bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Representation of Hydrological Dynamical Systems Using Extended Petri Nets (EPN)
Authors: Bancheri Marialaura , Serafin Francesco , Rigon Riccardo 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis work presents a new graphical system to represent hydrological dynamical models and their interactions. We propose an extended version of the Petri Nets mathematical modeling language, the Extended Petri Nets (EPN), which allows for an immediate translation from the graphics of the model to its mathematical representation in a clear way. We introduce the principal objects of the EPN representation (i.e., places, transitions, arcs, controllers, and splitters) and their use in hydrological systems. We show how to cast hydrological models in EPN and how to complete their mathematical description using a dictionary for the symbols and an expression table for the flux equations. Thanks to the compositional property of EPN, we show how it is possible to represent either a single hydrological response unit or a complex catchment where multiple systems of equations are solved simultaneously. Finally, EPN can be used to describe complex Earth system models that include feedback between the water, energy, and carbon budgets. The representation of hydrological dynamical systems with EPN provides a clear visualization of the relations and feedback between subsystems, which can be studied with techniques introduced in nonlinear systems theory and control theory.
The SCOC database, a large, open, and global database with sediment community oxygen consumption rates
Authors: Stratmann Tanja , Soetaert Karline , Wei Chih-Lin , Lin Yu-Shih , van Oevelen Dick 
Published: October 2019

AbstractSediment community oxygen consumption (SCOC) rates provide important information about biogeochemical processes in marine sediments and the activity of benthic microorganisms and fauna. Therefore, several databases of SCOC data have been compiled since the mid-1990s. However, these earlier databases contained much less data records and were not freely available. Additionally, the databases were not transparent in their selection procedure, so that other researchers could not assess the quality of the data. Here, we present the largest, best documented, and freely available database of SCOC data compiled to date. The database is comprised of 3,540 georeferenced SCOC records from 230 studies that were selected following the procedure for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Each data record states whether the oxygen consumption was measured ex situ or in situ, as total oxygen uptake, diffusive or advective oxygen uptake, and which measurement device was used. The database will be curated and updated annually to secure and maintain an up-to-date global database of SCOC data.
Period-3 dominant phase synchronisation of Zelkova serrata: border-collision bifurcation observed in a plant population
Authors: Sakai Kenshi , Hoshino Yoshinobu , Prasad Awadhesh , Sugawara Fukamachi Atsuko , Ishibashi Akira 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe population synchrony of tree seed production has attracted widespread attention in agriculture, forestry and ecosystem management. Oaks usually show synchronisation of irregular or intermittent sequences of acorn production, which is termed ‘masting’. Tree crops such as citrus and pistachio show a clear two-year cycle (period-2) termed ‘alternate bearing’. We identified period-3 dominant phase synchronisation in a population of Zelkova serrata. As ‘period-3’ is known to provide evidence to imply chaos in nonlinear science, the observed period-3 phase synchronisation of Zelkova serrata is an attractive real-world phenomenon that warrants investigation in terms of nonlinear dynamics. Using the Hilbert transform, we proposed a procedure to determine the fractions of periods underlying the survey data and distinguished the on-year (high yield year) and the off-year (low yield year) of the masting. We quantified the effects of pollen coupling, common environmental noise and individual variability on the phase synchronisation and demonstrated how the period-3 synchronisation emerges through a border-collision bifurcation process. In this paper, we propose a model that can describe diverse behaviours of seed production observed in many different tree species by changing its parameters.
AST-120, an Oral Carbon Absorbent, Protects against the Progression of Atherosclerosis in a Mouse Chronic Renal Failure Model by Preserving sFlt-1 Expression Levels
Authors: Nakada Yasuki , Onoue Kenji , Nakano Tomoya , Ishihara Satomi , Kumazawa Takuya , Nakagawa Hitoshi , Ueda Tomoya , Nishida Taku , Soeda Tsunenari , Okayama Satoshi , Watanabe Makoto , Kawakami Rika , Saito Yoshihiko 
Published: October 2019

AbstractSoluble Flt-1 (sFlt-1), an endogenous antagonist of the proatherogenic cytokine placental growth factor, is decreased in chronic kidney disease (CKD), leading to atherosclerotic progression. In this study, we investigated the effect of AST-120, an oral carbon adsorbent which can remove uremic toxins, on sFlt-1 expression levels and atherosclerosis progression. Atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice underwent a 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 NR) or a sham operation (sham) at 8 weeks of age and were then treated or not with oral AST-120 for 12 weeks. sFlt-1 expression levels and the degree of atherosclerosis were assessed at 22 weeks of age in each of the four groups (sham; n = 7, 5/6 NR; n = 10, sham + AST-120: n = 8, 5/6 NR + AST-120; n = 8). The expression levels of sFlt-1 mRNA in the kidney were significantly lower in the 5/6 NR group than in the sham group, but AST-120 treatment prevented this decrease in sFlt-1 levels. Similarly, the atherosclerotic plaque area of the thoracoabdominal aorta was significantly larger in the 5/6 NR group than in the sham group, and AST-120 treatment prevented this increase in atherosclerosis. AST-120 could, therefore, be used as a therapeutic to treat atherosclerosis in patients with CKD.
CO2 oxidative coupling of methane using an earth-abundant CaO-based catalyst
Authors: Zhang Yongzheng , Cho Yohei , Yamaguchi Akira , Peng Xiaobo , Miyauchi Masahiro , Abe Hideki , Fujita Takeshi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCO2 oxidative coupling of methane has been achieved by using CO2 as the oxidant. We explored various catalysts with the capability of producing C2,3 hydrocarbons and found that the use of a CaO-based oxide with sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) allowed for remarkable direct methane conversion with a C2,3 yield of 6.6% at 950 °C. Microstructural characterisations showed that the optimal sample contained sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) covered with fine calcium oxide particles with chloride doping. Interestingly, sodium carbonate acted as a molten salt catalyst in this scenario. The synthesised active components are earth-abundant and can increase the possibility of achieving higher yields of hydrocarbons.
Neural control of fasting-induced torpor in mice
Authors: Hitrec Timna , Luppi Marco , Bastianini Stefano , Squarcio Fabio , Berteotti Chiara , Lo Martire Viviana , Martelli Davide , Occhinegro Alessandra , Tupone Domenico , Zoccoli Giovanna , Amici Roberto , Cerri Matteo 
Published: October 2019

AbstractTorpor is a peculiar mammalian behaviour, characterized by the active reduction of metabolic rate, followed by a drop in body temperature. To enter torpor, the activation of all thermogenic organs that could potentially defend body temperature must be prevented. Most of these organs, such as the brown adipose tissue, are controlled by the key thermoregulatory region of the Raphe Pallidus (RPa). Currently, it is not known which brain areas mediate the entrance into torpor. To identify these areas, the expression of the early gene c-Fos at torpor onset was assessed in different brain regions in mice injected with a retrograde tracer (Cholera Toxin subunit b, CTb) into the RPa region. The results show a network of hypothalamic neurons that are specifically activated at torpor onset and a direct torpor-specific projection from the Dorsomedial Hypothalamus to the RPa that could putatively mediate the suppression of thermogenesis during torpor.
Metabolic syndrome and lung function in Korean children and adolescents: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Kim Minji , Choi Seoheui , Choi Soo-Han , Shin Seon-Hee , Kim Sung Koo , Shim Young Suk , Jeon You Hoon 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate whether obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with pulmonary function in Korean children and adolescents. Data from the 2009–2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey which is cross-sectional, nationwide, and representative survey were used. Adjusted regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association of obesity and MetS with lung function in children and adolescents. A total of 763 children and adolescents aged 10–18 years were evaluated. We found no significant difference in FEV1% predicted, FVC% predicted, and FEV1/FVC ratio among the obesity groups. Subjects with MetS showed a significantly lower FEV1 predicted (91.54 ± 0.74% vs 94.64 ± 0.73%, P = 0.004), lower FVC% predicted (91.86 ± 0.63% vs 95.20 ± 0.63%, P < 0.001), and lower FEV1/FVC ratio (76.76 ± 0.43% vs 80.13 ± 0.43%, P < 0.001) than those without MetS. Elevated waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were independently associated with lower FEV1/FVC ratio (all P < 0.05, respectively). Among MetS components, increased WC was the most important factor influencing lower FEV1/FVC ratio. In conclusion, lung function in MetS patients was significantly lower, and the MetS component was independently associated.
Risk of breast cancer in women with non-lactational mastitis
Authors: Chang Chun-Ming , Lin Mei-Chen , Yin Wen-Yao 
Published: October 2019

AbstractLittle is known regarding the association of non-lactational mastitis women with breast cancer risk. This population-based cohort study examined the breast cancer risk in women with non-lactational mastitis. We identified 3,091 women with non-lactational mastitis between 2000 and 2011 using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. We performed 1:4 propensity score matching by age, socioeconomic status and comorbidities and identified 12,364 women without non-lactational mastitis. The mean age of women with non-lactational mastitis was 37.9 years; these women had a higher breast cancer risk than the comparison group (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.94, 95% confidence interval: 1.30–2.90). The incidence rates of breast cancer in women with non-lactational mastitis and the comparison group were 14.79 and 7.57 per 10,000 person-years, respectively. Furthermore, non-lactational mastitis was a risk factor for breast cancer in women aged <50 years, women with lower socioeconomic status and women with hormonal medication (p < 0.05). Women who had more episodes of non-lactational mastitis had a higher risk of developing a breast cancer. Thus, the risk of breast cancer in women with non-lactational mastitis is significantly higher than those without non-lactational mastitis.
Estimated functional space of centric condyle positions in temporomandibular joints of asymptomatic individuals using MRI
Authors: Čelar Aleš , Gahleitner André , Lettner Stefan , Freudenthaler Josef 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies on centric condyle positions lack 3D comparisons of guided and unguided methods, which are used for accomplishing centric relation reference positions. The purpose of this study was to describe the space, in which mandibular condyles are placedin vivoby dental intercuspation, Dawson’s bimanual manipulation, and neuromuscular position. Twenty asymptomatic individuals aged 23 to 37 years underwent separate bite registrations using bimanual manipulation and the unguided neuromuscular technique. Subsequent 3-Tesla MRI scans of both temporomandibular joints yielded 3D data of the most superior condylar points at maximum intercuspation and both centric relation positions. We found concentric condyle positions in maximum intercuspation but considerable variation of condyle position after bimanual manipulation and neuromuscular technique. Their 95% predictive confidence ellipses overlapped substantially and created a space of reference positions. Its smallest volume averaged 2 mm3for a minimal convex hull (95% confidence interval 1.1–3.2) and 3.5 mm3for a minimal ellipsoid hull (95% confidence interval 1.8–5.4). Visualizedin vivoby MRI, condyle positions at bimanual manipulation and neuromuscular position were not predictable and showed substantial variation in asymptomatic subjects. Clinicians should be aware of the functional space and its effect on dental intercuspation.
NCOA5 Haplo-insufficiency Results in Male Mouse Infertility through Increased IL-6 Expression in the Epididymis
Authors: Gao Shenglan , Zhang Yueqi , Yang Chengfeng , Perez Gloria I. , Xiao Hua 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMale infertility might be caused by genetic and/or environmental factors that impair spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm maturation. Here we report that heterozygous deletion of the nuclear receptor coactivator-5 (Ncoa5) gene resulted in decreased motility and progression of spermatozoa in the cauda epididymis, leading to infertility in male mice. Light microscopic and ultrastructural analysis revealed morphological defects in the spermatozoa collected from the cauda epididymis of Ncoa5+/− mice. Immunohistochemistry showed that interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression in epithelial cells of Ncoa5+/− epididymis was higher than wild type counterparts. Furthermore, heterozygous deletion of Il-6 gene in Ncoa5+/− male mice partially improved spermatozoa motility and moderately rescued infertility phenotype. Our results uncover a previously unknown physiological role of NCOA5 in the regulation of epididymal sperm maturation and suggest that NCOA5 deficiency could cause male infertility through increased IL-6 expression in epididymis.
Notch Signaling Regulates MMP-13 Expression via Runx2 in Chondrocytes
Authors: Xiao Di , Bi Ruiye , Liu Xianwen , Mei Jie , Jiang Nan , Zhu Songsong 
Published: October 2019

AbstractNotch signaling is involved in the early onset of osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Notch signaling changes during proliferation and differentiation of chondrocyte, and to testify the mechanism of MMP-13 regulation by Notch and Runx2 expression changes during osteoarthritis. In this study, Chondrocytes were isolated from rat knee cartilages. Notch signaling was activated/inhibited by Jagged-1/DAPT. Proliferative capacity of Chondrocytes was analyzed by CCK-8 staining and EdU labeling. ColX, Runx2 and MMP-13 expressions were analyzed as cell differentiation makers. Then, Runx2 gene expression was interfered using lentivirus transfection (RNAi) and was over-expressed by plasmids transfected siRNA in chondrocytes, and MMP-13 expression was analyzed after Jagged-1/DAPT treatment. In vivo, an intra-articular injection of shRunx2 lentivirus followed with Jagged1/DAPT treatments was performed in rats. MMP-13 expression in articular cartilage was detected by immunohistochemistry. Finally, MMP-13 expression changes were analyzed in chondrocytes under IL-1β stimulation. Our findings showed that, CCK-8 staining and EdU labeling revealed suppression of cell proliferation by Notch signaling activation after Jagged-1 treatment in chondrocytes. Promoted differentiation was also observed, characterized by increased expressions of Col X, MMP-13 and Runx2. Meanwhile, Sox9, aggrecan and Col II expressions were down-regulated. The opposite results were observed in Notch signaling inhibited cells by DAPT treatment. In addition, Runx2 RNAi significantly attenuated the ‘regulatory sensitivity’ of Notch signaling on MMP-13 expression both in vitro and in vivo. However, we found there wasn’t significant changes of this ‘regulatory sensitivity’ of Notch signaling after Runx2 over-expression. Under IL-1β circumstance, MMP-13 expression could be reduced by both DAPT treatment and Runx2 RNAi, while Runx2 interference also attenuated the ‘regulatory sensitivity’ of Notch in MMP-13 under IL-1β stimulation. In conclusion, Notch signaling is an important regulator on rat chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation, and this regulatory effect was partially mediated by proper Runx2 expression under both normal and IL-1β circumstances. In the meanwhile, DAPT treatment could effectively suppress expression of MMP-13 stimulated by IL-1 β.
Application of Automatic Kinematic Analysis Program for the Evaluation of Dysphagia in ALS patients
Authors: Lee Ban Hyung , Lee Jun Chang , Lee Sun Myoung , Park Yulhyun , Ryu Ju Seok 
Published: October 2019

AbstractDysphagia in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) increases the risk of malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia. Kinematic analysis of videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) can provide detailed movement of the hyoid bone, revealing abnormalities of swallowing in ALS patients. We developed an automated kinematic analysis program (AKAP) that analyzes the trajectory of the hyoid bone via a visual tracking method. The aim of this study was to investigate the hyoid movement in ALS patients using AKAP and compare it with non-dysphagic subjects. Thirty ALS patients who underwent VFSS in Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between 2015 and 2017 were recruited. For comparison, 30 age-matched control subjects were also enrolled; the same swallowing study was conducted using thin fluid and yogurt. The hyoid bone movement was analyzed by evaluating the vertical and horizontal distances with four peak points (A, B, C, D), and the time of each point were also calculated. With respect to distance parameters, only vertical peak distance (distance between B, D points) during thin fluid swallowing was significantly decreased in ALS patients. (p = 0.038) With respect to temporal parameters, Time ABC, Time ABCD, and Duration C were significantly increased in ALS patients when swallowing both thin fluid and yogurt. (Time ABC p = 0.019, p = 0.002; Time ABCD p = 0.001, p = 0.004; Duration C p = 0.004, p = 0.025 respectively). This result revealed that dysphagia in ALS patient is caused by decreased velocity of hyoid bone movement due to the development of weakness in swallowing-related muscles. The parameters of kinematic analysis could be used to quantitatively evaluate dysphagia in motor neuron disease.
Habitat degradation and indiscriminate hunting differentially impact faunal communities in the Southeast Asian tropical biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Tilker Andrew , Abrams Jesse F. , Mohamed Azlan , Nguyen An , Wong Seth T. , Sollmann Rahel , Niedballa Jürgen , Bhagwat Tejas , Gray Thomas N. E. , Rawson Benjamin M. , Guegan Francois , Kissing Johnny , Wegmann Martin , Wilting Andreas 
Published: October 2019

AbstractHabitat degradation and hunting have caused the widespread loss of larger vertebrate species (defaunation) from tropical biodiversity hotspots. However, these defaunation drivers impact vertebrate biodiversity in different ways and, therefore, require different conservation interventions. We conducted landscape-scale camera-trap surveys across six study sites in Southeast Asia to assess how moderate degradation and intensive, indiscriminate hunting differentially impact tropical terrestrial mammals and birds. We found that functional extinction rates were higher in hunted compared to degraded sites. Species found in both sites had lower occupancies in the hunted sites. Canopy closure was the main predictor of occurrence in the degraded sites, while village density primarily influenced occurrence in the hunted sites. Our findings suggest that intensive, indiscriminate hunting may be a more immediate threat than moderate habitat degradation for tropical faunal communities, and that conservation stakeholders should focus as much on overhunting as on habitat conservation to address the defaunation crisis.
High glucose provokes microvesicles generation from glomerular podocytes via NOX4/ROS pathway
Authors: Li Mingzhen , Zhang Tian , Wu Xin , Chen Yulin , Sun Lirong 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Microvesicles (MVs) were involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Oxidative stress played a key role in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Our aim of the present study was to investigate whether high glucose (HG) could provoke MVs generation from podocytes and its potential mechanism. Mouse podocyte clone 5 (MPC-5) was stimulated by HG. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) of podocytes were measured by fluorescence microscopy with the probe of CM-H2DCFDA and MitoSOX™. Antioxidants N-Acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) and α lipoic acid (α-LA) were used to treat podocytes after HG stimulation. The rate of podocyte apoptosis was evaluated with Annexin V-FITC by flow cytometry. NOX4 expression was examined and siRNA were performed to explore the mechanism of MVs generation. The quantities of MVs from MPC-5 cells was significantly increased (P&lt;0.05) by 4.6-times after 30 mM glucose stimulation, accompanied with double increased apoptosis. Cellular ROS generation was increased by HG at the peak of 48 h stimulation. HG-induced MVs were significantly decreased by 52.9% after pretreatment by antioxidant NAC. Nevertheless, mitochondrial ROS in podocytes reached a peak at 4 h stimulation, but specific antioxidant α-LA had no effect on the production of MVs (P&gt;0.05). Levels of NOX4 mRNA and protein expression were significantly up-regulated by HG (P&lt;0.05). Podocyte-derived MVs by HG were eliminated by NOX4 siRNA. HG can provoke MVs generation from glomerular podocytes through ROS/NOX4 pathway, not from mitochondrial pathway.