bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental evolution reveals that sperm competition intensity selects for longer, more costly sperm
Authors: Godwin Joanne L. , Vasudeva Ramakrishnan , Michalczyk Łukasz , Martin Oliver Y. , Lumley Alyson J. , Chapman Tracey , Gage Matthew J. G. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIt is the differences between sperm and eggs that fundamentally underpin the differences between the sexes within reproduction. For males, it is theorized that widespread sperm competition leads to selection for investment in sperm numbers, achieved by minimizing sperm size within limited resources for spermatogenesis in the testis. Here, we empirically examine how sperm competition shapes sperm size, after more than 77 generations of experimental selection of replicate lines under either high or low sperm competition intensities in the promiscuous flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. After this experimental evolution, populations had diverged significantly in their sperm competitiveness, with sperm in ejaculates from males evolving under high sperm competition intensities gaining 20% greater paternity than sperm in ejaculates from males that had evolved under low sperm competition intensity. Males did not change their relative investment into sperm production following this experimental evolution, showing no difference in testis sizes between high and low intensity regimes. However, the more competitive males from high sperm competition intensity regimes had evolved significantly longer sperm and, across six independently selected lines, there was a significant association between the degree of divergence in sperm length and average sperm competitiveness. To determine whether such sperm elongation is costly, we used dietary restriction experiments, and revealed that protein-restricted males produced significantly shorter sperm. Our findings therefore demonstrate that sperm competition intensity can exert positive directional selection on sperm size, despite this being a costly reproductive trait.
Evacuation response behaviour in unannounced evacuation of licensed premises
Authors: Boyce Karen , McConnell Nigel , Shields Jim 
Published: June 2017

SummaryAn understanding of the behaviour of individuals and groups during evacuation is key to the development of evacuation scenarios as part of an engineering design solution. Furthermore, it is important that engineers have reliable and accurate data on pre‐evacuation times and movement for use in time‐based evacuation analysis. This paper presents, for the first time in the published literature, a detailed analysis of an unannounced evacuation of licensed premises and provides important data and understanding regarding behaviour for use in fire safety engineering design and evacuation modelling. Findings on recognition times, response behaviours, pre‐evacuation times and final exit flows for a function room and lounge bar in the licensed property are provided. The results suggest that the evacuation time in the lounge bar was characterised by generally longer pre‐evacuation times and relatively shorter movement times, whereas the evacuation time in the more densely populated function room was characterised by shorter pre‐evacuation times but extended flow times. The paper highlights important design and management issues with respect to the evacuation of persons under the influence of alcohol and considers the impact of staff intervention through directed voice communications. The variation in response behaviours between the two separate areas of the premises are highlighted and discussed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficiency performance of China's health care delivery system
Authors: Zhang Luyu , Cheng Gang , Song Suhang , Yuan Beibei , Zhu Weiming , He Li , Ma Xiaochen , Meng Qingyue 
Published: June 2017

SummaryImproving efficiency performance of the health care delivery system has been on the agenda for the health system reform that China initiated in 2009. This study examines the changes in efficiency performance and determinants of efficiency after the reform to provide evidence to assess the progress of the reform from the perspective of efficiency. Descriptive analysis, Data Envelopment Analysis, the Malmquist Index, and multilevel regressions are used with data from multiple sources, including the World Bank, the China Health Statistical Yearbook, and routine reports. The results indicate that over the last decade, health outcomes compared with health investment were relatively higher in China than in most other countries worldwide, and the trend was stable. The overall efficiency and total factor productivity increased after the reform, indicating that the reform was likely to have had a positive impact on the efficiency performance of the health care delivery system. However, the health care delivery structure showed low system efficiency, mainly attributed to the weakened primary health care system. Strengthening the primary health care system is central to enhancing the future performance of China's health care delivery system.
A pilot study of community‐based self‐sampling for HPV testing among non‐attenders of cervical cancer screening programs in El Salvador
Authors: Laskow Bari , Figueroa Ruben , Alfaro Karla M. , Scarinci Isabel C. , Conlisk Elizabeth , Maza Mauricio , Chang Judy C. , Cremer Miriam 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo establish the feasibility and acceptability of home‐based HPV self‐sampling among women who did not attend screening appointments in rural El Salvador.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study, data were collected from May 2015 to January 2016 among 60 women aged 30–59 years who were not pregnant, provided informed consent, had not been screened in 2 years, had no history of pre‐cancer treatment, and did not attend a scheduled HPV screening. Participants completed questionnaires and received educational information before being given an opportunity to self‐sample with the Hybrid Capture 2 High Risk HPV DNA Test.ResultsSelf‐sampling was accepted by 41 (68%) participants. Almost all women chose to self‐sample because the process was easy (40/41, 98%), could be performed at home (40/41, 98%), and saved time (38/41, 93%), and because they felt less embarrassed (33/41, 80%). The most common reason for declining the test was not wanting to be screened (8/19, 42%). The prevalence of high‐risk HPV types among women who accepted self‐sampling was 17% (7/41).ConclusionFor most women, community‐based self‐sampling was an acceptable way to participate in a cervical cancer screening program. In low‐resource countries, incorporating community‐based self‐sampling into screening programs might improve coverage of high‐risk women.
Potential of Biochar‐Amended Soil to Enhance Crop Productivity under Deficit Irrigation
Authors: Kangoma Emmanuel , Blango Mohamed M. , Rashid‐Noah Augustine B. , Sherman‐Kamara Joseph , Moiwo Juana P. , Kamara Alie 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWith the world population hitting 8 billion and the global climate becoming more erratic with pronounced droughts, floods, water shortages and storage depletions, the need for optimal soil and water conditions for high crop productivity and food security has become ever more urgent. There is a growing effort towards enhancing water storage in the root‐zone soil layer (as a rainwater‐harvesting strategy) to increase crop productivity. This study analysed the effects of biochar and deficit irrigation on rice productivity under greenhouse conditions. Grain yield, plant height, tiller number and biomass yield under 0% biochar (B1) were respectively 13.6, 6.4, 27.4 and 3.0% higher for moderate deficit irrigation (I2) than for flood irrigation (I1). Also in terms of tiller number, I2 performed better than I1 by 45.8 and 69.2% under B2 (4% biochar) and B4 (16% biochar), respectively. While for biochar the highest crop productivity was under B2, this changed vastly under the combined effects of irrigation and biochar. This suggested that crop productivity was as much dependent on irrigation as on biochar treatment. The variations in productivity could provide farmers with the choice of treatments or treatment combinations that are best suitable for their local agro‐edaphic, hydroclimatic and socio‐economic conditions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient estimation of Bayesian VARMAs with time‐varying coefficients
Authors: Chan Joshua C.C. , Eisenstat Eric 
Published: June 2017

SummaryEmpirical work in macroeconometrics has been mostly restricted to using vector autoregressions (VARs), even though there are strong theoretical reasons to consider general vector autoregressive moving averages (VARMAs). A number of articles in the last two decades have conjectured that this is because estimation of VARMAs is perceived to be challenging and proposed various ways to simplify it. Nevertheless, VARMAs continue to be largely dominated by VARs, particularly in terms of developing useful extensions. We address these computational challenges with a Bayesian approach. Specifically, we develop a Gibbs sampler for the basic VARMA, and demonstrate how it can be extended to models with time‐varying vector moving average (VMA) coefficients and stochastic volatility. We illustrate the methodology through a macroeconomic forecasting exercise. We show that in a class of models with stochastic volatility, VARMAs produce better density forecasts than VARs, particularly for short forecast horizons.
Endothelial to mesenchymal transformation is induced by altered extracellular matrix in aortic valve endothelial cells
Authors: Dahal Sudip , Huang Peter , Murray Bruce T. , Mahler Gretchen J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAlterations in shear stress, mechanical deformation, extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and exposure to inflammatory conditions are known to cause endothelial to mesenchymal transformation (EndMT). This change in endothelial phenotype has only recently been linked to adult pathologies such as cancer progression, organ fibrosis, and calcific aortic valve disease; and its function in adult physiology, especially in response to tissue mechanics, has not been rigorously investigated. EndMT is a response to mechanical and biochemical signals that results in the remodeling of underlying tissues. In diseased aortic valves, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are present in the collagen‐rich valve fibrosa, and are deposited near calcified nodules. In this study, in vitro models of early and late‐stage valve disease were developed by incorporating the GAGs chondroitin sulfate (CS), hyaluronic acid, and dermatan sulfate into 3D collagen hydrogels with or without exposure to TGF‐β1 to simulate EndMT in response to microenvironmental changes. High levels of CS induced the highest rate of EndMT and led to the most collagen I and GAG production by mesenchymally transformed cells, which indicates a cell phenotype most likely to promote fibrotic disease. Mesenchymal transformation due to altered ECM was found to depend on cell–ECM bond strength and extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases 1/2 signaling. Determining the environmental conditions that induce and promote EndMT, and the subsequent behavior of mesenchymally transformed cells, will advance understanding on the role of endothelial cells in tissue regeneration or disease progression. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2729–2741, 2017.
Epigenetic Effects of an Adenosine Derivative in a Wistar Rat Model of Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Rodríguez‐Aguilera Jesús Rafael , Guerrero‐Hernández Carlos , Pérez‐Molina Rosario , Cadena‐del‐Castillo Carla Elizabeth , Pérez‐Cabeza de Vaca Rebeca , Guerrero‐Celis Nuria , Domínguez‐López Mariana , Murillo‐de‐Ozores Adrián Rafael , Arzate‐Mejía Rodrigo , Recillas‐Targa Félix , Chagoya de Sánchez Victoria 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTThe pathological characteristic of cirrhosis is scarring which results in a structurally distorted and dysfunctional liver. Previously, we demonstrated that Col1a1 and Pparg genes are deregulated in CCl4‐induced cirrhosis but their normal expression levels are recovered upon treatment with IFC‐305, an adenosine derivative. We observed that adenosine was able to modulate S‐adenosylmethionine‐dependent trans‐methylation reactions, and recently, we found that IFC‐305 modulates HDAC3 expression. Here, we investigated whether epigenetic mechanisms, involving DNA methylation processes and histone acetylation, could explain the re‐establishment of gene expression mediated by IFC‐305 in cirrhosis. Therefore, Wistar rats were CCl4 treated and a sub‐group received IFC‐305 to reverse fibrosis. Global changes in DNA methylation, 5‐hydroxymethylation, and histone H4 acetylation were observed after treatment with IFC‐305. In particular, during cirrhosis, the Pparg gene promoter is depleted of histone H4 acetylation, whereas IFC‐305 administration restores normal histone acetylation levels which correlates with an increase of Pparg transcript and protein levels. In contrast, the promoter of Col1a1 gene is hypomethylated during cirrhosis but gains DNA methylation upon treatment with IFC‐305 which correlates with a reduction of Col1a1 transcript and protein levels. Our results suggest a model in which cirrhosis results in a general loss of permissive chromatin histone marks which triggers the repression of the Pparg gene and the upregulation of the Col1a1 gene. Treatment with IFC‐305 restores epigenetic modifications globally and specifically at the promoters of Pparg and Col1a1 genes. These results reveal one of the mechanisms of action of IFC‐305 and suggest a possible therapeutic function in cirrhosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 401–413, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MALAT1/miR‐127‐5p Regulates Osteopontin (OPN)‐Mediated Proliferation of Human Chondrocytes Through PI3K/Akt Pathway
Authors: Liang Jun , Xu Li , Zhou Feng , Liu An‐min , Ge Hong‐xing , Chen Yuan‐yuan , Tu Min 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTOsteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by progressive destruction of articular cartilage, resulting in significant disability. Chondrocytes present in various types of cartilage and are responsible for the growth and maintenance of the tissue. Over‐proliferation of human chondrocytes may contributes to OA pathological process. Previously, we revealed that miR‐127‐5p could inhibit the proliferation of human chondrocytes through osteopontin (OPN). In the present study, we used online tools to figure out several candidates lncRNAs which were potentially correlated with miR‐127‐5p. Through assessing the expression levels of the candidates lncRNAs, metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) was chosen as a further research subject. MALAT1 knockdown significantly repressed human OA chondrocyte proliferation, as well as the protein levels of OPN, p‐PI3K, and p‐Akt in OA chondrocytes. As verified by luciferase assays, MALAT1 directly bound to miR‐127‐5p to inhibit miR‐127‐5p expression. Then we achieved miR‐127‐5p inhibition through miR‐127‐5p inhibitor transfection; the miR‐127‐5p inhibition could promote chondrocyte proliferation, as well as the protein levels of OPN, p‐PI3K, and p‐Akt; in addition, the MALAT1 knockdown partially reversed the promotive effect of miR‐127‐5p inhibition on chondrocyte proliferation, OPN and PI3K/Akt signaling‐related protein levels. Taken together, MALAT1 could directly bind to miR‐127‐5p to inhibit its expression, so as to rescue OPN expression and promote chondrocyte proliferation through PI3K/Akt pathway. Targeting MALAT1 so as to rescue miR‐127‐5p expression in OA might help to inhibit chondrocyte proliferation through miR‐127‐5p‐mediated OPN regulation and downstream PI3K/Akt pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 431–439, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combined spectroscopic analysis of stratified glass eye beads from China dated to the Warring States Period
Authors: Zhao H. X. , Li Q. H. 
Published: June 2017

We herein report the application of a combined spectroscopic approach for the analysis of eight stratified glass eye beads unearthed from China, which was dated back to the Warring States Period (475 bc to 221 bc). Portable X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (pXRF) was used to determine that seven samples were typical natron type soda–lime–silicate glass beads with low contents of MgO and K2O except for one plant‐ash type soda–lime–silicate sample. In addition, combined with micro‐Raman spectroscopy, two different types of colorants were present in these beads, namely oxidized transition metals such as Co, Cu and Fe, and antimony‐based compound opacifiers/colorants. Furthermore, the distribution of their glassy and scattering phases could be determined by the optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, in which it exhibits that their morphologies were related to their Sb contents. According to the determined typology, chemical composition, micro‐crystal, and eyeball structural characteristics within the samples, the possible relations among them were speculated. It is the most interesting finding that seven natron type soda–lime glasses could be imported from the eastern Mediterranean area and one plant‐ash type glass could be imported from the eastern region of the Euphrates River such as Iran area. Finally, through comparison with similar contemporary beads excavated from the famous tomb of Marquis Yi of the Zeng State (~433 bc) in the Hubei Province, provenance studies of these beads were carried out, and their origins and relationships are discussed briefly. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cost analysis of postmastectomy reconstruction: A comparison of two staged implant reconstruction using tissue expander and acellular dermal matrix with abdominal‐based perforator free flaps
Authors: Tran Bao Ngoc N. , Fadayomi Ayotunde , Lin Samuel J. , Singhal Dhruv , Lee Bernard T. 
Published: June 2017

Background and ObjectivesTwo staged tissue expander‐implant with acellular dermal matrix (TE/I + ADM) and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap are the most common implant and autologous methods of reconstruction in the U.S. Implant‐based techniques are disproportionally more popular, partially due to its presumed cost effectiveness. We performed a comprehensive cost analysis to compare TE/I + ADM and DIEP flap.MethodsA comparative cost analysis of TE/I + ADM and DIEP flap was performed. Medicare reimbursement costs for each procedure and their associated complications were calculated. Pooled probabilities of complications including cellulitis, seroma, skin necrosis, implant removal, flap loss, partial flap loss, and fat necrosis, were calculated using published studies from 2010 to 2016.ResultsAverage actual cost for successful TE/I + ADM and DIEP flap were $13 304.55 and $10 237.13, respectively. Incorporating pooled complication data from published literature resulted in an increase in cost to $13 963.46 for TE/I + ADM and $12 624.29 for DIEP flap. The expected costs for successful TE/I + ADM and DIEP flap were $9700.35 and $8644.23, which are lower than the actual costs.ConclusionsDIEP flap breast reconstruction incurs lower costs compared to TE/I + ADM. These costs are lower at baseline and when additional costs from pooled complications are incorporated.
Habitat use and movements of common eiders wintering in southern New England
Authors: Beuth Joshua M. , Mcwilliams Scott R. , Paton Peter W.C. , Osenkowski Jason E. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTLittle is known about the habitat use patterns and movement ecology of American common eiders (Somateria mollissima dresseri) despite potential negative impacts on habitat and eider populations from anthropogenic sources (e.g., oil spills, hunting, offshore wind energy facilities). We used satellite telemetry to quantify migratory phenology, home range size, winter site fidelity, and resource selection of adult female eiders (n = 24) from December 2011 to July 2013 that were captured during winter in southern New England, USA. Eiders spent 39% of their annual cycle in southern New England. In spring, eiders took an average of 16 days (range = 2–47) in 2012 and 20 days (range = 1–61) in 2013 to migrate from wintering grounds to summer areas, whereas the duration of fall migration averaged 47 days (range = 7–115). Eiders exhibited high site fidelity to wintering areas, with 83% of birds with active transmitters (n = 23) returning to the study area the following winter (2012–2013). Mean individual core use home ranges on wintering grounds averaged 38.5 km2 and 95% utilization distributions were 199.3 km2. Based on habitat selection models, eiders preferred shallow, nearshore waters that had relatively fine sediments and a high probability of hard bottom. We estimated that only 3% of our 6,212‐km2 study area had a high relative probability of use by eiders. Future development (e.g., offshore wind energy developments) should avoid shallow, nearshore waters with hard bottoms preferred by eiders to minimize potential impacts. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Psychogenic Movement Disorders in Adults and Children: A Clinical and Video Profile of 58 Indian Patients
Authors: Pandey Sanjay , Koul Arun 
Published: June 2017

AbstractView Supplementary Video 1View Supplementary Video 2BackgroundPsychogenic movement disorders (PMDs) represent 2% to 20% of patients with movement disorders. There is a paucity of literature on PMD in children, with most existing literature relating to adults only.MethodsFor this detailed report of 58 patients (33 adults and 25 children) with PMD, history was assessed in the form of disease onset, duration, precipitating factors, diagnosis, and outcome. Movement phenotype was classified in terms of its appearance as tremor, dystonia, myoclonus, chorea, and others. Clinical evaluations were done to document variability, distractibility, and entrainment. Surface electromyography studies were obtained in patients with tremor.ResultsSeven adults and 7 children were classified with “documented” PMD, and 26 adults and 18 children were classified with “clinically established” PMD. Abrupt onset was common in adults (75.75%) and children (68%). The most common precipitating factors were family and social issues (42.42%) in adults and fear of examination (40%) and school‐related issues (24%) in children. Tremor was the most common PMD in both adults and children. The second most common PMD was hemifacial spasm in adults.ConclusionThe majority of patients had abrupt onset of symptoms, and tremor was the most common form of movement disorder. The second most common PMDs were hemifacial spasm in adults and dystonia and gait abnormality in children. The most common precipitating factors in adults were related to family and social issues; whereas, in children, examination and school‐related issues were most common. Complete improvement was seen in only 405 of patients.