bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal variability modulates pH impact on larval sea urchin development
Authors: Chan Kit Yu Karen , Tong Chun Sang Daniel 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCoastal organisms reside in highly dynamic habitats. Global climate change is expected to alter not only the mean of the physical conditions experienced but also the frequencies and/or the magnitude of fluctuations of environmental factors. Understanding responses in an ecologically relevant context is essential for formulating management strategies. In particular, there are increasing suggestions that exposure to fluctuations could alleviate the impact of climate change-related stressors by selecting for plasticity that may help acclimatization to future conditions. However, it remains unclear whether the presence of fluctuations alone is sufficient to confer such effects or whether the pattern of the fluctuations matters. Therefore, we investigated the role of frequency and initial conditions of the fluctuations on performance by exposing larval sea urchin Heliocidaris crassispina to either constant or fluctuating pH. Reduced pH alone (pH 7.3 vs 8.0) did not affect larval mortality but reduced the growth of larval arms in the static pH treatments. Changes in morphology could affect the swimming mechanics for these small organisms, and geometric morphometric analysis further suggested an overall shape change such that acidified larvae had more U-shaped bodies and shorter arms, which would help maintain stability in moving water. The relative negative impact of lower pH, computed as log response ratio, on larval arm development was smaller when larvae were exposed to pH fluctuations, especially when the change was less frequent (48- vs 24-h cycle). Furthermore, larvae experiencing an initial pH drop, i.e. those where the cycle started at pH 8.0, were more negatively impacted compared with those kept at an initial pH of 7.3 before the cycling started. Our observations suggest that larval responses to climate change stress could not be easily predicted from mean conditions. Instead, to better predict organismal performance in the future ocean, monitoring and investigation of the role of real-time environmental fluctuations along the dispersive pathway is key.
Cardiac magnetic resonance radiomics: basic principles and clinical perspectives
Authors: Raisi-Estabragh Zahra , Izquierdo Cristian , Campello Victor M , Martin-Isla Carlos , Jaggi Akshay , Harvey Nicholas C , Lekadir Karim , Petersen Steffen E 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Radiomics is a novel image analysis technique, whereby voxel-level information is extracted from digital images and used to derive multiple numerical quantifiers of shape and tissue character. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the reference imaging modality for assessment of cardiac structure and function. Conventional analysis of CMR scans is mostly reliant on qualitative image analysis and basic geometric quantifiers. Small proof-of-concept studies have demonstrated the feasibility and superior diagnostic accuracy of CMR radiomics analysis over conventional reporting. CMR radiomics has the potential to transform our approach to defining image phenotypes and, through this, improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment selection, and prognostication. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of radiomics concepts for clinicians, with particular consideration of application to CMR. We will also review existing literature on CMR radiomics, discuss challenges, and consider directions for future work.
Craniofacial, oral, and cervical morphological characteristics in Japanese patients with Apert syndrome or Crouzon syndrome
Authors: Kobayashi Yukiho , Ogura Kenji , Hikita Rina , Tsuji Michiko , Moriyama Keiji 
Published: February 2020

Summary

Background and objectives
Mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene are responsible for both Apert syndrome (AS) and Crouzon syndrome (CS). These diseases share phenotypic characteristics, including midfacial hypoplasia and premature fusion of the calvarial suture(s). Given the extensive range of craniofacial growth and developmental abnormalities, management of these patients requires a multidisciplinary approach. This study aimed to compare craniofacial, oral, and cervical morphological characteristics in Japanese orthodontic patients with AS or CS.

Subjects and methods
Lateral cephalograms, orthopantomograms, dental casts, medical interview records, facial photographs, and intraoral photographs of 7 AS patients and 12 CS patients on initial visits were used in this study. Cephalometric analyses were performed, and standard scores were calculated based on age- and sex-matched Japanese standard values.

Results
Cephalometric analysis revealed that AS patients had significantly more severe maxillary hypoplasia in two dimensions and increased clockwise mandibular rotation. Additionally, cleft of the soft palate, anterior open bite, severe crowding in the maxillary dental arch, and congenitally missing teeth occurred more frequently among AS patients. Multiple fusions between cervical vertebrae C2, C3, C5, and C6 were observed in the AS patients.

Limitations
Small sample size.

Conclusions/implications
Our study shows that AS patients have more severe craniofacial and maxillofacial deformities than CS patients.
Change Is Good for the Brain: Activity Diversity and Cognitive Functioning Across Adulthood
Authors: Lee Soomi , Charles Susan T , Almeida David M 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Participating in a variety of daily activities (i.e., activity diversity) requires people to adjust to a variety of situations and engage in a greater diversity of behaviors. These experiences may, in turn, enhance cognitive functioning. This study examined associations between activity diversity and cognitive functioning across adulthood.

Method
Activity diversity was defined as the breadth and evenness of participation in seven common daily activity domains (e.g., paid work, time with children, leisure, physical activities, volunteering). Participants from the National Survey of Daily Experiences (NSDE: N = 732, Mage = 56) provided activity data during eight consecutive days at Wave 1 (W1) and Wave 2 (W2) 10 years apart. They also provided cognitive data at W2.

Results
Greater activity diversity at W2 was associated with higher overall cognitive functioning and higher executive functioning at W2. Individuals who increased activity diversity from W1 to W2 also exhibited higher scores in overall cognitive functioning and executive functioning at W2. Overall cognitive functioning, executive functioning, and episodic memory were better in those who had higher activity diversity at both waves, or increased activity diversity from W1 to W2, compared to those who had lower activity diversity or decreased activity diversity over time.

Discussion
Activity diversity is important for cognitive health in adulthood. Future work can study the directionality between activity diversity and cognitive functioning and underlying social and neurological mechanisms for these associations.
Context Matters: Financial, Psychological, and Relationship Insecurity Around Personal Finance Is Associated With Financial Exploitation
Authors: Lichtenberg Peter A , Campbell Rebecca , Hall LaToya , Gross Evan Z 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Context can influence or overwhelm the intellectual and cognitive aspects of financial decision making but has only recently received increased attention. The construct validity of conceptual subscales from a financial decision-making scale was examined in the context of their relationship to financial exploitation.

Research Design and Methods
Two hundred forty-two community-based participants were recruited into the study. The final sample contained 242 participants. Measures included demographic variables, conceptually derived contextual items, and neurocognitive measures. Seventeen of the 34 contextual items investigated differentiated financially exploited and nonexploited older adults. Combining these 17 contextual items led to the creation of a new scale: the Financial Exploitation Vulnerability Scale (FEVS). Correlational analyses and area under the curve analyses were used to examine the relationship between this new scale of contextual items and other measures and to determine how clinically meaningful the scale was in the current sample.

Results
Contextual items were powerful discriminators between those who were exploited and those who were not. The new scale of contextual items (the FEVS) demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82) and a strong area under the curve (receiver operating characteristic = 0.80), thereby indicating good clinical significance and evidence for construct validity.

Discussion and Implications
We examined the conceptually derived subscales of financial awareness, psychological vulnerability, and relationship strain and how these relate to financial exploitation. Our major finding is that contextual items differentiated between exploited and nonexploited adults, which demonstrate the importance of measuring context in financial decision making and exploitation. A new scale for measuring contextual items was introduced.
Denoising of seismic data in desert environment based on a variational mode decomposition and a convolutional neural network
Authors: Zhao Y X , Li Y , Yang B J 
Published: February 2020

SUMMARY
One of the difficulties in desert seismic data processing is the large spectral overlap between noise and reflected signals. Existing denoising algorithms usually have a negative impact on the resolution and fidelity of seismic data when denoising, which is not conducive to the acquisition of underground structures and lithology related information. Aiming at this problem, we combine traditional method with deep learning, and propose a new feature extraction and denoising strategy based on a convolutional neural network, namely VMDCNN. In addition, we also build a training set using field seismic data and synthetic seismic data to optimize network parameters. The processing results of synthetic seismic records and field seismic records show that the proposed method can effectively suppress the noise that shares the same frequency band with the reflected signals, and the reflected signals have almost no energy loss. The processing results meet the requirements of high signal-to-noise ratio, high resolution and high fidelity for seismic data processing.
Feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of group antenatal care in Senegalese health posts: a pilot implementation trial
Authors: McKinnon Britt , Sall Mohamadou , Vandermorris Ashley , Traoré Mahamadou , Lamesse-Diedhiou Fatma , McLaughlin Katie , Bassani Diego 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAlmost all pregnant women in Senegal receive some antenatal care (ANC), yet only around half receive four or more visits and provision of education and counselling during ANC is often inadequate and, in some cases, non-existent. This results in missed opportunities to provide support and to counsel women regarding appropriate care-seeking practices and health behaviours during pregnancy and across the continuum of care. This pilot effectiveness–implementation randomized controlled trial explored whether group ANC (G-ANC), a model that integrates standard individual pregnancy care with facilitated participatory group education activities and peer support, could potentially address some of these challenges. The G-ANC model adapted for Senegal builds on local healthcare delivery systems and aligns with World Health Organization recommendations for a shift towards women-centred models of maternity services. It was implemented at the health post level, and a total of 330 pregnant women participated in the study, of whom 85% were followed up at 6–10 weeks post-delivery. We assessed implementation outcomes (e.g. acceptability, cost) to establish the feasibility of the model in Senegal and explored effectiveness outcomes related to maternal and infant health for the planning of a large-scale trial. Results indicate that women and ANC providers were overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the G-ANC model, and exploratory analyses suggested improvements in exclusive breastfeeding, intention to use family planning, birth preparations and knowledge around maternal and newborn danger signs. This article provides timely and relevant evidence on the feasibility of G-ANC as an alternative model of care during pregnancy and a solid basis for recommending the conduct of a large-scale implementation study of G-ANC in Senegal.
Investor Obligations for Human Rights
Authors: Choudhury Barnali 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Despite progress being made in the business and human rights field in defining corporate responsibility for human rights, defining foreign investors roles vis-à-vis human rights remains mainly stagnant. The idea that businesses have responsibility for human rights is well ensconced in global norms and is based on society's expectations of business in the 21st century. Yet despite this widespread recognition, international investment law is silent on the matter. This leaves a disconnect between the norms dictating the corporate responsibility for human rights in public international law and those found in international investment law.
One way to better align progress in the business and human rights movement with international investment law is to introduce investor obligations for human rights. These obligations can be located both in investment treaties as well as in non-treaty sources. Moreover, investment arbitration provides multiple entrypoints for tribunals to consider such obligations, for example through counterclaims, jurisdictional claims, or admissibility claims, among others.
Two primary benefits arise from introducing investor obligations for human rights. First, it can act as vehicle by which business and human rights norms, generally, can be enforced. Second, and more importantly, introducing investor obligations for human rights can help to better contextualize the interpretation of IIAs. Introducing such obligations can be used to remind tribunals that international investment law operates in a system that includes non-investment concerns such as human rights.
Considering such obligations, in and of themselves, however, are unlikely to prompt wider changes in international investment law. Nevertheless, including investor obligations in international investment law may prompt tribunals to give more balanced interpretations to international investment agreements. This can work towards ensuring that international investment law serves its ultimate aim of promoting a state’s development.
Vertex Algebras Associated with Hypertoric Varieties
Authors: Kuwabara Toshiro 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe construct a family of vertex algebras associated with a family of symplectic singularity/resolution, called hypertoric varieties. While the hypertoric varieties are constructed by a certain Hamiltonian reduction associated with a torus action, our vertex algebras are constructed by (semi-infinite) BRST reduction. The construction works algebro-geometrically, and we construct sheaves of $\hbar $-adic vertex algebras over hypertoric varieties, which localize the vertex algebras. We determine when it is a vertex operator algebra by giving an explicit conformal vector. We also discuss the Zhu algebra of the vertex algebra and its relation with a quantization of the hypertoric variety. In certain cases, we obtain the affine ${\mathcal{W}}$-algebra associated with the subregular nilpotent orbit in $\mathfrak{s}\mathfrak{l}_N$ at level $N-1$ and simple affine vertex operator algebra for $\mathfrak{s}\mathfrak{l}_N$ at level $-1$.
Antibiofilm and intraosteoblastic activities of rifamycins against Staphylococcus aureus: promising in vitro profile of rifabutin
Authors: Abad Lélia , Josse Jérôme , Tasse Jason , Lustig Sébastien , Ferry Tristan , Diot Alan , Laurent Frédéric , Valour Florent 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
Targeting biofilm-embedded and intraosteoblastic Staphylococcus aureus, rifampicin gained a pivotal role in bone and joint infection (BJI) treatment. Two other rifamycins, rifabutin and rifapentine, may represent better-tolerated alternatives, but their activity against bacterial reservoirs associated with BJI chronicity has never been evaluated.

Objectives
To evaluate the activities of rifampicin, rifabutin and rifapentine in osteoblast infection models.

Methods
Using three S. aureus isolates, rifamycins were compared regarding: (i) their intracellular activity in ‘acute’ (24 h) and ‘chronic’ (7 days) osteoblast infection models at 0.1× MIC, 1× MIC, 10× MIC and 100× MIC, while impacting infection-induced cytotoxicity (MTT assay), intracellular phenol-soluble modulin (PSM) secretion (RT–PCR), resistance selection and small colony variant (SCV) emergence; and (ii) their minimal biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) and their MIC to prevent biofilm formation (bMIC).

Results
At 0.1× MIC, only rifabutin significantly reduced intracellular inoculum and PSM secretion. All rifamycins allowed a 50% reduction of intraosteoblastic inoculum at higher concentrations, with no difference between acute and chronic infection models, while reducing infection-induced cytotoxicity and PSM secretion. Dose-dependent emergence of intracellular SCVs was observed for all molecules. No intracellular emergence of resistance was detected. bMICs were equivalent for all molecules, but MBEC90s of rifapentine and rifabutin were 10- to 100-fold lower than those of rifampicin, respectively.

Conclusions
All rifamycins are efficient in reducing the S. aureus intraosteoblastic reservoir while limiting infection-induced cytotoxicity, with a higher activity of rifabutin at low concentrations. All molecules prevent biofilm formation, but only rifapentine and rifabutin consistently reduce formed biofilm-embedded bacteria for all isolates. The activity of rifabutin at lower doses highlights its therapeutic potential.
Investigation of the effect of the adsorbent DAV131A on the propensity of moxifloxacin to induce simulated Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) in an in vitro human gut model
Authors: Chilton C H , Crowther G S , Miossec C , de Gunzburg J , Andremont A , Wilcox M H 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) remains a high burden worldwide. DAV131A, a novel adsorbent, reduces residual gut antimicrobial levels, reducing CDI risk in animal models.

Objectives
We used a validated human gut model to investigate the efficacy of DAV131A in preventing moxifloxacin-induced CDI.

Methods
C. difficile (CD) spores were inoculated into two models populated with pooled human faeces. Moxifloxacin was instilled (43 mg/L, once daily, 7 days) alongside DAV131A (5 g in 18 mL PBS, three times daily, 14 days, Model A), or PBS (18 mL, three times daily, 14 days, Model B). Selected gut microbiota populations, CD total counts, spore counts, cytotoxin titre and antimicrobial concentrations (HPLC) were monitored daily. We monitored for reduced susceptibility of CD to moxifloxacin. Growth of CD in faecal filtrate and medium in the presence/absence of DAV131A, or in medium pre-treated with DAV131A, was also investigated.

Results
DAV131A instillation reduced active moxifloxacin levels to below the limit of detection (50 ng/mL), and prevented microbiota disruption, excepting Bacteroides fragilis group populations, which declined by ∼3 log10 cfu/mL. DAV131A delayed onset of simulated CDI by ∼2 weeks, but did not prevent CD germination and toxin production. DAV131A prevented emergence of reduced susceptibility of CD to moxifloxacin. In batch culture, DAV131A had minor effects on CD vegetative growth, but significantly reduced toxin/spores (P &lt; 0.005).

Conclusions
DAV131A reduced moxifloxacin-induced microbiota disruption and emergence of antibiotic-resistant CD. Delayed onset of CD germination and toxin production indicates further investigations are warranted to understand the clinical benefits of DAV131A in CDI prevention.
Unsuccessful Host Stinging by Aphelinus asychis (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) Impacts Population Parameters of the Pea Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Jia Yu-Jie , Wang Bo , Liu Tong-Xian 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe biocontrol values of natural enemies are strongly correlated to their ability to regulate the density of their host/prey. For parasitoids, apart from parasitism and host feeding, unsuccessful host stinging (i.e., stings that were aborted, abandoned, or discontinued without oviposition or host feeding) can also negatively affect their hosts and host populations. Although several studies have reported unsuccessful host stinging and its impacts on hosts, the effects of this type of attack on host life table parameters are still unclear. In the present study, we used the parasitoid Aphelinus asychis Walker (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) and its host Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) to investigate the influence of unsuccessful host stinging on host populations under laboratory conditions at. Biological parameters of A. pisum were analyzed using an age stage, two-sex life table. The results of this study showed that unsuccessful host stinging was prevalent under laboratory conditions, and the frequency of this type of attack on third- and fourth-instar hosts was higher than the frequencies of parasitism and host feeding. Unsuccessful host stinging adversely impacted aphid populations, by decreasing aphid survival and reproduction, and impacts were greatest in hosts attacked at the first and fourth instars. These results indicate that unsuccessful host stinging enhances the biological control impact of A. asychis attacking A. pisum, and its effect on host populations should also be considered when selecting and mass rearing of parasitoids for biological control.
Young-Onset Colon Cancer and Recurrence Risk by Gene Expression
Authors: Chang George J , You Y Nancy Y , Russell Christy A , Tierno Marni B , Turner Michelle , Bennett John P , Lau Anna , Hochster Howard S 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The incidence and mortality from colorectal cancer in younger adults (younger than 55 years) is increasing. We reviewed the complete database of a gene-expression test, Oncotype DX Colon Recurrence Score test, to determine age-related differences in recurrence score (RS) and single-gene results (7 cancer-related of the 12-gene assay). We included 20 478 stage II and III A and B colon cancer patients submitted to Genomic Health. RS results were grouped by low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups. Single-gene scores were described using median and interquartile range. Of all patients 72.5% and 72.6% of those younger than 40 years had low-risk RS. Comparing older with younger patients, RS or single-gene expression did not differ by age group or stage. Young-onset colon cancer does not differ by expression of the RS component genes. Most patients with stage II and III colon cancer have low-risk disease as measured by the 12-gene assay, regardless of age.