bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterizing stable isotope relationships between green turtle (Chelonia mydas) skin and unhatched eggs
Authors: Chabot Ryan M. , Ceriani Simona A. , Seminoff Jeffrey A. , Mills Kali A. , Mansfield Katherine L. 
Published: May 2019

RationaleStable isotope analysis is used to understand the foraging habits and movements of a diverse set of organisms. Variability in stable isotope ratios among tissues derived from the same animal makes it difficult to compare data among study results in which different tissue types are evaluated. Isotopic relationships between two green turtle (Chelonia mydas) tissue types, skin and unhatched egg contents are unknown. Similarly, few data exist to evaluate the influence of time elapsed after oviposition (as a proxy for decomposition) on isotopic variability among unhatched eggs within the same nest.MethodsSkin and unhatched egg contents were collected from 69 adult female green turtles and associated nests at the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, USA. Values of δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S were measured for both tissue types using a continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Standardized major‐axis (SMA) regression was used to generate conversion equations of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotope ratios between the two tissue types. Model selection frameworks consisting of single‐factor linear models were employed per isotope ratio to assess how egg time‐in‐nest affected intraclutch isotopic variability.ResultsConversion equations for all three isotope ratios indicated significant relationships between skin and unhatched egg values, although model fits were lower than found in some studies examining similar patterns in other marine turtle species. The probability of increased intraclutch variability was significantly higher among eggs collected at longer intervals after deposition.ConclusionsThis study reports the first‐ever δ13C and δ15N conversion equations between skin and unhatched eggs for green turtles, and the first δ34S conversion equation for any marine turtle species. SMA regression was used to directly convert tissue values bidirectionally, unlike equations generated using ordinary least‐squares regression. Issues with increased intraclutch variability at later excavation dates highlight the importance of collecting unhatched eggs as soon as possible after hatchling emergence.
Survival outcomes of robotic radical hysterectomy for early stage cervical cancer: A 9‐year study
Authors: Siesto Gabriele , Finco Andrea , Portuesi Rosa Alba Valentina , Romano Fabrizio , Ieda’ Nicoletta Palma , Vitobello Domenico 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundRecently, the results of a RCT have raised concerns on the management of cervical cancer through a minimally invasive approach. This study reports on the outcomes of patients with early stage cervical cancer submitted to robotics.MethodsRetrospective review of a consecutive series of patients with an early cervical cancer treated with robotics at a single Institution over a 9‐year period.ResultsA total of 91 women were managed; 39 (41.1%) had cervical adenocarcinoma. One (1.1%) conversion to laparotomy and one (1.1%) intraoperative complication occurred. Five (5.5%) patients experienced postoperative (>G2) complications; 24 (26.4%) patients required further adjuvant therapies. After a median follow‐up of 40.7 (3.8‐96.6) months, the DFS and OS were 90.4 (95%CI 85.3‐95.6)% and 94.5 (95%CI 91.8‐97.2)%, respectively.ConclusionsAccording to the available literature, the survival outcomes of this series of RRH for ECC are not inferior to what recorded in the past by an open approach.
Robotic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review
Authors: Magistri Paolo , Tarantino Giuseppe , Assirati Giacomo , Olivieri Tiziana , Catellani Barbara , Guerrini Gian Piero , Ballarin Roberto , Di Benedetto Fabrizio 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a leading cause of death in patients with cirrhosis. This review attempts to clarify the role of robotic surgery for HCC in terms of oncologic outcomes.Materials and methodsA systematic literature search was performed according to the PRISMA statement including papers comparing open, robotic, and laparoscopic approach for liver surgery. If more than one study was reported by the same institute, only the most recent or the highest quality study was included.ResultsThe literature search yielded 302 articles; titles and abstracts were reviewed for inclusion. Ten papers were finally included in this review for a total of 307 patients who underwent robotic resection for HCC.ConclusionsRobotic liver resection for HCC is effective in terms of oncological results as compared with open and laparoscopic approach when performed in experienced centers and is accurate in terms of R0 rates and disease‐free surgical margin.
Novel design for a customized, 3D‐printed surgical template for thoracic spinal arthrodesis
Authors: Naddeo Francesco , Fontana Carlotta , Naddeo Alessandro , Cataldo Emilio , Cappetti Nicola , Narciso Nicola 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe integration of computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) tools and medicine is rapidly developing for designing medical devices. A novel design for a 3D‐printed patient‐specific surgical template for thoracic pedicle screw insertion, using a procedure based on reverse engineering, is presented.MethodsThe surgeon chooses the entry point on the vertebra. The optimal insertion direction and the size of the screws are defined via an algorithm on the basis of a patient‐specific vertebra CAD model. The template features an innovative shape for a comfortable and univocal placement and a novel disengaging device.ResultsThree spinal fusions were performed to test the template. Excellent results were achieved in terms of the accuracy of the screw positioning, reduction in surgery duration, and number of X‐rays.ConclusionsA novel design for a customized, 3D‐printed surgical template for thoracic spinal arthrodesis was presented, and improvements in terms of precision, duration, and safety were achieved without changing the standard procedure.
Event‐based distributed robust synchronization control for multiple Euler‐Lagrange systems without relative velocity measurements
Authors: Xu Tao , Duan Zhisheng , Sun Zhiyong 
Published: May 2019

SummaryThis paper focuses on the event‐based distributed robust leaderless synchronization control for multiple Euler‐Lagrange systems with directed communication topology that contains a directed spanning tree. Update frequency of the system is reduced by taking advantages of the event‐triggered approach, which can help extend the service life of the controller. Robust control theory is employed to guarantee the synchronization stability of the networked Euler‐Lagrange systems when unmodeled dynamics occur. The cost on the distributed synchronization protocol design can be saved due to the relaxation of the requirement on relative velocity measurements. Furthermore, our results are more practical because unknown disturbance is taken into consideration. In addition, it can be rigorously analyzed that each agent can exclude the undesired Zeno behavior. Some simulation examples are provided in the end to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed event‐based distributed robust control algorithm.
Computation of discriminating kernel and robust capture basin with regulation map by interval methods
Authors: Peng Bowen , Stancu Alexandru , Dang Shuping 
Published: May 2019

SummaryThis paper proposes a novel algorithm that characterizes the robust capture basin and the discriminating kernel for constrained nonlinear systems with uncertainties based on viability theory. For nonlinear systems with constrained inputs and bounded uncertainties, the viability kernel is the largest set of states possessing a possibility to be viable in a set, and the capture basin is the largest set of states possessing a possibility to reach a target in a finite time, and keeping viable in a set before reaching the target. However, in the viability theory, both control and uncertainty in a parameterized system are considered as parameters: the discriminating kernel and the proposed robust capture basin link viability theory with robust control, which take both control and uncertainties into account. For the constrained uncertain nonlinear systems, the discriminating kernel is the largest set of states that is robust invariant in a set with proper control, and the robust capture basin is the largest set of states reaching their target in finite time with proper control despite of uncertainties and keeping viable in a set before reaching the target. Furthermore, we map all the states to optimal regulatory control such that the systems are regulated by a regulation map. To compute the robust capture basin and the discriminating kernel, we use interval methods to provide guaranteed solutions. The proposed algorithms in this paper approximate an outer approximation of the minimum reachable target and inner approximations of the robust capture basin and the discriminating kernel in a guaranteed way.
Human Platelet Lysate Improves Bone Forming Potential of Human Progenitor Cells Expanded in Microcarrier-Based Dynamic Culture
Authors: Gupta Priyanka , Hall Gabriella Nilsson , Geris Liesbet , Luyten Frank P. , Papantoniou Ioannis 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Xenogeneic-free media are required for translating advanced therapeutic medicinal products to the clinics. In addition, process efficiency is crucial for ensuring cost efficiency, especially when considering large-scale production of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Human platelet lysate (HPL) has been increasingly adopted as an alternative for fetal bovine serum (FBS) for MSCs. However, its therapeutic and regenerative potential in vivo is largely unexplored. Herein, we compare the effects of FBS and HPL supplementation for a scalable, microcarrier-based dynamic expansion of human periosteum-derived cells (hPDCs) while assessing their bone forming capacity by subcutaneous implantation in small animal model. We observed that HPL resulted in faster cell proliferation with a total fold increase of 5.2 ± 0.61 in comparison to 2.7 ± 02.22-fold in FBS. Cell viability and trilineage differentiation capability were maintained by HPL, although a suppression of adipogenic differentiation potential was observed. Differences in mRNA expression profiles were also observed between the two on several markers. When implanted, we observed a significant difference between the bone forming capacity of cells expanded in FBS and HPL, with HPL supplementation resulting in almost three times more mineralized tissue within calcium phosphate scaffolds. FBS-expanded cells resulted in a fibrous tissue structure, whereas HPL resulted in mineralized tissue formation, which can be classified as newly formed bone, verified by μCT and histological analysis. We also observed the presence of blood vessels in our explants. In conclusion, we suggest that replacing FBS with HPL in bioreactor-based expansion of hPDCs is an optimal solution that increases expansion efficiency along with promoting bone forming capacity of these cells. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2019;8:810–821
Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of Müller Glia Isolated from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Organoids: Improvement of Retinal Ganglion Cell Function upon Transplantation
Authors: Eastlake Karen , Wang Weixin , Jayaram Hari , Murray-Dunning Celia , Carr Amanda J. F. , Ramsden Conor M. , Vugler Anthony , Gore Katrina , Clemo Nadine , Stewart Mark , Coffey Pete , Khaw Peng T. , Limb G. Astrid 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness, and there is an ongoing need for new therapies. Recent studies indicate that cell transplantation using Müller glia may be beneficial, but there is a need for novel sources of cells to provide therapeutic benefit. In this study, we have isolated Müller glia from retinal organoids formed by human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) in vitro and have shown their ability to partially restore visual function in rats depleted of retinal ganglion cells by NMDA. Based on the present results, we suggest that Müller glia derived from retinal organoids formed by hiPSC may provide an attractive source of cells for human retinal therapies, to prevent and treat vision loss caused by retinal degenerative conditions. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2019;8:775–784
Negatively Charged Carbon Nanodots with Bacteria Resistance Ability for High‐Performance Antibiofilm Formation and Anticorrosion Coating Design
Authors: Zhu Cheng , Li Hao , Wang Huibo , Yao Bowen , Huang Hui , Liu Yang , Kang Zhenhui 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMultifunctional coatings, especially those with simultaneous antibiofilm formation and anticorrosion properties are of great significance for the marine industry. Inspired by the function of fish mucus of blackhead fish, a biological epidermal secretion with negative surface potential that protects blackhead fish from colonization of microorganisms, a concept is introduced to use negatively charged carbon nanodots (CDs) as a secure and economical dual‐functional additive to prepare protective coatings. The prepared CDs with strong negative surface potential initiate robust antibiofilm formation (antiadhesion and antibacteria) and anticorrosion properties (about 60 days' durability in seawater) of polymeric coatings. The incorporated CDs with negative surface potential take effect in the following ways: 1) suppressing bacterial adhesion by virtue of strong electrostatic repulsion; 2) sterilizing anchored bacteria via destroying bacterial cell walls; 3) impeding electron ejection from the metallic surface; and 4) blocking aggressive species (H2O and O2) by narrowing the microchannels. This work provides a new train of thought propelling the development of potential materials for industrial and engineering applications.
The unity of (social systems) science: The legacy of Bertalanffy
Authors: Cadenas Hugo 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe article discusses Bertalanffy's project for the unity of science in the particular field of social sciences. The aim is to analyse shortcomings and to sketch new approaches to this matter. We identify two main obstacles, namely, the inner differentiation of social systems science and the threat of methodological nativism to Bertalanffy's project. Furthermore, the article examines the concepts of scientific system and cosmopolitanism as opposites to such obstacles and as legacies of Bertalanffy's view of science as well. The conclusion resumes the arguments and proposes new paths for general systems theory.
Evaluation of Fish Passage at a Nature‐Like Rock Ramp Fishway on a Large Coastal River
Authors: Raabe Joshua K. , Hightower Joseph E. , Ellis Timothy A. , Facendola Joseph J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractNature‐like fishways are engineered to be low maintenance, aesthetically pleasing, and able to pass a diversity of species. However, evaluations of nature‐like fishways are limited, especially on large rivers and for anadromous species. Therefore, we studied a nature‐like “rock arch rapids” rock ramp fishway constructed in 2012 at the most downstream of three locks and dams (LDs) on the Cape Fear River, North Carolina. We evaluated upstream fish passage effectiveness and time until passage through the LD‐1 (river kilometer [rkm] 97) fishway and via locking procedures at LD‐2 (rkm 149) and LD‐3 (rkm 186) from March to early July for three consecutive years, 2013–2015. We used stationary acoustic telemetry receivers to evaluate tagged anadromous American Shad Alosa sapidissima and Striped Bass Morone saxatilis and introduced potamodromous Flathead Catfish Pylodictis olivaris. For American Shad, raw upstream passage efficiency at the LD‐1 fishway was similar to that for LD passage via locking procedures in this and previous studies (53–65%), but passage rates were considerably lower for Striped Bass (19–25%). Duration downstream prior to upstream passage averaged 14.7 d for American Shad (SD = 10.2) and 11.6 d for Striped Bass (SD = 17.1). The raw upstream passage efficiency of Flathead Catfish at LD‐1 was variable (13–80%), and certain individuals passed multiple times in a season and spent extended durations downstream prior to passage (mean = 17.4 d; SD = 20.8), potentially foraging. The rock arch rapids LD‐1 fishway passed each species upstream in all years, but anadromous fish passage was delayed for some individuals and the fishway did not meet predetermined success criteria (80% passage efficiency), indicating that design modifications may be necessary to improve overall effectiveness.
Coho Salmon Growth in Relation to Natural Turbidity Regimes in a Coastal Stream of Northern California
Authors: Martin Douglas J. , Shelly Alice A. , Danehy Robert J. , Lang Emily D. , Hvozda Jonathon 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe examined how the growth rate and food consumption of juvenile Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch varied in relation to natural turbidity regimes in a coastal stream of northern California. Instream sensors were used to continuously monitor the location, turbidity, and temperature exposure of juvenile Coho Salmon fitted with passive integrated transponder tags. We observed that overwinter growth rate and food consumption varied in relation to the duration and magnitude of turbidity and temperature exposure. Growth rate and food consumption were positively associated with low‐to‐moderate turbidity exposures that ranged from >3 NTU to >20 NTU and negatively associated with elevated turbidity exposures that ranged from > 55 NTU to >150 NTU. This shift to negative associations for fish that experienced long exposures at turbidity levels > 55 NTU suggests a threshold for assessing potential risk of impairment. However, our analyses show that the influence of turbidity on consumption and growth rate is complicated by a fish's temperature exposure history, which varies among fish depending on individual movement patterns and duration of residency within different stream reaches. Consequently, Coho Salmon growth reflects the net effect of turbidity, temperature, and other environmental factors that are associated with specific life history patterns. These findings advance our understanding of how natural turbidity regimes may influence Coho Salmon growth and offer insight for assessing biological impairment in streams. Moreover, our findings indicate how knowledge of environmental context is crucial for understanding the applicability of laboratory‐derived turbidity thresholds for fish populations in streams. Such findings corroborate other field‐based studies and add to evidence that laboratory‐derived turbidity thresholds alone may be inadequate predictors of biological impairment to stream fish populations.
Viral modulation of cellular RNA alternative splicing: A new key player in virus–host interactions?
Authors: Boudreault Simon , Roy Patricia , Lemay Guy , Bisaillon Martin 
Published: May 2019

AbstractUpon viral infection, a tug of war is triggered between host cells and viruses to maintain/gain control of vital cellular functions, the result of which will ultimately dictate the fate of the host cell. Among these essential cellular functions, alternative splicing (AS) is an important RNA maturation step that allows exons, or parts of exons, and introns to be retained in mature transcripts, thereby expanding proteome diversity and function. AS is widespread in higher eukaryotes, as it is estimated that nearly all genes in humans are alternatively spliced. Recent evidence has shown that upon infection by numerous viruses, the AS landscape of host‐cells is affected. In this review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of how virus infection impacts the AS of cellular transcripts. We also present various molecular mechanisms allowing viruses to modulate cellular AS. Finally, the functional consequences of these changes in the RNA splicing signatures during virus–host interactions are discussed.This article is categorized under:
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing
Potassium uptake systems of Candida krusei
Authors: Elicharova Hana , Herynkova Pavla , Zimmermannova Olga , Sychrova Hana 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCandida krusei is a pathogenic yeast species that is phylogenetically outside both of the well‐studied yeast groups, whole genome duplication and CUG. Like all other yeast species, it needs to accumulate high amounts of potassium cations, which are needed for proliferation and many other cell functions. A search in the sequenced genomes of nine C. krusei strains revealed the existence of two highly conserved genes encoding putative potassium uptake systems. Both of them belong to the TRK family, whose members have been found in all the sequenced genomes of species from the Saccharomycetales subclade. Analysis and comparison of the two C. krusei Trk sequences revealed all the typical features of yeast Trk proteins but also an unusual extension of the CkTrk2 hydrophilic N‐terminus. The expression of both putative CkTRK genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae lacking its own potassium importers showed that only CkTrk1 is able to complement the absence of S. cerevisiae's own transporters and provide cells with a sufficient amount of potassium. Interestingly, a portion of the CkTrk1 molecules were localized to the vacuolar membrane. The presence of CkTrk2 had no evident phenotype, due to the fact that this protein was not correctly targeted to the S. cerevisiae plasma membrane. Thus, CkTrk2 is the first studied yeast Trk protein to date that was not properly recognized and targeted to the plasma membrane upon heterologous expression in S. cerevisiae.
Virulence and antifungal susceptibility of microsatellite genotypes of Candida albicans from superficial and deep locations
Authors: Wang Meizhu , Cao Yu , Xia Maoning , Al‐Hatmi Abdullah M.S. , Ou Weizheng , Wang Yanyan , Sibirny Andriy A. , Zhao Liang , Zou Chenggang , Liao Wanqing , Bai Fengyan , Zhi Xie , de Hoog Sybren , Kang Yingqian 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA set of 185 strains of Candida albicans from patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and from non‐VVC clinical sources in southwest China was analysed. Strains were subjected to genotyping using CAI microsatellite typing and amplification of an intron‐containing region of the 25S rRNA gene. Microsatellite genotypes of strains from non‐VVC sources showed high polymorphism, whereas those of VVC were dominated by few, closely similar genotypes. However, among non‐VVC strains, two genotypes were particularly prevalent in patients with lung cancer. 25S rDNA genotype A was dominant in VVC sources (86.7%), whereas genotypes A, B, and C were rather evenly distributed among non‐VVC sources; known genotypes D and E were not found. In an experimental mouse model, isolates from lung cancer and AIDS patients proved to have higher virulence than VVC strains. Among 156 mice infected with C. albicans, 19 developed non‐invasive urothelial carcinoma. No correlation could be established between parameters of virulence, source of infection, and incidence of carcinoma. C. albicans strains from VVC were less susceptible to itraconazole than the strains from non‐VVC sources, whereas there was small difference in antifungal susceptibility between different 25S rDNA genotypes of C. albicans tested against amphotericin B, itraconazole, fluconazole, and flucytosine.