bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A revision of species limits in Neotropical pipits Anthus based on multilocus genetic and vocal data
Authors: Van Els Paul , Norambuena Heraldo V. 
Published: July 2017

Previous investigations of the systematics of Neotropical pipits Anthus revealed multiple cases of paraphyly. We revised the species limits of this group based on sequence data of mitochondrial (ND2) and nuclear genes (ACOI9, MB, FGB5) from 39 tissue samples of all 22 subspecies‐level taxa in the New World Anthus clade, as well as analysis of display song. We found that Anthus lutescens peruvianus is not part of Yellowish Pipit Anthus lutescens genetically or vocally; thus, we elevate peruvianus to species rank (Peruvian Pipit). Anthus lutescens abariensis Chubb (Bull. Br. Orn. Club., 41, 1921a, 79) should be placed in synonymy with Anthus lutescens parvus (instead of A. l. lutescens), at least until further morphological or vocal data become available. Paramo Pipit Anthus bogotensis is likewise paraphyletic, with Anthus meridae sister to all other bogotensis subspecies and also to Hellmayr's Pipit Anthus hellmayri. However, placement of the taxon is based on a relatively short stretch of mitochondrial DNA, and further data are needed. Andean populations of Short‐billed Pipit Anthus furcatus are split as Puna Pipit Anthus brevirostris, based on genetic and vocal data. South Georgia Pipit Anthus antarcticus is, at least genetically, part of Correndera Pipit Anthus correndera, and we recommend considering it a subspecies of Correndera Pipit, in line with the taxonomy of other morphologically distinct but genetically little‐differentiated insular bird taxa.
Age‐specific reproduction and disposable soma in an urban population of Common BlackbirdsTurdus merula
Authors: Jankowiak Łukasz , Zyskowski Dawid , Wysocki Dariusz 
Published: July 2017

The mechanism of senescence is an important subject of current research, but our knowledge of the factors influencing the rate of ageing in naturally occurring populations remains rudimentary. Evolutionary theories of senescence predict that investment in reproduction in early life should come at the cost of reduced somatic maintenance and thus result in earlier or more rapid senescence. We use data on the complete reproductive histories of 431 Common Blackbirds (222 males and 209 females) collected during a 19‐year study of the ecology of an urban population of this species to test the main hypotheses addressing the issue of senescence. On average, the birds in this population survived for 3.7 (± 1.9 sd) years. Reproductive success in females peaked at the age of 4, but in males remained stable until the 5th year of life. We observed declines in reproductive success, indicative of senescence, after the peak years in both sexes. The mechanism of age‐related changes in the reproduction of females confirms the individual improvement and selective disappearance hypotheses. In the case of males, the increase in reproductive performance comes as a consequence of the disappearance of poor reproducers. The parental investment associated with early life fecundity (the first two breeding seasons in males and females) impairs the breeding success of females later on. Contrary to expectations, there was no negative impact of high early life fecundity on either mortality or lifespan. Individuals of both sexes with a high early life fecundity had a higher lifetime reproductive success than those in which early life fecundity was low. Hence, the most profitable strategy is to maximize reproductive effort in the early stages of life. This yields the highest lifetime reproductive success, despite the increased impact of senescence, especially in females. These results are consistent with the disposable soma hypothesis.
Purification and identification of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) peel phenolics with evaluation of antioxidant and antiglycation activities in vitro
Authors: Yongliang Zhuang , Qingyu Ma , Yan Guo , Liping Sun 
Published: July 2017

SummaryThe crude rambutan peel phenolic (RPP) extracts were purified by resin adsorption technology. NKA‐9 resin with the best adsorption capacity and desorption ratio was chosen to dynamically purify crude RPP. Adsorption capacity and desorption ratio of NKA‐9 resin were 91.85 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) g−1 and 90.45%, respectively. Purification processes enriched total phenolic content, and the contents in crude and purified RPP were 579.72 and 877.11 mg GAE g−1 extract powder, respectively. Phytochemical compounds of RPP were qualitatively and quantitatively indentified by mass spectrometry. Purification of the resin as expected elevated the concentrations of major phenolic compounds, especially geraniin and ellagic acid. Antioxidant and antiglycation activities of crude and purified fractions were evaluated in vitro. Crude and purified RPP had high inhibitory effects on oxidation and glycation, and purified RPP showed stronger bioactivity than crude RPP (P < 0.05), which might be due to their differences in phenolic profiles.
Stir‐frying treatments affect the phenolics profiles and cellular antioxidant activity of Adinandra nitida tea (Shiyacha) in daily tea model
Authors: Chen Yongsheng , Shen Yingbin , Fu Xiong , Abbasi Arshad Mehmood , Yan Rian 
Published: July 2017

SummaryAdinandra nitida tea (Shiyacha) is a well‐known resource of functional foods with many healthful features. Effect of stir frying on phenolics, aromatic compounds, cellular antioxidant and antiproliferative activities in A. nitida tea was investigated. Stir‐fried samples depicted a significant increase in total water‐soluble solid, phenolics and flavonoids contents, respectively. In stir‐fried treated samples, main compounds were higher than in corresponding untreated samples. Similar trend was observed in aromatic compounds. Hydrophilic peroxyl radical scavenging capacity and oxygen radical absorbance capacity were enhanced immensely in the treated samples. Furthermore, cellular antioxidant activities of treated samples were higher than those of untreated samples. Stir‐fried samples exhibited higher antiproliferative activity on HepG2 cells, whereas an lack in untreated samples. These findings suggest that stir frying could be an effective technique to improve A. nitida tea quality, and support that A. nitida tea could act as a potential functional food against intracellular oxidative stress and inhibitor of liver cancer.
Water‐soluble myofibrillar proteins prepared by high‐pressure homogenisation: a comparison study on the composition and functionality
Authors: Chen Xing , Li Yong , Zhou Ruiyun , Liu Dongmei , Xu Xinglian , Zhou Guanghong 
Published: July 2017

SummaryTo expand utilisation of meat in various products, the characterisation and functionalities of water‐soluble myofibrillar proteins (WSMP) induced by high‐pressure homogenisation (HPH) were determined by comparison with those of soy protein isolate (SPI) and whey protein isolate (WPI). WSMP had high contents of protein (87.40%), which was mainly composed of myosin, actin and tropomyosin. The essential amino acids of WSMP achieved the FAO/WHO/UNO (2007) standards for preschool children, and the contents of lysine and sulphur‐containing amino acids of WSMP were higher than those of SPI, making it desirable for children formulations. WSMP showed higher surface hydrophobicity while its water solubility was similar to that of SPI, but lower than that of WPI. WSMP demonstrated superior water/oil absorption capacities and emulsifying properties. The fibrous structure and high hydrophobic activity characteristics of WSMP were able to stabilise oil droplets with submicron droplet size, consequently responsible for its excellent emulsifying properties.
Lineage‐specific epitope profiles for HPAI H5 pre‐pandemic vaccine selection and evaluation
Authors: Qiu Xueting , Duvvuri Venkata R. , Gubbay Jonathan B. , Webby Richard J. , Kayali Ghazi , Bahl Justin 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundMultiple highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 viruses continue to co‐circulate. This has complicated pandemic preparedness and confounded effective vaccine candidate selection and evaluation.ObjectivesIn this study, we aimed to predict and map the diversity of CD8+ T‐cell epitopes among H5 hemagglutinin (HA) gene lineages to estimate CD8+ T‐cell immunity in humans induced by vaccine candidates.MethodsA dataset consisting of 1125 H5 HA sequences collected between 1996 and 2017 from avian and humans was assembled for phylogenetic and lineage‐specific epitope analyses. Conserved epitopes were predicted from WHO‐endorsed vaccine candidates and representative clade‐defining strains by pairwise comparison with Immune Epitope Database (IEDB). The distribution of predicted epitopes was mapped to each HPAI H5 lineage. We assume that high similarity and conservancy of predicted epitopes from vaccine candidates among all circulating HPAI H5 lineages is correlated with high immunity.ResultsA total of 49 conserved CD8+ T‐cell epitopes were predicted at 28 different amino acid positions of the HA protein. Mapping these epitopes to the phylogenetic tree allowed us to develop epitope profiles, or “fingerprints,” for each HPAI H5 lineage. Vaccine epitope percentage analyses showed some epitope profiles were highly conserved for all H5 isolates and may be valuable for universal vaccine design. However, the positions with low coverage may explain why the vaccine candidates do not always function well.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that our analytical approach to evaluate conserved CD8+ T‐cell epitope prediction in a phylogenetic framework may provide important insights for computational design of vaccine selection and future epitope‐based design.
Demographic and ecological risk factors for human influenza A virus infections in rural Indonesia
Authors: Root Elisabeth Dowling , Agustian Dwi , Kartasasmita Cissy , Uyeki Timothy M. , Simões Eric A. F. 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundIndonesia has the world's highest reported mortality for human infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus. Indonesia is an agriculturally driven country where human‐animal mixing is common and provides a unique environment for zoonotic influenza A virus transmission.ObjectivesTo identify potential demographic and ecological risk factors for human infection with seasonal influenza A viruses in rural Indonesia, a population‐based study was conducted in Cileunyi and Soreang subdistricts near Bandung in western Java from 2008 to 2011.MethodsPassive influenza surveillance with RT‐PCR confirmation of influenza A viral RNA in respiratory specimens was utilized for case ascertainment. A population census and mapping were utilized for population data collection. The presence of influenza A(H3N2) and A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infections in a household was modeled using Generalized Estimating Equations.ResultsEach additional child aged <5 years in a household increased the odds of H3N2 approximately 5 times (OR=4.59, 95%CI: 3.30‐6.24) and H1N1pdm09 by 3.5 times (OR=3.53, 95%CI: 2.51‐4.96). In addition, the presence of 16‐30 birds in the house was associated with an increased odds of H3N2 (OR=5.08, 95%CI: 2.00‐12.92) and H1N1pdm09 (OR=12.51 95%CI: 6.23‐25.13).ConclusionOur findings suggest an increase in influenza A virus infections in rural Indonesian households with young children and poultry.
Evolutionary relationships among pollinators and repeated pollinator sharing in sexually deceptive orchids
Authors: Phillips R. D. , Brown G. R. , Dixon K. W. , Hayes C. , Linde C. C. , Peakall R. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe mechanism of pollinator attraction is predicted to strongly influence both plant diversification and the extent of pollinator sharing between species. Sexually deceptive orchids rely on mimicry of species‐specific sex pheromones to attract their insect pollinators. Given that sex pheromones tend to be conserved among related species, we predicted that in sexually deceptive orchids, (i) pollinator sharing is rare, (ii) closely related orchids use closely related pollinators and (iii) there is strong bias in the wasp lineages exploited by orchids. We focused on species that are pollinated by sexual deception of thynnine wasps in the distantly related genera Caladenia and Drakaea, including new field observations for 45 species of Caladenia. Specialization was extreme with most orchids using a single pollinator species. Unexpectedly, seven cases of pollinator sharing were found, including two between Caladenia and Drakaea, which exhibit strikingly different floral morphology. Phylogenetic analysis of pollinators using four nuclear sequence loci demonstrated that although orchids within major clades primarily use closely related pollinator species, up to 17% of orchids within these clades are pollinated by a member of a phylogenetically distant wasp genus. Further, compared to the total diversity of thynnine wasps within the study region, orchids show a strong bias towards exploiting certain genera. Although these patterns may arise through conservatism in the chemical classes used in sex pheromones, apparent switches between wasp clades suggest unexpected flexibility in floral semiochemical production. Alternatively, wasp sex pheromones within lineages may exhibit greater chemical diversity than currently appreciated.
Body wall structure in the starfish Asterias rubens
Authors: Blowes Liisa M. , Egertová Michaela , Liu Yankai , Davis Graham R. , Terrill Nick J. , Gupta Himadri S. , Elphick Maurice R. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe body wall of starfish is composed of magnesium calcite ossicles connected by collagenous tissue and muscles and it exhibits remarkable variability in stiffness, which is attributed to the mechanical mutability of the collagenous component. Using the common European starfish Asterias rubens as an experimental animal, here we have employed a variety of techniques to gain new insights into the structure of the starfish body wall. The structure and organisation of muscular and collagenous components of the body wall were analysed using trichrome staining. The muscle system comprises interossicular muscles as well as muscle strands that connect ossicles with the circular muscle layer of the coelomic lining. The collagenous tissue surrounding the ossicle network contains collagen fibres that form loop‐shaped straps that wrap around calcite struts near to the surface of ossicles. The 3D architecture of the calcareous endoskeleton was visualised for the first time using X‐ray microtomography, revealing the shapes and interactions of different ossicle types. Furthermore, analysis of the anatomical organisation of the ossicles indicates how changes in body shape may be achieved by local contraction/relaxation of interossicular muscles. Scanning synchrotron small‐angle X‐ray diffraction (SAXD) scans of the starfish aboral body wall and ambulacrum were used to study the collagenous tissue component at the fibrillar level. Collagen fibrils in aboral body wall were found to exhibit variable degrees of alignment, with high levels of alignment probably corresponding to regions where collagenous tissue is under tension. Collagen fibrils in the ambulacrum had a uniformly low degree of orientation, attributed to macrocrimp of the fibrils and the presence of slanted as well as horizontal fibrils connecting antimeric ambulacral ossicles. Body wall collagen fibril D‐period lengths were similar to previously reported mammalian D‐periods, but were significantly different between the aboral and ambulacral samples. The overlap/D‐period length ratio within fibrils was higher than reported for mammalian tissues. Collectively, the data reported here provide new insights into the anatomy of the body wall in A. rubens and a foundation for further studies investigating the structural basis of the mechanical properties of echinoderm body wall tissue composites.
Tolterodine treatment of women with overactive bladder syndrome: Comparison of night‐time and daytime dosing for nocturia
Authors: Tsai Ko‐Hsin , Hsiao Sheng‐Mou , Lin Ho‐Hsiung 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimWe aimed to clarify the impact of night‐time dosing with tolterodine extended release (ER) on nocturia.MethodsThe bladder diaries, urodynamic studies, and medical records of female patients with overactive bladder syndrome who were diagnosed between January 2005 and December 2015, and treated with tolterodine ER 4 mg once per day (night‐time or daytime dosing) for 12 weeks in the urogynecology outpatient clinics of two tertiary referral centers were reviewed retrospectively.ResultsA total of 72 female patients were reviewed. Thirty‐six patients were in the daytime dosing group, and the other 36 patients were in the night‐time dosing group. In the daytime dosing group, a decrease in the volume of fluid intake was found at 06.00–12.00, 12.00–18.00, and 18.00–24.00 hours, and a decrease in total voided volume was found at 12.00–18.00, 18.00–24.00, and 24.00–06.00 hours with a between‐group difference at 18.00–24.00 hours (coefficient = 542 mL, P = 0.01). In the night‐time dosing group, an increase in voided volume per micturition was found at 06.00–12.00 and 24.00–06.00 hours with a between‐group difference at 24.00–6.00 hours (coefficient = 92 mL, P = 0.003) compared with the daytime dosing group. Nonetheless, pre‐treatment proportions of nocturnal polyuria did not differ from post‐treatment proportions (night‐time: 20% vs 20%, P = 1.00; daytime: 48% vs 42%, P = 0.48). Decreases in the number of voiding and urgency episodes at nearly all time periods and increases in the volumes at strong desire to void were also found in both groups.ConclusionNight‐time dosing of tolterodine ER may benefit female patients suffering from nocturia due to a greater voided volume per micturition at midnight.
Diffusion as a strategy for survival in an invasion predator–prey model
Authors: Olmos‐Liceaga Daniel , Villavicencio‐Pulido Geiser , Acuña‐Zegarra Manuel Adrian 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn some ecosystems, the invasion of species may lead to extinction or displacement of the local species that are in the medium. In this work, we present a theoretical predator–prey model based on reaction diffusion equations, where each species has a strong Allee effect. We use the diffusion coefficients as parameters in a one‐dimensional environment to show that prey can either survive or become extinct from its habitat. When the results are extended to two spatial dimensions, diffusion alone is no longer a sufficient condition in order to assure extinction or survival of the prey species; in this case, the geometry of the propagation front plays an essential role in the dynamics. Finally, a discussion about strategies for survival and extinction of the prey species is considered. The results can be useful in understanding invasion for species such as the Argentine ant Linepithema humile or to help to find control strategies for unwanted species in an ecosystem by introducing a predator.
Understanding the degrees of freedom of sample variance by using Microsoft Excel
Authors: Ding Jian‐Hua , Jin Xian‐Wen , Shuai Ling‐Ying 
Published: July 2017

SummaryIn this article, the degrees of freedom of the sample variance are simulated by using the Visual Basic for Applications of Microsoft Excel 2010. The simulation file dynamically displays why the sample variance should be calculated by dividing the sum of squared deviations by n‐1 rather than n, which is helpful for students to grasp the meaning of degrees of freedom.
Barriers to vaccination in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Maldonado Angela Q. , Johnson David , Trofe‐Clark Jennifer 
Published: July 2017

AbstractVaccine‐preventable diseases remain at the forefront of challenges in the long‐term care of renal transplant recipients (RTR). Although global vaccination campaigns targeting patients with end‐stage renal disease or RTR are standard, rates of vaccination among renal transplant candidates and RTRs remain suboptimal. We highlight the multifactorial barriers leading to low vaccination rates in this vulnerable population.
Tuberculosis after kidney transplantation is associated with significantly impaired allograft function
Authors: Costa Silvana Daher , de Sandes‐Freitas Tainá Veras , Jacinto Camilla Neves , Martiniano Lorena Vasconcelos Mesquita , Amaral Yago Sucupira , Paes Fernando José Villar Nogueira , Sales Maria Luiza de Mattos Brito Oliveira , Esmeraldo Ronaldo de Matos , Daher Elizabeth de Francesco 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate renal function before, during, and after the course of tuberculosis (TB) disease in kidney transplant recipients, and assess the risk factors for non‐recovery of baseline renal function.MethodsWe performed a retrospective, single‐center cohort study, including all patients with confirmed or presumed TB diagnosis after kidney transplant (n=34, 2.1%). Renal function was assessed by serum creatinine (Cr) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) adjusted for deaths and graft losses.ResultsA significant increase was seen in serum Cr during TB disease and treatment: 1.5 mg/dL at baseline (Crbase), 1.7 mg/dL at diagnosis (P<.001 vs. Crbase), and 2.4 mg/dL during the peak (P<.001 vs. Crbase). According to acute kidney injury (AKI) Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification, 29 (85%) patients had AKI: 16 stage 1, 2 stage 2, and 11 stage 3. Three months after the end of the TB treatment, five patients (14.7%) had lost their graft and two others (5.9%) had died. The GFR was lower than the baseline (42.4 mL/min vs 51.6 mL/min, P=.007). In the univariate analysis, peak Cr (odds ratio [OR] 1.276, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.955‐1.705, P=.100), AKI KDIGO stages 2 or 3 (OR 4.958, 95% CI 1.062‐23.157, P=.042), severe disease (OR 5.700, 95% CI 1.147‐28.330, P=.033), and acute rejection (AR) episodes after TB diagnosis (OR 3.937, 95% CI 0.551‐28.116, P=.172) were associated with non‐recovery of baseline renal function. No variable was identified in the multivariable model.ConclusionPost‐transplantation TB was associated with a high incidence of AKI, and complete recovery of baseline renal function was not achieved after treatment. The severity of TB disease, AKI, and AR episodes that occurred after TB diagnosis are potential causes for this outcome.
Effects of intracameral ascorbic acid on the corneal endothelium of dogs undergoing phacoemulsification
Authors: M. Padua Ivan R. , P. Valdetaro Gisele , B. Lima Tiago , K. Kobashigawa Karina , E. S. Silva Paloma , Aldrovani Marcela , M. Padua Pedro P. , Laus Jose L. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectiveCataracts are the most common ocular disorder in dogs. Phacoemulsification is the preferred treatment method among ophthalmologists, but the cellularity of the endothelium must be considered for its success, as endothelial lesions may produce permanent corneal decompensation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of intracameral ascorbic acid, a known antioxidant, on the corneal endothelium of dogs undergoing phacoemulsification.Animal studiedIn all, 40 eyes from 20 dogs, males and females from 7 to 12 years of age, were assessed for mature cataracts.ProceduresTwo groups were formed (n = 20): Group 1 (G1) received a balanced salt solution (BSS), whereas Group 2 (G2) received sterile ascorbic acid diluted in a BSS, at a final concentration of 0.001 m ascorbic acid. The corneal endothelium was assessed via non‐contact specular microscopy at multiple time points before and after phacoemulsification. Cell density (cells/mm2) and area (mm2), corneal thickness (mm), hexagonality, and the coefficient of variation of cell size were all assessed. P values equal to or less than 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsWith respect to the density of endothelial cells, both groups showed losses, but they were less severe in G2. There were no differences in corneal thickness. Hexagonality decreased significantly in the postoperative period in G1. Also in G1, the coefficient of variation of cell size increased significantly.ConclusionAccording to the results obtained, ascorbic acid minimizes cellular losses in the corneal endothelium.