bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
One-year mortality increases four-fold in frail patients undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Bäck Caroline , Hornum Mads , Jørgensen Morten Buus , Lorenzen Ulver Spangsberg , Olsen Peter Skov , Møller Christian H 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

An increased focus on biological age, ‘frailty’, is important in an ageing population including those undergoing cardiac surgery. None of the existing surgery risk scores European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II or Society of Thoracic Surgeons score incorporates frailty. Therefore, there is a need for an additional risk score model including frailty and not simply the chronological age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of frailty assessment on 1-year mortality and morbidity for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

METHODS
A total of 604 patients aged ≥65 years undergoing non-acute cardiac surgery were included in this single-centre prospective observational study. We compared 1-year mortality and morbidity in frail versus non-frail patients. The Comprehensive Assessment of Frailty (CAF) score was used: This is a score of 1–35 determined via minor physical tests. A CAF score ≥11 indicates frailty.

RESULTS
The median age was 73 years and 79% were men. Twenty-five percent were deemed frail. Frail patients had four-fold, odds ratios 4.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.21–9.69; P &lt; 0.001 increased 1-year mortality and increased risk of postoperative complications, i.e. surgical wound infections and prolonged hospital length of stay. A univariable Cox proportional hazards regression showed that an increased CAF score was a risk factor of mortality at any time after undergoing cardiac surgery (hazards ratios 1.11, 95% CI 1.07–1.14; P &lt; 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
CAF score identified frail patients undergoing cardiac surgery and was a good predictor of 1-year mortality.

Clinical trial registration number
NCT02992587.
Meta-analysis of bovine respiratory microbiota: link between respiratory microbiota and bovine respiratory health
Authors: Zeineldin Mohamed , A. Elolimy Ahmed , Barakat Radwa 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT
Bovine respiratory microbiota plays a significant role in bovine respiratory health. We conducted a meta-analysis using publicly available 16S rRNA gene datasets from the respiratory tract to characterize respiratory microbiota in feedlot cattle. Our aims were to determine the factors that influence microbiota development and to assess the differences in microbiota composition and diversity between healthy calves and those that developed bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Our results showed that the overall composition and diversity of respiratory microbiota in cattle were significantly affected by study design, 16S rRNA hypervariable region sequenced, health status, time since arrival to the feedlot, sampling sites in the respiratory tract and antibiotic treatment. Assessment of diversity indices showed a statistically significant difference between the BRD-affected cattle and healthy control calves. Using multivariate network analysis and Spearman's correlation analyses, we further distinguished the taxa that were commonly associated with BRD when the day of arrival to the feedlot was added to the model. The probability of being identified as BRD was significantly correlated with days 7, 12 and 14 following the calf's arrival to the feedlot. These findings could help in proposing strategies to further evaluate the link between respiratory microbiota and bovine respiratory health.
Finance Beyond the Bounds of the Fiscal-Military State: Debt, Speculation and the Renovation of Nineteenth-Century French Financial Capitalism
Authors: Leuchter Tyson 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Focusing on the Paris Stock Exchange in the early nineteenth century, this article examines the renovation of public debt and speculation following financial, political and military collapse. Though financial capitalism at the Exchange in the eighteenth century had been located mostly within the architecture of the fiscal-military state, the fallout of the Revolution and the defeat of the Napoleonic regime eliminated this option. Rather than military competition, financial capitalism at the Exchange in the nineteenth century was rebuilt by focusing inwards, by being linked to political values such as defined property rights, a particular vision of liberty and theories of representative government. Financial capitalism was still connected to empire, however; the reconstruction of financial capitalism at home helped to establish the conditions for exporting capital abroad, in the pursuit of informal empire. The article thus shows how financial capitalism came to be aligned with the political good in the post-revolutionary world.
The democratization of bioinformatics: A software engineering perspective
Authors: Lawlor Brendan , Sleator Roy D 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Today, thanks to advances in cloud computing, it is possible for small teams of software developers to produce internet-scale products, a feat that was previously the preserve of large organizations. Herein, we describe how these advances in software engineering can be made more readily available to bioinformaticians. In the same way that cloud computing has democratized access to distributed systems engineering for generalist software engineers, access to scalable and reproducible bioinformatic engineering can be democratized for generalist bioinformaticians and biologists. We present solutions, based on our own efforts, to achieve this goal.
Reduced chromatin accessibility underlies gene expression differences in homologous chromosome arms of diploid Aegilops tauschii and hexaploid wheat
Authors: Lu Fu-Hao , McKenzie Neil , Gardiner Laura-Jayne , Luo Ming-Cheng , Hall Anthony , Bevan Michael W 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
Polyploidy is centrally important in the evolution and domestication of plants because it leads to major genomic changes, such as altered patterns of gene expression, which are thought to underlie the emergence of new traits. Despite the common occurrence of these globally altered patterns of gene expression in polyploids, the mechanisms involved are not well understood.

Results
Using a precisely defined framework of highly conserved syntenic genes on hexaploid wheat chromosome 3DL and its progenitor 3 L chromosome arm of diploid Aegilops tauschii, we show that 70% of these gene pairs exhibited proportionately reduced gene expression, in which expression in the hexaploid context of the 3DL genes was ~40% of the levels observed in diploid Ae tauschii. Several genes showed elevated expression during the later stages of grain development in wheat compared with Ae tauschii. Gene sequence and methylation differences probably accounted for only a few cases of differences in gene expression. In contrast, chromosome-wide patterns of reduced chromatin accessibility of genes in the hexaploid chromosome arm compared with its diploid progenitor were correlated with both reduced gene expression and the imposition of new patterns of gene expression.

Conclusions
Our pilot-scale analyses show that chromatin compaction may orchestrate reduced gene expression levels in the hexaploid chromosome arm of wheat compared to its diploid progenitor chromosome arm.
Functional Tradeoffs Carry Phenotypes Across the Valley of the Shadow of Death
Authors: Polly P David 
Published: June 2020

SynopsisFunctional tradeoffs are often viewed as constraints on phenotypic evolution, but they can also facilitate evolution across the suboptimal valleys separating performance peaks. I explore this process by reviewing a previously published model of how disruptive selection from competing functional demands defines an intermediate performance optimum for morphological systems that cannot simultaneously be optimized for all of the functional roles they must play. Because of the inherent tradeoffs in such a system, its optimal morphology in any particular environmental context will usually be intermediate between the performance peaks of the competing functions. The proportional contribution of each functional demand can be estimated by maximum likelihood from empirically observed morphologies, including complex ones measured with multivariate geometric morphometrics, using this model. The resulting tradeoff weight can be mapped onto a phylogenetic tree to study how the performance optimum has shifted across a functional landscape circumscribed by the function-specific performance peaks. This model of tradeoff evolution is sharply different from one in which a multipeak Ornstein–Uhlenbeck (OU) model is applied to a set of morphologies and a phylogenetic tree to estimate how many separate performance optima exist. The multi-peak OU approach assumes that each branch is pushed toward one of two or more performance peaks that exist simultaneously and are separated by valleys of poor performance, whereas the model discussed here assumes that each branch tracks a single optimal performance peak that wanders through morphospace as the balance of functional demands shifts. That the movements of this net performance peak emerge from changing frequencies of selection events from opposing functional demands are illustrated using a series of computational simulations. These simulations show how functional tradeoffs can carry evolution across putative performance valleys: even though intermediate morphologies may not perform optimally for any one function, they may represent the optimal solution in any environment in which an organism experiences competing functional demands.
Steep Rebound of Chloroquine-SensitivePlasmodium falciparumin Zimbabwe
Authors: Mharakurwa Sungano , Matsena-Zingoni Zvifadzo , Mudare Nobert , Matimba Charmaine , Gara Tanatswa Xuxa , Makuwaza Aramu , Maponga Gladys , Munyati Shungu , Gwanzura Lovemore , Mutambu Susan L , Mason Peter , Kobayashi Tamaki , Midzi Nicholas , Moss William J , Ippolito Matthew M 
Published: June 2020

AbstractRemoval of chloroquine from national malaria formularies can lead to the reversion of resistant Plasmodium falciparum to wild-type. We report a steep decline in chloroquine-resistant P falciparum within 10 years of national discontinuation of chloroquine monotherapy in Zimbabwe. Drug resistance surveillance is a vital component of malaria control programs, and the experience with chloroquine in Zimbabwe and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa is illustrative of the potentially rapid and dramatic impact of drug policy on antimalarial resistance.
Using informatics to improve cancer surveillance
Authors: Blumenthal Wendy , Alimi Temitope O , Jones Sandra F , Jones David E , Rogers Joseph D , Benard Vicki B , Richardson Lisa C 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Objectives
This review summarizes past and current informatics activities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Program of Cancer Registries to inform readers about efforts to improve, standardize, and automate reporting to public health cancer registries.

Target audience
The target audience includes cancer registry experts, informaticians, public health professionals, database specialists, computer scientists, programmers, and system developers who are interested in methods to improve public health surveillance through informatics approaches.

Scope
This review provides background on central cancer registries and describes the efforts to standardize and automate reporting to these registries. Specific topics include standardized data exchange activities for physician and pathology reporting, software tools for cancer reporting, development of a natural language processing tool for processing unstructured clinical text, and future directions of cancer surveillance informatics.
Macroevolutionary Patterns of Sexual Size Dimorphism Among African Tree Frogs (Family: Hyperoliidae)
Authors: Portik Daniel M , Blackburn David C , McGuire Jimmy A 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is shaped by multiple selective forces that drive the evolution of sex-specific body size, resulting in male or female-biased SSD. Stronger selection on one sex can result in an allometric body size scaling relationship consistent with Rensch’s rule or its converse. Anurans (frogs and toads) generally display female-biased SSD, but there is variation across clades and the mechanisms driving the evolution of SSD remain poorly understood. We investigated these topics in a diverse family of African treefrogs (Hyperoliidae). Hyperoliids display traits considered rare among amphibians, including sexual dichromatism and protogynous sex change. Using phylogenetic comparative methods, we tested if adult ecology, sexual dichromatism, and sex change were predictors of body size or SSD. We also tested whether hyperoliids displayed allometric interspecific body size scaling relationships. We found a majority of hyperoliid taxa display female-biased SSD, but that adult ecology and sexual dichromatism are poor predictors of sex-specific body size and SSD. Regardless of the groupings analyzed (partitioned by clades or traits), we found support for isometric body size scaling. However, we found that sex change is a significant predictor of SSD variation. Species in the Hyperolius viridiflavus complex, which putatively display this trait, show a significant reduction in SSD and are frequently sexually monomorphic in size. Although protogynous sex change needs to be validated for several of these species, we tentatively propose this trait is a novel mechanism influencing anuran body size evolution. Beyond this association, additional factors that shape the evolution of anuran body size and SSD remain elusive.
Silicon: its ameliorative effect on plant defense against herbivory
Authors: Singh Archana , Kumar Amit , Hartley Susan , Singh Indrakant Kumar 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPlants protect themselves against pest attack utilizing both direct and indirect modes of defense. The direct mode of defense includes morphological, biochemical, and molecular barriers that affect feeding, growth, and survival of herbivores whereas the indirect mode of defense includes release of a blend of volatiles that attract natural enemies of the pests. Both of these strategies adopted by plants are reinforced if the plants are supplied with one of the most abundant metalloids, silicon (Si). Plants absorb Si as silicic acid (Si(OH)4) and accumulate it as phytoliths, which strengthens their physical defense. This deposition of Si in plant tissue is up-regulated upon pest attack. Further, Si deposited in the apoplast, suppresses pest effector molecules. Additionally, Si up-regulates the expression of defense-related genes and proteins and their activity and enhances the accumulation of secondary metabolites, boosting induced molecular and biochemical defenses. Moreover, Si plays a crucial role in phytohormone-mediated direct and indirect defense mechanisms. It is also involved in the reduction of harmful effects of oxidative stress resulting from herbivory by accelerating the scavenging process. Despite increasing evidence of its multiple roles in defense against pests, the practical implications of Si for crop protection have received less attention. Here, we highlight recent developments in Si-mediated improved plant resistance against pests and its significance for future use in crop improvement.
Significance of silicon uptake, transport, and deposition in plants
Authors: Mandlik Rushil , Thakral Vandana , Raturi Gaurav , Shinde Suhas , Nikolić Miroslav , Tripathi Durgesh K , Sonah Humira , Deshmukh Rupesh 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Numerous studies have shown the beneficial effects of silicon (Si) for plant growth, particularly under stress conditions, and hence a detailed understanding of the mechanisms of its uptake, subsequent transport, and accumulation in different tissues is important. Here, we provide a thorough review of our current knowledge of how plants benefit from Si supplementation. The molecular mechanisms involved in Si transport are discussed and we highlight gaps in our knowledge, particularly with regards to xylem unloading and transport into heavily silicified cells. Silicification of tissues such as sclerenchyma, fibers, storage tissues, the epidermis, and vascular tissues are described. Silicon deposition in different cell types, tissues, and intercellular spaces that affect morphological and physiological properties associated with enhanced plant resilience under various biotic and abiotic stresses are addressed in detail. Most Si-derived benefits are the result of interference in physiological processes, modulation of stress responses, and biochemical interactions. A better understanding of the versatile roles of Si in plants requires more detailed knowledge of the specific mechanisms involved in its deposition in different tissues, at different developmental stages, and under different environmental conditions.
Bringing Evidence to the Point of Care: TriService Nursing Research Program Battlefield and Disaster Nursing Pocket Guide
Authors: Bridges Elizabeth , McNeill Margaret 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTCare under operational conditions is complex and unique. Although there is a growing body of evidence to inform this care, very few resources address operational nursing care. To address this issue and the lack of a compilation of relevant studies and evidence-based guidelines, the TriService Nursing Research Program Battlefield and Disaster Nursing Pocket Guide was created. The pocket guide has been updated and incorporates new and emerging evidence and also showcases the focused operational research of military nurse scientists. Eight thousand copies of the second edition of the guide, which curates a comprehensive body of literature related to operational nursing care, are being distributed to the three services. Military nurse scientists and multidisciplinary clinical experts contributed to the guide, with the content undergoing critical review by experts in operational care. This article summarizes the development of the pocket guide, summarizes some of the updates from the first edition, and demonstrates the integration of the guide into the major phases of evidence translation: knowledge, creation, and distillation; diffusion and dissemination; and adoption, implementation, and institutionalization. The incorporation of the pocket guide into readiness training reflects a goal of TriService Nursing Research Program to “develop and strengthen the Triservice community of nurse scholars to generate new knowledge in military nursing and translate it into practice” and an unending commitment to bring world class care to those in harm’s way.
Asteroseismic masses of four evolved planet-hosting stars using SONG and TESS: resolving the retired A-star mass controversy
Authors: Malla Sai Prathyusha , Stello Dennis , Huber Daniel , Montet Benjamin T , Bedding Timothy R , Fredslund Andersen Mads , Grundahl Frank , Jessen-Hansen Jens , Hey Daniel R , Palle Pere L , Deng Licai , Zhang Chunguang , Chen Xiaodian , Lloyd James , Antoci Victoria 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT
The study of planet occurrence as a function of stellar mass is important for a better understanding of planet formation. Estimating stellar mass, especially in the red giant regime, is difficult. In particular, stellar masses of a sample of evolved planet-hosting stars based on spectroscopy and grid-based modelling have been put to question over the past decade with claims they were overestimated. Although efforts have been made in the past to reconcile this dispute using asteroseismology, results were inconclusive. In an attempt to resolve this controversy, we study four more evolved planet-hosting stars in this paper using asteroseismology, and we revisit previous results to make an informed study of the whole ensemble in a self-consistent way. For the four new stars, we measure their masses by locating their characteristic oscillation frequency, νmax, from their radial velocity time series observed by SONG. For two stars, we are also able to measure the large frequency separation, Δν, helped by extended SONG single-site and dual-site observations and new Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite observations. We establish the robustness of the νmax-only-based results by determining the stellar mass from Δν, and from both Δν and νmax. We then compare the seismic masses of the full ensemble of 16 stars with the spectroscopic masses from three different literature sources. We find an offset between the seismic and spectroscopic mass scales that is mass dependent, suggesting that the previously claimed overestimation of spectroscopic masses only affects stars more massive than about 1.6 M⊙.
X-ray properties of He ii λ 1640 emitting galaxies in VANDELS
Authors: Saxena A , Pentericci L , Schaerer D , Schneider R , Amorin R , Bongiorno A , Calabrò A , Castellano M , Cimatti A , Cullen F , Fontana A , Fynbo J P U , Hathi N , McLeod D J , Talia M , Zamorani G 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT
We explore X-ray emission from a sample of 18 He ii λ1640 emitting star-forming galaxies at z ∼ 2.3–3.6 from the VANDELS survey in the Chandra Deep Field South, to set constraints on the role of X-ray sources in powering the He ii emission. We find that 4 He ii emitters have tentative detections with S/N ∼ 2 and have X-ray luminosities, LX = 1.5−4.9 × 1041 erg s−1. The stacked luminosity of all 18 He ii emitters is 2.6 × 1041 erg s−1, and that of a subset of 13 narrow He ii emitters (FHWM(He ii) &lt; 1000 km s−1) is 3.1 × 1041 erg s−1. We also measure stacked LX for non-He ii emitters through bootstrapping of matched samples, and find LX = 2.5 × 1041 erg s−1, which is not significantly different from LX measured for He ii emitters. The LX per star formation rate for He ii emitters (log (LX/SFR) ∼ 40.0) and non-emitters (log (LX/SFR) ∼ 39.9) are also comparable and in line with the redshift evolution and metallicity dependence predicted by models. Due to the non-significant difference between the X-ray emission from galaxies with and without He ii, we conclude that X-ray binaries or weak or obscured active galactic nuclei are unlikely to be the dominant producers of He ii ionizing photons in VANDELS star-forming galaxies at z ∼ 3. Given the comparable physical properties of both He ii emitters and non-emitters reported previously, alternative He ii ionizing mechanisms such as localized low-metallicity stellar populations, Pop-III stars, etc. may need to be explored.
Detecting multiple DLAs per spectrum in SDSS DR12 with Gaussian processes
Authors: Ho Ming-Feng , Bird Simeon , Garnett Roman 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT
We present a revised version of our automated technique using Gaussian processes (GPs) to detect damped Lyman α absorbers (DLAs) along quasar (QSO) sightlines. The main improvement is to allow our GP pipeline to detect multiple DLAs along a single sightline. Our DLA detections are regularized by an improved model for the absorption from the Lyman α forest that improves performance at high redshift. We also introduce a model for unresolved sub-DLAs that reduces misclassifications of absorbers without detectable damping wings. We compare our results to those of two different large-scale DLA catalogues and provide a catalogue of the processed results of our GP pipeline using 158 825 Lyman α spectra from SDSS data release 12. We present updated estimates for the statistical properties of DLAs, including the column density distribution function, line density (dN/dX), and neutral hydrogen density (ΩDLA).