bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variations in gut bacterial communities of hooded crane (Grus monacha) over spatial-temporal scales
Authors: Dong Yuanqiu , Xiang Xingjia , Zhao Guanghong , Song Yunwei , Zhou Lizhi 
Published: June 2019

BackgroundMicrobes have been recognized as important symbionts to regulate host life. The animal gut harbors abundance and diverse bacteria. Numerous internal and external factors influence intestinal bacterial communities, including diet, seasonal fluctuations and habitat sites. However, the factors that influence the gut bacterial communities of wild bird is poorly characterized.MethodsBy high-throughput sequencing and statistical analysis, we investigated the variations in gut bacterial communities of the hooded cranes at three wintering stages in Caizi (CZL) and Shengjin Lake (SJL), which are two shallow lakes in the middle and lower Yangtze River floodplain.ResultsOur results revealed significant differences in gut bacterial community structure and diversity among different sampling sites and wintering stages. Seasonal changes have a significant impact on the gut microbe composition of hooded cranes in the two lakes. ANOSIM analysis demonstrated that the samples in CZL had greater differences in the gut bacterial composition than that in SJL. Our data showed strong evidence that the host’s gut filtering might be an important factor in shaping bacterial community according to mean nearest taxon distance (MNTD). The PICRUSt analysis showed that the predicted metagenomes associated with the gut microbiome were carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism and energy metabolism over the entire wintering period at the two lakes.ConclusionsThe results demonstrated that both seasonal changes and habitat sites have significant impact on the gut bacterial communities of hooded cranes. In addition, predictive function of gut microbes in hooded cranes varied over time. These results provide new insights into the gut microbial community of the cranes, which serves as a foundation for future studies.
Association between VDR gene FokI polymorphism and renal function in patients with IgA nephropathy
Authors: Mo Man-Qiu , Pan Ling , Tan Lin , Jiang Ling , Pan Yong-Qing , Li Fu-Ji , Yang Zhen-Hua , Liao Yun-Hua 
Published: June 2019

Background
Studies have shown that the occurrence and development of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) are genetically susceptible, but the relationship between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and renal function in IgAN patients is unclear.

Methods
We investigated the relationship between VDR FokI (rs2228570) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and renal function and related clinicopathologic parameters in IgAN patients. Clinical and pathological data of 282 IgAN patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University were collected, and FokI genotypes were determined by PCR and direct sequencing. Patients were divided into the renal dysfunction group and normal renal function (control) group by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum creatinine level.

Results
Frequencies of TT genotype and T allele in the renal dysfunction group were higher than those of the control group. Blood urea nitrogen, serum phosphorus (P), proportions of mesangial cell proliferation, interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy and crescents in T allele carriers were higher than those in non-T allele carriers, while eGFR and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 were lower in T allele carriers than non-T allele carriers. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that eGFR was affected by FokI genotypes in IgAN patients. Logistics regression analysis showed that middle and elderly age, elevated P, intact parathyroid hormone and TT genotype were independent risk factors for renal dysfunction in IgAN patients; the odds ratio of carrying the TT genotype was as high as 84.77 (P < 0.05 for all).

Conclusions
IgA nephropathy patients carrying the VDR FokI TT genotype have an increased risk of renal dysfunction. VDR FokI SNP is closely related to renal function, calcium-phosphate metabolism, and related pathological damage in IgAN patients.
Nutritional and Anti–Nutritional Evaluation of Garri Processed by Traditional and Instant Mechanical Methods
Authors: Airaodion Augustine I. , Airaodion Edith O. , Ewa Ogbonnaya , Ogbuagu Emmanuel O. , Ogbuagu Uloaku 
Published: June 2019

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of garri processed by traditional and instant mechanical methods.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Achara, Uturu and analyses were done at the Biochemistry and Central Laboratories of Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State between March and July, 2017.
Methods: Cassava was harvested and processed in Achara area of Uturu, Abia State. For garri processed by instant mechanical method, cassava was grated and dewatered using hydraulic press and were roasted (fried) within 24 hours of harvest. For garri processed by traditional method, the grated garri was allowed to stay for 24 hours in the sack before dewatering using sticks. The dewatering process took 3 days before roasting. The nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of raw cassava mash, garri processed by traditional and instant mechanical methods were evaluated using standard methods.
Results: The result of the analysis showed that garri processed by traditional method was higher in most of the nutritional factors but lower in all of the anti-nutritional factors investigated when compared with those of garri processed by instant mechanical method and raw cassava mash. Garri processed by traditional method was significantly higher in vitamin A but lower in vitamin C when compared with garri processed by instant mechanical method at p<0.05. Garri with palm oil has its cyanogenic glucoside significantly reduced when compared with garri without palm oil at p<0.05.
Conclusion: Long period of fermentation (3 – 5 days) of cassava product is recommended as garri processed by traditional method was nutritionally better than that processed by instant mechanical method due to the longer period of fermentation.
Motion capture data segmentation using Riemannian manifold learning
Authors: Bin Wang , Weibin Liu , Weiwei Xing 
Published: June 2019

AbstractDue to the inherent nonlinear nature of data, traditional linear methods have some limitations in finding the intrinsic dimensions of motion capture (Mo‐cap) data. Mo‐cap data are more in line with the characteristics of the manifold. Assuming that the data are initially a low‐dimensional manifold and uniformly sampled in high‐dimensional Euclidean space, manifold learning recovers low‐dimensional manifold structures from high‐dimensional sampled data. This paper proposes an automatic segmentation method based on geodesics by introducing a Riemannian manifold. We convert Mo‐cap data from Euler angles into quaternions, calculate the intrinsic mean of the motion sequence, hemispherize quaternions, and use logarithmic and exponential mapping to calculate geodesic distances instead of quaternions. The experimental results show that the algorithms can achieve automatic segmentation and have a better segmentation effect.
Nonstationary spatiotemporal Bayesian data fusion for pollutants in the near‐road environment
Authors: Gilani O. , Berrocal V. J. , Batterman S. A. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractConcentrations of near‐road air pollutants (NRAPs) have increased to very high levels in many urban centers around the world, particularly in developing countries. The adverse health effects of exposure to NRAPs are greater when the exposure occurs in the near‐road environment as compared to background levels of pollutant concentration. Therefore, there is increasing interest in monitoring pollutant concentrations in the near‐road environment. However, due to various practical limitations, monitoring pollutant concentrations near roadways and traffic sources is generally rather difficult and expensive. As an alternative, various deterministic computer models that provide predictions of pollutant concentrations in the near‐road environment, such as the research line‐source dispersion model (RLINE), have been developed. A common feature of these models is that their outputs typically display systematic biases and need to be calibrated in space and time using observed pollutant data. In this paper, we present a nonstationary Bayesian data fusion model that uses a novel data set on monitored pollutant concentrations (nitrogen oxides or NOx and fine particulate matter or PM2.5) in the near‐road environment and, combining it with the RLINE model output, provides predictions at unsampled locations. The model can also be used to evaluate whether including the RLINE model output leads to improved pollutant concentration predictions and whether the RLINE model output captures the spatial dependence structure of NRAP concentrations in the near‐road environment. A defining characteristic of the proposed model is that we model the nonstationarity in the pollutant concentrations by using a recently developed approach that includes covariates, postulated to be the driving force behind the nonstationary behavior, in the covariance function.
A suburban sediment budget: Coarse‐grained sediment flux through hillslopes, stormwater systems and streams
Authors: Russell Kathryn L. , Vietz Geoff J. , Fletcher Tim D. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSediment in urban stormwater systems creates a significant maintenance burden, while a lack of coarse‐grained bed sediment in streams limits their ecological value and geomorphic resilience. Gravel substrates, for example, provide benthic habitat yet are often scoured from the channel bed only to end up in a detention basin or treatment wetland. This dual problem of both ‘too much’ and ‘too little’ coarse‐grained sediment reflects a watershed sediment budget that is profoundly altered. We developed a conceptual urban coarse‐grained (>0.5 mm) sediment budget across three domains: hillslopes (urban land surfaces), the built stormwater network and stream channels. We then quantified key sources, sinks and storages for a suburban case study, using a combination of hillslope and in‐channel monitoring, and interrogation of local government records. Around 36% of the sediment supplied to the stormwater network reached the catchment outlet, a level of sediment delivery much higher than observed in similar‐sized natural catchments. The remainder was deposited in the sediment cascade and either stored, or extracted and removed from the catchment (e.g. material deposited in sediment ponds and gross pollutant traps). Conventional urban drainage networks are characterized by high hillslope sediment supply and low storage, resulting in efficient sediment delivery. Channel erosion, deposition in (and extraction from) pipes and channels, and floodplain deposition are small compared to sediment transport through the cascade. An understanding of the sediment budget of urban headwater catchments can provide stormwater and waterway managers with the information they need to address specific sediment problems such as sedimentation in stormwater assets and geomorphic recovery of urban streams. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of geochemistry and interphase transport of CO2on hybrid carbonated low salinity waterflood to improve oil recovery and CO2sequestration
Authors: Lee Ji Ho , Jeong Moon Sik , Lee Kun Sang 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe hybrid process of carbonated low salinity waterflood (CLSWF) integrating low salinity waterflood (LSWF) and carbonated waterflood (CWF) is proposed as enhanced oil recovery (EOR) incorporating CO2storage. Based on the understanding of the mechanisms of LSWF and CWF, the hybrid technology is simulated with a fully‐coupled model of fluid flow, geochemical reactions, and equation of state, which describes chemical interactions in the oil/brine/rock system. The comprehensive simulations confirm the synergetic effects of the hybrid CLSWF when compared to waterflooding (WF) and LSWF. In addition, optimum designs of cost‐efficient CLSWF securing CO2storage are drawn via optimization and sensitivity studies. First, CLSWF enhances wettability modification effect, when compared to LSWF. In CLSWF, extensive mineral dissolution causes more cation exchange. Following the multicomponent ion exchange theory of the wettability modification mechanism, CLSWF produces more residual oil than LSWF with an increasing equivalent fraction of cation. Consequently, it enhances oil recovery by 6.9% and 2.5%, compared with WF and LSWF. Second, the interphase transport of CO2introduces the oil viscosity reduction effect, which improves the injectivity of CLSWF. Lastly, it sequestrates 25% of the injected CO2in the depleted reservoir via the solubility‐trapping mechanism. In optimization and sensitivity studies, the optimum design of CLSWF is determined to produce more oil recovery by 9.9% and more net present value by 35% over WF. In addition, 33% of the injected CO2becomes sequestrated in the reservoirs. This study clarifies that hybrid CLSWF improves EOR, injectivity, and CO2storage. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impaired structural connectivity between dorsal attention network and pulvinar mediates the impact of premature birth on adult visual–spatial abilities
Authors: Berndt Maria , Bäuml Josef G. , Menegaux Aurore , Meng Chun , Daamen Marcel , Baumann Nicole , Zimmer Claus , Boecker Henning , Bartmann Peter , Wolke Dieter , Sorg Christian 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe dorsal attention network (DAN), including frontal eye fields and posterior parietal cortices, and its link with the posterior thalamus, contribute to visual–spatial abilities. Very premature birth impairs both visual–spatial abilities and cortico‐thalamic structural connectivity. We hypothesized that impaired structural DAN‐pulvinar connectivity mediates the effect of very premature birth on adult visual–spatial abilities. Seventy very premature (median age 26.6 years) and 57 mature born adults (median age 26.6 years) were assessed with cognitive tests and diffusion tensor imaging. Perceptual organization (PO) index of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐III was used as a proxy for visual–spatial abilities, and connection probability maps in the thalamus, derived from probabilistic tractography from the DAN, were used as a proxy for DAN‐thalamic connectivity. Premature born adults showed decreases in both PO‐index and connection probability from DAN into the pulvinar, with both changes being positively correlated. Moreover, path analysis revealed that DAN‐pulvinar connectivity mediates the relationship between very premature birth and PO‐index. Results provide evidence for long‐term effects of very premature birth on structural DAN‐pulvinar connectivity, mediating the effect of prematurity on adult visual–spatial impairments. Data suggest DAN‐pulvinar connectivity as a specific target of prognostic and diagnostic procedures for visual–spatial abilities after premature birth.
Transoral laser microsurgery for treatment of oropharyngeal cancer in 368 patients
Authors: Weiss Bernhard G. , Ihler Friedrich , Anczykowski Mahalia Zoe , Bertlich Mattis , Kitz Julia , Steiner Wolfgang , Canis Martin , Jakob Mark 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundOncological and functional outcome of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) for primary treatment of oropharyngeal cancer was examined using a multimodal treatment concept.MethodsA total of 368 patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (pT1‐4, pN0‐2, M0) underwent TLM +/− neck dissection (85%), +/− (chemo)radiotherapy (57%). The majority of patients had advanced stage III and IVa disease (79%).ResultsFive‐year Kaplan‐Meier estimates for local control were 83.5% for pT1, 74.1% for pT2, 77.3% for pT3, and 76.0% for pT4a tumors. Five‐year estimates of overall, disease‐specific, and recurrence‐free survival for stage I were 76.0%, 92.8%, and 69.1%; for stage II 71.1%, 85.7%, and 49.6%; for stage III 61.7%, 72.5%, and 58.8%; and for stage IVa 57.3%, 73.7%, and 63.9%, respectively. Postoperative (chemo)radiotherapy improved the outcome for advanced disease. p16‐positive tumors had superior survival estimates. Overall, 93.5% maintained regular oral nutrition without feeding tube dependency.ConclusionPrimary TLM in multimodal concepts of treatment offers good oncologic outcome even for advanced‐stage oropharyngeal cancer.
Evaluation of the sequence method as a tool to assess spontaneous baroreflex in reptiles
Authors: Filogonio Renato , Orsolini Karina F. , Castro Samanta A. , Oda Gustavo M. , Rocha Gabriella C. , Tavares Driele , Abe Augusto S. , Leite Cléo A. C. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe sequence method is an alternative to the traditional pharmacological approach (i.e., the Oxford technique) used to calculate baroreflex gain (G) in mammals. Although the sequence method assesses baroreflex by measuring spontaneous events of blood pressure regulation, the pharmacological method relies on the injection of vasoactive drugs that impact the baroreflex mechanism itself. The sequence method might be relevant for dynamic measurement of baroreflex modulation but it was never validated for vertebrates with low heart rate. Hence, we tested the sequence method in three species of reptiles and compared the results with those provided by the classic pharmacological method. G was similar between both methods and values correlated when parameters for the sequence method were set at delay 0 or 1 (i.e., the baroreflex system responds immediately to blood pressure changes or after 1 heartbeat). Calculation of the baroreflex effectiveness index was adequate at a minimum of 300 cycles and a delay of 1 for the three species. Therefore, the sequence method has been validated to investigate baroreflex regulation in reptiles, enabling studies during dynamic alterations in homeostasis.
Volitional Suppression of Parkinsonian Resting Tremor
Authors: Blakemore Rebekah L. , MacAskill Michael R. , Myall Daniel J. , Anderson Tim J. 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTBackgroundWe have observed in the clinic that a number of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) can suppress their tremor at will for brief periods, by conscious mental processes. To our knowledge, the ability to consciously diminish one's resting tremor has not yet been reported nor assessed quantitatively.ObjectiveTo provide the first detailed systematic investigation of the phenomenon of voluntary tremor suppression in PD.MethodsWe examined changes in tremor characteristics during voluntary tremor suppression in 37 PD patients (on medication) presenting with rest tremor in their upper limb. We measured tremor oscillations with a triaxis accelerometer on the index finger of the most‐affected hand (n = 27). With surface electromyography (EMG), we measured changes in neuromuscular activity of the forearm flexor digitorum superficialis and extensor digitorum muscles (n = 15). Participants completed four 1‐minute trials, consisting of alternating consecutive 30‐second periods of resting tremor and 30‐second periods of attempted tremor suppression.ResultsBayesian multilevel modeling revealed that attempted voluntary tremor suppression did indeed reduce tremor amplitude (peak power) of the acceleration signal and increased tremor frequency of the acceleration and EMG signals. Relative EMG power in the 3‐ to 8‐Hz tremor band was also smaller. Tremor suppression was not by enhanced voluntary contraction of the relevant muscle pairs.ConclusionsWe present novel empirical evidence that PD resting tremor can be suppressed by an act of will, as evidenced by significant modulation of key neurophysiological tremor characteristics. These data highlight that it is possible to exert significant conscious control over parkinsonian resting tremor.
Energy conservation during remeshing in the analysis of dynamic fracture
Authors: Chen Lin , Li Bin , de Borst René 
Published: June 2019

SummaryThe analysis of (dynamic) fracture often requires multiple changes to the discretisation during crack propagation. The state vector from the previous time step must then be transferred to provide the initial values of the next time step. A novel methodology based on a least‐squares fit is proposed for this mapping. The energy balance is taken as a constraint in the mapping, which results in a complete energy preservation. Apart from capturing the physics better, this also has advantages for numerical stability. To further improve the accuracy, Powell‐Sabin B‐splines, which are based on triangles, have been used for the discretisation. Since
continuity of the displacement field holds at crack tips for Powell‐Sabin B‐splines, the stresses at and around crack tips are captured much more accurately than when using elements with a standard Lagrangian interpolation, or with NURBS and T‐splines. The versatility and accuracy of the approach to simulate dynamic crack propagation are assessed in two case studies, featuring mode‐I and mixed‐mode crack propagation.
Synaptic signals mediated by protons and acid‐sensing ion channels
Authors: Uchitel Osvaldo D. , González Inchauspe Carlota , Weissmann Carina 
Published: June 2019

AbstractExtracellular pH changes may constitute significant signals for neuronal communication. During synaptic transmission, changes in pH in the synaptic cleft take place. Its role in the regulation of presynaptic Ca2+ currents through multivesicular release in ribbon‐type synapses is a proven phenomenon. In recent years, protons have been recognized as neurotransmitters that participate in neuronal communication in synapses of several regions of the CNS such as amygdala, nucleus accumbens, and brainstem. Protons are released by nerve stimulation and activate postsynaptic acid‐sensing ion channels (ASICs). Several types of ASIC channels are expressed in the peripheral and central nervous system. The influx of Ca2+ through some subtypes of ASICs, as a result of synaptic transmission, agrees with the participation of ASICs in synaptic plasticity. Pharmacological and genetical inhibition of ASIC1a results in alterations in learning, memory, and phenomena like fear and cocaine‐seeking behavior. The recognition of endogenous molecules, such as arachidonic acid, cytokines, histamine, spermine, lactate, and neuropeptides, capable of inhibiting or potentiating ASICs suggests the existence of mechanisms of synaptic modulation that have not yet been fully identified and that could be tuned by new emerging pharmacological compounds with potential therapeutic benefits.