bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Landscape influence on dispersal of yearling male white‐tailed deer
Authors: Peterson Brittany E. , Storm Daniel J. , Norton Andrew S. , Van Deelen Timothy R. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTLandscape features can alter the transfer phase of dispersal and dispersal‐mediated disease transmission and gene flow. The transfer phase is poorly understood, but improved understanding of landscape effects on dispersal distance and direction would allow better prediction and mitigation of disease spread and improved delineation of management zones. To investigate how ecological settings influence dispersal in white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), we captured and radio‐collared 409 juvenile male deer from 2 study areas in Wisconsin, USA, one dominated by public forest and another by row‐crop agriculture. Dispersal directions were non‐directed in the heavily forested study area, but there was a southeastern bias in the farmland study area. Individual dispersal distances were not related to forest cover, and study area average and maximum distances differed from expected, based on published relationships between forest cover and population‐average dispersal distance. Roads, rivers, and cities were semipermeable barriers to dispersal, but effects of barriers differed with respect to study area, suggesting that natural and anthropogenic features influence dispersal‐mediated disease transmission and gene flow. Our results suggest that dispersal models should consider movement barriers in more developed landscapes, and barriers can also be used to inform designation of biologically meaningful management units. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Changes in pore‐water chemistry and methane emission following the invasion of Spartina alterniflora into an oliogohaline marsh
Authors: Tong Chuan , Morris James T. , Huang Jiafang , Xu Hui , Wan Siang 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe measured methane emissions together with acetate, DMS, sulfate, and dissolved methane concentrations in pore waters from adjacent marsh plant communities in an oligohaline marsh of the Min River estuary, southeastern China—one community dominated by a native species, Cyperus malaccensis, the other by the exotic Spartina alterniflora. The objective was to determine if the exotic species altered soil pore‐water chemistry, metabolite pools, and methane emissions. We found that the invasive S. alterniflora, significantly increased the concentration of pore‐water acetate (6.1 vs. 1.2 μM), but did not increase the pools of pore‐water DMS (54.6 vs. 45.9 nM). We observed significantly greater annual emissions of methane from the marsh areas dominated by S. alterniflora (15.1 vs. 5.1 mg m−2 h−1 annual average) and a significant correlation between annual methane emission rate and pore‐water acetate concentration at soil depths between 1 cm and 20 cm. There was no significant correlation between methane emission and the concentration of pore‐water DMS in either marsh community. The results indicate that a change in the dominant plant community can alter soil biogeochemistry. In particular, in an oligohaline environment, S. alterniflora supported higher rates of methane production than the native plant community. It probably does so through a variety of metabolic pathways, probably including acetoclastic methanongenesis.
The retrograde transverse cervical artery as a recipient vessel for free tissue transfer in complex head and neck reconstruction with a vessel‐depleted neck
Authors: Ciudad Pedro , Agko Mouchammed , Manrique Oscar J. , Date Shivprasad , Kiranantawat Kidakorn , Chang Wei Ling , Nicoli Fabio , Lo Torto Federico , Maruccia Michele , Orfaniotis Georgios , Chen Hung‐Chi 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundReconstruction in a vessel‐depleted neck is challenging. The success rates can be markedly decreased because of unavailability of suitable recipient vessels. In order to obtain a reliable flow, recipient vessels away from the zone of fibrosis, radiation, or infection need to be explored. The aim of this report is to present our experience and clinical outcomes using the retrograde flow coming from the distal transverse cervical artery (TCA) as a source for arterial inflow for complex head and neck reconstruction in patients with a vessel‐depleted neck.MethodsBetween July 2010 and June 2016, nine patients with a vessel‐depleted neck underwent secondary head and neck reconstruction using the retrograde TCA as recipient vessel for microanastomosis. The mean age was 49.6 years (range, 36 to 68 years). All patients had previous bilateral neck dissections and all, except one, had also received radiotherapy. Indications included neck contracture release (n = 3), oral (n = 1), mandibular (n = 3) and pharyngoesophageal (n = 2) reconstruction necessitating free anterolateral thigh (n = 3) and medial sural artery (n = 1) perforator flaps, fibula (n = 3) and ileocolon (n = 2) flaps respectively.ResultsThere was 100% flap survival rate with no re‐exploration or any partial flap loss. One case of intra‐operative arterial vasospasm at the anastomotic suture line was managed intra‐operatively with vein graft interposition. There were no other complications or donor site morbidity during the follow‐up period.ConclusionsIn a vessel‐depleted neck, the reverse flow of the TCA may be a reliable option for complex secondary head and neck reconstruction in selected patients.
USE of arterialized saphenous vein venous flow‐through flaps as a temporizing measure for hand salvage in contaminated wounds presenting with limb ischemia: A case series
Authors: Diaz‐Abele Julian , Safa Bauback , Buntic Rudolf F. , Islur Avinash 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundVascular injuries resulting in limb ischemia are traditionally treated acutely with autologous or prosthetic bypass grafts. Traumatic contaminated injuries with soft tissue and vascular segmental loss are challenging as prosthetic bypasses are at risk of erosion, infection, and occlusion; and autologous bypasses are at risk of desiccation, blow‐out, infection, and clotting. We propose a novel approach to these injuries by using arterialized saphenous vein venous flow‐through free flaps (S‐VFTF) as an autologous bypass, and present the results of its application in a series of cases.MethodsSpanning 2008 to 2015, four patients presenting with large contaminated crush/avulsion wounds with vascular injury underwent hand revascularization with S‐VFTF, allowing the contaminated wounds to be serially debrided. Definitive soft tissue reconstruction was performed once the wound was considered clean. The S‐VFTF skin paddle was de‐epithelialized and the soft tissue defect covered with a free latissimus dorsi flap or a rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap.ResultsAll ischemic limbs were successfully reperfused and there were no take backs for perfusion issues. All S‐VFTF remained patent at discharge and final follow‐up. No partial or complete finger/hand amputations were required. All definitive coverage free flap survived with no complications.ConclusionThe two‐stage reconstruction presented may help reconstructive and vascular surgeons consider alternatives to traditional vascular reconstruction methods. This technique avoids an exposed vascular graft in an extensively contaminated open wound. It allows the surgeon to perform thorough and sufficient debridement of the wound, preventing definitive reconstruction in a not yet declared zone of injury.
Differential intestinal anti‐inflammatory effects of Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus salivarius in DSS mouse colitis: impact on microRNAs expression and microbiota composition
Authors: Rodríguez‐Nogales Alba , Algieri Francesca , Garrido‐Mesa Jose , Vezza Teresa , Utrilla M. Pilar , Chueca Natalia , Garcia Federico , Olivares Mónica , Rodríguez‐Cabezas M. Elena , Gálvez Julio 
Published: July 2017

ScopeTo compare the intestinal anti‐inflammatory effects of two probiotics Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus salivarius in mouse colitis, focusing on their impact on selected miRNAs and microbiota composition.Methods and resultsMale C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 10): non‐colitic, DSS colitic and two colitic groups treated with probiotics (5 × 108 CFU/mouse/day). Both probiotics ameliorated macroscopic colonic damage. They improved the colonic expression of markers involved in the immune response, and the expression of miR‐155 and miR‐223. L. fermentum also restored miR‐150 and miR‐143 expression, also linked to the preservation of the intestinal barrier function. Besides, these beneficial effects were associated with the amelioration of the microbiota dysbiosis and a recovery of the SCFAs‐ and lactic acid‐producing bacterial populations, although only L. fermentum improved Chao richness, Pielou evenness and Shannon diversity. Moreover, L. fermentum also restored the Treg cell population in MLNs and the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance.ConclusionBoth probiotics exerted intestinal anti‐inflammatory effects in DSS‐mouse colitis, maybe due to their ability to restore the intestinal microbiota homeostasis and modulate the immune response. L. fermentum showed a greater beneficial effect compared to L. salivarius, which makes it more interesting for future studies.
Folic acid modulates cancer‐associated micro RNAs and inflammatory mediators in neoplastic and non‐neoplastic colonic cells in a different way
Authors: Niemann Birgit , Nemitz Anke , Werner Josephine , Mai Ha Dong , Steinberg Pablo , Lampen Alfonso , Ehlers Anke 
Published: July 2017

ScopeScientific evidence suggests that folic acid (FA) supplementation protects the healthy colonic mucosa from neoplastic transformation but may promote the progression of precancerous lesions. The underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Therefore, we explored, if high physiological FA doses provoke changes in (i) promoter‐specific DNA methylation (ii) expression of cancer‐associated micro RNAs (miRNAs) and (iii) inflammatory mediators in human neoplastic and non‐neoplastic colonic cell lines.Methods and resultsThe malignant and the non‐malignant colonic cell lines HT29 and HCEC were adapted to different near‐physiological FA concentrations. Using DNA methylation and pathway specific PCR arrays, high‐physiological FA concentrations revealed no relevant impact on promoter methylation but a number of differences between the cell lines in the expression of miRNAs and inflammatory mediators. In the HCEC cell line pro‐inflammatory genes were repressed and the miRNA expression remained nearly unaffected. In contrast, in the HT29 cell line tumour‐suppressive miRNAs were predominantly down‐regulated and the expression of genes involved in chemotaxis and immunity were modulated.ConclusionThe different effects of high‐physiological FA concentrations in malignant and non‐malignant colonic cell lines regarding cancer‐associated miRNAs and inflammatory mediators may contribute to the different effects of FA supplementation on colonic carcinogenesis.
A Bayesian approach to solve proton stopping powers from noisy multi‐energy CT data
Authors: Lalonde Arthur , Bär Esther , Bouchard Hugo 
Published: July 2017

PurposeTo propose a new formalism allowing the characterization of human tissues from multienergy computed tomography (MECT) data affected by noise and to evaluate its performance in estimating proton stopping powers (SPR).MethodsA recently published formalism based on principal component analysis called eigentissue decomposition (ETD) is adapted to the context of noise using a Bayesian estimator. The method, named Bayesian ETD, uses the maximum a posteriori fractions of eigentissues in each voxel to determine physical parameters relevant for proton beam dose calculation. Simulated dual‐energy computed tomography (DECT) data are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed method to estimate SPR and to compare it to the initially proposed maximum‐likelihood ETD and to a state‐of‐the‐art ρe − Z formalism. To test the robustness of each method towards clinical reality, three different levels of noise are implemented, as well as variations in elemental composition and density of reference tissues. The impact of using more than two energy bins to determine SPR is also investigated by simulating MECT data using two to five energy bins. Finally, the impact of using MECT over DECT for range prediction is evaluated using a probabilistic model.ResultsFor simulated DECT data of reference tissues, the Bayesian ETD approach systematically gives lower root‐mean‐square (RMS) errors with negligible bias. For a medium level of noise, the RMS errors on SPR are found to be 2.78%, 2.76% and 1.53% for ρe − Z, maximum‐likelihood ETD, and Bayesian ETD, respectively. When variations are introduced to the elemental composition and density, all implemented methods give similar performances at low noise. However, for a medium noise level, the proposed Bayesian method outperforms the two others with a RMS error of 1.94%, compared to 2.79% and 2.78% for ρe − Z and maximum‐likelihood ETD, respectively. When more than two energy spectra are used, the Bayesian ETD is able to reduce RMS error on SPR using up to five energy bins. In terms of range prediction, Bayesian ETD with four energy bins in realistic conditions reduces proton beam range uncertainties by a factor of up to 1.5 compared to ρe − Z.ConclusionThe Bayesian ETD is shown to be more robust against noise than similar methods and a promising approach to extract SPR from noisy DECT data. In the advent of commercially available multi‐energy CT or photon‐counting CT scanners, the Bayesian ETD is expected to allow extracting more information and improve the precision of proton therapy beyond DECT.
Prediction of outcome in internet‐delivered cognitive behaviour therapy for paediatric obsessive‐compulsive disorder: A machine learning approach
Authors: Lenhard Fabian , Sauer Sebastian , Andersson Erik , Månsson Kristoffer NT , Mataix‐Cols David , Rück Christian , Serlachius Eva 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundThere are no consistent predictors of treatment outcome in paediatric obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). One reason for this might be the use of suboptimal statistical methodology. Machine learning is an approach to efficiently analyse complex data. Machine learning has been widely used within other fields, but has rarely been tested in the prediction of paediatric mental health treatment outcomes.ObjectiveTo test four different machine learning methods in the prediction of treatment response in a sample of paediatric OCD patients who had received Internet‐delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT).MethodsParticipants were 61 adolescents (12–17 years) who enrolled in a randomized controlled trial and received ICBT. All clinical baseline variables were used to predict strictly defined treatment response status three months after ICBT. Four machine learning algorithms were implemented. For comparison, we also employed a traditional logistic regression approach.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression could not detect any significant predictors. In contrast, all four machine learning algorithms performed well in the prediction of treatment response, with 75 to 83% accuracy.ConclusionsThe results suggest that machine learning algorithms can successfully be applied to predict paediatric OCD treatment outcome. Validation studies and studies in other disorders are warranted.
Stochastic and exact methods for service mapping in virtualized network infrastructures
Authors: Liberati Francesco , Giuseppi Alessandro , Pietrabissa Antonio , Suraci Vincenzo , Di Giorgio Alessandro , Trubian Marco , Dietrich David , Papadimitriou Panagiotis , Delli Priscoli Francesco 
Published: July 2017

SummaryThis paper presents a stochastic algorithm for virtual network service mapping in virtualized network infrastructures, based on reinforcement learning (RL). An exact mapping algorithm in line with the current state of the art and based on integer linear programming is proposed as well, and the performances of the two algorithms are compared. While most of the current works in literature report exact or heuristic mapping methods, the RL algorithm presented here is instead a stochastic one, based on Markov decision processes theory. The aim of the RL algorithm is to iteratively learn an efficient mapping policy, which could maximize the expected mapping reward in the long run. Based on the review of the state of the art, the paper presents a general model of the service mapping problem and the mathematical formulation of the 2 proposed strategies. The distinctive features of the 2 algorithms, their strengths, and possible drawbacks are discussed and validated by means of numeric simulations in a realistic emulated environment.
Directional ‐matrix compression for high‐frequency problems
Authors: Börm Steffen 
Published: July 2017

SummaryStandard numerical algorithms, such as the fast multipole method or
‐matrix schemes, rely on low‐rank approximations of the underlying kernel function. For high‐frequency problems, the ranks grow rapidly as the mesh is refined, and standard techniques are no longer attractive. Directional compression techniques solve this problem by using decompositions based on plane waves. Taking advantage of hierarchical relations between these waves' directions, an efficient approximation is obtained. This paper is dedicated to directional
‐matrices that employ local low‐rank approximations to handle directional representations efficiently. The key result is an algorithm that takes an arbitrary matrix and finds a quasi‐optimal approximation of this matrix as a directional
‐matrix using a prescribed block tree. The algorithm can reach any given accuracy, and the approximation requires only
units of storage, where n is the matrix dimension, κ is the wave number, and k is the local rank. In particular, we have a complexity of
if κ is constant and
for high‐frequency problems characterized by κ2∼n. Because the algorithm can be applied to arbitrary matrices, it can serve as the foundation of fast techniques for constructing preconditioners.
Writing self‐efficacy in nursing students: The influence of a discipline‐specific writing environment
Authors: Mitchell Kim M. , Harrigan Tom , McMillan Diana E. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimTo explore if writing self‐efficacy improved among first‐year nursing students in the context of discipline‐specific writing. The relationship between writing self‐efficacy, anxiety and student grades are also explored with respect to various learner characteristics such as postsecondary experience, writing history, English as a second language status and online versus classroom instruction.DesignA one group quasi‐experimental study with a time control period.MethodData was collected over the 2013–2014 academic year at orientation, start of writing course and end of writing course.ResultsWriting self‐efficacyimproved from pre‐ to post writing course but remained stable during the time control period. Anxiety was negatively related towriting self‐efficacybut remained stable across the study period. Inexperienced students and students with less writing experience, appeared to over‐inflate their self‐assessedwriting self‐efficacyearly in the programme. This study gives promising evidence that online and classroom delivery of instruction are both feasible for introducing discipline specific writing.
Surface modification of boron nitride via poly (dopamine) coating and preparation of acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene copolymer/boron nitride composites with enhanced thermal conductivity
Authors: Li Guohua , Xing Rongfen , Geng Peipei , Liu Zhenxin , He Lianqi , Wang Nongyue , Zhang Qingxin , Qu Xiongwei 
Published: July 2017

A biology‐inspired approach was utilized to functionalize hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN), to enhance the interfacial interactions in acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene copolymer/boron nitride (ABS/BN) composites. The poly (dopamine), poly (DOPA) layer, was formed on the surface of BN platelets via spontaneously oxidative self‐polymerization of DOPA in aqueous solution. The modified BN (named as mBN) coated with poly (DOPA) was mixed with ABS resin by melting. The strong interfacial interactions via π‐π stacking plus Van der Waals, both derived from by poly (DOPA), significantly promoted not only the homogeneous dispersion of h‐BN in the matrix, but also the effective interfacial stress transfer, leading to improve the impact strength of ABS/mBN even at slight mBN loadings. A high thermal conductivity of 0.501 W/(m·K) was obtained at 20 wt% mBN content, reaching 2.63 times of the value for pure ABS (0.176 W/(m·K)). Meanwhile, the ABS/mBN composites also exhibited an excellent electrical insulation property, which can be expected to be applied in the fields of thermal management and electrical enclosure.
Antimicrobial modified hydroxyapatite composite dental bite by stereolithography
Authors: Makvandi Pooyan , Esposito Corcione Carola , Paladini Federica , Gallo Anna Lucia , Montagna Francesco , Jamaledin Rezvan , Pollini Mauro , Maffezzoli Alfonso 
Published: July 2017

This study is aimed at the synthesis of antimicrobial hydroxyapatite (HAP)‐based composites for dental application by stereolithography (SLA). A micron‐sized commercial HAP was modified by methacrylate and quaternary ammonium salt, and, then, it was used in different amounts (namely 2.5, 5, and 10 wt%) as filler for a photocurable custom made resin for SLA. Thermal stability, microstructure, and particles size of the pristine (HAP) and modified HAP (mHAP) were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and particle size analyser (CILAS). The suitability of each formulation for stereolithography process was assessed by measuring viscosity, degree of conversion (DC%) by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), glass transition temperature, and thermal stability. Photo‐cured specimens for physical, mechanical, and antimicrobial testing were built by SLA. The flexural strength of the samples was measured using a 3‐point bending test method, and the fractured surface was analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antimicrobial activity of samples was investigated against some standard microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans), as representative Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and fungus, respectively. The flexural strength increased with a filler content up to 5% and slightly decreased for higher content. SEM analysis confirmed the presence of uniformly distributed HAP. The incorporation of mHAP reduced the bacterial and fungal growth in dose‐dependent manner in comparison with the neat samples. Finally, a prototype of dental bite was built by SLA.