bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Gigantic” biatrial myxoma with right heart functional impairment
Authors: Vega Adauy Julián , Gabrielli Luigi , Córdova Samuel , McNab Paul , Saavedra Rodrigo , Piñeiro Marta , Zalaquett Ricardo 
Published: May 2018

Cardiac myxomas are frequently located in the left or right atria, with multiple locations being rare. We report a 59‐year‐old healthy female with 5 months of cough and exertional dyspnea. A transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) exhibits a 9 × 5 cm nonpedunculated tumor arising from the interatrial septum (IAS) and inhabiting both atria, but was unable to depict the relation with the IAS. Transesophageal echocardiography exposes a single tumor crossing the IAS through an ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) causing right heart functional impairment. Uneventful cardiac surgery allowed complete resection of the lesion and ASD closure. Pathology reported a myxoma.
Promises and challenges in insect–plant interactions
Authors: Giron David , Dubreuil Géraldine , Bennett Alison , Dedeine Franck , Dicke Marcel , Dyer Lee A. , Erb Matthias , Harris Marion O. , Huguet Elisabeth , Kaloshian Isgouhi , Kawakita Atsushi , Lopez‐Vaamonde Carlos , Palmer Todd M. , Petanidou Theodora , Poulsen Michael , Sallé Aurélien , Simon Jean‐Christophe , Terblanche John S. , Thiéry Denis , Whiteman Noah K. , Woods H. Arthur , Pincebourde Sylvain 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThere is tremendous diversity of interactions between plants and other species. These relationships range from antagonism to mutualism. Interactions of plants with members of their ecological community can lead to a profound metabolic reconfiguration of the plants’ physiology. This reconfiguration can favour beneficial organisms and deter antagonists like pathogens or herbivores. Determining the cellular and molecular dialogue between plants, microbes, and insects, and its ecological and evolutionary implications is important for understanding the options for each partner to adopt an adaptive response to its biotic environment. Moving forward, understanding how such ecological interactions are shaped by environmental change and how we potentially mitigate deleterious effects will be increasingly important. The development of integrative multidisciplinary approaches may provide new solutions to the major ecological and societal issues ahead of us. The rapid evolution of technology provides valuable tools and opens up novel ways to test hypotheses that were previously unanswerable, but requires that scientists master these tools, understand potential ethical problems flowing from their implementation, and train new generations of biologists with diverse technical skills. Here, we provide brief perspectives and discuss future promise and challenges for research on insect–plant interactions building on the 16th International Symposium on Insect–Plant interactions (SIP) meeting that was held in Tours, France (2–6 July 2017). Talks, posters, and discussions are distilled into key research areas in insect–plant interactions, highlighting the current state of the field and major challenges, and future directions for both applied and basic research.
Estimating High School GPA Weighting Parameters With a Graded Response Model
Authors: Hansen John , Sadler Philip , Sonnert Gerhard 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe high school grade point average (GPA) is often adjusted to account for nominal indicators of course rigor, such as “honors” or “advanced placement.” Adjusted GPAs—also known as weighted GPAs—are frequently used for computing students’ rank in class and in the college admission process. Despite the high stakes attached to GPA, weighting policies vary considerably across states and high schools. Previous methods of estimating weighting parameters have used regression models with college course performance as the dependent variable. We discuss and demonstrate the suitability of the graded response model for estimating GPA weighting parameters and evaluating traditional weighting schemes. In our sample, which was limited to self‐reported performance in high school mathematics courses, we found that commonly used policies award more than twice the bonus points necessary to create parity for standard and advanced courses.
Inflammation, edema and poor outcome are associated with hyperthermia in hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhages
Authors: Iglesias‐Rey R. , Rodríguez‐Yáñez M. , Arias S. , Santamaría M. , Rodríguez‐Castro E. , López‐Dequidt I. , Hervella P. , Sobrino T. , Campos F. , Castillo J. 
Published: May 2018

Background and purposeThe deleterious effect of hyperthermia on intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has been studied. However, the results are not conclusive and new studies are needed to elucidate clinical factors that influence the poor outcome. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical factors (including ICH etiology) that influence the poor outcome associated with hyperthermia and ICH. We also tried to identify potential mechanisms involved in hyperthermia during ICH.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study enrolling patients with non‐traumatic ICH from a prospective registry. We used logistic regression models to analyze the influence of hyperthermia in relation to different inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers, hematoma growth and edema volume in hypertensive and non‐hypertensive patients with ICH.ResultsWe included 887 patients with ICH (433 hypertensive, 50 amyloid, 117 by anticoagulants and 287 with other causes). Patients with hypertensive ICH showed the highest body temperature (37.5 ± 0.8°C) as well as the maximum increase in temperature (0.9 ± 0.1°C) within the first 24 h. Patients with ICH of hypertensive etiologic origin, who presented hyperthermia, showed a 5.3‐fold higher risk of a poor outcome at 3 months. We found a positive relationship (r = 0.717, P < 0.0001) between edema volume and hyperthermia during the first 24 h but only in patients with ICH of hypertensive etiologic origin. This relationship seems to be mediated by inflammatory markers.ConclusionOur data suggest that hyperthermia, together with inflammation and edema, is associated with poor outcome only in ICH of hypertensive etiology.
A population‐based cost‐effectiveness study of early genetic testing in severe epilepsies of infancy
Authors: Howell Katherine B. , Eggers Stefanie , Dalziel Kim , Riseley Jessica , Mandelstam Simone , Myers Candace T. , McMahon Jacinta M. , Schneider Amy , Carvill Gemma L. , Mefford Heather C. ,   the Victorian Severe Epilepsy of Infancy Study Group, Scheffer Ingrid E. , Harvey A. Simon 
Published: May 2018

SummaryObjectiveThe severe epilepsies of infancy (SEI) are a devastating group of disorders that pose a major care and economic burden on society; early diagnosis is critical for optimal management. This study sought to determine the incidence and etiologies ofSEI, and model the yield and cost‐effectiveness of early genetic testing.MethodsA population‐based study was undertaken of the incidence, etiologies, and cost‐effectiveness of a whole exome sequencing–based gene panel (targetedWES) in infants withSEIborn during 2011‐2013, identified through electroencephalography (EEG) and neonatal databases.SEIwas defined as seizure onset before age 18 months, frequent seizures, epileptiformEEG, and failure of ≥2 antiepileptic drugs. Medical records, investigations, MRIs, andEEGs were analyzed, and genetic testing was performed if no etiology was identified. Economic modeling was performed to determine yield and cost‐effectiveness of investigation of infants with unknown etiology at epilepsy onset, incorporating targetedWESat different stages of the diagnostic pathway.ResultsOf 114 infants withSEI(incidence = 54/100 000 live births/y), the etiology was determined in 76 (67%): acquired brain injuries (n = 14), focal cortical dysplasias (n = 14), other brain malformations (n = 17), channelopathies (n = 11), chromosomal (n = 9), metabolic (n = 6), and other genetic (n = 5) disorders. Modeling showed that incorporating targetedWESincreased diagnostic yield compared to investigation without targetedWES(48/86 vs 39/86). Early targetedWEShad lower total cost ($677 081 U.S. dollars [USD] vs $738 136 USD) than late targetedWES. A pathway with early targetedWESand limited metabolic testing yielded 7 additional diagnoses compared to investigation without targetedWES(46/86 vs 39/86), with lower total cost ($455 597 USDvs $661 103 USD), lower cost per diagnosis ($9904 USDvs $16 951 USD), and a dominant cost‐effectiveness ratio.SignificanceSevere epilepsies occur in 1 in 2000 infants, with the etiology identified in two‐thirds, most commonly malformative. Early use of targetedWESyields more diagnoses at lower cost. Early genetic diagnosis will enable timely administration of precision medicines, once developed, with the potential to improve long‐term outcome.
Health care practitioners’ perceptions of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: A systematic review of qualitative and quantitative studies
Authors: Rawlings Gregg H. , Reuber Markus 
Published: May 2018

SummaryA recent systematic synthesis of qualitative research demonstrated that patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) often experience unsatisfactory encounters with health care practitioners (HCPs). It is important to understand such interactions from the perspective of those responsible for delivering care. This systematic review aimed to examine the attitudes and perceptions of HCPs toward PNES. A systematic search of 3 databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and CINAHL) was conducted in November 2017. Studies from around the world published after 1997 using qualitative or quantitative methodologies were reviewed. An interpretative stance was taken to analyze the data utilizing a grounded theory approach. The quality of studies included was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Overall, 30 separate studies capturing the views of at least 3900 professionals were included. Five concepts emerged from the analysis: (1) HCPs’ responses demonstrated uncertainty about many aspects of PNES, including diagnosis and treatment; (2) HCPs understood PNES in dualistic terms, perceiving the condition as largely associated with psychological factors; (3) Patients with PNES were considered challenging and frustrating; (4) HCPs held mixed or contested views about who is responsible for treating patients with PNES; and (5) PNES was viewed as less severe or disabling than epilepsy and associated with a greater degree of volition. Although some HCPs have an excellent understanding of PNES, the views of many give rise to concern. The number of qualitative studies that directly ask HCPs about their perceptions of PNES is limited. Moreover, some professional groups (ie, mental health specialists) are underrepresented in current research. This study reveals a demand for additional training. However, effort is needed also to change the attitudes of some practitioners toward PNES.
Lamotrigine‐resistant corneal‐kindled mice: A model of pharmacoresistant partial epilepsy for moderate‐throughput drug discovery
Authors: Koneval Zachery , Knox Kevin M. , White H. Steve , Barker‐Haliski Melissa 
Published: May 2018

SummaryObjectiveDespite numerous treatments for epilepsy, over 30% of patients remain resistant to available antiseizure drugs (ASDs). Thus, there is a strong need for more effective ASDs for these individuals. Early ASD discovery has historically relied on acute in vivo seizure models (maximal electroshock, subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol, 6 Hz), which lack the pathophysiology that defines chronic epilepsy. Etiologically relevant rodent models of pharmacoresistant epilepsy exist (eg, phenytoin (PHT)‐ and lamotrigine (LTG)‐resistant amygdala‐kindled rat and focal kainic acid mouse), but these models are resource‐ and labor‐intensive and thus unsuitable for frontline ASD discovery.MethodsWe adapted the LTG‐resistant amygdala‐kindled rat protocol to the 60 Hz corneal‐kindled mouse (CKM) to develop a medium‐throughput model of pharmacoresistant chronic seizures. Male CF‐1 mice were administered either vehicle (VEH; 0.5% methylcellulose) or LTG (8.5 mg/kg, ip) 30 minutes prior to each twice‐daily corneal stimulation until mice achieved kindling criterion. Prototype ASDs were then evaluated in fully kindled mice. Compounds with specific mechanisms of action of interest to epilepsy (fluoxetine, minocycline, and celecoxib) were also evaluated.ResultsLTG did not modify kindling acquisition. A challenge dose of 17 mg/kg (ip) LTG did not block the secondarily generalized kindled seizure in LTG‐kindled mice (mean seizure score [MSS] ± standard error of the mean: 5.67 ± 0.14), whereas VEH‐treated mice were sensitive (MSS: 2.25 ± 0.30); confirming LTG‐resistance. LTG‐resistant CKM were also resistant to carbamazepine, retigabine, and valproic acid at doses that significantly reduced MSS in VEH‐treated kindled mice. Fluoxetine, minocycline, and celecoxib were ineffective at the doses tested in either kindled cohort. Finally, the behavioral phenotype of LTG‐resistant CKM was also characterized. CKM demonstrated exacerbated hyperexcitability and increased anxiety‐like behavior in an open field relative to sham‐kindled mice regardless of LTG sensitivity.SignificanceThe pharmacoresistant LTG‐resistant CKM provides an etiologically relevant moderate‐throughput platform that is suitable for early compound discovery before advancing to more resource‐intensive models of epilepsy.
A combined fuzzy logic and artificial neural network approach for non‐linear identification of IPMC actuators with hysteresis modification
Authors: Zamyad Hojat , Naghavi Nadia , Barmaki Hasan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIonic polymer–metal composite (IPMC) actuators are one of the most prominent electroactive polymers with expected widespread use in the future. IPMC actuators exhibit hysteresis, which causes non‐linearity in bending behaviour of them. In this paper, a modified adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system and a non‐linear autoregressive with exogenous input (ANFIS–NARX) approach is presented for non‐linear identification of IPMC actuators. The proposed method utilizes a hysteresis operator, which increases the accuracy of the IPMC identification in combination with an ANFIS–NARX structure. The proposed model has a flexible structure to estimate the output (IPMC displacement as an actuator) for different training and testing data sets. Experimental results are provided to show the effectiveness of the accurate tracking capability of the proposed method to capture the real mechanical displacement features of the IPMC actuator.
Multicriteria estimate of coral reef fishery sustainability
Authors: McClanahan Timothy R 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA holistic basis for achieving ecosystem‐based management is needed to counter the continuing degradation of coral reefs. The high variation in recovery rates of fish, corresponding to fisheries yields, and the ecological complexity of coral reefs have challenged efforts to estimate fisheries sustainability. Yet, estimating stable yields can be determined when biomass, recovery, changes in per area yields and ecological change are evaluated together. Long‐term rates of change in yields and fishable biomass‐yield ratios have been the key missing variables for most coral reef assessments. Calibrating a fishery yield model using independently collected fishable biomass and recovery data produced large confidence intervals driven by high variability in biomass recovery rates that precluded accurate or universal yields for coral reefs. To test the model's predictions, I present changes in Kenyan reef fisheries for >20 years. Here, exceeding yields above 6 tonnes km−2 year−1 when fishable biomass was ~20 tonnes/km2 (~20% of unfished biomass) resulted in a >2.4% annual decline. Therefore, rates of decline fit the mean settings well and model predictions may therefore be used as a benchmark in reefs with mean recovery rates (i.e. r = 0.20–0.25). The mean model settings indicate a maximum sustained yield (MSY) of ~6 tonnes km−2 year−1 when fishable biomass was ~50 tonnes/km2. Variable reported recovery rates indicate that high sustainable yields will depend greatly on maintaining these rates, which can be reduced if productivity declines and management of stocks and functional diversity are ineffective. A number of ecological state‐yield trade‐off occurs as abrupt ecological changes prior to biomass levels that produce MSY.
Families That Do Well: Lay Conceptualizations of Well‐Functioning, Healthy, Strong, and Good Families
Authors: Williamson Deanna L. , Charchuk Margo , Kushner Kaysi E. , Skrypnek Berna J. , Pitre Nicole Y. 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveTo explore laypeople's conceptualization of terms that refer to families that do well and how social‐contextual factors shape these conceptualizations.BackgroundAlthough there is abundant academic and popular literature about families that do well, little research has explored lay conceptualizations. Our focus responds to critiques of top‐down approaches that minimize the value of family members' knowledge.MethodA socioeconomically diverse sample of 34 adults was asked to describe well‐functioning families, healthy families, strong families, and good families. Data analysis for this critical ethnographic study involved thematic content analysis and exploration of participants' conceptualizations in relation to social‐contextual influences.ResultsParticipants' descriptions revealed three categories of attributes of families that do well: functional–instrumental characteristics, interpersonal relationships, and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Analysis of social‐contextual influences revealed limited variation within and across thematic categories of attributes of families that do well.ConclusionThis study contributes to evidence showing considerable, but not complete, alignment between laypeople's understandings of families that do well and scholars' and professionals' ideas. Laypeople have some of their own ideas about families that do well.ImplicationsOur study highlights laypeople's perspectives as legitimate knowledge with implications for services, programs, and policies that support families to “do well.”
A356‐T6 wheels: Influence of casting defects on fatigue design
Authors: Tebaldini M. , Petrogalli C. , Donzella G. , Gelfi M. , La Vecchia G.M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRotating bending fatigue tests were executed on A356‐T6 wheels. The tests were performed both on components containing only the casting defects and on wheels in which artificial holes were machined. Results show the detrimental effect of sub‐superficial porosities on fatigue endurance. A predictive model was proposed. It resulted in a useful tool for the designer because knowing the applied stress, it is possible to estimate the number of cycles for crack nucleation considering the size of the defect, whereas knowing the endurance target requested it is possible to find the maximum defect size acceptable considering the applied stress.
The role of alien fish (the centrarchidMicropterus salmoides)in lake food webs highlighted by stable isotope analysis
Authors: Costantini Maria Letizia , Carlino Pasquale , Calizza Edoardo , Careddu Giulio , Cicala Davide , Sporta Caputi Simona , Fiorentino Federico , Rossi Loreto 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNon‐native freshwater fish species can have adverse ecological impacts on native populations. However, the mechanisms determining the success or otherwise of their invasion and their role in invaded communities remain largely unknown. This is particularly true for the Mediterranean region, where endemic species characterised by restricted natural ranges may be at high risk of extinction. The largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) is native to North America but is invasive in the Italian Peninsula. The aim of this study was to explore the trophic position ofM. salmoides, its diet and niche overlap with native fish species in the littoral areas of a Mediterranean lake.Our study was supported by analysis of stable C and N isotopes in the tissues of fish and their potential food sources, twenty years after the introduction of the largemouth bass to Lake Bracciano (Italy). Samples were collected in locations varying in terms of physical structure and resource availability at lower trophic levels in the food web, which was greater in the southern (hereafter: South) than in the northern (hereafter: North) area of the lake. These differences made it possible to explore the mechanisms linking environmental conditions and the role of alien predators in the invaded food web.The abundance ofM. salmoideswas higher, and the diversity of native fish species was lower, in North than South. In North,M. salmoideshad a piscivorous diet and occupied a higher trophic position in the food web than in South, where invertebrates constituted an important part of its diet. As a consequence, trophic niche interference with other fish species at intermediate trophic levels was higher in South. In contrast, in North,M. salmoidesshowed stronger trophic interference with the percidPerca fluviatilis,a native top predator in the food web, but weaker interference with remaining fish species.Our results help to understand the role of alien species in the food webs of Lake Bracciano, which primarily depends on the habitat and the availability of prey across trophic levels. Physical and ecological variations in the habitat were associated with differences in predatory interactions among native and alien fish species. This suggests that a reduction in productivity and biodiversity at lower trophic levels in lake food webs may favour the success of opportunistic invasive fish species, given the ability of the invaders to maintain some of their characteristics silent, and to fully express their genotype under favourable environmental conditions.