bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resorbable Mesh Cranioplasty Repair of Bilateral Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks Following Pediatric Simultaneous Bilateral Auditory Brainstem Implant Surgery
Authors: Colletti Giacomo , Mandalà Marco , Colletti Vittorio , Deganello Alberto , Allevi Fabiana , Colletti Liliana 
Published: January 2017

Objective:
To present a child with cochlear nerve deficiency (CND) who received simultaneous bilateral simultaneous auditory brainstem implants (BS-ABI) and subsequently presented with bilateral cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks unresponsive to standard treatments. To propose a novel rigid retrosigmoid cranioplasty for treating and preventing CSF leaks in children at high risk for this complication.

Patient:
A 3.5-year-old child with CND, vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheo-esophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and limb abnormalities, coloboma, heart defect, atresia choanae, retarded growth and development, genital abnormality, and ear abnormality, Arnold Chiari malformation, previous treated tracheo-esophageal fistula underwent BS-ABI. Postoperatively, the child had recurrent bilateral retroauricular fluid collections. A standard revision procedure revealed breaches in the dural closure, migration of the auditory brainstem implantation (ABI) receiver stimulator on both sides and was unsuccessful in stopping the leak.

Interventions:
Bilateral repair with free fat grafting filling the craniectomy space and two absorbable meshes of poly-L-D-lactic (PLDL) acid stabilized with PLDL pins on the surrounding cranium, one to stabilize the fat graft and one to fix the ABI receiver stimulators inside the subperiosteal pockets.

Main Outcome Measure:
CSF leak recurrence, postoperative computed tomographic (CT) scans, intra- and postoperative simultaneous electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses (EABRs). Subjective and objective assessment of ABI function.

Results:
No postoperative CSF leaks at 60 days follow-up. EABRs and consistent behavioral responses obtained at initial mapping on both sides.

Conclusions:
The use of BS-ABI likely contributed to bilateral CSF leaks requiring revision surgeries in this child. Simultaneous bilateral craniotomies can put patients at risk for CSF leak. A novel cranioplasty technique employed finally proved successful in stopping the CSF leak in this case.
Bilateral Upper Extremity Hyperesthesia and Absence of Neck Tenderness in Four Adolescent Athletes With Cervical Spine Injuries
Authors: Fisher Jay Douglas , Thorpe Elizabeth Lewis 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Cervical spine injury in the pediatric athlete is an uncommon but potentially devastating condition that can require a heightened index of suspicion to correctly diagnose.
1
Although some cervical spine injuries present overtly with paraplegia due to cord transection, others can present more subtly with symptoms suggestive of bilateral peripheral neuropathy. Patients with traumatic brachial neuropraxia or “stinger” physiology can present similarly, but symptoms are exclusively unilateral.
2,3
We present 4 patients with bilateral upper extremity hyperesthesias and absence of tenderness over the cervical vertebral landmarks who were subsequently diagnosed with cervical spine injuries.
Interstage Assessment of Remnant Liver Function in ALPPS Using Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy
Authors: Serenari Matteo , Collaud Carlos , Alvarez Fernando A. , de Santibañes Martin , Giunta Diego , Pekolj Juan , Ardiles Victoria , de Santibañes Eduardo 
Published: January 2017

Objective:
The aim of this study was to evaluate interstage liver function in associating liver partition and portal vein occlusion for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) using hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) and whether this may help to predict posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF).

Background:
ALPPS remains controversial given the high rate of liver-related mortality after stage 2. HBS combined with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) accurately estimates future liver remnant function and may be useful to predict PHLF.

Methods:
Between 2011 and 2016, 20 of 39 patients (51.3%) underwent SPECT-HBS before ALPPS stage 2 for primary (n = 3) or secondary liver tumors (n = 17) at the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires (HIBA). PHLF was defined by the International Study Group of Liver Surgery criteria, 50–50 criteria, or peak bilirubin >7 mg/dL. Grade A PHLF was excluded, as it requires no change in clinical management. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used to determine cutoff for HBS parameters.

Results:
Interstagely, 3 HBS parameters differed significantly between patients with (n = 4) and without PHLF (n = 16) after stage 2. Among these, the HIBA-index best predicted PHLF, with a cutoff value of 15%. The risk of PHLF in patients with cutoff <15% was 80%, whereas no patient with cutoff ≥15% developed PHLF.

Conclusions:
Interstage HBS could help to predict clinically significant PHLF after ALPPS stage 2. An HIBA-index cutoff of 15% seemed to give the best diagnostic performance. Although further studies are needed to confirm our findings, the routine application of this noninvasive low-cost examination could facilitate decision-making in institutions performing ALPPS.
Fitness determinants of vancomycin-resistantEnterococcus faeciumduring growth in human serum
Authors: Zhang Xinglin , Guzman Prieto Ana M. , de Maat Vincent , Prajsnar Tomasz K. , Bayjanov Jumamurat R. , de Been Mark , Rogers Malbert R. C. , Bonten Marc J. M. , Mesnage Stéphane , Willems Rob J. L. , van Schaik Willem 
Published: January 2017

AbstractEnterococcus faeciumis a commensal of the human gastrointestinal tract and a frequent cause of bloodstream infections in hospitalized patients. Here, we identify genes that contribute to growth ofE. faeciumin human serum. We first sequenced the genome ofE. faeciumE745, a vancomycin-resistant clinical isolate, to completion and then compared its transcriptome during exponential growth in rich medium and in human serum by RNA-seq. This analysis revealed that 27.8% of genes on theE. faeciumE745 genome were differentially expressed in these two conditions. A gene cluster with a role in purine biosynthesis was among the most upregulated genes inE. faeciumE745 upon growth in serum. A high-throughput transposon sequencing (Tn-seq) approach was used to identify conditionally essential genes inE. faeciumE745 during growth in serum. Genes involved inde novonucleotide biosysnthesis (includingpyrK_2, pyrF, purD, purH) and a gene encoding a phosphotransferase system subunit (manY_2) were thus identified to be contributing toE. faeciumgrowth in human serum. Transposon mutants inpyrK_2, pyrF, purD, purHandmanY_2were isolated from the library and their impaired growth in human serum was confirmed. In addition, thepyrK_2andmanY_2mutants also exhibited significantly attenuated virulence in an intravenous zebrafish infection model. We conclude that genes involved in carbohydrate and nucleotide metabolism ofE. faeciumare essential for growth in human serum and contribute to the pathogenesis of this organism.
Creation of gene expression database on preeclampsia-affected human placenta
Authors: Lykhenko Oleksandr , Frolova Alina , Obolenska Maria 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPublication of gene expression raw data in open access at online resources like NCBI or ArrayExpress made it possible to use these data for cross-experiment integrative analysis and make new insights into biological phenomena. However, most popular of the present online resources are meant to be archives rather than ready for immediate access and interpretation databases. Data uploaded by independent contributors is not standardized and sometimes incomplete and needs further processing before it is ready for the analysis. Hence, the need for a specialized database appears.Given in this article is the description of the database that was created after processing a collection of 33 relevant datasets on pre-eclampsia-affected human placenta. Data processing includes the choice of relevant experiments from ArrayExpress database, the experiment sample attributes standardization according to MeSH term dictionary and Experimental Factor Ontology and the completion of missing data using information from the corresponding articles and authors.A database of more than 1000 samples contains sufficient sample-wise metadata for them to be arranged into relevant case-control groups. Metadata includes information on biological specimen, donor’s diagnosis, gestational age, mode of delivery etc. The average size of these groups will be higher than it is in separate experiments. This will reduce experiment bias and enhance statistical accuracy of the subsequent analysis such as search for differentially expressed genes or inferring gene networks. The article concludes with the guidelines for the microarray experiment metadata uploading for future contributors.
A hierarchical Bayesian approach to estimate endosymbiont infection rates
Authors: Marion Zachary H. , Hamm Christopher A. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTEndosymbionts may play an important role in the evolution of the Insecta. Bacteria such asWolbachia, Cardinium,andRickettsiaare known to manipulate host reproduction to facilitate their own. Indeed, there are many documented cases whereWolbachia(Alphaproteobacteria: Rickettsiaceae) induces one of four manipulative phenotypes (cytoplasmic incompatibility, male killing, feminization, and parthenogenesis). The scale of infection among species has been a major subject of investigation, but quantification has been difficult because various approaches have yielded different estimates. One under-appreciated aspect of this problem arises when multiple—yet independent—samples are taken within a taxon. When independent samples within a taxon are treated as levels of a hierarchy, the problem is greatly simplified because data are partially pooled according to taxon. Here, we present a hierarchical Bayesian approach to estimate infection frequency where multiple independent samples were collected across several taxonomic levels. We apply this model to estimate the rates of infection forWolbachiain the Lepidoptera, and then extend the model to account for phylogenetic non-independence. In addition, we highlight the current knowledge regardingWolbachiaand its effects within Lepidoptera. Our model estimates that the rate of endosymbiont infection for the Lepidoptera is approximately 12%. Given our limited knowledge regarding the phenotypes induced by these endosymbionts and the low infection rate, we urge caution when extrapolating the results of positive assays.
Density-dependent selection and the limits of relative fitness
Authors: Bertram Jason , Masel Joanna 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSelection is commonly described by assigning constant relative fitness values to genotypes. Yet population density is often regulated by crowding. Relative fitness may then depend on density, and selection can change density when it acts on a density-regulating trait. When strong density-dependent selection acts on a density-regulating trait, selection is no longer describable by density-independent relative fitnesses, even in demographically stable populations. These conditions are met in most previous models of density-dependent selection (e.g. “K-selection” in the logistic and Lotka-Volterra models), suggesting that density-independent relative fitnesses must be replaced with more ecologically explicit absolute fit-nesses unless selection is weak. Here we show that density-independent relative fitnesses can also accurately describe strong density-dependent selection under some conditions. We develop a novel model of density-regulated population growth with three ecologically intuitive traits: fecundity, mortality, and competitive ability. Our model, unlike the logistic or Lotka-Volterra, incorporates a density-dependent juvenile “reproductive excess”, which largely decouples density-dependent selection from the regulation of density. We find that density-independent relative fitnesses accurately describe strong selection acting on any one trait, even fecundity, which is both density-regulating and subject to density-dependent selection. Pleiotropic interactions between these traits recovers the familiarK-selection behavior. In such cases, or when the population is maintained far from demographic equilibrium, our model offers a possible alternative to relative fitness.
Bayesian divergence-time estimation with genome-wide SNP data of sea catfishes (Ariidae) supports Miocene closure of the Panamanian Isthmus
Authors: Stange Madlen , Sánchez-Villagra Marcelo R. , Salzburger Walter , Matschiner Michael 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe closure of the Isthmus of Panama has long been considered to be one of the best defined biogeographic calibration points for molecular divergence-time estimation. However, geological and biological evidence has recently cast doubt on the presumed timing of the initial isthmus closure around 3 Ma but has instead suggested the existence of temporary land bridges as early as the Middle or Late Miocene. The biological evidence supporting these earlier land bridges was based either on only few molecular markers or on concatenation of genome-wide sequence data, an approach that is known to result in potentially misleading branch lengths and divergence times, which could compromise the reliability of this evidence. To allow divergence-time estimation with genomic data using the more appropriate multi-species coalescent model, we here develop a new method combining the SNP-based Bayesian species-tree inference of the software SNAPP with a molecular clock model that can be calibrated with fossil or biogeographic constraints. We validate our approach with simulations and use our method to reanalyze genomic data of Neotropical army ants (Dorylinae) that previously supported divergence times of Central and South American populations before the isthmus closure around 3 Ma. Our reanalysis with the multi-species coalescent model shifts all of these divergence times to ages younger than 3 Ma, suggesting that the older estimates supporting the earlier existence of temporary land bridges were artifacts resulting at least partially from the use of concatenation. We then apply our method to a new RAD-sequencing data set of Neotropical sea catfishes (Ariidae) and calibrate their species tree with extensive information from the fossil record. We identify a series of divergences between groups of Caribbean and Pacific sea catfishes around 10 Ma, indicating that processes related to the emergence of the isthmus led to vicariant speciation already in the Late Miocene, millions of years before the final isthmus closure.
Synthetic OCP Heterodimers are Photoactive and Recapitulate the Fusion of Two Primitive Carotenoproteins in the Evolution of Cyanobacterial Photoprotection
Authors: Lechno-Yossef Sigal , Melnicki Matthew R. , Bao Han , Montgomery Beronda L. , Kerfeld Cheryl A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe Orange Carotenoid Protein (OCP) governs photoprotection in the majority of cyanobacteria. It is structurally and functionally modular, comprised of a C-terminal regulatory domain (CTD), an N-terminal effector domain (NTD) and a ketocarotenoid; the chromophore spans the two domains in the ground state and translocates fully into the NTD upon illumination. Using both the canonical OCP1 and the presumably more primitive OCP2 fromFremyella diplosiphon, we show that an NTD-CTD heterodimer forms when the domains are expressed as separate polypeptides. The carotenoid is required for the heterodimeric association, assembling an orange complex which is stable in the dark. Both OCP1 and OCP2 heterodimers are photoactive, undergoing light-driven heterodimer dissociation, but differ in their ability to reassociate in darkness, setting the stage for bioengineering photoprotection in cyanobacteria as well as for developing new photoswitches for biotechnology. Additionally, we reveal that homodimeric CTD can bind carotenoid in the absence of NTD, and name this truncated variant the C-terminal domain-like Carotenoid Protein (CCP). This finding supports the hypothesis that the OCP evolved from an ancient fusion event between genes for two different carotenoid-binding proteins ancestral to the NTD and CTD. We suggest that the CCP and its homologs constitute a new family of carotenoproteins within the NTF2-like superfamily found across all kingdoms of life.
Probabilistic load flow computation using saddle-point approximation
Authors: Tourandaz Kenari Meghdad , Sepasian Mohammad Sadegh , Setayesh Nazar Mehrdad 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a new cumulant-based method, based on the properties of saddle-point approximation (SPA), to solve the probabilistic load flow (PLF) problem for distribution networks with wind generation.

Design/methodology/approach
This technique combines cumulant properties with the SPA to improve the analytical approach of PLF calculation. The proposed approach takes into account the load demand and wind generation uncertainties in distribution networks, where a suitable probabilistic model of wind turbine (WT) is used.

Findings
The proposed procedure is applied to IEEE 33-bus distribution test system, and the results are discussed. The output variables, with and without WT connection, are presented for normal and gamma random variables (RVs). The case studies demonstrate that the proposed method gives accurate results with relatively low computational burden even for non-Gaussian probability density functions.

Originality/value
The main contribution of this paper is the use of SPA for the reconstruction of probability density function or cumulative distribution function in the PLF problem. To confirm the validity of the method, results are compared with Monte Carlo simulation and Gram–Charlier expansion results. From the viewpoint of accuracy and computational cost, SPA almost surpasses other approximations for obtaining the cumulative distribution function of the output RVs.
Outage and BER analysis of dual-carrier modulation over frequency-selective Nakagami-m fading channels
Authors: Kondoju Sai Krishna , Mani V.V. 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to the increasing need for high-speed low-power data transmissions over frequency-selective fading channels has drawn attention to suggest dual-carrier modulation (DCM) for multiband orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) transceivers for ultra wideband (UWB) wireless personal area network (WPAN).

Design/methodology/approach
Under frequency-selective fading channel conditions, the decoder is not sufficient enough to decode the transmission bits of severely attenuated data tones. Hence, the authors suggest DCM for a multiband OFDM transceiver because of its multiple capability of providing both frequency diversity and coding gain. It also resulted in low bit-error-rate (BER) at a given signal- to-noise ratio when compared to conventional multiband OFDM system. To achieve an optimised BER, DCM transforms four re-ordered bits into two quaternary phase shift keying symbols and further transforms to two 16-quadrature amplitude modulation-like (16-QAM) symbols with a suitable mapping technique, and at the receiver end, they are decoded with maximum likelihood decision rule. After performing the transformation, the outage probability and average BER expressions are derived to analyse the system performance.

Findings
DCM is suitable for high data rate transmission and is immune to frequency-selective fading. The outage and BER performance outstands over conventional multiband OFDM transceiver because of the inclusion of DCM mapping.

Practical implications
It is widely used in WPANs such as high definition multimedia interface and wireless universal serial bus.

Originality/value
This paper derives novel closed-form outage probability and a tight upper bound on average BER expressions for DCM-based multiband OFDM UWB transceiver over frequency-selective Nakagami-m fading channels for any arbitrary value of m. For this, moment-generating function of sum of squared, independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) Nakagami-m random variables are used. Further, the system performance is also validated for the case of exponential decaying power delay profile, and the simulation results are provided to check the accuracy of the derived expressions.
Filter design at the output of the inverter in PMSM drives
Authors: Zhang Guangming , Liu Xiaojun , Mei Lei , Ouyang Huimin , Deng Xin 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to describe a simple low-pass filter to suppress torque pulsation and current harmonics in permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drives.

Design/methodology/approach
For the control of the PMSM, a field-oriented control algorithm is always used. The proposed filter is actually a resistance, inductance, capacitance (RLC) filter. At the output of the inverter and the input of PMSM, an RLC filter is connected. This filter suppresses current harmonics through filtering phase voltage harmonics. Analysis of the filter is achieved through frequency characteristics analysis.

Findings
This filter can effectively filter out the harmonic of phase voltage. Both the simulation and experiment results show that the proposed filter can effectively suppress torque pulsation and current harmonics in PMSM drives. Also, the method of selecting filter parameters and the whole control system are very simple.

Research limitations implications
The filter increases the design cost of the system.

Practical implications
The harmonics and torque ripple of phase current are greatly suppressed. Also, the loss of the PMSM reduced.

Originality/value
The method of selecting filter parameters and the analysis of the proposed filter are proposed for the first time.
Analysis of feedback predictive encoder based ADCs
Authors: Scanlan Anthony , O’Hare Daniel , Halton Mark , O’Brien Vincent , Mullane Brendan , Thompson Eric 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present analysis of the feedback predictive encoder-based analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

Design/methodology/approach
The use of feedback predictive encoder-based ADCs presents an alternative to the traditional two-stage pipeline ADC by replacing the input estimate producing first stage of the pipeline with a predictive loop that also produces an estimate of the input signal.

Findings
The overload condition for feedback predictive encoder ADCs is dependent on input signal amplitude and frequency, system gain and filter order. The limitation on the practical usable filter order is set by limit cycle oscillation. A boundary condition is defined for determination of maximum usable filter order. In a practical implementation of the predictive encoder ADC, the time allocated to the key functions of the gain stage and loop quantizer leads to optimization of the power consumption.

Practical implications
A practical switched capacitor implementation of the predictive encoder-based ADC is proposed. The power consumption of key circuit blocks is investigated.

Originality/value
This paper presents a methodology to optimize the bandwidth of predictive encoder ADCs. The overload and stability conditions may be used to determine the maximum input signal bandwidth for a given loop quantizer. Optimization of power consumption based on the allocation of time between the gain stage and the successive approximation register ADC operation is investigated. The lower bound of power consumption for this architecture is estimated.