bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the Analysis of Hybrid Designs that Combine Group- and Individual-Level Data
Authors: Smoot E. , Haneuse S. 
Published: September 2014

Summary
Ecological studies that make use of data on groups of individuals, rather than on the individuals themselves, are subject to numerous biases that cannot be resolved without some individual-level data. In the context of a rare outcome, the hybrid design for ecological inference efficiently combines group-level data with individual-level case-control data. Unfortunately, except in relatively simple settings, use of the design in practice is limited since evaluation of the hybrid likelihood is computationally prohibitively expensive. In this article we first propose and develop an alternative representation of the hybrid likelihood. Second, based on this new representation, a series of approximations are proposed that drastically reduce computational burden. A comprehensive simulation shows that, in a broad range of scenarios, estimators based on the approximate hybrid likelihood exhibit the same operating characteristics as the exact hybrid likelihood, without any penalty in terms of increased bias or reduced efficiency. Third, in settings where the approximations may not hold, a pragmatic estimation and inference strategy is developed that uses the approximate form for some likelihood contributions and the exact form for others. The strategy gives researchers the ability to balance computational tractability with accuracy in their own settings. Finally, as a by-product of the development, we provide the first explicit characterization of the hybrid aggregate data design which combines data from an aggregate data study (Prentice and Sheppard, 1995, Biometrika 82, 113–125) with case–control samples. The methods are illustrated using data from North Carolina on births between 2007 and 2009.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Technetium‐99m‐Labeled Bioreductive Pharmacophores Conjugated with Amino Acids and Peptides for Tumor Imaging
Authors: Baishya Rinku , Nayak Dipak K. , Karmakar Sanmoy , Chattopadhyay Sankha , Sachdeva Satbir S. , Sarkar Bharat R. , Ganguly Shantanu , Debnath Mita C. 
Published: September 2014

Development of molecular imaging agents to target tumor has become a major trend in nuclear medicine. With the aim to develop new potential 99mTc‐radiopharmaceuticals for targeting tumor, we have synthesized 5‐nitroimidazolyl amino acids and RGD‐coupled 2‐nitroimidazoles. Technetium‐99m radiolabeling with high radiochemical purity (>90%) was achieved for all the compounds. The radiolabeled complexes exhibited substantial in vitro stability in saline, serum, and histidine solution (10−2 m). Cell binding studies in EAC and B16F10 cell lines also revealed rapid and comparatively high cellular internalization. Among all the compounds studied, the binding of 99mTc(CO)3‐5 to B16F10 cells was moderately inhibited by the competitive peptide c[RGDfV], suggesting specificity of the radioligand toward αvβ3 receptor. However, no significant displacement of bound radioligand was observed when the binding of the 99mTc‐labeled complexes to above cells was challenged with excess competitive peptide. Fluorescent microscopy study provided direct evidence of intracellular localization of 5(6)‐carboxyfluorescein‐labeled 2‐nitroimidazolyl‐RGD‐peptide in αvβ3‐positive B16F10 mouse melanoma cell line. The ligands caused only 8–13% of hemolysis toward rat erythrocytes at concentrations as high as 100 μm. Imaging and biodistribution studies were performed in Swiss albino mice bearing induced tumor. 99mTc‐1 and 99mTc(CO)3‐5 demonstrated a very favorable in vivo profile. Selective uptake and retention in tumor with encouraging tumor/muscle and tumor/blood ratio and significant cellular uptake of fluorescence‐labeled‐2‐nitroimidazolyl RGD indicate the great potentiality of the pharmacophore for further evaluation as potential molecular imaging agent in cancer diagnosis.
Design, Synthesis, and Cercaricidal Activity of Novel High‐efficient, Low‐toxic Self‐spreading PEG‐N‐salicylanilide Derivatives Against Cercariae Larvae of Schistosome Japonicum Floating on the Water Surface
Authors: Guo Wei , Zheng Lv‐Yin , Wu Ren‐Miao , Fan Xiao‐Lin 
Published: September 2014

Novel cercaricides of PEG‐N‐salicylanilide derivatives that could self‐spread and float on the water surface were designed and synthesized according to the particular habit of cercariae larvae of Schistosome japonicum. The structures of the cercaricides were characterized by the infrared spectra (IR), magnetic resonance (1H NMR), and mass spectrum (MS). The images of the floating cercaricides on the water surface were investigated by the Brewster angle microscopy (BAM). When the cercaricides were dropped on the water surface, they could spread along the air–water interface automatically and form thin membranes floating on the water surface immediately. The lethality rate of cercariae for 5a and 6a was more than 90% in 120 min at a surface concentration of 0.008 mg/cm2. The non‐ionic surfactant–cercaricides not only showed strong cercaricidal activities against the cercariae larvae but also exhibited low toxicities, which offered an effective and environment‐friendly approach for the reduction of population infection rate and the realization of schistosome control.
Perceptual Fluency and Judgments of Vocal Aesthetics and Stereotypicality
Authors: Babel Molly , McGuire Grant 
Published: September 2014

AbstractResearch has shown that processing dynamics on the perceiver's end determine aesthetic pleasure. Specifically, typical objects, which are processed more fluently, are perceived as more attractive. We extend this notion of perceptual fluency to judgments of vocal aesthetics. Vocal attractiveness has traditionally been examined with respect to sexual dimorphism and the apparent size of a talker, as reconstructed from the acoustic signal, despite evidence that gender‐specific speech patterns are learned social behaviors. In this study, we report on a series of three experiments using 60 voices (30 females) to compare the relationship between judgments of vocal attractiveness, stereotypicality, and gender categorization fluency. Our results indicate that attractiveness and stereotypicality are highly correlated for female and male voices. Stereotypicality and categorization fluency were also correlated for male voices, but not female voices. Crucially, stereotypicality and categorization fluency interacted to predict attractiveness, suggesting the role of perceptual fluency is present, but nuanced, in judgments of human voices.
Development of two alternative Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification tools for detecting pathogenic pine wood nematodes
Authors: Kang J. S. , Kim A.‐Y. , Han H. R. , Moon Y. S. , Koh Y. H. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryLoop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) detection tools have great potential for diagnosing the causal agents of infectious diseases in clinics and in agriculture. In this work, we developed two alternative LAMP protocols for detecting the pathogenic nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, causal agent of pine wilt disease. We first identified a pectate lyase 3 gene as a biomarker for developing a LAMP Detection Kit, as there was no homologue in non‐pathogenic nematodes that live in pine timber or bark and show structural similarities to B. xylophilus. The first LAMP protocol used the Genie II equipment and an isothermal master mix containing Geobacillus sp. M 2.0 large fragment DNA polymerase showed approximately 10 times greater sensitivity with a shorter incubation period compared with that of the second LAMP protocol, which utilized a fluorescence metal indicator, calcein and an engineered Bacillus stearothermophilus DNA polymerase I, large fragment (Bst 2.0 DNA polymerase). However, the LAMP reactions with calcein and Bst 2.0 polymerase were the cost‐effective method because the reaction could be performed using a simple isothermal block and relatively inexpensive calcein as a fluorescence indicator visible to the naked eye.
Microscale Laser Surgery Demonstrates the Grasping Function of the Male Sex Combs in Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila bipectinata
Authors: Hurtado‐Gonzales Jorge L. , Gallaher Wesley , Warner Alexandra , Polak Michal 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMale secondary sexual traits of animals are richly diversified in form and complexity, yet there are many species in which their precise function remains unknown. Within the genus Drosophila, species belonging to the melanogaster and obscura species groups have evolved a remarkable variety of sex combs, male‐limited secondary sexual traits located on the tarsi of both front legs. Information concerning sex comb function is minimal or absent, except for D. melanogaster, where previous studies indicate that the sex combs are used for grasping the female prior to copulation. These studies, however, do not unambiguously demonstrate comb function, because it has not been possible to ascribe observed behavioral outcomes of the various comb manipulations to changes in the combs per se. We used microscale laser surgery to manipulate comb size in D. melanogaster and D. bipectinata, and tested the hypothesis that the sex combs function as grasping devices in courtship, making them essential for copulation to ensue. Results of high‐resolution behavioral analysis in small observation arenas demonstrated that in both species in which sex combs were surgically eliminated, males were unable to grasp, mount or copulate. The combless foretarsi of these altered males slipped off the end (D. melanogaster) and sides (D. bipectinata) of the female abdomen when courting males attempted to grasp. In most cases, males whose sex combs were reduced but not completely removed exhibited similar copulation probabilities as surgical control males, a result we demonstrated in observation chambers as well as under more ecologically realistic conditions inside population cages where males and females interacted on the surface of fruit substrates. Thus, the sex combs in D. melanogaster and D. bipectinata are grasping devices, essential for mounting and copulation.
The Effects of a Multiple Family Therapy on Adolescents with Eating Disorders: An Outcome Study
Authors: Gelin Zoé , Fuso Silvana , Hendrick Stephan , Cook‐Darzens Solange , Simon Yves 
Published: September 2014

Multiple Family Therapy (MFT) has gained increasing popularity in the treatment of eating disorders and many programs have been developed over the past decade. Still, there is little evidence in the literature on the effectiveness on MFT for treating eating disorders. The present study examines the effects of a particular model of Multiple Family Therapy on eating disorder symptoms, quality of life, and percentage of Expected Body Weight (%EBW) in adolescents with eating disorders (ED). Eighty‐two adolescents with ED, aged between 11 and 19 years, were assessed before and after treatment using the Eating Disorders Inventory 2 (EDI‐2), the Outcome Questionnaire 45 (OQ‐45) and %EBW. Results showed a significant increase in %EBW between the beginning and end of treatment, with a large effect size. 52.4% of patients achieved an EBW above 85%. Symptoms relative to all EDI dimensions (except for bulimia) significantly decreased during treatment. The three dimensions related to quality of life assessment also improved over the course of MFT. At the end of treatment, 70.7% of patients had a total OQ‐45 score below clinical significance. This study suggests that Multiple Family Therapy may benefit adolescents with eating disorders, with improvement on several outcome measures (%EBW, ED symptoms, and quality of life). However, the lack of a comparison group entails caution when drawing conclusions.
Knockdown of Sec8 enhances the binding affinity of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK)‐interacting protein 4 for mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MKK4) and suppresses the phosphorylation of MKK4, p38, and JNK, thereby inhibiting apoptosis
Authors: Tanaka Toshiaki , Iino Mitsuyoshi , Goto Kaoru 
Published: September 2014

The exocyst complex, also called the Sec6/8 complex, is important for targeting exocytic vesicles to specific docking sites on the plasma membrane in yeast and mammalian cells. In addition to these original findings, recent results of studies suggest that Sec8 is also involved in oncogenesis, although the functional implications of Sec8 in cancer cells are not well understood. c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase‐interacting protein 4 (JIP4) is a scaffold protein that plays a crucial role in the regulation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascades. The present study examined how Sec8 is involved in JIP4‐mediated MAPK signaling under apoptotic conditions. It was found that Sec8 binds to and regulates JIP4, and that knockdown of Sec8 enhances the binding of JIP4 to MAPK kinase 4, thereby decreasing the phosphorylation of MAPK kinase 4, JNK, and p38. These results raise the possibility that Sec8 serves as an important regulator of MAPK signaling cascades.Structured digital abstract

Sec8 physically interacts with JIP4 by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

JIP4 physically interacts with Sec8 by anti bait coip (View interaction)

Sec8 and JIP4 colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)
Epigenetic control of adult skeletal muscle stem cell functions
Authors: Segalés Jessica , Perdiguero Eusebio , Muñoz‐Cánoves Pura 
Published: September 2014

Skeletal muscle regeneration in the adult (de novo myogenesis) depends on a resident population of muscle stem cells (satellite cells) that are normally quiescent. In response to injury or stress, satellite cells are activated and expand as myoblast cells that differentiate and fuse to form new muscle fibers or return to quiescence to maintain the stem cell pool (self‐renewal). Satellite cell‐dependent myogenesis is a well‐characterized multi‐step process orchestrated by muscle‐specific transcription factors, such as Pax3/Pax7 and members of the MyoD family of muscle regulatory factors, and epigenetically controlled by mechanisms such as DNA methylation, covalent modification of histones and non‐coding RNAs. Recent results from next‐generation genome‐wide sequencing have increased our understanding about the highly intricate layers of epigenetic regulation involved in satellite cell maintenance, activation, differentiation and self‐renewal, and their cross‐talk with the muscle‐specific transcriptional machinery.
Development of multiple ordered fracture in an elastic homogeneous, structured and layered medium
Authors: Goldstein R. V. , Osipenko N. M. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTMechanical models of a series of fracture processes accompanied by formation of structures of fracture (ordered systems of cracks (violations)) are presented. The models are based on the fracture mechanics concepts and account for an influence of an initial structure and texture of material (medium) and loading conditions. Attention is paid to the model of linear structures of fracture formation in a porous material (medium) under the combined action of compression and tension. An influence of various mechanisms of local brittle fracture in the vicinities of pores and microcracks on the material bearing capacity at complex stress state is considered. Possibilities of a hierarchy of echelon‐like crack systems formation near a macroconcentrator of stresses are illustrated by experiments on fracture near a macrocut (notch) of longitudinal shear. A model of the process is also discussed.
Evaluation of three current methods for including the mean stress effect in fatigue crack growth rate prediction
Authors: Duran J. A. R. , Hernandez C. T. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe fatigue crack growth rates curves of engineering materials depend on two parameters. In addition to the dependence on the classical stress intensity factor (SIF) range ΔK, there is a dependence on the mean load (or mean SIF), mainly in the near‐threshold region. The present paper provides some useful suggestions and good practices for using three of the current available methods to reduce this second dependence through the use of tuning constants. The methods considered here are the Elber, Walker and Vasudevan (or unified approach). For each approach, multiple regression analyses are performed on experimental data from the literature, and the correlations in two and three dimensions are graphically analyzed. Numerical examples of crack growth analysis for cracks growing under nominal stresses of constant amplitude in single‐edge and notch/hole geometries are performed, assuming an identical material component to that of the available experimental data. The resulting curves of crack size versus number of cycles (a versus N) are then compared. All three models gave approximately the same (a versus N) curves in both geometries. Differences between the behaviors of the (a versus N) curves in both geometries are highlighted, and the reasons for these particular behaviors are discussed.
Experimental study on fatigue failure and damage of sandwich structure with PMI foam core
Authors: Yang F.P. , Lin Q.Y. , Jiang J.J. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractSandwich structures consisting of aluminium skin sheets and polymethacrylimide foam core have been gradually used in the high‐speed trains. The static mechanical properties and fatigue damage of the sandwich structures with polymethacrylimide foam core were experimented in three‐point bending and were discussed. The failure mode is identified as local indentation. The static strength was obtained, and it showed good consistency with the forecasting formula. The fatigue property and damage evolution were also researched under cyclic loading. The fatigue life curve and the fitting formula were submitted. The fatigue damage evolution started from the skin sheet fracture and then the foam core indentation. The displacement at the midpoint as the damage parameter was discussed, and the evolution prediction formula was submitted, which showed great agreement with the experimental results.
Survival of Norway spruce remains higher in mixed stands under a dryer and warmer climate
Authors: Neuner Susanne , Albrecht Axel , Cullmann Dominik , Engels Friedrich , Griess Verena C. , Hahn W. Andreas , Hanewinkel Marc , Härtl Fabian , Kölling Christian , Staupendahl Kai , Knoke Thomas 
Published: September 2014

AbstractShifts in tree species distributions caused by climatic change are expected to cause severe losses in the economic value of European forestland. However, this projection disregards potential adaptation options such as tree species conversion, shorter production periods, or establishment of mixed species forests. The effect of tree species mixture has, as yet, not been quantitatively investigated for its potential to mitigate future increases in production risks. For the first time, we use survival time analysis to assess the effects of climate, species mixture and soil condition on survival probabilities for Norway spruce and European beech. Accelerated Failure Time (AFT) models based on an extensive dataset of almost 65 000 trees from the European Forest Damage Survey (FDS) – part of the European‐wide Level I monitoring network – predicted a 24% decrease in survival probability for Norway spruce in pure stands at age 120 when unfavorable changes in climate conditions were assumed. Increasing species admixture greatly reduced the negative effects of unfavorable climate conditions, resulting in a decline in survival probabilities of only 7%. We conclude that future studies of forest management under climate change as well as forest policy measures need to take this, as yet unconsidered, strongly advantageous effect of tree species mixture into account.
Macroscale prediction of autumn leaf coloration throughout the continental United States
Authors: Jeong Su‐Jong , Medvigy David 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimPrevious studies have shown that warming temperatures can affect the phenology of cold deciduous forests, delaying the timing of leaf coloration. However, these works have principally been based on observations from a small number of sites. Consequently it has been challenging to infer continental‐scale variations in the phenology of individual deciduous forest species and the extent to which there may be underlying climate drivers for these variations. To address that problem, this study evaluated and predicted the large‐scale variations of leaf colouring by using macroscale observations and models.LocationNorth America.MethodsWe developed leaf colouring models using select observations (1) from Harvard Forest only and (2) from both Harvard Forest and a new, ground‐based, Alaskan dataset from the USA National Phenology Network (USA‐NPN). Both model types were evaluated using reserved observations from the continental‐scale USA‐NPN that were not used in model calibration. Validated models were then used to assess the spatial scaling and interspecies variation in the timing of leaf coloration. The sensitivity of the models to projected climate change was also evaluated.ResultsUsing a model calibrated only with data from Harvard Forest, significant biases were found in predictions of leaf colouring date for species with broad habitat ranges in the temperate to boreal regions. When calibration data from both Harvard Forest and Alaska were used, model performance improved throughout the whole continent. It was also found that species with similar shade tolerance could be described by similar models. Finally, the models indicated that climate change over the next century will affect leaf coloration in Alaska less than in the Harvard Forest region.Main conclusionsFor a given species, continental‐scale variations in the timing of autumn leaf coloration can be predicted using a model driven by photoperiod and daily temperature. The temperature sensitivity of the leaf colouring date is nonlinear, such that warmer regions have a larger temperature sensitivity than cooler regions. Species‐specific measurements from multiple environments are essential for model parameterization.
Risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic hepatitis B virus patients during nucleoside/nucleotide analog therapy
Authors: Orito Etsuro , Hasebe Chitomi , Kurosaki Masayuki , Osaki Yukio , Joko Kouji , Watanabe Hiroshi , Kimura Hiroyuki , Nishijima Norihiro , Kusakabe Atsunori , Izumi Namiki ,   the Japanese Red Cross Liver Network
Published: September 2014

AimSome patients develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during nucleoside/nucleotide analog (NA) therapy even if alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels are sufficiently reduced. The aim of this study is to identify the risk factors of development of HCC during NA therapy.MethodsSix hundred and two patients were analyzed who were continuously receiving NA for chronic HBV infection. The patients who developed HCC previously or within 1 year of therapy were excluded. In the patients studied, the median duration of therapy was 90 months. A total of 492 patients had chronic hepatitis (CH) and 110 had liver cirrhosis (LC).ResultsIn 602 patients, the rate of normalization of ALT, loss of serum HBV DNA and development of HCC were 90.4%, 55.4%, and 6.1%, respectively. The significant risk factors of development of HCC were LC status and duration of therapy. The annual incidence of HCC in LC patients was 2.53%/year, compared with 0.34%/year in CH patients. When the relation between the incidence of HCC and the response to therapy was evaluated, in patients with normalization of ALT level, loss of HBV DNA by real‐time polymerase chain reaction or hepatitis B e‐antigen seroconversion, the incidences of HCC was reduced to some extent. However, none of the patients who achieved hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance during NA therapy developed HCC.ConclusionLC status was the significant risk factor of development of HCC during NA therapy. However, none of the patients who showed HBsAg seroclearance developed HCC. The ultimate goal of therapy for reduced risk of HCC may be HBsAg seroclearance.