bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developmental patterns and variation among early theropods
Authors: Griffin C. T. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractUnderstanding ontogenetic patterns is important in vertebrate paleontology because the assessed skeletal maturity of an individual often has implications for paleobiogeography, species synonymy, paleobiology, and body size evolution of major clades. Further, for many groups the only means of confidently determining ontogenetic status of an organism is through the destructive process of histological sampling. Although the ontogenetic patterns of Late Jurassic and Cretaceous dinosaurs are better understood, knowledge of the ontogeny of the earliest dinosaurs is relatively poor because most species‐level growth series known from these groups are small (usually, maximum ofn ~ 5) and incomplete. To investigate the morphological changes that occur during ontogeny in early dinosaurs, I used ontogenetic sequence analysis (OSA) to reconstruct developmental sequences of morphological changes in the postcranial ontogeny of the early theropodsCoelophysis bauriandMegapnosaurus rhodesiensis, both of which are known from large sample sizes (n = 174 and 182, respectively). I found a large amount of sequence polymorphism (i.e. intraspecific variation in developmental patterns) in both taxa, and especially inC. bauri, which possesses this variation in every element analyzed.Megapnosaurus rhodesiensisis similar, but it possesses no variation in the sequence of development of ontogenetic characters in the tibia and tarsus. Despite the large amount of variation in development, many characters occur consistently earlier or later in ontogeny and could therefore be important morphological features for assessing the relative maturity of other early theropods. Additionally, there is a phylogenetic signal to the order in which homologous characters appear in ontogeny, with homologous characters appearing earlier or later in developmental sequences of early theropods and the close relatives of dinosaurs, silesaurids. Many of these morphological features are important characters for the reconstruction of archosaurian phylogeny (e.g. trochanteric shelf). Because these features vary in presence or appearance with ontogeny, these characters should be used with caution when undertaking phylogenetic analyses in these groups, since a specimen may possess certain character states owing to ontogenetic stage, not evolutionary relationships.
Comparative efficacy of two anti‐aging products containing retinyl palmitate in healthy human volunteers
Authors: Farooq Umar , Mahmood Tariq , Shahzad Yasser , Yousaf Abid M , Akhtar Naveed 
Published: January 2018

SummaryBackgroundNo study yet described the comparative efficacy of two over‐the‐counter (OTC) anti‐aging products in Asian subjects using the techniques involving analysis of living skin.AimWe sought to evaluate the anti‐aging efficacy of two commercial formulations containing retinyl palmitate using a high‐resolution UVA video camera.MethodTotal 11 healthy male volunteers, agreed to participate in this single‐blind split‐face design study with the mean age of 25.5 years. Every night, volunteers applied one type of cream on the left side and other type of cream on the right side of the face, as directed according to the study design for 60 days. Measurements of the parameters were taken at 0, 1st, 7th, 15th, 30th, and 60th day of study period using noninvasive UVA video camera Visioscan® VC98. Cream applied on right side of the face labeled as “R” and on the left side as “L.”ResultsSixty‐day use of the creams showed significant improvement in SELS parameters of the skin. Percent change in skin wrinkling (SEw) parameter calculated after 60 days was −6.68% after applying cream R and −8.27% after applying cream L.ConclusionWe concluded that constituents in both creams have potentially influenced skin surface parameters, thus indicating that, these creams as a better option to lessen the effects of aging on facial skin on long‐term application.
Viceroys or Emperors? An Institution‐Based Perspective on Merger and Acquisition Prevalence and Shareholder Value
Authors: Maas A. J. J. (Ron) , Heugens P. P. M. A. R. (Pursey) , Reus Taco H. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe study how cross‐country variance in institutions that aim to address core agency problems influences consequential strategic decisions of firms around the world. Scholars frequently argue that the interests of minority shareholders are threatened by merger and acquisitions (M&As) due to principal‐agency problems. Rather than acting in shareholders’ best interests, managers potentially act as viceroys, using M&As to cushion themselves from risk and extract more pay. Yet equally salient is the issue of principal‐principal agency, where controlling shareholders can behave as emperors who use M&As to siphon off assets and profits, and appropriate wealth of shareholders with fewer control rights. Taking an institution‐based perspective on these ‘viceroy’ and ‘emperor’ problems, we conjecture that institutions aimed to address these agency problems can generate the desired outcome regarding M&A prevalence, but may also produce unintentional negative consequences for shareholder value as a side‐effect. Empirical evidence covering M&As from 73 countries supports our hypotheses.
Effect of feedingAcacia niloticapods to sheep on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, ruminal protozoa and rumen enzymes activity
Authors: Abdullah M. A. M. , Farghaly M. M. , Youssef I. M. I. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThis study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplying two levels ofAcacia nilotica(A. nilotica) pods to rations of sheep on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen liquor parameters (pH, total protozoa count, protein concentration and enzymes activity). Twelve mature rams (50 ± 1.25 kg B.W.) were distributed into three groups, each with four rams. Animals in group one were considered as a control which fed a basal diet, consisting of concentrate mixture and Egyptian clover. The second group and the third one received the same basal diet with supplying the concentrate mixture by 1.5% and 3.0% ofA. niloticapods meal respectively. The experiment lasted for 3 weeks. It was found that supplementation ofA. niloticapods to the concentrate mixture at a rate of 1.5% and 3.0% significantly improved the total feed intake compared to the control. The digestibility of dry matter and crude fibre was significantly reduced withA. niloticasupplements, whereas the digestibility of crude protein was significantly improved. All of nitrogen intake and N‐retained were significantly increased in rams fed on concentrates with 1.5% and 3.0%A. niloticapods when compared to the control. ThepHof ruminal fluid was not affected by the dietary treatments. Nevertheless, the total rumen protozoa count was significantly decreased inA. niloticapods supplemented groups. Also, the rumen protein concentration and the ruminal enzymes activity, especially α‐amylase, cellulase and protease, were lower inA. niloticapods supplemented treatments. In conclusions, inclusion of low levels ofA. niloticapods (1.5% and 3.0%) in the concentrates can be used as a natural protein protectant in ruminants by forming tannin protein complexes in the rumen to maximize the amino acids available in the lower digestive tract. Also, these levels can increase the protein digestibility as well as the N‐retained in the body .
Regulation of sporangium formation by the orphan response regulator TcrA in the rare actinomycete Actinoplanes missouriensis
Authors: Mouri Yoshihiro , Jang Moon‐Sun , Konishi Kenji , Hirata Aiko , Tezuka Takeaki , Ohnishi Yasuo 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe rare actinomycete Actinoplanes missouriensis forms terminal sporangia containing a few hundred flagellated spores, which can swim in aquatic environments after release from sporangium. However, gene regulation for its characteristic morphological development is largely unknown. Here, we report the functional analysis of an orphan response regulator, TcrA, which is encoded next to the chemotaxis‐flagellar gene cluster. The tcrA null (ΔtcrA) mutant formed sporangium, in which sporulation proceeded. However, many distorted spores were produced and some spores ectopically germinated in the mutant sporangia. In addition, spores were hardly released from the mutant sporangia. A comparative RNA‐Seq analysis between the wild‐type and ΔtcrA strains showed that TcrA upregulated the transcription of more than 263 genes, which were integrated into 185 transcriptional units. In silico searches identified a 21‐bp direct repeat sequence, 5′‐nnGCA(A/C)CCG‐n4‐GCA(A/C)CCGn‐3′, as the TcrA box, which was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Finally, we identified 34 transcriptional units as the TcrA regulon. TcrA seems to regulate a few hundred genes through the transcriptional activation of three FliA‐family sigma factor genes besides its own regulon. We concluded that TcrA is a global transcriptional activator that controls many aspects of sporangium formation, including flagellar biogenesis, spore dormancy and sporangium dehiscence.
A widely conserved bacterial cytoskeletal component influences unique helical shape and motility of the spirochete Leptospira biflexa
Authors: Jackson Katrina M. , Schwartz Cindi , Wachter Jenny , Rosa Patricia A. , Stewart Philip E. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryLeptospires and other members of the evolutionarily ancient phylum of Spirochaetes are bacteria often characterized by long, highly motile spiral‐ or wave‐shaped cells. Morphology and motility are critical factors in spirochete physiology, contributing to the ability of these bacteria to successfully colonize diverse environments. However, the mechanisms conferring the helical structure of Leptospira spp. have yet to be fully elucidated. We have identified five Leptospira biflexa bactofilin proteins, a recently characterized protein family with cytoskeletal properties. These five bactofilins are conserved in all species of the Leptospiraceae, indicating that these proteins arose early in the evolution of this family. One member of this protein family, LbbD, confers the optimal pitch distance in the helical structure of L. biflexa. Mutants lacking lbbD display a unique compressed helical morphology, a reduced motility and a decreased ability to tolerate cell wall stressors. The change in the helical spacing, combined with the motility and cell wall integrity defects, showcases the intimate relationship and coevolution between shape and motility in these spirochetes.
Evolutionary analyses of the avirulence effector AvrStb6 in global populations of Zymoseptoria tritici identify candidate amino acids involved in recognition
Authors: Brunner Patrick C. , McDonald Bruce A. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryWe analysed the population genetic diversity of AvrStb6, the first avirulence gene cloned from the wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici, using 142 Z. tritici strains sampled from four wheat fields growing on three continents. Although AvrStb6 was located in a recombination hotspot, it was found in every strain, with 71 polymorphic sites that produced 41 distinct DNA haplotypes encoding 30 AvrStb6 protein isoforms. An AvrStb6 homologue was found in the closest known relative, Z. pseudotritici, but not in three other closely related Zymoseptoria species, indicating that this gene has emerged in Zymoseptoria quite recently. Two AvrStb6 homologues with nucleotide similarities greater than 70% were identified on chromosome 10 in all Z. tritici isolates, suggesting that AvrStb6 belongs to a multigene family of candidate effectors that has expanded recently through gene duplication. The AvrStb6 sequences exhibited strong evidence for non‐neutral evolution, including a large number of non‐synonymous mutations, with significant positive diversifying selection operating on nine of the 82 codons. It appears that balancing selection is operating across the entire gene in natural field populations. There was also evidence for co‐evolving codons within the gene that may reflect compensatory mutations associated with the evasion of recognition by Stb6. Intragenic recombination also appears to have affected the diversity of AvrStb6.
Efficacy of micafungin for the treatment of invasive candidiasis and candidaemia in patients with neutropenia
Authors: Chandrasekar Pranatharthi , Sirohi Bhawna , Seibel Nita L. , Hsu Jack W. , Azie Nkechi , Wu Chunzhang , Ruhnke Markus 
Published: January 2018

SummaryNeutropenia is linked to the development of invasive candidiasis/candidaemia, for which micafungin has demonstrated efficacy, but evidence in patients with neutropenia is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of micafungin for the treatment of invasive candidiasis/candidaemia in patients with neutropenia (<500 neutrophils/μL) and without neutropenia. This pooled, post hoc analysis of 2 Phase 3 trials compared micafungin 100 mg/d (adults) and 2 mg/kg/d (paediatrics) with L‐AmB 3 mg/kg/d (NCT00106288) and micafungin 100 mg/d and 150 mg/d with caspofungin 70 mg/d followed by 50 mg/d (adults) (NCT00105144); treatment duration 2‐4 weeks (≤8 weeks for chronic disseminated candidiasis). Effects of neutropenia duration and Candida spp. on efficacy outcomes (treatment success, clinical and mycological response) were examined. Of 685 patients, 77 had neutropenia. The most common infection in patients with/without neutropenia was due to C. tropicalis (31/77) and C. albicans (295/608) respectively. Overall success was numerically lower in patients with vs without neutropenia (63.6% vs 72.9%). Clinical and mycological response was similar between groups. Neutropenia duration or Candida spp. did not impact micafungin's overall success rate. This analysis supports evidence that micafungin is effective against invasive candidiasis/candidaemia in patients with neutropenia, irrespective of neutropenia duration or Candida spp., although overall success may be lower than in patients without neutropenia.
Revisiting the genomic hypomethylation hypothesis of aging
Authors: Unnikrishnan Archana , Hadad Niran , Masser Dustin R. , Jackson Jordan , Freeman Willard M. , Richardson Arlan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe genomic hypomethylation hypothesis of aging proposes that an overall decrease in global DNA methylation occurs with age, and it has been argued that the decrease in global DNA methylation could be an important factor in aging, resulting in the relaxation of gene expression regulation and abnormal gene expression. Since it was initially observed that DNA methylation decreased with age in 1974, 16 articles have been published describing the effect of age on global DNA methylation in various tissues from rodents and humans. We critically reviewed the publications on the effect of age on DNA methylation and the expression of the enzymes involved in DNA methylation to evaluate the validity of the hypomethylation hypothesis of aging. On the basis of the current scientific literature, we conclude that a decrease in the global methylation of the genome occurs in most if not all tissues/cells as an animal ages. However, age‐related changes in DNA methylation in specific regions or at specific sites in the genome occur even though the global DNA methylation does not change.
Genetic constraints on adaptation: a theoretical primer for the genomics era
Authors: Connallon Tim , Hall Matthew D. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractGenetic constraints are features of inheritance systems that slow or prohibit adaptation. Several population genetic mechanisms of constraint have received sustained attention within the field since they were first articulated in the early 20th century. This attention is now reflected in a rich, and still growing, theoretical literature on the genetic limits to adaptive change. In turn, empirical research on constraints has seen a rapid expansion over the last two decades in response to changing interests of evolutionary biologists, along with new technologies, expanding data sets, and creative analytical approaches that blend mathematical modeling with genomics. Indeed, one of the most notable and exciting features of recent progress in genetic constraints is the close connection between theoretical and empirical research. In this review, we discuss five major population genetic contexts of genetic constraint: genetic dominance, pleiotropy, fitness trade‐offs between types of individuals of a population, sign epistasis, and genetic linkage between loci. For each, we outline historical antecedents of the theory, specific contexts where constraints manifest, and their quantitative consequences for adaptation. From each of these theoretical foundations, we discuss recent empirical approaches for identifying and characterizing genetic constraints, each grounded and motivated by this theory, and outline promising areas for future work.
Lessons from animal nutritionists: dietary amino acid requirement studies and considerations for healthy aging studies
Authors: Shoveller Anna K. , McKnight Leslie M. , Wood Katharine M. , Cant John P. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDietary restriction (DR) increases median life span and protects against age‐related disease. Improved longevity can be achieved by restriction of dietary energy, protein, or amino acids (AAs), such as methionine (Met). Met requirements have been defined using methodologies that measure the dose response to Met when all other dietary variables are held constant and with outcomes focused on protein turnover. Here, we cover protein and sulfur AA requirements and discuss the terms “deficient,” “optimal,” and “excess” and how these need to be considered. We additionally discuss the effect of methyl‐donating compounds on sulfur AA metabolism and outcomes. We will discuss how the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling network regulates protein turnover, lipogenesis and cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and metabolism in response to hormones, AAs, and cellular energy status. Inhibition of mTORC1 signaling with rapamycin or genetic mutation increases median life span in model organisms, and mTORC1 inhibition may be responsible for some of the life span–extending effects of DR. Finally, we discuss how the sulfur AAs may regulate aspects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) mitigation. Overall, we suggest that approaches evaluating AA intake need to consider whole‐body protein synthesis and measures related to tissue‐specific and whole‐body metabolism that have been associated with longevity.
Myasthenic syndromes due to defects in COL13A1 and in the N‐linked glycosylation pathway
Authors: Beeson David , Cossins Judith , Rodriguez‐Cruz Pedro , Maxwell Susan , Liu Wei‐Wei , Palace Jacqueline 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are hereditary disorders of neuromuscular transmission. The number of cases recognized, at around 1:100,000 in the United Kingdom, is increasing with improved diagnosis. The advent of next‐generation sequencing has facilitated the discovery of many genes that harbor CMS‐associated mutations. An emerging group of CMS, characterized by a limb‐girdle pattern of muscle weakness, is caused by mutations in genes that encode proteins involved in the initial steps of the N‐linked glycosylation pathway, which is surprising, since this pathway is found in all mammalian cells. However, mutations in these genes may also give rise to multisystem disorders (congenital disorders of glycosylation) or muscle disorders where the myasthenic symptoms constitute only one component within a wider phenotypic spectrum. We also report a CMS due to mutations in COL13A1, which encodes an extracellular matrix protein that is concentrated at the neuromuscular junction and highlights a role for these extracellular matrix proteins in maintaining synaptic stability that is independent of the AGRN/MuSK clustering pathway. Knowledge about the neuromuscular synapse and the different proteins involved in maintaining its structure as well as function enables us to tailor treatments to the underlying pathogenic mechanisms.
Maintenance interventions for overweight or obesity in children: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: van der Heijden L. B. , Feskens E. J. M. , Janse A. J. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryChildhood obesity is associated with significant health consequences. Although several intervention programmes for children result in weight loss or stabilization in the short‐term, preventing relapse after treatment remains an important challenge. This systematic review summarizes the evidence about maintenance interventions after treatment in childhood obesity. Studies were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL and SocINDEX. The primary outcome measure for this review was body mass index standard deviation score (BMI‐Z‐score). Data were pooled using quality effect models.Eleven studies (1,532 participants, age 2–18 years) were included, covering a wide range of maintenance approaches. Included studies varied widely in methodological quality. Pooled analysis showed that the BMI‐Z‐score of maintenance intervention participants remained stable, whereas control participants experienced a slight increase. No differences were observed regarding intensity and duration of therapy. A slight preference for ‘face‐to‐face’ versus ‘on distance’ interventions was shown. In summary, this review shows that, although there is limited quality data to recommend one maintenance intervention over another, continued treatment does have a stabilizing effect on BMI‐Z‐score. Considering the magnitude of the problem of childhood obesity, this is an important finding that highlights the need for further research on weight loss maintenance.
Intestinal parasites: Associations with intestinal and systemic inflammation
Authors: Zavala G. A. , García O. P. , Camacho M. , Ronquillo D. , Campos‐Ponce M. , Doak C. , Polman K. , Rosado J. L. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe aim of the present study was to evaluate associations between intestinal parasitic infection with intestinal and systemic inflammatory markers in school‐aged children with high rates of obesity. Plasma concentrations of C‐Reactive Protein (CRP), leptin, TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐10 were measured as systemic inflammation markers and count of stool leukocytes as marker of intestinal inflammation in 291 children (6‐10 years). Intestinal parasitic infection was measured by stool examination. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the odds of having high inflammatory markers for each parasite or group of parasites as compared to parasite‐free children while adjusting for sex, age, mother's educational level and percentage of body fat. The prevalence of soil‐transmitted helminths and intestinal protozoa infections was 12% and 36%, respectively. Parasitic infection was not associated with CRP, IL‐6, IL‐10 or TNF‐α. Children infected with Ascaris lumbricoides (aOR: 5.91, 95% CI: 1.97‐17.70) and Entamoeba coli (aOR: 8.46, 95% CI: 2.85‐25.14) were more likely to have higher stool leucocytes than parasite‐free children. Children with multiple infections (aOR: 10.60, 95% CI: 2.85‐25.14) were more likely to have higher leptin concentrations than parasite‐free children. Intestinal parasitic infection was not associated with systemic inflammation, but was associated with intestinal inflammation. Having multiple infections were associated with higher leptin concentrations.