bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managing more than the mean: using quantile regression to identify factors related to large elk groups
Authors: Brennan Angela , Cross Paul C. , Creel Scott 
Published: July 2015

SummaryAnimal group size distributions are often right‐skewed, whereby most groups are small, but most individuals occur in larger groups that may also disproportionately affect ecology and policy. In this case, examining covariates associated with upper quantiles of the group size distribution could facilitate better understanding and management of large animal groups.We studied wintering elk groups in Wyoming, where group sizes span several orders of magnitude, and issues of disease, predation and property damage are affected by larger group sizes. We used quantile regression to evaluate relationships between the group size distribution and variables of land use, habitat, elk density and wolf abundance to identify conditions important to larger elk groups.We recorded 1263 groups ranging from 1 to 1952 elk and found that across all quantiles of group size, group sizes were larger in open habitat and on private land, but the largest effect occurred between irrigated and non‐irrigated land [e.g. the 90th quantile group size increased by 135 elk (95%CI = 42, 227) on irrigation].Only upper quantile group sizes were positively related to broad‐scale measures of elk density and wolf abundance. For wolf abundance, this effect was greater on elk groups found in open habitats and private land than those in closed habitats or public land. If we had limited our analysis to mean or median group sizes, we would not have detected these effects.Synthesis and applications. Our analysis of elk group size distributions using quantile regression suggests that private land, irrigation, open habitat, elk density and wolf abundance can affect large elk group sizes. Thus, to manage larger groups by removal or dispersal of individuals, we recommend incentivizing hunting on private land (particularly if irrigated) during the regular and late hunting seasons, promoting tolerance of wolves on private land (if elk aggregate in these areas to avoid wolves) and creating more winter range and varied habitats. Relationships to the variables of interest also differed by quantile, highlighting the importance of using quantile regression to examine response variables more completely to uncover relationships important to conservation and management.
Three‐Dimensional Integrated Survey for Building Investigations
Authors: Costantino Domenica , Angelini Maria Giuseppa 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe study shows the results of a survey aimed to represent a building collapse and the feasibility of the modellation as a support of structure analysis. An integrated survey using topographic, photogrammetric, and terrestrial laser techniques was carried out to obtain a three‐dimensional (3D) model of the building, plans and prospects, and the particulars of the collapsed area. Authors acquired, by a photogrammetric survey, information about regular parties of the structure; while using laser scanner data they reconstructed a set of more interesting architectural details and areas with higher surface curvature. Specifically, the process of texture provided a detailed 3D structure of the areas under investigation. The analysis of the data acquired resulted to be very useful both in identifying the causes of the disaster and also in helping the reconstruction of the collapsed corner showing the contribution that the integrated surveys can give in preserving architectural and historic heritage.
In‐solution hybridization for mammalian mitogenome enrichment: pros, cons and challenges associated with multiplexing degraded DNA
Authors: Hawkins Melissa T. R. , Hofman Courtney A. , Callicrate Taylor , McDonough Molly M. , Tsuchiya Mirian T. N. , Gutiérrez Eliécer E. , Helgen Kristofer M. , Maldonado Jesus E. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractHere, we present a set of RNA‐based probes for whole mitochondrial genome in‐solution enrichment, targeting a diversity of mammalian mitogenomes. This probes set was designed from seven mammalian orders and tested to determine the utility for enriching degraded DNA. We generated 63 mitogenomes representing five orders and 22 genera of mammals that yielded varying coverage ranging from 0 to >5400X. Based on a threshold of 70% mitogenome recovery and at least 10× average coverage, 32 individuals or 51% of samples were considered successful. The estimated sequence divergence of samples from the probe sequences used to construct the array ranged up to nearly 20%. Sample type was more predictive of mitogenome recovery than sample age. The proportion of reads from each individual in multiplexed enrichments was highly skewed, with each pool having one sample that yielded a majority of the reads. Recovery across each mitochondrial gene varied with most samples exhibiting regions with gaps or ambiguous sites. We estimated the ability of the probes to capture mitogenomes from a diversity of mammalian taxa not included here by performing a clustering analysis of published sequences for 100 taxa representing most mammalian orders. Our study demonstrates that a general array can be cost and time effective when there is a need to screen a modest number of individuals from a variety of taxa. We also address the practical concerns for using such a tool, with regard to pooling samples, generating high quality mitogenomes and detail a pipeline to remove chimeric molecules.
Dual‐energy computed tomography for monitoring the effect of urate‐lowering therapy in gouty arthritis
Authors: Sun Ying , Chen Huiyong , Zhang Zhuojun , Ma Lili , Zhou Jianjun , Zhou Yi , Ding Yuqin , Jin Xuejuan , Jiang Lindi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the relationships between changes in serum urate levels and dual‐energy computed tomography (DE‐CT) results during urate‐lowering therapy (ULT) and to investigate the effects of treatment duration and drugs on changes in DE‐CT results.MethodsForty‐four patients diagnosed with gout were enrolled in this investigation. DE‐CT was conducted on the foot at baseline and the end of follow‐up (6–24 months). Crystals were classified as: (i) L, number of large crystals with diameter ≥ 3 mm; (ii) S, number of small crystals with diameter < 3 mm; (iii) T, total number of crystals; and (iv) Vmax, volume of the maximal crystal.ResultsNumber of urate crystals (L, S as well as T) and Vmax decreased significantly through ULT. Significant decrease of urate crystal numbers and/or Vmax was observed in different follow‐up groups, and the decrease in serum urate levels was positively related to the decrease of T (r = 0.43, P = 0.04) and Vmax (r = 0.63, P = 0.04). Moreover, analysis of covariance results demonstrated significant effects of treatment duration and serum urate levels on results of DE‐CT.ConclusionBoth urate crystal numbers and Vmax decreased significantly during ULT. Additionally, ULT duration and serum urate levels had significant effects on the decrease of Vmax and number of large crystals measured by DE‐CT.
Glucose deprivation increases tau phosphorylation via P38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase
Authors: Lauretti Elisabetta , Praticò Domenico 
Published: July 2015

SummaryAlterations of glucose metabolism have been observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain. Previous studies showed that glucose deprivation increases amyloidogenesis via a BACE‐1‐dependent mechanism. However, no data are available on the effect that this condition may have on tau phosphorylation. In this study, we exposed neuronal cells to a glucose‐free medium and investigated the effect on tau phosphorylation. Compared with controls, cells incubated in the absence of glucose had a significant increase in tau phosphorylation at epitopes Ser202/Thr205 and Ser404, which was associated with a selective activation of the P38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase. Pharmacological inhibition of this kinase prevented the increase in tau phosphorylation, while fluorescence studies revealed its co‐localization with phosphorylated tau. The activation of P38 was secondary to the action of the apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1, as its down‐regulation prevented it. Finally, glucose deprivation induced cell apoptosis, which was associated with a significant increase in both caspase 3 and caspase 12 active forms. Taken together, our studies reveal a new mechanism whereby glucose deprivation can modulate AD pathogenesis by influencing tau phosphorylation and suggest that this pathway may be a new therapeutic target for AD.
Interleukin‐2 Production by Cultured Human Granulosa Cells
Authors: Orvieto Raoul , Dratviman‐Storobinsky Olga , Cohen Yoram 
Published: July 2015

ProblemOvarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is similar to vascular leak syndrome (VLS), which may be attributable to the massive increase in systemic inflammatory cytokines. The hyperstimulated human ovaries were demonstrated to contain interleukin (IL)‐2, which, in turn, was suggested to activate the systemic inflammatory response characteristic of OHSS. As the source of follicular fluid IL‐2 is still unclear, in the present study, we sought to validate the presence of IL‐2 and IL‐2 mRNA expression in human luteinized granulosa cells.Method of StudyIL‐2 nuclear expression was detected using real‐time PCR and immunofluorescence staining of human luteinized granulosa cell from 6 patients undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment. Calretinin immunofluorescence staining was used as a marker of granulosa cells.ResultsIL‐2‐positive immunofluorescence staining was detected within nuclei of granulosa cells, together with positive stain for calretinin, confirming the presence of granulosa cell. Moreover, IL‐2 gene expression was demonstrated in luteinized granulosa cells by real‐time PCR.ConclusionIn the present study, we provided firm evidence for the IL‐2 production by human luteinized granulosa cells, as demonstrated by the presence of IL‐2 and IL‐2 mRNA expression in luteinized granulosa cells. Further studies are justified in an attempt to clarify the regulation and the cause‐and‐effect relationship between IL‐2 production by the hyperstimulated ovaries and OHSS.
Trajectory of platelets in pregnancy – do low‐risk women need an intrapartum full blood count prior to epidural?
Authors: Duong Christine , Kidson‐Gerber Giselle , Peters Nancy , Listijono Dave R. , Henry Amanda 
Published: July 2015

This study aimed to investigate whether pregnant women with a normal 28‐week gestation platelet count and no high‐risk conditions for thrombocytopenia require a pre‐epidural platelet count. All 1844 included women (platelet count > 150 × 109/L at 28 weeks' gestation, term singleton birth, no thrombocytopenia risk conditions) had a platelet count > 100 × 109/L prebirth, suggesting low‐risk pregnant women do not require pre‐epidural full blood count solely to check platelet count.
Deficiency of FHL2 attenuates airway inflammation in mice and genetic variation associates with human bronchial hyper‐responsiveness
Authors: Kurakula K. , Vos M. , Logiantara A. , Roelofs J. J. T. H. , Nieuwenhuis M. A. , Koppelman G. H. , Postma D. S. , Brandsma C. A. , Sin D. D. , Bossé Y. , Nickle D. C. , van Rijt L. S. , de Vries C. J. M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundAsthma is an inflammatory disease that involves airway hyper‐responsiveness and mucus hypersecretion. The LIM‐only protein FHL2 is a crucial modulator of multiple signal transduction pathways and functions as a scaffold in specific protein–protein interactions.ObjectiveWe sought to investigate the role of FHL2 in airway inflammation.MethodsAllergic airway inflammation was induced in WT and FHL2‐knock out (FHL2‐KO) mice with ovalbumin (OVA). Lung tissue, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and draining lymph node cells were analysed for inflammation. FHL2 loss and gain of function studies were performed in lung epithelial cells.ResultsFHL2‐deficient mice challenged with OVA show significantly reduced airway inflammation as evidenced by reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells including eosinophils, dendritic cells, B cells and T cells. Furthermore, mucus production was decreased in FHL2‐KO mice. In BALF, the levels of IL‐5, IL‐13, eotaxin‐1 and eotaxin‐2 were significantly lower in FHL2‐KO mice. In addition, draining lymph node cells from FHL2‐KO mice show reduced levels of IL‐5 and IL‐13. Consistent with this, OVA‐specific serum IgG and IgE levels were reduced in FHL2‐KO mice. We also found that phosphorylation of ERK1/2 is markedly attenuated in FHL2‐KO lung. Knock‐down of FHL2 in human lung epithelial cells resulted in a striking decrease in ERK1/2 phosphorylation and mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines and MUC5AC, whereas FHL2 overexpression exhibited opposite effects. Finally, the SNP rs4851765 shows an association with the severity of bronchial hyper‐responsiveness.ConclusionThese results highlight functional involvement of FHL2 in airway inflammation and identify FHL2 as a novel gene associated with asthma severity in human.
Children with cerebral palsy do not achieve healthy physical activity levels
Authors: Bratteby Tollerz LU , Forslund AH , Olsson RM , Lidström H , Holmbäck U 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimThis study compared daily activity energy expenditure (AEE) in children with cerebral palsy with a control group and investigated whether the children achieved healthy levels of physical activity.MethodsWe enrolled eight children with bilateral cerebral palsy, from eight to 10 years of age, and a group of controls matched for age and gender. For three days, physical activity was simultaneously measured by accelerometers and self‐reports using a diary. The daily AEE results were compared between groups and methods. The number of children that achieved healthy physical activity levels in each group was explored.ResultsChildren with cerebral palsy had significantly lower daily AEE, as measured by accelerometers, than the controls, and they did not achieve the healthy moderate to heavy physical activity level defined in the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations. Self‐reports using the diaries resulted in an overestimation of physical activity compared with the ankle accelerometer measurements in both groups.ConclusionOur investigation of physical activity in children with cerebral palsy and controls using accelerometers and a diary found low levels of daily AEE and physical activity, and these results were most prominent in the group with cerebral palsy. The diaries overestimated physical activity in both groups.
Comparison and characterization of biosorption by Weissella viridescens MYU 205 of periodic group 12 metal ions
Authors: Kinoshita Hideki , Ohtake Fumika , Ariga Yuuki , Kimura Kazuhiko 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBecause heavy metals cause various health hazards, we studied biosorption by Weissella viridescens MYU 205. MYU 205 showed high biosorption for Cd (II) and Hg (II) and was low for Zn (II). The Hg (II) biosorption rate was high at about 80%. Different biosorptions were shown for each metal after successive incubation. About 20% of the Zn (II) biosorption was observed after 3 h. Cd (II) biosorption increased in a time‐dependent manner until 3 h, then gradually decreased. Hg (II) was immediately sorbed at 79.6 ± 4.7% and decreased at 3 h to 52.9 ± 2.6%, and then gradually increased to 77.8 ± 3.6%. Using heat‐killed cells, the rate of biosorption of Zn (II) and Cd (II) decreased whereas Hg (II) tended to increase. The metal resistance was high, that is Zn (II) > Cd (II) > Hg (II); while the affinity was opposite where MYU 205 showed high affinity to Hg (II) and low affinity to Zn (II). Our data shows lactic acid bacteria may be powerful heavy metal sorbents for detoxification.
Differential effects of isomers of clomiphene citrate on reproductive tissues in male mice
Authors: Fontenot Gregory K. , Wiehle Ronald D. , Podolski Joseph S. 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesTo determine, in a chronic dosing study, the oral toxicity potential of the test substances, enclomiphene citrate (ENC) and zuclomiphene citrate (ZUC), when administered to male mice by oral gavage.Materials and MethodsMice were divided into five treatment groups. Group I, placebo; Group II, 40 mg/kg body weight/day ENC; Group III, 4 mg/kg/day ENC; Group IV, 40 mg/kg/day ZUC; Group V, 4 mg/kg/day ZUC. Serum samples and tissues were obtained from each mouse for analysis and body weights were measured.ResultsIn this chronic dosing study in mice, profound effects on Leydig cells, epididymis, seminal vesicles, and kidneys were seen, as well as effects on serum testosterone, follicle‐stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone levels that were associated with ZUC treatment only. Treatment with the isolated enclomiphene isomer had positive effects on testosterone production and no effects on testicular histology.ConclusionsThe present study suggests that an unopposed high dose of zuclomiphene can have pernicious effects on male mammalian reproductive organs. The deleterious effects seen when administering ZUC in male mice, justifies the case for a monoisomeric preparation and the development of ENC for clinical use in human males to increase serum levels of testosterone and maintain sperm counts.
Salvage of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide plays a critical role in the bioenergetic recovery of post‐hypoxic cardiomyocytes
Authors: Gero Domokos , Szabo Csaba 
Published: July 2015

Background and PurposeIschaemic heart disease can lead to serious, life‐threatening complications. Traditional therapies for ischaemia aim to increase oxygen delivery and reduce the myocardial ATP consumption by increasing the coronary perfusion and by suppressing cardiac contractility, heart rate or blood pressure. An adjunctive treatment option for ischaemia is to improve or optimize myocardial metabolism.Experimental ApproachMetabolic suppression in the ischaemic heart is characterized by reduced levels of high‐energy molecules: ATP and NAD+. Because NAD+ is required for most metabolic processes that generate ATP, we hypothesized that restoration of NAD+ would be a prerequisite for ATP regeneration and examined the role of the major NAD+ anabolic and catabolic pathways in the bioenergetic restoration process following oxygen–glucose deprivation injury in a cardiomyocyte cell line (H9c2 cells).Key ResultsSalvage of NAD+ via nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase was essential for bioenergetic recovery in cardiomyocytes. Blockade of nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase prevented the restoration of the cellular ATP pool following oxygen–glucose deprivation injury by inhibiting both the aerobic and anaerobic metabolism in the cardiomyocytes. NAD+ consumption by PARP‐1 also undermined the recovery processes, and PARP inhibition significantly improved the metabolism and increased cellular ATP levels in cardiomyocytes.Conclusions and ImplicationsWe conclude that the NAD+ salvage pathway is essential for bioenergetic recovery in post‐hypoxic cardiomyocytes and PARP inhibition may represent a potential future therapeutic intervention in ischaemic heart disease.
L‐3‐n‐butylphthalide Promotes Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity in Cerebral Ischemic Rats
Authors: Yang Li‐Chao , Li Jiang , Xu Shao‐Feng , Cai Jie , Lei Hui , Liu Dong‐Mei , Zhang Man , Rong Xian‐Fang , Cui Dan‐Dan , Wang Ling , Peng Ying , Wang Xiao‐Liang 
Published: July 2015

SummaryAimsThis study investigated whether anticerebral ischemia new drug, l‐3‐n‐butylphthalide (l‐NBP), improved behavioral recovery and enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis after cerebral ischemia in rats.Methods and ResultsThe middle cerebral artery of rats was blocked for 2 h. The daily oral administrations of 30 mg/kg l‐NBPor vehicle were begun from the second day until the rats were sacrificed. L‐NBPtreatment markedly increased 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU)‐positive cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) of injured hemisphere on day 28 after ischemia. The amount of newborn cells and newly mature neurons was also increased. The expressions of growth‐associated protein‐43 and synaptophysin were significantly elevated in l‐NBP‐treated rats. However, l‐NBPmarkedly reduced the percentage of BrdU+/GFAP+cells. Additionally, the levels of catalytical subunit of protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase B (Akt), andcAMPresponse element‐binding protein (CREB) were significantly increased, and the activation of the signal transducer and activation of transcription 3 (STAT3) and the expressions of cleaved caspase‐3 and Bax were obviously inhibited by l‐NBP. Consequently, l‐NBPattenuated the behavioral dysfunction.ConclusionsIt first demonstrates that l‐NBPmay improve the behavioral outcome of cerebral ischemia by promoting neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Activation ofCREBand Akt and inhibition ofSTAT3 signaling might be involved in.
Assessing the global zoo response to the amphibian crisis through 20‐year trends in captive collections
Authors: Dawson Jeff , Patel Freisha , Griffiths Richard A. , Young Richard P. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractGlobal amphibian declines are one of the biggest challenges currently facing the conservation community, and captive breeding is one way to address this crisis. Using information from the International Species Information System zoo network, we examined trends in global zoo amphibian holdings across species, zoo region, and species geographical region of origin from 1994 to 2014. These trends were compared before and after the 2004 Global Amphibian Assessment to assess whether any changes occurred and whether zoo amphibian conservation effort had increased. The numbers of globally threatened species (GTS) and their proportional representation in global zoo holdings increased and this rate of increase was significantly greater after 2004. North American, European, and Oceanian GTS were best represented in zoos globally, and proportions of Oceanian GTS held increased the most since 2004. South American and Asian GTS had the lowest proportional representation in zoos. At a regional zoo level, European zoos held the lowest proportions of GTS, and this proportion did not increase after 2004. Since 1994, the number of species held in viable populations has increased, and these species are distributed among more institutions. However, as of 2014, zoos held 6.2% of globally threatened amphibians, a much smaller figure than for other vertebrate groups and one that falls considerably short of the number of species for which ex situ management may be desirable. Although the increased effort zoos have put into amphibian conservation over the past 20 years is encouraging, more focus is needed on ex situ conservation priority species. This includes building expertise and capacity in countries that hold them and tracking existing conservation efforts if the evidence‐based approach to amphibian conservation planning at a global level is to be further developed.