bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microfluidic Immiscible Phase Filtration System for the Isolation of Small Numbers of Cells from Whole Blood
Authors: Pirozzi Ileana , Snider Adam , Kraus Morey , Schönbrunner E. Ralf , Tripathi Anubhav 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIsolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has generated clinical and academic interest due to the important role that CTCs play in cancer metastasis and diagnosis. Here, we present a PDMS and glass prototype of a microfluidic device for the immunomagnetic, immiscible phase filtration based capture, and isolation of MCF‐7 breast cancer cells, from various sample matrices including PBS‐based buffer, blood plasma, and unprocessed whole blood. Following optimization of surface energy of an oil–water interface, microfluidic geometry, and bead‐binding kinematics, our microfluidic device achieved 95 ± 4% recovery of target cells from PBS‐based buffer with 95% purity, 90 ± 3% recovery of target cells from blood plasma and recovery of ~70 ± 5% from unprocessed whole blood with purity >99% with 1 ml blood samples with 1,000 spiked target cells. From quantitative studies to assess the nonspecific carryover of contaminants from whole blood, we found that our system accomplishes a >175 fold depletion in platelets, >900 fold depletion in erythrocytes, and >1,700 fold depletion in leukocytes with respect to unprocessed whole blood, enabling us to avoid sample pre‐processing. In addition, we found that ~95% of the isolated target cells were viable, making them suitable for subsequent molecular and cellular studies. We quantify and propose mechanisms for the carryover of platelet, erythrocyte, and leukocyte contamination in purified samples, rather than relying on sample pre‐processing. These results validate the continued study of our platform for extraction of CTCs from patient samples and other rare cell isolation applications. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
The influence of thyroid nodule size on the diagnostic efficacy and accuracy of ultrasound guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Aydoğan Berna İmge , Şahin Mustafa , Ceyhan Koray , Deniz Olgun , Demir Özgür , Emral Rifat , Tonyukuk Gedik Vedia , Uysal Ali Rıza , Çorapçıoğlu Demet 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundDiagnostic accuracy of fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in large and subcentimeter nodules is still debated. We aimed to evaluate the impact of nodule size on efficacy of the ultrasound‐guided FNAC.MethodsB‐mode grayscale ultrasound (US), US‐guided FNAC according to Bethesda system and histopathological data of 514 nodules from 371 patients, who underwent thyroidectomy were examined retrospectively. Nodules were grouped by maximal diameter; group A nodules were smaller than 10 mm (n = 59), group B nodules were between 10 and 29 mm (n = 218), and group C nodules were 30 mm or greater (n = 130).ResultsSensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of FNAC was 92.0%, 100%, and 95.1% in group A, 80.7%, 99.1%, and %92.9 in group B, 70.0%, 98.9%, and 95.8% in group C nodules, respectively. The prevalence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and incidental PTC were 44.2% (n = 164) and 6.4% (n = 24), respectively. Malignancy rate was more frequent in group A when compared to groups B and C (P < 0.01). Nodule size was positively associated with follicular cancer risk (P = 0.009). The thyroid stimulating hormone level was positively associated with malignancy (P = 0.02) and optimal cut‐off value was 0.96 mIU/L. False‐negative rate was 8.0%, 19.3%, and 30.0% in groups A, B, and C nodules, respectively.ConclusionsAlthough the malignancy rate was low in nodules ≥30 mm, diagnostic surgery for large nodules should be considered because of decreased reliability of FNAC, ineffectiveness of clinical and sonographic criteria. False‐negative rate was relatively low and malignancy rate was high in subcentimeter nodules, supporting the accuracy of FNAC.
Early usage and meaning of evolvability
Authors: Crother Brian I. , Murray Christopher M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractEvolvability has become an enormously popular concept in evolutionary biology and in machine learning software architecture. While it is claimed that the term was coined in 1988 by Richard Dawkins, it was used as early as 1931 as a characteristic of life by John A. Thomson. We quote and review the earliest uses and definitions of evolvability in biological frameworks up until 1989, which are remarkably few. The meaning changed from simply the “ability to evolve” as a characteristic of life to various versions of including necessary variation to predict whether or not something could evolve to the rate and quality of that evolution. Or, meaning changed from the ability to evolve to the “quality” of the ability to evolve. Since then, evolvability has taken on many definitions as it has exploded in usage.
Optical characteristics of nanospace of silver nanowire on a silver mirror
Authors: Yamaguchi Kenzo , Nakamoto Tatsuki , Fujii Masamitsu 
Published: March 2019

AbstractLocalized surface plasmons in subnanometer gaps defined by metal nanoparticle dimer has recently attracted attention as a high‐sensitivity sensor with a small volume. We demonstrated multiple gap plasmons by a single silver nanowire with a spacer layer on silver film, that is, nanowire on mirror (NWoM) in the dark‐field with polarization‐dependent.
Prey availability, environmental constraints, and aggregation dictate population distribution of an imperiled fish
Authors: Simonis Juniper L. , Merz Joseph E. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAccelerated global loss of fish species underscores an urgent need to elucidate constraints on spatial and temporal population patterns and to mitigate human‐mediated impacts accordingly. We analyzed 20 yr of trawl data using a spatiotemporally explicit, hierarchically Bayesian model to define density distributions of an imperiled anadromous fish—the delta smelt, Hypomesus transpacificus—in the heavily modified and highly used San Francisco Estuary. To reduce management reliance on an estuary‐wide annual population index that minimizes data resolution and ignores uncertainty, our model took a spatiotemporal approach and explicitly accounted for sampling and observation variation through both stochastic and deterministic elements. Our model demonstrated that juvenile smelt density has decreased over annual time and displays a distinct seasonal pattern (the combination of growth into the sampled size class, mortality, and movement into and out of the sampling frame) of increases in March–June followed by decreases in June–August. Smelt density was highly spatiotemporally autocorrelated and strongly tracked prey availability yet was also constrained by local hydrological factors (salinity, turbidity, velocity). Specifically, juvenile smelt preferred slightly saline, turbid, generally slow‐moving water with ample copepod prey. However, poor swimming capabilities reduced the capacity of juvenile smelt to mix throughout the estuary and find optimal habitat, emphasizing the importance of accounting for spatiotemporal autocorrelation in species distribution models. Further, whole‐estuary outflow appeared to influence the spatial distribution of covariates and juvenile smelt, such that smelt densities tended to peak closer to the marine zone at a lower maximal value when outflow was high. The predictions of our model accurately matched observed patterns of juvenile delta smelt catch while embracing uncertainty (although the predictions tended to exaggerate the total smelt catch variation via over‐predicted tail values). These results highlight that data‐driven improvements can be made to the analytical methods currently used to guide delta smelt management and lay the groundwork for mitigating the impacts of water use, flow regimes, habitat alteration, and climate change on an endangered species in a highly impacted and economically consequential habitat.
Investigating the consequences of climate change under different land‐use regimes: a novel experimental infrastructure
Authors: Schädler Martin , Buscot Francois , Klotz Stefan , Reitz Thomas , Durka Walter , Bumberger Jan , Merbach Ines , Michalski Stefan G. , Kirsch Konrad , Remmler Paul , Schulz Elke , Auge Harald 
Published: March 2019

AbstractClimate change and land‐use change are considered as the most important threats to ecosystems. Both factors can be expected to have interacting influences on ecosystem functions directly and indirectly via changes in biodiversity. Knowledge about these interactions is limited due to a lack of experiments which investigate climate change effects under different land‐use scenarios. Among the processes involved in ecosystem responses to global change, in particular, those occurring in soils or related to biotic interactions and microevolution were underinvestigated in previous experiments. Examinations of these relationships require spatial and temporal scales which go beyond those realized in the majority of ecological field experiments. We introduce a new research facility, the Global Change Experimental Facility (GCEF), which was designed to investigate the consequences of a future climate scenario for ecosystem functioning in different land‐use types on large field plots (400 m2). Climate manipulation is based on projections for the period of 2070–2100 with an increased temperature and a changed precipitation pattern consisting of reduced precipitation in summer and increased precipitation in spring and autumn. We subject five different land‐use types (two farming systems, three grasslands), differing in land‐use intensity, to ambient and future climatic conditions. The use of automated roofs and side panels to passively increase night temperatures results in an average increase in daily mean temperature by 0.55°C accompanied by a stronger increase in minimum temperatures (up to 1.14°C in average) with longer frost‐free periods and an increase in growing degree days by 5.2%. The combined use of mobile roofs and irrigation systems allows the reduction (in summer by ~20%) and increase in rainfall (in spring and autumn by ~10%) according to future scenarios superimposed on the ambient variation in precipitation. The large plot size and the technical configuration allow the establishment of realistic land‐use scenarios and long‐term observations of responses of ecosystem functions and community dynamics on relevant temporal and spatial scales. Thus, theGCEFprovides a well‐suited platform for the interdisciplinary research on the consequences of climate change under different land‐use scenarios.
Contribution of non‐native plants to the phylogenetic homogenization of U.S. yard floras
Authors: Padullés Cubino Josep , Cavender‐Bares Jeannine , Hobbie Sarah E. , Hall Sharon J. , Trammell Tara L. E. , Neill Christopher , Avolio Meghan L. , Darling Lindsay E. , Groffman Peter M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCultivation and spread of non‐native plant species may result in either phylogenetic homogenization (increasing similarity) or differentiation (decreasing similarity) of urban floras. However, it is unknown how non‐native species influence homogenization of cultivated versus spontaneously occurring species in cities, and which traits are associated with species that promote homogenization versus differentiation. In this study, we compared homogenization effects of cultivated and spontaneous non‐native species in yard floras across and within seven widely distributed U.S. cities. Additionally, we explored which traits explained their particular contribution to homogenization. We recorded plant presence/absence in 178 private yards distributed among seven metropolitan statistical areas in the United States. We compared phylogenetic homogenization effects of non‐native species within both the cultivated and spontaneous species pools using phylogenetic dissimilarities and the homogenization index. Then, we expressed contributions of non‐native species to the homogenization of each pool as a function of two different sets of plant functional traits using phylogenetic generalized least square (PGLS) models across and within cities. Across cities, spontaneous non‐native species homogenized, and cultivated non‐native species differentiated, yard floras. Within the spontaneous pool, short, small‐seeded non‐native plants and non‐native grasses significantly homogenized yard floras. Within the cultivated pool, species contribution to homogenization was best predicted by plant height, presence of showy flowers, and growth form, with non‐native grasses significantly homogenizing cultivated yard floras. Within cities, non‐native species—whether they were cultivated or spontaneous—consistently homogenized yard floras of the three northern cities and differentiated yard floras of three of the four southern cities, suggesting that homogenization processes are context‐ and scale‐dependent. Likewise, traits explaining homogenization differed substantially among cities. The inconsistent patterns among cities in the plant traits that promoted homogenization of both cultivated and spontaneous species suggest that local environmental and anthropogenic conditions of individual cities imposed strong constraints on trait selection. Linking plant functional traits that promote homogenization with residents’ preferences for vegetation may further enhance understanding of how yard plant communities assemble at regional and local scales.
Prolonged mechanical ventilation after left ventricular assist device implantation: risk factors and clinical implications
Authors: Papathanasiou Maria , Mincu Raluca‐Ileana , Lortz Julia , Horacek Michael , Koch Achim , Pizanis Nikolaus , Kamler Markus , Rassaf Tienush , Luedike Peter 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAimsUnsuccessful weaning from ventilator after major cardiovascular procedures has been shown to be associated with increased post‐operative morbidity and mortality. Our study aimed to identify predictors and clinical implications of prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation.Methods and resultsWe analysed the data of patients receiving a continuous‐flow LVAD in our centre from December 2010 to September 2017. PMV was defined by a duration of invasive ventilation of >7 days after LVAD implantation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed for predictors of PMV. Survival was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. During the study period, 156 patients received a continuous‐flow LVAD in our centre. Seventeen patients were excluded due to early death (<7 days), and 139 patients were enrolled in the study (mean age: 58 years; male: 84%). The median duration of mechanical ventilation post‐operatively was 94 h (range: 5 to 4192 h). PMV was observed in 43% of patients. Patients on PMV were characterized by a more severe disease state at baseline, compared with the group of early extubation, as reflected by their Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support level (Level 1–3: 72 vs. 49%, P = 0.008). Patients on PMV exhibited higher pulmonary wedge pressures (25 vs. 21 mmHg, P = 0.04), lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (53 vs. 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, P = 0.02), lower haemoglobin (10.6 vs. 11.6 g/dL, P = 0.02), and lower platelet counts (189 vs. 240/nL, P = 0.02). Previous sternotomy was more frequent in the PMV group (32 vs. 13%, P = 0.006). Higher rates of preoperative circulatory support (30 vs. 11.4%, P = 0.006), dialysis (31.7 vs. 10.1%, P = 0.001), and invasive ventilation (35 vs. 7.6%, P < 0.001) were reported for the PMV group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that estimated glomerular filtration rate [odds ratio (OR) 0.977, confidence interval (CI) 0.955–0.999, P = 0.038], platelet count (OR 0.994, CI 0.989–0.998, P = 0.008), and previous sternotomy (OR 5.079, CI 1.672–15.427, P = 0.004) were independent predictors of PMV. PMV was accompanied by longer intensive care unit (24 vs. 4 days, P < 0.001) and hospital stay (47 vs. 32 days, P = 0.003). Survival analysis revealed a profound increase in mortality at 180‐day post‐implantation in the PMV group (62 vs. 10%, log‐rank: P < 0.001).ConclusionsProlonged mechanical ventilation affects nearly half of patients after LVAD implantation. Previous sternotomy, renal function, and platelet counts are associated with increased risk for PMV. PMV is accompanied by decreased survival at 180‐day post‐implantation and longer hospitalizations.
Experimental observations on the interface front of phase change material inside cylindrical cavity
Authors: Han Xing , Kang Zhanxiao , Tian Xiaowei , Wang Liqiu 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe final solidification shape of phase change material (PCM) in cylindrical cavity is important for design of thermal energy storage system. We experimentally study the role of height and radius of cylindrical cavity, Stefan number (Ste, from 0.2000 to 0.4500), Superheating factor (S, from 0.1250 to 0.8125). There are three main morphologies of inward solidification shape as height increases (10‐60 mm): concave, Gaussian‐distribution‐like shape and the one with a hole appearing inside PCM. The cavity radius (24‐35.5 mm) will influence the critical height of distinguishing second and third morphologies. Temperature variation during solidification process is recorded by microthermocouples, showing the main heat transfer direction. Stefan number shows significant influence to the final solidification shape while superheating factor does not. The final solidification shape of PCM can reflect the heat transfer mechanism during solidification process.
Pharyngeal reconstruction by anterolateral thigh flap with vastus lateralis muscle transfer for effective swallowing after total glossolaryngectomy: A case report
Authors: Kadota Hideki , Kamizono Kenichi , Yoshida Sei , Hanada Masuo , Inatomi Yusuke , Fukushima Seita , Nakashima Torahiko , Yasumatsu Ryuji , Nakagawa Takashi 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundWe report a novel reconstruction technique that maintained effective swallowing after total glossolaryngectomy (TGL) by restoring pharyngeal constriction using a vascularized vastus lateralis muscle transfer.MethodsA 65‐year‐old male with recurrent tongue cancer underwent TGL and anterolateral thigh flap reconstruction with the vastus lateralis muscle. The bilateral cut ends of the remaining posterior pharyngeal wall constrictor muscle were sutured to the transferred vastus lateralis muscle so that the two muscles encircled the reconstructed pharynx. The femoral nerve of the vastus lateralis muscle was coapted to the hypoglossal nerve.ResultsVideofluorographic examination showed the contrast bolus flowing smoothly with little assistance from gravity. Laryngoscopic examination showed circumferential constriction of the reconstructed pharynx. The patient could swallow soft food without placing the bolus in his posterior oral cavity or drinking simultaneously.ConclusionThe restoration of pharyngeal constriction introduces the possibility of functional swallowing in patients after TGL.
Adipose‐Specific Lipin‐1 Overexpression Renders Hepatic Ferroptosis and Exacerbates Alcoholic Steatohepatitis in Mice
Authors: Zhou Zhou , Ye Ting Jie , Bonavita Gregory , Daniels Michael , Kainrad Noah , Jogasuria Alvin , You Min 
Published: March 2019

Lipin‐1 is a Mg2+‐dependent phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase involved in the generation of diacylglycerol during synthesis of phospholipids and triglycerides. Ethanol‐mediated inhibitory effects on adipose‐specific lipin‐1 expression were associated with experimental steatohepatitis in rodents. In the present study, using an adipose‐specific lipin‐1 overexpression transgenic (Lpin1‐Tg) mouse model, we tested a hypothesis that adipose‐specific lipin‐1 overexpression in mice might dampen ethanol‐induced liver damage. Experimental alcoholic steatohepatitis was induced by pair‐feeding ethanol to Lpin1‐Tg and wild‐type (WT) mice using the chronic‐plus‐binge ethanol feeding protocol. Unexpectedly, following the chronic‐plus‐binge ethanol challenge, Lpin1‐Tg mice exhibited much more pronounced steatosis, exacerbated inflammation, augmented elevation of serum liver enzymes, hepatobiliary damage, and fibrogenic responses compared with the WT mice. Mechanistically, overexpression of adipose lipin‐1 in mice facilitated the onset of hepatic ferroptosis, which is an iron‐dependent form of cell death, and subsequently induced ferroptotic liver damage in mice under ethanol exposure. Concurrently, adipose lipin‐1 overexpression induced defective adiponectin signaling pathways in ethanol‐fed mice. Conclusion: We identified ferroptosis as a mechanism in mediating the detrimental effects of adipose‐specific lipin‐1 overexpression in mice under chronic‐plus‐binge ethanol exposure. Our present study sheds light on potential therapeutic approaches for the prevention and treatment of human alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Conceptualising upcoming Chinese bank insolvency law: Cross‐border issues
Authors: Guo Shuai 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis paper examines the cross‐border effectiveness of bank resolution measures in the context of current and soon‐to‐be revised Chinese bank insolvency legislation, that is, the Bank Resolution Regulation. The general framework is regulated in the Chinese Enterprise Bankruptcy Law. With regard to the outgoing effects of Chinese bank resolution measures, the ultimate decision is in the hands of China's counterparts. However, it is proposed that the contractual approach could be a solution to enhance legal certainty. On the other hand, the incoming effectiveness of foreign resolution measures has to be firstly recognised in China. Three major tests in terms of recognition and enforcement are international agreement, reciprocity, and public policy exception. These criteria should be interpreted against the background of emerging international regime for bank resolution and latest development in the Chinese legal community.
Performing Ideologies: Fostering Raciolinguistic Literacies Through Role‐Play in a High School English Classroom
Authors: Seltzer Kate 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe author describes a literacy activity that took place in an 11th‐grade English language arts classroom: student‐created role‐play. Through a discussion of two such role‐plays, the author explores how these performances illustrate students’ engagement with raciolinguistic ideologies that marginalize certain speakers through the simultaneous processes of being seen and heard through deficit perspectives. Students collaboratively designed role‐plays that demonstrated their understandings of how their language practices were (mis)heard by linguistic gatekeepers. In analyzing these performances, the author shows how students creatively represented their grapplings with raciolinguistic ideologies and the white listening subjects who maintain them. The author discusses how educators can take a critical translingual approach to language and literacy classrooms, encouraging students—through multilingual, multimodal texts, writing assignments, and activities such as role‐play—to interrogate and disrupt such oppressive ideologies.