bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The invasion of Bromus erectus alters species diversity of vascular plants and leafhoppers in calcareous grasslands
Authors: Poniatowski Dominik , Hertenstein Florian , Raude Nadja , Gottbehüt Kathrin , Nickel Herbert , Fartmann Thomas 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

The most common mechanism of biological invasions is an increase in competition, which usually results in the loss of biodiversity. The invasion of Bromus erectus (Syn. Bromopsis erecta) in calcareous grasslands of western and central Europe is well‐documented. Although, it is largely unknown to what extent this development affects biodiversity.

In this study, we analysed the effects of B. erectus invasion on vascular plant and leafhopper assemblages of calcareous grasslands. At each of the 15 randomly selected sites, we compared one plot with stands of Bromus (presence) and one without (absence) (paired sampling design).

The invasion of B. erectus affected vegetation structure as well as vascular plant and leafhopper assemblages. Despite similar abiotic site characteristics, Bromus plots had a higher turf height, vegetation density, and litter cover. Additionally, we recorded a much lower species richness in Bromus plots than in absence plots in all analysed groups of vascular plants. A similar pattern was found for leafhoppers. Absence plots exhibited a higher species richness of habitat and diet specialists than Bromus plots. The overall abundance of all leafhopper species was highest in presence plots, whereas that of diet specialists peaked in absence plots.

We conclude that the ongoing invasion of B. erectus will lead to a strong structural homogenisation with negative effects on plant and insect diversity. One possible management tool might be a goal‐driven rough grazing with sheep – especially in spring when B. erectus is much more palatable than in summer and autumn.
Bi‐cooperative network games: A link‐based allocation rule
Authors: Borkotokey Surajit , Gogoi Loyimee , Mukherjee Diganta 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe study the notion of a bi‐cooperative network game and obtain a link‐based allocation rule for the corresponding class. Unlike classical network games where players have single motive of forming (or not forming) a network, a player under a bi‐cooperative set up has two more variations: all her links attribute exclusively to her positive or negative contributions, or few links are positive while few others are negative. We extend the position value, an important link‐based allocation rule in classical network games, and show that it is the only rule for all the three variations of a bi‐cooperative network game.
Neuroimmunology and neuroinflammation in autoimmune, neurodegenerative and psychiatric disease
Authors: Altmann Daniel M. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryAn ever‐increasing collection of neurological human diseases are becoming appreciated as encompassing a strong immunological component in pathogenesis or regulation. This derives to a large extent from genome‐wide association studies that have highlighted association with immune system genes, including those in the HLA and KIR regions. Along with the genomic findings have come insights from immune phenotyping and assays for autoimmunity. This is a group of disease processes that includes Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, stroke, narcolepsy, schizophrenia and psychosis. In most cases, these are diseases in which we assume that differential regulation of central nervous system inflammation may impact symptoms and severity. The specific roles played by the immune response in these disease processes is largely uncharted and will require considerable investigation.
Perspectives on Water Resources among Anishinaabe and Non‐Native Residents of the Great Lakes Region
Authors: Kozich Andrew T. , Halvorsen Kathleen E. , Mayer Alex S. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractClimate change and human population growth could reduce household water availability in the historically water‐rich Great Lakes region. It is critical to understand human‐water relationships in advance of policy actions that could result from reduced water supplies. Research on household water conservation typically occurs in a reactionary nature, in settings that are already water‐stressed. Furthermore, few studies involve Native American perspectives on this important topic. We used semi‐structured interviews to assess residents' perspectives of Great Lakes water resources and views on household conservation, involving distinct samples of Native American and non‐Native residents. Although interviewees deeply value the region's water resources, few practice household conservation or plan to do so in the future. Few perceive others in the region as conserving water. Beliefs about water‐related problems are focused more on water quality than supply. Native American interviewees expressed deeper spiritual values toward water than non‐Native interviewees. Findings can help inform policy and outreach strategies and provide a rich foundation for follow‐up quantitative research testing the Theory of Planned Behavior's ability to explain household conservation intentions in the Great Lakes region.
Navajo Nation Snowpack Variability from 1985‐2014 and Implications for Water Resources Management
Authors: Tsinnajinnie Lani M. , Gutzler David S. , John Jason 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn the arid Southwest, snowpack in mountains plays an essential role in supplying surface water resources. Water managers from the Navajo Nation monitor snowpack at nine snow survey stations located in the Chuska Mountains and Defiance Plateau in northern Arizona and New Mexico. We characterize these snowpack data for the period 1985‐2014 and evaluate the efficacy of snowpack data collection efforts. Peak snow water equivalent occurs in early to mid‐March depending on elevation. Variability in snowpack levels correlates highly among all sites (r > 0.64), but higher elevation sites in the Chuska Mountains correlate more strongly with one another compared to lower elevation sites and vice versa. Northern sites also correlate well with each other. A principal component analysis is used to create a weighted average time series of year‐to‐year peak snowpack variability. The first principal component showed no trend in increasing or decreasing Navajo Nation snowpack. Results from this research will provide the Navajo Nation Department of Water Resources information to help determine if any snow survey sites in the Chuska Mountains are redundant and can be discontinued to save time and money, while still providing snowpack information needed by the Navajo Nation. This summary of snowpack patterns, variability, and trends in the Chuska Mountains and Defiance Plateau will help the Navajo Nation to understand how snowpack and water resources respond to climate change and climate variability.
Grain‐size–dependent dielectric properties in nanograin ferroelectrics
Authors: Cai Ziming , Wang Xiaohui , Hong Wei , Luo Bingcheng , Zhao Qiancheng , Li Longtu 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA series of ferroelectric ceramic models with grain and grain‐boundary structures of different sizes are established via Voronoi tessellations. A phase‐field model is introduced to study the dielectric breakdown strength of these ferroelectric ceramics. Afterward, the relation between the electric displacement and electric field and the hysteresis loop are calculated using a finite element method based on a classical and modified hyperbolic tangent model. The results indicate that as the grain size decreases, the dielectric strength is enhanced, but the dielectric permittivity is reduced. The discharge energy density and energy storage efficiency of these ferroelectric ceramics extracted from the as‐calculated hysteresis both increase along with a decrease in their grain size at their breakdown points. However, under the same applied electric field, the ferroelectric ceramic with a smaller grain size possesses a lower discharge energy density but a higher energy storage efficiency. The results suggest that ferroelectric ceramics with smaller grain sizes possess advantages for applications in energy storage devices.
Amorphous zirconia at high pressure
Authors: Durandurdu Murat 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe show, by means of ab initio calculations, that amorphous zirconia progressively transforms to a high‐density amorphous phase with the application of pressure. The average coordination number of Zr and O atoms under pressure rises gradually to 8 and 4, respectively. The main building unit of the dense noncrystalline state is the eightfold‐coordinated Zr atoms (62.5%). When the coordinated modification of Zr atoms in the zirconia crystal at high pressure and temperature conditions is considered, it can be perceived that amorphous zirconia follows a transformation mechanism similar to the one observed at high temperature but different than the one detected at high pressure. The dense disordered phase is indeed found to be locally comparable with the high‐temperature tetragonal crystal. Upon decompression, some high‐pressure arrangements are persevered in the model and a transformation into another amorphous state whose structure is intermediate between uncompressed and dense amorphous phases is observed in the simulations. The high‐pressure amorphous structures are found to be semiconductors with a band gap smaller than that of the original model.
Economic values and selection index in different Angus‐Nellore cross‐bred production systems
Authors: Fernandes G.M. , Savegnago R.P. , El Faro L. , Mosaquatro Roso V. , de Paz C.C.P. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryBioeconomic models were developed to calculate economic values (EV) for economically important traits in beef cattle, to evaluate the impact of these traits on production profitability, to assess possible market changes with a payment system and to develop economic selection indexes for Angus cattle for two production systems. Two beef cattle production systems were simulated as follows: a cow‐calf cycle (CC) and a complete cycle (CoC). Following selection, positive changes in the EV were observed. In the CC, each 1.0% increment in weaning weight (WW), weaning rate (WR) and pregnancy rate (PR) resulted in increases in US$ 1.30, US$ 3.68 and US$ 3.55 per cow/year in profit, respectively. In the CoC, EV of US$ 1.01, US$ 1.79, US$ 1.19, US$ 1.34, US$ 6.84 and US$ 7.86 per cow/year were obtained for WW, year weight, yearling weight, final weight, WR and PR, respectively. The payment system for carcass quality showed that the scenario considering that 100% of the animals displayed uniform carcasses exhibited the highest EV and was considered optimal. Considering the sensitivity analysis, the price paid per animal was the factor that most affected the EV in both systems. The selection indexes obtained may be used in similar production systems, and the use of EV and selection indexes are important tools for any production system with positive change in profit after selection.
CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene knockout for DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a in CHO cells displays enhanced transgenic expression and long‐term stability
Authors: Jia Yan‐Long , Guo Xiao , Lu Jiang‐Tao , Wang Xiao‐Yin , Qiu Le‐Le , Wang Tian‐Yun 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCHO cells are the preferred host for the production of complex pharmaceutical proteins in the biopharmaceutical industry, and genome engineering of CHO cells would benefit product yield and stability. Here, we demonstrated the efficacy of a Dnmt3a‐deficient CHO cell line created by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology through gene disruptions in Dnmt3a, which encode the proteins involved in DNA methyltransferases. The transgenes, which were driven by the 2 commonly used CMV and EF1α promoters, were evaluated for their expression level and stability. The methylation levels of CpG sites in the promoter regions and the global DNA were compared in the transfected cells. The Dnmt3a‐deficent CHO cell line based on Dnmt3a KO displayed an enhanced long‐term stability of transgene expression under the control of the CMV promoter in transfected cells in over 60 passages. Under the CMV promoter, the Dnmt3a‐deficent cell line with a high transgene expression displayed a low methylation rate in the promoter region and global DNA. Under the EF1α promoter, the Dnmt3a‐deficient and normal cell lines with low transgene expression exhibited high DNA methylation rates. These findings provide insight into cell line modification and design for improved recombinant protein production in CHO and other mammalian cells.
NEDD4‐induced degradative ubiquitination of phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate 5‐kinase α and its implication in breast cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Tran Mai Hoang , Seo Eunjeong , Min Soohong , Nguyen Quynh‐Anh T. , Choi Juyong , Lee Uk‐Jin , Hong Soon‐Sun , Kang Hyuk , Mansukhani Alka , Jou Ilo , Lee Sang Yoon 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPhosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate 5‐kinase (PIP5K) family members generate phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2), a critical lipid regulator of diverse physiological processes. The PIP5K‐dependent PIP2 generation can also act upstream of the oncogenic phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. Many studies have demonstrated various mechanisms of spatiotemporal regulation of PIP5K catalytic activity. However, there are few studies on regulation of PIP5K protein stability. Here, we examined potential regulation of PIP5Kα, a PIP5K isoform, via ubiquitin‐proteasome system, and its implication for breast cancer. Our results showed that the ubiquitin ligase NEDD4 (neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally down‐regulated gene 4) mediated ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of PIP5Kα, consequently reducing plasma membrane PIP2 level. NEDD4 interacted with the C‐terminal region and ubiquitinated the N‐terminal lysine 88 in PIP5Kα. In addition, PIP5Kα gene disruption inhibited epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐induced Akt activation and caused significant proliferation defect in breast cancer cells. Notably, PIP5Kα K88R mutant that was resistant to NEDD4‐mediated ubiquitination and degradation showed more potentiating effects on Akt activation by EGF and cell proliferation than wild‐type PIP5Kα. Collectively, these results suggest that PIP5Kα is a novel degradative substrate of NEDD4 and that the PIP5Kα‐dependent PIP2 pool contributing to breast cancer cell proliferation through PI3K/Akt activation is negatively controlled by NEDD4.
Patient education strategies in cataract surgery: A systematic review
Authors: Choi Ariel R. , Greenberg Paul B. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo systematically review the comparative effectiveness of patient education strategies in cataract surgery.MethodsA comprehensive literature search of five electronic databases was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying the efficacy of educational interventions for cataract surgery patients. Peer‐reviewed articles published in English were considered for inclusion without restriction limits on publication date. General study characteristics, measurement methodologies, and outcome measures were narratively synthesized. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Oxford quality rating system (for individual studies) and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) guidelines (for bodies of evidence).ResultsSixteen RCTs were compiled for qualitative review. We identified 21 distinct patient outcomes, four (19%) with a multi‐study evidence base: knowledge of cataracts/cataract surgery, knowledge of postoperative care, proficiency in postoperative care, and anxiety. Targeted interventions significantly increased educational efficacy in 11 (69%) studies, but there were consistent improvements only for patient understanding of cataracts/cataract surgery and postoperative care. Quality of evidence was poor for all outcomes examined in multiple studies, as well as for deciding to undergo cataract surgery (measured in one study). Cross‐study examination revealed appreciable clinical and methodological heterogeneity.ConclusionsTargeted interventions fostered patients’ understanding of cataract surgery and postoperative care. Additional high‐quality studies are needed to determine appropriate educational strategies that improve other clinical, performance, and humanistic outcomes.
Inconsistency prevents the valuable synergism of explanatory and pragmatic trails
Authors: Correia Luis C. L. , Correia Vitor C. A. , Souza Thiago M. B. , Cerqueira Antonio Maurício S , Alexandre Felipe K. B. , Garcia Guilherme , Ferreira Felipe R. M. , Lopes Fernanda O. A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo assess review articles on pragmatic trials in order to describe how authors define the aim of this type of study, how comprehensive methodological topics are covered, and which topics are most valued by authors.MethodsReview articles were selected from Medline Database, based on the expression “pragmatic trial” in the titles. Five trained medical students evaluated the articles, based on a list of 15 self‐explanatory methodological topics. Each article was evaluated regarding topics covered. Baseline statements on the aim of pragmatic trials were derived.ResultsAmong 22 articles identified, there was general agreement that the aim of a pragmatic trial is to evaluate if the intervention works under real‐world conditions. The mean number of methodological topics addressed by each article was 7.6 ± 3.1. Only one article covered all 15 topics, three articles (14%) responded to at least 75% of topics and 13 articles (59%) mentioned at least 50% of the topics. The relative frequency each of the 15 topics was cited by articles had a mean of 50% ± 25%. No topic was addressed by all articles, only three (20%) were addressed by more than 75% of articles.ConclusionsThere is agreement on the different aims of explanatory and pragmatic trials. But there is a large variation on methodological topics used to define a pragmatic trial, which led to inconsistency in defining the typical methodology of a pragmatic trial.
From wholes to fragments to wholes—what gets lost in translation?
Authors: Kirkengen Anna Luise 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe highly demanding and, in a certain sense, unique, working conditions of general practitioners (GPs) are characterized by two phenomena: First, they involve an increasing familiarity with individual patients over time, which promotes a deepening of insight. Second, they enable the GP to encounter all kinds of health problems, which in turn facilitates pattern recognition, at both individual and group levels, particularly the kind of patterns currently termed “multimorbidity.” Whereas the term “comorbidity” is used to denote states of bad health in which 1 disease is considered to predate and evoke other ailments or diseases, the term multimorbidity is applied when finding several presumably separate diseases in a person who suffers from them either sequentially or simultaneously. Encounters with patients whose suffering fits the biomedical concept and terminology of multimorbidity are among the most common which GPs face, presenting them with some of their most demanding tasks. The term multimorbidity needs to be examined, however. As it alludes to a multiplicity of diseases, it rests on an assumption of separateness of states of bad health that might not be well founded. An adequate determination of what to deem a “separate” state of bad health would require that the biomedical concept of causation be scrutinized.
New microwave ablation system for unresectable liver tumors that forms large, spherical ablation zones
Authors: Imajo Kento , Tomeno Wataru , Kanezaki Mineo , Honda Yasushi , Kessoku Takaomi , Ogawa Yuji , Yoshida Keisuke , Yoneda Masato , Kirikoshi Hiroyuki , Ono Masafumi , Kaneta Tomohiro , Inoue Tomio , Teratani Takuma , Saito Satoru , Nakajima Atsushi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground and AimThe aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a new microwave ablation (MWA) system, the Emprint Ablation System, for the ablation of unresectable large liver tumors (≥ 30 mm).MethodsTwenty‐one hepatic tumors (mean diameter, 34.7 mm) from 21 patients who underwent percutaneous MWA were included in this cross‐sectional study. A volume analyzer based on computed tomography imaging was used for all patients within the month before and month after the procedure to evaluate the shape and volume of ablation zones. In addition, computed tomography imaging was performed again 3 months after the procedure to evaluate the presence of residual tumors and local recurrence.ResultsMean ablation time was 11.3 min, and mean overall procedure time was 33.4 min. An ablated adrenal gland‐induced Takotsubo (stress) cardiomyopathy occurred immediately after MWA as a major complication in one patient. Roundness index A, B, and C presented a mean value of 0.94, 0.94, and 1.01, respectively (all values near 1 is a perfect sphere), indicating that a spherical ablation zone was achieved. The mean ablation volume was larger than the volume of tumors (24.5 vs 41.7 cm3). Residual tumors were confirmed in only 4.8% of tumors after a single ablation session. There was no local recurrence.ConclusionsIn our experience, the new MWA system provides an effective treatment option for unresectable large liver tumors. However, to ablate the liver tumors safely, it is necessary to consider the surrounding organs, such as the adrenal glands.
Comparison of retrievable stents and permanent stents for Budd–Chiari syndrome due to obstructive inferior vena cava
Authors: Bi Yonghua , Chen Hongmei , Ding Pengxu , Ren Jianzhuang , Han Xinwei 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground and AimThe aim of this study is to compare long‐term outcomes of retrievable stents (RSs) and permanent stents (PSs) for Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) due to long‐segment obstructive inferior vena cava (IVC).MethodsBetween July 2000 and August 2016, 42 patients with BCS due to long‐segment obstructive IVC were treated with RSs, and 41 patients were treated with PSs. The RSs were removed eventually after thrombus disappeared. Patients were subsequently followed up by color Doppler sonography or computed tomography scanning.ResultsAll RS placements were successful, and 37 RSs were retrieved 8 to 29 days later. Forty‐two stents were implanted in PS group. One failure retrieval of RSs occurred, and two failures of cannulations were found in PS group. Two deaths may be procedure related and died from acute pulmonary thromboembolism perioperatively. One patient developed acute cerebral infarction and recovered after treatment. In PS group, minor complications were found in three patients. The length of IVC lesion segment and length and thickness of IVC thrombus decreased significantly, and diameter of retrocaval IVC and diaphragm IVC increased significantly in both groups. During follow‐up, three patients died from liver failure in RS group, and two patients died in PS group. RS group showed a significantly higher primary patency rate than PS group. Cumulative 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year secondary patency rates were 95.2%, 89.6%, and 89.6% in RS group and 100%, 96.6%, and 96.6% in PS group (P = 0.7109).ConclusionsRetrievable stents are effective for BCS because of long‐segment obstructive IVC, with a higher primary patency rate.