bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mapping a new future: using spatial multiple criteria analysis to identify novel habitats for assisted colonization of endangered species
Authors: Dade M. C. , Pauli N. , Mitchell N. J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractMany species with restricted ranges or poor dispersal ability will occupy suboptimal habitats under climate change. The practice of translocating populations to more suitable areas outside the known historical range (assisted colonization) has been advanced as a solution to reduce the risk of extinction in the wild. Due to the high‐risk and bureaucratic complexities of assisted colonization, it is imperative that a systematic process is used to select release sites that have a reduced likelihood of translocation failure. Here we demonstrate how a spatially explicit, three‐stage multiple criteria analysis (MCA) can be used to identify potentially suitable sites for assisted colonization of an endangered species. We employ this method as an initial screening process, prior to final selection of sites for assisted colonization of the critically endangered western swamp tortoise (Pseudemydura umbrina). This species occurs naturally in two small reserves in southwestern Australia, and is currently threatened by a shift to a drier climate and consequent changes to hydrological regimes. A literature review, characteristics of remnant P. umbrina habitat, and expert knowledge were used to create a composite index of habitat suitability, mapped across the entire south‐west bioregion of Australia. The most suitable sites were 150 to 250 km south of the known range of P. umbrina, in areas of high landscape connectivity and low human population density. A subset of sites were examined in further detail and ranked using weighted summation. Careful use of MCA, taking into account data uncertainties and differences in expert opinion, can be a valuable tool when evaluating novel habitats for threatened species.
A novel device for target controlled administration and reflection of desflurane – the Mirus™
Authors: Bomberg H. , Glas M. , Groesdonk V. H. , Bellgardt M. , Schwarz J. , Volk T. , Meiser A. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe Anaconda™ system is used to deliver inhalational sedation in the intensive care unit in mainland Europe. The new Mirus™ system also uses a reflector like the Anaconda; however, it also identifies end‐tidal concentrations from the gas flow, injects anaesthetics during early inspiration, controls anaesthetic concentrations automatically, and can be used with desflurane, which is not possible using the Anaconda. We tested the Mirus with desflurane in the laboratory. Compared with an external gas monitor, the bias (two standard deviations) of the end‐tidal concentration was 0.11 (0.29)% volume. In addition, automatic control was reasonable and maximum concentration delivered was 10.2%, which was deemed to be sufficient for clinical use. Efficiency was > 80% and was also deemed to be acceptable, but only when delivering a low concentration of desflurane (≤ 1.8%). By modifying the reflector, we improved efficiency up to a concentration of 3.6%. The Mirus appears to be a promising new device for long‐term sedation with desflurane on the intensive care unit, but efficiency must be improved before routine clinical use becomes affordable.
Minimally Invasive Access for Central Extracorporeal Life Support: How We Do It
Authors: Weymann Alexander , Sabashnikov Anton , Patil Nikhil P. , Mohite Prashant N. , Zych Bartlomiej , Garcia Saez Diana , Popov Aron‐Frederik , Simon Andre R. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractCentral extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is an effective treatment method of cardiogenic shock patients with or without lung failure. However, complications like infection and bleeding are common. The classical implantation approach requires full sternotomy, mobilization of the heart, with the well‐known risks of bleeding and mediastinal infections. We present our minimally invasive technique for central ECLS through a nonsternotomy incision. Minimized right‐sided thoracotomy is performed. Flexible arterial and venous cannulas are tunneled toward the right thoracotomy incision through the eighth intercostal space. A sewing ring is secured to the right atrium and a tube graft is anastomosed to the ascending aorta. Following full‐dose heparinization, the arterial cannula is inserted with the tip into the vascular graft of the ascending aorta and the venous cannula via the ring into the right atrium. After meticulous deairing, the central ECLS is set at full flow.
Maternal and fetal zidovudine pharmacokinetics during pregnancy and labour: too high dose infused at labour?
Authors: Fauchet Floris , Treluyer Jean‐Marc , Valade Elodie , Benaboud Sihem , Pannier Emmanuelle , Firtion Ghislaine , Foissac Frantz , Bouazza Naim , Urien Saik , Hirt Déborah 
Published: July 2014

AimsThe main goal of the study was to describe the pharmacokinetics of maternal zidovudine (ZDV) administration during pregnancy and labour and to evaluate their impact on fetal concentrations and exposures.MethodsA total of 195 HIV‐infected pregnant and non‐pregnant women aged 16–59 years were included and 273 maternal and 79 cord blood ZDV concentrations were collected. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed to describe ZDV concentrations as a function of time in the mother and the fetus. Fetal exposures resulting from maternal oral administration and infusion were estimated and compared with therapeutic exposures (3–5 mg l−1 h) and to exposure providing higher risk of toxicity (>8.4 mg l−1 h). Different protocols for ZDV administration during labour were simulated.ResultsThe median fetal exposure and the percentage of children with values above 8.4 mg l−1 h were 3.20 mg l−1 h and 0% after maternal oral administration, respectively, and 9.71 mg l−1 h and 51% after maternal infusion during labour. Two options were considered to reduce fetal exposure during labour: (i) maternal infusion rates could be 1 mg kg−1 h−1 during 1 h followed by 0.5 mg kg−1 h−1 and (ii) the mother could only take oral ZDV every 5 h from start of labour until delivery with her neonate having their first ZDV dose as soon as possible after birth.ConclusionsZidovudine exposures are very important during labour and during the first days of a neonate's life. Maternal ZDV dose should be reduced in addition to the neonate doses reduction already proposed.
Health and social care interventions which promote social participation for adults with learning disabilities: a review
Authors: Howarth Sharon , Morris David , Newlin Meredith , Webber Martin 
Published: July 2014

Accessible summary

People with learning disabilities have fewer friends than others;

Social care interventions are needed to help people to be more socially active in their community;

This review looks at what research has already been done in this area;

This is important to people with learning disabilities as it highlights the importance of having friends in, and outside of, services.

SummaryPeople with learning disabilities are among the most socially excluded in society. There is a significant gap in research evidence showing how health and social care workers can intervene to improve the social participation of adults with learning disabilities. A systematic review and modified narrative synthesis was used to appraise the quality and outcomes of published studies in this area. Six of eleven included studies showed a positive effect on social participation. Interventions included person‐centred planning, alteration of activity patterns, a befriending scheme and skill‐based group sessions. The majority of studies were found to have a moderate risk of bias. Further evidence about the effectiveness of interventions is required to inform policy and practice.
Molecular mechanism of allosteric modulation at GPCRs: insight from a binding kinetics study at the human A1 adenosine receptor
Authors: Guo Dong , Venhorst Suzanne N , Massink Arnault , van Veldhoven Jacobus P D , Vauquelin Georges , IJzerman Adriaan P , Heitman Laura H 
Published: July 2014

Background and PurposeMany GPCRs can be allosterically modulated by small‐molecule ligands. This modulation is best understood in terms of the kinetics of the ligand–receptor interaction. However, many current kinetic assays require at least the (radio)labelling of the orthosteric ligand, which is impractical for studying a range of ligands. Here, we describe the application of a so‐called competition association assay at the adenosine A1 receptor for this purpose.Experimental ApproachWe used a competition association assay to examine the binding kinetics of several unlabelled orthosteric agonists of the A1 receptor in the absence or presence of two allosteric modulators. We also tested three bitopic ligands, in which an orthosteric and an allosteric pharmacophore were covalently linked with different spacer lengths. The relevance of the competition association assay for the binding kinetics of the bitopic ligands was also explored by analysing simulated data.Key ResultsThe binding kinetics of an unlabelled orthosteric ligand were affected by the addition of an allosteric modulator and such effects were probe‐ and concentration‐dependent. Covalently linking the orthosteric and allosteric pharmacophores into one bitopic molecule had a substantial effect on the overall on‐ or off‐rate.Conclusion and ImplicationsThe competition association assay is a useful tool for exploring the allosteric modulation of the human adenosine A1 receptor. This assay may have general applicability to study allosteric modulation at other GPCRs as well.
Ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide attenuates hepatofibrogenesis by impairment of TGF‐β1/Smad2/3 signalling
Authors: Pathil Anita , Mueller Jan , Ludwig Johannes M , Wang Jiliang , Warth Arne , Chamulitrat Walee , Stremmel Wolfgang 
Published: July 2014

Background and PurposeChronic hepatic inflammation results in liver fibrosis. As effective anti‐fibrogenic agents are lacking, we investigated ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide (UDCA‐LPE), a synthetic bile acid–phospholipid conjugate with anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic properties for tis effects on hepatic fibrogenesis.Experimental ApproachTo stimulate fibrogenesis, LX2 hepatic stellate cells were cultured with conditioned medium from CL48 liver cells after exposure to stress‐inducing conditions – methionine–choline‐deficient (MCD) medium or TNFα/cycloheximide (CHX) – with or without UDCA‐LPE preincubation. Anti‐fibrogenic effects of UDCA‐LPE were further studied in CL48 and LX2 cells and in primary human hepatic stellate cells (HHStec) directly exposed to TGF‐β1. To test UDCA‐LPE in vivo, C57BL/6 mice were fed a MCD diet for 11 weeks followed by 30 mg·kg−1 UDCA‐LPE 3× per week for 2.5 weeks.Key ResultsExpression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), α1‐collagen, vimentin and TGF‐β1 was down‐regulated by up to 93% by UDCA‐LPE in LX‐2 cells cultured with conditioned medium. Also, UDCA‐LPE inhibited Smad3 phosphorylation in CL48 cells incubated with MCD medium or TNFα/CHX and in LX2 cells exposed to conditioned medium. UDCA‐LPE also decreased phosphorylated Smad3 and Smad2 directly induced by TGF‐β1. Inhibition of TGF‐β1/Smad2/3 signalling with down‐regulation of target genes was confirmed in HHStec. In vivo, UDCA‐LPE decreased hepatic α‐SMA, α1‐collagen and TGF‐β1 expression and markedly lowered α‐SMA protein and collagen deposition in MCD mice.Conclusions and ImplicationsBy blocking TGF‐β1/Smad2/3 signalling, UDCA‐LPE suppressed key mediators of hepatic fibrogenesis. Thus, UDCA‐LPE could be suitable for prevention of fibrotic progression of chronic liver disease.
Intraperitoneal insulin infusion: treatment option for type 1 diabetes resulting in beneficial endocrine effects beyond glycaemia
Authors: van Dijk P.R. , Logtenberg S.J.J. , Gans R.O.B. , Bilo H.J.G. , Kleefstra N. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryContinuous intraperitoneal insulin infusion (CIPII) is a treatment option for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus who fail to reach adequate glycaemic control despite intensive subcutaneous (SC) insulin therapy. CIPII has clear advantages over SC insulin administration in terms of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and has been shown to improve glycaemic regulation. Due to the delivery of insulin predominantly in the portal vein, as opposed to systemically, CIPII offers a unique research model to investigate the effects of insulin on endocrine and metabolic parameters in vivo. The aim of the present article is to provide an overview of the literature with respect to the effects of CIPII on glucose management, quality of life, complications and costs, with additional focus on metabolic and endocrine aspects. Finally, future use and research objectives are discussed.
Optimized Generation of Stereoscopic CGI Films by 3D Image Warping
Authors: Noguera José M. , Rueda Antonio J. , Espada Miguel A. , Martín Máximo 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe generation of a stereoscopic animation film requires doubling the rendering times and hence the cost. In this paper, we address this problem and propose an automatic system for generating a stereo pair from a given image and its depth map. Although several solutions exist in the literature, the high standards of image quality required in the context of a professional animation studio forced us to develop specially crafted algorithms that avoid artefacts caused by occlusions, anti‐aliasing filters, etc. This paper describes all the algorithms involved in our system and provides their GPU implementation. The proposed system has been tested with real‐life working scenarios. Our experiments show that the second view of the stereoscopic pair can be computed with as little as 15% of the effort of the original image while guaranteeing a similar quality.
Evolution of donor‐specific antibodies (DSA) and incidence of de novo DSA in solid organ transplant recipients after switch to everolimus alone or associated with low dose of calcineurin inhibitors
Authors: Perbos Emma , Juinier Estelle , Guidicelli Gwendaline , Dromer Claire , Merville Pierre , Billes Marc‐Alain , Taupin Jean‐Luc , Neau‐Cransac Martine 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundEverolimus (EVR) is used in organ transplantation to minimize calcineurin inhibitors (CNI). Some studies pointed out an increase in rejection and de novo donor‐specific antibodies (DSA) incidence in kidney transplant patients after switch to EVR and CNI withdrawal. The aims of our study were to determine the evolution of anti‐HLA antibodies and the incidence of de novo DSA in transplant recipients after conversion to EVR.MethodsHeart, lung, kidney, and liver transplant recipients were included in a retrospective, monocentric case–control study. Anti‐HLA antibodies were identified at transplantation, pre‐switch, and at three, six, and 12 months post‐switch.ResultsConversion to EVR was performed about six yr after the transplant, and low‐dose CNI was maintained in 60% of patients. We found no statistical difference for rejection, evolution of preformed anti‐HLA antibodies or de novo DSA, after conversion to EVR or not. Incidence of anti‐class II DSA tended to increase at month 12 whatever the immunosuppressive regimen.ConclusionsLate conversion to EVR appears to be safe and to not modify the natural evolution of anti‐HLA antibodies in organ transplantation. As 60% of patients received EVR and low doses of CNI, it seems that such combinations could be used with a good outcome.
Resistance and resilience: can the abrupt end of extreme drought reverse avifaunal collapse?
Authors: Bennett Joanne M. , Nimmo Dale G. , Clarke Rohan H. , Thomson James R. , Cheers Garry , Horrocks Gregory F. B. , Hall Mark , Radford James Q. , Bennett Andrew F. , Mac Nally Ralph 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimClimate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme climatic events, such as severe droughts and intense rainfall periods. We explored how the avifauna of a highly modified region responded to a 13‐year drought (the ‘Big Dry’), followed by a two‐year period of substantially higher than average rainfall (the ‘Big Wet’).LocationTemperate woodlands in north central Victoria, Australia.MethodsWe used two spatially extensive, long‐term survey programmes, each of which was repeated three times: early and late in the Big Dry, and in the Big Wet. We compared species‐specific changes in reporting rates between periods in both programmes to explore the resistance (the ability to persist during drought) and resilience (extent of recovery post‐drought) of species to climate extremes.ResultsThere was a substantial decline in the reporting rates of 42–62% (depending on programme) of species between surveys conducted early and late in the Big Dry. In the Big Wet, there was some recovery, with 21–29% of species increasing substantially. However, more than half of species did not recover and 14–27% of species continued to decline in reporting rate compared with early on in the Big Dry. Species' responses were not strongly related to ecological traits. Species resistance to the drought was inversely related to resilience in the Big Wet for 20–35% of the species, while 76–78% of species with low resistance showed an overall decline across the study period.ConclusionsAs declines occurred largely irrespective of ecological traits, this suggests a widespread mechanism is responsible. Species that declined the most during the Big Dry did not necessarily show the greatest recoveries. In already much modified regions, climate extremes such as extended drought will induce on‐going changes in the biota.
Early identification and intervention in cerebral palsy
Authors: Herskind Anna , Greisen Gorm , Nielsen Jens Bo 
Published: July 2014

Infants with possible cerebral palsy (CP) are commonly assumed to benefit from early diagnosis and early intervention, but substantial evidence for this is lacking. There is no consensus in the literature on a definition of ‘early’, but this review focuses on interventions initiated within the first 6 months after term age. We cover basic neuroscience, arguing for a beneficial effect of early intervention, and discuss why clinical research to support this convincingly is lacking. We argue that infants offered early intervention in future clinical studies must be identified carefully, and that the intervention should be focused on infants showing early signs of CP to determine an effect of treatment. Such signs may be efficiently detected by a combination of neuroimaging and the General Movements Assessment. We propose a research agenda directed at large‐scale identification of infants showing early signs of CP and testing of high‐intensity, early interventions.
Yield of epileptiform electroencephalogram abnormalities in incident unprovoked seizures: A population‐based study
Authors: Baldin Elisa , Hauser W. Allen , Buchhalter Jeffrey R. , Hesdorffer Dale C. , Ottman Ruth 
Published: July 2014

SummaryObjectiveThe yield of epileptiform abnormalities in serial electroencephalography (EEG) studies has not been addressed in a population‐based setting for subjects with incident epilepsy or a single unprovoked seizure, raising the possibility of methodologic limitations such as selection bias. Our aim was to address these limitations by assessing the yield and predictors of epileptiform abnormalities for the first and subsequent EEG recording in a study of incident epilepsy or single unprovoked seizure in Rochester, Minnesota.MethodsWe used the resources of the Rochester Epidemiology Project to identify all 619 residents of Rochester, Minnesota, born in 1920 or later with a diagnosis of incident epilepsy (n = 478) or single unprovoked seizure (n = 141) between 1960 and 1994, who had at least one EEG study. Information on all EEG studies and their results was obtained by comprehensive review of medical records.ResultsAmong subjects with epilepsy, the cumulative yield of epileptiform abnormalities was 53% after the first EEG study and 72% after the third. Among subjects with a single unprovoked seizure, the cumulative yield was 39% after the first EEG study and 68% after the third. Young age at diagnosis and idiopathic etiology were risk factors for finding epileptiform abnormalities across all EEG recordings.SignificanceAlthough the cumulative yield of epileptiform abnormalities increases over successive EEG recordings, there is a decrease in the increment for each additional EEG study after the first EEG study. This is most evident in incident epilepsy and in younger subjects. Clinically it may be worthwhile to consider that the probability of finding an epileptiform abnormality after the third nonepileptiform EEG recording is low.
Hypericum perforatum hydroxyalkylpyrone synthase involved in sporopollenin biosynthesis – phylogeny, site‐directed mutagenesis, and expression in nonanther tissues
Authors: Jepson Christina , Karppinen Katja , Daku Rhys M. , Sterenberg Brian T. , Suh Dae‐Yeon 
Published: July 2014

Anther‐specific chalcone synthase‐like enzyme (ASCL), an ancient plant type III polyketide synthase, is involved in the biosynthesis of sporopollenin, the stable biopolymer found in the exine layer of the wall of a spore or pollen grain. The gene encoding polyketide synthase 1 from Hypericum perforatum (HpPKS1) was previously shown to be expressed mainly in young flower buds, but also in leaves and other tissues at lower levels. Angiosperm ASCLs, identified by sequence and phylogenetic analyses, are divided into two sister clades, the Ala‐clade and the Val‐clade, and HpPKS1 belongs to the Ala‐clade. Recombinant HpPKS1 produced triketide and, to a lesser extent, tetraketide alkylpyrones from medium‐chain (C6) to very long‐chain (C24) fatty acyl‐CoA substrates. Like other ASCLs, HpPKS1 also preferred hydroxyl fatty acyl‐CoA esters over the analogous unsubstituted fatty acyl‐CoA esters. To study the structural basis of the substrate preference, mutants of Ala200 and Ala215 at the putative active site and Arg202 and Asp211 at the modeled acyl‐binding tunnel were constructed. The A200T/A215Q mutant accepted decanoyl‐CoA, a poor substrate for the wild‐type enzyme, possibly because of active site constriction by bulkier substitutions. The substrate preference of the A215V and A200T/A215Q mutants shifted toward nonhydroxylated, medium‐chain to long‐chain fatty acyl‐CoA substrates. The R202L/D211V double mutant was selective for acyl‐CoA with chain lengths of C16–C18, and showed a diminished preference for the hydroxylated acyl‐CoA substrates. Transient upregulation by abscisic acid and downregulation by jasmonic acid and wounding suggested that HpPKS1, and possibly other Ala‐clade ASCLs, may be involved in the biosynthesis of minor cell wall components in nonanther tissues.