bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantification of node importance in rain gauge network: influence of temporal resolution and rain gauge density
Authors: Tiwari Shubham , Jha Sanjeev Kumar , Singh Ankit 
Published: June 2020

AbstractRain gauge network is important for collecting rainfall information effectively and efficiently. Rain gauge networks have been studied for several decades from a range of hydrological perspectives, where rain gauges with unique or non-repeating information are considered as important. However, the problem of quantification of node importance and subsequent identification of the most important nodes in rain gauge networks have not yet been extensively addressed in the literature. In this study, we use the concept of the complex networks to evaluate the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) monitored 692 rain gauge in the Ganga River Basin. We consider the complex network theory-based Degree Centrality (DC), Clustering Coefficient (CC) and Mutual Information (MI) as the parameters to quantify the rainfall variability associated with all the rain gauges in the network. Multiple rain gauge network scenario with varying rain gauge density (i.e. Network Size (NS) = 173, 344, 519, and 692) and Temporal Resolution (i.e. TR = 3 hours, 1 day, and 1 month) are introduced to study the effect of rain gauge density, gauge location and temporal resolution on the node importance quantification. Proxy validation of the methodology was done using a hydrological model. Our results indicate that the network density and temporal resolution strongly influence a node’s importance in rain gauge network. In addition, we concluded that the degree centrality along with clustering coefficient is the preferred parameter than the mutual information for the node importance quantification. Furthermore, we observed that the network properties (spatial distribution, DC, Collapse Correlation Threshold (CCT), CC Range distributions) associated with TR = 3 hours and 1 day are comparable whereas TR = 1 month exhibit completely different trends. We also found that the rain gauges situated at high elevated areas are extremely important irrespective of the NS and TR. The encouraging results for the quantification of nodes importance in this study seem to indicate that the approach has the potential to be used in extreme rainfall forecasting, in studying changing rainfall patterns and in filling gaps in spatial data. The technique can be further helpful in the ground-based observation network design of a wide range of meteorological parameters with spatial correlation.
A new image encryption scheme based on coupling map lattices with mixed multi-chaos
Authors: Wang Xingyuan , Guan Nana , Zhao Hongyu , Wang Siwei , Zhang Yingqian 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAs a kind of spatiotemporal chaos, coupled map lattice (CML) is widely applied into image encryption because of its advantages of more complex dynamical behavior and lower computational overhead. Firstly, this paper proposed a novel spatiotemporal chaos model (MCML) by mixing Logistic, Sine and Tent maps into CML map together. Beyond that, we also change the structure of CML and the coupling method in different lattices. Bifurcation diagram, Lyapunov exponents and NIST test are employed to measure the chaotic behaviors of the MCML system. Secondly, by applying MCML chaos, we design a new key binding and distribution rule, the improved diffusion scheme to encrypt image. Furthermore, the novel bit Z-scan scrambling method also be used to enhance the security of the encryption scheme. Finally, a large number of experimental results prove that our proposed scheme is suitable for image encryption and has high security against common attacks.
High resolution spatial analyses of trace elements in coccoliths reveal new insights into element incorporation in coccolithophore calcite
Authors: Bottini Cinzia , Dapiaggi Monica , Erba Elisabetta , Faucher Giulia , Rotiroti Nicola 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCoccolithophores are phytoplanktonic algae which produce an exoskeleton made of single platelets of calcite named coccoliths. They are widespread in all oceans and directly impact the short- and long-term C cycle. The study of coccolith size, morphology and elemental composition reveals important information regarding the ability of the cell to calcify and on the factors that influence this process. In this regard, very little is known about coccolith composition and its changes under altered environmental conditions. Here, we present high resolution (50 × 50 nm) elemental spatial distribution in pristine coccoliths of Coccolithus pelagicus and Gephyrocapsa oceanica reconstructed via X-ray fluorescence analyses at synchrotron. The studied specimens are from control culture and metal-enriched (V, Ni, Zn and Pb) experiments. The analysed specimens produced under stress conditions, display an irregular shape and are thinner, especially in the external rim, with ca. 1/3 lower Ca concentrations compared to specimens from the control. The same specimens also have higher Sr/Ca ratio with highest values in the coccolith external rim, suggesting that difficulty in calcification is additionally reflected in increased Sr/Ca ratios. Selenium is found in the coccolith as possible substitute of carbonate in the calcite. V and Pb apparently did not interact with the coccoliths while Zn and Ni were deposited on the coccolith surface.
Associations among neurophysiology measures in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and their relevance for IBS symptoms
Authors: Midenfjord Irina , Polster Annikka , Sjövall Henrik , Friberg Peter , Törnblom Hans , Simrén Magnus 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAbnormal gut-brain interactions are common in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the associations between neurophysiological measures and their relation to gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are poorly understood. Our aim was to explore these relationships and define the most relevant neurophysiology measures for GI symptom severity in IBS. IBS patients underwent small intestinal motility (manometry; fasted and fed contraction frequency, phase III time) and secretion (transmural potential difference), rectal sensorimotor (barostat; sensory thresholds, tone response, compliance), autonomic nervous system (baroreceptor sensitivity and effectiveness), and colonic motor function (transit time) examinations. GI symptom severity (GSRS-IBS), and anxiety and depression (HAD) as a proxy measure of central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction, were assessed. In total 281 IBS patients (Rome II criteria) were included (74% females, median age 36 [interquartile range 28–50] years). Significant correlations between neurophysiology measures were stronger within, rather than between, different neurophysiological examinations. The strongest neurophysiology-symptom correlations occurred between a combination of CNS and visceral sensitivity parameters, and GSRS-IBS total score and pain domain (ρ = 0.40, p < 0.001, and ρ = 0.38, p < 0.001). Associations between GI symptoms in IBS and individual and combinations of neurophysiological factors occurred, primarily in CNS and visceral sensitivity measures, providing new insights into the clinical presentation of IBS.
Premises of social cognition: Newborns are sensitive to a direct versus a faraway gaze
Authors: Guellaï Bahia , Hausberger Martine , Chopin Adrien , Streri Arlette 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPrevious studies evidenced that already from birth, newborns can perceive differences between a direct versus an averted gaze in faces both presented in static and interactive situations. It has been hypothesized that this early sensitivity would rely on modifications of the location of the iris (i.e. the darker part of the eye) in the sclera (i.e. the white part), or that it would be an outcome of newborns’ preference for configurations of faces with the eye region being more contrasted. One question still remains: What happens when the position of the iris is not modified in the sclera, but the look is ‘faraway’, that is when the gaze is toward the newborns’ face but above his or her own eyes? In the present study, we tested the influence of a direct versus a faraway gaze (i.e., two gazes that only differed slightly in the position of the iris on the vertical axis and not on the horizontal axis) on newborns’ face recognition. The procedure was identical to that used in previous studies: using a familiarization-test procedure, we familiarized two groups of newborns (N = 32) with videos of different talking faces that were presented with either a direct or a faraway gaze. Newborns were then tested with photographs of the face seen previously and of a new one. Results evidenced that newborns looked longer at the familiar face, but only in the direct gaze condition. These results suggest that, already from birth, infants can perceive slight differences of gazes when someone is addressing to them.
Fusing α and β subunits of the fungal fatty acid synthase leads to improved production of fatty acids
Authors: Wernig Florian , Born Sandra , Boles Eckhard , Grininger Martin , Oreb Mislav 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMost fungal fatty acid synthases assemble from two multidomain subunits, α and β, into a heterododecameric FAS complex. It has been recently shown that the complex assembly occurs in a cotranslational manner and is initiated by an interaction between the termini of α and β subunits. This initial engagement of subunits may be the rate-limiting phase of the assembly and subject to cellular regulation. Therefore, we hypothesized that bypassing this step by genetically fusing the subunits could be beneficial for biotechnological production of fatty acids. To test the concept, we expressed fused FAS subunits engineered for production of octanoic acid in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Collectively, our data indicate that FAS activity is a limiting factor of fatty acid production and that FAS fusion proteins show a superior performance compared to their split counterparts. This strategy is likely a generalizable approach to optimize the production of fatty acids and derived compounds in microbial chassis organisms.
Inhibition of G protein-gated K+ channels by tertiapin-Q rescues sinus node dysfunction and atrioventricular conduction in mouse models of primary bradycardia
Authors: Bidaud Isabelle , Chong Antony Chung You , Carcouet Agnes , Waard Stephan De , Charpentier Flavien , Ronjat Michel , Waard Michel De , Isbrandt Dirk , Wickman Kevin , Vincent Anne , Mangoni Matteo E. , Mesirca Pietro 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSinus node (SAN) dysfunction (SND) manifests as low heart rate (HR) and is often accompanied by atrial tachycardia or atrioventricular (AV) block. The only currently available therapy for chronic SND is the implantation of an electronic pacemaker. Because of the growing burden of SND in the population, new pharmacological therapies of chronic SND and heart block are desirable. We developed a collection of genetically modified mouse strains recapitulating human primary SND associated with different degrees of AV block. These mice were generated with genetic ablation of L-type Cav1.3 (Cav1.3−/−), T-type Cav3.1 (Cav3.1−/−), or both (Cav1.3−/−/Cav3.1−/−). We also studied mice haplo-insufficient for the Na+ channel Nav1.5 (Nav1.5+/) and mice in which the cAMP-dependent regulation of hyperpolarization-activated f-(HCN4) channels has been abolished (HCN4-CNBD). We analysed, by telemetric ECG recording, whether pharmacological inhibition of the G-protein-activated K+ current (IKACh) by the peptide tertiapin-Q could improve HR and AV conduction in these mouse strains. Tertiapin-Q significantly improved the HR of Cav1.3−/− (19%), Cav1.3−/−/Cav3.1−/− (23%) and HCN4-CNBD (14%) mice. Tertiapin-Q also improved cardiac conduction of Nav1.5+/− mice by 24%. Our data suggest that the development of pharmacological IKACh inhibitors for the management of SND and conduction disease is a viable approach.
The effects of environmental enrichment on skin barrier recovery in humans: a randomised trial
Authors: Law Mikaela , Jarrett Paul , Nater Urs M. , Skoluda Nadine , Broadbent Elizabeth 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis study investigated whether environmental enrichment (EE) could reduce stress and improve wound healing in humans. 120 participants underwent a standardised tape-stripping procedure and were then randomised to interact for 30 minutes with one of three EE interventions (comfort blankets as tactile enrichment, music as auditory enrichment or a Paro robot as multi-sensory enrichment) or to a control group. Skin barrier recovery (SBR) was measured using transepidermal water loss at baseline, after tape-stripping and after the intervention. Psychological variables, cortisol and alpha-amylase were measured at the three time-points. SBR did not significantly differ between the EE conditions and the control condition. The music condition had higher stimulation levels than the control condition, and the comfort condition had significantly lower relaxation levels than the control condition after the intervention. The EE interventions tested were not beneficial for wound healing compared to a control group. Limitations were that the sample were not stressed and an active control condition was used.
Acyl homoserine lactone-mediated quorum sensing in the oral cavity: a paradigm revisited
Authors: Muras Andrea , Otero-Casal Paz , Blanc Vanessa , Otero Ana 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAcyl homoserine lactones (AHLs), the quorum sensing (QS) signals produced by Gram-negative bacteria, are currently considered to play a minor role in the development of oral biofilm since their production by oral pathogens has not been ascertained thus far. However, we report the presence of AHLs in different oral samples and their production by the oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. The importance of AHLs is further supported by a very high prevalence of AHL-degradation capability, up to 60%, among bacteria isolated from dental plaque and saliva samples. Furthermore, the wide-spectrum AHL-lactonase Aii20J significantly inhibited oral biofilm formation in different in vitro biofilm models and caused important changes in bacterial composition. Besides, the inhibitory effect of Aii20J on a mixed biofilm of 6 oral pathogens was verified using confocal microscopy. Much more research is needed in order to be able to associate specific AHLs with oral pathologies and to individuate the key actors in AHL-mediated QS processes in dental plaque formation. However, these results indicate a higher relevance of the AHLs in the oral cavity than generally accepted thus far and suggest the potential use of inhibitory strategies against these signals for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases.
Natural Regeneration in the Tumbesian Dry Forest: Identification of the Drivers Affecting Abundance and Diversity
Authors: Cueva-Ortiz Jorge , Espinosa Carlos Iván , Aguirre-Mendoza Zhofre , Gusmán-Montalván Elizabeth , Weber Michael , Hildebrandt Patrick 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTropical and subtropical dry forests make up the world’s largest terrestrial ecosystem. However, these forests have been used to establish several productive activities, such as growing crops, rearing livestock, and using the forest resources, due to their ease of access and climatic conditions, which has led to this ecosystem becoming highly threatened. Therefore, this research assessed the effects of anthropogenic pressures and a number of abiotic variables on natural regeneration in dry forests in the Tumbesian region by addressing three research questions: (a) What is the status of natural regeneration in terms of abundance and diversity? (b) Does livestock grazing and the anthropogenic pressure affect the abundance and diversity of natural regeneration? (c) Does seasonality or grazing have the greatest influence on the regeneration dynamics? Data were obtained from 72 samples (36 fenced and 36 unfenced) during five surveys spanning a 2-year period, and the seedling abundance, mortality, recruitment, species richness and diversity were evaluated using linear mixed models. Natural regeneration was most positively affected by rainy season precipitation, but soil conditions also played an important role. Short-term fences had a major effect on reducing mortality but did not improve the abundance or diversity, whereas cattle grazing significantly affected the abundance of seedlings.
Psychological distress and lack of PINK1 promote bioenergetics alterations in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Grigoruţă Mariana , Dagda Ruben K. , Díaz-Sánchez Ángel G. , Martínez-Martínez Alejandro 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPsychological distress induces oxidative stress and alters mitochondrial metabolism in the nervous and immune systems. Psychological distress promotes alterations in brain metabolism and neurochemistry in wild-type (WT) rats in a similar manner as in Parkinsonian rats lacking endogenous PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), a serine/threonine kinase mutated in a recessive forms of Parkinson’s disease. PINK1 has been extensively studied in the brain, but its physiological role in peripheral tissues and the extent to which it intersects with the neuroimmune axis is not clear. We surmised that PINK1 modulates the bioenergetics of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) under basal conditions or in situations that promote oxidative stress as psychological distress. By using an XF metabolic bioanalyzer, PINK1-KO-PBMCs showed significantly increased oxidative phosphorylation and basal glycolysis compared to WT cells and correlated with motor dysfunction. In addition, psychological distress enhanced the glycolytic capacity in PINK1-KO-PBMCs but not in WT-PBMCs. The level of antioxidant markers and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were altered in PINK1-KO-PBMCs and by psychological distress. In summary, our data suggest that PINK1 is critical for modulating the bioenergetics and antioxidant responses in PBMCs whereas lack of PINK1 upregulates compensatory glycolysis in response to oxidative stress induced by psychological distress.
GTP hydrolysis by Synechocystis IM30 does not decisively affect its membrane remodeling activity
Authors: Junglas Benedikt , Siebenaller Carmen , Schlösser Lukas , Hellmann Nadja , Schneider Dirk 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe function of IM30 (also known as Vipp1) is linked to protection and/or remodeling of the thylakoid membrane system in chloroplasts and cyanobacteria. Recently, it has been revealed that the Arabidopsis IM30 protein exhibits GTP hydrolyzing activity in vitro, which was unexpected, as IM30 does not show any classical GTPase features. In the present study, we addressed the question, whether an apparent GTPase activity is conserved in IM30 proteins and can also be observed for IM30 of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. We show that Synechocystis IM30 is indeed able to bind and hydrolyze GTP followed by the release of Pi. Yet, the apparent GTPase activity of Synechocystis IM30 does not depend on Mg2+, which, together with the lack of classical GTPase features, renders IM30 an atypical GTPase. To elucidate the impact of this cryptic GTPase activity on the membrane remodeling activity of IM30, we tested whether GTP hydrolysis influences IM30 membrane binding and/or IM30-mediated membrane fusion. We show that membrane remodeling by Synechocystis IM30 is slightly affected by nucleotides. Yet, despite IM30 clearly catalyzing GTP hydrolysis, this does not seem to be vital for its membrane remodeling function.
A general-purpose Monte Carlo particle transport code based on inverse transform sampling for radiotherapy dose calculation
Authors: Liang Ying , Muhammad Wazir , Hart Gregory R. , Nartowt Bradley J. , Chen Zhe J. , Yu James B. , Roberts Kenneth B. , Duncan James S. , Deng Jun 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe Monte Carlo (MC) method is widely used to solve various problems in radiotherapy. There has been an impetus to accelerate MC simulation on GPUs whereas thread divergence remains a major issue for MC codes based on acceptance-rejection sampling. Inverse transform sampling has the potential to eliminate thread divergence but it is only implemented for photon transport. Here, we report a MC package Particle Transport in Media (PTM) to demonstrate the implementation of coupled photon-electron transport simulation using inverse transform sampling. Rayleigh scattering, Compton scattering, photo-electric effect and pair production are considered in an analogous manner for photon transport. Electron transport is simulated in a class II condensed history scheme, i.e., catastrophic inelastic scattering and Bremsstrahlung events are simulated explicitly while subthreshold interactions are subject to grouping. A random-hinge electron step correction algorithm and a modified PRESTA boundary crossing algorithm are employed to improve simulation accuracy. Benchmark studies against both EGSnrc simulations and experimental measurements are performed for various beams, phantoms and geometries. Gamma indices of the dose distributions are better than 99.6% for all the tested scenarios under the 2%/2 mm criteria. These results demonstrate the successful implementation of inverse transform sampling in coupled photon-electron transport simulation.
An integrative approach for pediatric auditory neuropathy spectrum disorders: revisiting etiologies and exploring the prognostic utility of auditory steady-state response
Authors: Lin Pei-Hsuan , Hsu Chuan-Jen , Lin Yin-Hung , Lin Yi-Hsin , Yang Shu-Yu , Yang Ting-Hua , Chen Pei-Lung , Wu Chen-Chi , Liu Tien-Chen 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAuditory neuropathy is an important entity in childhood sensorineural hearing loss. Due to diverse etiologies and clinical features, the management is often challenging. This study used an integrative patient-history, audiologic, genetic, and imaging-based approach to investigate the etiologies and audiologic features of 101 children with auditory neuropathy. Etiologically, 48 (47.5%), 16 (15.8%), 11 (10.9%), and 26 (25.7%) children were categorized as having acquired, genetic, cochlear nerve deficiency-related, and indefinite auditory neuropathy, respectively. The most common causes of acquired and genetic auditory neuropathy were prematurity and OTOF mutations, respectively. Patients with acquired auditory neuropathy presented hearing loss earlier (odds ratio, 10.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.2–47.4), whereas patients with genetic auditory neuropathy had higher presence rate of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (odds ratio, 10.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–85.4). In patients with different etiologies or pathological sites, moderate to strong correlations (Pearson’s r = 0.51–0.83) were observed between behavioral thresholds and auditory steady-state response thresholds. In conclusion, comprehensive assessments can provide etiological clues in ~75% of the children with auditory neuropathy. Different etiologies are associated with different audiologic features, and auditory steady-state responses might serve as an objective measure for estimating behavioral thresholds.