bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Explorations on the ecological role of toxin secretion and delivery in jawless predatory Polychaeta
Authors: Cuevas N. , Martins M. , Rodrigo A. P. , Martins C. , Costa P. M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMotivated by biotechnological prospects, there is increasing evidence that we may just be scraping the tip of the iceberg of poisonous marine invertebrates, among which the Polychaeta are promising candidates for bioprospecting. Here we show that an inconspicuous phyllodocid uses toxins in its uncanny feeding strategy. The worm, a jawless active predator characterised by its bright green colour, preys on larger invertebrates (including conspecifics) by extracting tissue portions with its powerful proboscis through suction. The animal is even able to penetrate through the valves and plates of live molluscs and barnacles. Observationsin situand a series of experiments demonstrated that the worm compensates its simple anatomy with secretion of a novel toxin, or mixture of toxins, referred to by us as “phyllotoxins”. These are carried by mucus and delivered via repeated contact with the tip of the proboscis until the prey is relaxed or immobilised (reversibly). Proteolytic action permeabilises material to toxins and softens tissue to enable extraction by suction. The findings show that toxins are a major ecological trait and therefore play a key role in evolutionary success and diversification of Polychaeta, demonstrating also that understanding adaptative features may become the best showcase for novel animal toxins.
Sex-difference in bone architecture and bone fragility in Vietnamese
Authors: Ho-Pham Lan T. , Ho-Le Thao P. , Mai Linh D. , Do Tam M. , Doan Minh C. , Nguyen Tuan V. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis study sought to define the sex-difference in trabecular and cortical bone parameters in Vietnamese individuals. The study involved 1404 women and 864 men aged between 20 and 86 years who were recruited from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Trabecular and cortical volumetric BMD were measured at the proximal tibia and proximal radius at 4%, 38%, and 66% points, using a peripheral quantitative computed tomography XCT2000 (Stratec, Germany). Polar strength strain index was estimated from cortical bone parameters. Changes in bone parameters were assessed by the multiple linear regression model. Among individuals aged 20–39 years, women had significantly lower peak trabecular BMD at both the radius (40%) and tibia (16%) than men, but the age-related reduction in trabecular BMD were similar between two sexes. For cortical BMD, peak values in women and men were comparable, but the age-related diminution was greater in women than men. At any age, polar strength strain index in women was lower than men, and the difference was mainly attributable to cortical bone area and total bone mass. We conclude that in the elderly, sex-related difference in trabecular BMD is originated during growth, but sex-related difference in cortical BMD is determined by differential age-related bone loss.
Indoor wet cells as a habitat for melanized fungi, opportunistic pathogens on humans and other vertebrates
Authors: Wang Xiaofang , Cai Wenying , van den Ende A. H. G. Gerrits , Zhang Junmin , Xie Ting , Xi Liyan , Li Xiqing , Sun Jiufeng , de Hoog Sybren 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIndoor wet cells serve as an environmental reservoir for a wide diversity of melanized fungi. A total of 313 melanized fungi were isolated at five locations in Guangzhou, China. Internal transcribed spacer (rDNA ITS) sequencing showed a preponderance of 27 species belonging to 10 genera; 64.22% (n = 201) were known as human opportunists in the ordersChaetothyrialesandVenturiales, potentially causing cutaneous and sometimes deep infections.Knufia epidermidiswas the most frequently encountered species in bathrooms (n = 26), while in kitchensOchroconis musae(n = 14),Phialophora oxyspora(n = 12) andP. europaea(n = 10) were prevalent. Since the majority of species isolated are common agents of cutaneous infections and are rarely encountered in the natural environment, it is hypothesized that indoor facilities explain the previously enigmatic sources of infection by these organisms.
The cholinergic contribution to the resting-state functional network in non-demented Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Lee Yoonju , Ham Jee Hyun , Cha Jungho , Park Yeong-Hun , Lee Jae Jung , Sunwoo Mun Kyung , Hong Jin Yong , Sohn Young H. , Lee Jong-Min , Lee Phil Hyu 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe cholinergic system arising from the basal forebrain plays an important role in cognitive performance in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Here, we analyzed cholinergic status-dependent cortical and subcortical resting-state functional connectivity in PD. A total of 61 drug-naïve PD patients were divided into tertiles based on normalized substantia innominata (SI) volumes. We compared the resting-state network from seed region of interest in the caudate, posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), and SI between the lowest (PD-L) and highest tertile (PD-H) groups. Correlation analysis of the functional networks was also performed in all subjects. The functional network analysis showed that PD-L subjects displayed decreased striato-cortical functional connectivity compared with PD-H subjects. Selecting the PCC as a seed, the PD-L patients displayed decreased functional connectivity compared to PD-H patients. Meanwhile, PD-L subjects had significantly increased cortical functional connectivity with the SI compared with PD-H subjects. Correlation analysis revealed that SI volume had a positive correlation with functional connectivity from the right caudate and PCC. The present study demonstrated that PD patients exhibited unique functional connectivity from the caudate and the PCC that may be closely associated with cholinergic status, suggesting an important role for the cholinergic system in PD-associated cognition.
Changes in L4/5 Intervertebral Foramen Bony Morphology with Age
Authors: Yan Shuaifeng , Wang Kai , Zhang Yunfan , Guo Song , Zhang Yan , Tan Jun 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore the morphological changes in L4/5 intervertebral foramen with age using a digital method. The closed boundaries of the intervertebral foramen (IGES) in different sagittal slices (inside, middle and outside) were obtained from Mimics, and then imported to a custom-written program, which provided quantitative distance between the nerve root and the closed curves. The quantitative information of each age group was used to produce radar chart and line chart for morphological and statistical analyses. Overall, the intervertebral foramen changes mainly occurred in the inner part from middle age to old age. The foraminal height decreased with age in the inside sagittal slice, while no significant difference was found in the middle sagittal slice or the outside sagittal slice. The foraminal width showed no decrease in each age group or each sagittal plane. The present study described foraminal geometry of asymptomatic males in different sagittal slices with age. This information enhances the knowledge of anatomical changes in intervertebral foramen with age, which provides better understanding of the pathology of intervertebral foramen diseases.
Economic analysis of implementing virtual reality therapy for pain among hospitalized patients
Authors: Delshad Sean D. , Almario Christopher V. , Fuller Garth , Luong Duong , Spiegel Brennan M. R. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractVirtual reality (VR) has emerged as a novel and effective non-pharmacologic therapy for pain, and there is growing interest to use VR in the acute hospital setting. We sought to explore the cost and effectiveness thresholds VR therapy must meet to be cost-saving as an inpatient pain management program. The result is a framework for hospital administrators to evaluate the return on investment of implementing inpatient VR programs of varying effectiveness and cost. Utilizing decision analysis software, we compared adjuvant VR therapy for pain management vs. usual care among hospitalized patients. In the VR strategy, we analyzed potential cost-savings from reductions in opioid utilization and hospital length of stay (LOS), as well as increased reimbursements from higher patient satisfaction as measured by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey. The average overall hospitalization cost-savings per patient for the VR program vs. usual care was $5.39 (95% confidence interval –$11.00 to $156.17). In a probabilistic sensitivity analysis across 1000 hypothetical hospitals of varying size and staffing, VR remained cost-saving in 89.2% of trials. The VR program was cost-saving so long as it reduced LOS by ≥14.6%; the model was not sensitive to differences in opioid use or HCAHPS. We conclude that inpatient VR therapy may be cost-saving for a hospital system primarily if it reduces LOS. In isolation, cost-savings from reductions in opioid utilization and increased HCAHPS-related reimbursements are not sufficient to overcome the costs of VR.
Cognitive Predictors of Spoken Word Recognition in Children With and Without Developmental Language Disorders
Authors: Evans Julia L. , Gillam Ronald B. , Montgomery James W. 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
This study examined the influence of cognitive factors on spoken word recognition in children with developmental language disorder (DLD) and typically developing (TD) children.

Method
Participants included 234 children (aged 7;0–11;11 years;months), 117 with DLD and 117 TD children, propensity matched for age, gender, socioeconomic status, and maternal education. Children completed a series of standardized assessment measures, a forward gating task, a rapid automatic naming task, and a series of tasks designed to examine cognitive factors hypothesized to influence spoken word recognition including phonological working memory, updating, attention shifting, and interference inhibition.

Results
Spoken word recognition for both initial and final accept gate points did not differ for children with DLD and TD controls after controlling target word knowledge in both groups. The 2 groups also did not differ on measures of updating, attention switching, and interference inhibition. Despite the lack of difference on these measures, for children with DLD, attention shifting and interference inhibition were significant predictors of spoken word recognition, whereas updating and receptive vocabulary were significant predictors of speed of spoken word recognition for the children in the TD group.

Conclusion
Contrary to expectations, after controlling for target word knowledge, spoken word recognition did not differ for children with DLD and TD controls; however, the cognitive processing factors that influenced children's ability to recognize the target word in a stream of speech differed qualitatively for children with and without DLDs.
3D radiative transfer: Continuum and line scattering in non-spherical winds from OB stars
Authors: Hennicker L. , Puls J. , Kee N. D. , Sundqvist J. O. 
Published: May 2018

Context. State of the art quantitative spectroscopy utilizes synthetic spectra to extract information from observations. For hot, massive stars, these synthetic spectra are calculated by means of 1D, spherically symmetric, NLTE atmosphere and spectrum-synthesis codes. Certain stellar atmospheres, however, show strong deviations from spherical symmetry, and need to be treated in 3D.
Aims. We present and test a newly developed 3D radiative transfer code, tailored to the solution of the radiation field in rapidly expanding stellar atmospheres. We apply our code to the continuum transfer in wind-ablation models, and to the UV resonance line formation in magnetic winds.
Methods. We have used a 3D finite-volume method for the solution of the time-independent equation of radiative transfer, to study continuum- and line-scattering problems, currently approximated by a two-level-atom. Convergence has been accelerated by coupling the formal solver to a non-local approximate Λ-iteration scheme. Particular emphasis has been put on careful tests, by comparing with alternative solutions for 1D, spherically symmetric model atmospheres. These tests allowed us to understand certain shortcomings of the methods, and to estimate limiting cases that can actually be calculated.
Results. The typical errors of the converged source functions, when compared to 1D solutions, are of the order of 10–20%, and rapidly increase for optically thick (τ ≳ 10) continua, mostly due to the order of accuracy of our solution scheme. In circumstellar discs, the radiation temperatures in the (optically thin) transition region from wind to disc are quite similar to corresponding values in the wind. For MHD simulations of dynamical magnetospheres, the line profiles, calculated with our new 3D code, agree well with previous solutions using a 3D-SEI method. When compared with profiles resulting from the so-called analytic dynamical magnetosphere (ADM) model, however, significant differences become apparent.
Conclusions. Due to similar radiation temperatures in the wind and the transition region to the disc, the same line-strength distribution can be applied within radiation hydrodynamic calculations for optically thick circumstellar discs in “accreting high-mass stars”. To properly describe the UV line formation in dynamical magnetospheres, the ADM model needs to be further developed, at least in a large part of the outer wind.
Monitoring near-Earth-object discoveries for imminent impactors
Authors: Solin Otto , Granvik Mikael 
Published: May 2018

Aims. We present an automated system calledNEORANGERthat regularly computes asteroid-Earth impact probabilities for objects on the Minor Planet Center’s (MPC) Near-Earth-Object Confirmation Page (NEOCP) and sends out alerts of imminent impactors to registered users. In addition to potential Earth-impacting objects,NEORANGERalso monitors for other types of interesting objects such as Earth’s natural temporarily-captured satellites.Methods. The system monitors the NEOCP for objects with new data and solves, for each object, the orbital inverse problem, which results in a sample of orbits that describes the, typically highly-nonlinear, orbital-element probability density function (PDF). The PDF is propagated forward in time for seven days and the impact probability is computed as the weighted fraction of the sample orbits that impact the Earth.Results. The system correctly predicts the then-imminent impacts of 2008 TC3and 2014 AA based on the first data sets available. Using the same code and configuration we find that the impact probabilities for objects typically on the NEOCP, based on eight weeks of continuous operations, are always less than one in ten million, whereas simulated and real Earth-impacting asteroids always have an impact probability greater than 10% based on the first two tracklets available.
The visible and near-infrared spectra of asteroids in cometary orbits
Authors: Licandro J. , Popescu M. , de León J. , Morate D. , Vaduvescu O. , De Prá M. , Ali-Laoga Victor 
Published: May 2018

Context. Dynamical and albedo properties suggest that asteroids in cometary orbits (ACOs) are dormant or extinct comets. Their study provides new insights for understanding the end-states of comets and the size of the comet population.
Aims. We intend to study the visible and near-infrared (NIR) spectral properties of different ACO populations and compare them to the independently determined properties of comets.
Methods. We select our ACOs sample based on published dynamical criteria and present our own observational results obtained using the 10.4 m Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC), the 4.2 m William Herschel Telescope (WHT), the 3.56 m Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG), and the 2.5 m Isaac Newton Telescope (INT), all located at the El Roque de los Muchachos Observatory (La Palma, Spain), and the 3.0 m NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF), located at the Mauna Kea Observatory, in Hawaii. We include in the analysis the spectra of ACOs obtained from the literature. We derive the spectral class and the visible and NIR spectral slopes. We also study the presence of hydrated minerals by studying the 0.7 μm band and the UV-drop below 0.5 μm associated with phyllosilicates. Results. We present new observations of 17 ACOs, 11 of them observed in the visible, 2 in the NIR and 4 in the visible and NIR. We also discuss the spectra of 12 ACOs obtained from the literature. All but two ACOs have a primitive-like class spectrum (X or D-type). Almost 100% of the ACOs in long-period cometary orbits (Damocloids) are D-types. Those in Jupiter family comet orbits (JFC-ACOs) are ∼60% D-types and ∼40% X-types. The mean spectral slope S′ of JFC-ACOs is 9.7 ± 4.6%/1000 Å and for the Damocloids this is 12.2 ± 2.0%/1000 Å. No evidence of hydration on the surface of ACOs is found from their visible spectra. The spectral slope and spectral class distribution of ACOs is similar to that of comets.
Conclusions. The spectral taxonomical classification and the spectral slope distribution of ACOs, and the lack of spectral features indicative of the presence of hydrated minerals on their surface, strongly suggest that ACOs are likely dormant or extinct comets.
Urine specific gravity as an indicator of dehydration in Olympic combat sport athletes; considerations for research and practice
Authors: Zubac Damir , Reale Reid , Karnincic Hrvoje , Sivric Anamaria , Jelaska Igor 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTUrine specific gravity (USG) is the most commonly reported biochemical marker used in research and applied settings to detect fluid deficits in athletes, including those participating in combat sports. Despite the popularity of its use, there has been a growing debate regarding the diagnostic accuracy and the applicability of USG in characterizing whole‐body fluid status and fluctuations. Moreover, recent investigations report universally high prevalence of hypohydration (∼90%) via USG assessment in combat sport athletes, often in spite of stable body‐mass. Given the widespread use in both research and practice, and its use in a regulatory sense as a ‘hydration test’ in combat sports as a means to detect dehydration at the time of weigh‐in; understanding the limitations and applicability of USG assessment is of paramount importance. Inconsistencies in findings of USG readings, possibly as a consequence of diverse methodological research approaches and/or overlooked confounding factors, preclude a conclusive position stand within current combat sports research and practice. Thus the primary aim of this paper is to critically review the literature regarding USG assessment of hydration status in combat sports research and practice. When taken on balance, the existing literature suggests: the use of laboratory derived benchmarks in applied settings, inconsistent sampling methodologies, the incomplete picture of how various confounding factors affect end‐point readings, and the still poorly understood potential of renal adaptation to dehydration in combat athletes; make the utility of hydration assessment via USG measurement quite problematic, particularly when diet and training is not controlled.
Circulating Dephospho-Uncarboxylated Matrix Gla-Protein Is Associated With Kidney Dysfunction and Arterial Stiffness
Authors: Puzantian Houry , Akers Scott R , Oldland Garrett , Javaid Khuzaima , Miller Rachana , Ge Yueya , Ansari Bilal , Lee Jonathan , Suri Arpita , Hasmath Zeba , Townsend Raymond , Chirinos Julio A 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Large artery stiffening is increased in advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) but likely develops progressively in earlier stages of CKD. Active matrix Gla-protein (MGP) is a potent vitamin K–dependent inhibitor of vascular calcification. A recent animal model demonstrated intrinsic abnormalities in vitamin K metabolism even in early CKD, but whether early human CKD is associated with vascular vitamin K deficiency is unknown.

METHODS
We enrolled 137 adults without HF with varying degrees of renal function: normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; &gt;90 ml/min; n = 59), mildly reduced eGFR (stage 2 CKD: eGFR = 60–89 ml/min; n = 53) or at least moderately reduced eGFR (stage 3–5 CKD; eGFR &lt; 60 ml/min; n = 25). Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV) was measured with carotid and femoral tonometry. Dephospho-uncarboxylated matrix gla-protein (dp-ucMGP) was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (VitaK; Maastricht University; The Netherlands).

RESULT
Dp-ucMGP levels were progressively increased with decreasing renal function (eGFR ≥ 90: 247 pmol/l; eGFR 60–89: 488 pmol/l; eGFR &lt; 60: 953 pmol/l; P &lt; 0.0001). These differences persisted after adjustment for multiple potential confounders (eGFR ≥ 90: 314 pmol/l; eGFR 60–89: 414 pmol/l; eGFR &lt; 60: 770 pmol/l; P &lt; 0.0001). In a multivariable model adjusted for various confounders, dp-ucMGP was a significant independent predictor of CF-PWV (β = 0.21; P = 0.019). In formal mediation analyses, dp-ucMGP mediated a significant relationship between eGFR and higher CF-PWV (β = −0.16; P = 0.005), whereas no significant dp-ucMGP–independent relationship was present (β = −0.02; P = 0.80).

CONCLUSIONS
CKD is associated with increased (inactive) dp-ucMGP, a vitamin K–dependent inhibitor of vascular calcification, which correlates with large artery stiffness. Further studies are needed to assess whether vitamin K2 supplementation represents a suitable therapeutic strategy to prevent or reduce arterial stiffening in CKD.
Fingolimod phosphate inhibits astrocyte inflammatory activity in mucolipidosis IV
Authors: Weinstock Laura D , Furness Amanda M , Herron Shawn S , Smith Sierra S , Sankar Sitara B , DeRosa Samantha G , Gao Dadi , Mepyans Molly E , Scotto Rosato Anna , Medina Diego L , Vardi Ayelet , Ferreira Natalia S , Cho Soo Min , Futerman Anthony H , Slaugenhaupt Susan A , Wood Levi B , Grishchuk Yulia 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Mucolipidosis IV (MLIV) is an orphan neurodevelopmental disease that causes severe neurologic dysfunction and loss of vision. Currently there is no therapy for MLIV. It is caused by loss of function of the lysosomal channel mucolipin-1, also known as TRPML1. Knockout of the Mcoln1 gene in a mouse model mirrors clinical and neuropathologic signs in humans. Using this model, we previously observed robust activation of microglia and astrocytes in early symptomatic stages of disease. Here we investigate the consequence of mucolipin-1 loss on astrocyte inflammatory activation in vivo and in vitro and apply a pharmacologic approach to restore Mcoln1−/− astrocyte homeostasis using a clinically approved immunomodulator, fingolimod. We found that Mcoln1−/− mice over-express numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines, some of which were also over-expressed in astrocyte cultures. Changes in the cytokine profile in Mcoln1−/− astrocytes are concomitant with changes in phospho-protein signaling, including activation of PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways. Fingolimod promotes cytokine homeostasis, down-regulates signaling within the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways and restores the lysosomal compartment in Mcoln1−/− astrocytes. These data suggest that fingolimod is a promising candidate for preclinical evaluation in our MLIV mouse model, which, in case of success, can be rapidly translated into clinical trial.