bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Printed Flexible Plastic Microchip for Viral Load Measurement through Quantitative Detection of Viruses in Plasma and Saliva
Authors: Shafiee Hadi , Kanakasabapathy Manoj Kumar , Juillard Franceline , Keser Mert , Sadasivam Magesh , Yuksekkaya Mehmet , Hanhauser Emily , Henrich Timothy J. , Kuritzkes Daniel R. , Kaye Kenneth M. , Demirci Utkan 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe report a biosensing platform for viral load measurement through electrical sensing of viruses on a flexible plastic microchip with printed electrodes. Point-of-care (POC) viral load measurement is of paramount importance with significant impact on a broad range of applications, including infectious disease diagnostics and treatment monitoring specifically in resource-constrained settings. Here, we present a broadly applicable and inexpensive biosensing technology for accurate quantification of bioagents, including viruses in biological samples, such as plasma and artificial saliva, at clinically relevant concentrations. Our microchip fabrication is simple and mass-producible as we print microelectrodes on flexible plastic substrates using conductive inks. We evaluated the microchip technology by detecting and quantifying multiple Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) subtypes (A, B, C, D, E, G and panel), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Kaposi’s Sarcoma-associated Herpes Virus (KSHV) in a fingerprick volume (50 µL) of PBS, plasma, and artificial saliva samples for a broad range of virus concentrations between 102 copies/mL and 107 copies/mL. We have also evaluated the microchip platform with discarded, de-identified HIV-infected patient samples by comparing our microchip viral load measurement results with reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) as the gold standard method using Bland-Altman Analysis.
A double-edged sword: Benefits and pitfalls of heterogeneous punishment in evolutionary inspection games
Authors: Perc Matjaž , Szolnoki Attila 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAs a simple model for criminal behavior, the traditional two-strategy inspection game yields counterintuitive results that fail to describe empirical data. The latter shows that crime is often recurrent and that crime rates do not respond linearly to mitigation attempts. A more apt model entails ordinary people who neither commit nor sanction crime as the third strategy besides the criminals and punishers. Since ordinary people free-ride on the sanctioning efforts of punishers, they may introduce cyclic dominance that enables the coexistence of all three competing strategies. In this setup ordinary individuals become the biggest impediment to crime abatement. We therefore also consider heterogeneous punisher strategies, which seek to reduce their investment into fighting crime in order to attain a more competitive payoff. We show that this diversity of punishment leads to an explosion of complexity in the system, where the benefits and pitfalls of criminal behavior are revealed in the most unexpected ways. Due to the raise and fall of different alliances no less than six consecutive phase transitions occur in dependence on solely the temptation to succumb to criminal behavior, leading the population from ordinary people-dominated across punisher-dominated to crime-dominated phases, yet always failing to abolish crime completely.
Land use changes and its driving forces in hilly ecological restoration area based on gis and rs of northern china
Authors: Gao Peng , Niu Xiang , Wang Bing , Zheng Yunlong 
Published: June 2015

AbstractLand use change is one of the important aspects of the regional ecological restoration research. With remote sensing (RS) image in 2003, 2007 and 2012, using geographic information system (GIS) technologies, the land use pattern changes in Yimeng Mountain ecological restoration area in China and its driving force factors were studied. Results showed that: (1) Cultivated land constituted the largest area during 10 years and followed by forest land and grass land; cultivated land and unused land were reduced by 28.43% and 44.32%, whereas forest land, water area and land for water facilities and others were increased. (2) During 2003–2007, forest land change showed the largest, followed by unused land and grass land; however, during 2008–2012, water area and land for water facilities change showed the largest, followed by grass land and unused land. (3) Land use degree was above the average level, it was in the developing period during 2003–2007 and in the degenerating period during 2008–2012. (4) Ecological Restoration Projects can greatly change the micro topography, increase vegetation coverage and then induce significant changes in the land use distribution, which were the main driving force factors of the land use pattern change in the ecological restoration area.
Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Injury Severity Score System: A Literature Review of Its Safety
Authors: Joaquim Andrei Fernandes , de Almeida Bastos Dhiego Chaves , Jorge Torres Hélio Henrique , Patel Alpesh A. 
Published: June 2015

Study Design Systematic literature review. Objective The Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score System (TLICS) is widely used to help guide the treatment of thoracolumbar spine trauma. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety of the TLICS in clinical practice. Methods Using the Medline database without time restriction, we performed a systematic review using the keyword “Thoracolumbar Injury Classification,” searching for articles utilizing the TLICS. We classified the results according to their level of evidence and main conclusions. Results Nine articles met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. One article evaluated the safety of the TLICS based on its clinical application (level II). The eight remaining articles were based on retrospective application of the score, comparing the proposed treatment suggested by the TLICS with the treatment patients actually received (level III). The TLICS was safe in surgical and nonsurgical treatment with regards to neurologic status. Some studies reported that the retrospective application of the TLICS had inconsistencies with the treatment of burst fractures without neurologic deficits. Conclusions This literature review suggested that the TLICS use was safe especially with regards to preservation or improvement of neurologic function. Further well-designed multicenter prospective studies of the TLICS application in the decision making process would improve the evidence of its safety. Special attention to the TLICS application in the treatment of stable burst fractures is necessary.
Optimal Feeding Level of Burbot Larvae Fed Artemia spp. and Reared under Controlled Conditions
Authors: Palińska-Żarska Katarzyna , Żarski Daniel , Krejszeff Sławomir , Kupren Krzysztof , Łączyńska Beata , Kucharczyk Dariusz 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the optimal feeding level of Burbot Lota lota larvae fed freshly hatched brine shrimp Artemia spp. nauplii during three different rearing periods: (1) 22–34 d posthatch (DPH), (2) 34–46 DPH, and (3) 46–58 DPH. The 36-d experiment was performed in an experimental recirculating aquaculture system in 1-L tanks. The stocking density was 100 individuals/L during the first and the second period, and 50 individuals/L during the third period. Temperature was 17.0 ± 0.1°C, and the photoperiod was 24 h (24 h light : 0 h dark) during the entire experiment. In each period, five experimental groups (in triplicates) were fed with a different ration: 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10% of biomass/d. The feeding rations were calculated according to the dry matter of Artemia, and the larvae were fed 3 times/d. The feeding ration was determined each morning (for each tank) before first feeding based on wet body weight (WBW ± 0.01 g) measurements (following anesthesia in a 150-mg/L solution of MS-222 [tricaine methanesulfonate]) and after counting dead fish. The survival rate in all groups during the entire experiment was always above 90%. Results showed that after 22 DPH (WBW = 3.3–4.5 mg; –TL = 7.8–9.3 mm) and 46 DPH (WBW = 92.8–110.4 mg; TL = 21.8–22.3 mm), Burbot larvae must receive a dose of 4% of biomass of Artemia nauplii dry matter (p &lt; 0.05). After 34 DPH (WBW = 19.0–25.7 mg; TL = 11.9–13.6 mm), the optimal dose would be 6% of biomass (p &lt; 0.05). These results could positively impact the economic effectiveness of intensive Burbot larviculture and be useful to both aquaculturists and scientists.
Innovative technologies for autism: critical reflections on digital bubbles
Authors: Parsons Sarah , Yuill Nicola , Brosnan Mark , Good Judith 
Published: June 2015

Purpose– There is increasing interest from researchers, teachers and other professionals, individuals with autism, and families about the potential for innovative technologies to transform learning experiences and facilitate friendships and social networks. Media accounts have highlighted both the apparently miraculous impacts of technology on supporting communication and learning for people with autism, as well as significant concerns about whether technology use is healthy, safe and socially appropriate for children and young people. Rarely, however, is any evidence reported to support either set of claims. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach– This short paper reports on an Economic and Social Research Council-funded seminar series in the UK that is critically reviewing and discussing the field with respect to the research evidence base but also the assumptions that are made about where, how and whether innovative technologies may be useful for people with autism and their families.Findings– The first seminar in the series focused on whether technologies create a social bubble for people with autism and presented research demonstrating that technology use can be positive, supportive and rewarding.Originality/value– This paper offers an up-to-date insight into some of key debates about the benefits and limitations of social technologies for people with autism. Its value lies in raising questions about, and discussing evidence that challenges, some of the negative assumptions that are often perpetuated by the media about the potentially harmful effects of technologies.
Conceptual and operational perspectives on ecosystem restoration options in the European Union and elsewhere
Authors: Kotiaho Janne S. , Moilanen Atte 
Published: June 2015

Summary

Egoh et al. (2014) prioritized areas for ecological restoration in the European Union (EU) so that Europe could cost‐efficiently meet the globally agreed 15% restoration target.

We identify three major deficiencies in their analysis, one conceptual and two operational, which compromise the conclusions of the prioritization.

The conceptual flaw is neglect of both the magnitude of degradation and the magnitude of improvement of the ecosystem condition expected due to restoration.

The first operational flaw is inclusion of inappropriately measured restoration costs into the analyses. The second is use of spatial units that are so large (10 × 10 km) that only a fraction of each unit could realistically be restored, thereby overestimating restoration gains.

Synthesis and applications. The prioritization suggested by Egoh et al. (2014) runs a risk of focusing restoration efforts towards areas where the ecological improvement of restoration is the smallest. Thus, in this article, we propose that the recommendations by Egoh et al. (2014) will not help to achieve the high‐level target of the Convention on Biological Diversity and EU of halting the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services, but instead may actually compromise progress towards the target. More detailed analyses are needed before well‐informed decisions about restoration prioritization can be made across the EU and elsewhere.
Ark or park: the need to predict relative effectiveness of ex situ and in situ conservation before attempting captive breeding
Authors: Dolman Paul M. , Collar Nigel J. , Scotland Keith M. , Burnside Robert. J. 
Published: June 2015

Summary

When species face extinction, captive breeding may be appropriate. However, captive breeding may be unsuccessful, while reducing motivation and resources for in situ conservation and impacting wild source populations. Despite such risks, decisions are generally taken without rigorous evaluation. We develop an individual‐based, stochastic population model to evaluate the potential effectiveness of captive‐breeding and release programmes, illustrated by the critically endangered Ardeotis nigriceps Vigors great Indian bustard.

The model was parameterized from a comprehensive review of captive breeding and wild demography of large bustards. To handle uncertainty in the standards of captive‐breeding performance that may be achieved, we explored four scenarios of programme quality: ‘full range’ (parameters sampled across the observed range), ‘below average’, ‘above average’ and ‘best possible’ (performance observed in exemplary breeding programmes). Results are evaluated examining: (i) the probability of captive population extirpation within 50 years and (ii) numbers of adult females subsequently established in the wild following release, compared to an alternative strategy of in situ conservation without attempting captive breeding.

Successful implementation of captive breeding, involving permanent retention of 20 breeding females and release of surplus juveniles, required collection of many wild eggs and consistent ‘best possible’ performance across all aspects of the programme. Under ‘full‐range’ and ‘above‐average’ scenarios, captive population extirpation probabilities were 73–88% and 23–51% respectively, depending on egg collection rates.

Although most (73–92%) ‘best possible’ programmes supported releases, re‐establishment of free‐living adults also required effective in situ conservation. Incremental implementation of effective conservation measures over the initial 10 years resulted in more free‐living adults within 35 years if eggs were left in the wild without attempting captive breeding.

Synthesis and applications. For the great Indian bustard Ardeotis nigriceps, rapid implementation of in situ conservation offers a better chance to avoid extinction than captive breeding. Demographic modelling of threatened species should be used to examine whether captive breeding will bring net benefits to conservation programmes.
Using an ‘Interpretative Model’ for Contextual Design of Heritage Landscape Databases: The Case of St Helena Island National Park in Queensland, Australia
Authors: YANG CHEN 
Published: June 2015

AbstractDue to the increasing speed of landscape changes and the massive development of computer technologies, the methods of representing heritage landscapes using digital tools have become a worldwide concern in conservation research. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate how an ‘interpretative model’ can be used for contextual design of heritage landscape information systems. This approach is explored through building a geographic information system database for St Helena Island national park in Moreton Bay, South East Queensland, Australia. Stakeholders' interpretations of this landscape were collected through interviews, and then used as a framework for designing the database. The designed database is a digital inventory providing contextual descriptions of the historic infrastructure remnants on St Helena Island. It also reveals the priorities of different sites in terms of historic research, landscape restoration, and tourism development. Additionally, this database produces thematic maps of the intangible heritage values, which could be used for landscape interpretation. This approach is different from the existing methods because building a heritage information system is deemed as an interpretative activity, rather than a value‐free replication of the physical environment. This approach also shows how a cultural landscape methodology can be used to create a flexible information system for heritage conservation. The conclusion is that an ‘interpretative model’ of database design facilitates a more explicit focus on information support, and is a potentially effective approach to user‐centred design of geographic information systems.
Just Noticeable Differences and Weber Fraction of Oral Thickness Perception of Model Beverages
Authors: Camacho Sara , Dop Mathilde , de Graaf Cees , Stieger Markus 
Published: June 2015

AbstractRheological properties of beverages contribute considerably to texture perception. When developing new beverages, it is important to have knowledge on the smallest differences of viscosity which a consumer can discriminate. Thickness is the sensory attribute most commonly used to describe the viscosity of beverages. The aim of this study was to determine the Just Noticeable Differences (JNDs) of oral thickness perception and the Weber fraction (K) of Newtonian model stimuli (maltodextrin solutions). JNDs were determined using the method of constant stimuli with 5 reference stimuli ranging in viscosity from 10 to 100 mPa⋅s. JNDs increased with increasing viscosity of the reference stimulus. The Weber fraction (K) for oral thickness perception of model beverages was K = 0.26 for the studied viscosity range. The Weber fraction for oral thickness perception is comparable to Weber fractions reported in literature for perception of kinesthetic food firmness and spreadability, creaminess, sourness, and bitterness perception. This demonstrates that the human sensitivity towards oral discrimination of thickness of liquid stimuli is comparable to the human sensitivity towards discrimination of specific texture properties and specific taste stimuli.
Molecular prey identification in Central European piscivores
Authors: Thalinger Bettina , Oehm Johannes , Mayr Hannes , Obwexer Armin , Zeisler Christiane , Traugott Michael 
Published: June 2015

AbstractDiet analysis is an important aspect when investigating the ecology of fish‐eating animals and essential for assessing their functional role in food webs across aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The identification of fish remains in dietary samples, however, can be time‐consuming and unsatisfying using conventional morphological analysis of prey remains. Here, we present a two‐step multiplexPCRsystem, comprised of six assays, allowing for rapid, sensitive and specific detection of fishDNAin dietary samples. This approach encompasses 78 fish and lamprey species native to Central European freshwaters and enables the identification of 31 species, six genera, two families, two orders and two fish family clusters. All targeted taxa were successfully amplified from 25 template molecules, and each assay was specific when tested against a wide range of invertebrates and vertebrates inhabiting aquatic environments. The applicability of the multiplexPCRsystem was evaluated in a feeding trial, wherein it outperformed morphological prey analysis regarding species‐specific prey identification in faeces of Eurasian otters. Additionally, a wide spectrum of fish species was detected in field‐collected faecal samples and regurgitated pellets of Common Kingfishers and Great Cormorants, demonstrating the broad applicability of the approach. In conclusion, this multiplexPCRsystem provides an efficient, easy to use and cost‐effective tool for assessing the trophic ecology of piscivores in Central Europe. Furthermore, the multiplexPCRs and the primers described therein will be applicable whereverDNAof the targeted fish species needs to be detected at high sensitivity and specificity.
Acute colonic pseudo‐obstruction in pregnancy
Authors: Reeves Michael , Frizelle Frank , Wakeman Christopher , Parker Catherine 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundAcute colonic pseudo‐obstruction is an uncommon but potentially morbid complication of pregnancy. The aim of the study was to review a single institution's experience with acute colonic pseudo‐obstruction in post‐partum patients and develop an algorithm for management based on a literature review.MethodsThis is a retrospective study where patients were identified over a 2‐year period (1 December 2012 to 31 November 2014) by checking all deliveries in Christchurch Women's Hospital against diagnosis codes for bowel obstruction and ileus. Clinical records and radiology were then reviewed to identify those with acute colonic pseudo‐obstruction and the management of these patients was reviewed.ResultsOver the study period, seven patients were identified from 10 240 deliveries. Two patients required laparotomy and the rest resolved without surgical intervention. One patient was treated with neostigmine and three with erythromycin. One patient had an unsuccessful attempt at endoscopic decompression, however, symptoms resolved without further intervention following this. A management algorithm was developed based on the literature review.ConclusionsAcute colonic pseudo‐obstruction occurs in post‐partum patients more frequently than suspected (one in 1500 deliveries). The management needs to be active with early correction of electrolyte abnormalities, avoidance of narcotic pain relief and early mobilization. Timely administration of neostigmine or endoscopic decompression can reduce the incidence of colonic ischaemia and perforation and the need for surgical intervention.
Metastases to the kidney: a comprehensive analysis of 151 patients from a tertiary referral centre
Authors: Zhou Cathy , Urbauer Diana L. , Fellman Bryan M. , Tamboli Pheroze , Zhang Miao , Matin Surena F. , Wood Christopher G. , Karam Jose A. 
Published: June 2015

ObjectiveTo describe the presentation, treatment and outcomes of patients with metastatic tumours to the kidney treated at a tertiary referral centre.Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively identified 151 patients diagnosed with a primary non‐renal malignancy with renal metastasis. Clinical, radiographic and pathological characteristics were assessed. Overall survival (OS) was calculated using Kaplan–Meier methods.ResultsThe median patient age was 56.7 years. The most common presenting symptoms were flank pain (30%), haematuria (16%) and weight loss (12%). Most primary cancers were carcinomas (80.8%). The most common primary tumour sites were lung (43.7%), colorectal (10.6%), head and neck (6%), breast (5.3%), soft tissue (5.3%) and thyroid (5.3%). Renal metastases were typically solitary (77.5%). Concordance between radiologist and clinician imaging assessment was 54.0%. Three ablations and 48 nephrectomies were performed. For non‐surgical patients, renal metastasis diagnosis was made with fine‐needle aspiration or biopsy. The median OS from primary tumour diagnosis was 3.08 years and the median OS from time of metastatic diagnosis was 1.13 years. For patients treated with surgery, median OS from primary tumour diagnosis was 4.81 years, and OS from metastatic diagnosis was 2.24 years.ConclusionsMetastases to the kidney are a rare entity. Survival appears to be longer in patients who are candidates for and are treated with surgery. Surgical intervention in carefully selected patients with oligometastatic disease and good performance status should be considered. A multidisciplinary approach with input from urologists, oncologists, radiologists and pathologists is needed to achieve the optimum outcomes for this specific patient population.