bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mimicry of lichens and cyanobacteria on tree-sized Amorphophallus petioles results in their masquerade as inedible tree trunks
Authors: Claudel Cyrille , Lev-Yadun Simcha , Hetterscheid Wilbert , Schultz Matthias 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe revisit a case of mimicry in Amorphophallus involving visual mimicry of lichens and colonies of cyanobacteria on their tree-trunk sized petioles. We investigate the entire genus for similar defensive coloration types and report a defensive leaf coloration strategy in several Amorphophallus spp. that involves mimicry, camouflage and plant-mimicking that results in defensive visual masquerade. We propose that the visual expression of lichen and cyanobacteria mimicry enables the huge and fleshy petioles to look like solid non-edible tree trunks, a classic case of masquerade, probably as defence against herbivores. The results are discussed in a phylogenetic and evolutionary context.
Constructive Constitutionalism in Conservative and Unionist Political Thought, c.1885–1914
Authors: Jones Emily 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
A central concern of historical writing on the modern British Conservative Party has been that of adaptation and survival: to what extent, and in what ways, did the party appeal to new voters, in new areas, and on new terms? This article demonstrates, through an analysis of Conservative and Unionist intellectual culture, that the late Victorian and Edwardian period was a vital moment in which men and women, historians, novelists, journalists, MPs and peers were constructively re-envisaging what it meant to be a Conservative, or a Unionist, in the wake of the Third Reform Acts (1884–5) and the first Irish Home Rule Bill (1886). It argues that Conservative and Unionist intellectual culture evidences the constructive and imaginative ways in which the protection and ‘maintenance’ of the constitution was conceived both through the recognition and adoption of new modes of political legitimation and argument—including the referendum, Lords reform and women’s representation—and the construction of novel histories and genealogies. This was, therefore, a vital moment in the development of a modern ‘C/conservative’ tradition, as Conservatives and Unionists put pen to paper in order to express their C/conservative principles, as well as to inform and educate.
Bilateral internal thoracic artery versus radial artery multi-arterial bypass grafting: a report from the STS database†
Authors: Schwann Thomas A , Habib Robert H , Wallace Amelia , Shahian David , Gaudino Mario , Kurlansky Paul , Engoren Milo C , Tranbaugh Robert F , Schwann Alexandra N , Jacobs Jeffrey P 
Published: March 2019

AbstractOBJECTIVESMulti-arterial bypass grafting with bilateral internal thoracic (BITA-MABG) or radial (RA-MABG) arteries improves long-term survival, but its increased complexity raises perioperative safety concerns. We compared perioperative outcomes of RA-MABG and BITA-MABG using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database (STS-ACSD).METHODSWe analysed the 2004–2015 BITA-MABG and RA-MABG experience in STS-ACSD. Primary end points were operative mortality (OM) and deep sternal wound infections (DSWI). Risk-adjusted odds ratios [AOR (95% confidence interval)] were derived via multivariable logistic regression. Sensitivity analyses were done in patient sub-cohorts and based on institutional BITA-utilization rates (<5%, 5–10%, 10–20%, 20–40% and >40%).RESULTSEighty-five thousand nine hundred five RA-MABG (82.5% men; 61 years) and 61 336 BITA-MABG (85.1% men; 59 years) patients were analysed; 41.6% of BITA-MABG and 27.3% of RA-MABG cases came from institutions with low MABG utilization rates (<10%). Unadjusted OM was equivalent for both techniques (BITA-MABG versus RA-MABG: 1.3% vs 1.2%, P = 0.79), while DSWI was lower for RA-MABG (1.0% vs 0.6%, P < 0.001). RA-MABG was associated with lower adjusted OM [AOR = 0.80 (0.69–0.96)] and DSWI [AOR = 0.39 (0.32–0.46)]. Sensitivity analyses confirmed robustness of these findings. Equivalent outcomes were observed at high BITA-use institutions where BITA cases comprised >20% of all cases for OM and ≥40% for DSWI.CONCLUSIONSThis analysis of the STS-ACSD showed that RA-MABG is a generally safer form of multi-arterial coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. However, this advantage is mitigated at institutions with substantial BITA experience.
Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis in continental Western Europe: an insight through the Transthyretin Amyloidosis Outcomes Survey (THAOS)
Authors: Damy Thibaud , Kristen Arnt V , Suhr Ole B , Maurer Mathew S , Planté-Bordeneuve Violaine , Yu Ching-Ray , Ong Moh-Lim , Coelho Teresa , Rapezzi Claudio ,   THAOS Investigators
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Aims
Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR amyloidosis) is a heterogeneous disorder with cardiac, neurologic, and mixed phenotypes. We describe the phenotypic and genotypic profiles of this disease in continental Western Europe as it appears from the Transthyretin Amyloidosis Survey (THAOS).

Methods and results
THAOS is an ongoing, worldwide, longitudinal, observational survey established to study differences in presentation, diagnosis, and natural history in ATTR amyloidosis subjects. At data cut-off, 1411 symptomatic subjects from nine continental Western European countries were enrolled in THAOS [1286 hereditary (ATTRm) amyloidosis; 125 wild-type ATTR (ATTRwt) amyloidosis]. Genotypes and phenotypes varied notably by country. Four mutations (Val122Ile, Leu111Met, Thr60Ala, and Ile68Leu), and ATTRwt, were associated with a mainly cardiac phenotype showing symmetric left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, normal diastolic LV dimensions and volume, and mildly depressed LV ejection fraction (LVEF). Morphologic and functional abnormalities on echocardiogram were significantly more severe in subjects with cardiac (n‘= 210), compared with a mixed (n = 298), phenotype: higher median (Q1–Q3) interventricular septal thickness [18 (16–21) vs. 16 (13–20) mm; P = 0.0006]; and more frequent incidence of LVEF &lt;50% (38.1 vs. 17.5%; P = 0.0008). Subjects with cardiac mutations or ATTRwt (or cardiac or mixed phenotype) had a lower survival rate than subjects in other genotype (or the neurologic phenotype) categories (P &lt; 0.0001, for both).

Conclusion
ATTR amyloidosis genotypes and phenotypes are highly heterogeneous in continental Western Europe. A geographic map of the different disease profiles and awareness that a subset of subjects have a dominant cardiac phenotype, mimicking hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, at presentation can facilitate the clinical recognition of this underdiagnosed disease.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00628745.
Clinical impact of antithrombotic therapy in transvenous lead extraction complications: a sub-analysis from the ESC-EORP EHRA ELECTRa (European Lead Extraction ConTRolled) Registry
Authors: Di Cori Andrea , Auricchio Angelo , Regoli François , Blomström-Lundqvist Carina , Butter Christian , Dagres Nikolaos , Deharo Jean-Claude , Maggioni Aldo P , Kutarski Andrzej , Kennergren Charles , Laroche Cécile , Rinaldi Christopher A , Dovellini Emilio Vincenzo , Golzio Pier Giorgio , Thøgersen Anna Margrethe , Bongiorni Maria Grazia ,   ESC-EHRA ELECTRa Investigators
Published: March 2019

Aims
A sub-analysis of the ESC-EHRA European Lead Extraction ConTRolled (ELECTRa) Registry to evaluate the clinical impact of antithrombotic (AT) on transvenous lead extraction (TLE) safety and efficacy.

Methods and results
ELECTRa outcomes were compared between patients without AT therapy (No AT Group) and with different pre-operative AT regimens, including antiplatelets (AP), anticoagulants (AC), or both (AP + AC). Out of 3510 pts, 2398 (68%) were under AT pre-operatively. AT patients were older with more comorbidities (P < 0.0001). AT subgroups, defined as AP, AC, or AP + AC, were 1096 (31.2%), 985 (28%), and 317 (9%), respectively. Regarding AP patients, 1413 (40%) were under AP, 1292 (91%) with a single AP, interrupted in 26% about 3.8 ± 3.7 days before TLE. In total, 1302 (37%) patients were under AC, 881 vitamin K antagonist (68%), 221 (17%) direct oral anticoagulants, 155 (12%) low weight molecular heparin, and 45 (3.5%) unfractionated heparin. AC was ‘interrupted without bridging’ in 696 (54%) and ‘interrupted with bridging’ in 504 (39%) about 3.3 ± 2.3 days before TLE, and ‘continued’ in 87 (7%). TLE success rate was high in all subgroups. Only overall in-hospital death (1.4%), but not the procedure-related one, was higher in the AT subgroups (P = 0.0500). Age >65 years and New York Heart Association Class III/IV, but not AT regimens, were independent predictors of death for any cause. Haematomas were more frequent in AT subgroups, especially in AC ‘continued’ (P = 0.025), whereas pulmonary embolism in the No-AT (P < 0.01).

Conclusions
AT minimization is safe in patients undergoing TLE. AT does not seem to predict death but identifies a subset of fragile patients with a worse in-hospital TLE outcome.
A color-based competition assay for studying bacterial stress responses in Micrococcus luteus
Authors: Havis Spencer , Rangel Jonathan , Mali Sujina , Bodunrin Abiodun , Housammy Zina , Zimmerer Rene , Murphy Jesse , Widger William R , Bark Steven J 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACT
Competition assays measure differences between populations of bacteria after stress adaptation, populations of different bacteria and mutations in antibiotic resistance genes. We have developed a competition-based assay to evaluate if genes upregulated under starvation are important for bacterial survival. Stress responses are critical for survival in non-pathogenic and pathogenic bacteria alike including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Enterococcus fecaelis, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Unfortunately, most stress-survival proteins are poorly understood because suitable model bacteria and techniques are limited. To address this problem, we have engineered Micrococcus luteus NCTC 2665 (M. luteus) for competition assays by inactivating the sarcinaxanthin biosynthesis gene crtE (ΔcrtE), changing M. luteus colonies from yellow to white. This change allows easy identification in mixed cultures. The crtE knockout is relatively neutral for growth in complex and minimal acetate media and shows a measured fitness of one in competition with yellow wild-type bacteria. The ΔcrtE M. luteus competition assay identified a competition defect in a M. luteus strain when a specific universal stress protein was inactivated, suggesting a negative survival phenotype for this protein. We anticipate this competition assay can identify defects in other gene knockouts and mutational studies in M. luteus and will enhance our understanding of bacterial survival mechanisms.
Size-independent sample complexity of neural networks
Authors: Golowich Noah , Rakhlin Alexander , Shamir Ohad 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
We study the sample complexity of learning neural networks by providing new bounds on their Rademacher complexity, assuming norm constraints on the parameter matrix of each layer. Compared to previous work, these complexity bounds have improved dependence on the network depth and, under some additional assumptions, are fully independent of the network size (both depth and width). These results are derived using some novel techniques, which may be of independent interest.
Quantum-Classical Correspondence on Associated Vector Bundles Over Locally Symmetric Spaces
Authors: Küster Benjamin , Weich Tobias 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
For a compact Riemannian locally symmetric space $\mathcal M$ of rank 1 and an associated vector bundle $\mathbf V_{\tau }$ over the unit cosphere bundle $S^{\ast }\mathcal M$, we give a precise description of those classical (Pollicott–Ruelle) resonant states on $\mathbf V_{\tau }$ that vanish under covariant derivatives in the Anosov-unstable directions of the chaotic geodesic flow on $S^{\ast }\mathcal M$. In particular, we show that they are isomorphically mapped by natural pushforwards into generalized common eigenspaces of the algebra of invariant differential operators $D(G,\sigma )$ on compatible associated vector bundles $\mathbf W_{\sigma }$ over $\mathcal M$. As a consequence of this description, we obtain an exact band structure of the Pollicott–Ruelle spectrum. Further, under some mild assumptions on the representations $\tau$ and $\sigma$ defining the bundles $\mathbf V_{\tau }$ and $\mathbf W_{\sigma }$, we obtain a very explicit description of the generalized common eigenspaces. This allows us to relate classical Pollicott–Ruelle resonances to quantum eigenvalues of a Laplacian in a suitable Hilbert space of sections of $\mathbf W_{\sigma }$. Our methods of proof are based on representation theory and Lie theory.
Triose phosphate utilization and beyond: from photosynthesis to end product synthesis
Authors: McClain Alan M , Sharkey Thomas D 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDuring photosynthesis, plants fix CO2 from the atmosphere onto ribulose-bisphosphate, producing 3-phosphoglycerate, which is reduced to triose phosphates (TPs). The TPs are then converted into the end products of photosynthesis. When a plant is photosynthesizing very quickly, it may not be possible to commit photosynthate to end products as fast as it is produced, causing a decrease in available phosphate and limiting the rate of photosynthesis to the rate of triose phosphate utilization (TPU). The occurrence of an observable TPU limitation is highly variable based on species and especially growth conditions, with TPU capacity seemingly regulated to be in slight excess of typical photosynthetic rates the plant might experience. The physiological effects of TPU limitation are discussed with an emphasis on interactions between the Calvin–Benson cycle and the light reactions. Methods for detecting TPU-limited data from gas exchange data are detailed and the impact on modeling of some physiological effects are shown. Special consideration is given to common misconceptions about TPU.
Nitric oxide in plants: pro- or anti-senescence
Authors: Bruand Claude , Meilhoc Eliane 
Published: March 2019

AbstractSenescence is a regulated process of tissue degeneration that can affect any plant organ and consists of the degradation and remobilization of molecules to other growing tissues. Senescent organs display changes at the microscopic level as well as modifications to internal cellular structure and differential gene expression. A large number of factors influencing senescence have been described including age, nutrient supply, and environmental interactions. Internal factors such as phytohormones also affect the timing of leaf senescence. A link between the senescence process and the production of nitric oxide (NO) in senescing tissues has been known for many years. Remarkably, this link can be either a positive or a negative correlation depending upon the organ. NO can be both a signaling or a toxic molecule and is known to have multiple roles in plants; this review considers the duality of NO roles in the senescence process of two different plant organs, namely the leaves and root nodules.
Chronic kidney disease, heart failure and neprilysin inhibition
Authors: Haynes Richard , Zhu Doreen , Judge Parminder K , Herrington William G , Kalra Philip A , Baigent Colin 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPatients with chronic kidney disease are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and this often manifests clinically like heart failure. Conversely, patients with heart failure frequently have reduced kidney function. The links between the kidneys and cardiovascular system are being elucidated, with blood pressure being a key risk factor. Patients with heart failure have benefitted from many trials which have now established a strong evidence based on which to base management. However, patients with advanced kidney disease have often been excluded from these trials. Nevertheless, there is little evidence that the benefits of such treatments are modified by the presence or absence of kidney disease, but more direct evidence among patients with advanced kidney disease is required. Neprilysin inhibition is the most recent treatment to be shown to improve outcomes among patients with heart failure. The UK HARP-III trial assessed whether neprilysin inhibition improved kidney function in the short- to medium-term and its effects on cardiovascular biomarkers. Although no effect (compared to irbesartan control) was found on kidney function, allocation to neprilysin inhibition (sacubitril/valsartan) did reduce cardiac biomarkers more than irbesartan, suggesting that this treatment might improve cardiovascular outcomes in this population. Larger clinical outcomes trials are needed to test this hypothesis.
Pharmacokinetics and Abuse Potential of Asalhydromorphone, a Novel Prodrug of Hydromorphone, After Intranasal Administration in Recreational Drug Users
Authors: Guenther Sven , Mickle Travis C , Barrett Andrew C , Smith Adam , Braeckman Rene , Kelsh Debra , Vince Bradley 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Hydromorphone (HM) is a potent μ-opioid receptor agonist with high susceptibility for abuse. A prodrug of hydromorphone, asalhydromorphone (ASAL-HM), has been designed to deter nonoral forms of abuse associated with hydromorphone. This study evaluated the intranasal (IN) pharmacokinetics and exploratory abuse potential of ASAL-HM compared with HM.

Design
Single-center, randomized, double-blind, crossover study.

Setting
Clinical research site.

Subjects
Healthy adult, nondependent recreational opioid users.

Methods
Subjects (N = 26) were randomized to receive IN administration of 16.1 mg of ASAL-HM and 8.0 mg of HM (molar-equivalent with respect to hydromorphone). Blood samples were taken through 24 hours postdose, and pharmacodynamic end points (Drug Liking, Feeling High, Take Drug Again, Overall Drug Liking) were assessed through eight hours postdose. Nasal irritation and safety were also assessed.

Results
Relative to IN HM, the rate (Cmax) and extent (area under the curve [AUC0-last, AUC0-inf]) of exposure to hydromorphone following IN ASAL-HM were reduced by ≥50%. Consistent with these findings, scores on “at-the-moment” (i.e., Drug Liking Emax, High Emax) and retrospective (i.e., Take Drug Again, Overall Drug Liking) end points were statistically significantly lower for IN ASAL-HM, with mean/median differences ranging from 11.4 to 25.0 points. ASAL-HM produced greater nasal-related effects, such as nasal burning and facial pain, and a lower incidence of typical opioid-related adverse events such as euphoria, pruritus, and somnolence.

Conclusions
The novel hydromorphone prodrug ASAL-HM produced marked reductions in hydromorphone exposure and abuse-related effects following IN administration compared with HM. ASAL-HM has desirable molecular features for incorporation into putative abuse-deterrent immediate-release and extended-release hydromorphone products.
Daily music listening to reduce work-related stress: a randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Raglio A , Bellandi D , Gianotti M , Zanacchi E , Gnesi M , Monti M C , Montomoli C , Vico F , Imbriani C , Giorgi I , Imbriani M 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundLiterature shows that music can reduce stress conditions. This pilot study investigated the effects of music listening on work-related stress and well-being in healthcare professionals.MethodA total of 45 subjects were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: No Music, Individualized Music and Melomics-Health Listening. Music groups experienced a daily 30-min-playlist listening for 3 weeks at home. The Maugeri Stress Index-Revised (MASI-R) and the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) were administered at baseline, after 3 weeks and after 7 weeks (follow-up). Longitudinal data were analyzed by means of a nested ANOVA model, testing the main effects of time and treatment and the interaction between them.ResultsMASI-R scores showed a positive trend in music groups and a worsening in the control group. Only the interaction time/treatment emerged as supporting a trend toward statistical significance (P = 0.07). PGWBI showed a stability in music groups and a clear decline in controls, without significant effects.ConclusionsResults from the study support the need for a larger clinical trial: it is suggested that daily music listening could be implemented to reduce work-related stress and that the effects may be related, not only to individual musical preferences and familiarity, but also to specific music structures and parameters.
Negative Swap Spreads and Limited Arbitrage
Authors: J Jermann Urban 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Since October 2008, fixed rates for interest rate swaps with a 30-year maturity have been mostly below Treasury rates with the same maturity. Under standard assumptions, this implies the existence of arbitrage opportunities. This paper presents a model for pricing interest rate swaps, where frictions for holding bonds limit arbitrage. I analytically show that negative swap spreads should not be surprising. In the calibrated model, swap spreads can reasonably match empirical counterparts without the need for large demand imbalances in the swap market. Empirical evidence is consistent with the relation between term spreads and swap spreads in the model.
Received April 16, 2017; editorial decision Januray 3, 2019 by Editor Stijn Van Nieuwerburgh.
The effect of cow udder score on cow/calf performance in the Nebraska Sandhills
Authors: Beard Joslyn K , Musgrave Jacki A , Funston Rick N , Mulliniks J Travis 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Poor udder and teat confirmation decreases profitability due to decreased calf weaning weight, increased incidence of mastitis and labor, and decreased cow lifetime productivity. Therefore, the objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effect of beef cow udder score on cow performance and pre- and postweaning progeny performance. In a 5-yr study, crossbred cows at the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, Whitman, NE, were assigned an udder score each year at calving, from 1 to 5, using an udder and teat combination score. Cows were grouped by udder scores and classified as either low udder score (LUS, udder score 1 or 2; n = 223) or high udder score (HUS, udder score 3 or 4; n = 1,742). The udder score combines udder conformation and a teat scoring system. Low udder scores consisted of pendulous udders and large teats, whereas HUS consisted of tight udders and small, symmetrical teats. Mixed models were used to evaluate udder score on cow performance and calf pre- and postweaning performance. Cow body weight (BW) at prebreeding and weaning was greater (P &lt; 0.01) in LUS cows compared with HUS counterparts. Pregnancy rate was not different (P = 0.35) between udder classification groups. Calf BW at birth (P = 0.95), weaning (P = 0.40), and adjusted 205-d BW (P = 0.28) were not different between udder groups. Cow udder score did not influence feedlot entry (P = 0.41) and final BW (P = 0.30), dry matter intake (P = 0.53), average daily gain (P = 0.60), and gain:feed ratio (P = 0.85) of steer progeny. However, steers from HUS dams had greater hot carcass weight (HCW; P = 0.04) and backfat thickness (P = 0.02) compared with LUS counterparts. Results from this study suggest cows with less desirable udder structure may not have a negative impact on calf preweaning growth and performance; however, backfat thickness and HCW in the finishing phase were lower in steers from cows with a lower udder score.