bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utilization of extracellular information before ligand-receptor binding reaches equilibrium expands and shifts the input dynamic range
Authors: Ventura Alejandra C. , Bush Alan , Vasen Gustavo , Goldín Matías A. , Burkinshaw Brianne , Bhattacharjee Nirveek , Folch Albert , Brent Roger , Chernomoretz Ariel , Colman-Lerner Alejandro 
Published: August 2014

SignificanceMany cell decisions depend on precise measurements of external ligands reversibly bound to receptors. Yeast cells orient in gradients of sex pheromone detecting differences in the amount of ligand-receptor complex. However, yeast can orient in gradients with nearly all receptors occupied. We describe a general systems-level mechanism, pre-equilibrium sensing and signaling (PRESS), which overcomes this saturation limit by shifting and expanding the input dynamic range to which cells can respond. PRESS requires that events downstream of the receptor be transient and faster than the time required for the receptor to reach equilibrium binding. Experiments and simulations show that PRESS operates in yeast and may help cells orient in gradients. Many ligand-receptor interactions are slow, suggesting that PRESS is widespread throughout eukaryotes.
Heptamethoxyflavone, a citrus flavonoid, suppresses inflammatory osteoclastogenesis and alveolar bone resorption
Authors: Matsumoto Chiho , Inoue Hiroki , Tominari Tsukasa , Watanabe Kenta , Hirata Michiko , Miyaura Chisato , Inada Masaki 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
We examined the effects of heptamethoxyflavone (HMF), a citrus flavonoid on inflammatory bone resorption. HMF suppressed the osteoclast formation and PGE2 production induced by IL-1. In mouse calvarial organ cultures, HMF attenuated the bone resorption elicited by LPS. HMF suppressed bone resorption in the mandibular alveolar bone. HMF may protect against inflammatory bone loss such as periodontal disease.
Journalism: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Hargreaves Ian 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Journalism has a central and profound impact on our world view; we find it everywhere from newspapers and television, to radio and the Internet. Journalism: A Very Short Introduction examines the world of contemporary journalism and reflects on the growth of social media, online, and electronic journalism. By looking not only at what journalism has been in the past, but also what it is becoming in the digital age, it examines the big issues relating to reportage, warfare, celebrity culture, privacy, ethics, and technology worldwide. It also explores the impact of issues such as the banking and financial crisis as well as the aftermath of the Leveson inquiry in the UK.
Sensitivity of Quantitative Traits to Mutational Effects, Number of Loci, and Population History
Authors: Schraiber Joshua G. , Landis Michael J. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWhen models of quantitative genetic variation are built from population genetic first principles, several assumptions are often made. One of the most important assumptions is that traits are controlled by many genes of small effect. This leads to a prediction of a Gaussian trait distribution in the population, via the Central Limit Theorem. Since these biological assumptions are often unknown or untrue, we characterized how finite numbers of loci or large mutational effects can impact the sampling distribution of a quantitative trait. To do so, we developed a neutral coalescent-based framework, allowing us to experiment freely with the number of loci and the underlying mutational model. Through both analytical theory and simulation we found the normality assumption was highly sensitive to the details of the mutational process, with the greatest discrepancies arising when the number of loci was small or the mutational kernel was heavy-tailed. In particular, fat-tailed mutational kernels result in multimodal sampling distributions for any number of loci. An empirical analysis of 7079 expressed genes in 49Neurospora crassastrains identified 116 genes with non-normal sampling distributions. Several genes showed evidence of multimodality and/or skewness, suggesting the importance of their genetic architecture. Since selection models and robust neutral models may produce qualitatively similar sampling distributions, we advise extra caution should be taken when interpreting model-based results for poorly understood systems of quantitative traits.
Manipulation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Signaling in the Arabidopsis Stomatal Lineage Reveals Motifs That Contribute to Protein Localization and Signaling Specificity
Authors: Lampard Gregory R. , Wengier Diego L. , Bergmann Dominique C. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
When multiple mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) components are recruited recurrently to transduce signals of different origins, and often opposing outcomes, mechanisms to enforce signaling specificity are of utmost importance. These mechanisms are largely uncharacterized in plant MAPK signaling networks. The Arabidopsis thaliana stomatal lineage was previously used to show that when rendered constitutively active, four MAPK kinases (MKKs), MKK4/5/7/9, are capable of perturbing stomatal development and that these kinases comprise two pairs, MKK4/5 and MKK7/9, with both overlapping and divergent functions. We characterized the contributions of specific structural domains of these four “stomatal” MKKs to MAPK signaling output and specificity both in vitro and in vivo within the three discrete cell types of the stomatal lineage. These results verify the influence of functional docking (D) domains of MKKs on MAPK signal output and identify novel regulatory functions for previously uncharacterized structures within the N termini of MKK4/5. Beyond this, we present a novel function of the D-domains of MKK7/9 in regulating the subcellular localization of these kinases. These results provide tools to broadly assess the extent to which these and additional motifs within MKKs function to regulate MAPK signal output throughout the plant.
REVIEW: Evidence of negative effects of anthropogenic structures on wildlife: a review of grouse survival and behaviour
Authors: Hovick Torre J. , Elmore R. Dwayne , Dahlgren David K. , Fuhlendorf Samuel D. , Engle David M. 
Published: September 2014

Summary

Anthropogenic structures such as those associated with energy development are a major threat to wildlife as a result of direct and indirect effects on populations. Species already imperilled as a result of habitat loss and alteration also may be the most threatened by rapidly increasing energy development, and these added pressures could lead to species extinctions and further declines in biodiversity.

Of particular concern are tetraonids (grouse spp.) which have life cycles that require large, intact habitats to persist. We searched the peer‐reviewed literature to assess impacts of six anthropogenic structures (i.e. oil and gas, fences, wind turbines, buildings, roads and power lines) on grouse survival and displacement behaviour across four different time periods in a grouse life cycle (i.e. year around, lekking, nesting and brooding).

We used 5 studies that examined a total of 23 study–structure combinations to assess displacement behaviour in grouse and found an average effect of −1·40 (95% CI: −1·50, −1·31), indicating that anthropogenic structures displace grouse. Similarly, we used 9 studies examining a total of 17 study–structure combinations to assess survival and found an average effect of −1·11 (95% CI: −1·33, −0·88), indicating a negative effect of structures on grouse survival.

Oil and gas structures had the greatest negative effect on displacement behaviour ( = −2·41, 95% CI: −3·28, −1·54), and of the periods of the life cycle examined, lek attendance was most affected ( = −4·85, 95% CI: −6·39, −3·31).

Synthesis and applications. This data‐driven synthesis reveals an overall negative effect of anthropogenic structures on grouse displacement behaviour and survival. Specifically, grouse were displaced and had lower survival in the presence of oil and gas structures and the presence of roads resulted in displacement behaviour. Too few studies existed to examine the specific effects of wind turbines and fences on displacement behaviour and the impact of wind turbines, fences, buildings and power lines on survival, which emphasizes the need for research assessing the influence of these structures on wildlife. Future management should focus on limiting the amount of oil and gas and road development in areas occupied by extant grouse populations, and if unavoidable, new infrastructure should be placed at low densities away from known lekking locations as leks appear sensitive to disturbance from anthropogenic structures.
A pilot investigation of a brief, needs‐led caregiver focused intervention in psychosis
Authors: Roddy Sarah , Onwumere Juliana , Kuipers Elizabeth 
Published: September 2014

Caregivers play an important role in the treatment and recovery of people with psychosis but they have different needs from service users and can experience significant distress as part of their role. Responding to caregiver needs is not readily identified as being the primary responsibility of clinical services that have limited resources. A small pilot study sought to evaluate the effect and acceptability of providing a brief, needs‐led intervention to long‐term caregivers of service users with psychosis. A two or three session, interactive and structured intervention, adapted from family work with psychosis, focused on facilitated carer access to reliable information about psychosis, goal setting and adaptive problem‐solving. Measures of affect, coping and care‐giving impact were completed at baseline and post‐intervention. Data for the first four caregivers who attended individual sessions are presented. Post‐intervention scores indicate reductions in levels of carer distress and depressive symptoms. Caregivers reported high levels of acceptability and satisfaction. Further studies are required to evaluate the impact of such interventions on a larger number and wider range of caregivers.Practitioner points
To date, it has proved difficult for clinical services to meet the needs of caregivers of service users with psychosis.
The caregivers of service users with psychosis have readily identifiable needs that can be met with a brief, structured, individualized and interactive intervention.
Offering a time‐limited intervention to carers who would like support with their role has benefits for both the caregivers and the service.
When Does Electricity Price Cap Regulation Become Distortionary?
Authors: Simshauser Paul 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAustralia has a deregulated national wholesale electricity market, a national network regulatory framework, but inconsistent state‐based regulated retail price caps in workably competitive markets. This article finds that asymmetric information and the complexity of energy markets means that a regulator, no matter how wise and well resourced, could never be expected to produce reliable estimates of competitive prices. If regulation represents a policy constraint, relying on long‐run concepts rather than short‐run prices is least damaging to the flow of capital and non‐linear pricing.
The Person Agreement System Of Wobzi Lavrung (Rgyalrongic, Tibeto‐Burman)
Authors: Lai Yunfan 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis article offers a description of the person agreement system of Wobzi Lavrung, a Tibeto‐Burman language spoken in Sichuan, China. The Lavrung language is still imperfectly described, and the aim of this paper is to contribute to the documentation of one of its dialects. The analysis follows the terminology proposed in Dryer (1986), Haspelmath (2005), Zuñiga (2006), and Malchukov et al. (2010). We discuss the inflectional affixes, the empathy hierarchy and the different types of transitive constructions in the language. Furthermore, the system under analysis is compared to related languages such as Rgyalrong and Rta'u.
Screening for pre‐eclampsia early in pregnancy: performance of a multivariable model combining clinical characteristics and biochemical markers
Authors: Giguère Y , Massé J , Thériault S , Bujold E , Lafond J , Rousseau F , Forest J‐C 
Published: September 2014

ObjectiveTo investigate the performance of a multivariable model combining a priori clinical characteristics and biomarkers to detect, early in pregnancy, women at higher risk of developing pre‐eclampsia (PE).DesignNested case–control study.SettingUniversity medical centre, Quebec, Canada (CHU de Québec).PopulationA total of 7929 pregnant women recruited between 10 and 18 weeks of gestation. In all, 350 developed hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP)—of which 139 had PE, comprising 68 with severe PE and 47 with preterm PE—and were matched with two women with a normal pregnancy.MethodsWe selected a priori clinical characteristics and promising markers to create multivariable logistic regression models: body mass index (BMI), mean arterial pressure (MAP), placental growth factor, soluble Fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1, pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A and inhibin A.Main outcome measuresPE, severe PE, preterm PE, HDP.ResultsAt false‐positive rates of 5 and 10%, the estimated detection rates were between 15% (5–29%) and 32% (25–39%), and between 39% (19–59%) and 50% (34–66%), respectively. Considering the low prevalence of PE in this population, the positive predictive values were 7% (5–9%) to 10% (7–13%) for PE and 2% (1–4%) to 4% (3–6%) in the preterm and severe PE subgroups. The multivariable model yielded areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUC) between 0.72 (0.61–0.81) and 0.78 (0.68–0.88). When only BMI and MAP were included in the model, the AUC were similar to those of the a priori model.ConclusionsIn a population with a low prevalence of preterm PE, a multivariable risk algorithm using an a priori combination of clinical characteristics and biochemical markers did not reach a performance justifying clinical implementation as screening test early in pregnancy.
Halo naevi and café au lait macule regression in a renal transplant patient on immunosuppression
Authors: Lolatgis Helena , Varigos George , Braue Anna , Scardamaglia Laura , Boyapati Ann , Winship Ingrid 
Published: September 2014

AbstractA case of halo naevi and café au lait macule regression in a renal transplant patient receiving long‐term immunosuppressive therapy is described. We propose the direct transfer of an auto‐reactive antibody, CD8 T‐cells or tumour necrosis factor α from the transplant donor to the recipient as a possible cause. We have also considered insufficient immunosuppressive therapy as a possible mechanism.
A simulation model to study maternal hyperoxygenation during labor
Authors: Bullens Lauren M. , van der Hout‐van der Jagt Marieke B. , Van Runnard Heimel Pieter J. , Oei Guid 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the effect of maternal hyperoxygenation on fetal oxygenation and fetal heart rate decelerations during labor, using a simulation model.DesignUse of a mathematical model that simulates feto–maternal hemodynamics and oxygenation, designed in Matlab R2012a.SettingClinical and engineering departments in the Netherlands.MethodsWe simulated variable and late fetal heart rate decelerations, caused by uterine contractions with a different contraction interval. We continuously recorded oxygen pressure in different feto–placental compartments and fetal heart rate, during maternal normoxia and during hyperoxygenation with 100% oxygen.Main outcome measuresChanges in oxygen pressure in the intervillous space, umbilical vein and arteries, fetal cerebral and microcirculation as well as fetal heart rate deceleration depth and duration.ResultsMaternal hyperoxygenation leads to an increase in fetal oxygenation: in the presence of variable decelerations, oxygen pressure in the intervillous space increased 9–10 mmHg and in the cerebral circulation 1–2 mmHg, depending on the contraction interval. In addition, fetal heart rate deceleration depth decreased from 45 to 20 beats per minute. In the presence of late decelerations, oxygen pressure in the intervillous space increased 7–10 mmHg and in the cerebral circulation 1–2 mmHg, depending on the contraction interval. The fetus benefited more from maternal hyperoxygenation when contraction intervals were longer.ConclusionsAccording to the simulation model, maternal hyperoxygenation leads to an increase in fetal oxygenation, especially in the presence of variable decelerations. In addition, in the presence of variable decelerations, maternal hyperoxygenation leads to amelioration of the fetal heart rate pattern.
Cancer antigen 125 after delivery in women with a normal pregnancy: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Szecsi Pal B. , Andersen Malene R. , Bjørngaard Brian , Hedengran Katrine K. , Stender Steen 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo establish reference intervals for cancer antigen 125 (CA‐125) in women with expected normal pregnancy, delivery, and early postpartum period.DesignProspective observational study.SettingDepartment of Clinical Biochemistry and Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Gentofte, Denmark.PopulationEight hundred and one women with expected normal pregnancies were investigated. Of these, 640 delivered vaginally, 82 by emergency cesarean section, and 79 by elective cesarean section; 720 women had uncomplicated pregnancies.MethodsSamples were collected at gestational weeks 13–20, 21–28, 29–34, 35–42, during labor, and on first and second day postpartum. Reference intervals were calculated for each gestational period as recommended by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine.Main outcome measuresConcentration of serum CA‐125 during the gestational period and around delivery.ResultsCA‐125 was fairly stable below 35 U/mL during pregnancy but increased markedly during vaginal delivery, to a minor degree during emergency cesarean section, and only slightly during elective cesarean section. In the early postpartum period, CA‐125 decreased with an apparent half‐life of 24 h.ConclusionsThe CA‐125 cut‐off value (<35 U/mL) used for non‐pregnant women can be used for women during pregnancy after gestational week 13 as a supplement to ultrasound evaluation of ovarian cysts. The wide range of CA‐125 concentration during normal pregnancies makes it unlikely that small fluctuations in CA‐125 can be clinically useful for identifying other conditions. Measuring CA‐125 around the time of delivery is not recommended. Gestational age‐specific reference intervals during normal pregnancy are not needed.
Co‐ordinated regulation of neurogenin‐3 expression in the maternal and fetal pancreas during pregnancy
Authors: Søstrup Birgitte , Gaarn Louise W. , Nalla Amarnadh , Billestrup Nils , Nielsen Jens H. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractObjectiveSeveral studies have shown increased beta cell mass during pregnancy in both rodents and humans. Proliferation of existing beta cells seems to be the predominant mechanism in rodents, whereas the mechanism in humans is unclear. We hypothesized that neogenesis contributes to the increased beta cell mass in pregnancy and that circulating factors are involved.SamplesPancreatic tissue from mice and rat and serum from pregnant women.MethodMorphometric analysis of pancreas of pregnant and nonpregnant mice was carried out by immunocytochemical staining for the neogenic marker neurogenin‐3. Messenger RNA levels of neurogenin‐3 and the transcription factor musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family protein B in fetal rat pancreas cells, cultured with serum from pregnant women, were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Main outcome measuresThe number of neurogenin‐3‐positive cells present in pregnant mice was increased compared with nonpregnant mice. Neurogenin‐3 and musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family protein B mRNA was detected in fetal rat pancreas exposed to serum from pregnant women.ResultsIn pregnant mice we found a 3.6‐fold increase in beta cell volume at day 18 compared with nonpregnant mice and a 3.5‐fold increase in neurogenin‐3 volume at day 14, mainly located in the acinar compartment where it was eightfold higher than in nonpregnant mice. In fetal rat pancreatic cells exposed to serum from pregnant women we found a marked increase in both neurogenin‐3 and musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family protein B mRNA levels in fibroblast‐like cells.ConclusionThese results suggest that neogenesis contributes to the increased beta cell mass in pregnancy and that circulating factors are involved in beta cell formation in both the maternal and fetal pancreas during pregnancy.
Impact of night shifts on laparoscopic skills and cognitive function among gynecologists
Authors: Veddeng Anne , Husby Thomas , Engelsen Ingeborg B. , Kent Andrew , Flaatten Hans 
Published: September 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo assess whether gynecologists have impaired laparoscopic skills and/or reduced cognitive function after long on‐call hours.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingDepartment of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Norway.Population28 gynecologists working long shifts in a single department.MethodsPre‐training of laparoscopic skills on a virtual reality simulator. Simulator‐ and cognitive testing on two different occasions; one in the morning after a normal nights' sleep at home and one in the morning directly after 17.5 h on call. The virtual reality simulator test consisted of three repetitive salpingectomies in an ectopic pregnancy module. The cognitive test consisted of a standardized cognitive test battery (Cambridge neuropsychological test automated battery).Main outcome measuresSimulated laparoscopic performance was assessed by time to perform the procedure, total length of instrument movement (tip trajectory) and blood loss. Cognitive function was assessed by reaction time, errors and total score.ResultsNo significant impairment in laparoscopic skills was found after 17.5 h on call. Cognitive testing revealed a statistically significant increase in reaction time post‐call. Construct validity for the metrics “time to perform procedure” and “tip trajectory” in the ectopic pregnancy module was established in a validation study prior to our main study.ConclusionsWe were not able to detect impaired laparoscopic skills among gynecologists tested by a virtual reality procedural module after 17.5 h on call. We found a small increase in reaction time but no other signs of reduced cognitive function. The study adds information on surgical performance of sleep‐deprived gynecologists.