bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Partitioning of herbivore hosts across time and food plants promotes diversification in the Megastigmus dorsalis oak gall parasitoid complex
Authors: Nicholls James A. , Schönrogge Karsten , Preuss Sonja , Stone Graham N. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCommunities of insect herbivores and their natural enemies are rich and ecologically crucial components of terrestrial biodiversity. Understanding the processes that promote their origin and maintenance is thus of considerable interest. One major proposed mechanism is ecological speciation through host‐associated differentiation (HAD), the divergence of a polyphagous species first into ecological host races and eventually into more specialized daughter species. The rich chalcid parasitoid communities attacking cynipid oak gall wasp hosts are structured by multiple host traits, including food plant taxon, host gall phenology, and gall structure. Here, we ask whether the same traits structure genetic diversity within supposedly generalist parasitoid morphospecies. We use mitochondrial DNA sequences and microsatellite genotypes to quantify HAD for Megastigmus (Bootanomyia) dorsalis, a complex of two apparently generalist cryptic parasitoid species attacking oak galls. Ancient Balkan refugial populations showed phenological separation between the cryptic species, one primarily attacking spring galls, and the other mainly attacking autumn galls. The spring species also contained host races specializing on galls developing on different host‐plant lineages (sections Cerris vs. Quercus) within the oak genus Quercus. These results indicate more significant host‐associated structuring within oak gall parasitoid communities than previously thought and support ecological theory predicting the evolution of specialist lineages within generalist parasitoids. In contrast, UK populations of the autumn cryptic species associated with both native and recently invading oak gall wasps showed no evidence of population differentiation, implying rapid recruitment of native parasitoid populations onto invading hosts, and hence potential for natural biological control. This is of significance given recent rapid range expansion of the economically damaging chestnut gall wasp, Dryocosmus kuriphilus, in Europe.
Evaluating behavioral responses of nesting lesser snow geese to unmanned aircraft surveys
Authors: Barnas Andrew , Newman Robert , Felege Christopher J. , Corcoran Michael P. , Hervey Samuel D. , Stechmann Tanner J. , Rockwell Robert F. , Ellis‐Felege Susan N. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractUnmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are relatively new technologies gaining popularity among wildlife biologists. As with any new tool in wildlife science, operating protocols must be developed through rigorous protocol testing. Few studies have been conducted that quantify the impacts UAS may have on unhabituated individuals in the wild using standard aerial survey protocols. We evaluated impacts of unmanned surveys by measuring UAS‐induced behavioral responses during the nesting phase of lesser snow geese (Anser caerulescens caerulescens) in Wapusk National Park, Manitoba, Canada. We conducted surveys with a fixed‐wing Trimble UX5 and monitored behavioral changes via discreet surveillance cameras at 25 nests. Days with UAS surveys resulted in decreased resting and increased nest maintenance, low scanning, high scanning, head‐cocking and off‐nest behaviors when compared to days without UAS surveys. In the group of birds flown over, head‐cocking for overhead vigilance was rarely seen prior to launch or after landing (mean estimates 0.03% and 0.02%, respectively) but increased to 0.56% of the time when the aircraft was flying overhead suggesting that birds were able to detect the aircraft during flight. Neither UAS survey altitude nor launch distance alone in this study was strong predictors of nesting behaviors, although our flight altitudes (≥75 m above ground level) were much higher than previously published behavioral studies. Synthesis and applications: The diversity of UAS models makes generalizations on behavioral impacts difficult, and we caution that researchers should design UAS studies with knowledge that some minimal disturbance is likely to occur. We recommend flight designs take potential behavioral impacts into account by increasing survey altitude where data quality requirements permit. Such flight designs should consider a priori knowledge of focal species’ behavioral characteristics. Research is needed to determine whether any such disturbance is a result of visual or auditory stimuli.
Platelet activation is a preoperative risk factor for the development of thromboembolic complications in patients with continuous‐flow left ventricular assist device
Authors: Consolo Filippo , Sferrazza Giulia , Motolone Giulia , Contri Rachele , Valerio Lorenzo , Lembo Rosalba , Pozzi Loris , Della Valle Patrizia , De Bonis Michele , Zangrillo Alberto , Fiore Gianfranco B. , Redaelli Alberto , Slepian Marvin J. , Pappalardo Federico 
Published: December 2017

AimsTo correlate the dynamics of platelet activation with the development of thromboembolic events in patients with continuous‐flow left ventricular assist device (cf‐LVAD).Methods and resultsThe platelet activity state (PAS) assay was utilized to evaluate platelet activation in 68 cf‐LVAD patients implanted with the HeartMate II (n = 15, 22%), HeartMate 3 (n = 15, 22%), or HeartWare HVAD (n = 38, 56%). PAS was measured preoperatively, early post‐implant, and at long‐term follow‐up (1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post‐implant). PAS was also measured at the occurrence of adverse events in patients who developed thrombotic complications. Data on patient demographics, medical history, antithrombotic therapy, and coagulation parameters were also analysed. Over a median follow‐up of 602 (234–942) days, PAS values did not increase over time in the overall population (P = 0.15). However, PAS measured at event was 15‐fold higher in the six patients (9%) who suffered pump thrombosis (n = 2) or ischaemic stroke (n = 4) vs. the rest of the population [6.67% (5.59%–11.98%) vs. 0.45% (0.33%–0.75%); P = 0.012], despite comparable coagulation profile. Pre‐implant PAS values were 4.5‐fold higher in these patients [1.90% (1.24%–3.17%) vs. 0.42% (0.32%–0.72%); P = 0.006]. Neither preoperative variables nor the type of the pump or the antiplatelet strategy were associated with a higher risk of complications.ConclusionsThrombotic events are associated with altered PAS values. Moreover, baseline elevated PAS values in patients who developed thrombotic events suggest patient‐specific tendency to post‐implant thromboembolic complications. Prospectively, systematic monitoring of PAS might guide the development of refined patient‐tailored antithrombotic strategies and the technological improvement of LVAD design.
Seismic response of a wobbling 3D frame
Authors: Vassiliou Michalis F. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryThis paper investigates the 3D response of a slab supported by wobbling columns. The columns are not allowed neither to slide nor to roll out of their initial position. An analytical model is proposed, the equations of motion are derived, and they are solved numerically. The paper concludes that the addition of the slab makes the columns more stable. In fact, the system is almost equivalent to the response of a solitary column with the same aspect ratio yet larger size. However, it is also shown that the system is less stable than its planar counterpart and that planar analysis can only qualitatively describe the behavior of 3D structures. A case study shows that the concept could be used as a seismic isolation technique for bridges. However, more research need to be performed on defining proper intensity measures for uplifting structures, as it is shown that there is large record‐to‐record variability, even when intensity measures developed for rocking structures are used.
An improved immersed boundary‐lattice Boltzmann method based on force correction technique
Authors: Cai Yunan , Li Sheng , Lu Jianhua 
Published: December 2017

SummaryIn this paper, an improved immersed boundary‐lattice Boltzmann method based on the force correction technique is presented for fluid‐structure interaction problems including the moving boundary interfaces. By introducing a force correction coefficient, the non‐slip boundary conditions are much better enforced compared with the conventional immersed boundary‐lattice Boltzmann methods. In addition, the implicit and iterative calculations are avoided; thus, the computational cost is reduced dramatically. Several numerical experiments are carried out to test the efficiency of the method. It is found that the method has the second‐order accuracy, and the non‐slip boundary conditions are enforced indeed. The numerical results also show that the present method is a suitable tool for fluid‐structure interaction problems involving complex moving boundaries.
Development and clinical validation of a circulating tumor DNA test for the identification of clinically actionable mutations in nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Liping , Liu Han , Shao Di , Liu Zu , Wang Jingjing , Deng Qiuhua , Tang Hailing , Yang Haihong , Zhang Yalei , Qiu Yuan , Cui Fei , Tan Meihua , Zhang Pan , Li Zhilong , Liu Jilong , Liang Wenhua , Wang Yuying , Peng Zhiyu , Wang Jian , Yang Huanming , Mao Mao , Kristiansen Karsten , Ye Mingzhi , He Jianxing 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMolecular analysis of potentially actionable mutations has become routine practice in oncological pathology. However, testing a wide range of oncogenes and mutations can be technically challenging because of limitations associated with tumor biopsy. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a potential tool for the noninvasive profiling of tumors. In this study, we developed a next‐generation sequencing (NGS)‐based test for the detection of clinically relevant mutations in ctDNA and evaluated the feasibility of using this ctDNA NGS‐based assay as an alternative to tissue genotyping. Tissue and matched blood samples were obtained from 72 patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NGS‐based testing was performed using plasma cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) samples of all 72 patients as well as tumor DNA samples of 46 patients. Of the remaining 26 patients, tDNA was tested by amplification refractory mutation system PCR (ARMS‐PCR) because of insufficient tissue sample or quality for NGS. Of the 46 patients who had tDNA and cfDNA NGS performed, we found 20 patients were concordant between tDNA and ctDNA alterations and 21 sample pairs were discordant because of additional alterations found in tDNA. Considering all clinically relevant alterations, the concordance rate between tDNA and ctDNA alterations was 54.9% with a sensitivity of 53.2% and a specificity of 75.0%. Our findings demonstrate that targeted NGS using cfDNA is a feasible approach for rapid and accurate identification of actionable mutations in patients with advanced NSCLC, and may provide a safe and robust alternative approach to tissue biopsy.
Estimating a cost‐effectiveness threshold for the Spanish NHS
Authors: Vallejo‐Torres Laura , García‐Lorenzo Borja , Serrano‐Aguilar Pedro 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe cost of generating a quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) within a National Health Service provides an approximation of the average opportunity cost of funding decisions. This information can be used to inform a cost‐effectiveness threshold. The aim of this paper is to estimate the cost per QALY at the Spanish National Health Service. We exploit variation across 17 regional health services and the exogenous changes in expenditure that took place as a consequence of the economic crisis over 5 years of data. We conduct fixed effect models and use an instrumental variable approach to test for potential remaining endogeneity. Our results show that health expenditure has a positive and significant effect on population health, with an average spending elasticity of 0.07. This translates into a cost per QALY of between 22,000€ and 25,000€. These values are below the cost‐effectiveness threshold figure of 30,000€ commonly cited in Spain.
MANAGEMENT OF THE DESIGN PROCESS: HUMAN RESOURCE ALLOCATION IN FACTORIES OF THE FUTURE
Authors: Jin Guangying , Sperandio Séverine , Girard Philippe 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTCurrently, many new challenges, such as multiplication of data and information, mass customization, global cooperation, and scarcity of resources, shape the relationships among different actors. Therefore, when managers have several projects to schedule, human resources allocation becomes much more complex to grasp. The work in this paper is to propose a human resources allocation methodology in design process to cope with the adaption of the Product‐Process‐Organization (P‐P‐O) model for the factory of the future. According to the new concept in the Industry 4.0, future human resource organization structure will be the horizontal and point‐to‐point structures. Therefore, this paper discusses the related concepts regarding human resource horizontal ability and project urgency level.
COMPLEX SYSTEM TACIT KNOWLEDGE EXTRACTION THROUGH A FORMAL METHOD
Authors: Wajnberg Mickael , Lezoche Mario , Massé Blondin Alexandre , Valtchev Petko , Panetto Hervé 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTA complex system integrates multiple sub‐systems and contains both knowledge in each sub‐system and in their connections. This paper aims to present the relational concept analysis as a method to extract “connection” knowledge as much as the sub‐system contained knowledge. A use case from neurology to validate the approach is introduced. A brain is a system that can be studied through different clinical examinations, therefore each clinical examination can be considered as a sub‐system.
THE FIRST ROBAFIS‐ROBSE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT COMPETITION IN SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Authors: Tucoulou Jean‐Claude , Bonjour Eric , Gouyon David 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTSince 2006, AFIS, the French Chapter of INCOSE, organizes a systems engineering student challenge every year called RobAFIS. In 2016, GfSE, the German Chapter of INCOSE, joined AFIS in the RobSE challenge. Both chapters organized a first common international systems engineering student challenge this year. For this challenge, French and German teams have competed with a same requirement document, applicable to a space exploration robot called Explorer II. Its global mission was to put waypoints (identification marks) on different points of a planet's surface considered as dangerous to allow vehicles of future missions to move securely. A final meeting occured in Pforzeim, Germany in March, 2017.
Investigation on the interaction of catalase with sodium lauryl sulfonate and the underlying mechanisms
Authors: Wang Jing , Jia Rui , Wang Jiaxi , Sun Zhiqiang , Wu Zitao , Liu Rutao , Zong Wansong 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAs a classic type of anionic surfactants, sodium lauryl sulfonate (SLS) might change the structure and function of antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT) through their direct interactions. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is still unknown. This study investigated the direct interaction of SLS with CAT molecule and the underlying mechanisms using multi‐spectroscopic methods, isothermal titration calorimetry, and molecular docking studies. No obvious effects were observed on CAT structure and activity under low SLS concentration exposure. The particle size of CAT molecule decreased and CAT activity was slightly inhibited under high SLS concentration exposure. SLS prefers to bind to the interface of CAT mainly via van der Waals’ forces and hydrogen bonds. Subsequently, SLS interacts with the amino acid residues around the heme groups of CAT via hydrophobic interactions and might inhibit CAT activity.
Retracted: MicroRNA‐335‐5p suppresses lower extremity deep venous thrombosis by targeted inhibition of PAI‐1 via the TLR4 signalingpathway
Authors: Bao Cui‐Xia , Zhang Dong‐Xia , Wang Na‐Na , Zhu Xiang‐Kui , Zhao Qi , Sun Xiao‐Lei 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the effects of microRNA‐335‐5p (miR‐335‐5p) on lower‐extremity deep vein thrombosis (LEDVT) by targeting PAI‐1 through the TLR4 signaling pathway in rat models. siRNA, mimic, and inhibitor were used for transfection. The miR‐335‐5p expression was detected by in situ hybridization. CCK‐8 assay and flow cytometry were adopted to detect proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis, respectively. Scratch test and Matrigel‐based tube formation assay were used to detect the effect of miR‐335‐5p on cell migration ability and tube formation ability. A miR‐335‐5p lentivirus plasmid was constructed and injected into LEDVT rats. The length and weight of thrombus were measured, changes of thrombus recanalization were observed by CD34 immunohistochemistry, and levels of PAI‐1 and inflammatory factors in femoral vein blood were detected by ELISA. LEDVT rats showed a higher AOD value of PAI‐1, higher expression of PAI‐1, NF‐κB, Rac1, IL‐1β, and TLR4 and a lower miR‐335‐5p expression. PAI‐1 and miR‐335‐5p were negatively correlated. Compared to the blank and siRNA‐NC groups, the miR‐335‐5p mimic and siRNA‐PAI‐1 groups showed declined expression of PAI‐1, TLR4, NF‐κB, Rac1, and IL‐1β, increased proliferation and tube formation abilities, less cells in G0/G1 phase, and decreased apoptosis, decreased length and weight of thrombus, organized thrombus, increased new blood vessels, and decreased levels of PAI‐1, IL‐1, IL‐6, and Tnf‐a. miR‐335‐5p may suppress the occurrence and development of LEDVT in rats by repressing the activation of the TLR4 signaling pathway by targeted inhibition of PAI‐1.
Improved segmental myocardial strain reproducibility using deformable registration algorithms compared with feature tracking cardiac MRI and speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Wang Jie , Li Weihao , Sun Jiayu , Liu Hong , Kang Yu , Yang Dan , Yu Liuyu , Greiser Andreas , Zhou Xiaoyue , Han Yuchi , Chen Yucheng 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundSegmental myocardial strain using feature tracking (FT) cardiac MRI is not acceptable due to poor reproducibility.PurposeTo assess the reproducibility of left ventricle (LV) segmental myocardial strain measured by deformation registration algorithm (DRA).Study TypeProspective clinical trial.SubjectsSixteen healthy volunteers and 28 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients.Field Strength/SequenceRetrospective ECG gating cardiac MRI imaging was performed at 3.0T with a steady‐state free precession (SSFP) sequence.AssessmentLV global and segmental myocardial strains were analyzed by DRA, FT, and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) by two experienced observers and the reproducibility of global and segmental strains were compared.Statistical TestsReproducibility was tested by coefficient of variation (COV) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Receiver operator curves as well as comparison of areas under the curve (AUC) were analyzed.ResultsDRA showed the best observer agreement on segmental strain evaluated by ICC, LS (longitudinal strain): intraobserver variability range (0.98,1.00), interobserver variability range (0.83,0.92), CS (circumferential strain): intraobserver variability range (0.90,0.99), interobserver variability range (0.80,0.97), RS (radial strain): intraobserver variability range (0.84,0.99), interobserver variability range (0.85,0.99). Segmental LS, CS, and RS agreements evaluated by COV for FT and STE were poor. LV global myocardial strain of HCM was significantly lower than controls for all applied techniques, but global CS by DRA had better accuracy compared to FT or STE for distinguishing HCM from healthy subjects: AUC 0.880 (DRA) vs. 0.577 (FT) or 0.736 (STE), P < 0.05.Data ConclusionsDRA is a reliable and robust analysis tool for segmental myocardial strain. Global CS by DRA allows discrimination between HCM and normal controls with better accuracy compared with FT and STE.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2018;48:404–414.
Direct determination of trace phthalate esters in alcoholic spirits by spray‐inlet microwave plasma torch ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Miao Meng , Zhao Gaosheng , Xu Li , Dong Junguo , Cheng Ping 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA direct analytical method based on spray‐inlet microwave plasma torch tandem mass spectrometry was applied to simultaneously determine 4 phthalate esters (PAEs), namely, benzyl butyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dipentyl phthalate, and dodecyl phthalate with extremely high sensitivity in spirits without sample treatment. Among the 4 brands of spirit products, 3 kinds of PAE compounds were directly determined at very low concentrations from 1.30 to 114 ng·g−1. Compared with other online and off‐line methods, the spray‐inlet microwave plasma torch tandem mass spectrometry technique is extremely simple, rapid, sensitive, and high efficient, providing an ideal screening tool for PAEs in spirits.
Possible involvement of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 in Ca2+ signaling via T‐type Ca2+ channel in mouse sensory neurons
Authors: Nishizawa Yuki , Takahashi Kenji , Oguma Naoko , Tominaga Makoto , Ohta Toshio 
Published: December 2017

AbstractT‐type Ca2+ channels and TRPA1 are expressed in sensory neurons and both are associated with pain transmission, but their functional interaction is unclear. Here we demonstrate that pharmacological evidence of the functional relation between T‐type Ca2+ channels and TRPA1 in mouse sensory neurons. Low concentration of KCl at 15 mM (15K) evoked increases of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), which were suppressed by selective T‐type Ca2+ channel blockers. RT‐PCR showed that mouse sensory neurons expressed all subtypes of T‐type Ca2+ channel. The magnitude of 15K‐induced [Ca2+]i increase was significantly larger in neurons sensitive to allylisothiocyanate (AITC, a TRPA1 agonist) than in those insensitive to it, and in TRPA1−/− mouse sensory neurons. TRPA1 blockers diminished the [Ca2+]i responses to 15K in neurons sensitive to AITC, but failed to inhibit 40 mM KCl‐induced [Ca2+]i increases even in AITC‐sensitive neurons. TRPV1 blockers did not inhibit the 15K‐induced [Ca2+]i increase regardless of the sensitivity to capsaicin. [Ca2+]i responses to TRPA1 agonist were enhanced by co‐application with 15K. These pharmacological data suggest the possibility of functional interaction between T‐type Ca2+ channels and TRPA1 in sensory neurons. Since TRPA1 channel is activated by intracellular Ca2+, we hypothesize that Ca2+ entered via T‐type Ca2+ channel activation may further stimulate TRPA1, resulting in an enhancement of nociceptive signaling. Thus, T‐type Ca2+ channel may be a potential target for TRPA1‐related pain.