bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bolus Moisture Content of Solid Foods during Mastication
Authors: Motoi Lidia , Morgenstern Marco P. , Hedderley Duncan I. , Wilson Arran J. , Balita Sinag 
Published: August 2013

AbstractSaliva addition plays an important role in bolus formation. During chewing, food breaks down, exposing food particles to saliva. The aim of this study was to explore and understand how bolus moisture content changes during the oral processing of solid foods. Twelve subjects chewed commercially produced solid foods; the boluses were collected at different stages of the mastication process, including the swallowing point, and all of the boluses produced were analyzed for their moisture content. The chewing sessions were recorded on video, enabling the number of chews to be assessed for each subject and food type. Results showed that moisture content of boluses during mastication increased linearly at a rate depending on the subject and food types studied. It was found that for the food types studied, an increase in initial food moisture content increased the bolus moisture content at the swallowing point.Practical ApplicationsSensory perception experienced during oral processing of foods is through sensing the bolus properties, which change continuously in between ingestion and swallowing. Understanding changes in bolus moisture content, the role of food structure and effects on sensory perception can help in designing foods with predictable sensory attributes. This study demonstrated that while saliva additions vary between people and food types, they increase linearly during mastication. Changes in bolus moisture content during mastication could be used to guide the design of solid foods with target properties.
Relevance of hepatitis B surface antigen levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B during 5 year of tenofovir treatment
Authors: Singh A. K. , Sharma M. K. , Hissar S. S. , Gupta E. , Sarin S. K. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryThe role of quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels in patients receiving highly potent oral antiviral therapy is controversial, and here, we determined the HBsAg response in 121 chronic hepatitis B patients treated with tenofovir 300 mg daily. During tenofovir treatment, HBsAg decline of ≥1.0 log from baseline was seen in 16.1%, 16.3%, 18.4%, 34.6%, 36.4% and 11.8%, 15.2%, 14.8%, 28.6%, 20% at years 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 for HBeAg‐positive and HBeAg‐negative patients, respectively. Early decline in HBsAg levels at week 4 was predictive of subsequent significant HBsAg level decline. HBeAg seroconversion occurred in 29.9% of HBeAg‐positive patients. On multinomial logistic regression, HBsAg level decline from baseline at week 4 and week 12 or any time subsequently did not correlate with HBeAg seroconversion and HBV DNA level decline from baseline at week 4 and week 12 (OR = 3.704; 95% CI = 1.511–9.076; P = 0.006 and OR = 1.732; 95% CI = 1.032–2.867; P = 0.037, respectively) was significantly predictive of seroconversion. A small proportion of chronic HBV‐infected patients treated with tenofovir exhibit a significant (≥1.0 log) decline in HBsAg levels. Early decline in HBsAg levels at week 4 was predictive of subsequent and significant HBsAg level decline. The HBsAg decline did not correlate with HBeAg seroconversion in HBeAg‐positive patients. Reduction in HBV DNA levels at week 4 and 12 correlated with seroconversion.
Testing for vocal individual discrimination in adult banded mongooses
Authors: Jansen D. A. W. A. M. , Cant M. A. , Manser M. B. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe ability to individually recognize conspecifics is acknowledged as one of the prerequisites for the development of sophisticated social relationships in group‐living species. It has been hypothesized that the discrimination of individual identities is crucial for the maintenance of social relationships and cooperation based on repeated interactions, and for the evolution of many social behaviours. Previous studies have shown that the close calls of the cooperatively breeding banded mongoose Mungos mungo are individually distinct. For instance, banded mongoose pups are able to distinguish between close calls of their escort and of a non‐escort. In this study, we used playbacks based on the recently proposed violation‐of‐expectation paradigm and a dominance/age class recognition setup to investigate whether adult banded mongooses use the individual signature of close calls to distinguish among adult group members. We found no evidence that the individual signature in close calls is used to discriminate identity in banded mongooses. Based on the previous work, we suggest that this is not because banded mongooses are incapable of using signatures as a means of individual discrimination, but because the benefits of such discrimination are low. The study highlights the importance of understanding the function of a signal (e.g. the expected response), timing and the biology of the species when designing and performing playback experiments.
Habitat type and distance to edge affect movement behavior of juvenile pond‐breeding salamanders
Authors: Pittman S. E. , Semlitsch R. D. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBehavioral strategies of natal dispersers in response to human‐altered habitat have far‐reaching implications for functional connectivity and local population dynamics. Spotted salamanders Ambystoma maculatum are forest‐dependent, pond‐breeding amphibians which metamorphose and disperse out of aquatic habitat with limited knowledge of the terrestrial habitat. We quantified the fine‐scale movement behavior and search strategies of recently metamorphosed spotted salamanders in three different habitat types (field, early successional forest and forest) and at varying distances from both hard (field and forest) and soft (early successional forest and forest) edges using fluorescent powder tracking. We found that salamanders moved straighter and with fewer turns through field habitat compared with both forest and early successional habitat. Salamanders significantly oriented movement toward forest when released in the field and when released on the edge between the forest and field. We found that salamander movement in the forest and early successional forest was approximated by a correlated random walk. Based on these results, dispersing spotted salamanders exhibit strong edge‐mediated behavior when differences between habitats are stark (forest and field) and can perceive forest habitat from distances of at least 10 m. These results indicate that dispersing juvenile salamanders exhibit reasonable behavioral rules when moving through habitat types of differing quality. Knowledge of these behavioral rules will improve predictions of the effects of habitat type and configuration on amphibian survival and dispersion in altered landscapes.
Evolution on a desert island: body size divergence between the reptiles ofNevada'sAnahoIsland and the mainland aroundPyramidLake
Authors: Keehn J. E. , Nieto N. C. , Tracy C. R. , Gienger C. M. , Feldman C. R. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractPatterns of body size evolution on islands provide compelling cases of rapid and dramatic phenotypic evolution in terrestrial vertebrates, yet debate remains over the relative roles of predation and resource availability in driving such evolution. We compared the morphology of five reptile species (four lizards, one snake) fromAnahoIsland, a desert island inPyramidLake, Nevada, and the nearby mainland, using museum and live‐caught animals. We also examined head‐shape allometries to make inferences about dietary shifts and recorded tail‐regeneration frequencies (in lizards) to examine predation intensity. Compared with mainland samples, two phyrnosomatid lizard species are larger onAnaho (Callisaurus draconoidesandSceloporus occidentalis), whereas the largest (S. uniformis) is not different on the island. Conversely, the teiid lizardAspidoscelis tigrisis smaller in body and head size on the island, and the pitviperCrotalus oreganusis especially diminutive on the island, with males and females 25 and 15% smaller, respectively. Our results appear consistent with the hypothesis that body size is related to resource availability. The change in body size of the two smaller phrynosomatids may be due to interference competition. The reduction in body and head size inA. tigrissuggests a dietary shift, and the dramatic difference inC. oreganusis likely due to a switch in diet from mammals to lizards. Future work is needed to determine whether body size differences reflect genetic evolution or environmental differences in growth rates or resource use. Regardless,AnahoIsland, although remarkably young (earlyHolocene), appears to harbour a unique community of reptiles with distinct morphologies and possibly divergent life histories.
Fine‐scale temporal adaptation within a salmonid population: mechanism and consequences
Authors: Gharrett Anthony J. , Joyce John , Smoker William W. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWe demonstrate a clear example of local adaptation of seasonal timing of spawning and embryo development. The consequence is a population of pink salmon that is segmented into spawning groups that use the same limited habitat. We synthesize published observations with results of new analyses to demonstrate that genetic variation of these traits results in survival differentials related to that variation, and that density‐dependent embryo mortality and seasonally variable juvenile mortality are a mechanism of selection. Most examples of local adaptation in natural systems depend on observed correlations between environments and fitness traits, but do not fully demonstrate local adaptation: that the trait is genetically determined, exhibits different fitness in common environments or across different environments, and its variation is mechanistically connected to fitness differences. The geographic or temporal scales of local adaptation often remain obscure. Here, we show that heritable, fine‐scale differences of timing of reproductive migration in a pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) resulted in temporal structure that persisted several generations; the differences enable a density‐dependent population to pack more spawners into limited spawning habitat, that is, enhance its fitness. A balanced trade‐off of survivals results because embryos from early‐migrating fish have a lower freshwater survival (harsh early physical conditions and disturbance by late spawners), but emigrant fry from late‐migrating fish have lower marine survivals (timing of their vernal emergence into the estuarine environment). Such fine‐scale local adaptations increase the genetic portfolio of the populations and may provide a buffer against the impacts of climate change.
Stronger spatial genetic structure in recolonized areas than in refugia in the European beech
Authors: de Lafontaine Guillaume , Ducousso Alexis , Lefèvre Sophie , Magnanou Elodie , Petit Rémy J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractExtant rear‐edge populations located in former glacial refugia remain understudied despite their high conservation value. These populations should have experienced strong genetic drift due to their small size and long isolation. Moreover, the prolonged action of isolation by distance in refugial areas should result in stronger regional spatial genetic structure (SGS) than in recolonized areas, but empirical tests of this prediction are scarce. To fill this gap, we first used a set of 16 microsatellite markers to investigate the genetic structure of European beech in France in 65 populations from three refugial areas and one control recolonized (nonrefugial) area. Then, using the same approach, we reanalysed published isozyme data from 375 populations distributed across the entire species range. We found stronger genetic differentiation among populations in refugia than in recolonized areas. However, contrary to expectations, regional SGS was lower within refugia than within recolonized areas. Published studies presenting similar analyses suggest that our results could have generality across different biogeographical settings and types of organisms. Strong and prolonged genetic drift in refugial areas could have erased the signature of range expansions that is still visible in recolonized areas. Our results therefore suggest that Pleistocene population isolation has played a key role in increasing the genetic complexity of extant rear‐edge populations.
Malaria infections reinforce competitive asymmetry between two Ficedula flycatchers in a recent contact zone
Authors: Kulma Katarzyna , Low Matthew , Bensch Staffan , Qvarnström Anna 
Published: August 2013

AbstractParasites may influence the outcome of interspecific competition between closely related host species through lower parasite virulence in the host with which they share the longer evolutionary history. We tested this idea by comparing the prevalence of avian malaria (Haemosporidia) lineages and their association with survival in pied and collared flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca and F. albicollis) breeding in a recent contact zone on the Swedish island of Öland. A nested PCR protocol amplifying haemosporidian fragments of mtDNA was used to screen the presence of malaria lineages in 1048 blood samples collected during 6 years. Competitively inferior pied flycatchers had a higher prevalence of blood parasites, including the lineages that were shared between the two flycatcher species. Multistate mark–recapture models revealed a lower survival of infected versus uninfected female pied flycatchers, while no such effects were detected in male pied flycatchers or in collared flycatchers of either sex. Our results show that a comparatively new host, the collared flycatcher, appears to be less susceptible to a local northern European malarial lineage where the collared flycatchers have recently expanded their distribution. Pied flycatchers experience strong reproductive interference from collared flycatchers, and the additional impact of species‐specific blood parasite effects adds to this competitive exclusion. These results support the idea that parasites can strongly influence the outcome of interspecific competition between closely related host species, but that the invading species need not necessarily be more susceptible to local parasites.
Population genetic data of a model symbiotic cnidarian system reveal remarkable symbiotic specificity and vectored introductions across ocean basins
Authors: Thornhill Daniel J. , Xiang Yu , Pettay D. Tye , Zhong Min , Santos Scott R. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe Aiptasia–Symbiodinium symbiosis is a promising model for experimental studies of cnidarian–dinoflagellate associations, yet relatively little is known regarding the genetic diversity of either symbiotic partner. To address this, we collected Aiptasia from 16 localities throughout the world and examined the genetic diversity of both anemones and their endosymbionts. Based on newly developed SCAR markers, Aiptasia consisted of two genetically distinct populations: one Aiptasia lineage from Florida and a second network of Aiptasia genotypes found at other localities. These populations did not conform to the distributions of described Aiptasia species, suggesting that taxonomic re‐evaluation is needed in the light of molecular genetics. Associations with Symbiodinium further demonstrated the distinctions among Aiptasia populations. According to 18S RFLP, ITS2‐DGGE and microsatellite flanker region sequencing, Florida anemones engaged in diverse symbioses predominantly with members of Symbiodinium Clades A and B, but also C, whereas anemones from elsewhere harboured only S. minutum within Clade B. Symbiodinium minutum apparently does not form a stable symbiosis with other hosts, which implies a highly specific symbiosis. Fine‐scale differences among S. minutum populations were quantified using six microsatellite loci. Populations of S. minutum had low genotypic diversity and high clonality (R = 0.14). Furthermore, minimal population structure was observed among regions and ocean basins, due to allele and genotype sharing. The lack of genetic structure and low genotypic diversity suggest recent vectoring of Aiptasia and S. minutum across localities. This first ever molecular‐genetic study of a globally distributed cnidarian and its Symbiodinium assemblages reveals host–symbiont specificity and widely distributed populations in an important model system.
Production of indole alkaloids by metabolic engineering of the tryptophan pathway in rice
Authors: Dubouzet Joseph G. , Matsuda Fumio , Ishihara Atsushi , Miyagawa Hisashi , Wakasa Kyo 
Published: August 2013

SummaryTryptophan decarboxylase (TDC) converts tryptophan (Trp) into tryptamine, consequently increasing the metabolic flow of tryptophan derivatives into the production of secondary metabolites such as indole alkaloids. We inserted an expression cassette containing OsTDC, a putative tryptophan decarboxylase gene from rice, into an expression plasmid vector containing OASA1D, the feedback‐resistant anthranilate synthase alpha‐subunit mutant (OASA1D). Overexpression of OASA1D has been reported to significantly increase Trp levels in rice. The co‐expression of OsTDC and OASA1D in rice calli led to almost complete depletion of the Trp pool and a consequent increase in the tryptamine pool. This indicates that TDC inactivity is a contributory factor for the accumulation of Trp in rice transgenics overexpressing OASA1D. Metabolic profiling of the calli expressing OsTDC and OASA1D revealed the accumulation of serotonin and serotonin‐derived indole compounds (potentially pharmacoactive β‐carbolines) that have not been reported from rice. Rice calli overexpressing OASA1D:OASA1D is a novel system for the production of significant amounts of pharmacologically useful indole alkaloids in rice.
Regulation of MSK1‐Mediated NF‐κB Activation Upon UVB Irradiation
Authors: Carpenter Oliver L. , Wu Shiyong 
Published: August 2013

AbstractNuclear Factor Kappa‐B (NF‐κB) is a transcription factor that controls expression of genes involved in the immune and inflammatory responses as well as being a key component in the onset of cancers. In this study, we provided evidence that mitogen‐ and stress‐activated protein kinase (MSK1) is responsible for a noncanonical late‐phase activation of NF‐κB upon UVB irradiation. Our data demonstrated that following UVB irradiation, MSK1 is activated via phosphorylation at the 24 h time point coinciding with translocation of NF‐κB into the nucleus. Investigations into the signaling pathways upstream of MSK1 through the use of specific inhibitors for mitogen‐activated protein kinase and p38 revealed that both kinases are required for full phosphorylation during the late phase (24 h), while p38 is paramount for phosphorylation during the early phase (6 h). Electromobility shift assays (EMSA) showed that inhibition of MSK1 resulted in a marked reduction in NF‐κB binding affinity without altering the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB. Supershift EMSA implicate that the p65, but not p50, isoform of NF‐κB is involved in late‐phase activation in response to UVB irradiation. Together, the results of these studies shed light onto a novel pathway of MSK1‐mediated late‐phase activation of NF‐κB in response to UVB irradiation.
Altered Invariant Natural Killer T cell Subsets and its Functions in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Singh A. K. , Shukla N. K. , Das S. N. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractInvariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are glycolipid‐reactive T lymphocytes that share receptors and function with natural killer (NK) cells and reportedly play a pivotal role in various immune responses. However, iNKT cells are not well characterized in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We investigated the populations and functions of circulating iNKT (CD3+6B11+) cells from thirty‐eight patients with OSCC and twenty‐eight healthy donors by flow cytometry. Circulating iNKT cells were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in patients as compared to those in healthy controls. Further, iNKT subsets revealed a marked decrease in CD4−CD8− (double negative, DN) subset with concomitant increase in CD8+ subset in patients as compared to healthy controls (P = 0.03 and P < 0.01, respectively), whereas CD4+ subset was similarly distributed in both groups. The functional analysis demonstrated that residual iNKT cells from patients had impaired proliferative response to α‐galactosylceramide (α‐GalCer)‐pulsed dendritic cells (DCs) and Th2‐like cytokine profile. However, in vitro activation with α‐GalCer‐pulsed DCs restores IFN‐γ expression and enhances antitumour activity to human cancer cells lines (SCC‐4, KB and MCF7). It appears that the selectively enriched iNKT subsets and modulation of their function by specific ligand/agonist may be useful for cellular therapy in patients with OSCC. Further, reduced levels of iNKT cells and its DN subset may be used as potential prognostic factors for patients with OSCC.
Lack of Functional TSLP Receptors Mitigates Th2 Polarization and the Establishment and Growth of 4T1 Primary Breast Tumours but has Different Effects on Tumour Quantities in the Lung and Brain
Authors: Erdmann R. B. , Gartner J. G. , Leonard W. J. , Ellison C. A. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe 4T1 mammary carcinoma cell line produces TSLP. We had hypothesized that TSLP promotes the development of a permissive environment for the growth and metastasis of primary tumour and that this is associated with a Th2‐polarized antitumour immune response. We found that, in Tslpr−/− mice, the mean tumour diameters were smaller from days 27 to 40, and relatively fewer tumour cells were present in the lung, compared with wild‐type mice. Polarization of the Th2 cytokine profile was also diminished in Tslpr−/− mice. These findings confirmed those reported previously by others. Here, we further show that primary tumours are established less often in Tslpr−/− mice and that, unexpectedly, the relative number of tumour cells in the brain is greater in Tslpr−/− mice compared with wild‐type mice. Findings from our cytotoxicity assays show that 4T1‐directed lysis is undetectable in both WT and Tslpr−/− mice, ruling out the possibility that altered cytotoxic responses in Tslpr−/− mice are responsible for the differences we observed. In a human tissue microarray, positive staining for TSLP was seen in tumour cells from breast cancer tissue, but it was also seen in normal glandular epithelial cells from normal breast tissue, which has not been shown before. Thus, our findings provide new insight into the effects of TSLP in metastatic breast cancer.
Primary hepatic aspergillosis following induction chemotherapy for acute leukemia
Authors: Chasan R. , Patel G. , Malone A. , Finn M. , Huprikar S. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractInvasive aspergillosis (IA) contributes significantly to the burden of infectious complications in heavily immunosuppressed patients with acute leukemia. The infection is typically acquired via inhalation into the respiratory tract, and the lungs are most commonly involved. However, disseminated disease may occur and reports of isolated extrapulmonary infection suggest the gastrointestinal tract is likely an additional portal of entry for this organism. We describe a case of primary hepatic aspergillosis in a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia. The patient did not respond to medical therapy with antifungals and ultimately required surgical exploration and drainage. IA should be considered in an immunosuppressed patient with hepatic abscesses and may require a combined surgical and medical approach to therapy.