bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trait‐based community assembly pattern along a forest succession gradient in a seasonally dry tropical forest
Authors: Subedi Suresh C. , Ross Michael S. , Sah Jay P. , Redwine Jed , Baraloto Christopher 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe aimed to determine the important functional dimensions that may drive forest succession and community assembly patterns in dry tropical forests. We investigated whether there were patterns in specific functional strategies during succession in the dry tropical forests of the Florida Keys, whose unique physical setting includes nutrient‐stressed, salt‐stressed, and water‐limited environments. The study, which focused on ten traits, determined the leading trait dimensions by which species differentiate from one another in the study area. The general patterns of trait covariation at individual sites and among species were analyzed using principal component analysis. Trait niche overlap indices were calculated for all species sampled across all plots. Evidence for/against likely community assembly processes was tested using the coefficient of heterogeneity to determine whether variation within and among five key traits was clustered, random, or evenly distributed across young, old, or all measured forest stands. A combination of plant architecture, wood density, and three leaf traits (specific leaf area, leaf phosphorus, and leaf nitrogen) comprised a key set of functional traits that are important for understanding the community assembly process in dry tropical forest. Older forest stands were dominated by species with low specific area, low leaf nitrogen content, dense wood, and deeper and narrower canopies. Trees of old forests had leaves with lighter carbon isotope composition, suggesting that such individuals were making more efficient use of scarce water. Tests of trait distributions showed significant clustering across forests of all ages. When individual trait distributions in old stands were tested, they displayed either randomly or evenly distributed traits across trait niche space, indicating that resource partitioning was predominant in shaping community composition. Physical traits of trees in young communities are associated with resource acquisitive strategies, while old communities are dominated by species with traits that enhance survival in environments defined by competition or chronic resource scarcity.
Lower circulating kisspeptin and primary hypogonadism in men with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Asare‐Anane Henry , Ofori Emmanuel Kwaku , Kwao‐Zigah Genevieve , Ateko Richmond O. , Annan Benjamin D. R. T. , Adjei Afua B. , Quansah Michael 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntroductionKisspeptin influence on male androgens is partially understood. We aimed to evaluate serum concentrations of kisspeptin among Ghanaian men with type 2 diabetes and to identify related factors that may contribute to altering circulating kisspeptin.MethodsA cross‐sectional, observational study. Sixty persons with type 2 diabetes and 60 nondiabetic controls were included in this study. Blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), kisspeptin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (T), glucose (FBG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and lipid levels were assessed.ResultsType 2 diabetic men had lower kisspeptin and T concentrations than controls (P = 0.001 for both). Levels of LH and FSH were, respectively, higher in diabetic men compared with their control counterparts (P = 0.003; P = 0.017). There were negative associations within the diabetic group for kisspeptin vs age (r = −0.590, P = 0.0001) and kisspeptin vs BMI (r = −0.389, P = 0.002). Positive associations were also found within the diabetic group for kisspeptin vs T (r = 0.531, P = 0.001), kisspeptin vs LH (r = 0.423, P = 0.001) and kisspeptin vs FSH (r = 0.366, P = 0.004). Lower T (OR = 1.473, P = 0.003) and advancing age (OR = 0.890, P = 0.004) contributed to decreased kisspeptin levels among Ghanaian males with type 2 diabetes.ConclusionOur data demonstrate that circulating kisspeptin and T concentrations are lower among men with type 2 diabetes and highlight the importance of considering kisspeptin concentrations in the management of hypogonadism and type 2 diabetes.
Feasibility analysis on the pilot test of acid fracturing for carbonate reservoirs in Halfaya Oilfield, Iraq
Authors: Zhu Dawei , Hu Yongle , Cui Mingyue , Chen Yandong , Liang Chong , He Yanhui , Wang Xiaoyong , Wang Dayong 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe oil reservoir of Mishrif Formation is of strong heterogeneity vertically and laterally, and its single‐well production rate after conventional acidizing is low and declines fast. Therefore, we intend to carry out the pilot test on diverting acid fracturing so as to improve the stimulation effect of acid fracturing by enlarging the lateral and vertical stimulation range. In this paper, a series of experimental studies (eg, rock mechanics, acid rheology, acid‐rock reaction kinetics, and full‐diameter core etching diversion) were carried out to deal with the reservoir characteristics and stimulation demand of Mishrif Formation, the principal oil reservoir in Halfaya Oilfield in Iraq, the Middle East. It is shown that calcite content of Mishrif Formation reservoir is higher than 95%, indicating the strong acid dissolution. As for rock mechanics, the characteristics of “low Young's modulus and high Poisson's ratio” are presented, and the stress‐strain curves show certain elastic‐plastic characteristics. Additionally, a large number of wormholes appear on the surface of the full‐diameter cores after acid etching, so it is necessary to consider the serious filtration of acidizing fluid near the wellbore. The mechanical strength of rock plates decreases after acid etching, so it is recommended to adopt and optimize the closed acidizing technology so as to avoid excessive etching. Furthermore, the self‐support flow conductivity of etched fractures is weak, so it is recommended to adopt the sand fracturing or the combined stimulation technology of acid fracturing + sand fracturing to improve the reservoir stimulation effects.
Designing Accessible Formative Assessment Tasks to Measure Argumentation Skills for English Learners
Authors: Guzman‐Orth Danielle , Song Yi , Sparks Jesse R. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the challenges and opportunities in developing a computer‐delivered English language arts (ELA) task intended to improve the accessibility of the task for middle school English learners (ELs). Data from cognitive labs with 8 ELs with varying language proficiency levels provided rich insight to student–task interaction and how the accessibility of the task could be improved to enhance student understanding and to support valid integration of the task as a part of students' formative assessment process. In this paper, we share the results from our research and discuss our iterative approach to improving ELA task accessibility for ELs' formative assessment process.
Untargeted metabolomics analysis of Mucor racemosus Douchi fermentation process by gas chromatography with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Pao , Tang Hui , Shi Cong , Xie Yanhua , Zhou Hongli , Xia Bo , Zhang Chunyan , Chen Lili , Jiang Liwen 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntensive study of the metabolome during the Douchi fermentation can provide new knowledge for optimizing the fermentation process. In this work, the metabolic characterization throughout the fermentation of Mucor racemosus Douchi was investigated using gas chromatography with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. A total of 511 peaks were found, and 114 metabolites were identified. The fermentation process was clearly distinguished into two main phases by principal components analysis and orthogonal partial least squares‐discriminant analysis. All the samples in the score plots were within the 95% Hotelling T2 ellipse. Two separated clusters can be seen clearly in the score plot, which represents the two stages of fermentation: koji‐making (within 48 hr) and postfermentation (after 48 hr). Besides, clear separation and discrimination by both methods were found among different fermentation time within 15 days, while the discrimination cannot be found with more than 15 days of fermentation, indicating that the fermentation of Douchi was finished in 15 days. Due to the synergistic effect of protease and hydrolase accumulated in the early stage, proteins and other big molecular substances are rapidly hydrolyzed into a large number of small molecule components. However, the activity of enzymes decreased with the further fermentation, and some free amino acids were consumed in Maillard reaction. Therefore, there was no significant change in the content of small molecular substances after 15 days of fermentation. Furthermore, the levels of some metabolites such as alanine and lysine involved in the fermentation varied significantly throughout the processes. This study provides new insights for the metabolomics characteristics of Douchi fermentation.
Apoptotic effects of hsian‐tsao (Mesona procumbens Hemsley) on hepatic stellate cells mediated by reactive oxygen species and ERK, JNK, and caspase‐3 pathways
Authors: Yeh Yung‐Hsiang , Liang Chun‐Ya , Chen Mao‐Liang , Tsai Fu‐Ming , Lin Yi‐Ying , Lee Ming‐Cheng , Wu Jiunn‐Sheng , Kuo Chan‐Yen 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is an important step in the progress of liver fibrosis. Fibrosis can be impeded by HSC reversion to a quiescent state or HSC clearance through apoptosis. To investigate the apoptotic effects of hsian‐tsao (Mesona procumbens Hemsl) on human HSCs, the expression levels of cleaved caspase‐3, p38, and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) were assessed using Western blotting, and the caspase‐3 activity was measured using caspase‐3/CPP32 colorimetric assay kit. Hsian‐tsao extract (HTE) increased the activity of caspase‐3 and the level of activated caspase‐3, indicating the activation of apoptosis. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level increased in a dose‐dependent manner. This increase was prevented by an antioxidant, suggesting that HTE induces ROS accumulation. In addition, we found that HTE induced the phosphorylation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinases JNK and p38. These collective data indicate that HTE induces apoptosis via ROS production through the p38, JNK, and caspase‐3‐dependent pathways. HTE may decrease HSC activation in liver fibrosis and may have a therapeutic potential.
Prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in a metabolically healthy obese population
Authors: Mu Liangshan , Zhao Yue , Li Rong , Lai Yuchen , Chang Hsun‐Ming , Qiao Jie 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) prevalence is increased among metabolically healthy obese (MHO) women.MethodsA national epidemiologic survey in 10 provinces and municipalities of China between October 2007 and September 2011. Women were stratified into four groups according to metabolic health (assessment by Adult Treatment Panel III) and obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥28): metabolically healthy nonobese (MHNO), metabolically unhealthy nonobese (MUNO), MHO, and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO). PCOS was diagnosed via Rotterdam Criteria. Participants completed a questionnaire and underwent physical and transvaginal ultrasound examination. BMI, blood pressure, glucose, and lipid profile were measured.ResultsThe survey included 3551 women. The MHO group had a higher prevalence of PCOS and chronic anovulation versus nonobese groups (all P<0.05). Obesity was a risk factor for PCOS (odds ratio [OR], 2.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.68–3.14, P<0.05). Being metabolically unhealthy was a risk factor for PCOS (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.09–1.60; P<0.05). The MHO group had an increased risk of PCOS relative to the MHNO group (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.42–4.02; P<0.05).ConclusionMHO women had an increased risk of PCOS and chronic anovulation. Obesity might be an independent risk factor for these two disorders.
Differential response of human blood leukocytes to brushite, monetite, and calcium polyphosphate biomaterials
Authors: Fine Noah , Sheikh Zeeshan , Al‐Jaf Faik , Oveisi Morvarid , Borenstein Alon , Hu Youxin , Pilliar Robert , Grynpas Marc , Glogauer Michael 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCalcium phosphate‐based biomaterials are extensively used for bone replacement and regeneration in orthopedic, dental, and maxillofacial surgical applications. The injury induced by surgical implantation of bone replacement graft materials initiates a cascade of host responses, starting with blood–biomaterial contact, protein adsorption on the material surface, blood coagulation, and leukocyte responses. During the initial acute inflammatory response, polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and monocytes, abundant circulating leukocytes of the myeloid lineage, are recruited to the site of inflammation. In addition to responding to pathogenic challenges, these cells respond to particulate substances within the body including crystals of monosodium urate (MSU). Host responses toward grafts impact short‐ and long‐term success in tissue engineering and regenerative applications. Although multinucleated osteoclasts, formed by monocyte/macrophage fusion, are generally thought to be responsible for resorption of implant biomaterials, the ability of different biomaterials to trigger PMNs, which are invariably present at the early stages after implant surgery, and are abundant in the oral cavity, has never been tested. In this article, we present analysis of the response of human blood‐derived PMNs and monocytes toward brushite, monetite, and calcium polyphosphate (CPP) biomaterial substrates and compare this to the response to MSU crystals, the latter serving as a positive control. Employing multicolor flow cytometry to look at PMN and monocyte cell surface markers of activation to gauge the response to different biomaterials, we found that both types of myeloid cells are highly activated after exposure to brushite, monetite, and MSU but not CPP. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 108B:253–262, 2020.
A foldable manipulator with tunable stiffness based on braided structure
Authors: Shang Zufeng , Ma Jiayao , You Zhong , Wang Shuxin 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMinimally invasive surgery (MIS) has recently seen a surge in clinical applications due to its potential benefits over open surgery. In MIS, a long manipulator is placed through a tortuous human orifice to create a channel for surgical tools and provide support when they are operated. Currently the relative large profile and low stiffness of the manipulators limit the effectiveness and accuracy of MIS. Here we propose a new foldable manipulator with tunable stiffness. The manipulator takes a braided skeleton to enable radial folding, whereas membrane is used to seal the skeleton so as to adjust stiffness through creating negative pressure. We demonstrated experimentally, numerically, and analytically that, a flexible and a rigid state were obtained, and the ratio of bending stiffness in the rigid state to that in the flexible state reached 6.85. In addition, the manipulator achieved a radial folding ratio of 1.95. The proposed manipulator shows great potential in the design of surgical robots for MIS. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B, 2019.
Genetic variants of TSPAN12 gene in patients with retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Zhang Tongmei , Sun Xiaoli , Han Junlin , Han Mei 
Published: April 2019

AbstractGenetic susceptibility to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) has been reported. However, no virulence genes are currently known for ROP. This study aimed to assess FZD4, LRP5, TSPAN12, and NDP, which are known virulence genes involved in familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, an ailment that shares some symptoms with ROP. After approval from the parents of diseased infants, blood samples from 29 Han patients with ROP were collected for genomic DNA extraction. Direct sequencing was used to assess the four candidate genes, namely FZD4, LRP5, TSPAN12, and NDP. Finally, genetic mutations were screened. Changes of three nucleotide sequences were found in the four candidate genes; notably, a c.954G>A hybrid mutation in the TSPAN12 gene was predicted to cause protein structure and function alterations. The molecular pathogenesis of ROP is complex, and likely involves the c.954G>A mutation in TSPAN12.
Methyl helicterate inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation through downregulating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway
Authors: Wei Yuanyuan , Zhang Xiaolin , Wen Shujuan , Huang Shaode , Huang Quanfang , Lu Shengjuan , Bai Facheng , Nie Jinlan , Wei Jinbin , Lu Zhongpeng , Lin Xing 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe present study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of methyl helicterate (MH) on hepatic stellate cells (HSC‐T6), primarily elucidating the underlying mechanism of MH against liver fibrosis. HSC‐T6 cells were activated by platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulation, and then the effects of MH on cell viability, cytomembrane integrity, colony, migration, apoptosis, and cell cycle were detected. Moreover, the regulative mechanism of MH on HSCs was investigated by detecting the activation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signaling pathway. The results showed that MH significantly inhibited HSC‐T6 cell viability and proliferation in a concentration‐dependent manner. It notably promoted the release of lactate dehydrogenase, destroying cell membrane integrity. MH also markedly inhibited HSC‐T6 cell clonogenicity and migration. Moreover, MH treatment significantly induced cell apoptosis and arrested cell cycle at the G2 phase. The further study showed that MH inhibited the expression of ERK1, ERK2, c‐fos, c‐myc, and Ets‐1, blocking the ERK1/2 pathway. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that MH significantly inhibits HSC activation and promotes cell apoptosis via downregulation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
Treating ultra‐orthodox adolescents with eating disorders in Israel: Culturally‐sensitive interventions, difficulties, and dilemmas
Authors: Latzer Yael , Stein Daniel , Witztum Eliezer 
Published: April 2019

AbstractYoung ultra‐Orthodox women in Israel have been faced in recent years with a greater risk of developing disordered eating, as they are more exposed to Westernized norms of the thin‐body ideal, self‐realization, and personal choice. Most are treated by mainstream Israeli psychotherapists who likely have different value systems and different perspectives on the nature of the illness, aims of treatment, and recovery. Ultra‐Orthodox psychotherapists may well experience a conflict between a need to be loyal to their patients and a concomitant need to honor the values of patients’ families and the community from which they come. The current article presents a theoretical background and four case studies highlighting the complexities and controversies inherent in the treatment of these women. We conclude that both ultra‐Orthodox and mainstream secular psychotherapists must be knowledgeable in regard to both Judaism and psychology, and be flexible, creative, and emphatic to all parties, to arrive at a compromised definition of recovery that can be accepted by the patient, her family, and her community.
Enzymatic hydrolysis of thermally pre‐treated chitin and antimicrobial activity of N,N′‐diacetylchitobiose
Authors: Abidin Munira Z , Kourmentza Constantina , Karatzas Andreas K , Niranjan Keshavan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDN,N′‐diacetylchitobiose (GlcNAc2) is known to be highly functional and offers a wide range of applications, especially as an antimicrobial agent. In this study, a thermal pre‐treatment process using steam under pressure in an autoclave was employed to facilitate subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis of chitin with chitinase from Streptomyces griseus.RESULTSPre‐treatment of chitin with 0.05 mol L−1 sodium acetate buffer (pH = 6.0) at 121 °C for 60 min, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis involving 24 h incubation, were found to be the best conditions for producing GlcNAc2. The GlcNAc2 thus obtained was tested regarding its antimicrobial activity against Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive strains and showed minimum inhibitory concentrations at 5 and 10% (w/v) against Escherichia coli K‐12 and Listeria monocytogenes 10403S, respectively.CONCLUSIONSThe extent of swelling and crystallite size of chitin increased with pre‐treatment residence time, and enhanced the rate of subsequent hydrolysis using chitinase. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Identifying strong signals between low‐frequency climate oscillations and annual precipitation using correlation analysis
Authors: Giovannettone Jason , Zhang Yu 
Published: April 2019

AbstractLong‐term changes in precipitation in California and North and South Carolina are correlated to low‐frequency oscillations of several hydroclimate indices (HCIs) through correlation analysis that utilizes longer sliding window sizes compared to previous studies to reduce higher‐frequency noise in each time series. HCIs that are considered include the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO), the North Atlantic Oscillation, the Pacific‐Decadal Oscillation, among others. Multi‐year accumulations of precipitation at several point locations were correlated to these HCIs temporally averaged over the same period. The sliding window size, lag time, and beginning month were varied to optimize the correlation for each site and HCI; a 60‐month window size and 12‐month lag time were found to result in the highest correlation. Correlation strength was characterized by the Pearson's r statistic, while correlation significance was estimated through a permutation experiment that employs a bootstrapping technique, resulting in a p‐value between 0 and 1. Using a 60‐month sliding window size and 12‐month lag time, it was found that the MJO exhibited the strongest and the most significant correlation with accumulated precipitation throughout California, whereas similar correlation was found with ENSO throughout the Carolinas; correlation strength exceeded a Pearson's r of .80, while correlation significance was p < .05 at several sites. Optimal beginning months ranged from December to March for a majority of sites. This study underscores the potential of low‐frequency climate oscillations that manifest themselves in the long‐range dependence of precipitation on tropical disturbances.