bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A general model of biological signals, from cues to handicaps
Authors: Biernaskie Jay M. , Perry Jennifer C. , Grafen Alan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractOrganisms sometimes appear to use extravagant traits, or “handicaps”, to signal their quality to an interested receiver. Before they were used as signals, many of these traits might have been selected to increase with individual quality for reasons apart from conveying information, allowing receivers to use the traits as “cues” of quality. However, current theory does not explain when and why cues of individual quality become exaggerated into costly handicaps. We address this here, using a game-theoretic model of adaptive signalling. Our model predicts that: (1) signals will honestly reflect signaler quality whenever there is a positive relationship between individual quality and the signalling trait's naturally selected, non-informational optimum; and (2) the slope of this relationship will determine the amount of costly signal exaggeration, with more exaggeration favored when the slope is more shallow. A shallow slope means that a lower quality male would pay only a small fitness cost to have the same trait value as a higher quality male, and this drives the exaggeration of signals as high-quality signalers are selected to distinguish themselves. Our model reveals a simple and potentially widespread mechanism for ensuring signal honesty and predicts a natural continuum of signalling strategies, from cost-free cues to costly handicaps.
Dynamics of the nitrification and sulfide‐driven autotrophic denitrification processes in a single reactor using oxidation–reduction potential as an indicator of the process effectiveness
Authors: dos Santos Carla Eloísa Diniz , de Bello Solcia Guerrero Renata , de Godoi Leandro Augusto Gouvêa , Foresti Eugenio , Damianovic Márcia Helena Rissato Zamariolli 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis paper evaluates the nitrification and sulfide‐driven autotrophic denitrification processes in a structured‐bed reactor subjected to recirculation and intermittent aeration (SBRRIA) applied to the post‐treatment of an anaerobic effluent. The SBRRIA reactor was operated during 130 days in which influent sulfide concentrations varied between 220.1 and 231.0 mg TDS L−1 (TDS, total dissolved solids). Temporal tests were performed to elucidate the dynamics and sulfide impacts on combined processes.RESULTSSulfide partially inhibited the nitrifying activity, resulting in low NH4+‐N oxidation. This fact affected the overall nitrogen removal performance as total‐N removal efficiencies of 50 and 55% were attained in Conditions III and IV, respectively. On the one hand, under continuous aeration and in the absence of sulfide, the oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) reached 50 mV (versus Ag/AgCl) after 250 min of experiment. On the other, when sulfide was continuously provided in the feeding, the ORP was maintained lower than zero. Under anoxic conditions, the effective use of sulfide as an electron donor by autotrophic denitrification was verified by ORP monitoring. However, a concentration of 260 mg TDS L−1 associated with high pH proved inhibitory for NO3− reduction.CONCLUSIONSBased on the results obtained, new strategies of adding sulfide to the SBRRIA should be tested to minimize its inhibitory effect on nitrification and improve nitrogen removal in this unit. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhanced 5‐aminovalerate production in Escherichia coli from l‐lysine with ethanol and hydrogen peroxide addition
Authors: Cheng Jie , Zhang Yining , Huang Meihua , Chen Peng , Zhou Xiaohua , Wang Dan , Wang Qinhong 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDIncreasing environmental and energy concerns are pushing the development of a bio‐based economy, employing highly reproducible, sustainable and green biomanufacturing methods. Here a potential building block 5‐aminovalerate for polymer synthesis has been produced from l‐lysine.RESULTSl‐lysine α‐oxidase from Scomber japonicas was overexpressed in BL21(DE3); a lysine degradation gene was knocked out to strengthen this process in the microbe. The additions of ethanol and hydrogen peroxide significantly enhanced the production of 5‐aminovalerate. The recombinant Escherichia coli CJ02 strain was cultured in a medium containing 20 g L−1 glucose, 10 g L−1 l‐lysine, 4% (v/v) ethanol and 10 mM H2O2, producing 5.61 g L−1 5‐aminovalerate with a yield of 0.56 g g−1. Compared with the original producer, this titre represents an 18‐fold increase. Excellently, 29.12 g L−1 5‐aminovalerate could be achieved with a yield of 0.44 g g−1 in a 5 L fermenter.CONCLUSIONThis biotechnological 5‐aminovalerate production demonstrates a simple, economic, and green technology to replace the ubiquitous chemical synthesis. More importantly, this strategy of adding ethanol to increase protein expression is not only an efficient process for the production of 5‐aminovalerate, but also might be used in the production of other high value‐added chemicals. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Nitrogen Balance During Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support: Preliminary Results of a Prospective, Observational Study
Authors: Pelekhaty Stacy , Galvagno Samuel M. , Hochberg Eric , Herr Daniel L. , Lantry James H. , Kon Zachary N. , Deatrick Kristopher B. , Menaker Jay 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundCurrent literature is insufficient to support specific guidelines for estimating nutrition needs during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The purpose of this single‐center observational study was to investigate protein catabolism during venovenous (VV) ECMO support and assess whether current nutrition recommendations were adequate.MethodsAll patients admitted to the Lung Rescue Unit between November 2016 and June 2017 were screened for eligibility. Patients with a documented nitrogen balance (NB) study were included in the data set. NB results were excluded for a change in blood urea nitrogen ≥10 mg/dL during the urine collection or unquantified nitrogen losses. Demographics, ECMO‐specific data, NB, nutrition prescription, and infusion were recorded in a prospective, observational manner.ResultsAfter exclusions, 25 NB results in 16 patients were included for analysis. Nonobese (body mass index [BMI] ˂ 30 kg/m2) and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) patients received 85% and 84% of their prescribed protein, respectively. Nonobese patients had a mean NB of −1.7 ± 5.7, whereas obese patients had a mean NB of −11.5 ± 9.6. Obese patients displayed significantly higher urine urea nitrogen (26.7 ± 7.7 vs 13.5 ± 4.3; P = .00004).ConclusionsThese preliminary findings suggest that current guidelines for estimating protein needs in critically ill patients may be adequate for nonobese patients receiving VV ECMO. However, current protein recommendations for critically ill obese patients may not be adequate during VV ECMO support, possibly related to significantly higher rates of catabolism. Future studies with a larger cohort of patients are needed to confirm these results.
Assessment of organic amendments for improving coastal saline soil
Authors: Yang Li , Bian Xunguang , Yang Ruiping , Zhou Chunlin , Tang Boping 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSalt‐affected soils are an important resources; although the crop yields in the soils are lower, they should not be ignored nor given up. By using pot experiments, five different organic amendments (pig manure, cattle dung, chicken manure, rapeseed meal, and biochar) were used to investigate their effects on the chemical properties and enzyme activities of coastal saline soil as well as the growth of wheat. We also compared the suitable application doses of these organic amendments. After the treatment of five organic amendments, soils were incubated for 30 days at a constant temperature and moisture. The results showed that organic amendments had the property to decrease soil pH, increase organic matter, change soil enzyme activities, and promote wheat growth. With the rapeseed meal addition at the dose of 50 g kg−1, soil pH decreased from 8.29 to 7.06, which was 14.8% lower than that in the control soil (no amendments), the organic matter as well as the activities of catalase, urease, alkaline phosphatase, and saccharase significantly increased, and the biomass of wheat increased by 48.4%. Compared with control, the rapeseed meal and pig manure were recommended as the suitable soil amendments for remediating coastal saline soil, and the suitable application dose is 50 g kg−1. These data suggested that rapeseed meal and pig manure are an efficient choice in improving salt‐induced land degradation. This study will not only lay the theoretical foundation for remediating coastal saline soil but also provide advice on selecting organic matters in ameliorating coastal saline soil.
A preclinical model to investigate the role of surgically‐induced inflammation in tumor responses to intraoperative photodynamic therapy
Authors: Davis Richard W. , Papasavvas Emmanouil , Klampatsa Astero , Putt Mary , Montaner Luis J. , Culligan Melissa J. , McNulty Sally , Friedberg Joseph S. , Simone Charles B. , Singhal Sunil , Albelda Steven M. , Cengel Keith A. , Busch Theresa M. 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveInflammation is a well‐known consequence of surgery. Although surgical debulking of tumor is beneficial to patients, the onset of inflammation in injured tissue may impede the success of adjuvant therapies. One marker for postoperative inflammation is IL‐6, which is released as a consequence of surgical injuries. IL‐6 is predictive of response to many cancer therapies, and it is linked to various molecular and cellular resistance mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to establish a murine model by which therapeutic responses to photodynamic therapy (PDT) can be studied in the context of surgical inflammation.Materials and MethodsMurine models with AB12 mesothelioma tumors were treated with either surgical resection or sham surgery with tumor incision but no resection. The timing and extent of IL‐6 release in the tumor and/or serum was measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared to that measured in the serum of 27 consecutive, prospectively enrolled patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) who underwent macroscopic complete resection (MCR).ResultsMPM patients showed a significant increase in IL‐6 at the time MCR was completed. Similarly, IL‐6 increased in the tumor and serum of mice treated with surgical resections. However, investigations that combine resection with another therapy make it necessary to grow tumors for resection to a larger volume than those that receive secondary therapy alone. As the larger size may alter tumor biology independent of the effects of surgical injury, we assessed the tumor incision model. In this model, tumor levels of IL‐6 significantly increased after tumor incision.ConclusionThe tumor incision model induces IL‐6 release as is seen in the surgical setting, yet it avoids the limitations of surgical resection models. Potential mechanisms by which surgical induction of inflammation and IL‐6 could alter the nature and efficacy of tumor response to PDT are reviewed. These include a wide spectrum of molecular and cellular mechanisms through which surgically‐induced IL‐6 could change the effectiveness of therapies that are combined with surgery. The tumor incision model can be employed for novel investigations of the effects of surgically‐induced, acute inflammation on therapeutic response to PDT (or potentially other therapies). Lasers Surg. Med. 50:440–450, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simulation study of a high‐performance brain PET system with dodecahedral geometry
Authors: Tao Weijie , Chen Gaoyu , Weng Fenghua , Zan Yunlong , Zhao Zhixiang , Peng Qiyu , Xu Jianfeng , Huang Qiu 
Published: May 2018

PurposeIn brain imaging, the spherical PET system achieves the highest sensitivity when the solid angle is concerned. However, it is not practical. In this work, we designed an alternative sphere‐like scanner, the dodecahedral scanner, which has a high sensitivity in imaging and a high feasibility to manufacture. We simulated this system and compared the performance with a few other dedicated brain PET systems.MethodsMonte Carlo simulations were conducted to generate data of the dedicated brain PET system with the dodecahedral geometry (11 regular pentagon detectors). The data were then reconstructed using the in‐house developed software with the fully three‐dimensional maximum‐likelihood expectation maximization (3D‐MLEM) algorithm.ResultsResults show that the proposed system has a high‐sensitivity distribution for the whole field of view (FOV). With a depth‐of‐interaction (DOI) resolution around 6.67 mm, the proposed system achieves the spatial resolution of 1.98 mm. Our simulation study also shows that the proposed system improves the image contrast and reduces noise compared with a few other dedicated brain PET systems. Finally, simulations with the Hoffman phantom show the potential application of the proposed system in clinical applications.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the proposed dodecahedral PET system is potential for widespread applications in high‐sensitivity, high‐resolution PET imaging, to lower the injected dose.
Fatty infiltration evaluation and selective pattern characterization of lower limbs in limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A by muscle magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Feng Xuelin , Luo Sushan , Li Jing , Yue Dongyue , Xi Jianying , Zhu Wenhua , Gao Xinfang , Guan Xueni , Lu Jiahong , Liang Zonghui , Zhao Chongbo 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTIntroductionLimb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A (LGMD2A) is characterized by progressive wasting of muscles for which the disease‐monitoring tools are still deficient.MethodsWe performed muscle MRI of the lower limbs in 32 LGMD2A patients and 21 controls. The modified Mercuri scale was employed to evaluate the degree of fatty infiltration.ResultsSevere fatty infiltration in the long head of biceps femoris (modified Mercuri scale 3.99) and sparing of extensor digitorum longus (modified Mercuri scale 0.17) were observed. The sensitivity and specificity of this pattern in diagnostic testing was 76.00% and 90.48%, respectively. A comprehensive clinical and MRI evaluation revealed that progressive fatty infiltration in the upper leg correlated well with disease progression, but neither calf involvement nor muscle strength deterioration showed a good correlation.DiscussionThe selective involvement pattern is potentially useful for LGMD2A diagnosis. Upper leg muscle MRI is a sensitive evaluation method for monitoring disease progression. Muscle Nerve 58: 536–541, 2018
Comparison of Two Crayfish Trapping Methods in Coastal Plain Seasonal Wetlands
Authors: Barnett Zanethia C. , Adams Susan B. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
We compared crayfish collections from minnow versus microhabitat traps in the Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge, Bolivar County, Mississippi, extending the knowledge of microhabitat trap effectiveness to seasonal bottomland hardwood forest floodplains. Crayfishes were captured in three seasonally flooded habitat types: wooded, trail, and open habitats. The CPUE of vernal crayfish Procambarus viaeviridis and White River crayfish P. acutus was higher in minnow traps, whereas the CPUE of swamp dwarf crayfish Cambarellus puer was higher in microhabitat traps. The CPUE did not differ among habitat types for either trap type. In minnow traps, the CPUE of vernal and White River crayfishes increased steadily during the study, whereas the CPUE of swamp dwarf crayfish did not vary over time. In microhabitat traps, the CPUE did not vary over time for any species. Microhabitat traps were more effective at collecting adult, female vernal crayfish in the winter than in spring, whereas minnow traps were more effective at collecting adult, female vernal crayfish in the spring than in winter. Form I males of all three species were collected in both trap types throughout the study, whereas the only ovigerous females collected were swamp dwarf crayfish. Microhabitat traps caught more small crayfishes, pertinent to studies of population structure and recruitment, and were more effective at collecting adult swamp dwarf crayfish, a species five times smaller than other collected species. Conversely, minnow traps provided a better understanding of abundances and population structures of larger crayfishes. Using both trap types provided data on all size-classes and life stages and reduced sampling selectivity.
Description of the CARE4STROKE programme: A caregiver‐mediated exercises intervention with e‐health support for stroke patients
Authors: Vloothuis Judith , de Bruin Julya , Mulder Marijn , Nijland Rinske , Kwakkel Gert , van Wegen Erwin E. H. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundIntensity of practice and task and context specificity are key factors for improving functional outcome in stroke survivors. Novel methods are needed to augment intensity of practice with minimal use of resources and costs. Caregiver‐mediated exercises (CMEs) focused on mobility, in which a caregiver acts as an exercise coach and can increase the intensity of practice. There is preliminary evidence that CME can improve functional outcome, reduce length of stay, and allow early supported discharge, without an increase in caregiver burden. In the CARE4STROKE programme (C4S), CME therapy and e‐health support are combined to promote a smoother transition from the inpatient setting to the home environment, with active rehabilitation continuing in the community.The objective of this paper is to describe the content of the C4S intervention in detail and explain implementation of this intervention in practice using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist.MethodsContent, timing and intensity of the programme, participant screening and selection, and intervention procedures were described using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist. Mobility exercises and use of a video application on tablet/smartphone are explained. The role of the caregiver as provider of the intervention is illustrated.DiscussionC4S prescribes an additional exercise dose of 1,200 min and may be a promising novel and effective method to augment the pallet of therapeutic options for stroke rehabilitation. Important aspects for successful implementation are availability and suitability of a caregiver. Suggestions for additional use of e‐health technology are described.Implications for physiotherapy practiceThe presented description of C4S gives physical therapists practical guidelines to facilitate implementation of the CME intervention.
Maritime anomaly detection: A review
Authors: Riveiro Maria , Pallotta Giuliana , Vespe Michele 
Published: May 2018

The surveillance of large sea areas normally requires the analysis of large volumes of heterogeneous, multidimensional and dynamic sensor data, in order to improve vessel traffic safety, maritime security and to protect the environment. Early detection of conflict situations at sea provides critical time to take appropriate action with, possibly before potential problems occur. In order to provide an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art of research carried out for the analysis of maritime data for situational awareness, this study presents a review of maritime anomaly detection. The found articles are categorized into four groups (a) data, (b) methods, (c) systems, and (d) user aspects. We present a comprehensive summary of the works found in each category, and finally, outline possible paths of investigation and challenges for maritime anomaly detection.This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Government and Public Sector
Algorithmic Development > Spatial and Temporal Data Mining
Long‐term safety and efficacy of AAV gene therapy in the canine model of glycogen storage disease type Ia
Authors: Lee Young Mok , Conlon Thomas J. , Specht Andrew , Coleman Kirsten E. , Brown Laurie M. , Estrella Ana M. , Dambska Monika , Dahlberg Kathryn R. , Weinstein David A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundViral mediated gene therapy has progressed after overcoming early failures, and gene therapy has now been approved for several conditions in Europe and the USA. Glycogen storage disease (GSD) type Ia, caused by a deficiency of glucose‐6‐phosphatase‐α, has been viewed as an outstanding candidate for gene therapy. This follow‐up report describes the long‐term outcome for the naturally occurring GSD‐Ia dogs treated with rAAV‐GPE‐hG6PC‐mediated gene therapy.MethodsA total of seven dogs were treated with rAAV‐GPE‐hG6PC‐mediated gene therapy. The first four dogs were treated at birth, and three dogs were treated between 2 and 6 months of age to assess the efficacy and safety in animals with mature livers. Blood and urine samples, radiographic studies, histological evaluation, and biodistribution were assessed.ResultsGene therapy improved survival in the GSD‐Ia dogs. With treatment, the biochemical studies normalized for the duration of the study (up to 7 years). None of the rAAV‐GPE‐hG6PC‐treated dogs had focal hepatic lesions or renal abnormalities. Dogs treated at birth required a second dose of rAAV after 2–4 months; gene therapy after hepatic maturation resulted in improved efficacy after a single dose.ConclusionrAAV‐GPE‐hG6PC treatment in GSD‐Ia dogs was found to be safe and efficacious. GSD‐Ia is an attractive target for human gene therapy since it is a monogenic disorder with limited tissue involvement. Blood glucose and lactate monitoring can be used to assess effectiveness and as a biomarker of success. GSD‐Ia can also serve as a model for other hepatic monogenic disorders.
Role of continuous glucose monitoring in the management of glycogen storage disorders
Authors: Herbert Mrudu , Pendyal Surekha , Rairikar Mugdha , Halaby Carine , Benjamin Robert W. , Kishnani Priya S. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractManagement of liver glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) primarily involves maintaining normoglycemia through dietary modifications and regular glucose monitoring. Self‐monitoring of blood glucose is typically done 3–6 times per day, and may not sufficiently capture periods of asymptomatic hypoglycemia, particularly during sleep. Continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS) provide 24‐h continuous glucose data and have been used effectively in diabetes mellitus to monitor metabolic control and optimize treatment. This is a relatively new approach in GSDs with only a handful of studies exploring this modality. In this study we used Dexcom CGMS to study the glycemic profile of 14 pediatric and six adult patients with GSD I, III, and IX. A total of 176 days of CGMS data were available. The CGMS was found to be a reliable tool in monitoring glucose levels and trends at all times of the day with good concordance with finger‐stick glucose values. This study revealed that in addition to overnight hypoglycemia, CGMS can uncover previously undetected, subclinical, low glucose levels during daytime hours. Additionally, the CGMS detected daytime and overnight hyperglycemia, an often overlooked concern in liver GSDs. The CGMS with concurrent dietary adjustments made by a metabolic dietitian improved metabolic parameters and stabilized blood glucose levels. The CGMS was found to be a safe, effective, and reliable method for optimizing treatment in patients with GSD I, III, and IX.