bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accounting for the uncertain effects of hydraulic interactions in optimising embankments heights: Proof of principle for the IJssel River
Authors: Ciullo Alessio , de Bruijn Karin M. , Kwakkel Jan H. , Klijn Frans 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMost alluvial plains in the world are protected by flood defences, for example, embankments, whose primary aim is to reduce the probability of flooding of the protected areas. At the same time, however, the presence of embankments at one area influences hydraulic conditions of downstream areas located on the same river. These hydraulic interactions are often neglected in current flood risk management. The aim of this study is to explicitly acknowledge hydraulic interactions and investigate their impact on establishing optimal embankment heights along a stretch of the IJssel River. We find that the current approach leads to a single solution, while taking into account hydraulic interactions substantially expands the number of promising solutions. Furthermore, under a reference scenario, the current approach is in fact suboptimal with respect to both downstream locations and the system as a whole. Under uncertainty, it performs adequately from a system viewpoint, but poorly for individual locations, mostly due to risk overestimation downstream. Overall, the current approach proves to be too short‐sighted, because spatial trade‐offs among locations are neglected and alternative solutions remain hidden. Acknowledging the effect of hydraulic interactions provides policy makers with a broader and more comprehensive spectrum of flood risk management strategies.
Older Adults with Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Occupational and Physical Therapy
Authors: Pergolotti Mackenzi , Deal Allison M. , Williams Grant R. , Bryant Ashley L. , McCarthy Lauren , Nyrop Kirsten A. , Covington Kelley R. , Reeve Bryce B. , Basch Ethan , Muss Hyman B. 
Published: April 2019

OBJECTIVESThe impact of occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) on functional outcomes in older adults with cancer is unknown.DESIGNTwo‐arm single‐institution randomized controlled trial of outpatient OT/PT.SETTINGComprehensive cancer center with two off‐site OT/PT clinics.PARTICIPANTSWe recruited adults 65 years and older with a recent diagnosis or recurrence of cancer within 5 years, with at least one functional limitation as identified by a geriatric assessment. Participants were randomized to OT/PT or usual care.INTERVENTIONRehabilitation consisted of individualized OT and PT that addressed functional activities and strength/endurance needs.MEASUREMENTSPrimary outcome was functional status as measured by the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living scale. Secondary outcomes were Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System‐Global Mental Health (GMH) and Global Physical Health (GPH), ability to participate in Social Roles (SR), physical function, and activity expectations and self‐efficacy (Possibilities for Activity Scale [PActS]).RESULTSAmong those recruited (N = 63), only 45 patients (71%) were evaluable due to loss of follow‐up and/or nonreceipt of intervention. The median age was 74 years; 53% were female, and 91% were white. Overall, 30% patients had hematologic malignancies, 30% breast cancer, and 16% colorectal cancers. A total of 65% were in active treatment; 49% had stage 3 or 4 disease. At follow‐up, both OT/PT (P = .02) and usual care (P = .03) groups experienced a decline in functional status. PActS scores between groups (P = .04) was significantly improved in the intervention group. GMH and SR met criteria for minimally important clinical difference favoring the intervention, but not statistical significance. Several barriers were noted in the implementation of the intervention program: recruitment, concerns about cost, distance, scheduling, and limited treatment provided.CONCLUSIONOT/PT may positively influence activity expectations and self‐efficacy. Future research needs to address significant barriers to implementation to increase use of OT/PT services and access to quality care. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:953–960, 2019.
Metabolic constraints of swelling‐activated glutamate release in astrocytes and their implication for ischemic tissue damage
Authors: Wilson Corinne S. , Bach Martin D. , Ashkavand Zahra , Norman Kenneth R. , Martino Nina , Adam Alejandro P. , Mongin Alexander A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractVolume‐regulated anion channel (VRAC) is a glutamate‐permeable channel that is activated by physiological and pathological cell swelling and promotes ischemic brain damage. However, because VRAC opening requires cytosolic ATP, it is not clear if and how its activity is sustained in the metabolically compromised CNS. In the present study, we used cultured astrocytes – the cell type which shows prominent swelling in stroke – to model how metabolic stress and changes in gene expression may impact VRAC function in the ischemic and post‐ischemic brain. The metabolic state of primary rat astrocytes was modified with chemical inhibitors and examined using luciferin–luciferase ATP assays and a Seahorse analyzer. Swelling‐activated glutamate release was quantified with the radiotracer D‐[3H]aspartate. The specific contribution of VRAC to swelling‐activated glutamate efflux was validated by RNAi knockdown of the essential subunit, leucine‐rich repeat‐containing 8A (LRRC8A); expression levels of VRAC components were measured with qRT‐PCR. Using this methodology, we found that complete metabolic inhibition with the glycolysis blocker 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose and the mitochondrial poison sodium cyanide reduced astrocytic ATP levels by > 90% and abolished glutamate release from swollen cells (via VRAC). When only mitochondrial respiration was inhibited by cyanide or rotenone, the intracellular ATP levels and VRAC activity were largely preserved. Bypassing glycolysis by providing the mitochondrial substrates pyruvate and/or glutamine led to partial recovery of ATP levels and VRAC activity. Unexpectedly, the metabolic block of VRAC was overridden when ATP‐depleted cells were exposed to extreme cell swelling (≥ 50% reduction in medium osmolarity). Twenty‐four hour anoxic adaptation caused a moderate reduction in the expression levels of the VRAC component LRRC8A, but no significant changes in VRAC activity. Overall, our findings suggest that (i) astrocytic VRAC activity and metabolism can be sustained by low levels of glucose and (ii) the inhibitory influence of diminishing ATP levels and the stimulatory effect of cellular swelling are the two major factors that govern VRAC activity in the ischemic brain.
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Inhibitory effects of shell of Camellia oleifera Abel extract on mushroom tyrosinase and human skin melanin
Authors: Liu Wenhao , Wang Mengke , Xu Shijie , Gao Chang , Liu Jiajia 
Published: April 2019

SummaryBackgroundAs an oil production byproducts, the shell of Camellia oleifera Abel (SC) is usually discarded in the dump. However, previous investigations suggested that the SC could provide valuable bioactive materials.ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to examine the ability of SC extract to inhibit in vitro tyrosinase activity and the melanin inhibition effects of cosmetic formulations containing SC 1,3‐butanediol extract in human volunteers.MethodsThe cell viability was determined using a WTT assay. A mushroom tyrosinase was used to evaluate the anti‐tyrosinase activity of the SC extract. The placebo (no extract) or test (SC 1,3‐butanediol extract) or positive control (kojic acid) cosmetic cream was applied on face of volunteers(30 female subjects) three times a day for 8 weeks. The active compounds in SC extract were screened using liquid chromatography‐high‐resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐QTOF).ResultsThe result showed that the cytotoxicity of SC extract is insignificant when the concentration of SC extract is below 160 µg/mL. In addition, SC extract dose dependently inhibited tyrosinase activity and SC 1,3‐butanediol extract possessed a stronger inhibitory activity than methanol extract and water extract. Clinical evaluations revealed that facial melanin levels of the volunteers receiving cosmetic formulations (containing SC 1,3‐butanediol extract) were decreased 59% from baseline in 6th weeks, whereas the placebo group showed no effect. SC 1,3‐butanediol extract was detected to contain 12 kaempferol compounds, significantly, kaempferol 3‐O‐[α‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐glucopyranoside] and kaempferol‐3,7‐O‐α‐L‐dirhamnoside are the major compounds.ConclusionThese results indicate that SC extract can be used as a natural skin‐whitening agent in cosmetic products.
Effects of psychosensory stimulation on anal pressures: Effects of alfuzosin
Authors: Muthyala Anjani , Feuerhak Kelly J. , Harmsen William S. , Chakraborty Subhankar , Bailey Kent R. , Bharucha Adil E. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundOur aim is to explain the lack of clarity in the ways in which anxiety and depression, which are common in defecatory disorders (DD), may contribute to the disorder. In this study, we evaluate the effects of mental stress and relaxation on anal pressures and the mechanisms thereof.MethodsIn 38 healthy women and 36 DD patients, rectoanal pressures were assessed at rest and during mental stressors (ie, word‐color conflict [Stroop] and mental arithmetic tests) and mental relaxation, before and after randomization to placebo or the adrenergic α1‐antagonist alfuzosin.Key ResultsDuring the baseline Stroop test, the anal pressure increased by 6 ± 13 mm Hg (mean ± SD, P = 0.004) in healthy women and 9 ± 10 mm Hg (P = 0.0001) in constipated women. During mental arithmetic, the anal pressure increased in healthy (4 ± 8 mm Hg, P = 0.002) and constipated women (5 ± 9 mm Hg, P = 0.004). After relaxation, anal pressure declined (P = 0.0004) by 3 ± 4 mm Hg in DD patients but not in controls. Alfuzosin reduced (P = 0.0001) anal resting pressure (by 31 ± 19 mm Hg) vs placebo (16 ± 18 mm Hg). However, during the postdrug Stroop test, anal pressure increased (P = 0.0001) in participants who received alfuzosin but not placebo.Conclusions & InferencesIn healthy controls and DD patients, mental stressors likely increased anal pressure by contracting the internal anal sphincter; relaxation reduced anal pressure in DD patients. Alfuzosin reduced anal resting pressure but did not block the Stroop‐mediated contractile response, which suggests that this response is not entirely mediated by adrenergic α1 receptors.
Fire effects on tree physiology
Authors: Bär Andreas , Michaletz Sean T. , Mayr Stefan 
Published: April 2019

SummaryHeat injuries sustained in a fire can initiate a cascade of complex mechanisms that affect the physiology of trees after fires. Uncovering the exact physiological mechanisms and relating specific injuries to whole‐plant and ecosystem functioning is the focus of intense current research. Recent studies have made critical steps forward in our understanding of tree physiological processes after fires, and have suggested mechanisms by which fire injuries may interact with disturbances such as drought, insects and pathogens. We outline a conceptual framework that unifies the involved processes, their interconnections, and possible feedbacks, and contextualizes these responses with existing hypotheses for disturbance effects on plants and ecosystems. By focusing on carbon and water as currencies of plant functioning, we demonstrate fire‐induced cambium/phloem necrosis and xylem damage to be main disturbance effects. The resulting carbon starvation and hydraulic dysfunction are linked with drought and insect impacts. Evaluating the precise process relationships will be crucial for fully understanding how fires can affect tree functionality, and will help improve fire risk assessment and mortality model predictions. Especially considering future climate‐driven increases in fire frequency and intensity, knowledge of the physiological tree responses is important to better estimate postfire ecosystem dynamics and interactions with climate disturbances.
Mechanistic understanding of photorespiration paves the way to a new green revolution
Authors: Eisenhut Marion , Roell Marc‐Sven , Weber Andreas P. M. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryPhotorespiration is frequently considered a wasteful and inefficient process. However, mutant analysis demonstrated that photorespiration is essential for recycling of 2‐phosphoglycolate in C3 and C4 land plants, in algae, and even in cyanobacteria operating carboxysome‐based carbon (C) concentrating mechanisms. Photorespiration links photosynthetic C assimilation with other metabolic processes, such as nitrogen and sulfur assimilation, as well as C1 metabolism, and it may contribute to balancing the redox poise between chloroplasts, peroxisomes, mitochondria and cytoplasm. The high degree of metabolic interdependencies and the pleiotropic phenotypes of photorespiratory mutants impedes the distinction between core and accessory functions. Newly developed synthetic bypasses of photorespiration, beyond holding potential for significant yield increases in C3 crops, will enable us to differentiate between essential and accessory functions of photorespiration.
A group VII ethylene response factor gene, ZmEREB180, coordinates waterlogging tolerance in maize seedlings
Authors: Yu Feng , Liang Kun , Fang Tian , Zhao Hailiang , Han Xuesong , Cai Manjun , Qiu Fazhan 
Published: April 2019

SummaryGroup VII ethylene response factors (ERFVIIs) play important roles in ethylene signalling and plant responses to flooding. However, natural ERFVII variations in maize (ZmERFVIIs) that are directly associated with waterlogging tolerance have not been reported. Here, a candidate gene association analysis of the ZmERFVII gene family showed that a waterlogging‐responsive gene, ZmEREB180, was tightly associated with waterlogging tolerance. ZmEREB180 expression specifically responded to waterlogging and was up‐regulated by ethylene; in addition, its gene product localized to the nucleus. Variations in the 5ʹ‐untranslated region (5ʹ‐UTR) and mRNA abundance of this gene under waterlogging conditions were significantly associated with survival rate (SR). Ectopic expression of ZmEREB180 in Arabidopsis increased the SR after submergence stress, and overexpression of ZmEREB180 in maize also enhanced the SR after long‐term waterlogging stress, apparently through enhanced formation of adventitious roots (ARs) and regulation of antioxidant levels. Transcriptomic assays of the transgenic maize line under normal and waterlogged conditions further provided evidence that ZmEREB180 regulated AR development and reactive oxygen species homeostasis. Our study provides direct evidence that a ZmERFVII gene is involved in waterlogging tolerance. These findings could be applied directly to breed waterlogging‐tolerant maize cultivars and improve our understanding of waterlogging stress.
A Computationally Efficient Correlated Mixed Probit Model for Credit Risk Inference
Authors: Tosetti Elisa , Vinciotti Veronica 
Published: April 2019

SummaryMixed probit models are widely applied in many fields where prediction of a binary response is of interest. Typically, the random effects are assumed to be independent but this is seldom so for many real applications. In the credit risk application that is considered in the paper, random effects are present at the level of industrial sectors and they are expected to be correlated because of interfirm credit links inducing dependences in the firms’ risk to default. Unfortunately, existing inferential procedures for correlated mixed probit models are computationally very intensive already for a moderate number of effects. Borrowing from the literature on large network inference, we propose an efficient expectation–maximization algorithm for unconstrained and penalized likelihood estimation and derive the asymptotic standard errors of the estimates. An extensive simulation study shows that the approach proposed enjoys substantial computational gains relative to standard Monte Carlo approaches, while still providing accurate parameter estimates. Using data on nearly 64000 accounts for small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK in 2013 across 13 industrial sectors, we find that accounting for network effects via a correlated mixed probit model increases significantly the default prediction power of the model compared with conventional default prediction models, making efficient inferential procedures for these models particularly useful in this field.
The complex functioning of the complement system in xenotransplantation
Authors: Zhou Hongmin , Hara Hidetaka , Cooper David K. C. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe role of complement in xenotransplantation is well‐known and is a topic that has been reviewed previously. However, our understanding of the immense complexity of its interaction with other constituents of the innate immune response and of the coagulation, adaptive immune, and inflammatory responses to a xenograft is steadily increasing. In addition, the complement system plays a function in metabolism and homeostasis. New reviews at intervals are therefore clearly warranted. The pathways of complement activation, the function of the complement system, and the interaction between complement and coagulation, inflammation, and the adaptive immune system in relation to xenotransplantation are reviewed. Through several different mechanisms, complement activation is a major factor in contributing to xenograft failure. In the organ‐source pig, the detrimental influence of the complement system is seen during organ harvest and preservation, for example, in ischemia‐reperfusion injury. In the recipient, the effect of complement can be seen through its interaction with the immune, coagulation, and inflammatory responses. Genetic‐engineering and other therapeutic methods by which the xenograft can be protected from the effects of complement activation are discussed. The review provides an updated source of reference to this increasingly complex subject.
Case Study: Muscle Atrophy, Hypertrophy, and Energy Expenditure of a Premier League Soccer Player During Rehabilitation From Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Authors: Anderson Liam , Close Graeme L. , Konopinski Matt , Rydings David , Milsom Jordan , Hambly Catherine , Speakman John Roger , Drust Barry , Morton James P. 
Published: April 2019

Maintaining muscle mass and function during rehabilitation from anterior cruciate ligament injury is complicated by the challenge of accurately prescribing daily energy intakes aligned to energy expenditure. Accordingly, we present a 38-week case study characterizing whole body and regional rates of muscle atrophy and hypertrophy (as inferred by assessments of fat-free mass from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) in a professional male soccer player from the English Premier League. In addition, in Week 6, we also quantified energy intake (via the remote food photographic method) and energy expenditure using the doubly labeled water method. Mean daily energy intake (CHO: 1.9–3.2, protein: 1.7–3.3, and fat: 1.4–2.7 g/kg) and energy expenditure were 2,765 ± 474 and 3,178 kcal/day, respectively. In accordance with an apparent energy deficit, total body mass decreased by 1.9 kg during Weeks 1–6 where fat-free mass loss in the injured and noninjured limb was 0.9 and 0.6 kg, respectively, yet, trunk fat-free mass increased by 0.7 kg. In Weeks 7–28, the athlete was advised to increase daily CHO intake (4–6 g/kg) to facilitate an increased daily energy intake. Throughout this period, total body mass increased by 3.6 kg (attributable to a 2.9 and 0.7 kg increase in fat free and fat mass, respectively). Our data suggest it may be advantageous to avoid excessive reductions in energy intake during the initial 6–8 weeks post anterior cruciate ligament surgery so as to limit muscle atrophy.
Characterization of Risk Quantification Differences Using Female Athlete Triad Cumulative Risk Assessment and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport Clinical Assessment Tool
Authors: Holtzman Bryan , Tenforde Adam S. , Parziale Allyson L. , Ackerman Kathryn E. 
Published: April 2019

This study’s objective was to identify differences in risk for low energy availability and athletic clearance level by comparing scores on Female Athlete Triad Cumulative Risk Assessment (Triad CRA) and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport Clinical Assessment Tool (RED-S CAT). A total of 1,000 female athletes aged 15–30 years participating in ≥4 hr of physical activity/week for the previous ≥6 months completed an extensive survey assessing health, athletic history, family disease history, and specific Triad/RED-S risk factors. Retrospective chart review ascertained laboratory and bone mineral density measures. Triad CRA and RED-S CAT were used to assign each athlete’s risk level (low, moderate, and high), and case-by-case comparison measured the level of agreement between the tools. We hypothesized that the tools would generally agree on low-risk athletes and that the tools would be less aligned in the specific elevated risk level (moderate or high). Most of the sample was assigned moderate or high risk for Triad CRA and RED-S CAT (Triad: 54.7% moderate and 7.9% high; RED-S: 63.2% moderate and 33.0% high). The tools agreed on risk for 55.5% of athletes. Agreement increased to 64.3% when only athletes with bone mineral density measurements were considered. In conclusion, Triad CRA and RED-S CAT provide consensus on the majority of athletes at elevated (moderate or high) risk for low energy availability, but have less agreement on the specific risk level assigned.
The Reliability of Measuring Gross Efficiency During High-Intensity Cycling Exercise
Authors: Ebreo Richard , Passfield Louis , Hopker James 
Published: April 2019

Purpose: To evaluate the reliability of calculating gross efficiency (GE) conventionally and using a back extrapolation (BE) method during high-intensity exercise (HIE). Methods: A total of 12 trained participants completed 2 HIE bouts (P1 = 4 min at 80% maximal aerobic power [MAP]; P2 = 4 min at 100%MAP). GE was calculated conventionally in the last 3 minutes of submaximal (50%MAP) cycling bouts performed before and after HIE (Pre50%MAP and Post50%MAP). To calculate GE using BE (BGE), a linear regression of GE submaximal values post-HIE were back extrapolated to the end of the HIE bout. Results: BGE was significantly correlated with Post50%MAP GE in P1 (r = .63; P = .01) and in P2 (r = .85; P = .002). Reliability data for P1 and P2 BGE demonstrate a mean coefficient of variation of 7.8% and 9.8% with limits of agreement of 4.3% and 4.5% in relative GE units, respectively. P2 BGE was significantly lower than P2 Post50%MAP GE (18.1% [1.6%] vs 20.3% [1.7%]; P = .01). Using a declining GE from the BE method, there was a 44% greater anaerobic contribution compared with assuming a constant GE during 4-minute HIE at 100%MAP. Conclusion: HIE acutely reduced BGE at 100%MAP. A greater anaerobic contribution to exercise as well as excess postexercise oxygen consumption at 100%MAP may contribute to this decline in efficiency. The BE method may be a reliable and valid tool in both estimating GE during HIE and calculating aerobic and anaerobic contributions.