bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accurate identification of EEG recordings with interictal epileptiform discharges using a hybrid approach: Artificial intelligence supervised by human experts
Authors: Kural Mustafa Aykut , Jing Jin , Fürbass Franz , Perko Hannes , Qerama Erisela , Johnsen Birger , Fuchs Steffen , Westover M. Brandon , Beniczky Sándor 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of artificial intelligence (AI)–based algorithms for identifying the presence of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) in routine (20‐min) electroencephalography (EEG) recordings.MethodsWe evaluated two approaches: a fully automated one and a hybrid approach, where three human raters applied an operational IED definition to assess the automated detections grouped into clusters by the algorithms. We used three previously developed AI algorithms: Encevis, SpikeNet, and Persyst. The diagnostic gold standard (epilepsy or not) was derived from video‐EEG recordings of patients' habitual clinical episodes. We compared the algorithms with the gold standard at the recording level (epileptic or not). The independent validation data set (not used for training) consisted of 20‐min EEG recordings containing sharp transients (epileptiform or not) from 60 patients: 30 with epilepsy (with a total of 340 IEDs) and 30 with nonepileptic paroxysmal events. We compared sensitivity, specificity, overall accuracy, and the review time‐burden of the fully automated and hybrid approaches, with the conventional visual assessment of the whole recordings, based solely on unrestricted expert opinion.ResultsFor all three AI algorithms, the specificity of the fully automated approach was too low for clinical implementation (16.67%; 63.33%; 3.33%), despite the high sensitivity (96.67%; 66.67%; 100.00%). Using the hybrid approach significantly increased the specificity (93.33%; 96.67%; 96.67%) with good sensitivity (93.33%; 56.67%; 76.67%). The overall accuracy of the hybrid methods (93.33%; 76.67%; 86.67%) was similar to the conventional visual assessment of the whole recordings (83.33%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 71.48–91.70%; p > .5), yet the time‐burden of review was significantly lower (p < .001).SignificanceThe hybrid approach, where human raters apply the operational IED criteria to automated detections of AI‐based algorithms, has high specificity, good sensitivity, and overall accuracy similar to conventional EEG reading, with a significantly lower time‐burden. The hybrid approach is accurate and suitable for clinical implementation.
Continental‐scale biomass redistribution by migratory birds in response to seasonal variation in productivity
Authors: Ng Wee Hao , Fink Daniel , La Sorte Frank A. , Auer Tom , Hochachka Wesley M. , Johnston Alison , Dokter Adriaan M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimAnimal migration is often explained as the result of resource tracking in seasonally dynamic environments. Therefore, resource availability should influence both the distributions of migratory animals and their seasonal abundance. We examined the relationship between primary productivity and the spatio‐temporal distributions of migratory birds to assess the role of energy availability in avian migration.LocationNorth America.Time periodFull annual cycle, 2011–2016.Major taxa studiedNocturnally migrating landbirds.MethodsWe used observations of nocturnally migrating landbirds from the eBird community‐science programme to estimate weekly spatial distributions of total biomass, abundance and species richness. We related these patterns to primary productivity and seasonal productivity surplus estimated using a remotely sensed measure of vegetation greenness.ResultsAll three avian metrics showed positive spatial associations with primary productivity, and this was more pronounced with seasonal productivity surplus. Surprisingly, biomass showed a weaker association than did abundance and richness, despite being a better indicator of energetic requirements. The strength of associations varied across seasons, being the weakest during migration. During spring migration, avian biomass increased ahead of vegetation green‐up in temperate regions, a pattern also previously described for herbivorous waterfowl. In the south‐eastern USA, spring green‐up was instead associated with a net decrease in biomass, and winter biomass greatly exceeded that of summer, highlighting the region as a winter refuge for short‐distance migrants.Main conclusionsAlthough instantaneous energy availability is important in shaping the distribution of migratory birds, the stronger association of productivity with abundance and richness than with biomass suggests the role of additional drivers unrelated to energetic requirements that are nonetheless correlated with productivity. Given recent reports of widespread North American avifaunal declines, including many common species that winter in the south‐eastern USA, understanding how anthropogenic activities are impacting winter bird populations in the region should be a research priority.
Desert lizard diversity worldwide: Effects of environment, time, and evolutionary rate
Authors: Tejero‐Cicuéndez Héctor , Tarroso Pedro , Carranza Salvador , Rabosky Daniel L. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimBiodiversity is not uniformly distributed across the Earth’s surface, even among physiographically comparable biomes in different biogeographic regions. For lizards, the world’s large desert regions are characterized by extreme heterogeneity in species richness, spanning some of the most species‐rich (arid Australia) and species‐poor (central Asia) biomes overall. Regional differences in species diversity may arise as a consequence of the interplay of several factors (e.g., evolutionary time, diversification rate, environment), but their relative importance for biogeographic patterns remains poorly known. Here we use distributional and phylogenetic data to assess the evolutionary and ecological drivers of large‐scale variation in desert lizard diversity.LocationDeserts worldwide.Major taxa studiedLizards (non‐snake squamates).MethodsWe specifically test whether diversity patterns are best explained by differences in the ages of arid‐adapted lineages (evolutionary time hypothesis), by regional variation in speciation rate, by geographic area of the arid systems, and by spatial variation related to environment (climate, topography, and productivity).ResultsWe found no effect of recent speciation rate and geographic area on differences in desert lizard diversity. We demonstrate that the extreme species richness of the Australian deserts cannot be explained by greater evolutionary time, because species began accumulating more recently there than in more species‐poor arid regions. We found limited support for relationships between regional lizard richness and environmental variables, but these effects were inconsistent across deserts, showing a differential role of the environment in shaping the lizard diversity in different arid regions.Main conclusionsOur results provide evidence against several classic hypotheses for interregional variation in species richness, but also highlight the complexity of processes underlying vertebrate community richness in the world’s great arid systems.
Research on high‐temperature creep properties of Al2O3‐MgAl2O4 refractory
Authors: Li Ren‐jun , Zhang Ling 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn this study, the Al2O3‐MgAl2O4 refractory samples were prepared with tabular alumina and fused magnesia‐alumina spinel as the raw materials. A creep resistance test was performed at 1400°C and studied. The tested samples after the creep resistance test were characterized and analyzed by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy to investigate the effect of adding the amount and particle size of MgAl2O4 on high‐temperature creep resistance of Al2O3‐MgAl2O4 refractory, as well as its mechanism. As indicated by the results, under the same amount of spinel added, the sample with 3‐1 mm spinel had higher creep resistance than the sample with 1‐0 mm spinel. In the creep test, spinel aggregates would react with the alumina matrix to form a secondary spinel layer around the spinel particles, thereby connecting the matrix and the aggregates and improving the creep resistance of the specimens. As clearly indicated by the observed result of the microstructure, in the formation of the secondary spinel layer, Mg2+ had a higher migration rate and showed the secondary spinel layer's higher thickness ratio on both sides of the reaction interface, which would induce the Kirkendall effect. Accordingly, considerable pores generated and accumulating at the interface tended to reduce the creep resistance of the material, and this effect was highly dependent on the size of the spinel and the activation solid solution reaction intensity.
Characteristics of CaZrO3material prepared by in situ decomposition pore forming technology
Authors: Wang Fangzhou , Wei Yaowu , Wei Jiawei , Li Bingrong , Xiao Junli , Chen Junfeng , Li Nan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractCaZrO3samples were prepared by in situ decomposition pore forming technology in this paper. The influence of calcia/zirconia molar ratio and heating treatment on the microstructure and thermal conductivity of the sintered samples were investigated. The phase analysis of CaZrO3samples was detected by X‐ray diffraction, and the microscopic morphology of CaZrO3was observed by scanning electron microscope combined with energy dispersive spectrometer for microzone composition analysis. The results showed that a satisfied CaZrO3sample could be obtained by in situ decomposition pore forming technology with calcium/zirconium molar ratio of 1:1.02. The CaZrO3grains were developed better when the samples were preheated at 200°C first and then heated at 1600°C for 3 h. The apparent porosity of CaZrO3samples were increased to 28.5%, and the thermal conductivity reduced to 1.219 W/(m·K) compared with the heavy CaZrO3samples, which could be used as CaZrO3refractory aggregates with the lower thermal conductivity.
Esculin hydrolysis negative and TcdA-only producing strains of Clostridium (Clostridioides) difficile from the environment in Western Australia
Authors: Shivaperumal Nirajmohan , Knight Daniel R. , Imwattana Korakrit , Androga Grace O. , Chang Barbara J. , Riley Thomas V. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background and Aims
Clostridium (Clostridiodes) difficile clade 3 ribotype (RT) 023 strains that fail to produce black colonies on bioMérieux ChromID agar have been reported, as well as variant strains of C. difficile that produce only toxin A. We have recently isolated strains of C. difficile from the environment in Western Australia (WA) with similar characteristics. The objective of this study was to characterize these strains. It was hypothesized that a putative β-glucosidase gene was lacking in these strains of C. difficile, including RT 023, leading to white colonies.

Methods and Results
A total of 17 environmental isolates of C. difficile from garden soil and compost, and gardening shoe soles in Perth, WA, failed to produce black colonies on ChromID agar. MALDI-TOF MS analysis confirmed these strains as C. difficile. Four strains contained only a tcdA gene (A+B−CDT−) by PCR and were a novel RT (QX 597). All isolates were susceptible to all antimicrobials tested except one with low-level resistance to clindamycin (MIC = 8 mg/L). The four tcdA-positive strains were motile. All isolates contained neither bgl locus but only bgl K or a putative β-glucosidase gene by PCR. Whole-genome sequencing showed the 17 strains belonged to novel multi-locus sequence types 632, 848, 849, 850, 851, 852 and 853, part of the evolutionarily divergent clade C-III. Four isolates carried a full-length tcdA but not tcdB nor binary toxin genes.

Conclusions
ChromID C. difficile agar is used for the specific detection of C. difficile in the samples. To date, all strains except RT 023 strains from clinical samples hydrolyse esculin. This is the first report to provide insights into the identification of esculin hydrolysis negative and TcdA-only producing (A+B−CDT−) strains of C. difficile from environmental samples.

Significance and Impact of the Study
White colonies of C. difficile from environmental samples could be overlooked when using ChromID C. difficile agar, leading to false-negative results, however, whether these strains are truly pathogenic remains to be proven.
New phylogenetic insights into the African catfish families Mochokidae and Austroglanididae
Authors: Schedel Frederic D. B. , Chakona Albert , Sidlauskas Brian L. , Popoola Michael O. , Usimesa Wingi Nadine , Neumann Dirk , Vreven Emmanuel J. W. M. N. , Schliewen Ulrich K. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractSeveral hundred catfish species (order: Siluriformes) belonging to 11 families inhabit Africa, of which at least six families are endemic to the continent. Although four of those families are well‐known to belong to the ‘Big‐Africa clade’, no previous study has addressed the phylogenetic placement of the endemic African catfish family Austroglanididae in a comprehensive framework with molecular data. Furthermore, interrelationships within the ‘Big‐Africa clade’, including the most diverse family Mochokidae, remain unclear. This study was therefore designed to help reconstruct inter‐ and intrarelationships of all currently valid mochokid genera, to infer their position within the ‘Big Africa clade’ and to establish a first molecular phylogenetic hypothesis of the relationships of the enigmatic Austroglanididae within the Siluriformes. We assembled a comprehensive mitogenomic dataset comprising all protein coding genes and representing almost all recognized catfish families (N = 33 of 39) with carefully selected species (N = 239). We recovered the monophyly of the previously identified multifamily clades ‘Big Asia’ and ‘Big Africa’ and determined Austroglanididae to be closely related to Pangasiidae, Ictaluroidea and Ariidae. Mochokidae was recovered as the sister group to a clade encompassing Auchenoglanididae, Claroteidae, Malapteruridae and the African Schilbeidae, albeit with low statistical support. The two mochokid subfamilies Mochokinae and Chiloglanidinae as well as the chiloglanid tribe Atopochilini were recovered as reciprocally monophyletic. The genus Acanthocleithron forms the sister group of all remaining Mochokinae, although with low support. The genus Atopodontus is the sister group of all remaining Atopochilini. In contrast to morphological reconstructions, the monophyly of the genus Chiloglanis was strongly supported in our analysis, with Chiloglanis macropterus nested within a Chiloglanis sublineage encompassing only other taxa from the Congo drainage. This is an important result because the phylogenetic relationships of C. macropterus have been controversial in the past, and because we and other researchers assumed that this species would be resolved as sister to most or all other members of Chiloglanis. The apparent paraphyly of Synodontis with respect to Microsynodontis provided an additional surprise, with Synodontis punu turning out to be the sister group of the latter genus.
Cause of increased size of acipenseriform eggs infected with Polypodium hydriforme
Authors: Judd Timothy M. , Tripp Sara J. , Herzog David P. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractEggs of acipenseriform fish infected with the parasite Polypodium hydriforme become enlarged during later stages of development. This study examined if the increase in size is due to the increase in nutrients or water in the infected eggs and if the polypodium eggs affect the nutrient levels of the neighbouring eggs in the ovary. Infected and uninfected eggs were collected from parasitized Paddlefish, Polyodon spathula, hosts and unparasitized individuals. Levels of water, protein, carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids were determined for each egg. Although there were nutritional differences between eggs infected with P. hydriforme and uninfected eggs there was no indication that there was an increase in resource allocation to the infected eggs. The amount of water was much higher in infected eggs, suggesting the size increase was due to a greater influx of water. Levels of free amino acids were much higher in infected eggs and we hypothesize they could be used to increase the solute concentration to increase the influx of water, a mechanism that is also used by marine teleosts.
First report on the occurrence of white spot syndrome virus, infectious myonecrosis virus and Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei in Penaeus vannamei reared in freshwater systems
Authors: Suryakodi Selvam , Nafeez Ahmed Abdul , Badhusha Allahbagash , Santhosh Kumar Shanmugam , Sivakumar Selvam , Abdul Majeed Seepoo , Taju Gani , Rahamathulla Syed , Sahul Hameed Azeez Sait 
Published: February 2022

AbstractSamples of white leg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, were collected on a monthly basis from freshwater ponds with the salinity of 0 ppt located at Tiruvannamalai and Villupuram districts in Tamil Nadu, India for screening of viral and fungal pathogens. Totally, 130 shrimp samples were collected from 67 freshwater ponds and screened for white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV), infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) and Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) by PCR and RT‐PCR using pathogen‐specific primers. Among the samples screened, one sample was found to be positive to WSSV, two samples showed positive to IMNV and two samples positive for EHP. No sample showed positive to IHHNV. The WSSV detected in the sample was found to be a new strain of WSSV and highly virulent. The inoculum prepared from freshwater reared WSSV or IMNV‐infected shrimp caused 100% mortality in experimental infection studies. The PCR and RT‐PCR results revealed the presence of WSSV and IMNV in different organs of experimentally infected shrimp, respectively. No clinical signs were observed in experimentally EHP‐injected shrimp, although the PCR results revealed the presence of EHP in experimentally infected shrimp.
Evaluation of skin tissue effects from treatment with a novel hand‐held plasma energy device
Authors: Holcomb John David , Kalhan Rachna , Pilcher Brian 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIntroductionPlasma IQ™, the first FDA‐cleared hand‐held plasma energy device, is indicated for removal and destruction of skin lesions and coagulation of tissue. Treatment involves use of an electrostatic plasma spark to heat the skin and create discrete microthermal wounds.MethodsMicrothermal wounds on pre‐auricular and upper eyelid skin from two individual subjects were created using multiple treatment parameters to assess the impacts of power, pulse duration and needle electrode type on wound depth, width and thermal spread, and analyzed using histology to characterize treatment effects.ResultsDevice power had a statistically significant impact on upper eyelid skin microthermal wound depth and width (2‐sided t‐test p < 0.0001 for both) but not on thermal spread (p = 0.1171). No meaningful differences in wound width, depth, or thermal spread were observed based on pulse duration or electrode type. All microthermal wounds demonstrated dual zones of tissue injury and extended to the superficial reticular dermis.ConclusionTreatment with the Plasma IQ™ device creates focal microthermal wounds of reproducible depth and width that are comprised of dual thermal injury zones similar to other plasma energy skin rejuvenation devices. Device power is the most important factor determining microthermal wound depth and width.
Management and prognosis of HIV‐associated pulmonary arterial hypertension: 20 Years of evidence from the REHAP registry
Authors: Salvador María Lázaro , Rodríguez‐Padial Luis , Soto Abánades Clara , Cruz Utrilla Alejandro , Barberá Mir Joan Albert , López‐Meseguer Manuel , Segovia Cubero Javier , Samper Gustavo Juan , Blanco Vich Isabel , Escribano‐Subías Pilar ,   REHAP,   investigators
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an independent predictor of death in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV is the leading cause of PAH (HIV‐PAH) worldwide.AimsWe described the characteristics, treatment patterns, and prognosis of a cohort of HIV‐PAH patients and compared them with those of an equivalent cohort of patients with idiopathic/familial PAH (IPAH/FPAH).MethodsWe retrospectively analysed and compared the demographic, clinical, and treatment data from patients with HIV‐PAH and those with IPAH/FPAH in the Spanish PAH registry (REHAP) from 1998 to 2018. The HIV‐PAH overall survival (OS) rate up to 5 years was compared to the age‐ and sex‐matched IPAH/FPAH population. Changes in treatment patterns in patients with HIV‐PAH after 2010 and their effects on OS were also analysed.ResultsCompared to those with IPAH/FPAH (n = 739), patients with HIV‐PAH (n = 132) were younger, mainly men, and had a better functional status. The clinical presentation, haemodynamics, and respiratory function were similar between the groups. Parenteral drug use was the most common mode of HIV transmission. Approximately 11% of patients with HIV‐PAH did not receive PAH‐targeted therapy. The age‐ and sex‐adjusted 5‐year OS rate from diagnosis was 74.0% for patients with HIV‐PAH and 68.7% for those with IPAH (p < 0.159). During/after 2010, 23% of patients with IPAH/FPAH received upfront dual oral combination, while oral monotherapy remained the main first‐line treatment in patients with HIV‐PAH. The overall OS rate remained stable.ConclusionsPatients with HIV‐PAH were predominantly young men. The short‐term prognosis is similar to that of age‐ and sex‐matched patients with IPAH/FPAH, despite a better functional status. Oral monotherapy remains the preferred first‐line treatment in the current cohorts.
Central nervous system zoning: How brain barriers establish subdivisions for CNS immune privilege and immune surveillance
Authors: Proulx Steven T. , Engelhardt Britta 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe central nervous system (CNS) coordinates all our body functions. Neurons in the CNS parenchyma achieve this computational task by high speed communication via electrical and chemical signals and thus rely on a strictly regulated homeostatic environment, which does not tolerate uncontrolled entry of blood components including immune cells. The CNS thus has a unique relationship with the immune system known as CNS immune privilege. Previously ascribed to the presence of blood–brain barriers and the lack of lymphatic vessels in the CNS parenchyma prohibiting, respectively, efferent and afferent connections with the peripheral immune system, it is now appreciated that CNS immune surveillance is ensured by cellular and acellular brain barriers that limit immune cell and mediator accessibility to specific compartments at the borders of the CNS. CNS immune privilege is established by a brain barriers anatomy resembling the architecture of a medieval castle surrounded by two walls bordering a castle moat. Built for protection and defense this two‐walled rampart at the outer perimeter of the CNS parenchyma allows for accommodation of different immune cell subsets and efficient monitoring of potential danger signals derived from inside or outside of the CNS parenchyma. It enables effective mounting of immune responses within the subarachnoid or perivascular spaces, while leaving the CNS parenchyma relatively undisturbed. In this study, we propose that CNS immune privilege rests on the proper function of the brain barriers, which allow for CNS immune surveillance but prohibit activation of immune responses from the CNS parenchyma unless it is directly injured.