bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temperature effect on water dynamics in tetramer phosphofructokinase matrix and the super-arrhenius respiration rate
Authors: Yang Hsiao-Ching , Ge Yung-Chi , Su Kuan-Hsuan , Chang Chia-Cheng , Lin King-Chuen , Aquilanti Vincenzo , Kasai Toshio 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAdvances in understanding the temperature effect on water dynamics in cellular respiration are important for the modeling of integrated energy processes and metabolic rates. For more than half a century, experimental studies have contributed to the understanding of the catalytic role of water in respiration combustion, yet the detailed water dynamics remains elusive. We combine a super-Arrhenius model that links the temperature-dependent exponential growth rate of a population of plant cells to respiration, and an experiment on isotope labeled 18O2 uptake to H218O transport role and to a rate-limiting step of cellular respiration. We use Phosphofructokinase (PFK-1) as a prototype because this enzyme is known to be a pacemaker (a rate-limiting enzyme) in the glycolysis process of respiration. The characterization shows that PFK-1 water matrix dynamics are crucial for examining how respiration (PFK-1 tetramer complex breathing) rates respond to temperature change through a water and nano-channel network created by the enzyme folding surfaces, at both short and long (evolutionary) timescales. We not only reveal the nano-channel water network of PFK-1 tetramer hydration topography but also clarify how temperature drives the underlying respiration rates by mapping the channels of water diffusion with distinct dynamics in space and time. The results show that the PFK-1 assembly tetramer possesses a sustainable capacity in the regulation of the water network toward metabolic rates. The implications and limitations of the reciprocal-activation–reciprocal-temperature relationship for interpreting PFK-1 tetramer mechanisms are briefly discussed.
Oilbirds disperse large seeds at longer distance than extinct megafauna
Authors: Stevenson Pablo R. , Cardona Laura , Cárdenas Sasha , Link Andrés 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe extinction of megafauna in the Neotropics is thought to have reduced the potential of large seeds to be dispersed over long distances by endozoochory (ingestion by animals), but some seed dispersal systems have not been considered. We describe the role of oilbirds (Steatornis caripensis) as seed dispersers, in terms of seed width and dispersal distance (using GPS tracking devices), and we compare with data reported for other animals. Oilbirds dispersed seeds up to 29 mm wide, with a mean dispersal distance of 10.1 km (range 0–47.6 km). Some components of seed dispersal by oilbirds are outliers compared to that of other frugivores, such as the relationship between maximum seed width and body weight (however, few other extant specialized frugivores are also outliers). Estimates of mean dispersal distance by oilbirds are the largest reported, and we confirm that some living frugivores currently fulfil roles of seed dispersers and ecosystem services previously assumed to be only performed by extinct species.
Bioactive diterpenoids impact the composition of the root-associated microbiome in maize (Zea mays)
Authors: Murphy Katherine M. , Edwards Joseph , Louie Katherine B. , Bowen Benjamin P. , Sundaresan Venkatesan , Northen Trent R. , Zerbe Philipp 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPlants deploy both primary and species-specific, specialized metabolites to communicate with other organisms and adapt to environmental challenges, including interactions with soil-dwelling microbial communities. However, the role of specialized metabolites in modulating plant-microbiome interactions often remains elusive. In this study, we report that maize (Zea mays) diterpenoid metabolites with known antifungal bioactivities also influence rhizosphere bacterial communities. Metabolite profiling showed that dolabralexins, antibiotic diterpenoids that are highly abundant in roots of some maize varieties, can be exuded from the roots. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing determined the bacterial community composition of the maize mutantZman2(anther ear 2), which is deficient in dolabralexins and closely related bioactive kauralexin diterpenoids. TheZman2rhizosphere microbiome differed significantly from the wild-type sibling with the most significant changes observed for Alphaproteobacteria of the order Sphingomonadales. Metabolomics analyses support that these differences are attributed to the diterpenoid deficiency of theZman2mutant, rather than other large-scale metabolome alterations. Together, these findings support physiological functions of maize diterpenoids beyond known chemical defenses, including the assembly of the rhizosphere microbiome.
Discovery of SNPs and InDels in papaya genotypes and its potential for marker assisted selection of fruit quality traits
Authors: Bohry Dieimes , Ramos Helaine Christine Cancela , dos Santos Pedro Henrique Dias , Boechat Marcela Santana Bastos , Arêdes Fernanda Abreu Santana , Pirovani Adriana Azevedo Vimercati , Pereira Messias Gonzaga 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPapaya is a tropical and climacteric fruit that is recognized for its nutritional benefits and medicinal applications. Its fruits ripen quickly and show a drastic fruit softening, leading to great post-harvest losses. To overcome this scenario, breeding programs of papaya must invest in exploring the available genetic variation to continue developing superior cultivars with improved fruit quality traits. The objective of this study was to perform a whole-genome genotyping (WGG) of papaya, predict the effects of the identified variants, and develop a list of ripening-related genes (RRGs) with linked variants. The Formosa elite lines of papaya Sekati and JS-12 were submitted to WGG with an Illumina Miseq platform. The effects of variants were predicted using the snpEff program. A total of 28,451 SNPs having Ts/Tv (Transition/Transversion) ratio of 2.45 and 1,982 small insertions/deletions (InDels) were identified. Most variant effects were predicted in non-coding regions, with only 2,104 and 138 effects placed in exons and splice site regions, respectively. A total of 106 RRGs were found to be associated with 460 variants, which may be converted into PCR markers to facilitate genetic mapping and diversity studies and to apply marker-assisted selection (MAS) for specific traits in papaya breeding programs.
Selective preservation of changes to standing balance control despite psychological and autonomic habituation to a postural threat
Authors: Zaback Martin , Luu Minh John , Adkin Allan L. , Carpenter Mark G. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHumans exhibit changes in postural control when confronted with threats to stability. This study used a prolonged threat exposure protocol to manipulate emotional state within a threatening context to determine if any threat-induced standing behaviours are employed independent of emotional state. Retention of balance adaptations was also explored. Thirty-seven adults completed a series of 90-s standing trials at two surface heights (LOW: 0.8 m above ground, away from edge; HIGH: 3.2 m above ground, at edge) on two visits 2–4 weeks apart. Psychological and autonomic state was assessed using self-report and electrodermal measures. Balance control was assessed using centre of pressure (COP) and lower limb electromyographic recordings. Upon initial threat exposure, individuals leaned backward, reduced low-frequency centre of pressure (COP) power, and increased high-frequency COP power and plantar/dorsiflexor coactivation. Following repeated exposure, the psychological and autonomic response to threat was substantially reduced, yet only high-frequency COP power and plantar/dorsiflexor coactivation habituated. Upon re-exposure after 2–4 weeks, there was partial recovery of the emotional response to threat and few standing balance adaptations were retained. This study suggests that some threat-induced standing behaviours are coupled with the psychological and autonomic state changes induced by threat, while others may reflect context-appropriate adaptations resistant to habituation.
EEG microstate features according to performance on a mental arithmetic task
Authors: Kim Kyungwon , Duc Nguyen Thanh , Choi Min , Lee Boreom 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this study, we hypothesized that task performance could be evaluated applying EEG microstate to mental arithmetic task. This pilot study also aimed at evaluating the efficacy of microstates as novel features to discriminate task performance. Thirty-six subjects were divided into good and poor performers, depending on how well they performed the task. Microstate features were derived from EEG recordings during resting and task states. In the good performers, there was a decrease in type C and an increase in type D features during the task compared to the resting state. Mean duration and occurrence decreased and increased, respectively. In the poor performers, occurrence of type D feature, mean duration and occurrence showed greater changes. We investigated whether microstate features were suitable for task performance classification and eleven features including four archetypes were selected by recursive feature elimination (RFE). The model that implemented them showed the highest classification performance for differentiating between groups. Our pilot findings showed that the highest mean Area Under Curve (AUC) was 0.831. This study is the first to apply EEG microstate features to specific cognitive tasks in healthy subjects, suggesting that EEG microstate features can reflect task achievement.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and mortality in the United States general population
Authors: Song Minkyo , Graubard Barry I. , Rabkin Charles S. , Engels Eric A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in peripheral blood reflects the balance between systemic inflammation and immunity and is emerging as a prognostic biomarker in many diseases, but its predictive role for mortality in the general population has not been investigated. We analyzed 1999–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey mortality-linked data, followed up until 2015. In participants aged > 30 with measurements of differential white blood cell counts, NLR was calculated and categorized into quartiles. Associations of increased NLR with overall or cause-specific mortality were assessed with Cox proportional hazard regression models, adjusted for potential confounders. Increased NLR was associated with overall mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–1.17, per quartile NLR) and mortality due to heart disease (1.17, 1.06–1.29), chronic lower respiratory disease (1.24, 1.04–1.47), influenza/pneumonia (1.26, 1.03–1.54) and kidney disease (1.26, 1.03–1.54). NLR was associated with cancer mortality only in the first follow-up year (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.11–1.98). The association with chronic lower respiratory disease mortality was stronger in individuals with prevalent lung diseases (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.14–1.88, Pinteraction = 0.01), while NLR showed positive associations with mortality from heart disease (1.21, 1.07–1.38) and cerebrovascular disease (1.30, 1.04–1.63) only among individuals without these conditions at baseline. NLR is associated with mortality overall and due to certain causes in the general population. Associations over short follow-up intervals and among individuals with conditions at baseline suggest effects of disordered inflammation and immunity on progression of those conditions, while other associations may reflect contributions to disease etiology.
Maternal and infant morbidity following birth before 27 weeks of gestation: a single centre study
Authors: Morgan Andrei S. , Waheed Saadia , Gajree Shivani , Marlow Neil , David Anna L. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDelivery at extreme preterm gestational ages (GA) $$<\;27$$

<

27

weeks is challenging with limited evidence often focused only on neonatal outcomes. We reviewed management and short term maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes of births for 132 women (22 + 0 to 26 + 6 weeks’ GA) with a live fetus at admission to hospital and in labour or at planned emergency Caesarean section: 103 singleton and 29 (53 live fetuses) twin gestations. Thirty women (23%) had pre-existing medical problems, 110 (83%) had antenatal complications; only 17 (13%) women experienced neither. Major maternal labour and delivery complications affected 35 women (27%). 151 fetuses (97%) were exposed to antenatal steroids, 24 (15%) to tocolysis and 70 (45%) to magnesium sulphate. Delivery complications affected 11 fetuses, with 12 labour or delivery room deaths; survival to discharge was 75% (117/156), increasing with GA: 25% (1/4), 75% (18/24), 69% (29/42), 73% (33/45) and 88% (36/41) at 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 weeks GA respectively (p = 0.024). No statistically important impact was seen from twin status, maternal illness or obstetric management. Even in a specialist perinatal unit antenatal and postnatal maternal complications are common in extreme preterm births, emphasising the need to include maternal as well as neonatal outcomes.
Similarities between pandemics and cancer in growth and risk models
Authors: Vandamme Lode K. J. , de Hingh Ignace H. J. T. , Fonseca Jorge , Rocha Paulo R. F. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCancer and pandemics are leading causes of death globally, with severe socioeconomic repercussions. To better understand these repercussions, we investigate similarities between pandemics and cancer and describe the limited growth in number of infections or cancer cells, using mathematical models. For a pandemic, the analysis shows that in most cases, the initial fast growth is followed by a slower decay in the recovery phase. The risk of infection increases due to the airborne virus contact crossing a risk-threshold. For cancers caused by carcinogens, the increasing risk with age and absorbed dose of toxins that cross a risk-threshold, may lead to the disease onset. The time scales are different for both causes of death: years for cancer development and days to weeks for contact with airborne viruses. Contamination by viruses is on a time scale of seconds or minutes. The risk-threshold to get ill and the number-threshold in cancer cells or viruses, may explain the large variability in the outcome. The number of infected persons per day is better represented in log–lin plots instead of the conventional lin–lin plots. Differences in therapies are discussed. Our mathematical investigation between cancer and pandemics reveals a multifactorial correlation between both fragilities and brings us one step closer to understand, timely predict and ultimately diminish the socioeconomic hurdle of both cancer and pandemics.
Analysis and prediction of air quality in Nanjing from autumn 2018 to summer 2019 using PCR–SVR–ARMA combined model
Authors: Liu Bing , Jin Yueqiang , Li Chaoyang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn order to correct the monitoring data of the miniature air quality detector, an air quality prediction model fusing Principal Component Regression (PCR), Support Vector Regression (SVR) machine, and Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA) model was proposed to improve the prediction accuracy of the six types of pollutants in the air. First, the main information of factors affecting air quality is extracted by principal component analysis, and then principal component regression is used to give the predicted values of six types of pollutants. Second, the support vector regression machine is used to regress the predicted value of principal component regression and various influencing factors. Finally, the autoregressive moving average model is used to correct the residual items, and finally the predicted values of six types of pollutants are obtained. The experimental results showed that the proposed combination prediction model of PCR–SVR–ARMA had a better prediction effect than the artificial neural network, the standard support vector regression machine, the principal component regression, and PCR–SVR method. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and relative Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE) are used as evaluation indicators to evaluate the PCR–SVR–ARMA model. This model can increase the accuracy of self-built points by 72.6% to 93.2%, and the model has excellent prediction effects in the training set and detection set, indicating that the model has good generalization ability. This model can play an active role scientific arrangement and promotion of miniature air quality detectors and grid-based monitoring of the concentration of various pollutants.
A systems pharmacology approach to identify the autophagy-inducing effects of Traditional Persian medicinal plants
Authors: Mosaddeghi Pouria , Eslami Mahboobeh , Farahmandnejad Mitra , Akhavein Mahshad , Ranjbarfarrokhi Ratin , Khorraminejad-Shirazi Mohammadhossein , Shahabinezhad Farbod , Taghipour Mohammadjavad , Dorvash Mohammadreza , Sakhteman Amirhossein , Zarshenas Mohammad M. , Nezafat Navid , Mobasheri Meysam , Ghasemi Younes 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAging is correlated with several complex diseases, including type 2 diabetes, neurodegeneration diseases, and cancer. Identifying the nature of this correlation and treatment of age-related diseases has been a major subject of both modern and traditional medicine. Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) embodies many prescriptions for the treatment of ARDs. Given that autophagy plays a critical role in antiaging processes, the present study aimed to examine whether the documented effect of plants used in TPM might be relevant to the induction of autophagy? To this end, the TPM-based medicinal herbs used in the treatment of the ARDs were identified from modern and traditional references. The known phytochemicals of these plants were then examined against literature for evidence of having autophagy inducing effects. As a result, several plants were identified to have multiple active ingredients, which indeed regulate the autophagy or its upstream pathways. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis of the identified targets confirmed the collective contribution of the identified targets in autophagy regulating processes. Also, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of the targets was reconstructed. Network centrality analysis of the PPI network identified mTOR as the key network hub. Given the well-documented role of mTOR in inhibiting autophagy, our results hence support the hypothesis that the antiaging mechanism of TPM-based medicines might involve autophagy induction. Chemoinformatics study of the phytochemicals using docking and molecular dynamics simulation identified, among other compounds, the cyclo-trijuglone ofJuglans regiaL. as a potential ATP-competitive inhibitor of mTOR. Our results hence, provide a basis for the study of TPM-based prescriptions using modern tools in the quest for developing synergistic therapies for ARDs.
Optimal methods for estimating sports vision in kendo athletes
Authors: Kudo Daisuke , Hiratsuka Yoshimune , Nakamura Mitsuru , Uchida Yusuke , Ono Seiji , Murakami Akira 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study investigated whether the eight standard tests of sports vision used in Japan appropriately reflect sports vision; whether all eight tests are necessary; and if not, which combination yields the optimal model.

Participants were kendo practitioners (exercise group, n = 41) and those with no exercise habits (non-exercise group, n = 65). The performance of the two groups on all eight tests were compared. The groups differed in static visual acuity, kinetic visual acuity, and eye/hand coordination. A high correlation (r = 0.75) was observed between static visual acuity and kinetic visual acuity, while contrast sensitivity was moderately correlated with static visual acuity and kinetic visual acuity (r = 0.6), and dynamic visual acuity was moderately correlated with eye/hand coordination (r =  − 0.66). Logistic regression analysis indicated that it is not necessary to conduct all eight tests; the optimal model included static visual acuity, visual reaction time, and eye/hand coordination. Our results suggest that static visual acuity, visual reaction time, and eye/hand coordination are sufficient for assessing visual function in kendo practitioners. For other sports, it may be possible to construct discriminative models using the same method and determine which aspects of visual function and which training methods to emphasise in a given sport.
Shallow conduit dynamics fuel the unexpected paroxysms of Stromboli volcano during the summer 2019
Authors: Viccaro Marco , Cannata Andrea , Cannavò Flavio , De Rosa Rosanna , Giuffrida Marisa , Nicotra Eugenio , Petrelli Maurizio , Sacco Gaia 
Published: January 2021

AbstractOpen conduit basaltic volcanoes can be potentially hazardous as the eruptive activity may turn suddenly from a steady state to highly explosive. Unexpected changes in explosion intensity are recurrent at Stromboli volcano, where major explosions and large-scale paroxysms sometimes break off the ordinary, Strombolian activity with little or no warning. Two powerful paroxysmal eruptions took place at Stromboli volcano during the summer 2019, causing widespread fires, consistent damages across the island, injuries and one fatality. Prediction of similar events is really challenging for the modern volcanology, though models propaedeutic to early-warning monitoring systems are not properly assessed yet in many volcanoes worldwide. Here, we present a multi-parametric study that combines petrological and geophysical data to investigate processes generating the two paroxysms. The time information derived by Li enrichments in plagioclase crystals correlates with tilt time series derived by seismometers installed on the island, highlighting the dominant role of shallow conduit processes in triggering the 2019 paroxysmal activity. Our dataset conceives a mechanism of gas slug formation and fast upward migration that finally triggered the eruptions in very limited times. The proposed model questions our capability to forecast such kind of paroxysms in times that are rapid enough to allow mitigation of the associated risk.
Analysis of the properties of a glass/sisal/polyester composite
Authors: Baloyi Rivalani B. , Ncube Sizo , Moyo Mufaro , Nkiwane Londiwe , Dzingai Pethile 
Published: January 2021

AbstractComposites are gradually becoming an integral material for structural and manufacturing processes. Sisal fibre has the potential to be one of the leading reinforcement natural fibres, not only in Zimbabwe, but the world over for use in glass composites. This is mainly due to it being inexpensive, exhibiting a low density, high specific strength, a high stiffness to weight ratio, non-toxicity, its abundance in Zimbabwe and its renewability. With an aim of coming up with a composite for partition board applications in the construction industry, five samples of sisal-glass composite were prepared with varying sisal fibre content and different layering techniques. Sisal fibres were pre-treated with 20% NaOH to enhance their crosslinking with the resin and reduce the chemical impurities such as lignin and waxes. Mechanical (flexural test, hardness, and tensile strength) and physical tests (density and water absorption) were conducted to analyse the properties of the composite. The results showed that treated sisal fibres had a higher breaking tenacity of 33.11 g/tex which is higher than untreated fibres with a breaking tenacity of 25.72 g/tex. The best properties were obtained in the sample with 4 layers of glass and 9 layers of sisal fibres using 200 ml of resin. The composite had a tensile strength of 57.60 MPa, flexural strength of 36 N/mm2, moisture absorption of 10% and a burning rate of 9.82 mm/min. These results were then compared with those of the current partition boards in the market. It was noted that the composite was suitable for use in partition boards. Again, regarding cost, these composites are cheaper to produce at a rate of $11.33/m2 compared to the timber costing at $16/m2.