bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hawaiian duck behavioral patterns in seasonal wetlands and cultivated taro
Authors: Malachowski Christopher P. , Dugger Bruce D. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTAn important component for developing effective habitat management plans for the endangered, island‐endemic Hawaiian duck (koloa maoli; Anas wyvilliana) involves gaining a better understanding of how birds are using habitat and the habitat characteristics that may influence those behaviors. We conducted year‐round behavioral and habitat surveys to determine how Hawaiian ducks allocate their time to different activities throughout the annual cycle in managed natural wetlands and wetland taro (Colocasia esculenta) agriculture and to evaluate the relative roles provided by these wetland types. We used instantaneous focal sampling (n = 984 observation sessions; 328.8 hr) to estimate diurnal time activity budgets and quadrat sampling to characterize wetland habitat features from September 2010 to August 2011 at Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, Kaua‘i, Hawaii, USA. The behavioral activities of birds differed between managed wetlands and taro. Hawaiian ducks spent a greater proportion of time resting (44% vs. 27%) and foraging (15% vs. 11%) when using taro compared to managed wetlands; whereas, birds allocated more time to maintenance (28% vs. 21%), locomotion (22% vs. 7%), and social interactions (1.3% vs. 0.5%) in managed wetlands than taro. Courtship activities accounted for <1% of male Hawaiian duck activity budgets but occurred over 5 times more frequently in managed wetlands (0.6%) than in taro (0.1%). In managed wetlands, birds foraged slightly more with increasing cover of flatsedges (Cyperus spp.) and lesser fimbristylis (Fimbristylis littoralis), decreasing cover of California grass (Urochloa mutica) and Mexican primrose‐willow (Ludwigia octovalvis), and decreasing water depth. Overall, activity budgets suggest both managed wetlands and taro contribute to fulfilling daily and seasonal resource requirements for Hawaiian ducks. The increased range of activities, particularly courtship and copulation, performed in moist‐soil wetlands suggests that greater habitat diversity is provided by seasonal wetland systems. Future research aimed at food production and daily and seasonal patterns of movement and habitat use would expand our understanding of the relative role that taro and managed wetlands provide in meeting the annual habitat needs of Hawaiian duck. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Status and Potential of Lithium Niobate on Insulator (LNOI) for Photonic Integrated Circuits
Authors: Boes Andreas , Corcoran Bill , Chang Lin , Bowers John , Mitchell Arnan 
Published: February 2018

AbstractLithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) technology is revolutionizing the lithium niobate industry, enabling higher performance, lower cost and entirely new devices and applications. The availability of LNOI wafers has sparked significant interest in the platform for integrated optical applications, as LNOI offers the attractive material properties of lithium niobate, while also offering the stronger optical confinement and a high optical element integration density that has driven the success of more mature silicon and silicon nitride (SiN) photonics platforms. Due to some similarities between LNOI and SiN, established techniques and standards can readily be adapted to the LNOI platform including a significant array of interface approaches, device designs and also heterogeneous integration techniques for laser sources and photodetectors. In this contribution, we review the latest developments in this platform, examine where further development is necessary to achieve more functionalities in LNOI integrated optical circuits and make a few suggestions of interesting applications that could be realized in this platform.
Sensitive detection of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1B toxin based on camel single‐domain antibodies
Authors: Zhong Wenjing , Li Guanghui , Yu Xiaolu , Zhu Min , Gong Likun , Wan Yakun 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBt Cry1B toxin, a residue in insect‐resistant transgenic plants, has been identified to be harmful to human health. Therefore, it is urgent to detect the Cry1B toxin level in each kind of transgenic plant. Nbs, with prominently unique physiochemical properties, are becoming more and more promising tools in the detection of target antigens. In this study, an immune phage display library that was of high quality was successfully constructed for the screening of Cry1B‐specific Nbs with excellent specificity, affinity, and thermostable. Subsequently, a novel sandwich ELISA for Cry1B detection was established, which was based on the biotin–streptavidin system using these aforementioned Nbs. This established detection system presented a linear working range from 5 to 1000 ng ml−1 and a low detection limit of 3.46 ng ml−1. The recoveries from spiked samples were in the range of 82.51%–113.56% with a relative standard deviation (RSD) lower than 5.00%. Taken together, the proposed sandwich ELISA would be a potential method for the detection of Cry1B toxin in transgenic Bt plants specifically and sensitively.
Assessing cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson's disease: An online tool to detect visuo‐perceptual deficits
Authors: Weil Rimona S. , Schwarzkopf Dietrich S. , Bahrami Bahador , Fleming Stephen M. , Jackson Ben M. , Goch Tristam J. C. , Saygin Ayse P. , Miller Luke E. , Pappa Katerina , Pavisic Ivanna , Schade Rachel N. , Noyce Alastair J. , Crutch Sebastian J. , O'Keeffe Aidan G. , Schrag Anette E. , Morris Huw R. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTBackground: People with Parkinson's disease (PD) who develop visuo‐perceptual deficits are at higher risk of dementia, but we lack tests that detect subtle visuo‐perceptual deficits and can be performed by untrained personnel. Hallucinations are associated with cognitive impairment and typically involve perception of complex objects. Changes in object perception may therefore be a sensitive marker of visuo‐perceptual deficits in PD.Objective: We developed an online platform to test visuo‐perceptual function. We hypothesised that (1) visuo‐perceptual deficits in PD could be detected using online tests, (2) object perception would be preferentially affected, and (3) these deficits would be caused by changes in perception rather than response bias.Methods: We assessed 91 people with PD and 275 controls. Performance was compared using classical frequentist statistics. We then fitted a hierarchical Bayesian signal detection theory model to a subset of tasks.Results: People with PD were worse than controls at object recognition, showing no deficits in other visuo‐perceptual tests. Specifically, they were worse at identifying skewed images (P < .0001); at detecting hidden objects (P = .0039); at identifying objects in peripheral vision (P < .0001); and at detecting biological motion (P = .0065). In contrast, people with PD were not worse at mental rotation or subjective size perception. Using signal detection modelling, we found this effect was driven by change in perceptual sensitivity rather than response bias.Conclusions: Online tests can detect visuo‐perceptual deficits in people with PD, with object recognition particularly affected. Ultimately, visuo‐perceptual tests may be developed to identify at‐risk patients for clinical trials to slow PD dementia. © 2018 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
An Extract of Russian Tarragon Prevents Obesity‐Related Ectopic Lipid Accumulation
Authors: Yu Yongmei , Mendoza Tamra M. , Ribnicky David M. , Poulev Alexander , Noland Robert C. , Mynatt Randall L. , Raskin Ilya , Cefalu William T. , Floyd Z. Elizabeth 
Published: February 2018

ScopeThe primary disorder underlying metabolic syndrome is insulin resistance due to excess body weight and abdominal visceral fat accumulation. In this study, it is asked if dietary intake of an ethanolic extract from Russian tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L., termed PMI5011), shown to improve glucose utilization by enhancing insulin signaling in skeletal muscle, could prevent obesity‐induced insulin resistance, skeletal muscle metabolic inflexibility, and ectopic lipid accumulation in the skeletal muscle and liver.Methods and resultsMale wild‐type mice are fed a high‐fat diet alone or supplemented with PMI5011 (1% w/w) over 3 months. Dietary intake of PMI5011 improved fatty acid oxidation and metabolic flexibility in the skeletal muscle, reduced insulin levels, and enhanced insulin signaling in the skeletal muscle and liver independent of robust changes in expression of factors that control fatty acid oxidation. This corresponds with significantly reduced lipid accumulation in the skeletal muscle and liver, although body weight gain is comparable to a high‐fat diet alone.ConclusionPrevious studies showed that PMI5011 enhances insulin sensitivity in the setting of established obesity‐induced insulin resistance. The current study demonstrates that dietary intake of PMI5011 prevents high‐fat diet‐induced insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction, and ectopic lipid accumulation in the skeletal muscle and liver without reducing body weight.
Predicting myofiber size with electrical impedance myography: A study in immature mice
Authors: Kapur Kush , Taylor Rebecca S. , Qi Kristin , Nagy Janice A. , Li Jia , Sanchez Benjamin , Rutkove Seward B. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Electrical impedance can be used to estimate cellular characteristics. We sought to determine whether it could be used to approximate myofiber size using standard prediction modeling approaches. Methods: Forty‐four C57BL/6J wild‐type immature mice of varying ages underwent electrical impedance myography (EIM) with a needle electrode array placed in the gastrocnemius. Animals were then humanely killed and muscle fixed, stained, and myofiber size quantified. Two different statistical prediction models were then applied. Results: Impedance parameters showed major variation with increasing myofiber size. The prediction models based on EIM data alone were able to predict fiber size, with errors in the range of ±69.05–78.44 µm2 (16.19%–18.40% with respect to the average myofiber size). Discussion: By using well‐established statistical models, EIM data alone can provide a satisfactory estimate of myofiber size. Additional study of this approach for approximating myofiber size without the requirement of removing tissue for histological analysis is warranted. Muscle Nerve 58: 106–113, 2018
Design and Objectives of the South American Youth/Child Cardiovascular and Environmental (SAYCARE) Study
Authors: Carvalho Heráclito Barbosa , Moreno Luis Alberto , Silva Andrew Mello , Berg Gabriela , Estrada‐Restrepo Alejandro , González‐Zapata Laura Inés , De Miguel‐Etayo Pilar , Delgado Carlos Alberto , Bove María Isabel , de Sousa Maria da Luz Rosario , Torres‐Leal Francisco Leonardo , Forjaz Claudia L.M. , De Moraes Augusto César Ferreira ,   on behalf of the SAYCARE Study Group
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the overarching study design of the South American Youth/Child Cardiovascular and Environmental (SAYCARE) study, which is an observational multicenter feasibility study held in seven South American cities: Buenos Aires (Argentina), Lima (Peru), Medellin (Colombia), Montevideo (Uruguay), Santiago (Chile), and São Paulo and Teresina (Brazil). Children and adolescents (3‐17 years of age) were studied.MethodsThe data management systems, quality assurance monitoring activities, standardized operating procedure manuals, and training and study management are addressed in this paper. Various quality controls to ensure the collection of valid and reliable data are also discussed.Results and ConclusionsData were obtained from 237 preschoolers and schoolchildren and 258 adolescents during the validation phase measurements. The results of the SAYCARE study are expected to provide higher accuracy in the assessment of cardiovascular disease risk factors, including eating behaviors, body composition, physical activity, sedentary behaviors, lipid profiles and cardiovascular health biomarkers, oral health, social conditions, environmental factors and home environment, and their determinants in children and adolescents from ages 3 to 17 in seven South American cities.
Effect of Progressive Weight Loss on Lactate Metabolism: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chondronikola Maria , Magkos Faidon , Yoshino Jun , Okunade Adewole L. , Patterson Bruce W. , Muehlbauer Michael J. , Newgard Christopher B. , Klein Samuel 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveLactate is an intermediate of glucose metabolism that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. This study evaluated the relationship between glucose kinetics and plasma lactate concentration ([LAC]) before and after manipulating insulin sensitivity by progressive weight loss.MethodsForty people with obesity (BMI = 37.9 ± 4.3 kg/m2) were randomized to weight maintenance (n = 14) or weight loss (n = 19). Subjects were studied before and after 6 months of weight maintenance and before and after 5%, 11%, and 16% weight loss. A hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp procedure in conjunction with [6,6‐2H2]glucose tracer infusion was used to assess glucose kinetics.ResultsAt baseline, fasting [LAC] correlated positively with endogenous glucose production rate (r = 0.532; P = 0.001) and negatively with insulin sensitivity, assessed as the insulin‐stimulated glucose disposal (r = −0.361; P = 0.04). Progressive (5% through 16%) weight loss caused a progressive decrease in fasting [LAC], and the decrease in fasting [LAC] after 5% weight loss was correlated with the decrease in endogenous glucose production (r = 0.654; P = 0.002) and the increase in insulin sensitivity (r = −0.595; P = 0.007).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the interrelationships among weight loss, hepatic and muscle glucose kinetics, insulin sensitivity, and [LAC], and it suggests that [LAC] can serve as an additional biomarker of glucose‐related insulin resistance.
Managing unsolicited findings in genomics: A qualitative interview study with cancer patients
Authors: Bijlsma R.M. , Wouters R.H.P. , Wessels H. , May A.M. , Ausems M.G.E.M. , Voest E.E. , Bredenoord A.L. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveNext‐generation sequencing (NGS) is increasingly being employed in the context of personalized cancer treatment. Anticipating unsolicited findings that may arise during a NGS procedure is a key consideration; however, little is known about cancer patients' intentions, needs, and preferences concerning the return of unsolicited findings.MethodsA qualitative design using individual semi‐structured interviews with 24 cancer patients was utilized to explore patients' decisions on whether to receive unsolicited findings from NGS. These interviews were subsequently analyzed using the constant comparative method to develop codes and themes.ResultsWe identified 4 interrelated themes that emerged in the context of the return of unsolicited findings. First, we describe how cancer patients expressed a strong need to control their lives. Second, we show the importance of family dynamics. Third, the NGS procedure regarding unsolicited findings is perceived as cognitively complex, and fourth, the procedure is also considered emotionally complex.ConclusionsThe results of our study contribute to a better understanding of what cancer patients consider important and what may motivate and influence them when making decisions on the disclosure of unsolicited findings following NGS. We show how Joel Feinberg's classification of autonomy may help clinicians to better understand cancer patients' desire for autonomous decision making while also acknowledging the emotional and cognitive difficulties regarding the disclosure of unsolicited findings. These insights could be helpful for clinicians to guide patients through this complex process.
“I don't want to take chances.”: A qualitative exploration of surgical decision making in young breast cancer survivors
Authors: Rosenberg Shoshana M. , Greaney Mary L. , Patenaude Andrea F. , Sepucha Karen R. , Meyer Meghan E. , Partridge Ann H. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveYoung women with unilateral breast cancer are increasingly choosing contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM), despite its limited medical benefit for most women. The purpose of this study was to better understand this choice through a qualitative exploration of surgical decision‐making in young survivors, including how issues particular to younger women affected their decision and the post‐surgical experience.MethodsWomen age ≤ 40 years with stage 0 to III breast cancer, 1 to 3 years from diagnosis who had undergone breast cancer surgery were recruited to participate. Four focus groups were conducted: 2 with women who had bilateral mastectomy and 2 with women who kept their contralateral breast. Focus groups were recorded and transcribed with identifiers removed. Emergent themes were identified by thematic content analysis using NVivo 11.ResultsOf the 20 participants, median age at diagnosis was 37 years. Emergent themes were categorized into the following domains: (1) emotions/feelings surrounding surgery/decision about surgery; (2) factors affecting the decision; (3) communication and interaction with the healthcare team; (4) impact on post‐surgical life and recovery; and (5) support needs. Young women who chose CPM often were concerned about a future breast event, despite this low risk, suggesting some gain peace of mind by choosing CPM. Young survivors also had many physical and emotional concerns after surgery for which they did not always feel prepared.ConclusionsInformational resources and decision aids may enhance patient‐doctor communication and help young survivors better understand risk and manage expectations surrounding short and longer‐term physical and emotional effects after surgery.
In vitro protective effects of an aqueous extract of Clitoria ternatea L. flower against hydrogen peroxide‐induced cytotoxicity and UV‐induced mtDNA damage in human keratinocytes
Authors: Zakaria N.N.A. , Okello E.J. , Howes M‐J. , Birch‐Machin M.A. , Bowman A. 
Published: February 2018

The traditional practice of eating the flowers of Clitoria ternatea L. or drinking their infusion as herbal tea in some of the Asian countries is believed to promote a younger skin complexion and defend against skin aging. This study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of C. ternatea flower water extract (CTW) against hydrogen peroxide‐induced cytotoxicity and ultraviolet (UV)‐induced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage in human keratinocytes. The protective effect against hydrogen peroxide‐induced cytotoxicity was determined by 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium assay, and mtDNA damage induced by UV was determined by polymerase chain reaction. Preincubation of HaCaT with 100, 250, and 500 μg/ml CTW reduced cytotoxicity effects of H2O2 compared with control (H2O2 alone). CTW also significantly reduced mtDNA damage in UV‐exposed HaCaT (p < .05). CTW was chemically‐characterized using high resolution liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The main compounds detected were assigned as anthocyanins derived from delphinidin, including polyacylated ternatins, and flavonol glycosides derived from quercetin and kaempferol. These results demonstrated the protective effects of C. ternatea flower extracts that contain polyacylated anthocyanins and flavonol glycosides as major constituents, against H2O2 and UV‐induced oxidative stress on skin cells, and may provide some explanation for the putative traditional and cosmetic uses of C. ternatea flower against skin aging.
Blood pressure lowering and anti‐inflammatory effects of hesperidin in type 2 diabetes; a randomized double‐blind controlled clinical trial
Authors: Homayouni Fatemeh , Haidari Fatemeh , Hedayati Mehdi , Zakerkish Mehrnoosh , Ahmadi Kambiz 
Published: February 2018

Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species under diabetic condition lead to vascular complications and inflammation. This study aimed to examine the effects of hesperidin supplement on blood pressure and inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetes. In this research, 64 patients were randomly allocated to receive 500 mg/day hesperidin or placebo capsules for 6 weeks. Data on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6 (IL‐6), and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) were collected at the baseline and at the end of the study. In the hesperidin group, SBP (122.7 ± 8.5 vs. 119.0 ± 7.4; p = .005), mean arterial blood pressure (94.2 ± 5.5 vs. 91.8 ± 5.5; p = .009), IL‐6 (8.3 ± 2.1 vs. 7.4 ± 1.8; p = .001), and hs‐CRP (1.9 ± 1.2 vs. 1.1 ± 0.9; p < .000) decreased whereas TAC increased (0.74 ± 0.1 vs. 0.82 ± 0.1; p < .000) in comparison to the baseline values. There was a significant difference in mean percent change of SBP, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, serum TAC, and inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL‐6, and hs‐CRP) between hesperidin and control groups following intervention in adjusted models (p < .05). These results suggest that hesperidin may have antihypertensive and anti‐inflammatory effects in type 2 diabetes.
Assimilation of radar dual‐polarization observations in the AROME model
Authors: Augros Clotilde , Caumont Olivier , Ducrocq Véronique , Gaussiat Nicolas 
Published: February 2018

This article describes the results of assimilation experiments of dual‐polarization (DPOL) radar observations in the AROME model with its 3D‐Var assimilation system. The assimilation of dual‐polarization observations is derived from the current operational assimilation method for radar reflectivities. It has two steps (1D+3D‐Var). Relative humidity pseudo‐observations are first retrieved from observed profiles of reflectivity (Zhh), with or without attenuation correction, from differential reflectivity (Zdr), from specific differential phase (Kdp), or from a combination of Zhh, Zdr and Kdp, through a unidimensional (1D) Bayesian inversion. The retrievals are then assimilated in the AROME 3D‐Var system.In the case of attenuation due to precipitation, the values of the relative humidity profiles retrieved with uncorrected reflectivity were found lower on average than with attenuation‐corrected reflectivity or with Kdp. In regions with large values of Kdp, both methods using Kdp produced the profiles with the largest values of relative humidity.Assimilation experiments were conducted for two convective cases. They demonstrated the benefit of the assimilation of Kdp and of attenuation‐corrected Zhh in the model analysis. The humidity increments were found higher in convective regions when assimilating either Kdp or attenuation‐corrected Zhh. Furthermore, the impact of DPOL observations on precipitation forecasts was found slightly positive for the periods of intense convection.