bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-Read Amplicon Sequencing of Nitric Oxide Dismutase (nod) Genes Reveal Diverse Oxygenic Denitrifiers in Agricultural Soils and Lake Sediments
Authors: Zhu Baoli , Wang Zhe , Kanaparthi Dheeraj , Kublik Susanne , Ge Tida , Casper Peter , Schloter Michael , Lueders Tillmann 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMicroorganisms play an essential role in nitrogen cycling and greenhouse gas emissions in soils and sediments. The recently discovered oxygenic denitrifiers are proposed to reduce nitrate and nitrite via nitric oxide dismutation directly to N2 and O2. So far, the ecological role of these microbes is not well understood. The only available tool for a targeted study of oxygenic denitrifiers is their respective maker gene, nitric oxide dismutase (nod). Here, we established the use of PacBio long-read sequencing of nod gene amplicons to study the diversity and community structure of oxygenic denitrifiers. Two distinct sets of environmental samples, agricultural soil and lake sediment, were investigated as examples. The circular consensus sequences (ca 1.0 kb) obtained covered most substitution characteristic of NO dismutase and allowed for reliable classification of oxygenic denitrifiers. Distinct nod gene pools and community structure were revealed for the different habitats, with most sequence types affiliated to yet unidentified environmental nod lineages. The abundance of nod genes ranged 2.2 × 106–3.2 × 107 gene copies g−1 soil or sediment, accounting for up to 3% of total bacterial 16S rRNA gene counts. This study indicates that nod-gene-targeted long-read sequencing can be a powerful tool for studying the ecology of these novel microbes, and the results also suggest that oxygenic denitrifiers are prevalent and abundant in different terrestrial samples, where they could play an important, but yet overlooked role in nitrogen transformations.
Comparative studies on similarities and differences of cyclodipeptide oxidases for installation of C–C double bonds at the diketopiperazine ring
Authors: Mikulski Lena , Schäfer Johanna , Brockmeyer Kirsten , Kraut Rixa , Li Shu-Ming 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Cyclodipeptide oxidases (CDOs) perform dehydrogenations on diketopiperazines and play an important role in the cyclodipeptide diversification. In this study, we investigated the two known CDOs AlbA/B and Ndas_1146/7 and one new member, CDO-Np. LC-MS monitoring of 32 cyclodipeptide biotransformations in E. coli revealed good consumption of cyclodipeptides containing aromatic amino acids. Cyclodipeptides consisting solely of aliphatic amino acids were poor substrates. In vitro assays of 34 substrates with crude enzyme extracts and product identification proved that the CDO-Np-containing extract catalyzes the formation of two C–C double bonds in many cases. The extracts containing the two other enzymes had lower activities and catalyzed mainly didehydrogenations. For didehydrogenation, the phenylalanyl or tyrosyl site was usually preferred. No or very low acceptance of benzodiazepinediones and a 2,6-diketopiperazine proved the importance of the 2,5-diketopiperazine ring. N-Methylation at the diketopiperazine ring or prenylation of the tryptophan-containing cyclodipeptides influences the enzyme activity and product spectrum.

Key points
• Comparison of catalytic activities of three enzymes; Diverse cyclodipeptides and derivatives as substrates; Determination of double bond formation using2H-labeled substrates; Product identification also by interpretation of MS2fragmentation pattern.
Mating failure shapes the patterns of sperm precedence in an insect
Authors: Balfour Vicki L. , Black Daniella , Shuker David M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractEstimates of last male sperm precedence (P2) are often used to infer mechanisms of sperm competition, a form of post-copulatory sexual selection. However, high levels of mating failure (i.e. copulations resulting in no offspring) in a population can lead to misinterpretations of sperm competition mechanisms. Through simulations, García-González (2004) illustrated how mating failure could cause bimodal distributions of paternity with peaks atP2 = 0 and 1, under a random sperm mixing mechanism. Here, we demonstrate this effect empirically with the seed bugLygaeus simulans, a species known to exhibit high levels of mating failure (40–60%), using a morphological marker to estimate paternity. Contrary to previous findings in a sister species, we did not find strong evidence for last male sperm precedence. There was a tendency towards last male precedence (P2 = 0.58) but within the expected range for random sperm mixing. Instead,P2was highly variable, with a bimodal distribution, as predicted by García-González (2004). After taking mating failure into account, the strongest driver of paternity outcome was copulation duration. Furthermore, we found evidence that mating failure could partly be a female-associated trait. Some doubly-mated females were more likely to produce no offspring or produce offspring from two different sires than expected by chance. Therefore, some females are more prone to experience mating failure than others, a result that mirrors an earlier result in maleL. simulans. Our results confirm that mating failure needs to be considered when interrogating mechanisms of post-copulatory sexual selection.Significance statementMating failure arises when animals fail to produce offspring across their lifetime. This may be due to a failure to find a mate or a failure to produce offspring after one or more apparently successful matings. Sperm competition is when ejaculates of rival males compete to fertilize a female’s eggs. Estimates of second male paternity (P2) are often used to infer mechanisms of sperm competition (i.e. which male “wins” and how). However, García-González (2004) suggested that high levels of mating failure can skew paternity (i.e. give spuriously high/low levels ofP2) and lead to misinterpretations of these mechanisms. We carried out sperm competition experiments onLygaeus simulansseed bugs using a morphological marker to estimate paternity. We show empirically that mating failure does skew patterns of paternity, causing a bimodal distribution ofP2. Therefore, by disrupting patterns of sperm competition, mating failure influences both the action of post-copulatory sexual selection and also our understanding of the mechanisms of sperm competition.
Development of limited-view tomography for measurement of Spray G plume direction and liquid volume fraction
Authors: Weiss Lukas , Wensing Michael , Hwang Joonsik , Pickett Lyle M. , Skeen Scott A. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The method for direct injection of fuel in the cylinder of an IC engines is important to high-efficiency and low-emission performance. Optical spray diagnostics plays an important role in understanding plume movement and interaction for multi-hole injectors, and providing baseline understanding used for computational optimization of fuel delivery. Traditional planar or line-of-sight diagnostics fail to capture the liquid distribution because of optical thickness concerns. This work proposes a high-speed (67 kHz) extinction imaging technique at various injector rotations coupled to computed tomography (CT) for time-resolved reconstruction of liquid volume fraction in three dimensions. The number of views selected and processing were based on synthetic (modeled) liquid volume fraction data where extinction and CT adequately reconstructed each plume. The exercise showed that for an 8-hole, symmetric-design injector (ECN Spray G), only three different views are enough to reproduce the direction of each plume, and particularly the mean plume direction. Therefore, the number of views was minimized for experiments to save expense. Measurements applying this limited-view technique confirm plume–plume variations also detected with mechanical patternation, while providing better spatial and temporal resolution than achieved previously. Uncertainties due to the limited view within pressurized spray chambers, the droplet size, and optically thick regions are discussed.

Graphic abstract
Estimating change points in nonparametric time series regression models
Authors: Mohr Maria , Selk Leonie 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this paper we consider a regression model that allows for time series covariates as well as heteroscedasticity with a regression function that is modelled nonparametrically. We assume that the regression function changes at some unknown time $$\lfloor ns_0\rfloor $$

⌊
n

s
0

⌋

, $$s_0\in (0,1)$$

s
0

∈

(
0
,
1
)

, and our aim is to estimate the (rescaled) change point $$s_0$$

s
0

. The considered estimator is based on a Kolmogorov-Smirnov functional of the marked empirical process of residuals. We show consistency of the estimator and prove a rate of convergence of $$O_P(n^{-1})$$

O
P

(

n

-
1

)

which in this case is clearly optimal as there are only n points in the sequence. Additionally we investigate the case of lagged dependent covariates, that is, autoregression models with a change in the nonparametric (auto-) regression function and give a consistency result. The method of proof also allows for different kinds of functionals such that Cramér-von Mises type estimators can be considered similarly. The approach extends existing literature by allowing nonparametric models, time series data as well as heteroscedasticity. Finite sample simulations indicate the good performance of our estimator in regression as well as autoregression models and a real data example shows its applicability in practise.
Effect of QTU prolongation on hyperemic instantaneous wave-free ratio value: a prospective single-center study
Authors: Nakayama Masafumi , Uchiyama Takashi , Hijikata Nobuhiro , Kobori Yuichi , Tanaka Nobuhiro , Iwasaki Kiyotaka 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe hypothesized that in patients with QT prolongation, resistance might not decrease in the wave-free period, because QTU prolongation cannot be detected by instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) analysis software. We investigated whether corrected QTU (QTUc) prolongation affects the hyperemic iFR value. Forty-two consecutive patients with intermediate stenosis (≥ 50%) in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) were analyzed. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) and hyperemic iFR were simultaneously and continuously recorded with intravenous adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and papaverine infusions. In 17 patients with stenosis in the proximal LAD, coronary flow was measured. Patients were divided into two groups according to the median absolute deviation of the QTUc by ATP administration/QTUc by papaverine administration. FFR, hyperemic iFR, and flow data were compared between each stimulus and group. Moreover, influences of pressure and electrocardiogram parameters on differences in iFR values under ATP and papaverine administration were compared between the following two groups (group 1: the absolute difference of hyperemic iFR values between ATP and papaverine administration is ≤ 0.05; group 2: that is > 0.05). The paired t test and t test were used in analysis. Hyperemic iFR values of patients under the use of papaverine were lower than those of patients under the use of ATP when QTUc was more prolonged by papaverine administration than by ATP administration (ATP 0.74 ± 0.14, papaverine 0.71 ± 0.15, P = 0.025). No significant differences were observed in the FFR value and flow data between the groups. Regarding QTU, QTUc, and QTUc by ATP/QTUc by papaverine, significant differences were observed between group 1 and group 2. Pressure parameters did not induce significant differences. QTUc prolongation induced by papaverine was associated with lower hyperemic iFR values. An iFR-based assessment might lead to inappropriate treatment of patients with QTUc prolongation.
The learning curves of a validated virtual reality hip arthroscopy simulator
Authors: Bartlett Jonathan D. , Lawrence John E. , Yan Matthew , Guevel Borna , Stewart Max E. , Audenaert Emmanuel , Khanduja Vikas 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Decreases in trainees’ working hours, coupled with evidence of worse outcomes when hip arthroscopies are performed by inexperienced surgeons, mandate an additional means of training. Though virtual reality simulation has been adopted by other surgical specialities, its slow uptake in arthroscopic training is due to a lack of evidence as to its benefits. These benefits can be demonstrated through learning curves associated with simulator training—with practice reflecting increases in validated performance metrics.

Methods
Twenty-five medical students with no previous experience of hip arthroscopy completed seven weekly simulated arthroscopies of a healthy virtual hip joint using a 70° arthroscope in the supine position. Twelve targets were visualised within the central compartment, six via the anterior portal, three via the anterolateral portal and three via the posterolateral portal. Task duration, number of collisions (bone and soft-tissue), and distance travelled by arthroscope were measured by the simulator for every session of each student.

Results
Learning curves were demonstrated by the students, with improvements in time taken, number of collisions (bone and soft-tissue), collision length and efficiency of movement (all p < 0.01). Improvements in time taken, efficiency of movement and number of collisions with soft-tissue were first seen in session 3 and improvements in all other parameters were seen in session 4. No differences were found after session 5 for time taken and length of soft-tissue collision. No differences in number of collisions (bone and soft-tissue), length of collisions with bone, and efficiency of movement were found after session 6.

Conclusions
The results of this study demonstrate learning curves for a hip arthroscopy simulator, with significant improvements seen after three sessions. All performance metrics were found to improved, demonstrating sufficient visuo-haptic consistency within the virtual environment, enabling individuals to develop basic arthroscopic skills.
Gasübersättigung in Flüssen? Messung, Ursachen und Auswirkungen – Ein internationales Forschungsprojekt untersucht Verbreitung und Umwelteffekte
Authors: Pulg Ulrich , Stranzl Sebastian , Wagner Beatrice , Flödl Peter , Hauer Christoph 
Published: January 2020

ZusammenfassungKünstliche Gasübersättigung in Fließgewässern und die dadurch verursachte Gasblasenkrankheit bei aquatischen Organismen ist in Europa wenig beachtet. Neue Forschungsergebnisse in Norwegen, China und Nordamerika zeigen jedoch, dass Gasübersättigung verursacht durch Dämme oder Wasserkraftwerke weitaus verbreiteter ist als bisher angenommen. In Norwegen wurde künstliche Gasübersättigung in 12 von 16 untersuchten Wasserkraftwerken nachgewiesen. Dabei kam es in 10 Fällen zu Fischsterben. Ursache ist der Eintrag von Luft in die Zuleitungen, welche sich unter Druck im Wasser löst. In vielen Fällen kann die Gasübersättigung vermieden werden, beispielsweise mit ausreichender Dimensionierung von Kraftwerkseinläufen und Rechenanlagen, Alarmsystemen und Deflektoren. Umwelteffekte und die Toleranz heimischer Arten sind in Europa jedoch kaum erforscht. Das Gleiche gilt für die Verbreitung künstlicher Gasübersättigung in Europa sowie für kosteneffektive Methoden zu ihrer Vermeidung an bestehenden Anlagen. Im vorliegenden Fachartikel werden verschiedene Aspekte der Gasübersättigung thematisiert. Neben einer Beschreibung der physikalischen Prozesse werden sowohl die biologischen Auswirkung als auch Messmethoden und mögliche Maßnahmen präsentiert. SUPERSAT, ein neues internationales Forschungsprojekt mit österreichischer Beteiligung, soll nun wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse zu Umwelteffekten, Verbreitung, Umfang und Vermeidung der Gasübersättigung in Flüssen liefern.
Enhanced topical cutaneous delivery of indocyanine green after various pretreatment regimens: comparison of fractional CO2 laser, fractional Er:YAG laser, microneedling, and radiofrequency
Authors: Nieboer Marilin J. , Meesters Arne A. , Almasian Mitra , Georgiou Giota , de Rie Menno A. , Verdaasdonk Rudolf M. , Wolkerstorfer Albert 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDifferent devices have been used to enhance topical drug delivery. Aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of different skin pretreatment regimens in topical drug delivery. In six ex vivo human abdominal skin samples, test regions were pretreated with fractional CO2 and Er:YAG laser (both 70 and 300 μm ablation depth, density of 5%), microneedling (500 μm needle length), fractional radiofrequency (ablation depth of ± 80–90 μm), and no pretreatment. The fluorescent agent indocyanine green (ICG) was applied. After 3 h, fluorescence intensity was measured at several depths using fluorescence photography. Significantly higher surface fluorescence intensities were found for pretreatment with fractional Er:YAG and CO2 laser and for microneedling vs. no pretreatment (p < 0.05), but not for radiofrequency vs. no pretreatment (p = 0.173). Fluorescence intensity was highest for the Er:YAG laser with 300 μm ablation depth (mean 38.89 arbitrary units; AU), followed by microneedling (33.02 AU) and CO2 laser with 300 μm ablation depth (26.25 AU). Pretreatment with both lasers with 300 μm ablation depth gave higher fluorescence intensity than with 70 μm ablation depth (Er:YAG laser, 21.65; CO2 laser, 18.50 AU). Mean fluorescence intensity for radiofrequency was 15.27 AU. Results were comparable at 200 and 400 μm depth in the skin. Pretreatment of the skin with fractional CO2 laser, fractional Er:YAG laser, and microneedling is effective for topical ICG delivery, while fractional radiofrequency is not. Deeper laser ablation results in improved ICG delivery. These findings may be relevant for the delivery of other drugs with comparable molecular properties.
Sediment dynamics and transport regimes in a narrow microtidal estuary
Authors: Mathew Rooni , Winterwerp Johan C. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractEstuarine sediment dynamics are a consequence of various forcings (barotropic, estuarine circulation, and fluvial) that vary in space and time. Here, we present a study examining sediment dynamics in a narrow microtidal estuary, the Lower Passaic River in New Jersey, USA. The analysis incorporates measurements of suspended sediments, morphological change, sediment erodibility, and a numerical hydrodynamic model. The former two datasets are used to develop an understanding of sediment dynamics over the full range of hydrologic conditions, and the latter two datasets are used to interpret the behavior of the system. Subsequently, a conceptual picture is developed, one that classifies the morphological status of the system at any given time into three regimes dependent on river flow—regime I includes conditions when the system is importing sediments, regime II includes conditions when the system is exporting sediments by flushing a thin easily erodible surficial stratum termed the fluff layer, and regime III includes conditions when the system is exporting sediments by scouring more consolidated strata underneath the fluff layer. Regime III is relevant for the long-term morphodynamic equilibrium of the estuary by providing a mechanism that erodes and exports sediment accumulated under regime I conditions. Consequently, sediment dynamics depend not only on short time-scale processes such as the instantaneous river flow rate, but also on the time-history of river flow, and the long-term morphological progression of the system. These regimes represent a conceptualization of estuarine sediment transport dynamics and can be useful in the development of effective estuarine sediment management strategies.
Seroprevalence of Echinococcus spp. and Toxocara spp. in Invasive Non-native American Mink
Authors: Kołodziej-Sobocińska Marta , Dvorožňáková Emília , Hurníková Zuzana , Reiterová Katarína , Zalewski Andrzej 
Published: January 2020

AbstractInvasive non-native species can become reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens and cause their spread during colonization, increasing the risk of zoonoses transmission to both wild hosts and humans. American mink (Neovison vison) are considered an important invasive mammal species responsible for carrying endoparasites. The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of feral American mink as a possible transmission vector of Echinococcus spp. and Toxocara spp. in wildlife. We analysed the frequency of American mink exposure to both parasites, the spatial distribution in Poland, and the variability over time on the basis of specific antibody presence using ELISA and Western blot. Alimentary tract analyses revealed that American mink do not serve as definitive hosts for these parasites. Altogether, 1100 American mink were examined. The average seropositivity for American mink was 14.2% for echinococcosis and 21.7% for toxocarosis; dual-seropositivity was detected in only 6.0%. Seroprevalence of both parasites differed between study sites and significantly increased over time in Toxocara spp. Thus, our study revealed that free-living American mink are exposed to parasites and likely to be involved in the maintenance of both Echinococcus spp. and Toxocara spp. in the wild as paratenic hosts.
How Large Are Gender Differences in Toy Preferences? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Toy Preference Research
Authors: Davis Jac T. M. , Hines Melissa 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIt is generally recognized that there are gender-related differences in children’s toy preferences. However, the magnitude of these differences has not been firmly established. Furthermore, not all studies of gender-related toy preferences find significant gender differences. These inconsistent findings could result from using different toys or methods to measure toy preferences or from studying children of different ages. Our systematic review and meta-analysis combined 113 effect sizes from 75 studies to estimate the magnitude of gender-related differences in toy preferences. We also assessed the impact of using different toys or methods to assess these differences, as well as the effect of age on gender-related toy preferences. Boys preferred boy-related toys more than girls did, and girls preferred girl-related toys more than boys did. These differences were large (d ≥ 1.60). Girls also preferred toys that researchers classified as neutral more than boys did (d = 0.29). Preferences for gender-typical over gender-atypical toys were also large and significant (d ≥ 1.20), and girls and boys showed gender-related differences of similar magnitude. When only dolls and vehicles were considered, within-sex differences were even larger and of comparable size for boys and girls. Researchers sometimes misclassified toys, perhaps contributing to an apparent gender difference in preference for neutral toys. Forced choice methods produced larger gender-related differences than other methods, and gender-related differences increased with age.