bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genomic patterns in the widespread Eurasian lynx shaped by Late Quaternary climatic fluctuations and anthropogenic impacts
Authors: Lucena‐Perez Maria , Marmesat Elena , Kleinman‐Ruiz Daniel , Martínez‐Cruz Begoña , Węcek Karolina , Saveljev Alexander P. , Seryodkin Ivan V. , Okhlopkov Innokentiy , Dvornikov Mikhail G. , Ozolins Janis , Galsandorj Naranbaatar , Paunovic Milan , Ratkiewicz Mirosław , Schmidt Krzysztof , Godoy José A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDisentangling the contribution of long‐term evolutionary processes and recent anthropogenic impacts to current genetic patterns of wildlife species is key to assessing genetic risks and designing conservation strategies. Here, we used 80 whole nuclear genomes and 96 mitogenomes from populations of the Eurasian lynx covering a range of conservation statuses, climatic zones and subspecies across Eurasia to infer the demographic history, reconstruct genetic patterns, and discuss the influence of long‐term isolation and/or more recent human‐driven changes. Our results show that Eurasian lynx populations shared a common history until 100,000 years ago, when Asian and European populations started to diverge and both entered a period of continuous and widespread decline, with western populations, except Kirov, maintaining lower effective sizes than eastern populations. Population declines and increased isolation in more recent times probably drove the genetic differentiation between geographically and ecologically close westernmost European populations. By contrast, and despite the wide range of habitats covered, populations are quite homogeneous genetically across the Asian range, showing a pattern of isolation by distance and providing little genetic support for the several proposed subspecies. Mitogenomic and nuclear divergences and population declines starting during the Late Pleistocene can be mostly attributed to climatic fluctuations and early human influence, but the widespread and sustained decline since the Holocene is more probably the consequence of anthropogenic impacts which intensified in recent centuries, especially in western Europe. Genetic erosion in isolated European populations and lack of evidence for long‐term isolation argue for the restoration of lost population connectivity.
Aging alters spontaneous and neurotransmitter‐mediated Ca2+ signaling in smooth muscle cells of mouse mesenteric arteries
Authors: Boerman Erika M. , Segal Steven S. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveAging impairs MA dilation by reducing the ability of sensory nerves to counteract sympathetic vasoconstriction. This study tested whether altered SMC Ca2+ signals to sympathetic (NE) and sensory (CGRP) neurotransmitters underlie aging‐related deficits in vasodilation.MethodsMAs from young and old mice were pressurized and loaded with Fluo‐4 dye for confocal measurement of SMC Ca2+ sparks and waves. Endothelial denudation resolved the influence of ECs. SMCs were immunolabeled for RyR isoforms and compared with transcript levels for RyRs and CGRP receptor components.ResultsSMCs from young vs old mice exhibited more spontaneous Ca2+ spark sites with no difference in Ca2+ waves. NE reduced spark sites and increased waves for both groups; addition of CGRP restored sparks and reduced waves only for young mice. Endothelial denudation attenuated Ca2+ responses to CGRP for young but not old mice, which were already attenuated, suggesting a diminished role for ECs with aging. CGRP receptor expression was similar between ages with increased serum CGRP in old mice, where RyR1 expression was replaced by RyR3.ConclusionWith aging, we suggest that altered RyR expression in SMCs contributes to impaired ability of sensory neurotransmission to restore Ca2+ signaling underlying vasomotor control during sympathetic activation.
High‐dose nitroglycerin administered during rewarming preserves erythrocyte deformability in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Tai Ying‐Hsuan , Chu You‐Hsiang , Wu Hsiang‐Ling , Lin Su‐Man , Tsou Mei‐Yung , Huang Cheng‐Hsiung , Chang Hsiao‐Huang , Lu Chih‐Cherng 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to determine whether high‐dose nitroglycerin, a nitric oxide donor, preserves erythrocyte deformability during cardiopulmonary bypass and examines the signaling pathway of nitric oxide in erythrocytes.MethodsIn a randomized and controlled fashion, forty‐two patients undergoing cardiac surgery with hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass were allocated to high‐dose (N = 21) and low‐dose groups (N = 21). During rewarming period, patients were given intravenous nitroglycerin with an infusion rate 5 and 1 µg·kg−1·min−1in high‐dose and low‐dose groups, respectively. Tyrosine phosphorylation level of non‐muscle myosin IIA in erythrocyte membrane was used as an index of erythrocyte deformability and analyzed using immunoblotting.ResultsTyrosine phosphorylation of non‐muscle myosin IIA was significantly enhanced after bypass in high‐dose group (3.729 ± 1.700 folds,P = .011) but not low‐dose group (1.545 ± 0.595 folds,P = .076). Phosphorylation of aquaporin 1, vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein, and focal adhesion kinase in erythrocyte membrane was also upregulated in high‐dose group after bypass. Besides, plasma nitric oxide level was highly correlated with fold change of non‐muscle myosin IIA phosphorylation (Pearson's correlation coefficient .871).ConclusionsHigh‐dose nitroglycerin administered during cardiopulmonary bypass improves erythrocyte deformability through activating phosphorylation of aquaporin 1, vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein, and focal adhesion kinase in erythrocytes.
Diabetes mellitus and oral cancer/oral potentially malignant disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ramos‐Garcia Pablo , Roca‐Rodriguez Maria del Mar , Aguilar‐Diosdado Manuel , Gonzalez‐Moles Miguel Angel 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe objective was to evaluate current evidence on the prevalence and risk of oral cancer and potentially malignant oral disorders among patients with diabetes mellitus. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus for observational studies published before November 2019. We evaluated the study quality using GRADE, QUIPS, and a specific method for systematic reviews addressing prevalence questions. Meta‐analyses were conducted, and heterogeneity and publication bias were examined. A total of 1,489 studies were found, 116 analyzed in full text, 52 included in qualitative synthesis and 49 meta‐analyzed. Pooled prevalence (PP) of oral cancer in patients with diabetic was 0.25% (95% CI = 0.15–0.39)—250 per 100,000 patients with diabetes mellitus —with a greater chance of oral cancer among patients with diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.41 [95% CI = 1.10–1.81], p = .007). Patients with oral cancer and diabetes mellitus had a higher mortality than controls (HR = 2.09 [95%CI = 1.36–3.22], p = .001). Leukoplakia had a PP = 2.49% (95% CI = 1.14–4.29)—2,490 per 100,000 patients with diabetes mellitus —(OR = 4.34 [95% CI = 1.14–16.55], p = .03). A PP of 2.72 (95% CI = 1.64–4.02) was obtained for oral lichen planus among patients with diabetic —2,720 per 100,000 patients with diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.87 [95% CI = 1.37–2.57], p < .001). A low PP was estimated for erythroplakia (0.02%[95%CI = 0.00–0.12]—20 per 100,000 patients with diabetes mellitus. In conclusion, patients with diabetes mellitus have a higher prevalence and greater chance of oral cancer and OPMD development in comparison with non‐diabetic patients. In addition, patients with oral cancer suffering from diabetes mellitus have a higher mortality compared to non‐diabetic patients with oral cancer.
CRISPR‐Cas systems in oral microbiome: From immune defense to physiological regulation
Authors: Gong Tao , Zeng Jumei , Tang Boyu , Zhou Xuedong , Li Yuqing 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats with CRISPR‐associated proteins (CRISPR‐Cas) system, found in bacteria and archaea, provides sequence‐based adaptive immunity against mobile genetic elements, including phages and plasmids. The oral cavity contains approximately 700 prokaryote species harboring known CRISPR‐Cas systems, including type I, type II, type III, type V, and type VI, and unidentified CRISPR‐Cas systems. There is increasing evidence to suggest that different CRISPR‐Cas systems in the human oral microbiome can affect bacterial physiology through different mechanisms. Here, we review the canonical and novel functions of the CRISPR‐Cas system, including defense against the invasion of foreign mobile elements, biofilm formation, acquisition of resistance genes, DNA repair, regulation of interspecific competition and intraspecific diversification, stress responses, and gene expression regulation. Overall, the mechanisms involved in CRISPR‐Cas systems and their effects on bacterial physiology provide new insights into our understanding of the function and application of methods (including gene editing, modulation of CRISPR‐Cas by anti‐CRISPR, antimicrobials) on the oral microbiome.
Identification of functional domains of the minor fimbrial antigen involved in the interaction of Porphyromonas gingivalis with oral streptococci
Authors: Roky Mohammad , Trent John O. , Demuth Donald R. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPorphyromonas gingivalis is associated with chronic periodontitis and may initially colonize the oral cavity by adhering to streptococci. Adhesion to streptococci is driven by interaction of the minor fimbrial antigen (Mfa1) with streptococcal antigen I/II. We identified the region of antigen I/II required for this interaction and developed small molecule mimetics that inhibited P. gingivalis adherence. However, the functional motifs of Mfa1 involved in the interaction with antigen I/II remain uncharacterized. A series of N‐ and C‐terminal peptide fragments of Mfa1 were expressed and tested for inhibition of P. gingivalis adherence to S. gordonii. This approach identified residues 225–400 of Mfa1 as essential for P. gingivalis adherence. Using the three‐dimensional structure of Mfa1, a putative binding cleft was identified using SiteMap and five small molecule mimetics could dock in this site. Site‐specific mutation of residues in the predicted cleft, including R240A, W275A, D321A and A357P inhibited the interaction of Mfa1 with streptococci, whereas mutation of residues not in the predicted cleft (V238A, I252F and ΔK253) had no effect. Complementation of an Mfa1‐deficient P. gingivalis strain with wild‐type mfa1 restored adherence to streptococci, whereas complementation with full‐length mfa1 containing the R240A or A357P mutations did not restore adherence. The mutations did not affect polymerization of Mfa1, suggesting that the complemented strains produced intact minor fimbriae. These results identified specific residues and structural motifs required for the Mfa1‐antigen I/II interaction and will facilitate the design of small molecule therapeutics to prevent P. gingivalis colonization of the oral cavity.
Plasma levels of dopamine metabolite correlate with mismatch negativity in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Shiga Tetsuya , Horikoshi Sho , Kanno Kazuko , Kanno‐Nozaki Keiko , Hikita Masayuki , Itagaki Shuntaro , Miura Itaru , Yabe Hirooki 
Published: January 2020

AimMismatch negativity (MMN) deficit is one of the most robust and replicable findings in schizophrenia, and primarily reflects deficient functioning of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor system. Although the dopamine receptor is known not to modulate MMN over the short term, it is unclear whether the dopamine system affects MMN in the long term.MethodsWe explored correlations between MMN and levels of plasma dopamine and serotonin metabolites in 18 patients with schizophrenia psychiatrically evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).ResultsA significant negative correlation exists between MMN amplitude and plasma levels of dopamine metabolites. Plasma serotonin metabolite levels were not correlated with MMN. The PANSS total score and Negative score also showed negative correlations with MMN amplitude.ConclusionThe usual strong therapeutic blockade of dopamine receptors applied in cases of schizophrenia may reduce MMN over the long term.
The ability to understand emotions is associated with interoception‐related insular activation and white matter integrity during aging
Authors: Dobrushina Olga R. , Arina Galina A. , Dobrynina Larisa A. , Suslina Anastasia D. , Solodchik Polina O. , Belopasova Anastasia V. , Gubanova Mariia V. , Sergeeva Anastasia N. , Kremneva Elena I. , Krotenkova Marina V. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is a major cause of cognitive impairment in elderly people. While most research focuses on the role of the classical vascular risk factors in SVD, a description of the psychophysiological mechanisms leading to the age‐related brain damage may open new possibilities for prophylaxis. In the current study, we evaluated the associations between emotional abilities, interoception, and age‐related vascular white matter degeneration. The work was influenced, first, by multiple studies recognizing alexithymia as a cardiovascular risk factor; second, by theories of emotions linking body's allostasis and emotional regulation; and third, by neuroimaging data highlighting the shared role of the insular cortex in interoceptive and emotional processing. In a sample of older female adults (N = 30), we performed the Mayer–Salovey–Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test, functional MRI using the heartbeat detection task, and evaluation of white matter microstructural integrity using diffusion weighted imaging. The ability to understand and analyze emotions—one of the four components of emotional intelligence—was found to be associated with higher interoception‐related activation of the right anterior insula and preserved white matter microstructure. We interpret these results in light of the concept of Embodied Predictive Interoception Coding, which proposes that emotional processing, interoception, and allostasis (antecedent top‐down regulation of the body's internal milieu) may rely on the shared neural mechanisms of predictive coding. The study demonstrates feasibility of the investigation of cerebrovascular diseases form a psychophysiological perspective and calls for future research.
Export quality differentiation under credit constraints
Authors: Ciani Andrea , Bartoli Francesca 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis paper studies the effect of credit constraints on the choice by small and medium‐sized enterprises to export goods of higher quality relative to their domestically sold output (quality differentiation). The empirical analysis employs detailed firm‐level data on product characteristics and credit scores. Credit constraints are found to be negatively associated with export quality differentiation. Firms reporting a deterioration of the credit score by a standard deviation are 36% less likely to pursue quality differentiation. The negative relation between credit constraints and quality differentiation is stronger for firms exporting to distant markets.
Canine nasal septum deviation can be a normal variation and correlates with increasing skull indices
Authors: Miles Samantha , Schwarz Tobias 
Published: January 2020

AbstractNasal septal deviation has been studied in relation to nasal pathology and mass effect in dogs. The purpose of this retrospective, cross‐sectional study was to compare the prevalence of nasal septal deviation in dogs with rhinitis, neoplasia, and those without nasal pathology based on the facial index, skull index, and cranial index. Computed tomographic studies of the nasal cavities of dogs performed over a 5‐year period were retrospectively reviewed. This study had 233 dogs meeting the inclusion criteria with 135 dogs with no nasal pathology, 63 dogs with nasal neoplasia, and 35 dogs with rhinitis. The prevalence of nasal septal deviation, the angle, maximum distance, and longitudinal extent of deviation were recorded, as well as measurements to calculate the facial index, cranial index, and skull index. The results showed no difference in the prevalence of nasal septal deviation between dogs with nasal pathology and those without. The mean longitudinal extent of deviation and maximum distance of deviation was statistically greater for those with neoplasia compared to those with rhinitis and without nasal pathology. The longitudinal extent of deviation was inversely proportional to the cranial index, facial index, and skull index. The angle of deviation was directly proportional to the facial index and skull index. In conclusion, nasal septal deviation is an anatomic variant in different breeds of dogs with no predilection based on nasal pathology. Nasal septal deviation should be interpreted cautiously in the assessment of canine nasal disease.
Modeling and Design of a Solar-Powered Refrigerator for Vaccines Transportation in Remote Regions
Authors: Doubabi Hajar , Salhi Issam , Chennani Mohammed , Essounbouli Najib 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
In this paper, a portable photovoltaic (PV)-powered vaccine carrier intended for “hard to reach” areas that suffer luck of electricity and transportation has been proposed. The design of the proposed system has been analyzed and each of its elements (PV panel, battery, converter, and refrigerator) has been deeply studied, modeled, and validated through simulation as well as experimentally. These elements are carefully selected to form a robust, light system and at a reasonable cost. To maximize energy production, the PV panel control using a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller has been examined. Moreover, to ensure an appropriate battery charging and thereby prolonging battery life, state of charge (SOC) estimation using the Luenberger observer has been studied. The proposed system has been investigated under different climatic conditions. It was subjected to different daily profiles of irradiance and temperature measured in three seasons, namely, winter, spring, and summer in Marrakesh, Morocco. As expected, for all studied cases, the proposed PV-powered vaccine carrier works adequately and maintains continuously a low temperature of 4 °C (as required by the World Health Organization (WHO) for vaccine preservation) for a journey of 15 h. These results making it a very suitable option to transport vaccines safely in remote areas.
Revisiting Gradient Layer Heat Extraction in Solar Ponds Through a Realistic Approach
Authors: Verma Sunirmit , Das Ranjan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
In this paper, the concept of heat extraction from the gradient zone (GZ) in solar ponds has been analyzed in a more realistic manner to overcome the drawbacks of previously conducted studies. For this purpose, a net heat transfer coefficient has been invoked to investigate the heat transfer occurring from the GZ to the exchanger installed in this zone, in addition to the storage zone (SZ). Analytical solutions for temperature profiles in the GZ and the corresponding exchanger have been obtained which are further used to investigate various aspects of the thermal performance of the pond. The consideration of realistic heat transfer across the GZ exchanger reveals that the ideal thickness of GZ yielding maximum power output is always under-predicted by the idealized assumption of the literature. Unlike intuitive perception, the conventional assumption of an infinite heat transfer coefficient does not affect the pond stability because, for all practical purposes, the critical salt diffusion rate predicted by it is always larger than the actual critical value required for ensuring stable pond operation. However, as expected, the rate of exergy destruction caused by the pond’s operation is found to be underestimated by the idealized assumption. This study provides a useful analytical tool to make more realistic predictions on various performance parameters of solar ponds utilizing the heat stored in their GZ.
Symbolic Time Series Analysis for Anomaly Detection in Measure-Invariant Ergodic Systems
Authors: Ghalyan Najah F. , Ray Asok 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This paper presents a novel framework of symbolic time series analysis (STSA) for anomaly detection in dynamical systems. The core concept is built upon a property of measure-preserving transformation (MPT) sequence, acting on a probability space with ergodic measure, that the eigenfunctions of these transformations would be time-invariant. As a result, unlike a standard STSA that is required to generate time-homogeneous Markov chains, the proposed MPT-based STSA is allowed to have time-inhomogeneous Markov chains, where the (possibly time-varying) state transition probability matrices have time-invariant eigenvectors. Such a time-invariance facilitates analysis of the dynamical system by using short-length time series of measurements. This is particularly important in applications, where the underlying dynamics and process anomalies need fast monitoring and control actions in order to mitigate any potential structural damage and/or to avoid catastrophic failures. The MPT-based STSA has been applied for low-delay detection of fatigue damage, which is a common source of failures in mechanical structures and which is known to have uncertain dynamical characteristics. The underlying algorithm has been validated with experimental data generated from a laboratory apparatus that uses ultrasonic sensors to detect fatigue damage in polycrystalline–alloy specimens. The performance of the proposed MPT-based STSA is evaluated by comparison with those of a standard STSA and a hidden Markov model (HMM) on the same experimental data. The results consistently show superior performance of the MPT-based STSA.
Early Design Stage Evaluation of Thermal Performance of Battery Heat Acquisition System of a Hybrid Electric Aircraft
Authors: Macdonald Malcolm , Annapragada S. Ravi , Sur Aritra , Mahmoudi Reza , Lents Charles , Jain Ankur 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The electric energy and power storage, conversion and distribution (ESC&D) system of a hybrid electric aircraft, even at high efficiency, will reject significant heat at relatively low temperature. Thermal management systems (TMSs) can add excessive weight (heat exchangers and pumps) and impose excessive parasitic power consumption (pumps and fans) and drag (engine fan stream air and ram air) on the aircraft. Thus, effective low-weight thermal management of the ESC&D system is critical to realizing the potential benefits of a hybrid electric aircraft. This paper carries out early design stage benchmarking and evaluation of various thermal management approaches for the battery heat acquisition system of a hybrid electric aircraft. It is shown that the battery heat acquisition system based on state-of-the-art automotive electric vehicle design may be a third of the weight of the battery itself. Alternative approaches discussed here have the promise of reducing this weight by more than 60%.