bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends in anecdotal fox sightings in Tasmania accounted for by psychological factors
Authors: Marks Clive A. , Clark Malcolm , Obendorf David , Hall Graham P. , Soares Inês , Pereira Filipe 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThere has been little evaluation of anecdotal sightings as a means to confirm new incursions of invasive species. This paper explores the potential for equivocal information communicated by the media to account for patterns of anecdotal reports. In 2001, it was widely reported that red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) had been deliberately released in the island state of Tasmania (Australia), although this claim was later revealed to be baseless. Regardless, by 2013 a total of 3153 anecdotal fox sightings had been reported by members of the public, which implied their distribution was wide. For each month in 2001–2003, we defined a monthly media index (MMI) of fox‐related media coverage, an index of their relative seasonal abundance (abundance), and a factor denoting claims of fox evidence (claimed evidence) regardless of its evidentiary quality. We fitted a generalized linear model with Poisson error for monthly totals of anecdotal sightings with factors of year and claimed evidence and covariates of MMI, abundance, and hours of darkness. The collective effect of psychological factors (MMI, claimed evidence, and year) relative to biophysical factors (photoperiod and abundance) was highly significant (χ2 = 122.1, df = 6, p < 0.0001), whereas anticipated changes in abundance had no significant influence on reported sightings (p = 0.15). An annual index of fox media from 2001 to 2010 was strongly associated with the yearly tally of anecdotal sightings (p = 0.018). The odds ratio of sightings ranked as reliable by the fox eradication program in any year decreased exponentially at a rate of 0.00643 as the total number of sightings increased (p < 0.0001) and was indicative of an observer‐expectancy bias. Our results suggest anecdotal sightings are highly susceptible to cognitive biases and when used to qualify and quantify species presence can contribute to flawed risk assessments.
X‐ray computed tomography reveals that intraspecific competition promotes soldier differentiation in a one‐piece nesting termite
Authors: Aguilera‐Olivares Daniel , Palma‐Onetto Valeria , Flores‐Prado Luis , Zapata Víctor , Niemeyer Hermann M. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractInvestment in soldier production in eusocial lineages involves a trade‐off between maintenance costs and defense benefits. Termites are eusocial insects that live in colonies organized into three castes: primary reproductives, soldiers, and workers or pseudergates. Neotermes chilensis (Blanchard) (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae) is a one‐piece nesting termite that nests and forages in a single piece of wood. Two scenarios may be of importance in a defense context of one‐piece nesting termites: during swarms, when colonies may be invaded by winged termites (alates) in search of a place to found a new colony, and when colonies of conspecifics are present within the same substrate. It was hypothesized that the ratio of soldiers to non‐soldiers would be higher at the onset of the swarming period and in substrates bearing more than one termite colony. A method based on X‐ray computed tomography (CT) was developed to study gallery connectivity in colonies of N. chilensis and caste composition within colonies. Computed tomography allowed the digital reconstruction of the galleries within the substrate, even when they belonged to different colonies, and was effective in distinguishing termites from substrate, and soldiers from reproductives and pseudergates. Using CT, the ratio of soldiers to non‐soldiers was shown to be highest in colonies within multicolonial scapes (i.e., neighboring colonies were present in the same substrate) during the swarming season, thus supporting our initial hypotheses. These results constitute a unique example of induced defenses arising from intraspecific interactions in termites.
Standardization of multivariate regression models for estimation of the gregariousness level of the main pest locust
Authors: Martín‐Blázquez R. , Bakkali M. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractRecurrent locust population outbreaks have a tremendous impact on ecosystems and economies around the globe. These population outbreaks are associated with a shift from the usual solitary locust phase to a gregarious one. Most molecular research on locusts is focused on uncovering the basis underlying the change to gregariousness. With the increasing availability of ‘omics’ data, the research on this subject is entering a functional testing era. In order to successfully test functionality of a gene or molecule, quantitative measurements of the level of gregariousness are needed. Currently no valid molecular marker is available, thus the assessment of the degree of locust gregariousness is based on mathematical modeling. However, the absence of one single model means heterogeneity and implies that researchers have to spend time and effort building one for their specific experiments. Here, we offer a script to simplify extraction of the data from locust behavioral video tracks. We also suggest two mathematical equations for assessing the levels of gregariousness of one of the most notorious pest locusts – Schistocerca gregaria (Forskål) (Orthoptera: Acrididae). One model uses morphometric variables and is valid for the comparison of nymphs, whereas the other has no morphometric variables and is for testing the adults and the same specimens of non‐molted nymphs. The sensitivity of these models was optimized and the effects of sex, developmental stage, and locust size were considered. The models were tested with independent samples and were found to work both for solitary and gregarious locusts. They were also found to be quantitative and could be used to distinguish populations of different densities and states. We therefore offer accessible, reliable, time, and effort‐saving tools for researchers to use. The use of these models by multiple laboratories would standardize and homogenize methodologies to the benefit of reliable results and interpretations.
A first Czech analysis of 1887 cases with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
Authors: Sandecká Viera , Hájek Roman , Pour Luděk , Špička Ivan , Ščudla Vlastimil , Gregora Evžen , Radocha Jakub , Walterová Lenka , Kessler Petr , Zahradová Lenka , Adamová Dagmar , Valentova Kamila , Vonke Ivan , Obernauerová Jarmila , Starostka David , Wróbel Marek , Brožová Lucie , Jarkovský Jiří , Mikulášová Aneta , Říhová Lucie , Ševčíková Sabina , Straub Ján , Minařík Jiří , Adam Zdeněk , Krejčí Marta , Král Zdeněk , Maisnar Vladimír ,   the Czech Myeloma Group
Published: April 2017

AbstractIntroductionMonoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a premalignant condition with a risk of malignant conversion.Patients and methodsWith the aim to estimate the cumulative risk MGUS progression to hematologic malignancies, we analyzed a nationwide population‐based cohort of 1887 MGUS patients from the Czech Registry of Monoclonal Gammopathies (RMG) between 2007 and 2013.ResultsDuring the follow‐up period (median 4 years; range 0.6‐34.8), progression to hematologic malignancies was observed in 8.6% (162 of 1887) of patients. Factors associated with progression were as follows: M‐protein concentration ≥1.5 g/dL, pathological sFLC (<0.26 or >1.65) ratio, bone marrow plasma cells (BMPCs) in cytology >5%, immunoparesis, age ≥69 years, and the level of serum hemoglobin at baseline <12.0 g/dL. Combining these factors, we propose a new risk model (CMG model). The risk of progression at 10 years was 1.6%, 16.9%, 22.9%, 39.4%, and 52.3%, respectively, if 0 (reference group), one, two, three, or four to five risk factors are present (P<.001) with HR 63 times higher compared to the reference MGUS group.ConclusionThe new CMG model was established with an advantage for better identification of MGUS patients at low risk.
Database selection in systematic reviews: an insight through clinical neurology
Authors: Vassar Matt , Yerokhin Vadim , Sinnett Philip Marcus , Weiher Matthew , Muckelrath Halie , Carr Branden , Varney Laura , Cook Gregory 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundFailure to perform a comprehensive search when designing a systematic review (SR) can lead to bias, reducing the validity of review's conclusions.ObjectiveWe examined the frequency and choice of databases used by reviewers in clinical neurology.MethodsNinety‐five SRs and/or meta‐analyses were located across five prominent neurology journals between 2008 and 2014. Methods sections were reviewed, and all bibliographic databases were coded.ResultsOn average, 2.59 databases were used in SR searches. Seven reviews included an information specialist, and these reviews reported a greater number of information sources used during the search process. Thirty‐nine databases were reported across studies. PubMed/MEDLINE® and EMBASE were cited most frequently.DiscussionSearching too few databases may reduce the validity and generalisability of SR results. We found that the majority of systematic reviewers in clinical neurology do not search an adequate number of databases, which may yield a biased sample of primary studies and, thus, may influence the accuracy of summary effects.ConclusionsSystematic reviewers should aim to search a sufficient number of databases to minimise selection bias. Additionally, systematic reviewers should include information specialists in designing SR methodology, as this may improve systematic review quality.
Tracing the ‘grey literature’ of poster presentations: a mapping review
Authors: Rowe Nicholas 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundPosters are a popular way of presenting information at conferences. However, little research has been conducted into their development, and the patterns and extent of their use are unclear.ObjectivesA mapping review was performed to chart the development and utilisation of the poster medium, and to highlight the main literature themes and contributions.MethodsA search for the term ‘poster presentation’ was conducted simultaneously in 249 databases. Results were categorised by discipline and analysed by decade. The results were used to form an informetric‐based mapping review.Results(i) Medicine and health care disciplines are the predominant poster users and since 1990 have accounted for 68–75% of the overall published data. (ii) Over 99% of the returns led only to abstract or title citations for conference posters. (iii) Poster presentations offer much potentially useful information, but remain difficult to access.ConclusionsIf the aim of poster presentation is to share and discuss information with others, then the limitations of poster abstracts and questions raised in the retrieved literature suggest that further efforts are required to make this more effective. Library and information specialists of all disciplines are likely to play a key role in such developments, and especially those from the medicine and health care disciplines which feature so prominently.
Questions of Legitimacy in Probation Practice after Transforming Rehabilitation
Authors: DEERING JOHN , FEILZER MARTINA Y. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn this article, we discuss the impact of changes to the organisational structure of probation on the legitimacy of probation practice. In particular, we explore how the division of probation into the National Probation Service (NPS) and Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) could affect the self‐legitimacy felt by probation practitioners in both organisations and the implications for probation of a possible lack of overall legitimacy post‐Transforming Rehabilitation (TR). This article is based on empirical research exploring the views of probation staff of the (then) impending changes introduced via TR and reflections on what has happened since.
The growth of precarious employment in Europe: Concepts, indicators and the effects of the global economic crisis
Authors: GUTIÉRREZ‐BARBARRUSA Tomás 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSince the 1970s, the reorganization of production and neoliberal “flexibilization” have made employment increasingly precarious in the developed economies. Examining the concept of precarious employment, the author focuses on two of its dimensions – insecurity and poverty – which he uses to construct a “precariousness index”. Based on Eurostat data for 1995–2015, he then tracks the growth of precarious employment across the EU‐15 and assesses the impact of the 2008 global economic crisis in this respect. While precarious employment generally increased after the crisis, this trend was driven more by poverty in the most deregulated labour markets and more by insecurity in the southern European countries.
Epigallocatechin gallate reverses cTnI‐low expression‐induced age‐related heart diastolic dysfunction through histone acetylation modification
Authors: Pan Bo , Quan Junjun , Liu Lingjuan , Xu Zhongwei , Zhu Jing , Huang Xupei , Tian Jie 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCardiac diastolic dysfunction (CDD) is the most common form of cardiovascular disorders, especially in elderly people. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) plays a critical role in the regulation of cardiac function, especially diastolic function. Our previous studies showed that cTnI‐low expression induced by histone acetylation modification might be one of the causes that result in diastolic dysfunction in ageing hearts. This study was designed to investigate whether epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) would modify histone acetylation events to regulate cTnI expression and then improve cardiac functions in ageing mice. Our study shows that EGCG improved cardiac diastolic function of aged mice after 8‐week treatment. Low expression of cTnI in the ageing hearts was reversed through EGCG treatment. EGCG inhibited the expression of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and HDAC3, and the binding levels of HDAC1 in the proximal promoter of cTnI. Acetylated lysine 9 on histone H3 (AcH3K9) levels of cTnI's promoter were increased through EGCG treatment. Additionally, EGCG resulted in an ascent of the binding levels of transcription factors GATA4 and Mef2c with cTnI's promoter. Together, our data indicate that EGCG may improve cardiac diastolic function of ageing mice through up‐regulating cTnI by histone acetylation modification. These findings provide new insights into histone acetylation mechanisms of EGCG treatment that may contribute to the prevention of CDD in ageing populations.
Exosomes derived from miR‐181‐5p‐modified adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells prevent liver fibrosis via autophagy activation
Authors: Qu Ying , Zhang Qidi , Cai Xiaobo , Li Fei , Ma Zhenzeng , Xu Mingyi , Lu Lungen 
Published: April 2017

AbstractProliferating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) respond to liver damage by secreting collagens that form fibrous scar tissue, which can lead to cirrhosis if in appropriately regulated. Advancement of microRNA (miRNA) hepatic therapies has been hampered by difficulties in delivering miRNA to damaged tissue. However, exosomes secreted by adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) can be exploited to deliver miRNAs to HSCs. ADSCs were engineered to overexpress miRNA‐181‐5p (miR‐181‐5p‐ADSCs) to selectively home exosomes to mouse hepatic stellate (HST‐T6) cells or a CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis murine model and compared with non‐targeting control Caenorhabditis elegans miR‐67 (cel‐miR‐67)‐ADSCs. In vitro analysis confirmed that the transfer of miR‐181‐5p from miR‐181‐5p‐ADSCs occurred via secreted exosomal uptake. Exosomes were visualized in HST‐T6 cells using cyc3‐labelled pre‐miRNA‐transfected ADSCs with/without the exosomal inhibitor, GW4869. The effects of miRNA‐181‐5p overexpression on the fibrosis associated STAT3/Bcl‐2/Beclin 1 pathway and components of the extracellular matrix were assessed. Exosomes from miR181‐5p‐ADSCs down‐regulated Stat3 and Bcl‐2 and activated autophagy in the HST‐T6 cells. Furthermore, the up‐regulated expression of fibrotic genes in HST‐T6 cells induced by TGF‐β1 was repressed following the addition of isolated miR181‐5p‐ADSC exosomes compared with miR‐67‐ADSCexosomes. Exosome therapy attenuated liver injury and significantly down‐regulated collagen I, vimentin, α‐SMA and fibronectin in liver, compared with controls. Taken together, the effective anti‐fibrotic function of engineered ADSCs is able to selectively transfer miR‐181‐5p to damaged liver cells and will pave the way for the use of exosome‐ADSCs for therapeutic delivery of miRNA targeting liver disease.
Volumetric changes of grafted volumes and the Schneiderian membrane after transcrestal and lateral sinus floor elevation procedures: A clinical, pilot study
Authors: Temmerman Andy , Van Dessel Jeroen , Cortellini Simone , Jacobs Reinhilde , Teughels Wim , Quirynen Marc 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAimTo investigate the influence of various surgical techniques for sinus augmentation on the volumetric changes of graft, membrane and the post‐operative discomfort.Materials and MethodsEighteen patients in need of bilateral sinus floor elevation (SFE) were assigned to lateral SFE, transcrestal SFE and intralift procedures. CBCT images taken at baseline, 1 week and 6 weeks were analysed for volumetric changes in graft and Schneiderian membrane. Questionnaires were used to analyse post‐op discomfort.ResultsThe overall average graft volume obtained after 1 week was 1.87 cm3 (range 0.12–4.72 cm3). Volumes decreased after 6 weeks to an overall mean volume of 1.33 cm3 (range 0.10–4.29 cm3 – average decrease of 27.6%). After 6 weeks, the amount of graft volume decreased in every treatment option, ranging from −23.13% for the tSFE, over −24.55% for the lSFE, to −33.71% for the IL. Although all treatment options correspond in an increase in Schneiderian membrane volume, no statistically significant correlation between this increase and loss of graft volume could be obtained for all treatments (p = 0.97).ConclusionAll SFE techniques provided sufficient graft volume for implant treatment. All techniques provoke a partially transient swelling of the Schneiderian membrane. All techniques resulted in a decrease in graft volume after 6 weeks; however, no significant differences were obtained between treatments. Furthermore, no statistical significant correlation between the post‐operative swelling of the Schneiderian membrane and reduction in graft volume at 6 weeks could be obtained.
The Waste Footprint of French Households in 2020: A Comparison of Scenarios of Consumption Growth Using Input‐Output Analysis
Authors: Beylot Antoine , Boitier Baptiste , Lancesseur Nicolas , Villeneuve Jacques 
Published: April 2017

SummaryThis study aims at quantifying and analyzing the waste footprint of French household consumption in 2020 with respect to different scenarios of economic growth. Three models are jointly used: (1) a multiregional unilateral input‐output model extended to waste, to quantify waste generation from economic activities induced by household consumption; (2) a coefficient‐based model dedicated to quantifying postconsumer waste as a function of household consumption; and (3) the New Econometric Model of Evaluation by Sectorial Interdependency and Supply (NEMESIS), a macroeconometric model used to elaborate different scenarios of growth in household consumption in the period 2008–2020. Three scenarios consider changes primarily in terms of household consumption volume, while one scenario additionally considers changes in the composition of consumption according to the past‐30‐year trend. First, this study suggests that if the trend in changes of composition is maintained, it will lead, by 2020, to a “relative” decoupling between French household consumption and waste footprint with respect to dry recyclables, mixed wastes, and organic wastes and to an “absolute” decoupling with respect to mineral wastes. Second, this study provides a mapping of the changes in French household waste footprints from 2008 to 2020 as a function of scenarios, with indications of where these changes would actually occur in the economy (waste from economic activities or postconsumer waste) and geographically (in France or abroad). In particular, for most of the scenarios considered, changes in French household consumption from 2008 to 2020 primarily induce changes in organic and mineral waste generation abroad rather than in France.
Natural genomic amplification of cholinesterase genes in animals
Authors: Chatonnet Arnaud , Lenfant Nicolas , Marchot Pascale , Selkirk Murray E. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractTight control of the concentration of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses requires precise regulation of the number and state of the acetylcholine receptors, and of the synthesis and degradation of the neurotransmitter. In particular, the cholinesterase activity has to be controlled exquisitely. In the genome of the first experimental models used (man, mouse, zebrafish and drosophila), there are only one or two genes coding for cholinesterases, whereas there are more genes for their closest relatives the carboxylesterases. Natural amplification of cholinesterase genes was first found to occur in some cancer cells and in insect species subjected to evolutionary pressure by insecticides. Analysis of the complete genome sequences of numerous representatives of the various metazoan phyla show that moderate amplification of cholinesterase genes is not uncommon in molluscs, echinoderms, hemichordates, prochordates or lepidosauria. Amplification of acetylcholinesterase genes is also a feature of parasitic nematodes or ticks. In these parasites, over‐production of cholinesterase‐like proteins in secreted products and the saliva are presumed to have effector roles related to host infection. These amplification events raise questions about the role of the amplified gene products, and the adaptation processes necessary to preserve efficient cholinergic transmission.This is an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms.
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Exercise and BDNF reduce Aβ production by enhancing α‐secretase processing of APP
Authors: Nigam Saket M. , Xu Shaohua , Kritikou Joanna S. , Marosi Krisztina , Brodin Lennart , Mattson Mark P. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is an age‐related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by aggregation of toxic forms of amyloid β peptide (Aβ). Treatment strategies have largely been focused on inhibiting the enzymes (β‐ and γ‐secretases) that liberate Aβ from the amyloid precursor protein (APP). While evidence suggests that individuals who exercise regularly are at reduced risk for AD and studies of animal models demonstrate that running can ameliorate brain Aβ pathology and associated cognitive deficits, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. However, considerable evidence suggests that brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mediates beneficial effects of exercise on neuroplasticity and cellular stress resistance. Here, we tested the hypothesis that BDNF promotes non‐amyloidogenic APP processing. Using a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease and cultured human neural cells, we demonstrate that exercise and BDNF reduce production of toxic Aβ peptides through a mechanism involving enhanced α‐secretase processing of APP. This anti‐amyloidogenic APP processing involves subcellular redistribution of α‐secretase and an increase in intracellular neuroprotective APP peptides capable of binding and inhibiting β‐secretase. Moreover, our results suggest that BDNF's ability to promote neurite outgrowth is primarily exerted through pathways other than APP processing. Exercise and other factors that enhance BDNF signaling may therefore have both therapeutic and prophylactic value in the battle against AD.Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 191.
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