bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Receptor tyrosine kinase profiles and human papillomavirus status in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cortelazzi Barbara , Verderio Paolo , Ciniselli Chiara Maura , Pizzamiglio Sara , Bossi Paolo , Gloghini Annunziata , Gualeni Ambra V. , Volpi Chiara C. , Locati Laura , Pierotti Marco A. , Licitra Lisa , Pilotti Silvana , Perrone Federica 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive and HPV‐negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) are two distinct entities. We defined the molecular profiles of druggable receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in both groups.Materials and methodsE5 expression and RTK alterations were studied in 17 HPV‐positive and 59 HPV‐negative formalin‐fixed OSCCs. RTK activation was explored in further 12 frozen OSCCs.ResultsThe HPV‐positive OSCCs showed E5 expression and 33.3% expressed low level of HER2. The HPV‐negative OSCCs showed HER2 expression (31.2%), increased HER2 gene copy number (46.51%, P = 0.045) and HER2 activation through HER2/EGFR heterodimerisation; HER3 (51.06%, P = 0.008) and neuregulin (65.63%; P = 0.03) expression, HER3 activation and HER3/EGFR heterodimerisation; and increased IGF‐1R copy number (40.50%, P = 0.021), high IGF‐1R cDNA values (P = 0.002), IGF‐1R activation and expression of IGF1/2 and amphiregulin. PI3KCA mutations/expression/increased gene copy number and PTEN mutations were found in both groups, whereas PTEN gene loss was only observed in the HPV‐positive cases.ConclusionHuman papillomavirus‐positive and HPV‐negative OSCC showed different RTK profiles. In HPV‐positive cases, it would be interesting to study the expression of E5, which may modulate EGFR turnover and activate VEGF and PDGFRβ. In HPV‐negative cases, HER3 may be a promising druggable biomarker that deserves further investigation. PI3KCA and PTEN alterations encourage the promising clinical evaluation of PI3K/mTOR inhibitor activity in OSCC, particularly in HPV‐positive/PI3KCA‐mutated OSCCs because they may be driven by PI3KCA mutation alone.
An Item Response Theory Analysis of the Sexual Compulsivity Scale and Its Correspondence with the Hypersexual Disorder Screening Inventory among a Sample of Highly Sexually Active Gay and Bisexual Men
Authors: Ventuneac Ana , Rendina H. Jonathon , Grov Christian , Mustanski Brian , Parsons Jeffrey T. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIntroductionNumerous scales and assessments are available to assess sexual compulsivity (SC).AimThis study sought to conduct an item response theory (IRT) analysis of the Sexual Compulsivity Scale (SCS) to provide evidence about its measurement precision at the various levels of the SC construct in a sample of highly sexually active gay and bisexual men (GBM).MethodsSCS data from a sample of 202 GBM who are highly sexually active but who vary in their experiences of SC symptoms were modeled using Samejima's polytomous graded response IRT model. To describe the performance of the SCS relative to the Hypersexual Disorder Screening Inventory (HDSI), SCS scores were compared with participants' corresponding HDSI results to determine sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy.Main Outcome MeasuresThis study examined the correspondence between the SCS and the HDSI, a diagnostic instrument for the screening of hypersexuality.ResultsIRT analyses indicated that, although two of the SCS items had low reliability, the SCS as a whole was reliable across much of the SC continuum. Scores on the SCS and the HDSI were highly correlated; however, no potential cutoffs on the SCS corresponded strongly with the polythetic scoring criteria of the HDSI.ConclusionComparisons of SCS scores with HDSI results indicated that the SCS itself could not serve as a substitute for the HDSI and would incorrectly classify a substantial number of individuals' levels of hypersexuality. However, the SCS could be a useful screening tool to provide a preliminary screening of people at risk for meeting criteria on the HDSI. Combining the SCS and the HDSI may be an appropriate evaluation strategy in classifying GBM as negative on both (i.e., “non-hypersexual/non-SC”), positive on the SCS only (i.e., “at risk”), and positive on both the SCS and the HDSI (i.e., “problematic hypersexuality/SC”).
Impaired Vigilance Is Associated with Erectile Dysfunction in Patients with Sleep Apnea
Authors: Popp Roland , Kleemann Yannick , Burger Maximilian , Pfeifer Michael , Arzt Michael , Budweiser Stephan 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is frequent in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and may act as a surrogate of endothelial dysfunction. Furthermore, impairments of vigilance and sustained attention are also commonly associated with OSA.

Aim
The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether there is an association between ED and sustained attention deficits.

Methods
A prospective cross-sectional cohort of 401 male in-patients undergoing diagnostic polysomnography for suspected OSA and a 25-minute sustained attention test was analyzed. ED was assessed using the 15-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) questionnaire. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) served as a measure of daytime sleepiness.

Main Outcome Measure
Severity of impaired erectile function (EF) assessed by the IIEF-15, core task parameters of the sustained attention test (i.e., CR: correct reactions; V-CR: variation of correct reactions, CE: commission errors, RT: reaction time; V-RT: variation of reaction times).

Results
Three hundred eighty-one consecutive patients presenting for in-lab polysomnography were included in the analysis. Impaired EF was diagnosed in 246 patients (65%). With increasing impairment of EF, patients scored significantly worse in all vigilance test parameters and demonstrated more severely diminished vigilance (normal EF: 11.9%, moderately impaired EF: 24.1%, and severely impaired EF: 34.9%). Multivariate regression analyses including established risk factors for ED, OSA, or sleepiness revealed a significant independent association between lower scores for EF and impairments on the following vigilance test variables: odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for V-CR: 0.52 (0.34–0.81), CE: 0.87 (0.80–0.95), and V-RT: 0.91 (0.87–0.96). The ESS was independently associated with both measures of performance instability: odds ratio for V-CR: 6.94 (2.97–16.23) and V-RT: 1.28 (1.14–1.44).

Conclusions
In OSA patients, the severity of impaired EF was associated with impaired vigilance performance, independent of other known risk factors for ED or OSA and not mediated by sleepiness. Potentially, the findings suggest a direct relationship between vascular or endothelial dysfunction and impairments in both EF and neurobehavioral cognitive function.
The African golden cat Caracal aurata: Africa's least‐known felid
Authors: Bahaa‐el‐din Laila , Henschel Philipp , Butynski Thomas M. , Macdonald David W. , Mills David , Slotow Rob , Hunter Luke 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The African golden cat Caracal aurata is endemic to tropical Africa. It is one of the world's least‐studied felids and is considered rare in most of its geographic range. The status of the African golden cat in the wild has never been rigorously assessed, but the species is increasingly threatened by habitat degradation, loss and fragmentation, and by unsustainable hunting.
We describe the African golden cat and review its taxonomy, distribution, ecology, behaviour, threats and conservation status. The information presented here is based on the literature and on new data from the first two intensive field studies on the species (underway in Gabon and Uganda).
The golden cat is phenotypically variable. Within the two main colour morphs, golden/reddish‐brown and grey, there is wide variation and intergradation. Both of these morphs occur throughout the species' range. Melanistic and chocolate‐brown morphs also occur but are uncommon.
Recent genetic analysis indicates that the golden cat is closely related to the caracal Caracal caracal, and it has, therefore, been changed from the genus Profelis to Caracal.
The golden cat is predominantly terrestrial and cathemeral. Its diet consists mainly of rodents and small ungulates.
Field studies in Gabon and Uganda have established that golden cats can be locally common. They are prone to capture by wire snares, however, and are absent in forests hunted at commercial scales.
Species‐focused camera trap surveys are effective for collecting distribution, abundance, population structure, ecological and behavioural data on golden cats.
Evidence‐based HIV pilot program for Chinese college students: Differences by gender
Authors: Tung Wei‐Chen , Serratt Teresa D. , Lu Minggen 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis study explored gender differences in the effectiveness of the translated VOICES (Video Opportunities for Condom Education and Safer Sex) intervention on the condom use intention, perceived benefits and barriers to condom use, condom use self‐efficacy, and HIV/AIDS knowledge among Chinese students in a US university. We utilized a pretest/post‐test quasi‐experimental design and recruited 67 Chinese students at the local university. Participants viewed a 20‐min video with Chinese subtitles, attended one 25‐min small group discussion and condom interactive educational activity. Female participants showed significantly greater mean scores of perceived benefits and condom use self‐efficacy, in comparison with male participants. Female participants also reported significantly higher scores than male participants in five of the perceived benefits items and one self‐efficacy item. These study results provide important information for developing more differentiated intervention strategies specific to gender for HIV and STI education programs.
Patterns and causes of observed piñon pine mortality in the southwestern United States
Authors: Meddens Arjan J. H. , Hicke Jeffrey A. , Macalady Alison K. , Buotte Polly C. , Cowles Travis R. , Allen Craig D. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryRecently, widespread piñon pine die‐off occurred in the southwestern United States. Here we synthesize observational studies of this event and compare findings to expected relationships with biotic and abiotic factors. Agreement exists on the occurrence of drought, presence of bark beetles and increased mortality of larger trees. However, studies disagree about the influences of stem density, elevation and other factors, perhaps related to study design, location and impact of extreme drought. Detailed information about bark beetles is seldom reported and their role is poorly understood. Our analysis reveals substantial limits to our knowledge regarding the processes that produce mortality patterns across space and time, indicating a poor ability to forecast mortality in response to expected increases in future droughts.

Contents

Summary
91

I.
Introduction
91

II.
Mortality mechanisms
92

III.
Methods
92

IV.
Results
92

V.
Discussion
94

VI.
Conclusions
96

Acknowledgements
96

References
96
Local‐scale biogeography and spatiotemporal variability in communities of mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Bahram Mohammad , Peay Kabir G. , Tedersoo Leho 
Published: December 2014

Summary

Knowledge of spatiotemporal patterns in species distribution is fundamental to understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes shaping communities. The emergence of DNA‐based tools has expanded the geographic and taxonomic scope of studies examining spatial and temporal distribution of mycorrhizal fungi. However, the nature of spatiotemporal patterns documented and subsequent interpretation of ecological processes can vary significantly from study to study. In order to look for general patterns we synthesize the available data across different sampling scales and mycorrhizal types. The results of this analysis shed light on the relative importance of space, time and vertical soil structure on community variability across different mycorrhizal types. Although we found no significant trend in spatiotemporal variation among mycorrhizal types, the vertical community variation was distinctly greater than the spatial and temporal variability in mycorrhizal fungal communities. Both spatial and temporal variability of communities was greater in topsoil compared with lower horizons, suggesting that greater environmental heterogeneity drives community variation on a fine scale. This further emphasizes the importance of both niche differentiation and environmental filtering in maintaining diverse fungal communities.
UVA irradiation of the eye modulates the contact hypersensitivity of the skin and intestines by affecting mast cells in mice
Authors: Yamate Yurika , Hiramoto Keiichi , Kasahara Emiko , Sato Eisuke F 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundUltraviolet A (UVA) irradiation before allergic sensitization induces immunosuppression, but the precise mechanism remained unclear. In this study, we examined the influence of UVA irradiation of the eye on contact hypersensitivity (CHS) and the role of mast cells in CHS.MethodsWe used two types of haptens, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC: a Th2 type hapten) and 4‐ethoxymethylene‐2‐phenyl‐2‐oxazolin‐5‐one (oxazolone: a Th1 type hapten). A 300 kJ/m2 dose of UVA irradiation was delivered to the eyes. After UVA irradiation, we sensitized abdominal shaved skin and challenged the ear epidermis and colons of these mice with each hapten.ResultsAfter UVA irradiation, the CHS of the skin and colon were not inhibited in the FITC‐sensitized mice. However, in the oxazolone‐sensitized mice, only the CHS of the skin was inhibited by UVA irradiation. The inflammation of the colon became more severe after UVA irradiation. In mast cell–deficient (W/Wv) mice sensitized to FITC, the CHS was weaker than that in WT mice. Moreover, the reduction of immunosuppression in ear swelling was seen for one of the two models they used.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the mast cells induced by UVA irradiation of the eye have different roles in the epidermis and colon and have different responses to different haptens.
Death of endemic Virgilia oroboides trees in South Africa caused by Diaporthe virgiliae sp. nov.
Authors: Machingambi N. M. , Dreyer L. L. , Oberlander K. C. , Roux J. , Roets F. 
Published: December 2014

Numerous dead and dying individuals of the Western Cape endemic tree Virgilia oroboides (Fabaceae) were recently observed within a South African national botanical garden. Root‐rot fungi and fungi symbiotic with bark beetles (Curculionidae; Scolytinae) from diseased trees were assessed for their respective roles in V. oroboides mortality. Disease progression was also monitored over 1 year. Fungi were isolated from surface sterilized bark and root samples from diseased trees and provisionally identified using data from the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS1, ITS2), including the 5·8S rRNA gene (ITS). Pathogenicity of selected fungi towards V. oroboides was tested under field conditions. The pathogenicity of various bark beetle‐associated Geosmithia (Hypocreales: Hypocreomycetidae) spp. from V. oroboides were similarly assessed. The only fungus consistently isolated from lesions on the roots and bark of declining V. oroboides, and never from healthy individuals, represented an undescribed Diaporthe (Diaporthales, Diaporthaceae) species that was characterized using molecular (using data from the ITS marker and part of the β‐tubulin gene, TUB), cultural and morphological characters. It is an aggressive pathogen of V. oroboides, newly described here as Diaporthe virgiliae sp. nov. Trees of all ages are susceptible to this pathogen with subsequent bark beetle attack of mature trees only. All Geosmithia spp. from beetles and/or infected trees were nonpathogenic towards V. oroboides. Diaporthe virgiliae caused a severe decline in the health of the monitored V. oroboides population over a period of only 1 year and should be considered as a significant threat to these trees.
We Need to Compare, but How? Measurement Equivalence in Comparative Public Administration
Authors: Jilke Sebastian , Meuleman Bart , Van de Walle Steven 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn addition to public administrations and public managers, there is increasing interest in studying citizens’ interactions with and views toward government from a comparative perspective in order to put theories to the test using cross‐national surveys. However, this will only succeed if we adequately deal with the diverse ways in which respondents in different countries and regions perceive and respond to survey measures. This article examines the concept of cross‐national measurement equivalence in public administration research and explores methods for establishing equivalence. Two methodologies are examined that test and correct for measurement nonequivalence: multiple‐group confirmatory factor analysis and multilevel mixture item response theory. These techniques are used to test and establish the cross‐national measurement equivalence of two popular measurement constructs: citizen satisfaction with public services and trust in public institutions. Results show that appropriately dealing with nonequivalence accounts for different forms of biases that otherwise would be undetected. The article contributes to the methodological advancement in studying public administration beyond domestic borders.
The evaluation of macroscopic and microscopic textures of sand grains using elliptic Fourier and principal component analysis: Implications for the discrimination of sedimentary environments
Authors: Suzuki Keita , Fujiwara Hajime , Ohta Tohru 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTA method that integrates elliptic Fourier and principal component analysis is a new development in the analysis of the shapes of sand grains. However, conventional elliptic Fourier and principal component analysis based on the variance–covariance matrix of the elliptic Fourier results can determine only the form of sand grains, and fails to quantify fine‐scale boundary smoothness of grains. In this study, sand grains from glacial, fluvial, foreshore and aeolian environments were analysed using both elliptic Fourier and principal component analysis and an extension of elliptic Fourier and principal component analysis based on the correlation matrix to extract information on grain form (macroscopic) and grain boundary smoothness (microscopic) separately. Conventional elliptic Fourier and principal component analysis based on the variance–covariance matrix produces macroscopic particle shape descriptors, such as the elongation index and bump indices. These indices indicate that sand grains exposed to subaqueous transportation (fluvial and foreshore) have forms that are more elongated than those exposed to subaerial transportation (aeolian dunes). However, elliptic Fourier and principal component analysis based on the correlation matrix is, in addition, able to extract microscopic particle features, which can be interpreted in terms of a boundary smoothness index. The boundary smoothness index indicates that the surfaces of glacial grains are the most rugged, whereas the surfaces of aeolian grains are the smoothest. On bivariate plots of the boundary smoothness and elongation indices, samples from fluvial, foreshore, aeolian and glacial environments cluster in discrete regions. In addition, the analysis reveals that glacial grains are exposed to different morphological maturation pathways than those from fluvial, foreshore and aeolian environments.
The yield of universal antibody to hepatitis B core antigen donor screening in theNetherlands, a hepatitis B virus low‐endemic country
Authors: van de Laar Thijs J. , Marijt‐van der Kreek Tanneke , Molenaar‐de Backer Marijke W. , Hogema Boris M. , Zaaijer Hans L. 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundIn theNetherlands, universal antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) donor screening was introduced inJuly 2011 to intercept potentially infectious donations slipping through hepatitisBsurface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B virus (HBV)DNAminipool screening (HBV DNA MP6).Study Design and MethodsThe yield and donor loss were evaluated after the first 2 years of universal anti‐HBcdonor screening. A total of 382,173 donors were tested for anti‐HBcand, if positive, for antibody to HBsAg (anti‐HBs). Anti‐HBc–reactive donors with anti‐HBsof less than 200 IU/Lwere deferred, but repeat donors were allowed retesting after 6 months if anti‐HBswas less than 10 IU/mL. Anti‐HBcfalse positivity was estimated using the crude anti‐HBcsignal, family name–based ethnicity scoring, and donor follow‐up.ResultsAnti‐HBcscreening identified 13 confirmed or potentialHBsAg‐ andHBV DNA MP6–negative recentHBVinfections. In addition, 820 anti‐HBc–reactive donors with low anti‐HBstiters (<200 IU/mL), potentially harboring occultHBVinfection (OBI), were identified and deferred. Overall, 1583 (0.41%) donors were deferred: 1178 (0.31%) during first‐time anti‐HBcscreening, 361 (0.09%) anti‐HBcseroconverters, and 44 (0.01%) donors with waning anti‐HBstiters. Only 188 of 1583 (12%) deferred donors could be reentered upon retesting. Estimated anti‐HBcfalse positivity was 16%, but varied greatly among anti‐HBc–reactive donors with and without anti‐HBs(8% vs. 62%).ConclusionAnti‐HBctesting has improved the safety of theDutch blood supply but its exact yield remains difficult to determine, due to the complexity of confirming anti‐HBcreactivity andOBI. In a low‐endemic country, donor loss associated with anti‐HBcscreening is sustainable, but adds to the already considerable list of donor exclusions.
THE ABSORPTION OF INORGANIC PHOSPHATE FROM THE SMALL INTESTINE OF THE RAT
Authors: McHardy G. J. R. , Parsons D. S. 
Published: December 2014

1. The net absorption of inorganic phosphate has been measured in the jejunum and ileum of male albino rats.2. The net absorption rate of inorganic phosphate increased with decreasing hydrogen‐ion concentration. No optimum value for absorption was found in the pH range 4·4 to 7·9.3. Increasing the concentration of phosphate in the intestinal lumen increased the net absorption rate linearly. No evidence for a rate‐limiting process was found.4. The absorption rate of phosphate was relatively uninfluenced by the tonicity of the intestinal contents, but was greatly diminished in the presence of low concentrations of sodium.5. The presence of 37 mM/l. glucose in the intestinal contents had no effect on the net absorption of phosphate.6. Inorganic phosphate was absorbed more rapidly from the jejunum than from the ileum: the difference in rate may be accounted for by the difference in mucosal area between the two regions.