bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic and phenotypic divergence in an island bird: isolation by distance, by colonization or by adaptation?
Authors: Spurgin Lewis G. , Illera Juan Carlos , Jorgensen Tove H. , Dawson Deborah A. , Richardson David S. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractDiscerning the relative roles of adaptive and nonadaptive processes in generating differences among populations and species, as well as how these processes interact, is a fundamental aim in biology. Both genetic and phenotypic divergence across populations can be the product of limited dispersal and gradual genetic drift across populations (isolation by distance), of colonization history and founder effects (isolation by colonization) or of adaptation to different environments preventing migration between populations (isolation by adaptation). Here, we attempt to differentiate between these processes using island populations of Berthelot's pipit (Anthus berthelotii), a passerine bird endemic to three Atlantic archipelagos. Using microsatellite markers and approximate Bayesian computation, we reveal that the northward colonization of this species ca. 8500 years ago resulted in genetic bottlenecks in the colonized archipelagos. We then show that high levels of genetic structure exist across archipelagos and that these are consistent with a pattern of isolation by colonization, but not with isolation by distance or adaptation. Finally, we show that substantial morphological divergence also exists and that this is strongly concordant with patterns of genetic structure and bottleneck history, but not with environmental differences or geographic distance. Overall, our data suggest that founder effects are responsible for both genetic and phenotypic changes across archipelagos. Our findings provide a rare example of how founder effects can persist over evolutionary timescales and suggest that they may play an important role in the early stages of speciation.
Formation of Microvascular Networks: Role of Stromal Interactions Directing Angiogenic Growth
Authors: Hoying James B. , Utzinger Urs , Weiss Jeffrey A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIn the adult, angiogenesis leads to an expanded microvascular network as new vessel segments are added to an existing microcirculation. Necessarily, growing neovessels must navigate through tissue stroma as they locate and grow toward other vessel elements. We have a growing body of evidence demonstrating that angiogenic neovessels reciprocally interact with the interstitial matrix of the stroma resulting in directed neovascular growth during angiogenesis. Given the compliance and the viscoelastic properties of collagen, neovessel guidance by the stroma is likely due to compressive strain transverse to the direction of primary tensile forces present during active tissue deformation. Similar stromal strains control the final network topology of the new microcirculation, including the distribution of arterioles, capillaries, and venules. In this case, stromal‐derived stimuli must be present during the post‐angiogenesis remodeling and maturation phases of neovascularization to have this effect. Interestingly, the preexisting organization of vessels prior to the start of angiogenesis has no lasting influence on the final, new network architecture. Combined, the evidence describes interplay between angiogenic neovessels and stroma that is important in directed neovessel growth and invasion. This dynamic is also likely a mechanism by which global tissue forces influence vascular form and function.
Post‐transcriptional silencing of UIS4 in Plasmodium berghei sporozoites is important for host switch
Authors: Silvie Olivier , Briquet Sylvie , Müller Katja , Manzoni Giulia , Matuschewski Kai 
Published: January 2014

SummaryPlasmodium sporozoites are transmitted by mosquitoes and first infect hepatocytes of their mammalian host, wherein they develop as liver stages, surrounded by the parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM). The parasite must rapidly adapt to its changing environment after switching host. Shortly after invasion, the PVM is remodelled by insertion of essential parasite proteins of the early transcribed membrane protein family such as UIS4. Here, using the rodent malaria model Plasmodium berghei, we show that transcripts encoding UIS4 are stored in a translationally repressed state in sporozoites, allowing UIS4 protein synthesis only after host cell invasion. Using a series of reporter transgenic parasite lines we could demonstrate that the open reading frame of UIS4 mRNA is critical for gene silencing, whereas the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions are dispensable. Our data further indicate that the UIS4 translational repression machinery is present only in mature sporozoites in the mosquito salivary glands, and that premature expression of UIS4 protein results in a loss of parasite infectivity. Our findings reveal the importance of specific post‐transcriptional control in sporozoites, and establish that host switch requires high levels of translationally silent UIS4 RNA, which permits stage conversion, yet avoids premature expression of this liver stage‐specific protein.
Sexual dimorphism and developmental patterns in the external morphology of the vaquita, Phocoena sinus
Authors: Torre Jorge , Vidal Omar , Brownell Robert L. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractA total of 56 vaquitas (Phocoena sinus) were examined to evaluate their sexual dimorphism and isometric and/or allometric growth in 35 external characteristics. Absolute and relative (to total length) measurements and growth rates were compared between sexually immature and mature females and males. T‐tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) and covariance (ANCOVA) were used to evaluate sexual dimorphism. Sexual dimorphism in the vaquita was detected in the total length, head region (from blowhole to tip of upper jaw), anterior section of the body (from dorsal fin to tip of upper jaw), dorsal fin and the genital and anal regions. Fluke width is relatively larger in mature males than immature males, but in females this relative metric does not change during their development. In addition, males present a higher dorsal fin. These somatic changes are probably related to the swimming capacity (speed, agility, maneuvering) during the breeding season and/or foraging activities. A linear model of growth was used to determine possible proportional changes with respect to total body length through the development of 33 external characteristics. The anterior region of the body and the flippers were relatively larger in immature individuals than in mature ones.
Vascular calcification in long‐term kidney transplantation
Authors: Vipattawat Kotcharat , Kitiyakara Chagriya , Phakdeekitcharoen Bunyong , Kantachuvesiri Surasak , Sumethkul Vasant , Jirasiritham Sophon , Stitchantrakul Wasana , Disthabanchong Sinee 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimVascular calcification (VC) is common among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to the strong prevalence of cardiovascular and CKD‐related risk factors such as diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension and phosphate retention. Kidney transplantation improves kidney function and abnormal mineral metabolism at the same time. It remains unclear whether kidney transplantation favourably impacts VC in the long‐term.MethodsThe present study examined VC in 132 kidney transplant (KT) recipients who had been transplanted for longer than one year. The severity of VC was compared to 129 CKD stages 5‐5D patients on a kidney transplant (KT) waiting list.ResultsThe median KT vintage was 88 months. The prevalence of VC among KT and CKD patients were 54.5% and 62.8%, respectively, (P = 0.2). There were no differences in age, gender, body mass index (BMI), the prevalence of DM or CVD between the two groups. Among patients with calcification, a more severe degree was observed in KT recipients (P = 0.01). Aging, DM, CVD and dialysis vintage were associated with significant VC in both groups. The degree of VC in KT recipients was more pronounced than that in CKD patients among those who experienced prolonged dialysis vintage (>2 years) (P = 0.04). Among KT recipients, the severity of VC increased with the length of time after transplantation and became more substantial after 5 years.ConclusionsLong‐term KT recipients demonstrated a more severe degree of VC compared to matched CKD stages 5‐5D patients. The severity of VC became more pronounced among those with longer transplant vintage and was in part influenced by past dialysis experience.
Looking in the Porphyromonas gingivalis cabinet of curiosities: the microbium, the host and cancer association
Authors: Atanasova K.R. , Yilmaz Ö. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryThe past decades of biomedical research have yielded massive evidence for the contribution of the microbiome in the development of a variety of chronic human diseases. There is emerging evidence that Porphyromonas gingivalis, a well‐adapted opportunistic pathogen of the oral mucosa and prominent constituent of oral biofilms, best known for its involvement in periodontitis, may be an important mediator in the development of a number of multifactorial and seemingly unrelated chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and orodigestive cancers. Orodigestive cancers represent a large proportion of the total malignancies worldwide, and include cancers of the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. For prevention and/or enhanced prognosis of these diseases, a good understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms and the interaction between P. gingivalis and host is much needed. With this review, we introduce the currently accumulated knowledge on P. gingivalis's plausible association with cancer as a risk modifier, and present the putative cancer‐promoting cellular and molecular mechanisms that this organism may influence in the oral mucosa.
Plasticity in latitudinal patterns of leaf N and P of Oryza rufipogon in China
Authors: Zhou W. , Wang Z. , Xing W. , Liu G. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractCharacterising the adaptability in nature of plant stoichiometric patterns across geographic or environmental gradients is important in advancing our understanding of the organisation of plant–nutrient relationships. We examined correlations between plant nutrient traits, latitude, longitude, climate and soil variables in 34 populations of Oryza rufipogon across its range. We further compared the responses of population transplants at two experimental gardens: one beyond its northern natural range and another near the southern limit, to assess the nature of geographic variation in plant nutrients. The study showed that leaf P of O. rufipogon in the field was negatively correlated with latitude and largely depended on temperature and soil P availability. Leaf N was not related to latitude but was significantly correlated with precipitation and soil N concentration. Leaf N:P ratio was largely determined by absorption efficiency of P. Transplantation revealed that there were no significant associations of leaf nutrients with geographic, climatic or soil variables of origin in either of the experimental gardens, indicating phenotypic plasticity. However, examination of relationships between response ratios of leaf nutrients and change ratio of climate and soil environments, as well as norms of reaction in the transplantation experiment, revealed more complexity, suggesting both substantial genotypic diversity and the existence of genotype × environment interactions in these populations of O. rufipogon. These data indicate that adaptive plasticity response of plants to temperature and soil P availability significantly explain the observed shifts in leaf N, P and N:P of O. rufipogon along latitudinal gradients.
Introduction to causal diagrams for confounder selection
Authors: Williamson Elizabeth J. , Aitken Zoe , Lawrie Jock , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Burgess John A. , Forbes Andrew B. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIn respiratory health research, interest often lies in estimating the effect of an exposure on a health outcome. If randomization of the exposure of interest is not possible, estimating its effect is typically complicated by confounding bias. This can often be dealt with by controlling for the variables causing the confounding, if measured, in the statistical analysis. Common statistical methods used to achieve this include multivariable regression models adjusting for selected confounding variables or stratification on those variables. Therefore, a key question is which measured variables need to be controlled for in order to remove confounding. An approach to confounder‐selection based on the use of causal diagrams (often called directed acyclic graphs) is discussed. A causal diagram is a visual representation of the causal relationships believed to exist between the variables of interest, including the exposure, outcome and potential confounding variables. After creating a causal diagram for the research question, an intuitive and easy‐to‐use set of rules can be applied, based on a foundation of rigorous mathematics, to decide which measured variables must be controlled for in the statistical analysis in order to remove confounding, to the extent that is possible using the available data. This approach is illustrated by constructing a causal diagram for the research question: ‘Does personal smoking affect the risk of subsequent asthma?’. Using data taken from the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study, the statistical analysis suggested by the causal diagram approach was performed.
Is India Shining?
Authors: Banerjee Anurag , Banik Nilanjan 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe popular perception about economic reforms having benefitted only the richer districts of India between 1999/2000 and 2004/2005 is investigated. Using the spatial dynamics of district‐level per‐capita income it was found that income distribution did not change between the years examined. It is argued that this is because of per‐capita income across districts being spatially positively correlated. Physical infrastructure, human capital, and factories are identified as factors responsible for increase in income for both the rich as well as the poor districts. Infrastructure, physical or social, is a key component of growth in India. A policy impact analysis shows development of better drainage and potable water systems has a large impact on income. For the year 2001/02, it was found that for every 1% increase in closed drainage system and potable water, district‐level median income increases by 1.39% and 0.21%, respectively.
Bank Ownership and Efficiency in the Aftermath of Financial Crises: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Parinduri Rasyad A. , Riyanto Yohanes E. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis paper examines the relationship between types of ownership of banks and their efficiency in the aftermath of a financial crisis using Greene's “true” panel data stochastic frontier model, which takes into account unobserved heterogeneity among banks. The Indonesian banking sector is analyzed using financial data of 144 banks operating in Indonesia over the period of 2000Q4–2005Q2. In the aftermath of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the cost efficiency of all banks improves over time on average. However, there is some evidence that, as these banks improve their efficiency, state‐owned banks are the least efficient banks while joint‐venture and foreign‐owned banks are the most efficient.
Adaptor Protein2 (AP2) Orchestrates CXCR2‐Mediated Cell Migration
Authors: Raman Dayanidhi , Sai Jiqing , Hawkins Oriana , Richmond Ann 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe chemokine receptor CXCR2 is vital for inflammation, wound healing, angiogenesis, cancer progression and metastasis. Adaptor protein 2 (AP2), a clathrin binding heterotetrameric protein comprised of α, β2, μ2 and σ2 subunits, facilitates clathrin‐mediated endocytosis. Mutation of the LLKIL motif in the CXCR2 carboxyl‐terminal domain (CTD) results in loss of AP2 binding to the receptor and loss of ligand‐mediated receptor internalization and chemotaxis. AP2 knockdown also results in diminished ligand‐mediated CXCR2 internalization, polarization and chemotaxis. Using knockdown/rescue approaches with AP2‐μ2 mutants, the binding domains were characterized in reference to CXCR2 internalization and chemotaxis. When in an open conformation, μ2 Patch 1 and Patch 2 domains bind tightly to membrane PIP2 phospholipids. When AP2‐μ2, is replaced with μ2 mutated in Patch 1 and/or Patch 2 domains, ligand‐mediated receptor binding and internalization are not lost. However, chemotaxis requires AP2‐μ2 Patch 1, but not Patch 2. AP2‐σ2 has been demonstrated to bind dileucine motifs to facilitate internalization. Expression of AP2‐σ2 V88D and V98S dominant negative mutants resulted in loss of CXCR2 mediated chemotaxis. Thus, AP2 binding to both membrane phosphatidylinositol phospholipids and dileucine motifs is crucial for directional migration or chemotaxis. Moreover, AP2‐mediated receptor internalization can be dissociated from AP2‐mediated chemotaxis.
The natural killer–activating receptor, NKG2D, on CD3+CD8+ T cells plays a critical role in identifying and killing autologous myeloma cells
Authors: Talebian Laleh , Fischer Dawn A. , Wu Jillian , Channon Jacqueline Y. , Sentman Charles L. , Ernstoff Marc S. , Meehan Kenneth R. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundThe NKG2D receptor, one of the natural killer (NK) cell–activating receptors, is expressed on the surface of CD3+CD8+ T cells, γδ+ T cells, NK cells, NKT cells, and a few CD4+ T cells. We show, for the first time, a critical role for the NKG2D receptor on CD3+CD8+ T cells isolated from myeloma patients, in identifying and killing autologous myeloma cells isolated from the same patients’ marrow. We also show that blocking NKG2D using anti‐NKG2D reverses the cytotoxicity while blocking HLA‐I using antibodies does not have the same effect, showing that the autologous cytotoxicity is NKG2D dependent and major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐I independent. We further confirmed the NKG2D specificity by small interfering RNA (siRNA) down regulation of NKG2D receptor.Study Design and MethodsUsing ex vivo expansion methods that enrich for NKG2D+CD3+CD8+ T cells, we investigated whether these ex vivo expanded NKG2D+CD3+CD8+ T cells would recognize and lyse autologous and allogeneic myeloma cells, independent of T‐cell receptor or MHC‐I expression.ResultsMyeloma cell lysis by the NKG2D+CD3+CD8+ T cells correlated with the amount of NKG2D ligand expression. With receptor–ligand interaction, interferon‐γ and tumor necrosis factor‐α were released. Blocking the NKG2D receptor by using either monoclonal antibodies or siRNAs inhibited the receptor's function and prevented myeloma cell lysis.ConclusionClinical trials are ongoing to determine a correlation with the number and function of NKG2D+CD3+CD8+ T cells and clinical outcomes in transplanted myeloma patients, including lymphocyte recovery following transplant and overall survival.
Vector variational inequalities and their relations with vector optimization
Authors: Suneja Surjeet Kaur , Kohli Bhawna 
Published: January 2014

In this paper, K- quasiconvex, K- pseudoconvex and other related functions have been introduced in terms of their Clarke subdifferentials, where is an arbitrary closed convex, pointed cone with nonempty interior. The (strict, weakly) -pseudomonotonicity, (strict) K- naturally quasimonotonicity and K- quasimonotonicity of Clarke subdifferential maps have also been defined. Further, we introduce Minty weak (MVVIP) and Stampacchia weak (SVVIP) vector variational inequalities over arbitrary cones. Under regularity assumption, we have proved that a weak minimum solution of vector optimization problem (VOP) is a solution of (SVVIP) and under the condition of K- pseudoconvexity we have obtained the converse for MVVIP (SVVIP). In the end we study the interrelations between these with the help of strict K-naturally quasimonotonicity of Clarke subdifferential map.
Real-ear acoustical characteristics of impulse sound generated by golf drivers and the estimated risk to hearing: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhao Fei , Bardsley Barry 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesThis study investigated real-ear acoustical characteristics in terms of the sound pressure levels (SPLs) and frequency responses in situ generated from golf club drivers at impact with a golf ball. The risk of hearing loss caused by hitting a basket of golf balls using various drivers was then estimated.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThe three driver clubs were chosen on the basis of reflection of the commonality and modern technology of the clubs. The participants were asked to choose the clubs in a random order and hit six two-piece range golf balls with each club. The experiment was carried out at a golf driving range in South Wales, UK.Participants19 male amateur golfers volunteered to take part in the study, with an age range of 19–54 years.Outcome measuresThe frequency responses and peak SPLs in situ of the transient sound generated from the club at impact were recorded bilaterally and simultaneously using the GN Otometric Freefit wireless real-ear measurement system. A swing speed radar system was also used to investigate the relationship between noise level and swing speed.ResultsDifferent clubs generated significantly different real-ear acoustical characteristics in terms of SPL and frequency responses. However, they did not differ significantly between the ears. No significant correlation was found between the swing speed and noise intensity. On the basis of the SPLs measured in the present study, the percentage of daily noise exposure for hitting a basket of golf balls using the drivers described above was less than 2%.ConclusionsThe immediate danger of noise-induced hearing loss for amateur golfers is quite unlikely. However, it may be dangerous to hearing if the noise level generated by the golf clubs exceeded 116 dBA.
Diffusion of an evidence-based smoking cessation intervention through Facebook: a randomised controlled trial study protocol
Authors: Cobb Nathan K , Jacobs Megan A , Saul Jessie , Wileyto E Paul , Graham Amanda L 
Published: January 2014

IntroductionOnline social networks represent a potential mechanism for the dissemination of health interventions including smoking cessation; however, which elements of an intervention determine diffusion between participants is unclear. Diffusion is frequently measured using R, the reproductive rate, which is determined by the duration of use (t), the ‘contagiousness’ of an intervention (β) and a participant's total contacts (z). We have developed a Facebook ‘app’ that allows us to enable or disable various components designed to impact the duration of use (expanded content, proactive contact), contagiousness (active and passive sharing) and number of contacts (use by non-smoker supporters). We hypothesised that these elements would be synergistic in their impact on R, while including non-smokers would induce a ‘carrier’ state allowing the app to bridge clusters of smokers.Methods and analysisThis study is a fractional factorial, randomised control trial of the diffusion of a Facebook application for smoking cessation. Participants recruited through online advertising are randomised to 1 of 12 cells and serve as ‘seed’ users. All user interactions are tracked, including social interactions with friends. Individuals installing the application that can be traced back to a seed participant are deemed ‘descendants’ and form the outcome of interest. Analysis will be conducted using Poisson regression, with event count as the outcome and the number of seeds in the cell as the exposure.ResultsThe results will be reported as a baseline R0 for the reference group, and incidence rate ratio for the remainder of predictors.Ethics and DisseminationThis study uses an abbreviated consent process designed to minimise barriers to adoption and was deemed to be minimal risk by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Results will be disseminated through traditional academic literature as well as social media. If feasible, anonymised data and underlying source code are intended to be made available under an open source license.ClinicalTrials.gov registration numberNCT01746472.