bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term spatiotemporal stability and dynamic changes in helminth infracommunities of spiny mice (Acomys dimidiatus) in St. Katherine's Protectorate, Sinai, Egypt
Authors: Behnke Jerzy M. , Bajer Anna , Behnke-Borowczyk Jolanta , Clisham Natalie , Gilbert Francis , Glover Aimee , Jeffery Laura , Kirk Jonathan , Mierzejewska Ewa J. , Mills Simon C. , Mohallal Eman M. E. , Padget Oliver , Wainer Ralph , Zalat Samy 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe importance of parasites as a selective force in host evolution is a topic of current interest. However, short-term ecological studies of host–parasite systems, on which such studies are usually based, provide only snap-shots of what may be dynamic systems. We report here on four surveys, carried out over a period of 12 years, of helminths of spiny mice (Acomys dimidiatus), the numerically dominant rodents inhabiting dry montane wadis in the Sinai Peninsula. With host age (age-dependent effects on prevalence and abundance were prominent) and sex (female bias in abundance in helminth diversity and in several taxa including Cestoda) taken into consideration, we focus on the relative importance of temporal and spatial effects on helminth infracommunities. We show that site of capture is the major determinant of prevalence and abundance of species (and higher taxa) contributing to helminth community structure, the only exceptions beingStreptopharausspp. andDentostomella kuntzi.We provide evidence that most (notably the Spiruroidea,Protospirura muricola,Mastophorus murisandGongylonema aegypti, but with exceptions among the Oxyuroidae, e.g.Syphacia minuta), show elements of temporal-site stability, with a rank order of measures among sites remaining similar over successive surveys. Hence, there are some elements of predictability in these systems.
Nasal mites (Mesostigmata: Rhinonyssidae) in African penguins (Spheniscus demersus)
Authors: Vanstreels Ralph Eric Thijl , Proctor Heather , Snyman Albert , Hurtado Renata , Ludynia Katrin , Parsons Nola J. , Pistorius Pierre A. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractRhinonyssids are obligate haematophagous mites that parasitize the nasal cavity of vertebrates, and occur in a wide range of birds worldwide. Two species of nasal mites are known to occur in penguins: Rhinonyssus sphenisci, which has been recorded from Humboldt and Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus humboldti and S. magellanicus, respectively), and Rhinonyssus schelli, which has been recorded in Adélie and Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae and P. papua, respectively). We examined the nasal cavity of African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) that died while under care at a rehabilitation centre (N = 40) or that were found dead at breeding colonies (N = 67). Nasal mites were found in the nasal cavity and/or paranasal of sinuses of 21 penguins, some of which had signs of mild-to-moderate sinusitis. Prevalence was higher in juveniles (29%) and adults (27%) than in chicks (10%). Mean intensity was 5.9 ± 12.9 mites per infected host (range 1–60). The mites presented morphological characteristics that were at times consistent with either R. sphenisci or R. schelli, and therefore we conservatively classified them as ‘R. sphenisci sensu lato’. Our morphometric results raise the question of whether the specific status of R. schelli is justified.
Real-time dense map fusion for stereo SLAM
Authors: Pire Taihú , Baravalle Rodrigo , D'Alessandro Ariel , Civera Javier 
Published: June 2018

SUMMARYA robot should be able to estimate an accurate and dense 3D model of its environment (a map), along with its pose relative to it, all of it in real time, in order to be able to navigate autonomously without collisions.As the robot moves from its starting position and the estimated map grows, the computational and memory footprint of a dense 3D map increases and might exceed the robot capabilities in a short time. However, a global map is still needed to maintain its consistency and plan for distant goals, possibly out of the robot field of view.In this work, we address such problem by proposing a real-time stereo mapping pipeline, feasible for standard CPUs, which is locally dense and globally sparse and accurate. Our algorithm is based on a graph relating poses and salient visual points, in order to maintain a long-term accuracy with a small cost. Within such framework, we propose an efficient dense fusion of several stereo depths in the locality of the current robot pose.We evaluate the performance and the accuracy of our algorithm in the public datasets of Tsukuba and KITTI, and demonstrate that it outperforms single-view stereo depth. We release the code as open-source, in order to facilitate the system use and comparisons.
The impact of environmental and behavioural cofactors on the development of cervical disorders in HR-HPV-infected women in Serbia
Authors: Tasic D. , Lazarevic I. , Knezevic A. , Tasic L. , Pikula A. , Perisic Z. , Jovanovic T. , Cupic M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPersistent infection with one or more highly oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPVs) or high-risk-HPV (HR-HPV) is necessary but not a sufficient aetiological agent for the development of cervical neoplasia. A number of viral, host, environmental and behavioural factors are suggested to be associated with the progression of cervical disorder. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of environmental and behavioural cofactors on the development of cervical disorders in HR-HPV-infected women in Serbia. A total of 541 women have been tested by PCR for the presence of HPV on the cervix. HPV genotypes were determined by direct DNA sequencing. Women identified as HR-HPV-positive were further classified into four subgroups according to their cytological status. All relevant information about demographical and behavioural factors was obtained by interviewer-based questionnaire. A number of analytical and descriptive statistical methods were used for processing the data. The cofactors found to be of significance for the progression of cervical disease were older age, body mass index >25, lower educational level, long-term smoking, previous genital infections and cervical interventions. On the other hand, condom use was found to have a protective role. Information about these cofactors might be very important for the development of more efficient cancer prevention programmes and promotion of anti-HPV vaccination.
Delay from symptom onset to treatment start among tuberculosis patients in England, 2012–2015
Authors: Loutet M. G. , Sinclair C. , Whitehead N. , Cosgrove C. , Lalor M. K. , Thomas H. L. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractImproving access to tuberculosis (TB) care and ensuring early diagnosis are two major aims of the WHO End TB strategy and the Collaborative TB Strategy for England. This study describes risk factors associated with diagnostic delay among TB cases in England. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of TB cases notified to the Enhanced TB Surveillance System in England between 2012 and 2015. Diagnostic delay was defined as more than 4 months between symptom onset and treatment start date. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with diagnostic delay. Between 2012 and 2015, 22 422 TB cases were notified in England and included in the study. A third (7612) of TB cases had a diagnostic delay of more than 4 months. Being female, aged 45 years and older, residing outside of London and having extra-pulmonary TB disease were significantly associated with a diagnostic delay in the multivariable model (aOR = 1.2, 1.2, 1.2, 1.3, 1.8, respectively). This study identifies demographic and clinical factors associated with diagnostic delay, which will inform targeted interventions to improve access to care and early diagnosis among these groups, with the ultimate aim of helping reduce transmission and improve treatment outcomes for TB cases in England.
Importance of transcatheter closure test for giant ventricular septal defect associated with pulmonary hypertension: a case with successful surgical repair of the defect
Authors: Shang Xiaoke , Lu Rong , Dong Nianguo 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis is the first attempt to use a temporary occluder to close a giant perimembranous ventricular septal defect (32 mm), which obtains clinical evidence of good haemodynamics in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension. This may provide an alternative assessment to guide cardiac surgeons in determining a definitive treatment.
CONCEPT, PRINCIPLE, AND NORM—EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW RECONSIDERED
Authors: Thomsen Frej Klem 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTDespite the attention equality before the law has received, both laudatory and critical, peculiarly little has been done to precisely define it. The first ambition of this paper is to remedy this, by exploring the various ways in which a principle of equality before the law can be understood and suggest a concise definition. With a clearer understanding of the principle in hand we are better equipped to assess traditional critique of the principle. Doing so is the second ambition of this paper. I will argue that traditional criticisms are unpersuasive, but that there is a different, powerful argument against equality before the law. The third ambition of the paper is to argue that there is a sense, overlooked by both proponents and critics, in which the principle still captures something important, albeit at the cost of shifting from intrinsic to instrumental value.
Possible Influence of Extreme Magnetic Storms on the Thermosphere in the High Latitudes
Authors: Deng Yue , Sheng Cheng , Tsurutani Bruce T. , Mannucci Anthony J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSolar and interplanetary events can create extreme magnetic storms, such as the Carrington storm in 1859 with intensity up toDst ∼−1,760 nT. The influence of an idealized, smaller Carrington‐type storm on the thermosphere has been simulated using the nonhydrostatic Global Ionosphere‐Thermosphere Model. For the storm conditions we simulated, the solar windBZand velocity were −50 nT and 1,000 m/s, respectively. The corresponding cross polar cap potential reached 360 kV, and the hemispheric power was 200 GW. Consequently, the hemispheric integrated Joule heating exceeded 3,500 GW, which is more than 70 times higher than normal conditions. The thermosphere variations at high latitudes were examined through the comparison of three cases: reference, storm with geomagnetic energy enhancement only, and storm with both solar and geomagnetic energy enhancement. At 400‐km altitude, the neutral density increased by >20 times at certain locations and by >10 times globally averaged. The atmosphere experienced a temperature of 4000 K, more than 1,500 m/s horizontal wind, and exceeding 150 m/s vertical wind. In general, additional energy increase from solar irradiation resulted in 20–30% more perturbation in neutral density and temperature. The exobase (top boundary of the thermosphere) expanded to altitudes >1,000 km, and the buoyancy acceleration (difference between vertical pressure gradient force and gravity force) can be as large as 3 m/s2. The results will help to determine possible extreme responses to interplanetary coronal mass ejections for various phenomena occurring in geospace.
On the Sensitivity of Hillslope Runoff and Channel Transmission Losses in Arid Piedmont Slopes
Authors: Schreiner‐McGraw Adam P. , Vivoni Enrique R. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractChannel transmission losses alter the streamflow response of arid and semiarid watersheds and promote focused groundwater recharge. This process has been primarily studied in dryland channels draining large areas that are displaced away from hillslope runoff generation. In contrast, small watersheds on arid piedmont slopes allow the investigation of interactive hillslope and channel processes that control the partitioning between surface and subsurface flows. In this study, we utilize high‐resolution, long‐term measurements of water balance components in an instrumented watershed of the Chihuahuan Desert to set up, parameterize, and test a process‐based, distributed hydrologic model modified to account for channel losses. A transient method for capturing capillary effects in channels results in simulations with a reliable representation of the watershed energy balance, soil moisture dynamics, hillslope infiltration, channel transmission (or percolation) losses, and streamflow yield over the study period. The simulation also reproduces a conceptual model of hillslope infiltration‐excess runoff generation linked to downstream channel percolation losses that depend on the rainfall event size. Model‐derived thresholds were obtained for the amount of hillslope runoff (6 mm) and rainfall (12.5 mm) necessary for streamflow yield, such that 40% of percolation occurs for small events that do not reach the outlet. Using a set of scenarios, we identify that hillslope infiltration controls the rainfall threshold necessary to initiate percolation, while channel infiltration affects the partitioning into percolation and streamflow yield. Thus, the connectivity along hillslope‐channel pathways is deemed an essential control on the streamflow generation and groundwater recharge in arid regions with complex terrain.
Revealing the immune perturbation of black phosphorus nanomaterials to macrophages by understanding the protein corona
Authors: Mo Jianbin , Xie Qingyun , Wei Wei , Zhao Jing 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe increasing number of biological applications for black phosphorus (BP) nanomaterials has precipitated considerable concern about their interactions with physiological systems. Here we demonstrate the adsorption of plasma protein onto BP nanomaterials and the subsequent immune perturbation effect on macrophages. Using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, 75.8% of the proteins bound to BP quantum dots were immune relevant proteins, while that percentage for BP nanosheet–corona complexes is 69.9%. In particular, the protein corona dramatically reshapes BP nanomaterial–corona complexes, influenced cellular uptake, activated the NF-κB pathway and even increased cytokine secretion by 2–4-fold. BP nanomaterials induce immunotoxicity and immune perturbation in macrophages in the presence of a plasma corona. These findings offer important insights into the development of safe and effective BP nanomaterial-based therapies.
Dissecting the mammary gland one cell at a time
Authors: Cristea Simona , Polyak Kornelia 
Published: June 2018

AbstractDissecting cellular differentiation hierarchies in the mammary gland is a prerequisite for understanding both normal development and malignant transformation during tumorigenesis and tumor cell-of-origin. To achieve these goals, several recent papers utilized single cell RNA-seq and lineage tracing to improve our understanding of the composition of the mammary epithelium at different developmental stages.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: The Na/K-ATPase Oxidant Amplification Loop Regulates Aging
Authors: Sodhi Komal , Nichols Alexandra , Mallick Amrita , Klug Rebecca L. , Liu Jiang , Wang Xiaoliang , Srikanthan Krithika , Goguet-Rubio Perrine , Nawab Athar , Pratt Rebecca , Lilly Megan N. , Sanabria Juan R. , Xie Zijian , Abraham Nader G. , Shapiro Joseph I. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAs aging involves oxidant injury, we examined the role of the recently described Na/K-ATPase oxidant amplification loop (NKAL). First, C57Bl6 old mice were given a western diet to stimulate oxidant injury or pNaKtide to antagonize the NKAL. The western diet accelerated functional and morphological evidence for aging whereas pNaKtide attenuated these changes. Next, human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were exposed to different types of oxidant stress in vitro each of which increased expression of senescence markers, cell-injury, and apoptosis as well as stimulated the NKAL. Further stimulation of the NKAL with ouabain augmented cellular senescence whereas treatment with pNaKtide attenuated it. Although N-Acetyl Cysteine and Vitamin E also ameliorated overall oxidant stress to a similar degree as pNaKtide, the pNaKtide produced protection against senescence that was substantially greater than that seen with either antioxidant. In particular, pNaKtide appeared to specifically ameliorate nuclear oxidant stress to a greater degree. These data demonstrate that the NKAL is intimately involved in the aging process and may serve as a target for anti-aging interventions.
Aluminum fluoride-18 labeled folate enables in vivo detection of atherosclerotic plaque inflammation by positron emission tomography
Authors: Silvola Johanna M. U. , Li Xiang-Guo , Virta Jenni , Marjamäki Päivi , Liljenbäck Heidi , Hytönen Jarkko P. , Tarkia Miikka , Saunavaara Virva , Hurme Saija , Palani Senthil , Hakovirta Harri , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo , Saukko Pekka , Chen Qingshou , Low Philip S. , Knuuti Juhani , Saraste Antti , Roivainen Anne 
Published: June 2018

AbstractInflammation plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis and its complications. Because the folate receptor β (FR-β) is selectively expressed on macrophages, an FR targeted imaging agent could be useful for assessment of atherosclerotic inflammation. We investigated aluminum fluoride-18-labeled 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid conjugated folate (18F-FOL) for the detection of atherosclerotic plaque inflammation. We studied atherosclerotic plaques in mice, rabbits, and human tissue samples using 18F-FOL positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). Compound 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG) was used as a comparison. Firstly, we found that the in vitro binding of 18F-FOL co-localized with FR-β-positive macrophages in carotid endarterectomy samples from patients with recent ischemic symptoms. We then demonstrated specific accumulation of intravenously administered 18F-FOL in atherosclerotic plaques in mice and rabbits using PET/CT. We noticed that the 18F-FOL uptake correlated with the density of macrophages in plaques and provided a target-to-background ratio as high as 18F-FDG, but with considerably lower myocardial uptake. Thus, 18F-FOL PET/CT targeting of FR-β-positive macrophages presents a promising new tool for the in vivo imaging of atherosclerotic inflammation.
Influence of the viscosity of healthy and diseased human mucins on the motility of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Su Clover , Padra Médea , Constantino Maira Alves , Sharba Sinan , Thorell Anders , Lindén Sara K. , Bansil Rama 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWe present particle tracking microrheology results on human mucins, isolated from normal surface and gland mucosa and one tumor sample, and examine the motility of Helicobacter pylori in these mucins. At 1.5% concentration human mucin solutions are purely viscous, with viscosity η (gland mucin) > η (surface mucin) > η (tumor mucin). In the presence of motile H. pylori bacteria, particle diffusion is enhanced, with diffusivity D+bac(tumor mucin) > D+bac(gland mucin) > D+bac(surface mucin). The surface and tumor mucin solutions exhibit an elastic response in the presence of bacteria. Taken together these results imply that particle diffusion and active swimming are coupled and impact the rheology of mucin solutions. Both J99 wild type (WT) and its isogenic ΔbabA/ΔsabA mutant swam well in broth or PGM solutions. However, the human mucins affected their motility differently, rendering them immotile in certain instances. The distribution of swimming speeds in human mucin solutions was broader with a large fraction of fast swimmers compared to PGM and broth. The bacteria swam fastest in the tumor mucin solution correlating with it having the lowest viscosity of all mucin solutions. Overall, these results suggest that mucins from different tissue locations and disease status differ in their microrheological properties and their effect on H. pylori motility.
The threshold elemental ratio of carbon and phosphorus of Daphnia magna and its connection to animal growth
Authors: Khattak Hamza K. , Prater Clay , Wagner Nicole D. , Frost Paul C. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe growth of animal consumers is affected by the balance of elements in their diet with the transition between limitation by one element to another known as the threshold elemental ratio (TER). Precise estimates of TERs with known levels of uncertainty have yet to be generated for most zooplankton consumers. We determined the TER for carbon (C) and phosphorus (P) in for a common lake zooplankter, Daphnia magna, using experimental measurements and theoretical considerations. Daphnia growth responses to food C:P ratios across a relatively narrow range (80–350) generated an empirical estimate of TERC:P of 155 ± 14. While this TER matched our modelled estimate of TERC:P (155 ± 16), it was lower than previous estimates of this dietary transition point. No threshold was found when we examined daphnid body C:N or C:P ratios in response to changing food C:P ratios, which indicates P-limitation at even lower food C:P ratios. Our results provide strong evidence that D. magna is likely to experience acute P-limitation when food C:P ratios exceed even relatively low ratios (~155). Our model further demonstrated that while physiological adjustments may reduce the likelihood of P-limitation or reduce its intensity, these changes in animal material processing would be accompanied by reduced maximum growth rates.
An in vitro potency assay using nicotinic acetylcholine receptor binding works well with antivenoms against Bungarus candidus and Naja naja
Authors: Ratanabanangkoon Kavi , Simsiriwong Pavinee , Pruksaphon Kritsada , Tan Kae Yi , Chantrathonkul Bunkuea , Eursakun Sukanya , Tan Choo Hock 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn order to facilitate/expedite the production of effective and affordable snake antivenoms, a novel in vitro potency assay was previously developed. The assay is based on an antiserum’s ability to bind to postsynaptic neurotoxin (PSNT) and thereby inhibit the PSNT binding to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). The assay was shown to work well with antiserum against Thai Naja kaouthia which produces predominantly the lethal PSNTs. In this work, the assay is demonstrated to work well with antiserum/antivenom against Bungarus candidus (BC), which also produces lethal presynaptic neurotoxins, as well as antivenom against Sri Lankan Naja naja (NN), which produces an abundance of cytotoxins. The in vitro and in vivo median effective ratios (ER50s) for various batches of antisera against BC showed a correlation (R2) of 0.8922 (p < 0.001) while the corresponding value for the anti-NN antivenom was R2 = 0.7898 (p < 0.01). These results, together with the known toxin profiles of various genera of elapids, suggest that this in vitro assay could be used with antisera against other species of Bungarus and Naja and possibly other neurotoxic snake venoms worldwide. The assay should significantly save numerous lives of mice and accelerate production of life-saving antivenoms.
Author Correction: Effects of larvae density and food concentration on Crown-of-Thorns seastar (Acanthaster cf. solaris) development in an automated flow-through system
Authors: Uthicke S. , Liddy M. , Patel F. , Logan M. , Johansson C. , Lamare M. 
Published: June 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.