bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in the associations of physical activity and macronutrient intake with child body composition: A cross‐sectional study of 3‐ to 7‐year‐olds in Samoa
Authors: Thompson Avery A. , Duckham Rachel L. , Desai Mayur M. , Choy Courtney C. , Sherar Lauren B. , Naseri Take , Soti‐Ulberg Christina , Reupena Muagatutia S. , Wetzel Abigail I. , Hawley Nicola L. 
Published: January 2020

SummaryBackgroundOverweight/obesity is prevalent among children in the Pacific Islands, but its aetiology is poorly understood. Few studies have considered body composition in addition to body mass index–based measures.ObjectivesTo describe body composition among Samoan children and determine sex‐specific associations among dietary intake, physical activity, and body composition.MethodsBody composition (percent body fat [%BF], lean mass, and trunk‐to‐peripheral fat ratio) of n = 83 Samoan children (3‐7 y) was assessed using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Children completed 7 days of objective physical activity monitoring. Mothers reported child nutritional intake using a 115‐item food frequency questionnaire. Stepwise generalized linear regression was used to determine independent associations of nutritional intake and physical activity with body composition.ResultsSamoan children had higher average %BF than reported among other ethnic groups but lower trunk‐to‐peripheral fat ratios. In sex‐stratified analyses, quartile of carbohydrate intake was negatively associated with %BF (β = −2.02 SE = 0.58; P < .001) in girls only. Among boys, physical activity (quartile of accelerometer counts per minute) was negatively associated with %BF (β = −1.66 SE = 0.55; P < .01).ConclusionsSex differences in the associations among nutritional intake, physical activity, and body composition may be important to consider as interventions are developed to address overweight/obesity among Samoan children.
Should we be more cre‐tical? A cautionary tale of recombination
Authors: Andrusaite Anna , Milling Simon 
Published: January 2020

SummaryThe cre‐loxP system has been revolutionary in the field of immunology. The technology enables genetic deletion in mice with unprecedented precision. It is therefore now widely used to investigate gene functions in animal models of disease, and in fundamental studies of the immune response. This widespread adoption of cre‐loxP technology has allowed a thorough investigation of its strengths and weaknesses. Here we highlight an important paper which not only describes potential problems with the commonly‐used screening procedures used when identifying offspring of the correct genotype, but also describes how this screening can be improved to ensure that the right animals are produced.
Simple Approaches to Examine Economic Impacts of Water Reallocations from Agriculture
Authors: Bickel Ashley K. , Duval Dari , Frisvold George B. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractFacing an anticipated shortage declaration on the Colorado River and reductions in surface water for agricultural use, rural stakeholder groups are concerned about how water cutbacks will affect their local economies. Local farm groups and county governments often lack the analytical tools to measure such impacts. While one can learn much from large‐scale hydro‐economic models, data, cost, and time limitations have been barriers to such model development. This article introduces three basic modeling approaches, using relatively low‐cost and accessible data, to examine local economic impacts of water reallocations from agriculture. An empirical application estimates the effect of agricultural water reductions to Pinal County, Arizona, the county that would be most affected by a Colorado River Shortage Declaration. Water cutbacks to agriculture are modeled using two variants of a “rationing” model, which assumes that farmers will fallow their acres that generate the lowest gross returns (Rationing Model I) or the lowest net returns (Rationing Model II) per acre‐foot of water. Rationing models have modest data requirements given that crop and region specific data are available. Building off these simpler rationing models, an input‐output (I‐O) model provides more detailed information about the impacts on different rural stakeholder groups as well as the impacts to non‐agricultural sectors and the local tax base. Given imminent water cutbacks, access to low‐cost data and information that are easy to interpret is essential for effective community dialogue.
Investigating Relationship Between Soil Moisture and Precipitation Globally Using Remote Sensing Observations
Authors: Sehler Robin , Li Jingjing , Reager JT , Ye Hengchun 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe complex relationship between precipitation and soil moisture plays a critical role in land surface hydrology. Traditionally, the analysis of this relationship is restricted by the spatial coverage of both soil moisture and precipitation data that are collected through in‐situ observations at limited locations. In this study, we utilized the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s remote sensing products of soil moisture (SMAP: Soil Moisture Active Passive) and precipitation (TRMM: Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission), which provide near‐global coverage, to investigate the co‐variation of precipitation and soil moisture regionally, as a function of ecosystem types and climate regimes. We apply information on land cover and climate regimes to provide insight about correlation strength of soil moisture and precipitation. The results indicate that most of the globe has a moderate to strong positive correlation of SMAP soil moisture and TRMM precipitation data during the study period. In relation to land cover, soil moisture and precipitation have the strongest correlations in regions of limited vegetation, whereas forests and densely vegetated regions have weaker correlations. As for climate regimes, they have the strongest correlations in arid or cold regions, and weaker correlations in humid, temperate locations. While remotely sensed soil moisture data are less reliable in dense vegetation, these results confirm that drier, less vegetated climates show a highly linear relationship between soil moisture and rainfall.
Dense and homogeneous MOX fuel pellets manufactured using the freeze granulation route
Authors: La Lumia Florian , Ramond Laure , Pagnoux Cecile , Coste Philippe , Lebreton Florent , Sevilla Jean‐Robert , Bernard‐Granger Guillaume 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMOX fuels (UO2‐PuO2) are used in light water nuclear reactors of several countries and are also potential candidates for the fast neutron reactors. Industrial MOX is currently manufactured by a dry route process, involving steps with fine powders. To reduce dusting, enhance MOX powder flow properties, and decrease manufacturing scrap rate, a new wet route process is investigated: the freeze granulation of concentrated water‐based powder suspensions having optimized rheology and dispersion properties. Highly flowable, dustless, and easy‐to‐press MOX granules have been elaborated. Sintering green compacts made of such granules gives highly dense and defect‐free pellets that have a very homogeneous U‐Pu spatial distribution, thus improving the fuel characteristics. Indeed, MOX fuels devoid of large Pu‐rich aggregates are thought to have a better behavior under irradiation in reactors by limiting/preventing the formation of the typical high burnup structure.
Crystallization‐induced valence state change of Mn2+ → Mn4+ in LiNaGe4O9 glass‐ceramics
Authors: Morad Ibrahim , Liu Xiaofeng , Qiu Jianrong 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTetra‐valent manganese (Mn4+) has been regarded as an efficient non‐rare‐earth red‐light emitting ion, which has stimulated continued search of robust hosts and efficient synthetic methods to stabilize Mn4+ centers with strong photoluminescence. In this work, we demonstrate a facile synthetic method for Mn4+ doped glass‐ceramic (GC) based on crystallization‐induced oxidation state change in an oxide glass. The parent glass with a formula of LiNaGe4O9 is fabricated by melt‐quenching and crystallization is induced by thermal treatment in air. Oxidation of Mn2+ in glass to Mn4+ in the GC is confirmed by both optical spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements. After thermal treatment, the characteristic reddish photoluminescence (PL) of Mn2+ in the glass centered at 611 nm disappears and a strong photoluminescence peak at 660 nm attributed to Mn4+ is observed. The conversion to Mn4+ after crystallization in the examined system may have strong implications for synthesis of Mn4+ doped phosphors which always requires rigorous control of the redox equilibrium during synthesis.
Founder takes more: Interspecific competition affects range expansion of North American mammals into deglaciated areas
Authors: Jezkova Tereza 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimI assess the impact of interspecific competition on species' post‐glacial range expansions into previously glaciated areas. I hypothesize that expansion of one species (the founder) after the last glacial maximum (LGM) into areas that were glaciated has hindered expansion of its competitor (the latecomer). If true, I predict that range and niche sizes of two congeners are more disproportionate within the previously glaciated areas (i.e. the areas of post‐glacial expansion) than within areas that were not glaciated. I also predict that niche partitioning is reduced within previously glaciated areas. If true, range and climatic niche overlap of two congeners is smaller in the previously glaciated areas than in non‐glaciated areas.LocationNorth America.TaxonNon‐volant mammals.MethodsI calculate species range size for 87 congeneric species pairs and climatic niche hypervolume for 71 pairs, separately for areas that were and were not glaciated during the LGM. I then compare (a) range and climatic niche size ratio and (b) range and climatic niche overlap for each species pair between areas that were and were not glaciated using a paired t test.ResultsCongeneric species pairs exhibit more disproportionate range areas and climatic niche hypervolumes, and smaller range and climatic niche overlap within previously glaciated areas, in comparison with areas that were not glaciated during the LGM.Main conclusionsInterspecific competition has likely hindered post‐glacial range expansion of some species into deglaciated areas. Similarly to the founder effect documented on the intraspecific level, the founder species may hinder the expansion of the latecomer. Consequently, one species may expand over very large areas whereas its competitor may expand very little or not at all. Additionally, niche partitioning within the deglaciated areas may be reduced as the founder expands and fills biotopes that would otherwise be utilized by its competitor.
Determinants of leaf area index and understorey light availability in New Zealand old‐growth forests
Authors: Fritz Rocío , Lusk Christopher H. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimGlobal studies show strong climatic control of leaf area index (LAI) and related ecosystem properties. However, alternative states stabilized by positive feedbacks have the potential to produce appreciable differences in LAI in a given environment. On certain sites in New Zealand, ectomycorrhizal (EM) southern beech forest (Nothofagaceae) appear to form a stable alternative to more species‐rich conifer‐broadleaved forest dominated by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) trees. We asked which climate variables best predict LAI of New Zealand's remaining old‐growth forests, and if stands dominated by Nothofagaceae have lower LAI and better‐lit understories than conifer‐broadleaved forests, when climate and other site factors are held constant.LocationNew Zealand.TaxonSeventy‐two tree species belonging to 37 angiosperm, conifer and pteridophyte families, the most frequent occurrences being Cunoniaceae, Cyatheaceae, Dicksoniaceae, Lauraceae, Nothofagaceae, Podocarpaceae and Violaceae.MethodsWe quantified overstorey composition of 45 old‐growth stands, and used the LAI‐2200C Plant Canopy Analyzer to measure LAI and understorey light. We used generalized linear mixed models to determine how these variables were influenced by environment and by dominance of Nothofagaceae.ResultsLAI ranged from 3.5 to 6.9, and increased linearly with mean annual temperature (MAT); percentage light transmission to the understorey spanned an order of magnitude and decreased exponentially with increasing MAT. However, at a given MAT, LAI of stands dominated by Nothofagaceae averaged 0.8–0.9 units lower than conifer‐broadleaf stands, resulting in twofold higher understorey light levels in the former. Soil water deficits also significantly depressed LAI, and increased understorey light; atmospheric water deficits had the opposite effect.Main conclusionsTemperature is the best climatic predictor of LAI and understorey light in New Zealand's remaining old‐growth forests. However, the lower LAI and canopy light interception in southern beech stands presumably reflects the light‐demanding nature of Nothofagaceae, and their apparent ability to inhibit invasion by more shade‐tolerant AM trees with heavier crowns. This inhibitory effect may reflect reduced N supply to AM plants because of suppression of N mineralization by EM fungi, as observed in some EM systems elsewhere.
First‐trimester blood urea nitrogen and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Feng Pei , Wang Guangli , Yu Qian , Zhu Wei , Zhong Chongke 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPrior studies indicated that urea increased insulin resistance and higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was associated with incident diabetes mellitus. However, it remains unclear whether BUN during the first trimester of pregnancy increases risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We aimed to investigate the association between first‐trimester BUN and risk of incident GDM. We conducted a prospective, multicenter cohort study of pregnant women. A total of 13 448 eligible pregnant women with measured first‐trimester BUN levels were included in this analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the relationship between BUN and GDM. Discrimination and reclassification for GDM by BUN were analysed. A total of 2973 (22.1%) women developed GDM. Compared with the lowest quartile of BUN, the third and fourth quartiles were associated with increased risk of GDM (adjusted odds ratios 1.21 [95% CI 1.07‐1.37] and 1.50 [95% CI 1.33‐1.69], respectively, P for trend <.001). The addition of BUN to conventional factor model improved discrimination (C statistic 0.2%, P = .003) and reclassification (net reclassification index 14.67%, P < .001; integrated discrimination improvement 0.12%, P < .001) for GDM. In conclusion, higher BUN concentrations during the first trimester of pregnancy were associated with increased risk of GDM, suggesting that BUN could be a potential predictor for GDM.
Modulation of bile acid profile by gut microbiota in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , Chen Lu , Wang Hui , Cai Wei , Xie Qing 
Published: January 2020

AbstractChronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a global epidemic disease that may progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The role of the liver‐bile acid‐microbiota axis in CHB remains unclear. The aims of this study are to elucidate the alteration of the gut microbiota and its functions in bile acid homeostasis in CHB patients with different degrees of fibrosis. In the present study, we evaluated serum and faecal bile acid profiles in healthy controls and CHB patients with biopsy‐proven diagnosis: patients had stage 0‐1 fibrosis were classified as mild CHB and patients had stage 2‐4 fibrosis were classified as moderate/advanced CHB. The levels of serum total bile acids (BAs) and primary BAs were increased in CHB patients with moderate/advanced fibrosis, whereas faecal total and secondary BAs levels were significantly lower. Analyses of gut microbiota exhibited a trend of decreased abundance in bacteria genera responsible for BA metabolism in CHB patients with moderate/advanced fibrosis. CHB is associated with altered bile acid pool which is linked with the dysregulated gut microbiota. The higher level of FGF‐19 may act in a negative feedback loop for maintaining the bile acid homeostasis.
Clinical outcomes of the entire papilla preservation technique with and without biomaterials in the treatment of isolated intrabony defects: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Aslan Serhat , Buduneli Nurcan , Cortellini Pierpaolo 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimThis study compared the clinical efficacy of the entire papilla preservation technique (EPP) alone and in combination with enamel matrix proteins plus bovine‐derived bone substitutes (EPP EMD + BS) in the treatment of isolated inter‐dental intrabony defects.Material and methodsThirty patients, each with one isolated intrabony defect, were randomly assigned to EPP EMD + BS or EPP alone. Clinical outcomes were assessed 1‐year post‐surgery.ResultsEarly healing phase was uneventful in all cases, and 100% primary wound closure was maintained throughout the study period. Intragroup differences between baseline and 1‐year were statistically significant in both groups in terms of clinical attachment level (CAL) gain and probing depth (PD) reduction (p ≤ .001). No statistically significant differences were detected in gingival recession (REC) (p > .05). No statistically significant differences were detected in terms of CAL gain (6.3 ± 2.5 mm vs. 5.83 ± 1.12 mm), PD reduction (6.5 ± 2.65 mm vs. 6.2 ± 1.33 mm) or increase in gingival recession (0.2 ± 0.25 mm vs. 0.36 ± 0.54 mm) between the groups treated with EPP EMD + BS or EPP alone.ConclusionsApplication of EPP with and without regenerative biomaterials resulted in significant amounts of CAL gain and PD reduction, with negligible increase in gingival recession. Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that the addition of regenerative biomaterials does not improve the clinical outcomes of EPP alone. NCT03923465.
Simultaneous development of Graves’ disease and type 1 diabetes during anti‐programmed cell death‐1 therapy: A case report
Authors: Kurihara Susumu , Oikawa Yoichi , Nakajima Ritsuko , Satomura Atsushi , Tanaka Ryuhei , Kagamu Hiroshi , Shimada Akira 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe present the first case of simultaneous development of Graves’ disease and type 1 diabetes during anti‐programmed cell death 1 therapy. A 48‐year‐old man with parotid gland adenocarcinoma and lung metastasis had received five courses of nivolumab. Fourteen days after administration of the sixth course, his casual plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels were 379 mg/dL and 7.2%, respectively. Furthermore, thyrotoxicosis was detected with a blood test. Serum total ketone body and thyroid‐stimulating hormone receptor antibody levels increased, and serum C‐peptide level decreased to 0.01 ng/mL thereafter. Thus, we concluded that he simultaneously developed anti‐programmed cell death 1 therapy‐associated type 1 diabetes and Graves’ disease. Among Japanese patients with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type III, the frequency of human leukocyte antigen‐DRB1*04:05 is higher in those with both type 1 diabetes and Graves’ disease. Our case had human leukocyte antigen‐DRB1*04:05, which might be associated with the simultaneous development of the two diseases.
Transcriptome Analysis Identifies Plasmodiophora brassicae Secondary Infection Effector Candidates
Authors: Pérez‐López Edel , Hossain Md Musharaf , Tu Jiangying , Waldner Matthew , Todd Christopher D. , Kusalik Anthony J. , Wei Yangdou , Bonham‐Smith Peta C. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPlasmodiophora brassicae (Wor.) is an obligate intracellular plant pathogen affecting Brassicas worldwide. Identification of effector proteins is key to understanding the interaction between P. brassicae and its susceptible host plants. To date, there is very little information available on putative effector proteins secreted by P. brassicae during a secondary infection of susceptible host plants, resulting in root gall production. A bioinformatics pipeline approach to RNA‐Seq data from Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. root tissues at 17, 20, and 24 d postinoculation (dpi) identified 32 small secreted P. brassicae proteins (SSPbPs) that were highly expressed over this secondary infection time frame. Functional signal peptides were confirmed for 31 of the SSPbPs, supporting the accuracy of the pipeline designed to identify secreted proteins. Expression profiles at 0, 2, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 dpi verified the involvement of some of the SSPbPs in secondary infection. For seven of the SSPbPs, a functional domain was identified using Blast2GO and 3D structure analysis and domain functionality was confirmed for SSPbP22, a kinase localized to the cytoplasm and nucleus.
Neural connectivity between the hypothalamic supramammillary nucleus and appetite‐ and motivation‐related regions of the rat brain
Authors: Plaisier Fabrice , Hume Catherine , Menzies John 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe supramammillary nucleus (SuM) has an emerging role in appetite control. We have shown that the rat SuM is activated during hunger or food anticipation, or by ghrelin administration. In the present study, we characterised the connectivity between the SuM and key appetite‐ and motivation‐related nuclei in the rat. In adult wild‐type rats, or rats expressing Cre recombinase under the control of the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) promoter (TH‐Cre rats), we used c‐Fos immunohistochemistry to visualise and correlate the activation of medial SuM (SuMM) with activation in the lateral hypothalamic area (LH), the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) or the ventral tegmental area (VTA) after voluntary consumption of a high‐sugar, high‐fat food. To determine neuroanatomical connectivity, we used retrograde and anterograde tracing methods to specifically investigate the neuronal inputs and outputs of the SuMM. After consumption of the food there were positive correlations between c‐Fos expression in the SuMM and the LH, DMH and VTA (P = 0.0001, 0.01 and 0.004). Using Fluoro‐Ruby as a retrograde tracer, we demonstrate the existence of inputs from the LH, DMH, VTA and ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) to the SuMM. The SuMM showed reciprocal inputs to the LH and DMH, and we identified a TH‐positive output from SuMM to DMH. We co‐labelled retrogradely‐labelled sections for TH in the VMH, or for TH, orexin and melanin‐concentrating hormone in the LH and DMH. However, we did not observe any colocalisation of immunoreactivity with any retrogradely‐labelled cells. Viral mapping in TH‐Cre rats confirms the existence of a reciprocal SuMM‐DMH connection and shows that TH‐positive cells project from the SuMM and VTA to the lateral septal area and cingulate cortex, respectively. These data provide evidence for the connectivity of the SuMM to brain regions involved in appetite control, and form the foundation for functional and behavioural studies aiming to further characterise the brain circuitry controlling eating behaviours.