bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soluble neprilysin, NT-proBNP, and growth differentiation factor-15 as biomarkers for heart failure in dialysis patients (SONGBIRD)
Authors: Claus Robert , Berliner Dominik , Bavendiek Udo , Vodovar Nicolas , Lichtinghagen Ralf , David Sascha , Patecki Margret , Launay Jean-Marie , Bauersachs Johann , Haller Hermann , Hiss Marcus , Balzer Michael S. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background

Dialysis patients are at increased risk of HF. However, diagnostic utility of NT-proBNP as a biomarker is decreased in patients on dialysis. GDF-15 and cNEP are biomarkers of distinct mechanisms that may contribute to HF pathophysiology in such cohorts. The aim of this study was to determine whether growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and circulating neprilysin (cNEP) improve the diagnosis of congestive heart failure (HF) in patients on dialysis.

Methods and results
We compared circulating concentrations of NT-proBNP, GDF-15, and cNEP along with cNEP activity in patients on chronic dialysis without (n = 80) and with HF (n = 73), as diagnosed by clinical parameters and post-dialysis echocardiography. We used correlation, linear and logistic regression as well as receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Compared to controls, patients with HF had higher median values of NT-proBNP (16,216 [interquartile range, IQR = 27739] vs. 2883 [5866] pg/mL, p < 0.001), GDF-15 (7512 [7084] vs. 6005 [4892] pg/mL, p = 0.014), but not cNEP (315 [107] vs. 318 [124] pg/mL, p = 0.818). Median cNEP activity was significantly lower in HF vs. controls (0.189 [0.223] vs. 0.257 [0.166] nmol/mL/min, p < 0.001). In ROC analyses, a multi-marker model combining clinical covariates, NT-proBNP, GDF-15, and cNEP activity demonstrated best discrimination of HF from controls (AUC = 0.902, 95% CI 0.857–0.947, p < 0.001 vs. base model AUC = 0.785).

Conclusion
We present novel comparative data on physiologically distinct circulating biomarkers for HF in patients on dialysis. cNEP activity but not concentration and GDF-15 provided incremental diagnostic information over clinical covariates and NT-proBNP and may aid in diagnosing HF in dialysis patients.

Graphic abstract
Spiders in rice-paddy ecosystems shift from aquatic to terrestrial prey and use carbon pools of different origin
Authors: Radermacher Nico , Hartke Tamara R. , Villareal Sylvia , Scheu Stefan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSpiders are important bio-control agents of rice insect pests such as plant- and leafhoppers. To investigate temporal changes in spider prey and variations in prey due to landscape structure around rice fields, carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes of rice field arthropods were analysed over three consecutive sampling dates during the rice cropping season. Initial isotope composition of gnats and midges emerging from submersed rice fields indicates a larval algae diet, while later values suggest a switch to rice-derived carbon. Initial δ13C values of plant- and leafhoppers were higher in fields of rice-heterogeneous landscapes, indicating migration from source populations feeding on C4 grasses into rice fields; later, their δ13C values approached those of rice. Isotope values of web-building and cursorial spiders in the earliest samples indicate aquatic gnat and midge prey. The later shift toward terrestrial herbivore prey was more pronounced for small than for larger species and in rice paddies near permanent vegetation, indicating use of prey from the surrounding landscape. The results suggest that rice field spiders are supported by three different carbon pools: (1) aquatic carbon originating from algae and (2) legacy carbon from previous growing cycles, both incorporated via between-season predation on gnats and midges, and (3) carbon from the current rice season incorporated via herbivore prey. In conclusion, fostering aquatic midge and gnat larvae, e.g. via mulching, and integrating rice fields into rice-heterogeneous landscapes likely strengthens biological control of pest species in rice paddies by supporting high populations of spiders between cropping seasons.
Epidemiology and management of atlas fractures
Authors: Fiedler Nora , Spiegl Ulrich J. A. , Jarvers Jan-Sven , Josten Christoph , Heyde Christoph E. , Osterhoff Georg 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to gain new insights into the epidemiologic characteristics of patients with atlas fractures and to retrospectively evaluate complication rates after surgical and non-surgical treatment.

Methods
In a retrospective study, consecutive patients diagnosed with a fracture of the atlas between 01/2008 and 07/2018 were analyzed. Data on epidemiology, concomitant injuries, fracture patterns and complications were obtained by chart and imaging review.

Results
In total, 189 patients (mean age 72 years, SD 19; 57.1% male) were treated. The most frequent trauma mechanism was a low-energy trauma (59.8%). A concomitant injury of the cervical spine was found in 59.8%, a combined C1/C2 injury in 56.6% and a concomitant fracture of the thoraco-lumbar spine in 15.4%. When classified according to Gehweiler, there were: 23.3% type 1, 22.2% type 2, 32.8% type 3, 19.0% type 4 and 1.1% type 5. Treatment of isolated atlas fractures (n = 67) consisted of non-operative management in 67.1%, halo fixation in 6.0% and open surgical treatment in 26.9%. In patients with combined injuries, the therapy was essentially dictated by the concomitant subaxial cervical injuries.

Conclusions
Atlas fractures occurred mainly in elderly people and in the majority of the cases were associated with other injuries of the head and spine. Most atlas fractures were treated conservatively. However, surgical treatment has become a safe and valid option in unstable fracture patterns involving the anterior and posterior arch (type 3) or those involving the articular surfaces (type 4).

Level of evidence
IV (Retrospective cohort study).

Graphic abstract
These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
No evidence of abnormal metabolic or inflammatory activity in the brains of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from a preliminary study using whole-brain magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI)
Authors: Mueller Christina , Lin Joanne C. , Thannickal Halle H. , Daredia Altamish , Denney Thomas S. , Beyers Ronald , Younger Jarred W. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Introduction/objectives
Many individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) report persistent fatigue even after management of peripheral disease activity. This study used whole-brain magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) to investigate whether abnormal inflammatory activity in the central nervous system may be associated with such symptoms. We hypothesized that RA patients would show higher brain choline (CHO), myo-inositol (MI), and lactate (LAC), and higher brain temperature than healthy controls. We further hypothesized that the metabolite levels would be positively correlated with self-reported fatigue.

Method
Thirteen women with RA provided fatigue severity ratings and underwent whole-brain MRSI and a joint examination. Thirteen healthy controls (HC) provided comparison imaging and fatigue data. CHO, MI, LAC, and brain temperature in 47 brain regions were contrasted between groups using independent-samples t tests. Significant differences were determined using a false discovery rate (FDR)-adjusted p value threshold of ≤ 0.0023. Secondary analyses obtained correlations between imaging and clinical outcomes in the RA group.

Results
No brain metabolic differences were identified between the groups. In the RA group, fatigue severity was positively correlated with CHO in several brain regions—most strongly the right frontal lobe (rs = 0.823, p < 0.001). MI was similarly correlated with fatigue, particularly in the right calcarine fissure (rs = 0.829, p < 0.001). CHO in several regions was positively correlated with joint swelling and tenderness.

Conclusions
We conclude that abnormal brain metabolites are not a common feature of RA, but may been seen in patients with persistent fatigue or disease activity after conventional treatment.Key Points• Whole-brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed no metabolic abnormalities in the brain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.• Brain choline levels were correlated with fatigue severity reported by RA patients and with peripheral joint swelling and tenderness.• Brain myo-inositol levels were similarly correlated with fatigue severity in RA patients.
Mice Deficient in the IL-1β Activation Genes Prtn3, Elane, and Casp1 Are Protected Against the Development of Obesity-Induced NAFLD
Authors: Mirea Andreea-Manuela , Stienstra Rinke , Kanneganti Thirumala-Devi , Tack Cees J. , Chavakis Triantafyllos , Toonen Erik J.M. , Joosten Leo A.B. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease. Inflammatory pathways contribute to disease pathogenesis; however, regulation of the underlying mechanism is not completely understood. IL-1β, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, participates in the development and progression of NAFLD. To become bioactive, IL-1β requires enzymatic processing. Mechanisms that activate IL-1β include the classical NLRP3 inflammasome-caspase-1 and the neutrophil serine proteases, neutrophil elastase, and proteinase-3. Several studies have shown that both caspase-1 and the neutrophil serine proteases are important for NAFLD development. However, it is unknown whether these pathways interact and if they have a synergistic effect in promoting NAFLD. In the present study, we developed a novel and unique mouse model by intercrossing caspase-1/11 knockout mice with neutrophil elastase/proteinase-3 double knockout mice. Subsequently, these mice were examined regarding the development of high-fat diet–induced NAFLD. Our results show that mice deficient in caspase-1, neutrophil elastase, and proteinase-3 were protected from developing diet-induced weigh gain, liver steatosis, and adipose tissue inflammation when compared with controls. We conclude that pathways that process pro-IL-1β to bioactive IL-1β play an important role in promoting the development of NAFLD and obesity-induced inflammation. Targeting these pathways could have a therapeutic potential in patients with NAFLD.
Altered GABA Concentration in Brain Motor Area Is Associated with the Severity of Motor Disabilities in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Umesawa Yumi , Matsushima Kanae , Atsumi Takeshi , Kato Toshihiro , Fukatsu Reiko , Wada Makoto , Ide Masakazu 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSeveral motor disabilities accompanied with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are widely known despite limited reports of underlying neural mechanisms. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the motor-related cortical areas modulate several motor performances in healthy participants. We hypothesized that abnormal GABA concentrations in the primary motor area (M1) and supplementary motor area (SMA) associate with different motor difficulties for ASD adolescents/adults. We found that increased GABA concentrations in M1 measured using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy exhibited lower motor performance in tasks requiring increased muscle strength while lower GABA concentrations in SMA were associated with lower scores in tests measuring body coordination. The degrees of neural inhibition in the M1 and SMA regions would contribute to different dimensions of motor disabilities in autism.
Amino-acid selective isotope labeling enables simultaneous overlapping signal decomposition and information extraction from NMR spectra
Authors: Kasai Takuma , Ono Shunsuke , Koshiba Seizo , Yamamoto Masayuki , Tanaka Toshiyuki , Ikeda Shiro , Kigawa Takanori 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSignal overlapping is a major bottleneck for protein NMR analysis. We propose a new method, stable-isotope-assisted parameter extraction (SiPex), to resolve overlapping signals by a combination of amino-acid selective isotope labeling (AASIL) and tensor decomposition. The basic idea of Sipex is that overlapping signals can be decomposed with the help of intensity patterns derived from quantitative fractional AASIL, which also provides amino-acid information. In SiPex, spectra for protein characterization, such as 15N relaxation measurements, are assembled with those for amino-acid information to form a four-order tensor, where the intensity patterns from AASIL contribute to high decomposition performance even if the signals share similar chemical shift values or characterization profiles, such as relaxation curves. The loading vectors of each decomposed component, corresponding to an amide group, represent both the amino-acid and relaxation information. This information link provides an alternative protein analysis method that does not require “assignments” in a general sense; i.e., chemical shift determinations, since the amino-acid information for some of the residues allows unambiguous assignment according to the dual selective labeling. SiPex can also decompose signals in time-domain raw data without Fourier transform, even in non-uniformly sampled data without spectral reconstruction. These features of SiPex should expand biological NMR applications by overcoming their overlapping and assignment problems.
On Freedom’s Mystery
Authors: van Woudenberg Rene 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis paper argues that Peter van Inwagen’s argument for the mysteriousness of metaphysical freedom does not establish its conclusion. Van Inwagen’s argument involves the notion of ‘chance’. This paper explores how Van Inwagen’s argument fares when the notion of chance is unpacked in four different ways (viz. as meaning ‘unpredictable’, ‘lacking determining causes’, ‘lacking agential control’, and ‘not intended by an agent’) and two different semantics for conditionals (the material conditional account, and Douven’s inferentialist account) are applied. This paper concludes that the mystery argument fails to establish that freedom is a mystery in each of its forms.
Motor Performance But Neither Motor Learning Nor Motor Consolidation Are Impaired in Chronic Cerebellar Stroke Patients
Authors: Hermsdorf Franz , Fricke Christopher , Stockert Anika , Classen Joseph , Rumpf Jost-Julian 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe capacity to acquire and retain new motor skills is essential for everyday behavior and a prerequisite to regain functional independence following impairments of motor function caused by brain damage, e.g., ischemic stroke. Learning a new motor skill requires repeated skill practice and passes through different online and offline learning stages that are mediated by specific dynamic interactions between distributed brain regions including the cerebellum. Motor sequence learning is an extensively studied paradigm of motor skill learning, yet the role of the cerebellum during online and offline stages remains controversial. Here, we studied patients with chronic cerebellar stroke and healthy control participants to further elucidate the role of the cerebellum during acquisition and consolidation of sequential motor skills. Motor learning was assessed by an ecologically valid explicit sequential finger tapping paradigm and retested after an interval of 8 h to assess consolidation. Compared to healthy controls, chronic cerebellar stroke patients displayed significantly lower motor sequence performance independent of whether the ipsilesional or contralesional hand was used for task execution. However, the ability to improve performance during training (i.e., online learning) and to consolidate training-induced skill formation was similar in patients and controls. Findings point to an essential role of the cerebellum in motor sequence production that cannot be compensated, while its role in online and offline motor sequence learning seems to be either negligible or amenable to compensatory mechanisms. This further suggests that residual functional impairments caused by cerebellar stroke may be mitigated even months later by additional skill training.
Technikaffinität und Fortbildungsinteresse von Auszubildenden der Pflegefachberufe: eine Onlinebefragung
Authors: Buhtz Christian , Paulicke Denny , Hofstetter Sebastian , Jahn Patrick 
Published: January 2020

ZusammenfassungHintergrundDigitale und assistive Technologien nehmen eine prominente Rolle in der Diskussion um Lösungsansätze für die Herausforderungen der Gesundheitsversorgung ein. Für den Transfer in den Pflegealltag ist es erforderlich, Akzeptanz zu schaffen und Pflegefachpersonen in den Prozess der Digitalisierung des Gesundheitswesens zu integrieren. Allerdings wird im Rahmen der Pflegeausbildung bisher kaum Wissen für einen kompetenten Umgang mit Technologie vermittelt. Auch die zukünftige Ausbildungs- und Prüfungsordnung (Pflegeberufegesetz) unterlässt entsprechende Vorgaben.ZielDie Online-Umfrage soll klären, welches Maß an Aufgeschlossenheit und Fortbildungsinteresse bei Pflegeschülerinnen und Pflegeschülern zu digitalen und assistiven Technologien vorhanden ist.MethodeEine Einladung zur Teilnahme wurde per E‑Mail an 277 Pflegeschulen in den neuen Bundesländern verschickt. Der Fragebogen wurde von der Forschergruppe entwickelt und vorab getestet.ErgebnisseDie Nutzung von Computern können sich 94,7 % der insgesamt 415 Befragten im Klinik- oder Praxisalltag vorstellen, die Nutzung von Tablets 61,9 % und die Nutzung von Smartphones 51,1 %. Je zwei Drittel schätzen ihre Aufgeschlossenheit zu Technologie als hoch und ihr Wissen diesbezüglich als niedrig ein. Der Aussage, dass ihnen Schulungen zum bedarfsgerechten Einsatz technischer Lösungen fehlen, stimmen 71,8 % der Auszubildenden zu. Dies geht einher, mit einem hohen Fortbildungsinteresse der Auszubildenden, das je nach angebotenen Thema, von 64,8–83,4 % der Befragten geäußert wird.SchlussfolgerungDer Bedarf und die Bereitschaft einer grundständigen Qualifizierung zu digitalen und assistiven Technologien im Rahmen der Pflegeausbildung – aber auch darüber hinaus – werden in dieser Befragung deutlich. Diese Kompetenzen müssen gezielt an einem praxisnahen Lernort („Future Care Lab“) vermittelt werden, nur so kann die digitale Transformation auf die Unterstützung qualifizierter professioneller Anwender aufbauen; andernfalls drohen langfristige Barrieren und Implementierungshindernisse.
Analysis of watermarking framework for color image through a neural network-based approach
Authors: Kazemi M. F. , Pourmina M. A. , Mazinan A. H. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn the research presented here, the general idea of watermarking framework is analyzed to deal with color image under a set of attacks through a neural network-based approach. It is realized in the area of transformation, especially with a focus on contourlet transform to address the proposed technique, as long as the bands of the suitable coefficients are accurately chosen. In summary, there is the logo information that is embedded in the edge of color image, while the Zenzo edge detector is correspondingly realized to handle the approach. In fact, the edge of the second subband is acquired, and subsequently, the capability of the above-referenced edge is calculated. A number of techniques are discussed to cope with the above-captioned watermarking framework through the new integration of contourlet transform in association with the multilayer perceptron to extract the logo information, appropriately. The approaches of the embedding and the de-embedding in case of learning algorithm of the aforementioned neural network through individual training data set are considered in the present research to carry out a series of experiments with different scenarios for the purpose of verifying the effectiveness of the proposed approach, obviously.
Annotated hypergraphs: models and applications
Authors: Chodrow Philip , Mellor Andrew 
Published: January 2020

AbstractHypergraphs offer a natural modeling language for studying polyadic interactions between sets of entities. Many polyadic interactions are asymmetric, with nodes playing distinctive roles. In an academic collaboration network, for example, the order of authors on a paper often reflects the nature of their contributions to the completed work. To model these networks, we introduceannotated hypergraphsas natural polyadic generalizations of directed graphs. Annotated hypergraphs form a highly general framework for incorporating metadata into polyadic graph models. To facilitate data analysis with annotated hypergraphs, we construct a role-aware configuration null model for these structures and prove an efficient Markov Chain Monte Carlo scheme for sampling from it. We proceed to formulate several metrics and algorithms for the analysis of annotated hypergraphs. Several of these, such as assortativity and modularity, naturally generalize dyadic counterparts. Other metrics, such as local role densities, are unique to the setting of annotated hypergraphs. We illustrate our techniques on six digital social networks, and present a detailed case-study of the Enron email data set.
Numerical simulation of a tuneable reversible flow design for practical ACET devices
Authors: Lijnse Thomas , Cenaiko Stirling , Dalton Colin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAlternating Current Electrothermal (ACET) micropumps are a well-documented flow induction and mixing method. This phenomenon has significant promise as a reliable microfluidic pumping method for high conductivity biofluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid, urine, or blood. Practical implementations so far have been limited by complex designs focused on maximized flow rates, typically in only one direction at a time. This paper describes a device geometry demonstrating, and quantifying for the first time, fully reversible flow, that is, going from 100% flow in one direction to fully symmetrical 100% flow in the opposite direction. This design incorporates multiple features targeted at practical fabrication and applications. The design enables fine-tuning of flow speeds via adjustable signal strengths in a unique manner compared to traditional ACET devices. A full numerical simulation of this device has been performed within this work. Additionally, this paper reports several methods for increasing usability of ACET devices, including proposing coatings to prevent electrolysis and increase flow rates without the risk of fluid reactions, manufacturing methods for ease of handling, and specific device parameters for implementation in microdevices. The development of an ACET device that can precisely and efficiently pump and extract fluids allows for new applications in integrated biological systems and monitoring devices.