bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The strength of cross‐taxon congruence in species composition varies with the size of regional species pools and the intensity of human disturbance
Authors: Rooney Rebecca C. , Azeria Ermias T. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimOur aims were to determine whether cross‐taxon congruence of species composition patterns varies across regions and human disturbance levels and to infer whether these patterns relate to the size of the regional species pool and the sorting of species along a gradient of human disturbance.LocationAlberta's Boreal and Grassland Natural Regions, Canada.MethodWe compiled presence–absence data of four biological groups (birds, vascular plants, bryophytes and mites) from low and high disturbance sites in upland habitat. The cross‐taxon congruence across ecoregion and disturbance levels was analysed using Mantel and Procrustes tests. We applied resampling without replacement to generate confidence intervals to test for significant differences in strength of congruency between disturbance levels and ecoregions. We performed indicator species analysis to highlight how the species‐level response to high and low disturbance influences the pattern in community‐level cross‐taxon congruence.ResultsCross‐taxon congruence was stronger when all sites were considered than when high and low disturbance sites were considered separately. Congruency was relatively stronger in high than low disturbance sites in the Boreal ecoregion, but the pattern was reversed in the Grassland ecoregion. More species were indicators of undisturbed habitat than of highly disturbed habitats for all biological groups except for birds. Overall, biological groups that were poorly represented in a region and/or with few characteristic indicator species showed weak congruence in those sites.Main conclusionsWe conclude that a longer disturbance gradient can promote cross‐taxon congruence by increasing the species pool characteristic of low or high disturbance levels. Moreover, regional context can influence (or even reverse) the relative strength of cross‐taxon congruence in high and low disturbance sites, which may explain the inconsistent strength of cross‐taxon congruence along the disturbance gradient. To use biodiversity surrogates across biogeographical regions, it is therefore important to account for the regional and disturbance‐level dependence of cross‐taxon congruence.
High prevalence of cutaneous manifestations in the elderly with diabetes mellitus: an institution‐based cross‐sectional study in Taiwan
Authors: Tseng H.‐W. , Ger L.‐P. , Liang C.‐K. , Liou H.‐H. , Lam H.‐C. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundsDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrine disorder and an increasing epidemic worldwide. Proportional diabetic patients eventually develop cutaneous diseases.ObjectivesThis study determined the statistical association of cutaneous manifestations and DM as well as the DM‐associated cutaneous manifestations in elderly male residents.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted in a Veterans Home in Taiwan. The cutaneous manifestations and major systemic diseases of the residents were recorded separately. Univariate logistic regression and multivariate analysis after adjustment for age, body mass index and significant major systemic diseases provided odds ratios and P values for the statistical association.ResultsA total of 313 male residents (age ≥65 years) were recruited, including 70 (22.4%) with DM. Their most common cutaneous manifestations included fungal infection (77%) and brown spots on the legs (38.3%). Chronic ulcers adjusted odds ratios (AOR 4.90, 95%CI: 1.82–13.19; P = 0.002), brown spots on the legs (AOR 6.82, 95%CI: 3.60–12.89; P < 0.001) and pruritus (AOR 12.86, 95%CI: 4.40–37.59; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with DM. The diabetic residents were inclined to have chronic ulcers, brown spots on the legs and pruritus at a 7.46‐fold higher risk (AOR 7.46, 95%CI: 3.86–14.43; P < 0.001). The diabetic residents exhibited marginally higher risks of bacterial infection, scabies, or skin tags.ConclusionThe DM‐associated cutaneous manifestations were chronic ulcers, brown spots on the legs, and pruritus. By observing clues of diabetic cutaneous features, a more complete condition of diabetic patients can be appreciated. The information is essential for providing appropriate treatment and key nursing points regarding the diabetes‐associated skin diseases.
Xerostomia in geriatric patients: a burgeoning global concern
Authors: Anil Sukumaran , Vellappally Sajith , Hashem Mohamed , Preethanath Reghunathan S. , Patil Shankargouda , Samaranayake Lakshman P. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractSaliva plays a key role in maintaining oral homeostasis, function, and health. The prevalence of xerostomia and its consequences are rising due to the increasing aging population, the effects of some systemic diseases, medical management, and commonly‐prescribed medications that reduce saliva production. When salivary function is diminished, patients are at a greater risk of developing caries, discomfort in wearing dentures, and opportunistic diseases, such as candidiasis. The psychosocial aspects of xerostomia can range from a mild effect on self‐rated oral health to frustration, embarrassment, unhappiness, or substantial disruptions in quality of life. This article reviews the clinical features, diagnosis, and prevalence of dry mouth, as well as its treatment strategies.
Laser scanning photothermal microscopy: fast detection and imaging of gold nanoparticles
Authors: ARUNKARTHICK S. , BIJEESH M. M. , VARIER GEETHA K. , KOWSHIK MEENAL , NANDAKUMAR P. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryWe report on the design and construction of a laser scanning photothermal microscope and present images of gold nanoparticles of size as small as 5 nm. Laser scanning method allows fast image acquisition at 80 μs pixel dwell time so that a 500 × 500 pixel image is acquired in 20 s. Photothermal imaging at fast time scales can have potential applications in variety of fields including tracking of biomolecular transport processes.
Effect of fixation procedures on the fluorescence lifetimes of Aequorea victoria derived fluorescent proteins
Authors: JOOSEN L. , HINK M.A. , GADELLA T.W.J. , GOEDHART J. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryFluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy can be used to study protein–protein interactions by Förster Resonance Energy Transfer or to perform lifetime‐based multiplexing. Fixation of samples with cells producing fluorescent fusion proteins is commonly used for preservation of samples and for staining with membrane impermeable reagents such as antibodies. However, the effect of fixation methods and mounting media on fluorescence lifetime is poorly documented so far. Here, we demonstrate that fixation by formaldehyde or methanol itself does not affect the lifetime of fluorescent proteins produced in cells but that several widely used mounting media decrease the fluorescence lifetime by up to 20%. It is shown that fixed cells producing Aequorea victoria derived fluorescent proteins mounted in Tris buffer have fluorescence lifetimes indistinguishable from values measured in living cells. Tris buffer also allows accurate Förster Resonance Energy Transfer quantification in fixed cells, as shown with an mTurquoise2‐SYFP2 fusion protein. Moreover, identical lifetime contrasts are measured in living and fixed cells mounted in Tris buffer after introducing a single plasmid expressing two lifetime variants of cyan fluorescent proteins, each targeted to different locations in the cell. Our findings will aid the preparation of fixed cells producing fluorescent proteins for reliable measurement of fluorescence lifetimes for Förster Resonance Energy Transfer determination, lifetime based multiplexing and for instrument calibration for standardization purposes.
Massive occlusive thrombosis of the pulmonary artery in pigtailed macaques chronically infected with R5‐tropic simian‐human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Courtney Cynthia L. , Ethun Kelly F. , Villinger Francois , Ruprecht Ruth M. , Byrareddy Siddappa N. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has been identified as a serious complication of HIV infection.Methods and ResultsHere, we report sudden death in two pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) chronically infected (~1–2 years post‐infection) with an R5 SHIV strain. At necropsy, total occlusion of the pulmonary artery by a large fibrin thrombus was present in both animals.ConclusionThis report describes pulmonary vascular lesions similar to PAH in R5 SHIV‐infected pigtail macaques.
Pigment epithelium-derived factor upregulates collagen I and downregulates matrix metalloproteinase 2 in osteosarcoma cells, and colocalises to collagen I and heat shock protein 47 in fetal and adult bone
Authors: Alcantara Marice B , Nemazannikova Natalie , Elahy Mina , Dass Crispin R 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Objective
Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) has proven anti-osteosarcoma activity. However, the mechanism(s) underpinning its ability to reduce primary bone tumour (osteosarcoma) metastasis is unknown.

Methods
Adult and fetal murine bone were immunostained for PEDF, collagen I (major protein in bone) and its processing proteins, heat shock protein 47 (HSP47, a chaperone protein for collagen I), membrane type I matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP, a collagenase), and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2, which is activated by MT1-MMP). Immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry were used to observe levels of the above biomarkers when human osteosarcoma cells were treated with PEDF.

Key findings
Immunohistochemical staining in adult and fetal bone mirrors collagen I. PEDF localised to ridges of trabecular bone in tibial cortex and to megakaryocytes within bone marrow. Second, we observed that PEDF upregulates collagen I, HSP47 and MT1-MMP, while downregulating MMP-2 in osteosarcoma cells in vitro.

Conclusion
PEDF is a promising antagonist to osteosarcoma cell metastasis via downregulation of MMP-2, and can induce tumour cells to further adopt differentiative properties, thereby possibly reducing their aggressive growth in vitro and in vivo.
Sofosbuvir, a novel nucleotide analogue inhibitor used for the treatment of hepatitis C virus
Authors: Summers Bryant B , Beavers Joshua W F , Klibanov Olga M 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Objective
To provide an overview of a novel anti-hepatitis C agent, sofosbuvir.

Key findings
Sofosbuvir is a novel nucleotide analogue inhibitor of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B polymerase that has recently been approved by the Federal Drug Administration for the treatment of HCV genotypes 1, 2, 3 or 4 in a variety of patients. The emergence of such a novel treatment provides benefit to previously untreated genotypes and patient populations, with little chance of promoting significant viral resistance. Excellent sustained virologic response rates 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12) were seen in phase II and III clinical trials when sofosbuvir was used with ribavirin. Even more promising are the results from phase II and III clinical trials that evaluated sofosbuvir in combination with other oral direct acting antivirals (DAAs). Data with sofosbuvir in the hepatitis C virus (HCV)/HIV coinfected and in the pre- and post-transplantation populations are still emerging. The drug was very well tolerated in clinical studies, with the most common adverse events of headache, nausea and fatigue.

Summary
Overall, sofosbuvir presents a new and effective treatment option for HCV-infected patients.
Protective effects of melatonin against metabolic and reproductive disturbances in polycystic ovary syndrome in rats
Authors: Pai Sarayu A , Majumdar Anuradha S 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Objectives
This study was undertaken to study the effects of melatonin on metabolic and reproductive aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in rats.

Methods
PCOS was induced by daily subcutaneous administration of testosterone (20 mg/kg) to 21-day-old female rats for 35 days. Rats were given metformin (500 mg/kg), melatonin (1 mg/kg) or melatonin (2 mg/kg) along with testosterone. One group served as vehicle control. On the 36th day, the animals were euthanised, and anthropometrical, biochemical (glucose, insulin, lipids, testosterone, C reactive protein (CRP)), oral glucose tolerance test, and histopathological evaluation of ovaries, uterus and intraabdominal fat (IAF), were carried out. Daily colpocytological examination was carried out from 14th day of study until termination.

Key findings
Both the doses of melatonin significantly reduced body weight, body mass index, IAF, insulin and CRP. A favourable lipid profile, normal glucose tolerance and a decrease in the percentage of estrus smears were observed. Histopathological examination of ovary, uterus and IAF revealed a decrease in the number of cystic follicles, decrease in neoplastic endometrial glands, and decrease in adipocyte hypertrophy, respectively. The effects observed with melatonin were comparable to that with metformin.

Conclusion
The study provides evidence of the potential beneficial effects of melatonin in PCOS.
Small-scale twin-screw extrusion – evaluation of continuous split feeding
Authors: Muehlenfeld Christian , Thommes Markus 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this work was to evaluate a continuous, small-scale extrusion process with a particular focus on powder and liquid-feeding systems, because it is likely that uniformity issues are related to small-scale production.

Methods
The study is divided into three parts. The first part investigates the uniformity and accuracy of the powder and the liquid feeders. In the second part, a solid polymer and low amounts of liquid plasticizer were combined in hot-melt extrusion. The third part deals with wet extrusion-spheronization using water as the granulation liquid.

Key Findings
The powder and the liquid feed rate were identified as crucial parameters in small-scale extrusion. With respect to powder feeding, the cohesiveness of the powder and electrostatic charging are the limitations, while liquid feeding is challenging based on particularly low feed rates. The hot-melt extrusion was performed using a powder feed rate of 2 g/min. When small quantities of plasticizer were applied to the hot melt extrusions (from 2.5% to 15% w/w), homogenous plasticizer distribution was found. In wet extrusion, larger quantities of water were used and the extrudates were investigated with respect to their spheronization behaviour. Spherical pellets were obtained at certain water contents.

Conclusions
These findings demonstrated that the extruder is a useful tool to screen formulations and perform feasibility studies on a small scale in the early stages of product development.
Hepatitis B virus mother‐to‐child transmission among HIV‐infected women receiving lamivudine‐containing antiretroviral regimens during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Authors: Pirillo M. F. , Scarcella P. , Andreotti M. , Jere H. , Buonomo E. , Sagno J.‐B. , Amici R. , Mancini M. G. , Leone P. , Ceffa S. , Mancinelli S. , Marazzi M. C. , Vella S. , Palombi L. , Giuliano M. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryThe study included 309 HIV‐infected pregnant women receiving a lamivudine‐containing antiretroviral regimen from week 25 of gestational age until 6 months postpartum, during breastfeeding. Twenty‐seven of them (8.7%) were hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) positive; at baseline, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels >3 log10 IU/mL (with a median level of 6.2 log10 IU/mL) were found in 10 women, who at one, three and six months postpartum had median levels of 5.2 log10 IU/mL, 4.5 log10 IU/mL and 2.8 log10 IU/mL, respectively. Twenty‐four of the 30 breast milk samples evaluated had undetectable HBV DNA and the other six had values between 15 and 155 IU/mL. Median lamivudine concentrations were 1070 ng/mL in serum and 684 ng/mL in breast milk. Among the 24 HBV‐exposed children with available samples, 16 always tested negative, four had a transient infection, one had an undetermined status and three (12.5%) first tested positive at Month 12 or Month 24. Among the children born to the HBV‐uninfected mothers of the same cohort, the rate of HBsAg positivity at 12–24 months was 2% (4/196). Our finding of the absence of significative levels of HBV DNA in the breast milk of co‐infected mothers supports the present recommendations for breastfeeding in HBV‐infected women. Horizontal transmission can be hypothesized for the infections detected in children at 12–24 months. Children born to HBV‐positive mothers remained at higher risk of postnatal HBV acquisition compared to those born to HBV‐negative women.
BMI, male sex and IL28B genotype associated with persistently high hepatitis C virus RNA levels among chronically infected drug users up to 23 years following seroconversion
Authors: Grady B. P. X. , Prins M. , Rebers S. , Molenkamp R. , Geskus R. B. , Schinkel J. 
Published: September 2014

SUMMARYThe natural course of serum HCV RNA levels during chronic infection remains unclear. We investigated HCV RNA levels and factors associated with HCV RNA levels for the entire course from HCV seroconversion. We measured HCV RNA levels of 54 HCV seroconverters from the Amsterdam Cohort Studies among drug users at yearly intervals up to 23 years using bDNA (VERSANT 3.0, lower limit of detection 615 IU/mL). Samples below the cut‐off of the assay were tested by TMA (Siemens VERSANT, detection limit 5 IU/mL). We used a latent class linear mixed model to examine the HCV RNA patterns and factors associated with HCV RNA levels. The median follow‐up time was 10.8 years (IQR 6.5–14.9). We found two distinct HCV RNA patterns characterized by 45/54 cases and 9/54 cases. In multivariable analyses, HCV RNA levels were 0.41 log10 IU/mL (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06–0.75) higher for males as compared to females. Individuals with the IL28B CC genotype had 0.40 log10 IU/mL (95% 0.08–0.73) higher HCV RNA levels than individuals with IL28B CT/TT genotypes. Body mass index (BMI) was associated with higher HCV RNA levels, 0.055 log10 IU/mL per BMI point (95% CI 0.027–0.083). In this unique study, which examines the HCV RNA patterns over an extended period and following seroconversion, male sex, IL28B CC genotype and BMI were independently associated with higher average HCV RNA levels. These results contribute to defining the natural history of HCV infection and could play an important part in clinical decision‐making.
Between‐ and within‐species trait variability and the assembly of sapling communities in forest patches
Authors: Carlucci Marcos B. , Debastiani Vanderlei J. , Pillar Valério D. , Duarte Leandro D. S. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractQuestionsWhat is the magnitude of between‐species trait variability (BSV) and within‐species trait variability (WSV) of specific leaf area (SLA) in a sapling meta‐community? To what extent do species turnover and WSV influence community‐level mean trait responses to an environmental gradient and trait spread patterns across this gradient? What is the role of WSV for mean plant responses to environmental variation and niche partitioning in structuring sapling communities?LocationForest patches within a native grassland matrix in southern Brazil.MethodsWe recorded saplings in community plots across a canopy openness gradient in forest patches and described each of the 1129 individuals using SLA. First, we partitioned trait variation into BSV and WSV irrespective of co‐occurrence in plots. Then, using the community data, we partitioned the total variation of community‐weighted trait means (CWM) and Rao's functional diversity (FD) into components explained by canopy openness, species turnover and WSV. We also partitioned the effects of WSV between and within plots on FD. Finally, we explored the responses of CWM and FD to the gradient using the whole trait variability, only BSV or only WSV.ResultsSpecific leaf area presented a substantial proportion of variation within species (37%), although it varied more between species (63%). Species turnover and WSV explained 48% and 19% of the variation in CWM across the gradient, respectively. Species turnover and WSV explained 51% and 45% of the variation in FD across the gradient, respectively. SLA varied within species more along the gradient than within communities. Within‐species variability enhanced shifts in CWM and FD across the gradient. Canopy openness significantly predicted CWM at all levels, and FD at all but the within‐species level.ConclusionsPlastic responses of species mirrored the average response of communities to the environmental gradient. Within‐species trait variability enhanced the mean plant responses to environmental variation as well as niche partitioning, and was especially important in enabling species to establish in a wider portion of the environmental gradient. Our study provides new evidence that population‐level phenomena matter for community assembly.
A NOTE ON THE QUANTILE FORMULATION
Authors: Xu Zuo Quan 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMany investment models in discrete or continuous‐time settings boil down to maximizing an objective of the quantile function of the decision variable. This quantile optimization problem is known as the quantile formulation of the original investment problem. Under certain monotonicity assumptions, several schemes to solve such quantile optimization problems have been proposed in the literature. In this paper, we propose a change‐of‐variable and relaxation method to solve the quantile optimization problems without using the calculus of variations or making any monotonicity assumptions. The method is demonstrated through a portfolio choice problem under rank‐dependent utility theory (RDUT). We show that this problem is equivalent to a classical Merton's portfolio choice problem under expected utility theory with the same utility function but a different pricing kernel explicitly determined by the given pricing kernel and probability weighting function. With this result, the feasibility, well‐posedness, attainability, and uniqueness issues for the portfolio choice problem under RDUT are solved. It is also shown that solving functional optimization problems may reduce to solving probabilistic optimization problems. The method is applicable to general models with law‐invariant preference measures including portfolio choice models under cumulative prospect theory (CPT) or RDUT, Yaari's dual model, Lopes' SP/A model, and optimal stopping models under CPT or RDUT.
Sex in the Mucoralean Fungi
Authors: Lee Soo Chan , Heitman Joseph 
Published: September 2014

SummarySexual development is extant in virtually all eukaryotic species, including throughout the kingdom Fungi. Positioned within the opisthokonts along with metazoans, fungi serve as model systems to elucidate the genetics and impact of sexual development. Basal fungal lineages such as the Mucoralean fungi provide a unique basis to study sexual reproduction, in which common ancestral traits found in both animal and fungal lineages may be conserved. This review discusses the sexual development, sex loci, and evolution of the sex locus in the Mucoralean fungi, which sheds light on our understanding of the evolution and functions of sex.