which 192 were eligible for inclusion. Results from the factor analysis supported a 37-item measure of patient-perceived CGS spanning five domains: listen and learn; share ideas; caring relationship; measurable objective; and goal achievement support (χ=4366.13, p<0.001; RMSEA=0.08). Results from the SEM supported the external validity of the PM-CGS. The relationship between CGS and self-management was partially mediated by perceived competence (p<0.05). The direct effect between the PM-CGS and self-management was significant (p<0.001).ConclusionsCGS can be validly measured by the 37-item PM-CGS. Use of the PM-CGS can help illustrate actionable deficits in goal-setting discussions.
Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with the Woven EndoBridge device: mid term and long term results
Authors: Mine Benjamin , Goutte Alexandra , Brisbois Denis , Lubicz Boris 
Published: February 2017

PurposeTo evaluate the clinical and anatomical results of treatment of intracranial aneurysms (IA) with the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device, with emphasis on mid term and long term follow-up.MethodsBetween November 2010 and November 2015, we retrospectively identified, in our prospectively maintained database, all patients treated by WEB device placement for an IA at three institutions. Clinical charts, procedural data, and angiographic results were reviewed.Results48 patients with 49 IAs were identified. There were 35 women and 13 men with a mean age of 57 years (range 35–76 years). All IA were wide necked. Mean aneurysm size was 8.6 mm. There were 44 unruptured IA and 5 ruptured IA. During endovascular treatment (EVT), adjunctive devices were used in 22.4% of procedures. A good clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2) was achieved in 44/48 patients (92%). There was no mortality. Mean follow-up was 25 months (range 3–72 months; median 24 months). Between mid term and long term follow-up, occlusion was stable in 19/23 IA (82.6%), improved in 2/23 IA (8.7%), and worsened in 2/23 IA (8.7%). Retreatment was performed in 8/49 IA (16.3%). At the latest available follow-up, there were 34/47 (72.3%) complete occlusions and 13/47 (27.7%) neck remnants.ConclusionsOur study suggests that EVT of IA with the WEB device provides adequate and stable long term occlusion.
The effects of tobacco control policies on retailer sales to minors in the USA, 2015
Authors: Dai Hongying , Hao Jianqiang 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundUnder the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been routinely inspecting tobacco retailers' compliance with under-age sales laws. We seek to identify factors associated with Retail Violation Rate for sale to minors (RVRm).MethodsWe collected the tobacco retailer inspection data for 2015 from the FDA compliance check database. RVRm was calculated at the census tract level and overlaid with tobacco regulations and youth smoking prevalence at the state level. Multi-level spatial analysis was performed to examine the impacts of tobacco jurisdiction variations, youth smoking rates and neighbourhood social characteristics on RVRm.ResultsA total of 136 816 compliance checks involving minors conducted by the FDA in 2015 were analysed. A higher RVRm was associated with higher youth smoking prevalence (aRR=1.04, p<0.0001). Tobacco regulations show significant relationships with RVRm. For every one dollar increase in cigarette tax per pack, the likelihood of retail violations was reduced by 2% (aRR=0.98, p=0.03). For every 10% increase in tobacco prevention spending towards Centers for Disease Control recommended funding targets, the likelihood of retail violations was reduced by 1% (aRR=0.99, p=0.01). RVRm increased in states that enacted stronger smoke-free air policies (aRR=1.08, p<0.0001).ConclusionWe observed associations of tobacco regulations and neighbourhood social characteristics with tobacco retailers’ compliance with under-age sales laws. This study provides evidence to support stronger tobacco regulations and control policies in reducing youth access to tobacco products.
Changes in cigarette expenditure minimising strategies before and after a cigarette tax increase
Authors: Choi Kelvin , Boyle Raymond G 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundSmokers use cigarette expenditure minimising strategies (CEMS) to alleviate the effect of tax increases on their cigarette expenses. We examined changes in smokers’ CEMS use before and after a 2013 Minnesota $1.75 cigarette tax increase.MethodsData were from representative samples of smokers who participated in the Minnesota Adult Tobacco Survey 2010 (n=948) and 2014 (n=1229). Participants indicated CEMS used in the past year from a list. Weighted multiple logistic regressions were used to examine changes in prevalence of each CEMS use over time adjusting for demographics and cigarette consumption. Characteristics associated with CEMS use in 2014 were examined.ResultsBetween 2010 and 2014, more smokers tried to save money on cigarettes by rolling their own cigarettes (from 19% to 29%), using other tobacco products (from 13% to 25%), and buying cigarettes from cheaper places (from 48% to 55%). Yet, fewer smokers used coupons/promotions (from 63% to 50%) and bought cigarettes by the carton (from 39% to 32%). These changes varied somewhat by race/ethnicity and education, for example, more smokers with <high school education used discount brands over time than more educated smokers. CEMS use in 2014 varied by demographics, for example, smokers with lower education were more likely than those with higher education to purchase discount brands, roll their own cigarettes, use coupons/promotions and cut back on smoking (p<0.05).ConclusionsSocially disadvantaged smokers were most likely to use CEMS and continue smoking after a cigarette tax increase. Regulations that would reduce CEMS use could boost the effectiveness of cigarette tax increases.
Programmable Universal Filters Using Current Conveyor Transconductance Amplifiers
Authors: Nonthaputha Thanat , Kumngern Montree 
Published: February 2017

This paper presents new programmable universal biquadratic filters using current conveyor transconductance amplifiers (CCTAs) by which both voltage- and current-mode filters can be obtained. The proposed filters use second-generation current conveyor (CCII) which is the first stage of CCTA to operate as current conveyor analog switch (CCAS) and this CCAS will be used to program the filtering functions such as low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, band-stop and all-pass filters. Unlike previous universal filters, the filtering functions of the proposed filters can be programmed using the bias currents of CCTAs without changing any input and output connections. The natural frequency and quality factor of all filtering functions can be controlled electronically and orthogonally using the bias currents of transconductance amplifiers. Also gain response of all transfer functions can be adjusted. The active and passive sensitivities of the filters are low. The proposed programmable filters have been simulated using 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m CMOS process from TSMC. PSPICE simulation results are included to confirm workability of the proposed circuits.