bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chimerism and population dieback alter genetic inference related to invasion pathways and connectivity of biofouling populations on artificial substrata
Authors: Watts Ashleigh Marie , Hopkins Grant A. , Goldstien Sharyn Jane 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDisentangling pathways by which nonindigenous species expand and spread regionally remains challenging. Molecular ecology tools are often employed to determine the origins and spread of introduced species, but the complexities of some organisms may be reducing the efficacy of these tools. Some colonial species exhibit complexities by way of chimerism and winter colony regression, which may alter the genetic diversity of populations and mask the connectivity occurring among them. This study uses nuclear microsatellite data and simple GIS‐based modeling to investigate the influence of chimerism and winter regression on the genetic diversity and patterns of genetic population connectivity among colonies of Didemnum vexillum on artificial substrates. Colonies sampled in summer were shown to form a metapopulation, with high levels of admixture, extreme outcrossing, and some substructure. These patterns were consistent within the subsampled winter colonies and with the inclusion of chimeric data. However, allelic richness and diversity were significantly different between winter and summer samples, altering interpretations relating to population connectivity and pelagic larval duration. This study demonstrates the importance of including seasonal sampling and imperative life history traits in genetic studies for clear interpretations and the successful management of introduced species.
Small mammal herbivores mediate the effects of soil nitrogen and invertebrate herbivores on grassland diversity
Authors: Poe Nicole , Stuble Katharine L. , Souza Lara 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Simultaneous reductions in herbivore abundance and increases in nitrogen deposition have led to radical shifts in plant communities worldwide. While the individual impacts of these human‐caused disturbances are apparent, few studies manipulate both herbivory and N, nor differentiate among herbivore guilds, to understand contingencies in the ability of these drivers to affect producer diversity and productivity. As such, understanding how the main and combined effects of increasing soil N with declining herbivores may influence plant community structure and function is critical to better understand the future of grassland ecosystems under multiple global change drivers.

In this study, we asked: (a) What are the main effects of small mammal herbivores, invertebrate herbivores, and soil N on plant community structure and function? and (b) Are the effects of invertebrate herbivores and soil N on plant community structure and function contingent on small mammal herbivory? We used a nested design, with invertebrate and soil N treatments nested within small mammal manipulations in an existing tallgrass prairie. We measured plant community structure by quantifying plant richness, evenness, diversity, and composition across two full growing seasons. We also recorded total aboveground biomass to quantify grassland productivity.

We found that small mammal herbivores strongly shaped plant diversity, species composition, and productivity. Small mammal herbivores also mediated the effects of soil N and invertebrate herbivores on grassland community structure, but not composition or productivity. Small mammal reduction lowered plant species richness while increasing aboveground biomass and altering compositional similarity. Invertebrate herbivores, in the presence of small mammals, promoted plant dominance by reducing evenness without altering compositional similarity. Additionally, soil nitrogen addition reduced plant richness, but only when small mammals were reduced, and no effects were detected on compositional similarity or productivity.

Our findings provide further evidence that temperate grasslands can be strongly influenced by consumers, and that consumers mediate the effects of resources as well as other consumer guilds on producer evenness and richness. Taken together, we provide evidence of strong contingencies in the drivers of grassland structure, with small mammals directly altering plant diversity as well as mediating the effects of soil nitrogen and invertebrate herbivory on plant richness and evenness. Therefore, we suggest it is imperative to consider how consumer guilds and resource types may interact to shape grassland plant communities.
Lumbar range of motion in chronic low back pain is predicted by task‐specific, but not by general measures of pain‐related fear
Authors: Matheve Thomas , De Baets Liesbet , Bogaerts Katleen , Timmermans Annick 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundMost studies fail to show an association between higher levels of pain‐related fear and protective movement behaviour in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). This may be explained by the fact that only general measures of pain‐related fear have been used to examine the association with movement patterns. This study explored whether task‐specific, instead of general measures of pain‐related fear can predict movement behaviour.MethodsFifty‐five patients with CLBP and 54 healthy persons performed a lifting task while kinematic measurements were obtained to assess lumbar range of motion (ROM). Scores on the Photograph Daily Activities Series‐Short Electronic Version (PHODA‐SeV), Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia and its Activity Avoidance and Somatic Focus subscales were used as general measures of pain‐related fear. The score on a picture of the PHODA‐SeV, showing a person lifting a heavy object with a bent back, was used as task‐specific measure of pain‐related fear.ResultsLumbar ROM was predicted by task‐specific, but not by general measures of pain‐related fear. Only the scores on one other picture of the PHODA‐SeV, similar to the task‐specific picture regarding threat value and movement characteristics, predicted the lumbar ROM. Compared to healthy persons, patients with CLBP used significantly less ROM, except the subgroup with a low score on the task‐specific measure of pain‐related fear, who used a similar ROM.ConclusionsOur results suggest to use task‐specific measures of pain‐related fear when assessing the relationship with movement. It would be of interest to investigate whether reducing task‐specific fear changes protective movement behaviour.SignificanceThis study shows that lumbar range of motion in CLBP is predicted by task‐specific, but not by general measures of pain‐related fear. This suggests that both in clinical practice and for research purposes, it might be recommended to use task‐specific measures of pain‐related fear when assessing the relationship with movement behaviour. This may help to disentangle the complex interactions between pain‐related fear, movement and disability in patients with CLBP.
USTLD mapper design for APSK constellations over satellite links
Authors: Quazi Tahmid , Patel Sulaiman Saleem 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSpace‐time block code (STBC)–based multiple‐input–multiple‐output techniques have been considered recently to enhance the performance of mobile satellite communication systems in terms of link reliability. Uncoded space‐time labelling diversity (USTLD) is a diversity technique that is a direct extension of the STBC system and further improves its performance. A USTLD system is proposed in this paper that is designed specifically for satellite to mobile station links. The circular M‐ary Amplitude Phase‐Shift Keying (MAPSK) constellation, which is adopted by the most recent satellite broadcasting standard Digital Video Broadcasting standard for nonlinear satellite links (DVB‐S2X), is applied to the USTLD system. The most critical aspect of developing a USTLD system is the design of the secondary mapper to achieve labelling diversity. Existing square M‐ary Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (MQAM) approaches to USTLD mapper design are adapted for appropriate 16APSK and 64APSK constellations from the DVB‐S2X standard. Various metrics are derived to quantitatively compare mapper designs for a Nakagami‐q fading channel. Theoretical results, verified by Monte Carlo simulations, show that the best of the MAPSK USTLD mappers considered achieve a gain of approximately 4 dB for 16APSK and 5 dB for 64APSK when compared to the Alamouti STBC system. Furthermore, a study is conducted to analytically compare USTLD mappers using the derived metrics for both MQAM and MAPSK. It is concluded that a two‐stage approach is the most accurate methodology for comparing USTLD mapper designs.
Policy strategies to reduce waiting times for elective surgery: A scoping review and evidence synthesis
Authors: Bachelet Vivienne C. , Goyenechea Matías , Carrasco Víctor A. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryObjectivesThe purpose of this evidence‐based review is to identify and describe the interventions that have been implemented to reduce waiting times for major elective surgery.MethodsScoping review and presentation of the results according to the SUPPORT tools. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, SciELO, DARE‐HTA, and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria for research design were comprehensive.ResultsWe identified 5200 records. After eliminating duplicates and screening by title and abstract, 171 records remained for full‐text assessment, of which 12 were ultimately included for this review because they reported specific interventions and 96 records were included for further reference. The included studies show significant variability regarding elective procedures, population, and type of provider, as well as in the characteristics of the interventions and the settings. All the studies had methodological limitations. We graded the certainty of the evidence as very low.ConclusionsAccording to the evidence found for this review, interventions most likely should be multidimensional, with prioritization strategies on the waiting lists to incorporate equity criteria, together with quality management improvements of the surgical pathways and the use of operating rooms, as well as improvements in the planning of the surgical schedule.
Effectiveness of nasal continuous airway pressure therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Kandasamy Geetha , Almaghaslah Dalia , Sivanandy Palanisamy , Arumugam Somasundaram 
Published: February 2019

SummaryObjectivesA prospective observational study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) therapy on the health‐related quality of life (QoL) of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).MethodsThe patients included in this study were those recently diagnosed with OSA (AHI > 5) and given nCPAP therapy, as well as being referred to a sleep laboratory for an assessment of their sleep disordered breathing. Prior to the start of nCPAP therapy and polysomnography evaluation, patients were asked to complete the validated Quebec sleep questionnaire (QSQ), and their baseline measurements were recorded.ResultsAmong the study population, 14.41% (n = 31) had mild OSA with an apnea and hypopnea index of 5 to 14.9 events/h, while 26.97% (n = 58) had moderate OSA and 40% (n = 86) had severe OSA. The overall average apnea and hypopnea index of the study population was 30.24 ± 9.73 events/h; mild OSA patients had an average apnea and hypopnea index of 10.09 ± 2.65 events/h, moderate OSA patients had 21.48 ± 4.40 events/h, and severe OSA patients had 59.16 ± 22.14 events/h. A significant difference was observed between the scores before treatment and after 6 months of therapy in all domains of the QSQ QoL scores (P < 0.0001).ConclusionNasal continuous positive airway pressure treatment improved the QoL for patients with mild, moderate, and severe sleep apnea.
Securitization as a response to monetary policy
Authors: Zhang Jiarui , Xu Xiaonian 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis paper studies how monetary easing provides incentives for banks to take risk and issue mortgage‐backed securities (MBS) and, because MBS have the “lemon” property, why MBS buyers are willing to purchase high‐risk securities at high prices. Banks need equity to attract deposits. Monetary easing reduces this need, and banks leverage up and reduce their monitoring efforts. The internal need for liquidity and risk sharing motivates banks to issue MBS. Security buyers understand the moral hazard problem that banks face but are willing to purchase bank securities at high prices because monetary easing would also reduce their cost of funds.
Reevaluating our understanding of lactulose breath tests by incorporating hydrogen sulfide measurements
Authors: Birg Aleksandr , Hu Steve , Lin Henry C 
Published: February 2019

Background and AimBreath testing has become a commonly used tool in gastroenterology to evaluate changes in the fermentation pattern of the gut microbiome. Currently, hydrogen and methane gas concentrations are measured in breath testing and evaluated against specific cut‐off values for interpretation as normal or abnormal. However, microbial gas kinetics is a complex process that is not currently fully considered when interpreting breath gas results. Gas exchange between hydrogen producers and hydrogen consumers (methanogens and sulfate‐reducing bacteria) is a process whereby hydrogen availability is determined by both its production and removal. Hydrogen sulfide is a crucial gas involved in this process as it is a major hydrogen‐consumptive pathway involved in energy exchange.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional study evaluating lactulose breath testing with the inclusion of hydrogen sulfide measurements in patients referred for breath testing for gastrointestinal symptoms of bloating, excessive gas, and/or abdominal pain.ResultsA total of 159 patients were analyzed between October 2016 and June 2017. Mean hydrogen concentrations with a positive trend through a 3‐h period (R2 = 0.97), mean methane concentrations with a positive trend (R2 = 0.69), and mean hydrogen sulfide concentrations with a negative trend (R2 = −0.71) were observed.ConclusionBy incorporating energy exchange in the interpretation of the lactulose breath test, we reevaluated specific breath gas profiles, including those commonly described as “hydrogen nonproducers” and the “double‐peak” phenomenon.
NK cell immune responses differ after prime and boost vaccination
Authors: Palgen Jean-Louis , Tchitchek Nicolas , Huot Nicolas , Elhmouzi-Younes Jamila , Lefebvre Cécile , Rosenbaum Pierre , Dereuddre-Bosquet Nathalie , Martinon Frédéric , Hocini Hakim , Cosma Antonio , Müller-Trutwin Michaela , Lévy Yves , Le Grand Roger , Beignon Anne-Sophie 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
A better understanding of innate responses induced by vaccination is critical for designing optimal vaccines. Here, we studied the diversity and dynamics of the NK cell compartment after prime-boost immunization with the modified vaccinia virus Ankara using cynomolgus macaques as a model. Mass cytometry was used to deeply characterize blood NK cells. The NK cell subphenotype composition was modified by the prime. Certain phenotypic changes induced by the prime were maintained over time and, as a result, the NK cell composition prior to boost differed from that before prime. The key phenotypic signature that distinguished NK cells responding to the boost from those responding to the prime included stronger expression of several cytotoxic, homing, and adhesion molecules, suggesting that NK cells at recall were functionally distinct. Our data reveal potential priming or imprinting of NK cells after the first vaccine injection. This study provides novel insights into prime-boost vaccination protocols that could be used to optimize future vaccines.
Quantitative proteomic analysis of A549 cells infected with human adenovirus type 2
Authors: Badr Kareem R. , Parente‐Rocha Juliana A. , Baeza Lilian C. , Ficcadori Fabiola S. , Souza Menira , Soares Célia M. , Guissoni Ana Carla P. , Almeida Tâmera N. , Cardoso Divina D. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHuman adenovirus (HAdV‐2) is considered a common agent of respiratory tract infection in the human, especially in children. Virus infection is believed to modify host cell expression necessary for its replication and therefore cell proteome can reflect the changes of specific cellular pathways during infection. This study aims to identify differentially expressed proteins of A549 cells in response to HAdV‐2 infection using a label‐free liquid chromatography‐high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry strategy (LC‐MS/MS) at 24 and 48 hpi. A total of 248 and 216 proteins were deregulated by 1.35‐fold at 24 and 48 hpi, respectively. Among them, 155 were upregulated at 24 hpi and 86 at 48 hpi, whereas 93 and 130 were downregulated at 24 and 48 hpi, respectively. The identified proteins were involved in different pathways as energy, transcription, protein synthesis, cytoskeleton, rescue and defense, cell cycle, DNA processing, transportation, and metabolism. Glycolytic pathway and histone deregulated proteins were further confirmed by chemical testing and immunofluorescence, respectively. The results suggest that the identified proteins influenced HAdV‐2 infection in the context of viral replication and propagation. This study complement proteomic data obtained from previous studies and reinforce the understanding of the relationship between HAdV and host cell.
Right Diaphragmatic Peak Motion Velocities on Pulsed Wave Tissue Doppler Imaging in Neonates: Method, Reproducibility, and Reference Values
Authors: Maurizio Radicioni , Rinaldi Victoria Elisa , Camerini Pier Giorgio , Salvatori Cristina , Leonardi Alberto , Bini Vittorio 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesTo test the reproducibility and report the reference ranges of the right diaphragmatic excursion's peak velocities recorded by pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging in healthy term neonates.MethodsWe formerly assessed intraobserver and interobserver variability of the method for the right hemidiaphragm in a small group of neonates, including ventilated neonates. We did not attempt to test the approach for the left hemidiaphragm because of the recognized high failure rate of visualization. Next, we recorded the peak velocities of both hemidiaphragms throughout inspiration and expiration in 229 healthy term neonates near birth to establish weight‐dependent reference ranges for the measurements.ResultsThe study population included 116 male and 113 female neonates. The reproducibility of the technique was excellent even in neonates supported by ventilation. We always recorded the right diaphragmatic peak velocities in the normative study group, whereas the left ones were only recorded in 110 of 229 (48%) and 148 of 229 (65%) neonates from the anterior and lateral views, respectively. The modality of delivery and sex showed no influence on diaphragmatic kinetics. The mean inspiratory peak velocities ± SD were 1.4 ± 0.2 cm/s for the right hemidiaphragm and 1.5 ± 0.3 cm/s for the left hemidiaphragm. The mean expiratory peak velocities were 1.3 ± 0.2 cm/s for the right hemidiaphragm and 1.4 ± 0.3 cm/s for the left hemidiaphragm.ConclusionsMeasurement of right diaphragmatic kinetics as assessed by pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging was found to be a reliable technique. Its clinical applicability for the prompt diagnosis and effective management of neonatal respiratory failure deserves further investigation.
Recurrence patterns of sinonasal cancers after a 5‐year disease‐free period
Authors: Kim Shin Ae , Chung Yoo‐Sam , Lee Bong Jae 
Published: February 2019

Objectives/HypothesisSinonasal cancers are rare but have a poor prognosis. Most previous studies of these cancers have focused on 5‐year disease‐free survival, but recurrences are also known to occur after this period. We examined the post–5‐year recurrence patterns in sinonasal cancer patients by histologic type to determine the indicators for extended and close follow‐up requirements.Study DesignRetrospective chart review.MethodsA cohort of 241 sinonasal cancer patients was included. Demographic data, cancer site and stage, pathology and treatment results, and follow‐up and survival data were collected.ResultsOf the 241 patients, a complete remission occurred in 163 (72.4%) patients, but 83 (50.9%) of these cases developed recurrence, which occurred beyond the 5‐year follow‐up period in 19 cases (11.7%). The most common post–5‐year recurrences were adenoid cystic carcinoma (six patients, 33.3%), followed by melanoma (three patients, 21.4%), poorly differentiated carcinoma (two patients, 18.2%), squamous cell carcinoma (six patients, 6.7%), and olfactory neuroblastoma (no patients, 0%). Post–5‐year local recurrence was highest in adenoid cystic carcinoma (six patients, 33.3%), followed by melanoma (three patients, 21.4%), poorly differentiated carcinoma (two patients, 18.2%), and squamous cell carcinoma (five patients, 5.5%). Post–5‐year regional recurrence occurred in one squamous carcinoma patient (1.1%), and distant metastasis was seen in one adenoid cystic carcinoma patient (5.5%).ConclusionsSinonasal cancer shows an 11.7% recurrence rate after a 5‐year disease‐free period. As this recurrence pattern varies by tumor pathology, a specific follow‐up plan is needed for each cancer type.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 129:2451–2457, 2019
Fiber Reinforced Polyimide Aerogel Composites with High Mechanical Strength for High Temperature Insulation
Authors: Zhu Zhaoxian , Yao Hongjun , Wang Fei , Dong Jinxin , Wu Kede , Cao Junxiang , Long Donghui 
Published: February 2019

AbstractGlass fiber/polyimide aerogel composites are prepared by adding glass fiber mat to a polyimide sol derived from diamine, 4,4′‐oxydianiline, p‐phenylene diamine, and dianhydride, 3,3′,4,4′‐biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride. The fiber felt acts as a skeleton for support and shaping, reduces aerogel shrinkage during the preparation process, and improves the mechanical strength and thermal stability of the composite materials. These composites possess a mesoporous structure with densities as low as 0.143–0.177 g cm−3, with the glass fiber functioning to improve the overall mechanical properties of the polyimide aerogel, which results in its Young's modulus increasing from 42.7 to 113.5 MPa. These composites are found to retain their structure after heating at 500 °C, in contrast to pure aerogels which decompose into shrunken ball‐like structures. These composites maintain their thermal stability in air and N2 atmospheres, exhibiting a low thermal conductivity range of 0.023 to 0.029 W m−1 K−1 at room temperature and 0.057to 0.082 W m−1 K−1 at 500 °C. The high mechanical strengths, excellent thermal stabilities, and low thermal conductivities of these aerogel composites should ensure that they are potentially useful materials for insulation applications at high temperature.