bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How important is groundwater availability and stream perenniality to riparian and floodplain tree growth?
Authors: Pettit Neil E. , Froend Ray H. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractRiparian vegetation is important for stream functioning and as a major landscape feature. For many riparian plants, shallow groundwater is an important source of water, particularly in areas where rainfall is low, either annually or seasonally, and when extended dry conditions prevail for all or part of the year. The nature of tree water relationships is highly complex. Therefore, we used multiple lines of evidence to determine the water sources used by the dominant tree species Eucalyptus camaldulensis (river red gum), growing in riparian and floodplain areas with varying depth to groundwater and stream perenniality. Dendrometer bands were used to measure diel, seasonal, and annual patterns of tree water use and growth. Water stable isotopes (δ2H and δ18O) in plant xylem, soil water, and groundwater were measured to determine spatial and temporal patterns in plant water source use. Our results indicated riparian trees located on relatively shallow groundwater had greater growth rates, larger diel responses in stem diameter, and were less reactive to extended dry periods, than trees in areas of deep groundwater. These results were supported by isotope analysis that suggested all trees used groundwater when soil water stores were depleted at the end of the dry season, and this was most pronounced for trees with shallow groundwater. Trees may experience more frequent periods of water deficit stress and undergo reduced productivity in scenarios where water table accessibility is reduced, such as drawdown from groundwater pumping activities or periods of reduced rainfall recharge. The ability of trees to adapt to changing groundwater conditions may depend on the speed of change, the local hydrologic and soil conditions as well as the species involved. Our results suggest that E. camaldulesis growing at our study site is capable of utilizing groundwater even to depths >10 m, and stream perenniality is likely to be a useful indicator of riparian tree use of groundwater.
miRNA‐23a/27a attenuates muscle atrophy and renal fibrosis through muscle‐kidney crosstalk
Authors: Zhang Aiqing , Li Min , Wang Bin , Klein Janet D. , Price S. Russ , Wang Xiaonan H. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe treatment of muscle wasting is accompanied by benefits in other organs, possibly resulting from muscle–organ crosstalk. However, how the muscle communicates with these organs is less understood. Two microRNAs (miRs), miR‐23a and miR‐27a, are located together in a gene cluster and regulate proteins that are involved in the atrophy process. MiR‐23a/27a has been shown to reduce muscle wasting and act as an anti‐fibrotic agent. We hypothesized that intramuscular injection of miR‐23a/27a would counteract both muscle wasting and renal fibrosis lesions in a streptozotocin‐induced diabetic model.MethodsWe generated an adeno‐associated virus (AAV) that overexpresses the miR‐23a∼27a∼24‐2 precursor RNA and injected it into the tibialis anterior muscle of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice. Muscle cross‐section area (immunohistology plus software measurement) and muscle function (grip strength) were used to evaluate muscle atrophy. Fibrosis‐related proteins were measured by western blot to monitor renal damage. In some cases, AAV‐GFP was used to mimic the miR movement in vivo, allowing us to track organ redistribution by using the Xtreme Imaging System.ResultsThe injection of AAV‐miR‐23a/27a increased the levels of miR‐23a and miR‐27a as well as increased phosphorylated Akt, attenuated the levels of FoxO1 and PTEN proteins, and reduced the abundance of TRIM63/MuRF1 and FBXO32/atrogin‐1 in skeletal muscles. It also decreased myostatin mRNA and protein levels as well as the levels of phosphorylated pSMAD2/3. Provision of miR‐23a/27a attenuates the diabetes‐induced reduction of muscle cross‐sectional area and muscle function. Curiously, the serum BUN of diabetic animals was reduced in mice undergoing the miR‐23a/27a intervention. Renal fibrosis, evaluated by Masson trichromatic staining, was also decreased as were kidney levels of phosphorylated SMAD2/3, alpha smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, and collagen. In diabetic mice injected intramuscularly with AAV‐GFP, GFP fluorescence levels in the kidneys showed linear correlation with the levels in injected muscle when examined by linear regression. Following intramuscular injection of AAV‐miR‐23a∼27a∼24‐2, the levels of miR‐23a and miR‐27a in serum exosomes and kidney were significantly increased compared with samples from control virus‐injected mice; however, no viral DNA was detected in the kidney.ConclusionsWe conclude that overexpression of miR‐23a/27a in muscle prevents diabetes‐induced muscle cachexia and attenuates renal fibrosis lesions via muscle–kidney crosstalk. Further, this crosstalk involves movement of miR potentially through muscle originated exosomes and serum distribution without movement of AAV. These results could provide new approaches for developing therapeutic strategies for diabetic nephropathy with muscle wasting.
Relationship between fetal peak systolic velocity in Middle cerebral artery and umbilical blood gas values and hemoglobin levels in diabetic pregnant women
Authors: Kutuk Mehmet S. , Dolanbay Mehmet , Gokmen Karasu Ayse F. , Ozgun Mahmut T. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPurposeTo assess the relationship between peak systolic velocity in the middle cerebral artery (MCA‐PSV) and fetal hypoxia in diabetic pregnant women requiring insulin therapy.MethodsThe data of diabetic pregnant women using insulin who were followed in our departments were reviewed retrospectively. The relationships between MCA‐PSV and umbilical cord pO2, pCO2, base deficit, hemoglobin, and birth weight were analyzed.ResultsA total of 120 cases were included in the final analysis. The median (Q1‐ Q3) gestational age at Doppler evaluation was 37 weeks 3 days (37–38 weeks and 2 days), and the mean ± SD gestational age at delivery was 38 weeks 4 days ± 3days. The mean ± SD hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level was 5.7% ± 1.0% and, median (Q1–Q3) daily total insulin dose was 25 U (10U–48U). There was no statistically significant correlation between MCA–PSV and pH, PO2, PCO2, base deficit, Hb, and birth weight (Spearman correlation, r:–.001[P = .99], r:–.011[P = .90], r:–.052 [P = .51], r: .049[P = .59], r: .049 [P = .59], r: .030 [P = .75], respectively). Using binary logistic regression analysis, no independent factor for the prediction of fetal acidosis (venous pH < 7.23), and metabolic acidosis (base deficit >6.3 mmol/L) was detected.ConclusionMCA–PSV is not a good indicator of fetal polycythemia or chronic hypoxia in fetuses of diabetic pregnant women. Fetal well‐being should be monitored with other tools in these circumstances.
A simple, fast, and accurate thermodynamic‐based approach for transfer and prediction of gas chromatography retention times between columns and instruments Part III: Retention time prediction on target column
Authors: Hou Siyuan , Stevenson Keisean A. J. M. , Harynuk James J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis is the third part of a three‐part series of papers. In Part I, we presented a method for determining the actual effective geometry of a reference column as well as the thermodynamic‐based parameters of a set of probe compounds in an in‐house mixture. Part II introduced an approach for estimating the actual effective geometry of a target column by collecting retention data of the same mixture of probe compounds on the target column and using their thermodynamic parameters, acquired on the reference column, as a bridge between both systems. Part III, presented here, demonstrates the retention time transfer and prediction from the reference column to the target column using experimental data for a separate mixture of compounds. To predict the retention time of a new compound, we first estimate its thermodynamic‐based parameters on the reference column (using geometric parameters determined previously). The compound's retention time on a second column (of previously determined geometry) is then predicted. The models and the associated optimization algorithms were tested using simulated and experimental data. The accuracy of predicted retention times shows that the proposed approach is simple, fast, and accurate for retention time transfer and prediction between gas chromatography columns.
EPR‐based oximetric imaging: a combination of single point‐based spatial encoding and T1 weighting
Authors: Matsumoto Ken‐ichiro , Kishimoto Shun , Devasahayam Nallathamby , Chandramouli Gadisetti V. R. , Ogawa Yukihiro , Matsumoto Shingo , Krishna Murali C. , Subramanian Sankaran 
Published: March 2018

PurposeSpin‐lattice relaxation rate (R1)‐based time‐domain EPR oximetry is reported for in vivo applications using a paramagnetic probe, a trityl‐based Oxo71.MethodsThe R1 dependence of the trityl probe Oxo71 on partial oxygen pressure (pO2) was assessed using single‐point imaging mode of spatial encoding combined with rapid repetition, similar to T1‐weighted MRI, for which R1 was determined from 22 repetition times ranging from 2.1 to 40.0 μs at 300 MHz. The pO2 maps of a phantom with 3 tubes containing 2 mM Oxo71 solutions equilibrated at 0%, 2%, and 5% oxygen were determined by R1 and apparent spin–spin relaxation rate (
) simultaneously.ResultsThe pO2 maps derived from R1 and
agreed with the known pO2 levels in the tubes of Oxo71. However, the histograms of pO2 revealed that R1 offers better pO2 resolution than
in low pO2 regions. The SDs of pixels at 2% pO2 (15.2 mmHg) were about 5 times lower in R1‐based estimation than
‐based estimation (mean ± SD: 13.9 ± 1.77 mmHg and 18.3 ± 8.70 mmHg, respectively). The in vivo pO2 map obtained from R1‐based assessment displayed a homogeneous profile in low pO2 regions in tumor xenografts, consistent with previous reports on
‐based oximetric imaging. The scan time to obtain the R1 map can be significantly reduced using 3 repetition times ranging from 4.0 to 12.0 μs.ConclusionUsing the single‐point imaging modality, R1‐based oximetry imaging with useful spatial and oxygen resolutions for small animals was demonstrated.
Transient dynamic response of multilayered saturated media subjected to impulsive loadings
Authors: Ai Zhi Yong , Li Yang , Mu Jin Jing , Li Hai Tao 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThis paper presents a stable and efficient method for calculating the transient solution of layered saturated media subjected to impulsive loadings by means of the analytical layer element method. Starting with the field equations based on Biot's linear theory for porous, fluid‐saturated media, and the seepage continuity equation, an analytical layer element for a single layer is established by applying Laplace‐Hankel integral transform. The global stiffness matrix in the transform domain for a layered saturated half‐space subjected to a transient circular patch loading is obtained by assembling the layer elements of each layer. The displacements in the time domain are derived by Laplace‐Hankel inverse transform of the global stiffness matrix. Numerical examples are conducted to verify the accuracy of the method and to demonstrate the influences of type of transient loading, buried depth of loading, permeability, and stratification of materials on the transient response of the multilayered saturated poroelastic media.
Enhanced collective detection for GNSS weak signals acquisition in Rayleigh channel
Authors: Siham Dehouche , Mhamed Hamadouche 
Published: March 2018

SummaryGlobal navigation satellite system applications based on high sensitivity and weak‐signal acquisition is a difficult task and has become an important research area. Algorithms and techniques are proposed, principally those associated to cases of limited global navigation satellite system signal availability. Collective detection is a new technique that seems to offer better solutions in a such situation. This paper presents a performance analysis of GPS L1 noncoherent acquisition via collective detection based on the systematic and efficient collective acquisition algorithm in the Rayleigh fading channel, firstly in the case of a fixed threshold detection and secondly in the case of adaptive threshold detection based on a constant false alarm rate. To compare these methods with traditional acquisition schemes, we develop detection and false alarm probability analytic expressions.
Global Warming of Salmon and Trout Rivers in the Northwestern U.S.: Road to Ruin or Path Through Purgatory?
Authors: Isaak Daniel J. , Luce Charles H. , Horan Dona L. , Chandler Gwynne L. , Wollrab Sherry P. , Nagel David E. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractLarge rivers constitute small portions of drainage networks but provide important migratory habitats and fisheries for salmon and trout when and where temperatures are sufficiently cold. Management and conservation of coldwater fishes in the current era of rapid climate change require knowing how riverine thermal environments are evolving and the potential for detrimental biological impacts. Robust estimates of warming rates, however, are lacking due to limited long‐term temperature monitoring, so we compiled the best available multidecadal records and estimated trends at 391 sites in the 56,500‐km river network of the northwestern USA. Warming trends were prevalent during summer and early fall months in recent 20‐ and 40‐year periods (0.18–0.35°C per decade during 1996–2015 and 0.14–0.27°C per decade during 1976–2015), paralleled air temperature trends, and were mediated by discharge trends at regional and local levels. To illustrate the biological consequences of warming later in this century, trend estimates were used to inform selection of river temperature scenarios and assess changes in thermal exposure of adult Sockeye Salmon Oncorhynchus nerka migrating to four population areas as well as thermal habitat shifts for resident Brown Trout Salmo trutta and Rainbow Trout O. mykiss populations throughout the region. Future warming of 1–3°C would increase Sockeye Salmon exposure by 5–16% (3–143 degree‐days) and reduce thermally suitable riverine trout habitats by 8–31% while causing their upstream shift. Effects of those changes on population persistence and fisheries are likely to be context dependent, and strategic habitat restoration or adaptation strategies could ameliorate some biological impairments, but effectiveness will be tempered by the size of rivers, high costs, and pervasiveness of thermal effects. Most salmon and trout rivers will continue to provide suitable habitats for the foreseeable future, but it also appears inevitable that some river reaches will gradually become too warm to provide traditional habitats.
Redox cofactor engineering in industrial microorganisms: strategies, recent applications and future directions
Authors: Liu Jiaheng , Li Huiling , Zhao Guangrong , Caiyin Qinggele , Qiao Jianjun 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
NAD and NADP, a pivotal class of cofactors, which function as essential electron donors or acceptors in all biological organisms, drive considerable catabolic and anabolic reactions. Furthermore, they play critical roles in maintaining intracellular redox homeostasis. However, many metabolic engineering efforts in industrial microorganisms towards modification or introduction of metabolic pathways, especially those involving consumption, generation or transformation of NAD/NADP, often induce fluctuations in redox state, which dramatically impede cellular metabolism, resulting in decreased growth performance and biosynthetic capacity. Here, we comprehensively review the cofactor engineering strategies for solving the problematic redox imbalance in metabolism modification, as well as their features, suitabilities and recent applications. Some representative examples of in vitro biocatalysis are also described. In addition, we briefly discuss how tools and methods from the field of synthetic biology can be applied for cofactor engineering. Finally, future directions and challenges for development of cofactor redox engineering are presented.
Virtual reality‐based cognitive‐motor training for middle‐aged adults at high Alzheimer's disease risk: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Doniger Glen M. , Beeri Michal Schnaider , Bahar‐Fuchs Alex , Gottlieb Amihai , Tkachov Anastasia , Kenan Hagar , Livny Abigail , Bahat Yotam , Sharon Hadar , Ben‐Gal Oran , Cohen Maya , Zeilig Gabi , Plotnik Meir 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroductionUbiquity of Alzheimer's disease (AD) coupled with relatively ineffectual pharmacologic treatments has spurred interest in nonpharmacologic lifestyle interventions for prevention or risk reduction. However, evidence of neuroplasticity notwithstanding, there are few scientifically rigorous, ecologically relevant brain training studies focused on building cognitive reserve in middle age to protect against cognitive decline. This pilot study will examine the ability of virtual reality (VR) cognitive training to improve cognition and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in middle‐aged individuals at high AD risk due to parental history.MethodsThe design is an assessor‐blind, parallel group, randomized controlled trial of VR cognitive‐motor training in middle‐aged adults with AD family history. The experimental group will be trained with adaptive “real‐world” VR tasks targeting sustained and selective attention, working memory, covert rule deduction, and planning, while walking on a treadmill. One active control group will perform the VR tasks without treadmill walking; another will walk on a treadmill while watching scientific documentaries (nonspecific cognitive stimulation). A passive (waitlist) control group will not receive training. Training sessions will be 45 minutes, twice/week for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes are global cognition and CBF (from arterial spin labeling [ASL]) at baseline, immediately after training (training gain), and 3 months post‐training (maintenance gain). We aim to recruit 125 participants, including 20 passive controls and 35 in the other groups.DiscussionCurrent pharmacologic therapies are for symptomatic AD patients, whereas nonpharmacologic training is administrable before symptom onset. Emerging evidence suggests that cognitive training improves cognitive function. However, a more ecologically valid cognitive‐motor VR setting that better mimics complex daily activities may augment transfer of trained skills. VR training has benefited clinical cohorts, but benefit in asymptomatic high‐risk individuals is unknown. If effective, this trial may help define a prophylactic regimen for AD, adaptable for home‐based application in high‐risk individuals.
Latency on a Stewart platform using washout filter
Authors: Lemes R.C. , Souza M. Moreira , Belo E.M. , Bidinotto J.H. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTThe aim of this work is to investigate and quantify the latency on a Stewart Platform caused exclusively by a Classic washout filter. This washout filter is intended to recreate the sensations of motion caused by changes of translational and rotational acceleration that an aircraft can provide, due to changes in attitudes caused by external factors, and those caused by the pilot’s command. The input signal was generated by a FlightGear Simulator in order to obtain the specific forces and angular velocities of a Boeing 747 during a take-off procedure. These signals are then filtered by a washout filter and sent to the inverse kinematics of the movable platform, which will transform the aircraft motion sensations in platforms actuator position, thereby causing a certain signal delay. Experiments were performed in a Stewart Platform to obtain the latency caused by the mathematical modelling of the entire washout filter system. This latency are then compared to the latency caused by the control and dynamics of the platform’s actuators. Results indicate that the washout filter is the most responsible for the latency of the specific force signals to be reproduced by the platform in this experiment, and that the natural frequency and damping coefficient values must be properly estimated in order to optimise the total latency.
Use of a Single Xpert MTB/RIF Assay to Determine the Duration of Airborne Isolation in Hospitalized Patients With Suspected Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Poonawala Husain , Leekha Surbhi , Medina-Moreno Sandra , Filippell Mala , Johnson J. Kristie , Redfield Robert R. , Saharia Kapil K. 
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUNDHospitalized patients with suspected tuberculosis (TB) are placed in airborne isolation until 3 sputum smear samples are negative for acid-fast bacilli (AFB). The Xpert MTB/RIF assay (“Xpert”) nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) to identifyMycobacterium tuberculosisDNA and resistance to rifampicin is superior to AFB sputum smear microscopy for the diagnosis of TB.OBJECTIVETo compare the performance of a single Xpert to AFB smear microscopy for time to airborne infection isolation (AII) discontinuation.METHODSConsecutive patients over 17 years of age in AII for suspected pulmonary TB between October 1, 2014, and March 31, 2016, with leftover respiratory AFB samples were enrolled in this study. A single Xpert was performed on the first available sample. Demographic, clinical, and microbiological data were recorded for each patient. We compared the duration of AII using a single Xpert to AFB smear microscopy under multiple theoretical scenarios using Kaplan-Meier cumulative incidence curves and the log-rank test.RESULTSIn total, 131 samples were included in our performance analysis of the Xpert, and 114 samples were included in our AII analysis. Overall, 81 patients (65%) were immunosuppressed, of whom 46 (37%) were positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The sensitivity and specificity of Xpert for diagnosis ofM. tuberculosisinfection were 67% and 100%, respectively. Xpert was negative in all cases of nontuberculous mycobacteria. Use of a single Xpert reduced AII duration from a median of 67 hours per patient to 42 hours with usual reporting, to 26 hours with direct communication, and to 12 hours with immediate testing.CONCLUSIONSA single negative Xpert result can reduce AII duration compared to the AFB smear microscopy technique under multiple theoretical scenarios.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2018;39:590–595