bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A mechanistic and empirically supported lightning risk model for forest trees
Authors: Gora Evan M. , Muller‐Landau Helene C. , Burchfield Jeffrey C. , Bitzer Phillip M. , Hubbell Stephen P. , Yanoviak Stephen P. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTree death due to lightning influences tropical forest carbon cycling and tree community dynamics. However, the distribution of lightning damage among trees in forests remains poorly understood.We developed models to predict direct and secondary lightning damage to trees based on tree size, crown exposure and local forest structure. We parameterized these models using data on the locations of lightning strikes and censuses of tree damage in strike zones, combined with drone‐based maps of tree crowns and censuses of all trees within a 50‐ha forest dynamics plot on Barro Colorado Island, Panama.The likelihood of a direct strike to a tree increased with larger exposed crown area and higher relative canopy position (emergent > canopy >>> subcanopy), whereas the likelihood of secondary lightning damage increased with tree diameter and proximity to neighbouring trees. The predicted frequency of lightning damage in this mature forest was greater for tree species with larger average diameters.These patterns suggest that lightning influences forest structure and the global carbon budget by non‐randomly damaging large trees. Moreover, these models provide a framework for investigating the ecological and evolutionary consequences of lightning disturbance in tropical forests.Synthesis. Our findings indicate that the distribution of lightning damage is stochastic at large spatial grain and relatively deterministic at smaller spatial grain (<15 m). Lightning is more likely to directly strike taller trees with large crowns and secondarily damage large neighbouring trees that are closest to the directly struck tree. The results provide a framework for understanding how lightning can affect forest structure, forest dynamics and carbon cycling. The resulting lightning risk model will facilitate informed investigations into the effects of lightning in tropical forests.
Relationship between plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 gene alterations and fibrosis in peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Onur Cura Duygu , Yildiz Serkan , Ataman Esra , Ersan Sibel , Tanrisev Mehmet , Ulgenalp Ayfer , Camsari Taner , Ercal Derya 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPeritoneal fibrosis (PF) is a pathological change that occurs mostly long‐term peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, as a result of triggering the inflammatory response. Plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) is an important molecule featured in the development of fibrosis. It has been shown in literature that PAI‐1 gene alterations are associated with fibrosis in many tissues and organs. However, PAI‐1 gene alterations in long‐term PD patients have not yet been investigated. In this study, PAI‐1 4G/5G polymorphism was examined by reverse hybridization, and all coding exons of the PAI‐1 gene were examined by sequence analysis to provide treatment modification in patients with predisposition before fibrosis develops. The patients were divided into two groups according to ultrafiltration failure test and duration of PD treatment: those with suspected PF or a high probability of developing PF (36%) and those with a low probability of developing PF (64%). There was no significant difference between the two groups in findings such as peritoneal equilibration test (PET), Kt/V, the content of the PD solution used, peritonitis, and PAI‐1 4G/5G polymorphism (P > .05). A total of eight gene alterations (rs2227660, rs2227668, rs2854233, rs41281004, rs61553169, rs368413856, rs2227684) were detected by sequence analysis, one of which was exonic (rs6092). When the genotype distributions of these variants were examined, no significant difference was found between the two groups. PAI‐1 gene changes were not detected in patients with the probability of developing PF. There is a need for further studies involving other molecules responsible for predisposing to PF with larger patient populations in patients undergoing long‐term PD treatment.
Assessment of effective conservation of the Sichuan takin by giant panda reserves through functional zoning
Authors: GAO Haiyang , GUAN Tianpei , ZHU Di , LI Wenwen , ZHOU Fangyi , ZHAO Ding , LI Changlin , ZHANG Li 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe flagship species conservation strategy is widely practiced in nature reserves. However, few studies have quantitatively explored whether the current functional zoning adequately conserves the habitats of other species. To examine this problem, we selected the Tangjiahe, Xuebaoding, and Wanglang national nature reserves in southwest China and tested the protective efficiency of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) reserves on a local herbivore—Sichuan takin (Budorcas taxicolor tibetana) in functional zoning. We predicted that the habitat distribution of the Sichuan takin with Maxent and habitat suitability would be classified as very low, low, moderately, or highly suitable. We calculated the percentage of each type of habitat class across the core, buffer, and experimental zones in these reserves and introduced an economic index present value index to further assess the efficacy of the functional zoning in conserving the habitat of Sichuan takin. Our findings indicate that suitable habitat distributions of Sichuan takin are multicore and influenced by diverse variables in different nature reserves. The percentage of moderately suitable and highly suitable habitat in the core zone is 69% and 54% in Tangjiahe, 76% and 75% in Wanglang, and 47% and 28% in Xuebaoding, respectively. The present value index of moderately and highly suitable habitat is 1.01 and 0.79 (Tangjiahe), 0.87 and 0.86 (Wanglang), 0.76 and 0.44 (Xuebaoding), respectively. The efficiency of functional zoning on Sichuan takin seems lower than imagined in giant panda reserves, and species that have important impacts on local ecosystem need further estimation and greater focus.
Cross‐sectional Analysis of Emergency Department and Acute Care Utilization Among Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Venkatesh Arjun K. , Mei Hao , Shuling Liu , D’Onofrio Gail , Rothenberg Craig , Lin Zhenqiu , Krumholz Harlan M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe sought to develop a claims‐based definition of unscheduled care to describe the use and role of the emergency department (ED) in providing unscheduled care to vulnerable older adult populations.MethodsThis study was a cross‐sectional analysis of national 20% sample of Medicare beneficiaries included in the 2012 Chronic Condition Warehouse data set. We measured three outcomes: the number of ED visits per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries, the proportion of all unscheduled ED and office‐based visits occurring in the ED and the number of ED and non‐ED unscheduled visits adjusting for risk factors. Each outcome was estimated for vulnerable subpopulations of Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs), dual eligibility, hospice enrollment, and skilled nursing facility use.ResultsA total of 10,717,786 Medicare beneficiaries were included with 33,696,461 potentially unscheduled care visits of which 5,192,235 (15%) occurred in the ED, 364,334 (1.1%) in facility‐based urgent care, and 31,570,113 (84%) in ambulatory office settings. In regression analyses each subpopulation was more likely to visit the ED for unscheduled care services than the reference population of Medicare beneficiaries ages 65 to 80. Dual‐eligible beneficiaries demonstrated higher ED visit rates and lower non‐ED visit rates for unscheduled care. The subpopulation with MCCs uses both the ED and the non‐ED setting for unscheduled care more so than any other group.ConclusionsMedicare beneficiaries, particularly vulnerable subpopulations, disproportionately visit the ED in comparison to physician offices for unscheduled care. Efforts to improve care coordination, measure quality, or reform payment to influence ED visitation should acknowledge these patterns and the unique availability of acute care services in the ED.
Social vulnerability underlying disability amongst older adults: A systematic review
Authors: Cappelli Miriam , Bordonali Alessandro , Giannotti Chiara , Montecucco Fabrizio , Nencioni Alessio , Odetti Patrizio , Monacelli Fiammetta 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundOlder adults face radical changes in their social life during ageing, dealing with several age‐related social adaptations. The aim of this review is to systematically explore the literature on social vulnerability (SV) and its association with functional decline activity of daily living (ADL)/instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) as an endpoint in older adults.MethodsWe searched for relevant studies in three different databases: PubMed, Ovid Medline and PsychInfo. Inclusion criteria included: prospective cohort studies assessing SV correlation; studies in English, Italian, French and Spanish to the end of March 2018; a general population aged >65 years living in a community setting and/or studies including younger participants if the mean age was >65 years; and basic ADL and/or IADL by Katz and Lawton, respectively, as functional decline and clinical outcomes.ResultsWe identified 65 manuscripts that assessed the role of SV in functional decline. Our systematic analysis showed that 26, 36 and 19 studies observed a correlation between Basic Social Needs, Social Resources and Social Behaviour and Activity, respectively, and the onset of ADL/IADL functional decline. Twenty‐six studies explored the correlation between General Social Resources and the onset of ADL/IADL functional decline.ConclusionsWhen examining a wide set of social variables, the “quality,” rather than just structure, and “type” of social relationship represents the core feature of SV that predicts functional decline in older adults. By defining individual SV, its measurement and evaluation, we can plan effective social interventions aimed at preventing or delaying functional decline or death.
Reduced past‐oriented mind wandering in left compared to right medial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Krakau Sofie , Chaieb Leila , Helmstaedter Christoph , von Wrede Randi , Fell Juergen 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMind wandering refers to a shift of attention away from a task at hand to task‐unrelated thoughts. Several groups have shown increased activation of the left medial temporal lobe (MTL) before and during spontaneous thoughts suggesting that the left MTL may play a crucial role in mind wandering. Due to its relevance for long‐term memory, we further hypothesized that the left MTL is particularly involved in mind wandering towards the past. Accordingly, we predicted a reduced propensity to mind wander and less past‐oriented mind wandering in patients with left MTL epilepsies. To this end, we experimentally investigated mind wandering in 89 in‐patients undergoing diagnostic evaluation of their putative epileptic disorder. Patients performed a sustained attention to response task with embedded experience sampling probes aiming to assess occurrence, meta‐awareness and temporal orientation (past/present/future) of mind‐wandering episodes. We did not find significant differences in the propensity to mind wander between patient subgroups. However, the left MTL epilepsy subgroup showed significantly reduced past‐oriented mind wandering compared to right MTL epilepsies, as well as a trend towards diminished past‐oriented mind wandering compared to idiopathic epilepsies. Possibly due to compensatory mechanisms, the right MTL epilepsy subgroup showed significantly increased past‐oriented mind wandering compared to extratemporal epilepsies and patients with syncopes. These behavioural findings point to a rejection of the hypothesis that the amount of time engaged in mind wandering crucially depends on the left MTL. However, our data do support the idea that the left MTL is particularly involved in mind wandering towards the past.
Sex differences in the performance of cognitive tasks in a murine model of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Espinosa‐García Claudia , Fuentes‐Venado Claudia Erika , Guerra‐Araiza Christian , Segura‐Uribe Julia , Chávez‐Gutiérrez Edwin , Farfán‐García Eunice Dalet , Estrada Cruz Norma Angélica , Pinto‐Almazán Rodolfo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe metabolic syndrome includes changes in blood glucose levels, arterial hypertension, triglycerides, dyslipidemia and central obesity. Countless reports have described the correlation between the metabolic syndrome and cognitive impairment. However, only a few reports have assessed cognitive impairment associated with the metabolic syndrome in animals of both sexes. For this purpose, Sprague‐Dawley male and female rats were fed either with a hypercaloric diet as model of the metabolic syndrome or with a standard chow diet as controls. Subsequently, spatial learning and memory (Morris water maze) as well as short‐ and long‐term memory (passive avoidance task) were evaluated. Body weight, blood pressure, triglycerides, and total cholesterol significantly increased (F(1, 36) = 94.89, p < .001) in rats fed with hypercaloric diet compared to control rats. Furthermore, cognitive impairment was observed in spatial learning and spatial memory on male rats but not on female rats fed with hypercaloric diet. In addition, a long‐term memory impairment was observed in both groups fed with hypercaloric diet in comparison to their respective control group (F(1, 32) = 10.61, p = .0027). Immunohistochemistry results showed no changes in the number of positive cells for NeuN, GFAP and Ox‐42. In males fed with a hypercaloric diet, a decrease in testosterone levels was observed, whereas estradiol levels decreased in females when compared with their respective control group (p < .0001). In this MetS animal model, metabolic and cognitive differences were observed in males and females, which demonstrates that sex hormones play a significant role in metabolic regulation and neuroprotection related to the CA1 region of the hippocampus.
Phosphorus supply shifts the quotas of multiple elements in algae and Daphnia: ionomic basis of stoichiometric constraints
Authors: Jeyasingh Punidan D. , Goos Jared M. , Lind Patrick R. , Roy Chowdhury Priyanka , Sherman Ryan E. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe growth rate hypothesis posits that the rate of protein synthesis is constrained by phosphorus (P) supply. P scarcity invokes differential expression of genes involved in processing of most if not all elements encompassing an individual (the ionome). Whether such ionome‐wide adjustments to P supply impact growth and trophic interactions remains unclear. We quantified the ionomes of a resource‐consumer pair in contrasting P supply conditions. Consumer growth penalty was driven by not only P imbalance between trophic levels but also imbalances in other elements, reflecting complex physiological adjustments made by both the resource and the consumer. Mitigating such imbalances requires energy and should impact the efficiency at which assimilated nutrients are converted to biomass. Correlated shifts in the handling of multiple elements, and variation in the supplies of such elements could underlie vast heterogeneity in the rates at which organisms and ecosystems accrue biomass as a function of P supply.
Advanced multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging of multinodular and vacuolating neuronal tumor
Authors: Lecler A. , Broquet V. , Bailleux J. , Carsin B. , Adle‐Biassette H. , Baloglu S. , Forestier G. , Bonneville F. , Calvier E. , Chauvet D. , Comby P. O. , Cottier J. P. , Cotton F. , Deschamps R. , Diard‐Detoeuf C. , Ducray F. , Drissi C. , Elmaleh M. , Farras J. , Aguilar Garcia J. , Gerardin E. , Grand S. , Jianu D. C. , Kremer S. , Loiseau H. , Magne N. , Mejdoubi M. , Moulignier A. , Ollivier M. , Nagi S. , Rodallec M. , Shor N. , Tourdias T. , Vandendries C. , Anxionnat R. , Duron L. , Savatovsky J. 
Published: April 2020

Background and purposeMultinodular and vacuolating neuronal tumor (MVNT) of the cerebrum is a rare brain lesion with suggestive imaging features. The aim of our study was to report the largest series of MVNTs so far and to evaluate the utility of advanced multiparametric magnetic resonance (MR) techniques.MethodsThis multicenter retrospective study was approved by our institutional research ethics board. From July 2014 to May 2019, two radiologists read in consensus the MR examinations of patients presenting with a lesion suggestive of an MVNT. They analyzed the lesions’ MR characteristics on structural images and advanced multiparametric MR imaging.ResultsA total of 64 patients (29 women and 35 men, mean age 44.2 ± 15.1 years) from 25 centers were included. Lesions were all hyperintense on fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery and T2‐weighted imaging without post‐contrast enhancement. The median relative apparent diffusion coefficient on diffusion‐weighted imaging was 1.13 [interquartile range (IQR), 0.2]. Perfusion‐weighted imaging showed no increase in perfusion, with a relative cerebral blood volume of 1.02 (IQR, 0.05) and a relative cerebral blood flow of 1.01 (IQR, 0.08). MR spectroscopy showed no abnormal peaks. Median follow‐up was 2 (IQR, 1.2) years, without any changes in size.ConclusionsA comprehensive characterization protocol including advanced multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging sequences showed no imaging patterns suggestive of malignancy in MVNTs. It might be useful to better characterize MVNTs.
Mode II fracture energy characterization of brittle adhesives using compliance calibration method
Authors: Akhavan‐Safar Alireza , Salamat‐talab Mazaher , Ajdani Arsalan , Ayatollahi Majid R. , da Silva Lucas F.M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe end‐notched flexure (ENF) test is widely used for measuring the Mode II critical strain energy release rate of adhesively bonded joints (ABJs). Unstable crack growth in ENF joints with brittle adhesives is a common phenomenon. Classic data reduction methods like the direct beam theory (DBT) and the compliance‐based beam method (CBBM) usually result in unacceptable scatter when crack grows unstable. In this study, the application of a compliance calibration method (CCM) for ENF adhesive joints with a brittle adhesive is experimentally investigated. For this purpose, ENF specimens were manufactured and tested. Different data reduction methods were considered for treating the results. Afterwards, the obtained fracture energies were used as an input parameter in a finite element (FE) analysis with a cohesive zone model to evaluate the validity of the experimental data. It is shown that the fracture loads obtained by the CCM have the best agreement with the experimental ones comparing with the other data reduction approaches. To study the effect of geometry on the CCM results, ENF specimens with different adhesive thicknesses, substrate thicknesses and span lengths were also considered in this study, and some general conclusions are made about the geometrical parameters effect on the Mode II fracture energy.
Long‐term results of the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis with oxybutynin: follow‐up of 1,658 cases
Authors: Wolosker Nelson , Kauffman Paulo , de Campos José R. M. , Faustino Carolina B. , da Silva Marcelo F. A. , Teivelis Marcelo P. , Puech‐Leão Pedro 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundHyperhidrosis (HH) is characterized by exaggerated sweating in a specific region due to hyperfunction of the sweat glands. In the late 2000s, we started treating patients with an anticholinergic, oxybutynin, that was not being used until then.ObjectivesTo present, after 12 years of utilizing this medication in our service, the substantial experience obtained with the use of oxybutynin as an initial treatment of HH in a large series of 1,658 patients.MethodsWe analyzed 1,658 patients treated with oxybutynin for HH from May 2006 to June 2018. The patients were divided into four groups according to the main site of HH: the plantar group, the axillary group, the facial group, and the palmar group. To measure the degree of satisfaction, a quality of life (QoL) questionnaire was used.ResultsPre‐treatment QoL was poor or very poor in more than 94% of the cases, and the palmar group had the worst quality of life. After treatment, we observed an improvement in the quality of life in 77% of patients. More than 70% of the patients in all groups present moderate or optimal subjective clinical improvement in sweating after treatment. The group with the best result was the facial group. Intense dry mouth was reported in 24.9% of all patients in all groups.ConclusionsThis study included a large number of patients followed for a long period and demonstrated the good effectiveness of treatment with oxybutynin for hyperhidrosis in the main sites of sweating.
PRMT5 silencing selectively affects MTAP‐deleted mesothelioma: In vitro evidence of a novel promising approach
Authors: Barbarino Marcella , Cesari Daniele , Bottaro Maria , Luzzi Luca , Namagerdi Asadoor , Bertolino Franca Maria , Bellan Cristiana , Proietti Fabrizio , Somma Pasquale , Micheli Mariacarolina , de Santi Maria Margherita , Guazzo Raffaella , Mutti Luciano , Pirtoli Luigi , Paladini Piero , Indovina Paola , Giordano Antonio 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMalignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive asbestos‐related cancer of the serous membranes. Despite intensive treatment regimens, MM is still a fatal disease, mainly due to the intrinsic resistance to current therapies and the lack of predictive markers and new valuable molecular targets. Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) inhibition has recently emerged as a potential therapy against methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP)‐deficient cancers, in which the accumulation of the substrate 5'‐methylthioadenosine (MTA) inhibits PRMT5 activity, thus sensitizing the cells to further PRMT5 inhibition. Considering that the MTAP gene is frequently codeleted with the adjacent cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) locus in MM, we assessed whether PRMT5 could represent a therapeutic target also for this cancer type. We evaluated PRMT5 expression, the MTAP status and MTA content in normal mesothelial and MM cell lines. We found that both administration of exogenous MTA and stable PRMT5 knock‐down, by short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), selectively reduced the growth of MTAP‐deleted MM cells. We also observed that PRMT5 knock‐down in MTAP‐deficient MM cells reduced the expression of E2F1 target genes involved in cell cycle progression and of factors implicated in epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition. Therefore, PRMT5 targeting could represent a promising new therapeutic strategy against MTAP‐deleted MMs.