bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuronal message passing using Mean-field, Bethe, and Marginal approximations
Authors: Parr Thomas , Markovic Dimitrije , Kiebel Stefan J. , Friston Karl J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNeuronal computations rely upon local interactions across synapses. For a neuronal network to perform inference, it must integrate information from locally computed messages that are propagated among elements of that network. We review the form of two popular (Bayesian) message passing schemes and consider their plausibility as descriptions of inference in biological networks. These are variational message passing and belief propagation – each of which is derived from a free energy functional that relies upon different approximations (mean-field and Bethe respectively). We begin with an overview of these schemes and illustrate the form of the messages required to perform inference using Hidden Markov Models as generative models. Throughout, we use factor graphs to show the form of the generative models and of the messages they entail. We consider how these messages might manifest neuronally and simulate the inferences they perform. While variational message passing offers a simple and neuronally plausible architecture, it falls short of the inferential performance of belief propagation. In contrast, belief propagation allows exact computation of marginal posteriors at the expense of the architectural simplicity of variational message passing. As a compromise between these two extremes, we offer a third approach – marginal message passing – that features a simple architecture, while approximating the performance of belief propagation. Finally, we link formal considerations to accounts of neurological and psychiatric syndromes in terms of aberrant message passing.
Changes in rhizosphere bacterial communities during remediation of heavy metal-accumulating plants around the Xikuangshan mine in southern China
Authors: Guo Dongchu , Fan Zhouzhou , Lu Shuyu , Ma Yongjiao , Nie Xiaohong , Tong Fangping , Peng Xiawei 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMining and smelting activities are the major sources of antimony (Sb) contamination. The soil around Xikuangshan (XKS), one of the largest Sb mines in the world, has been contaminated with high concentrations of Sb and other associated metals, and has attracted extensive scholarly attention. Phytoremediation is considered a promising method for removing heavy metals, and the diversity and structure of rhizosphere microorganisms may change during the phytoremediation process. The rhizosphere microbiome is involved in soil energy transfer, nutrient cycling, and resistance and detoxification of metal elements. Thus, changes in this microbiome are worthy of investigation using high-throughput sequencing techniques. Our study in Changlongjie and Lianmeng around XKS revealed that microbial diversity indices in the rhizospheres of Broussonetia papyrifera and Ligustrum lucidum were significantly higher than in bulk soil, indicating that plants affect microbial communities. Additionally, most of the bacteria that were enriched in the rhizosphere belonged to the Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. In Changlongjie and Lianmeng, the diversity and abundance of the microbial community in the B. papyrifera rhizosphere were higher than in L. lucidum. In parallel, the soil pH of the B. papyrifera rhizosphere increased significantly in acidic soil and decreased significantly in near-neutral soil. Redundancy analyses indicated that pH was likely the main factor affecting the overall bacterial community compositions, followed by moisture content, Sb, arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr).
Characterization of circulating miRNA signature in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) during Brucella abortus infection and evaluation as potential biomarkers for non-invasive diagnosis in vaginal fluid
Authors: Lecchi Cristina , Catozzi Carlotta , Zamarian Valentina , Poggi Gaia , Borriello Giorgia , Martucciello Alessandra , Vecchio Domenico , DeCarlo Esterina , Galiero Giorgio , Ceciliani Fabrizio 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBrucellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria from the Brucella genus that can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. Brucellosis also causes financial losses in animal production. Ruminants are highly susceptible to brucellosis, and the causative agent water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) is Brucella abortus. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are cropping up as promising biomarkers for several infectious diseases. The goals of this study were to characterize the serum miRNA signature associated with brucellosis in water buffaloes and investigate the miRNAs’ potential use as biomarkers in vaginal fluids. Next Generation Sequencing was used to assess miRNA expression profiles in Brucella-positive and Brucella-negative blood sera; dysregulated miRNAs in blood serum and vaginal fluids were validated using RT-qPCR. ROC curves were generated to evaluate the diagnostic value of miRNAs for Brucella. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were exploited to investigate the biological functions of dysregulated miRNAs. The results showed that 20 miRNAs were modulated, of which, 12 were upregulated and 8 were downregulated. These findings were corroborated by RT-qPCR, and ROC curves indicated that the miRNAs can serve as potential biomarkers for Brucella. GO and KEGG pathway analyses pointed out that some of these miRNAs are related to immune response and apoptosis. These results provided an overview of miRNA expression profiles and highlighted potential biomarkers for Brucella infection in water buffaloes. We also demonstrated the potential of vaginal fluids in studies involving microRNA detection. Further functional and mechanistic studies of these miRNAs may improve our understanding of the biological processes involved in Brucella infection and host immune response.
NMR Analysis on Molecular Interaction of Lignin with Amino Acid Residues of Carbohydrate-Binding Module from Trichoderma reesei Cel7A
Authors: Tokunaga Yuki , Nagata Takashi , Suetomi Takashi , Oshiro Satoshi , Kondo Keiko , Katahira Masato , Watanabe Takashi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractLignocellulosic biomass is anticipated to serve as a platform for green chemicals and fuels. Nonproductive binding of lignin to cellulolytic enzymes should be avoided for conversion of lignocellulose through enzymatic saccharification. Although carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) of cellulolytic enzymes strongly bind to lignin, the adsorption mechanism at molecular level is still unclear. Here, we report NMR-based analyses of binding sites on CBM1 of cellobiohydrolase I (Cel7A) from a hyper-cellulase-producing fungus, Trichoderma reesei, with cellohexaose and lignins from Japanese cedar (C-MWL) and Eucalyptus globulus (E-MWL). A method was established to obtain properly folded TrCBM1. Only TrCBM1 that was expressed in freshly transformed E. coli had intact conformation. Chemical shift perturbation analyses revealed that TrCBM1 adsorbed cellohexaose in highly specific manner via two subsites, flat plane surface and cleft, which were located on the opposite side of the protein surface. Importantly, MWLs were adsorbed at multiple binding sites, including the subsites, having higher affinity than cellohexaose. G6 and Q7 were involved in lignin binding on the flat plane surface of TrCBM1, while cellohexaose preferentially interacted with N29 and Q34. TrCBM1 used much larger surface area to bind with C-MWL than E-MWL, indicating the mechanisms of adsorption toward hardwood and softwood lignins are different.
Evaluation of an improved tool for non-invasive prediction of neonatal respiratory morbidity based on fully automated fetal lung ultrasound analysis
Authors: Burgos-Artizzu Xavier P. , Perez-Moreno Álvaro , Coronado-Gutierrez David , Gratacos Eduard , Palacio Montse 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of a new version of quantusFLM®, a software tool for prediction of neonatal respiratory morbidity (NRM) by ultrasound, which incorporates a fully automated fetal lung delineation based on Deep Learning techniques. A set of 790 fetal lung ultrasound images obtained at 24 + 0–38 + 6 weeks’ gestation was evaluated. Perinatal outcomes and the occurrence of NRM were recorded. quantusFLM® version 3.0 was applied to all images to automatically delineate the fetal lung and predict NRM risk. The test was compared with the same technology but using a manual delineation of the fetal lung, and with a scenario where only gestational age was available. The software predicted NRM with a sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of 71.0%, 94.7%, 67.9%, and 95.4%, respectively, with an accuracy of 91.5%. The accuracy for predicting NRM obtained with the same texture analysis but using a manual delineation of the lung was 90.3%, and using only gestational age was 75.6%. To sum up, automated and non-invasive software predicted NRM with a performance similar to that reported for tests based on amniotic fluid analysis and much greater than that of gestational age alone.
Reduced mitochondrial respiration and increased calcium deposits in the EDL muscle, but not in soleus, from 12-week-old dystrophic mdx mice
Authors: Gaglianone Rhayanna B. , Santos Anderson Teixeira , Bloise Flavia Fonseca , Ortiga-Carvalho Tania Maria , Costa Manoel Luis , Quirico-Santos Thereza , da Silva Wagner Seixas , Mermelstein Claudia 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMitochondria play an important role in providing ATP for muscle contraction. Muscle physiology is compromised in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and several studies have shown the involvement of bioenergetics. In this work we investigated the mitochondrial physiology in fibers from fast-twitch muscle (EDL) and slow-twitch muscle (soleus) in the mdx mouse model for DMD and in control C57BL/10J mice. In our study, multiple mitochondrial respiratory parameters were investigated in permeabilized muscle fibers from 12-week-old animals, a critical age where muscle regeneration is observed in the mdx mouse. Using substrates of complex I and complex II from the electron transport chain, ADP and mitochondrial inhibitors, we found in the mdx EDL, but not in the mdx soleus, a reduction in coupled respiration suggesting that ATP synthesis is affected. In addition, the oxygen consumption after addition of complex II substrate is reduced in mdx EDL; the maximal consumption rate (measured in the presence of uncoupler) also seems to be reduced. Mitochondria are involved in calcium regulation and we observed, using alizarin stain, calcium deposits in mdx muscles but not in control muscles. Interestingly, more calcium deposits were found in mdx EDL than in mdx soleus. These data provide evidence that in 12-week-old mdx mice, calcium is accumulated and mitochondrial function is disturbed in the fast-twitch muscle EDL, but not in the slow-twitch muscle soleus.
Evidence of microalgal isotopic fractionation through enrichment of depleted uranium
Authors: Baselga-Cervera Beatriz , García-Balboa Camino , López-Rodas Victoria , Fernández Díaz Marta , Costas Eduardo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractResulting from the nuclear fuel cycle, large amounts of depleted uranium (DU) tails are piling up, waiting for possible use or final disposal. To date, the recovery of the residual 235U isotope contained in DU has been conducted only marginally by physical processes. Relative isotope abundances are often mediated by biological processes, and the biologically driven U isotopic fractionation has been previously identified in reducing bacteria. Our results indicate that the cells of two microalgal strains (freshwater Chlamydomonas sp. (ChlGS) and marine Tetraselmis mediterranea (TmmRU)) took up DU from the exposure solutions, inducing U isotopic fractionation with a preference for the fissile 235U isotope over 238U. The n(235U)/n(238U) isotopic fractionation magnitudes (δ235) were 23.6 ± 12.5‰ and 370.4 ± 103.9‰, respectively. These results open up new perspectives on the re-enrichment of DU tailings, offering a potential biological alternative to obtain reprocessed natural-equivalent uranium. Additionally, the findings present implications for identifying biological signatures in the geologic records.
Distinct contributions of human posterior parietal and dorsal premotor cortex to reach trajectory planning
Authors: Pilacinski Artur , Lindner Axel 
Published: February 2019

AbstractGoal-directed hand movements are usually directed straight at the target, e.g. when swatting a fly. Their paths can also become quite complex, when drawing or avoiding obstacles. Studies on movement planning have largely neglected the latter movement type and the question of whether it is the same neural machinery that is planning such complex hand trajectories as well as straight, vector-like movements. Using time-resolved fMRI during delayed response tasks we examined planning activity in human superior parietal lobule (SPL) and dorsal premotor cortex (PMd). We show that the recruitment of both areas in trajectory planning differs significantly: PMd represented both straight and complex hand trajectories while SPL only those that led straight to the target. This suggests that while posterior parietal cortex only provides representations for simple, straight reaches, the complex and computationally demanding reach planning necessarily involves dorsal premotor cortex. Our findings yield new insights into the organization of cerebro-cortical strategies of forming reach trajectory plans.
Current closed‐loop control and field orientation analysis of an induction motor in six‐step operation for railway applications
Authors: Fang Xiaochun , Tian Zhongbei , Li Hua , Yang Zhongping , Lin Fei , Hillmansen Stuart 
Published: February 2019

In railway traction drive systems, six‐step operation is widely used for motors in a flux‐weakening region. Traditional vector control algorithms in six‐step operation cannot work effectively due to the limitation of a single degree of freedom. This study analyses the dq current coupling relationship when the voltage amplitude is limited and applies a current closed‐loop control strategy in six‐step operation. This study proposes a proper switching control strategy to achieve a dual‐mode control for induction motors in a full‐speed region. The accuracy of field orientation is affected by changes in motor parameters and plays a key role in current control precision. This study analyses the effect of field orientation error on motor six‐step operation. It is found that the proposed current closed‐loop control strategy can correct the field orientation error and guarantee the motor current to track the reference precisely. A case study of a 5.5 kW experimental platform is presented to validate the control schemes.
Impfen in Deutschland – Empfehlungen der STIKO
Authors: Mertens Thomas 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe epidemiological effect of vaccination is that it primarily reduces the incidence and prevalence of infectious agents and diseases, providing ideal conditions (also from an economic point of view) for prevention. Goal of vaccination is first the individual protection. Other goals may be “herd immunity”, regional repression and global extinction. The STIKO provides recommendations for the implementation of vaccinations and for the implementation of other measures for the specific prevention of communicable diseases and develops criteria for the differentiation of a customary vaccination reaction and damage to health beyond the usual extent of a vaccination reaction. Earlier vaccination recommendations based on “expert opinion” but today are based on the best available evidence. Current STIKO recommendations include vaccination against seasonal influenza, vaccination against HPV, Tdap booster, tetanus PEP, and vaccine management in practice and among migrants. For the success of the vaccination recommendations, it is first and foremost crucial that the medical profession complies with the obligation to inform about vaccination options and needs vis-à-vis patients or guardians.
Verletzungen im Unihockey – Eine Fragebogenerhebung bei Schweizer-Nationalliga-A-Unihockey-Spielern
Authors: Engel Jonas , Kälin Moritz , Rogan Slavko 
Published: February 2019

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Schnelle Richtungswechsel, Beschleunigungen, Abbrems- und Täuschungsmanöver mit Drehbewegungen führen im Unihockey zu einer erhöhten Verletzungsanfälligkeit. Zum heutigen Zeitpunkt fehlen Daten und Fakten aus der Schweizer Unihockeyliga, die aufzeigen, welche Verletzungen auftreten. Diese Arbeit hatte die Zielsetzung herauszufinden, welche Verletzungen im Schweizer-Nationalliga-A-Unihockey auftreten.
Probanden/Methodik Die vorliegende Arbeit wurde im retrospektiven, nicht experimentellen Design als Fragebogenerhebung durchgeführt. 5 Schweizer-Unihockey-Nationalliga-A-Mannschaften wurden zum Expositionszeitraum von 12 Monaten schriftlich befragt. Die Verletzungsrate beschreibt die Verletzungsanzahl pro 1000 Expositionsstunden. Zur Signifikanzeinschätzung der Resultate wurde der Wilcoxon-Rangsummentest angewendet. Bei allen Testungen wurde das Signifikanzniveau auf p < 0,05 gesetzt.
Ergebnisse In einem Kalenderjahr erlitten N = 71 aller Spieler (N = 101) im Schnitt 1,14 Verletzungen (± 1,05). Die Verletzungsrate betrug im präsentierten Datensatz 2,01. Die Verletzungsrate ist im Wettkampf 2-mal höher als im Training (Rate-Ratio (RR) = 2,04). Von den beschriebenen Verletzungslokalisationen sind das Sprunggelenk, der Oberschenkel, das Knie und der Rücken betroffen. Es zeigten sich am häufigsten Verstauchungen, Muskelverletzungen und Entzündungen. Muskelverletzungen traten dabei fast ausschließlich am Oberschenkel auf. Verstauchungen ereigneten sich meistens am Sprunggelenk.
Schlussfolgerung Die vorliegende Arbeit bestätigt die Hypothese, dass im Unihockey die Verletzungsanfälligkeit während des Wettkampfs im Vergleich zum Training deutlich höher liegt. Es kann angenommen werden, dass Spieler, bei denen die sportliche Aktivität deutliche Müdigkeit und emotionalen Stress auslöst, verletzungsanfälliger sind. Weiterführende Studien sollten verschiedene Präventionsmaßnahmen überprüfen und einen Vergleich zur geschlechterspezifischen Verletzungsanfälligkeit herstellen.
Verzicht auf Einleitung oder Abbruch einer Reanimation in der Präklinik
Authors: Sefrin Peter , Kerner Thoralf , Dörges Volker 
Published: February 2019

ZusammenfassungNicht selten wird der Notarzt mit Patienten mit einem Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstand konfrontiert, wobei sich im Einzelfall die Frage stellt, ob eine kardiopulmonale Reanimation nicht begonnen oder eine bereits begonnene Reanimation beendet werden soll. Hierzu gibt es Leitlinien und Stellungnahmen des ERC und der Bundesärztekammer sowie Hinweise in der Literatur. Nachdem es für diese Frage aber keine verbindlichen und allgemeingültigen Kriterien gibt, ist in diese individuelle Entscheidung neben der Anamnese die jeweilige aktuelle Situation einzubeziehen, und diese kann nicht aufgrund starrer Zeitvorgaben getroffen werden. Neben generellen Prognosefaktoren wird auf die Besonderheiten der Reanimation bei Polytrauma, Hypothermie, Lungenarterienembolie und Suizid eingegangen. Eine besondere Patientengruppe stellen ältere Patienten dar, bei denen manchmal eine sogenannte „Schein“-Reanimation durchgeführt wird. In die Entscheidung zur Durchführung oder zum Abbruch einer Reanimation ist auch der Patientenwille miteinzubeziehen, sofern dieser vor Ort zweifelsfrei erkennbar ist. Gründe für das Unterlassen einer Reanimation im präklinischen Bereich werden zusammenfassend dargestellt.
Anwendungssoftware zur Förderung der Adhärenz in der Arzneimitteltherapie
Authors: Njeri Jackline Wariara 
Published: February 2019

ZusammenfassungDer demografische Wandel und die Fortschritte der modernen Medizin stellen das Gesundheitssystem vor neue Herausforderungen. Mit zunehmendem Alter steigt die Multimorbidität sowie die Anzahl an chronischen Erkrankungen. Eine der größten Herausforderungen für chronisch Kranke ist die Polypharmazie, gekoppelt mit der strikten Einhaltung des Therapieschemas. Das Problem der Non-Adhärenz in der Arzneimitteltherapie, das schon sehr lange bekannt ist, wird immer präsenter. Parallel hat sich die Smartphone-Technologie rasant entwickelt mit vielversprechenden zukunftsweisenden digitalen Lösungen. In Anbetracht dieser beiden Aspekte ist das Ziel der vorliegenden Untersuchung, herauszufinden, ob die moderne Technologie in Form einer Medikamenten-Erinnerungs-App die unbeabsichtigte Non-Adhärenz in der Arzneimitteltherapie positiv beeinflussen kann. Gleichzeitig muss überprüft werden, ob ein Therapieerfolg sicherzustellen ist. Um die Forschungsfrage adäquat zu beantworten, ist ein standardisiertes Non-Adhärenz-Screening und eine Blutdruckanalyse durchgeführt worden. Die Teilnehmer wurden nach bestimmten Kriterien ausgesucht und nutzten nach einem Training die Medikamenten-App „MedPlaner“ als Gedächtnishilfe zur Medikamenten-Einnahme. Die Intervention erwies sich als vorteilhaft, da die Adhärenz-Rate innerhalb von 3 Wochen in der Interventionsgruppe anstieg und eine Besserung der Blutdruckwerte zu beobachten war. Insgesamt lässt sich also feststellen, dass die Nutzung einer Medikamenten-App als Gedächtnishelfer durchaus einen positiven Einfluss auf die Non-Adhärenz in der Arzneimitteltherapie nimmt.
Reduced Gene Expression of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator-1α in Whole Blood in Euthyroid Patients One Year After Hemithyroidectomy for Benign Euthyroid Goiter
Authors: Kristensen Tina , Pedersen Palle , Larsen Jacob , Feldthusen Anne-Dorthe , Jelstrup Søren , Ellervik Christina 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe have previously reported decreased thyroid function within the laboratory reference range and changes in mitochondrial function after hemithyroidectomy. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and coactivator-1β (PGC-1β) are key regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis and function. The aim was to examine the influence of hemithyroidectomy on the longitudinal change in mRNA expression of these genes. In addition, we measured longitudinal changes in mRNA expressions of the mitochoncrial-related genes nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (NFE2L2), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), and sodium dismutase 2 (SOD2). Twenty-eight patients were examined before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after hemithyroidectomy for benign euthyroid goiter. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones were measured, and whole blood gene expression of PGC-1α, PGC-1β, NFE2L2, TFAM, and SOD2 was examined by reverse transcription quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction. We used mixed effect regression models to investigate changes in gene expression with time. Averaged over all follow-up visits, TSH increased (p=0.001), tT3 declined (p=0.01), and fT4/tT3 ratio increased (p=0.03) over one-year follow-up, but fT4 remained unchanged. Averaged over all follow-up visits, whole blood PGC-1α levels (p<0.001) and SOD2 (p=0.009) levels declined, but PGC-1β, TFAM, and NFE2L2 did not change over one-year follow-up. The study demonstrates significant downregulation of whole blood PGC-1α and SOD2 gene expressions in hemithyroidectomized patients with a concomitant increase in TSH concentration within the reference range. Thus, hemithyroidectomized patients may likely have impaired mitochondrial function.