bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A probabilistic risk assessment for the Kirtland's warbler potentially exposed to chlorpyrifos and malathion during the breeding season and migration
Authors: Moore Dwayne RJ , Priest Colleen D , Olson Adric D , Teed R Scott 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Two organophosphate pesticides, chlorpyrifos and malathion, are currently undergoing reregistration in the United States and were recently used by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) as case studies to develop a national procedure for evaluating risks to endangered species. One of the endangered bird species considered by the USEPA was the Kirtland's warbler (Setophaga kirtlandii). The Kirtland's warbler is an endangered migratory species that nests exclusively in young jack pine stands in Michigan and Wisconsin, and winters in the Bahamas. We developed probabilistic models to assess the risks of chlorpyrifos and malathion to Kirtland's warblers during the breeding season and the spring and fall migrations. The breeding area model simulates acute and chronic exposure and risk to each of 10 000 birds over a 60-d period following initial pesticide application. The model is highly species specific with regard to the foraging behavior of Kirtland's warblers during the breeding season. We simulated the maximum application rate and number of applications allowed on the labels for representative use patterns that could be found within 3 km of the breeding areas of Kirtland's warbler. The migration model simulates 10 000 birds during the course of their 12- to 23-d migration between their breeding area and the Bahamas. The model takes advantage of more than a century of observations of when, where, and for how long Kirtland's warblers forage in different habitats during the course of their migration. The data indicate that warblers only infrequently stop over in habitats that could be treated with chlorpyrifos and malathion. The breeding area and migration models resulted in predictions of very low acute and chronic risk for both pesticides to Kirtland's warblers. These results were expected, given that field observations indicate that the Kirtland's warbler has dramatically increased in abundance in recent decades. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:252–269. © 2017 SETAC

Key Points
Probabilistic exposure models were developed to assess the risks of chlorpyrifos and malathion to Kirtland's warblers during the breeding season and during spring and fall migrations. The migration model simulated birds during their 13- to 23-d migrations, and the breeding area model simulated birds for a 60-d period following pesticide application in proximity to their breeding habitats. Using realistic and species-specific models and inputs resulted in predictions of very low acute and chronic risk of chlorpyrifos and malathion to Kirtland's warblers. These results were expected, given that the Kirtland's warbler has dramatically increased in abundance in recent decades despite widespread usage of chlorpyrifos and malathion.
Potential Applications of Cucurbit[n]urils Inclusion Complexes in Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Robinson‐Duggon José , Pérez‐Mora Francisco , Dibona‐Villanueva Luciano , Fuentealba Denis 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]s) have emerged as potential candidates for drug delivery in several areas due to their strong binding interactions and low toxicity. More recently, their benefits for a type of cancer treatment termed Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) have been recognized. The outcomes of this therapy rely on better drug delivery strategies and improving overall photoactivity of the drugs, which is where CB[n]s could have a strong impact. The effects of these molecular containers on photoactivity are discussed and new interesting work is highlighted.
Biocompatibility and immunogenicity of elastin‐like recombinamer biomaterials in mouse models
Authors: Changi K. , Bosnjak B. , Gonzalez‐Obeso C. , Kluger R. , Rodríguez‐Cabello J. C. , Hoffmann O. , Epstein M. M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractNovel thermo‐sensitive elastin‐like recombinamers (ELRs) containing bioactive molecules were created for use as a biomimetic biomaterial for tissue regeneration. For effective use for in vivo applications, it is essential to ensure that they do not induce adverse inflammatory, immune, or allergic responses that inhibit tissue repair. Therefore, we sought to establish a pre‐clinical approach to evaluate biocompatibility in experimental mice using ELRs as a prototype biomaterial. First, we measured in vitro proliferation and cytokine production from BALB/c and C57BL/6 mouse splenocytes incubated with ELRs. Second, we used a rapid, high throughput in vivo approach in which inflammatory cells and cytokines were measured following an intraperitoneal implantation. Lastly, a subchronic in vivo approach was used in which ELRs or positive controls were subcutaneously implanted and the implantation sites were assessed for inflammation and gene expression. We found that ELRs induced mild inflammation and minimal fibrosis compared to the intense response to Vitoss. Additionally, implantation increased antigen‐specific antibody titers for both groups and gene expression profiling of the implantation sites revealed the upregulation of inflammation, fibrosis, and wound healing‐related genes in ELR and positive control‐implanted mice compared to sham controls. These data demonstrate that ELRs appear safe for use in tissue engineering. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 924–934, 2018.
Vertebral Fractures After Discontinuation of Denosumab: A Post Hoc Analysis of the Randomized Placebo-Controlled FREEDOM Trial and Its Extension
Authors: Cummings Steven R , Ferrari Serge , Eastell Richard , Gilchrist Nigel , Jensen Jens-Erik Beck , McClung Michael , Roux Christian , Törring Ove , Valter Ivo , Wang Andrea T , Brown Jacques P 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Denosumab reduces bone resorption and vertebral and nonvertebral fracture risk. Denosumab discontinuation increases bone turnover markers 3 months after a scheduled dose is omitted, reaching above-baseline levels by 6 months, and decreases bone mineral density (BMD) to baseline levels by 12 months. We analyzed the risk of new or worsening vertebral fractures, especially multiple vertebral fractures, in participants who discontinued denosumab during the FREEDOM study or its Extension. Participants received ≥2 doses of denosumab or placebo Q6M, discontinued treatment, and stayed in the study ≥7 months after the last dose. Of 1001 participants who discontinued denosumab during FREEDOM or Extension, the vertebral fracture rate increased from 1.2 per 100 participant-years during the on-treatment period to 7.1, similar to participants who received and then discontinued placebo (n = 470; 8.5 per 100 participant-years). Among participants with ≥1 off-treatment vertebral fracture, the proportion with multiple (&gt;1) was larger among those who discontinued denosumab (60.7%) than placebo (38.7%; p = 0.049), corresponding to a 3.4% and 2.2% risk of multiple vertebral fractures, respectively. The odds (95% confidence interval) of developing multiple vertebral fractures after stopping denosumab were 3.9 (2.1–7. 2) times higher in those with prior vertebral fractures, sustained before or during treatment, than those without, and 1.6 (1.3–1.9) times higher with each additional year of off-treatment follow-up; among participants with available off-treatment total hip (TH) BMD measurements, the odds were 1.2 (1.1–1.3) times higher per 1% annualized TH BMD loss. The rates (per 100 participant-years) of nonvertebral fractures during the off-treatment period were similar (2.8, denosumab; 3.8, placebo). The vertebral fracture rate increased upon denosumab discontinuation to the level observed in untreated participants. A majority of participants who sustained a vertebral fracture after discontinuing denosumab had multiple vertebral fractures, with greatest risk in participants with a prior vertebral fracture. Therefore, patients who discontinue denosumab should rapidly transition to an alternative antiresorptive treatment. Clinicaltrails.gov: NCT00089791 (FREEDOM) and NCT00523341 (Extension). © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Biomechanical investigation of four different fixation techniques in sacrum Denis type II fracture with low bone mineral density
Authors: Acklin Yves P. , Zderic Ivan , Richards Robert G. , Schmitz Paul , Gueorguiev Boyko , Grechenig Stephan 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTWith increasing life expectancy, fragility fractures of the pelvic ring are seen more frequently. Although their osteosynthesis can be very challenging, specific biomechanical studies for investigation of the fixation stability are still lacking. The aim of this study was to biomechanically evaluate four different fixation methods for sacrum Denis type II fractures in osteoporotic bone. Unstable Denis type II vertical sacrum fractures were created in 16 human pelves. Their osteosynthesis was performed with one sacro‐iliac screw, posterior sacral plating, triangular fixation, or spino‐pelvic fixation. For that purpose, each pelvis was randomly assigned to two paired groups for treatment with either SI‐screw/posterior sacral plating or triangular fixation/spino‐pelvic fixation. Each hemi‐pelvis was cyclically tested under progressively increasing axial compression. Relative interfragmentary movements were investigated via optical motion tracking analysis. Axial stiffness of triangular fixation was significantly higher versus posterior sacral plating and spino‐pelvic fixation (p ≤ 0.022), but not significantly different in comparison to SI‐screw fixation (p = 0.337). Cycles to 2, 3, 5, and 8 mm fracture displacement, as well as to 3°, 5°, and 8° gap angle at the fracture site were significantly higher for triangular fixation compared to all other groups (p ≤ 0.041). Main failure mode for all osteosynthesis techniques was screw cutting through the bone, leading loss of fixation stability. From a biomechanical point of view, triangular fixation in sacrum Denis type II fractures demonstrated less interfragmentary movements and should be considered in unstable fragility fractures of the sacrum. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1624–1629, 2018.
Prediction of mortality and morbidity in head and neck cancer patients 80 years of age and older undergoing surgery
Authors: L'Esperance Heidi E. , Kallogjeri Dorina , Yousaf Shahnawaz , Piccirillo Jay F. , Rich Jason T. 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesTo determine postoperative complications and mortality rates in octogenarian and older head and neck cancer patients undergoing ablative surgical resections and to identify factors associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality.MethodsRetrospective cohort study investigating risk factors for 30‐day serious complication risk and 90‐day mortality risk for patients aged 80 years and older who underwent ablative head and neck oncologic surgical procedures at an academic tertiary care center between 2005 and 2015.ResultsOf the 219 patients who underwent 241 surgeries, 74 patients experienced serious complications within 30 days and 25 died within 90 days of surgery. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of 4 or greater, and operating room (OR) time ≥6 hours were independently associated with serious complications, whereas age ≥90 years, overall severe comorbidity score, presence of preoperative dysphagia, and large extent of resection were associated with increased risk of death in 90 days. Models to predict risk of 30‐day serious complications and 90‐day mortality were then developed.ConclusionPatient and surgical treatment factors predict risk of serious complications and mortality in patients aged 80 years and older undergoing ablative head and neck surgery. Predictive models may guide preoperative discussion with patients.Level of Evidence2b. Laryngoscope, 128:871–877, 2018
Time to stop talking about ‘predatory journals’
Authors: Eriksson Stefan , Helgesson Gert 
Published: November 2017

Key points
The term ‘predatory journal’ hides a wide range of scholarly publishing misconduct.
The term ‘predatory journal’ unhelpfully bundles misconduct with poor quality.
The term ‘predatory journal’ blinds us to important possibilities, needs, and questions arising in the developing scholarly landscape.
The current scholarly publishing environment cannot rely on such a simplified classification of journals into predatory or not.
Simplified profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap design using power Doppler ultrasonography (PDU): A prospective study
Authors: Kehrer Andreas , Hsu Ming‐Yi , Chen Yu‐Ting , Sachanandani Neil S. , Tsao Chung‐Kan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIntroductionOptimal design of PAP flaps requires precise perforator mapping. In a systematic review, Doppler ultrasonography demonstrated the highest sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV). We present a prospective study of PAP flap design comparing PDU, handheld Doppler (HHD), and clinical findings.MethodsFrom May to July 2016, 12 head and neck cancer patients receiving PAP flaps were examined with PDU and HHD. We used PDU to evaluate number, course, emergence point, peak systolic velocity (PSV), and arterial diameter of perforators. PDU skin markings were measured in relation to the groin and gracilis. Distances to the adjacent HHD marking were determined. Diagnostic results were compared with intraoperative findings.ResultsAll perforators identified with PDU were confirmed intraoperatively. No sizable perforators found surgically were missed by PDU. Detecting perforators with diameters of ≧0.5 mm, false‐negative rate of PDU was zero percent, sensitivity was 100%. Musculocutaneous courses were identified in all perforators and sensitivity of PDU was 96.7%. Arterial diameter was overestimated by PDU (1.49 ± 0.39 vs. 0.75 ± 0.31 mm,P >.05). PSV at the emergence point was 24.5 ± 11.9 cm/s. Average distance from the emergence point to the PDU marking was 2.45 ± 1.90 mm (0–6 mm). The PPV of PDU was calculated at 93.10%. Mean distance from the HHD to the PDU markings was 20.76 ± 16.5 mm (1–70 mm). Assuming PDU findings demonstrated the true anatomy, sensitivity of HHD was calculated with 89.7%, and PPV was 66.7%. All PAP flaps were successful, only minor revisions were needed.ConclusionsPDU facilitated PAP flap design in all cases and offers a precise, non‐invasive diagnostic tool for flap planning.
A revised worm‐like chain model for elasticity of polypeptide chains
Authors: Fu Yi‐Ben , Liu Yu‐Ru , Wang Peng‐Ye , Xie Ping 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTThe elasticity of polypeptide chains is usually characterized by the worm‐like chain model that was proposed first to describe the elasticity of double‐stranded DNA. However, the molecular dynamics simulation data on the elasticity of the polypeptide chains are deviated significantly away from the theoretical data obtained based on the worm‐like chain model. Here, we provide a revised worm‐like chain model by considering entropic, enthalpic, and hydrophobic effects and the effect of the compressing force applied to the polypeptide chains. The theoretical data obtained based on the revised model are in good agreement with the molecular dynamics simulation data. Additionally, we reveal that, besides the positive‐force regime in the elasticity of polypeptide chains, the negative‐force regime also plays important roles in the biological functions of proteins. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 297–307
Correlation between the molecular effects of mutations at the dimer interface of alanine–glyoxylate aminotransferase leading to primary hyperoxaluria type I and the cellular response to vitamin B6
Authors: Dindo Mirco , Oppici Elisa , Dell'Orco Daniele , Montone Rosa , Cellini Barbara 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPrimary hyperoxaluria type I (PH1) is a rare disease caused by the deficit of liver alanine–glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT). AGT prevents oxalate formation by converting peroxisomal glyoxylate to glycine. When the enzyme is deficient, progressive calcium oxalate stones deposit first in the urinary tract and then at the systemic level. Pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (PLP), the AGT coenzyme, exerts a chaperone role by promoting dimerization, as demonstrated by studies at protein and cellular level. Thus, variants showing a destabilized dimeric structure should, in principle, be responsive to vitamin B6, a precursor of PLP. However, models to predict the extent of responsiveness of each variant are missing. We examined the effects of pathogenic interfacial mutations by combining bioinformatic predictions with molecular and cellular studies on selected variants (R36H, G42E, I56N, G63R, and G216R), in both their holo‐ (i.e., with bound PLP) and apo‐ (i.e., without bound PLP) form. We found that all variants displayed structural alterations mainly related to the apoform and consisting of an altered tertiary and quaternary structure. G216R also shows a strongly reduced catalytic efficiency. Moreover, all but G216R respond to vitamin B6, as shown by their increased specific activity and expression level in a cellular disease model. A global analysis of data unraveled a possible inverse correlation between the degree of destabilization/misfolding induced by a mutation and the extent of B6 responsiveness. These results provide a first explanation of factors influencing B6 response in PH1, a model possibly valuable for other rare diseases caused by protein deficits.
Listening to ecosystems: data‐rich acoustic monitoring through landscape‐scale sensor networks
Authors: Ross Samuel R. P. ‐J. , Friedman Nicholas R. , Dudley Kenneth L. , Yoshimura Masashi , Yoshida Takuma , Economo Evan P. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractEcologists have many ways to measure and monitor ecosystems, each of which can reveal details about the processes unfolding therein. Acoustic recording combined with machine learning methods for species detection can provide remote, automated monitoring of species richness and relative abundance. Such recordings also open a window into how species behave and compete for niche space in the sensory environment. These opportunities are associated with new challenges: the volume and velocity of such data require new approaches to species identification and visualization. Here we introduce a newly‐initiated acoustic monitoring network across the subtropical island of Okinawa, Japan, as part of the broader OKEON (Okinawa Environmental Observation Network) project. Our aim is to monitor the acoustic environment of Okinawa's ecosystems and use these space–time data to better understand ecosystem dynamics. We present a pilot study based on recordings from five field sites conducted over a one‐month period in the summer. Our results provide a proof of concept for automated species identification on Okinawa, and reveal patterns of biogenic vs. anthropogenic noise across the landscape. In particular, we found correlations between forest land cover and detection rates of two culturally important species in the island soundscape: the Okinawa Rail and Ruddy Kingfisher. Among the soundscape indices we examined, NDSI, Acoustic Diversity and the Bioacoustic Index showed both diurnal patterns and differences among sites. Our results highlight the potential utility of remote acoustic monitoring practices that, in combination with other methods can provide a holistic picture of biodiversity. We intend this project as an open resource, and wish to extend an invitation to researchers interested in scientific collaboration.
Effect of a homogeneous magnetic field on the electrospraying characteristics of sulfolane ferrofluids
Authors: Madden Aaron , Fernandez de la Mora Juan , Jain Nirmesh , Sabouri Hadi , Hawkett Brian 
Published: November 2017

We explore the effect of an applied homogeneous magnetic field on the electrospraying characteristics of a ferrofluid in the cone-jet mode. A sulfolane-based ferrofluid mixed with the ionic liquid ethyl ammonium nitrate has been synthesized. These mixtures have negligible volatility under ambient conditions and remain stable under a very wide range of electrical conductivities $K$. Magnetized Taylor cones spray with the same current emission characteristics as their non-magnetized counterparts in the shared voltage and flow rate parameter space. However, the magnetized Taylor cones studied remained stable at voltages 23 % lower than the non-magnetized spray; they also access flow rates 30 % and 40 % lower in ferrofluids with $K=0.3$ and $0.01~\text{S}~\text{m}^{-1}$. In the lower voltage ranges available only to magnetized tips, unusually long stable cones are observed. The magnetic stabilization mechanism responsible for these two effects remains unclear. It is noteworthy that these strong effects arise even when the tip curvature of the strictly magnetized liquid is orders of magnitude smaller than that for the strictly electrified liquid.
Bovine tuberculosis in Northern Ireland: quantification of the population disease-level effect from cattle leaving herds detected as a source of infection
Authors: DOYLE L. P. , COURCIER E. A. , GORDON A. W. , O'HAGAN M. J. H. , STEGEMAN J. A. , MENZIES F. D. 
Published: November 2017

SUMMARYDetermination of the proportion of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) breakdowns attributed to a herd purchasing infected animals has not been previously quantified using data from the Animal and Public Health Information System (APHIS) database in Northern Ireland. We used a case–control study design to account for the infection process occurring in the disclosing bTB breakdown herds. Cases (N = 6926) were cattle moving to a future confirmed bTB breakdown where they would disclose as a confirmed bTB reactor or a Lesion at Routine Slaughter (LRS). Controls (N = 303 499) were cattle moving to a future confirmed bTB breakdown where they did not become a bTB reactor or LRS. Our study showed that the cattle leaving herds which disclosed bTB within 450 days had an increased odds of becoming a confirmed bTB reactor or LRS compared with the cattle which left herds that remained free for 450 days (odds ratio (OR) = 2·09: 95% CI 1·96–2·22). Of the 12 060 confirmed bTB breakdowns included in our study (2007–2015 inclusive), 31% (95% CI 29·8–31·5) contained a confirmed bTB reactor(s) or LRS(s) at the disclosing test which entered the herd within the previous 450 days. After controlling for the infection process occurring in the disclosing bTB breakdown herd, our study showed that 6·4% (95% CI 5·9–6·8) of bTB breakdowns in Northern Ireland were directly attributable to the movement of infected animals.
Emergence of the L phenotype in Group B Streptococci in the South of Ireland
Authors: HAYES K. , COTTER L. , BARRY L. , O'HALLORAN F. 
Published: November 2017

SUMMARYGroup B Streptococcal isolates (n= 235) from the South of Ireland were characterised by serotyping, antimicrobial susceptibility and determination of the phenotypic and genotypic mechanisms of resistance. Resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin was observed in 21·3% and 20·4% of the total population, respectively. The c-MLSB phenotype was the most common phenotype detected (62%), withermBbeing the predominant genetic determinant, present in 84% of resistant isolates. The rare L phenotype was observed in 2·9% (n= 7) of isolates, four of which harboured thelsaCgene responsible for clindamycin resistance. Serotypes Ia, III and II were the most common amongst the entire study population (28·1%, 24·7% and 14%, respectively). Four of the seven L phenotype isolates were serotype III and two of these strains were confirmed as the hypervirulent clone, ST-17 and harboured thehvgAgene. This is the first documented case of the L phenotype in Ireland to date and the study findings emphasise the need for continued monitoring of antibiotic resistance and serotype distribution in GBS isolates from Ireland.