bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The virulence–transmission relationship in an obligate killer holds under diverse epidemiological and ecological conditions, but where is the tradeoff?
Authors: Ben‐Ami Frida 
Published: November 2017

AbstractParasite virulence is a leading theme in evolutionary biology. Modeling the course of virulence evolution holds the promise of providing practical insights into the management of infectious diseases and the implementation of vaccination strategies. A key element of virulence modeling is a tradeoff between parasite transmission rate and host lifespan. This assumption is crucial for predicting the level of optimal virulence. Here, I test this assumption using the water fleaDaphnia magnaand its castrating and obligate‐killing bacteriumPasteuria ramosa. I found that the virulence–transmission relationship holds under diverse epidemiological and ecological conditions. In particular, parasite genotype, absolute and relative parasite dose, and within‐host competition in multiple infections did not significantly affect the observed trend. Interestingly, the relationship between virulence and parasite transmission in this system is best explained by a model that includes a cubic term. Under this relationship, parasite transmission initially peaks and saturates at an intermediate level of virulence, but then it further increases as virulence decreases, surpassing the previous peak. My findings also highlight the problem of using parasite‐induced host mortality as a “one‐size‐fits‐all” measure of virulence for horizontally transmitted parasites, without considering the onset and duration of parasite transmission as well as other equally virulent effects of parasites (e.g., host castration). Therefore, mathematical models may be required to predict whether these particular characteristics of horizontally transmitted parasites can direct virulence evolution into directions not envisaged by existing models.
Soil‐mediated effects of global change on plant communities depend on plant growth form
Authors: Hines Jes , Pabst Susann , Mueller Kevin E. , Blumenthal Dana M. , Cesarz Simone , Eisenhauer Nico 
Published: November 2017

AbstractUnderstanding why species respond to climate change is critical for forecasting invasions, diversity, and productivity of communities. Although researchers often predict species’ distributions and productivity based on direct physiological responses to environments, theory suggests that striking shifts in community composition could arise if global change alters indirect feedbacks mediated by resources, mutualists, or antagonists. To test whether global change influences plant communities via soil‐mediated feedbacks, we grew model communities in soils collected from a seven‐year field manipulation of CO2, warming, and invasion. We evaluated mechanisms underlying variation in the model communities by comparing species’ growth in equivalent soil histories with, and without, experimentally reduced soil biota (via sterilization) and nutrient limitation (via fertilization). We show that grasses performed consistently across all soil history scenarios and that soil biota limited grasses more than nutrients. In contrast, forbs were differentially sensitive to soil history scenarios, with the magnitude and direction of responses to soil biota and nutrients dependent upon plant species and global change scenario. The asymmetry in importance of soil history for grasses and forbs is likely explained by differences in life history strategy. We conclude that accounting for species’ growth strategies will improve predictions of species sensitivity to altered soil feedbacks in future climates.
Haemodynamic effects of an acute vasodilator challenge in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction and different forms of post‐capillary pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Ghio Stefano , Crimi Gabriele , Temporelli Pier Luigi , Traversi Egidio , La Rovere Maria Teresa , Cannito Antonia , Vizza Dario , Scelsi Laura , Raineri Claudia , Guazzi Marco , Oltrona Visconti Luigi 
Published: November 2017

AimsThe most recent European guidelines have proposed new definitions of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in left heart disease, to better approach the characteristics required to reflect the presence of pulmonary vascular disease. The purpose of this study was to assess whether different haemodynamic definitions of post‐capillary PH imply a different reversibility of PH in response to acute vasodilator administration in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction and PH (HFrEF‐PH).Methods and resultsRight heart catheterization and reversibility testing was performed in 156 HFrEF‐PH patients. Patients were classified as combined post‐capillary and pre‐capillary pulmonary hypertension (Cpc‐PH) vs. isolated post‐capillary pulmonary hypertension (Ipc‐PH) and on the basis of diastolic pulmonary gradient (DPG) ≥ 7 vs. < 7 mmHg or of transpulmonary gradient (TPG) >12 vs. ≤12 mmHg. After vasodilator administration, Cpc‐PH patients showed a greater per cent improvement in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), DPG and TPG as compared with Ipc‐PH patients (all Pint < 0.001); only pulmonary compliance (PCa) improved less in Cpc‐PH than in Ipc‐PH patients (Pint = 0.007). However, despite vasodilatation, Cpc‐PH patients remained in an unfavourable portion of the inverse hyperbolic relationship between PVR and PCa. The number of patients in whom PVR was reduced below 2.5 wood units was similar in Cpc‐PH, DPG ≥7 mmHg and TPG >12 mmHg groups (28.3, 26.7 and 18.9%, respectively).ConclusionAlthough substantial improvements in PVR, DPG and TPG were observed in Cpc‐PH patients after acute vasodilator administration, this response was associated with persistent abnormalities in the PVR vs. PCa relationship. The link between baseline right heart haemodynamics and pulmonary vascular disease remains elusive.
Function and mechanism of the pyrin inflammasome
Authors: Heilig Rosalie , Broz Petr 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPyrin, encoded by the MEFV gene, is an intracellular pattern recognition receptor that assembles inflammasome complexes in response to pathogen infections. Mutations in the MEFV gene have been linked to autoinflammatory diseases such as familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) or pyrin‐associated autoinflammation with neutrophilic dermatosis (PAAND). Recent insights have now revealed how pyrin is activated during infection, providing a molecular basis for the understanding of such disease‐causing mutations in pyrin. Interestingly, pyrin does not directly recognize molecular patterns (pathogen‐ or host‐derived danger molecules), but rather responds to disturbances in cytoplasmic homeostasis caused by the infection. In the case of pyrin, these perturbations, recently defined as ‘homeostasis‐altering molecular processes’ (HAMPs), are processes leading to the inactivation of the RhoA GTPase. This review attempts to combine early observation and findings with the most recent discoveries on how pyrin detects inactivation of RhoA to shed light on the function and mechanism of pyrin activation.
Electroanalysis in 2D‐TiO2 Nanosheet Hosts: Electrolyte and Selectivity Effects in Ferroceneboronic Acid – Saccharide Binding
Authors: Tri Wahyuni Wulan , Riza Putra Budi , Harito Christian , Bavykin Dmitry V. , Walsh Frank C. , James Tony D. , Kociok‐Köhn Gabriele , Marken Frank 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA 2D‐TiO2 nanosheet material (as a film deposit of approximately 1 μm thickness on glassy carbon) is employed to host ferroceneboronic acid receptor molecules. It is suggested that the negative surface charge on 2D‐TiO2 nanosheets allows weak binding of ferroceneboronic acid, which can then be employed to detect fluoride, glucose, or fructose. The nature of the aqueous electrolyte is shown to strongly affect the ferroceneboronic acid – host interaction. In the presence of di‐sodium sulfate stable reversible voltammetric responses are observed. In the presence of fluoride loss of the ferroceneboronic acid occurs probably due to weakening of the boron‐titanate interaction. For glucose and for fructose “bound” and “unbound” states of the ferroceneboronic acid are observed as long as fast square wave voltammetry is employed to capture the “bound” state before decomplexation can occur. It is shown that this kinetic selectivity is highly biassed towards fructose and essentially insensitive to glucose.
Water production through CO2 capture in coal‐fired power plants
Authors: Feron Paul , Thiruvenkatachari Ramesh , Cousins Ashleigh 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA novel integrated liquid absorbent‐based CO2 capture and desalination process is proposed. It is based on the use of a forward osmosis operation replacing the trim cooler in the capture process. This cooler controls the absorption liquid inlet temperature to the absorber. In the forward osmosis operation water is transferred from a saline solution to the absorption liquid. It can be recovered in two ways: via the overhead condenser of the desorber or via an intercooling operation by flashing the absorption liquid under vacuum, followed by condensation of the water vapor produced. In both cases the energy requirement for the water production process is considered negligible as it is part of the energy requirement of the capture process. The amount of produced water and its quality is such that it can be used as makeup for flue gas desulphurization and/or cooling tower makeup. Thus, it can provide a resolution for the increase in specific cooling water requirement as a result of a CO2 capture retrofit to an existing coal‐fired power station. Monoethanolamine and sodium glycinate solutions were evaluated as absorption liquids in this study. Amino acid salt solutions are preferred because of the high osmotic pressure and low vapor pressure, providing the best option for high water quality.
The characterization of iron (III) in seawater and related toxicity to early life stages of scleractinian corals
Authors: Leigh-Smith Justin , Reichelt-Brushett Amanda , Rose Andrew L. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Currently toxicity data for iron (Fe) in seawater are limited; furthermore, these data are of poor quality as a result of the importance of Fe solubility in test solutions being overlooked. The present study characterized the solubility and lability of Fe(III) in seawater and then examined the effects of Fe(III) on the fertilization success and larval survival of the tropical marine scleractinian corals Acropora spathulata and Platygyra daedalea. We present the first assessment of the effects of Fe on the early life stages of scleractinian corals. Concentrations of both soluble and labile forms of Fe were very low, with dissolved Fe concentrations ≤0.195 mg/L in bioassay test solutions and chemical determinations revealing labile Fe concentrations ≤1.21 mg/L. For fertilization experiments, the median effect concentration (EC50) value for total Fe was 25 mg/L for the most sensitive species, P. daedalea, whereas the EC50 values for A. spathulata ranged between 40 and 66 mg/L. The median lethal concentration value for P. daedalea larval survival was 47 mg/L Fe after 72-h exposure. We provide Fe toxicity data for tropical marine keystone species that could be used to help generate more reliable guideline values for Fe in marine waters. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1104–1114. © 2017 SETAC
Numerical bifurcation analysis for 3‐dimensional sudden expansion fluid dynamic problem
Authors: Guevel Y. , Allain T. , Girault G. , Cadou J.M. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThis paper deals with bifurcation analysis methods based on the asymptotic‐numerical method. It is used to investigate 3‐dimensional (3D) instabilities in a sudden expansion. To do so, high‐performance computing is implemented in ELMER, ie, an open‐source multiphysical software. In this work, velocity‐pressure mixed vectors are used with asymptotic‐numerical method–based methods, remarks are made for the branch‐switching method in the case of symmetry‐breaking bifurcation, and new 3D instability results are presented for the sudden expansion ratio, ie, E=3. Critical Reynolds numbers for primary bifurcations are studied with the evolution of a geometric parameter. New values are computed, which reveal new trends that complete a previous work. Several kinds of bifurcation are depicted and tracked with the evolution of the spanwise aspect ratio. One of these relies on a fully 3D effect as it breaks both spanwise and top‐bottom symmetries. This bifurcation is found for smaller aspect ratios than expected. Furthermore, a critical Reynolds number is found for the aspect ratio, ie, Ai=1, which was not previously reported. Finally, primary and secondary bifurcations are efficiently detected and all post‐bifurcated branches are followed. This makes it possible to plot a complete bifurcation diagram for this 3D case.
A sharp‐interface immersed boundary framework for simulations of high‐speed inviscid compressible flows
Authors: Brahmachary Shuvayan , Natarajan Ganesh , Kulkarni Vinayak , Sahoo Niranjan 
Published: November 2017

SummaryA new finite‐volume flow solver based on the hybrid Cartesian immersed boundary (IB) framework is developed for the solution of high‐speed inviscid compressible flows. The IB method adopts a sharp‐interface approach, wherein the boundary conditions are enforced on the body geometry itself. A key component of the present solver is a novel reconstruction approach, in conjunction with inverse distance weighting, to compute the solutions in the vicinity of the solid‐fluid interface. We show that proposed reconstruction leads to second‐order spatial accuracy while also ensuring that the discrete conservation errors diminish linearly with grid refinement. Investigations of supersonic and hypersonic inviscid flows over different geometries are carried out for an extensive validation of the proposed flow solver. Studies on cylinder lift‐off and shape optimisation in supersonic flows further demonstrate the efficacy of the flow solver for computations with moving and shape‐changing geometries. These studies conclusively highlight the capability of the proposed IB methodology as a promising alternative for robust and accurate computations of compressible fluid flows on nonconformal Cartesian meshes.
Variable Step Size IC MPPT Controller for PEMFC Power System Improving Static and Dynamic Performances
Authors: Harrag A. , Messalti S. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn this paper, a variable step size IC MPPT controller for the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) power system is proposed. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm has been studied successfully using a 7 kW PEMFC fed by DC‐DC boost converter derived using the proposed MPPT controller implemented under Matlab/Simulink environment. Comparison results obtained using both implemented fixed and variable step size IC MPPTs on two scenarios test considering temperature and hydrogen pressure variation show that the proposed variable step size IC MPPT outperforms the conventional fixed step size in static and dynamic performances.
Pneumoparotitis as a complication of long‐term oronasal positive airway pressure for sleep apnea
Authors: Goates Andrew J. , Lee Daniel J. , Maley Joan E. , Lee Phillip C. , Hoffman Henry T. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundParotid swelling is rarely caused by pneumoparotitis from retrograde insufflation of air into Stensen's duct. Previous reports have identified occupational exposures, self‐induced habits, exercise, spirometry, and short‐term positive pressure airway ventilation as causes of salivary duct insufflation.MethodsWe present 2 cases of pneumoparotitis in patients on long‐term oronasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for obstructive sleep apnea.ResultsA diagnosis of pneumoparotitis was made by CT scan in case 1 and sialography in case 2. Patients were advised to transition from oronasal to nasal‐only CPAP. One patient was successfully transferred and had good symptomatic improvement, whereas the second patient did not tolerate nasal CPAP and had persistent symptoms on oronasal CPAP.ConclusionLong‐term use of oronasal CPAP is a potential cause of pneumoparotitis.
Performance of the Dimension TAC assay and comparison of multiple platforms for the measurement of tacrolimus
Authors: Cho Eun‐Jung , Ko Dae‐Hyun , Lee Woochang , Chun Sail , Lee Hae‐Kyung , Min Won‐Ki 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundTherapeutic monitoring of tacrolimus is essential for reducing organ rejection and adverse effects. The measurement of tacrolimus in whole blood is taken by many automated platforms. We evaluated the analytical performance of the Dimension TAC assay, which is an upgraded reagent from the previous Dimension TACR assay.MethodsThe evaluations involved determination of precision, linearity, detection capability, and reagent lot‐to‐lot variability between three lot numbers. Correlation studies were conducted using the Dimension TACR assay, Architect, Elecsys assay, and MassTrak LC‐MS/MS.ResultsThe total coefficient of variation was below 10%. Acceptable linearity was observed in their respective reportable ranges. The limit of blank, limit of detection, and limit of quantification were 0.29, 0.47, and 0.81 ng/mL, respectively. Correlation analysis indicated that the Dimension TAC assay results were comparable to that of the Dimension TACR assay, Architect, and Elecsys results in liver and heart transplant patients. In kidney transplant patients, the Dimension TAC assay showed the poor correlation with Architect and Elecsys. The results from these assays were slightly higher than that of MassTrak. We found little lot‐to‐lot reagent variation among the reagents evaluated.ConclusionThe overall analytical performance of the Dimension TAC assay is acceptable for therapeutic monitoring in clinical practice. Our study that compared different platforms may provide some useful information regarding which test method to use.
Circulating PCSK9 is lowered acutely following surgery
Authors: Druce Irena , Abujrad Hussein , Chaker Seham , Meggison Hilary , Hill Andrew , Raymond Angela , Mayne Janice , Ooi Teik Chye 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundA decrease in serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) is well documented after acute stress. Plasma proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9), which promotes degradation of low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDL‐R) resulting in reduced plasma clearance of low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) and an increase in serum LDL‐C, would be predicted to decrease. Yet, a few studies have demonstrated an increase 1‐8 days after acute stress. Our objective was to assess the earlier status of plasma PCSK9, within the first 24 hours of onset of stress.MethodsWe measured serum lipids and plasma PCSK9 in 39 patients before and soon after an elective surgical procedure (abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair).ResultsWe observed an early decrease in PCSK9 following surgery, as well as a decrease in total cholesterol (TC), LDL‐C, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), non–high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (non‐HDL‐C) and triglycerides (TG).ConclusionUnlike other studies which showed an increase in PCSK9 after the onset of stress, our study detected a fall in PCSK9 following acute surgical stress. The observed difference is likely due to the earlier timing of PCSK9 measurement in our study. Further studies involving serial poststress measurements for several days are needed to determine whether PCSK9 behaves as an acute‐phase reactant, whether it displays a biphasic response to acute stress, and whether changes in circulating PCSK9 are responsible for lipoprotein changes observed after surgical stress. (Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov study ID NCT00493389)
The decycling number and maximum genus of cubic graphs
Authors: Long Shude , Ren Han 
Published: November 2017

AbstractLet and denote the minimum size of a decycling set and maximum genus of a graph G, respectively. For a connected cubic graph G of order n, it is shown that . Applying the formula, we obtain some new results on the decycling number and maximum genus of cubic graphs. Furthermore, it is shown that the number of vertices of a decycling set S in a k‐regular graph G is , where c and are the number of components of and the number of edges in , respectively. Therefore, S is minimum if and only if is minimum. As an application, this leads to a lower bound for of a k‐regular graph G. In many cases this bound may be sharp.
Size, shape, and sex‐dependent variation in force production by crayfish chelae
Authors: Malavé Brian M. , Styga Joseph M. , Clotfelter Ethan D. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe ability to generate large closing forces is important for many animals. Several studies have demonstrated that bite or pinching force capacity is usually related to the linear dimensions of the closing apparatus. However, relatively few studies have applied geometric morphometrics to examine the effects of size‐independent shape on force production, particularly in studies of crustacean pinching force. In this study, we utilized traditional and geometric morphometric techniques to compare the pinching force of Procambarus clarkii crayfish to their chela morphology. We found that males possessed larger chelae and pinched harder than females, but that their chela shape and size were weak predictors of strength. Female pinching force was significantly affected by both chela size and shape, with shape variation along the short axis of the claw contributing most to pinching force. We discuss our results in the context of reliable signaling of strength by males and females, and the different selective forces acting on chela shape in the two sexes.
Built to bite? Differences in cranial morphology and bite performance between narrow‐ and broad‐headed European glass eels
Authors: De Meyer Jens , Van Wassenbergh Sam , Bouilliart Mathias , Dhaene Jelle , Adriaens Dominique 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe presence of two phenotypes in a single species is a widespread phenomenon, also observed in European eel (Anguilla anguilla). This dimorphism has been related to dietary differences in the subadult elver and yellow eel stages, with broad‐heads generally feeding on harder and/or larger‐bodied prey items than narrow‐heads. Nevertheless, both broad‐ and narrow‐headed phenotypes can already be found among glass eels, the stage preceding the elver eel stage. As these glass eels are considered nonfeeding, we investigate here to what degree the observed variation in head width is reflected in variation in the musculoskeletal feeding system, as well as whether this reflects the same variation observed in the older, dimorphic yellow eels. Additionally, we investigate whether musculoskeletal differences between broad‐ and narrow‐headed glass eels have implications on their feeding performance and could thus impact prey preference when eels start feeding. Therefore, we compared the cranial musculoskeletal system of five broad‐ and narrow‐headed glass eels using 3D‐reconstructions and simulated the glass eel's bite force using the data of the muscle reconstructions. We found that the variation in the musculoskeletal system of glass eels indeed reflects that of the yellow eels. Broader heads were related to larger jaw muscles, responsible for mouth closure. Accordingly, broad‐heads could generate higher bite forces than narrow‐headed glass eels. In addition, broader heads were associated with higher coronoid processes and shorter hyomandibulae, beneficial for dealing with higher mechanical loadings and consequently, harder prey. We, thus, show that head width variation in glass eels is related to musculoskeletal differences which, in turn, can affect feeding performance. As such, differences in prey preference can already take place the moment the eels start feeding, potentially leading to the dimorphism observed in the elver and yellow eel stage.