bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apex scavengers from different European populations converge at threatened savannah landscapes
Authors: Delgado-González A. , Cortés-Avizanda A. , Serrano D. , Arrondo E. , Duriez O. , Margalida A. , Carrete M. , Oliva-Vidal P. , Sourp E. , Morales-Reyes Z. , García-Barón I. , de la Riva M. , Sánchez-Zapata J. A. , Donázar J. A. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractOver millennia, human intervention has transformed European habitats mainly through extensive livestock grazing. “Dehesas/Montados” are an Iberian savannah-like ecosystem dominated by oak-trees, bushes and grass species that are subject to agricultural and extensive livestock uses. They are a good example of how large-scale, low intensive transformations can maintain high biodiversity levels as well as socio-economic and cultural values. However, the role that these human-modified habitats can play for individuals or species living beyond their borders is unknown. Here, using a dataset of 106 adult GPS-tagged Eurasian griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) monitored over seven years, we show how individuals breeding in western European populations from Northern, Central, and Southern Spain, and Southern France made long-range forays (LRFs) of up to 800 km to converge in the threatened Iberian “dehesas” to forage. There, extensive livestock and wild ungulates provide large amounts of carcasses, which are available to scavengers from traditional exploitations and rewilding processes. Our results highlight that maintaining Iberian “dehesas” is critical not only for local biodiversity but also for long-term conservation and the ecosystem services provided by avian scavengers across the continent.
Mice with a deficiency in Peroxisomal Membrane Protein 4 (PXMP4) display mild changes in hepatic lipid metabolism
Authors: Blankestijn Maaike , Bloks Vincent W. , Struik Dicky , Huijkman Nicolette , Kloosterhuis Niels , Wolters Justina C. , Wanders Ronald J. A. , Vaz Frédéric M. , Islinger Markus , Kuipers Folkert , van de Sluis Bart , Groen Albert K. , Verkade Henkjan J. , Jonker Johan W. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPeroxisomes play an important role in the metabolism of a variety of biomolecules, including lipids and bile acids. Peroxisomal Membrane Protein 4 (PXMP4) is a ubiquitously expressed peroxisomal membrane protein that is transcriptionally regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), but its function is still unknown. To investigate the physiological function of PXMP4, we generated a Pxmp4 knockout (Pxmp4−/−) mouse model using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing. Peroxisome function was studied under standard chow-fed conditions and after stimulation of peroxisomal activity using the PPARα ligand fenofibrate or by using phytol, a metabolite of chlorophyll that undergoes peroxisomal oxidation. Pxmp4−/− mice were viable, fertile, and displayed no changes in peroxisome numbers or morphology under standard conditions. Also, no differences were observed in the plasma levels of products from major peroxisomal pathways, including very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), bile acids (BAs), and BA intermediates di- and trihydroxycholestanoic acid. Although elevated levels of the phytol metabolites phytanic and pristanic acid in Pxmp4−/− mice pointed towards an impairment in peroxisomal α-oxidation capacity, treatment of Pxmp4−/− mice with a phytol-enriched diet did not further increase phytanic/pristanic acid levels. Finally, lipidomic analysis revealed that loss of Pxmp4 decreased hepatic levels of the alkyldiacylglycerol class of neutral ether lipids, particularly those containing polyunsaturated fatty acids. Together, our data show that while PXMP4 is not critical for overall peroxisome function under the conditions tested, it may have a role in the metabolism of (ether)lipids.
Longitudinal changes of circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness profile during childhood myopia progression
Authors: Ha Ahnul , Kim Young Kook , Baek Sung Uk , Kim Jin-Soo , Jeoung Jin Wook , Park Ki Ho 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate longitudinal changes of circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (cpRNFLT) profile arising in the course of childhood myopia progression. Thirty-six eyes of 36 healthy children who showed myopia progression (spherical equivalent [SE] decrease of ≥ 2.0 diopters [D]) were included. To account for the axial-elongation-induced magnification effect on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) measurements, we calculated the proportion of quadrant-cpRNFLT distribution (i.e., the percentage of cpRNFLT within a single quadrant of total cpRNFLT). During 4.1 ± 1.1 years, the mean SE changed from -1.3 ± 0.9 to -4.3 ± 0.8D, and both the optic disc tilt ratio and the torsional angle increased (both P < 0.001). In the temporal quadrant, the cpRNFLT proportion was increased from 19.2 ± 1.86 to 24.4 ± 2.30% (P < 0.001). The cpRNFLT proportion in 3 quadrants (i.e., superior, inferior, nasal) showed decreases (all P < 0.001). Between baseline and follow up, the scan-circle location as determined by OCT was shifted mostly (94%; 34 of 36 eyes) toward the nasal side of the optic disc. With scan-circle repositioning to match the baseline, cpRNFLT distribution proportions did not show any significant difference between the baseline and follow up (all P > 0.05). For longitudinal evaluations of patients with myopia progression, scan-circle alteration should be given due consideration.
Comparison of different surgical methods and strategies for inguinal lymph node dissection in patients with penile cancer
Authors: Shao Yanxiang , Hu Xu , Ren Shangqing , Liao Duwu , Yang Zhen , Liu Yang , Lia Thongher , Wu Kan , Xiong Sanchao , Yang Weixiao , Feng Shuyang , Wang Yaohui , Li Xiang 
Published: February 2022

AbstractTo compare the clinical feasibility and oncological outcome of different surgical techniques for inguinal lymphadenectomy (ILND) in patients suffering from penile cancer. This study included data from 109 cN0–2 patients diagnosed with penile cancer who received ILND. 80 laparoscopic ILND were performed on 40 patients, while 138 open surgeries were performed on 69 patients. Perioperative complications and prognosis were compared between different surgical techniques. Compared with the open surgery group, the laparoscopy group had a shorter hospital stay (8.88 ± 7.86 days vs. 13.94 ± 10.09 days, P = 0.004), and a lower wound healing delay rate (8.75% vs. 22.46%, P = 0.017), but also had longer drainage time (10.91 ± 9.66 vs. 8.70 ± 4.62, P = 0.002). There were no significant differences in terms of other intraoperative parameters, complications, and survival between open and laparoscopic group. Compared with saphenous vein ligated subgroup, preserved subgroup showed no significant reducing of complication rate. There was no significant difference among complication between different open surgery subgroup. Immediate ILND showed no prognostic advantage over delayed ILND regardless of clinical lymph node status. Compared with open surgery, the minimally invasive ILND technique has similar oncological efficiency and a lower complication rate. Saphenous vein preservation has limited value in reducing complications. Delayed lymphadenectomy might be a more reasonable option for ILND.
Telling functional networks apart using ranked network features stability
Authors: Zanin Massimiliano , Güntekin Bahar , Aktürk Tuba , Yıldırım Ebru , Yener Görsev , Kiyi Ilayda , Hünerli-Gündüz Duygu , Sequeira Henrique , Papo David 
Published: February 2022

AbstractOver the past few years, it has become standard to describe brain anatomical and functional organisation in terms of complex networks, wherein single brain regions or modules and their connections are respectively identified with network nodes and the links connecting them. Often, the goal of a given study is not that of modelling brain activity but, more basically, to discriminate between experimental conditions or populations, thus to find a way to compute differences between them. This in turn involves two important aspects: defining discriminative features and quantifying differences between them. Here we show that the ranked dynamical stability of network features, from links or nodes to higher-level network properties, discriminates well between healthy brain activity and various pathological conditions. These easily computable properties, which constitute local but topographically aspecific aspects of brain activity, greatly simplify inter-network comparisons and spare the need for network pruning. Our results are discussed in terms of microstate stability. Some implications for functional brain activity are discussed.
Physiological response and proteomics analysis of Reaumuria soongorica under salt stress
Authors: Yan Shipeng , Chong Peifang , Zhao Ming , Liu Hongmei 
Published: February 2022

AbstractSoil salinity can severely restrict plant growth. Yet Reaumuria soongorica can tolerate salinity well. However, large-scale proteomic studies of this plant’s response to salinity have yet to reported. Here, R. soongorica seedlings (4 months old) were used in an experiment where NaCl solutions simulated levels of soil salinity stress. The fresh weight, root/shoot ratio, leaf relative conductivity, proline content, and total leaf area of R. soongorica under CK (0 mM NaCl), low (200 mM NaCl), and high (500 mM NaCl) salt stress were determined. The results showed that the proline content of leaves was positively correlated with salt concentration. With greater salinity, the plant fresh weight, root/shoot ratio, and total leaf area increased initially but then decreased, and vice-versa for the relative electrical conductivity of leaves. Using iTRAQ proteomic sequencing, 47 177 136 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in low-salt versus CK, high-salt versus control, and high-salt versus low-salt comparisons, respectively. A total of 72 DEPs were further screened from the comparison groupings, of which 34 DEPs increased and 38 DEPs decreased in abundance. These DEPs are mainly involved in translation, ribosomal structure, and biogenesis. Finally, 21 key DEPs (SCORE value ≥ 60 points) were identified as potential targets for salt tolerance of R. soongolica. By comparing the protein structure of treated versus CK leaves under salt stress, we revealed the key candidate genes underpinning R. soongolica’s salt tolerance ability. This works provides fresh insight into its physiological adaptation strategy and molecular regulatory network, and a molecular basis for enhancing its breeding, under salt stress conditions.
Differences in the serum metabolome profile of dairy cows according to the BHB concentration revealed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR)
Authors: Lisuzzo Anastasia , Laghi Luca , Faillace Vanessa , Zhu Chenglin , Contiero Barbara , Morgante Massimo , Mazzotta Elisa , Gianesella Matteo , Fiore Enrico 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe mobilization of body reserves during the transition from pregnancy to lactation might predispose dairy cows to develop metabolic disorders such as subclinical ketosis or hyperketonemia. These conditions are not easily identifiable and are frequently related to other diseases that cause economic loss. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum metabolome differences according to the β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration. Forty-nine Holstein Friesian dairy cows were enrolled between 15 and 30 days in milk. According to their serum BHB concentration, the animals were divided into three groups: Group 0 (G0; 12 healthy animals; BHB ≤ 0.50 mmol/L); Group 1 (G1; 19 healthy animals; 0.51 ≤ BHB < 1.0 mmol/L); and Group 2 (G2; 18 hyperketonemic animals; BHB ≥ 1.0 mmol/L). Animal data and biochemical parameters were examined with one-way ANOVA, and metabolite significant differences were examined by t-tests. Fifty-seven metabolites were identified in the serum samples. Thirteen metabolites showed significant effects and seemed to be related to the mobilization of body reserves, lipids, amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism, and ruminal fermentation.
Fieldable muon spectrometer using multi-layer pressurized gas Cherenkov radiators and its applications
Authors: Bae Junghyun , Chatzidakis Stylianos 
Published: February 2022

AbstractCosmic ray muons have been considered as a non-conventional radiation probe in various applications. To utilize cosmic ray muons in engineering applications, two important quantities, trajectory and momentum, must be known. The muon trajectories are easily reconstructed using two-fold detector arrays with a high spatial resolution. However, precise measurement of muon momentum is difficult to be achieved without deploying large and expensive spectrometers such as solenoid magnets. Here, we propose a new method to estimate muon momentum using multi-layer pressurized gas Cherenkov radiators. This is accurate, portable, compact (< 1m3), and easily coupled with existing muon detectors without the need of neither bulky magnetic nor time-of-flight spectrometers. The results show that not only our new muon spectrometer can measure muon momentum with a resolution of ± 0.5 GeV/c in a momentum range of 0.1–10.0 GeV/c, but also we can reconstruct cosmic muon spectrum with high accuracy (~ 90%).
Transcriptome analysis reveals the potential roles of long non-coding RNAs in feed efficiency of chicken
Authors: Karimi Parastoo , Bakhtiarizadeh Mohammad Reza , Salehi Abdolreza , Izadnia Hamid Reza 
Published: February 2022

AbstractFeed efficiency is an important economic trait and reduces the production costs per unit of animal product. Up to now, few studies have conducted transcriptome profiling of liver tissue in feed efficiency-divergent chickens (Ross vs native breeds). Also, molecular mechanisms contributing to differences in feed efficiency are not fully understood, especially in terms of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Hence, transcriptome profiles of liver tissue in commercial and native chicken breeds were analyzed. RNA-Seq data along with bioinformatics approaches were applied and a series of lncRNAs and target genes were identified. Furthermore, protein–protein interaction network construction, co-expression analysis, co-localization analysis of QTLs and functional enrichment analysis were used to functionally annotate the identified lncRNAs. In total, 2,290 lncRNAs were found (including 1,110 annotated, 593 known and 587 novel), of which 53 (including 39 known and 14 novel), were identified as differentially expressed genes between two breeds. The expression profile of lncRNAs was validated by RT-qPCR. The identified novel lncRNAs showed a number of characteristics similar to those of known lncRNAs. Target prediction analysis showed that these lncRNAs have the potential to act in cis or trans mode. Functional enrichment analysis of the predicted target genes revealed that they might affect the differences in feed efficiency of chicken by modulating genes associated with lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, growth, energy homeostasis and glucose metabolism. Some gene members of significant modules in the constructed co-expression networks were reported as important genes related to feed efficiency. Co-localization analysis of QTLs related to feed efficiency and the identified lncRNAs suggested several candidates to be involved in residual feed intake. The findings of this study provided valuable resources to further clarify the genetic basis of regulation of feed efficiency in chicken from the perspective of lncRNAs.
A machine learning approach based on ACMG/AMP guidelines for genomic variant classification and prioritization
Authors: Nicora Giovanna , Zucca Susanna , Limongelli Ivan , Bellazzi Riccardo , Magni Paolo 
Published: February 2022

AbstractGenomic variant interpretation is a critical step of the diagnostic procedure, often supported by the application of tools that may predict the damaging impact of each variant or provide a guidelines-based classification. We propose the application of Machine Learning methodologies, in particular Penalized Logistic Regression, to support variant classification and prioritization. Our approach combines ACMG/AMP guidelines for germline variant interpretation as well as variant annotation features and provides a probabilistic score of pathogenicity, thus supporting the prioritization and classification of variants that would be interpreted as uncertain by the ACMG/AMP guidelines. We compared different approaches in terms of variant prioritization and classification on different datasets, showing that our data-driven approach is able to solve more variant of uncertain significance (VUS) cases in comparison with guidelines-based approaches and in silico prediction tools.
RLbR: A reinforcement learning based V2V routing framework for offloading 5G cellular IoT
Authors: Lu Yaoguang , Wang Xingwei , Li Fuliang , Yi Bo , Huang Min 
Published: February 2022

Abstract5G cellular IoT has several advantages compared to other access technologies, enabling operators to serve a wider area and more IoT devices. However, in the urban transportation system, a massive number of vehicles exhaust the available resources in the cell, resulting in excessive load in the 5G cellular network. This article proposes a novel reinforcement learning based V2V routing (RLbR) framework, which offloads non‐realtime traffic into the V2V network and significantly relieves the load of 5G cellular network. Meanwhile, we propose a V2V routing algorithm. Specifically, the Q‐values of neighbouring vehicles are firstly calculated according to the cache factor CF and energy factor EF and evaluate the quality of neighbouring vehicles. Then, the position factor PF is calculated, based on which, the vehicle forwards the data packet. In addition, an environment model is designed to accelerate the convergence of Q‐table. The results show that the RLbR framework brings the highest offload rate compared to the other three frameworks, and simultaneously, the proposed algorithm improves the lifetime of the V2V network and performs well in terms of delivery ratio and average delay.
Simple algorithm for fault detection, classification and direction discrimination in power systems based on digital current signals processing
Authors: Mahmoud Ragab Abd Allah 
Published: February 2022

AbstractA power system suffers from unexpected various faults, which needs smart devices for accurate estimates of fault detection, classification and direction discrimination to provide inspection, maintenance, and repair of the actual faults. Signal processing‐based protection technique can be used to detect the disturbances of the measured signals. This paper presents a digital protection scheme, based on three indices derived from the three‐phase input and output current signals of the protected equipment, to detect current disturbances, classify faults, discriminate fault directions, select faulty phase(s), define current unbalances, and identify CT saturation extent. Moreover, it develops a new closed‐tripping characteristic with a quadrilateral form for differentiating the fault location (internal/external) with respect to the element protection zone. A power system simulation is carried out using ATP platform, and the technique performance is validated via MATLAB software. Extensive simulation case studies show that the proposed algorithm provides a fast relay response and high accuracy under various operating and fault conditions. It is able to perform successfully the function of fault diagnosis within one periodic cycle. Besides, it responds very well with regard to dependability, security, stability and sensitivity. In addition to that it has the ability to recognize the saturated and unsaturated secondary current signals, measured using the current transformers, in the cases of internal and external faults.
WALANT – Wide Awake Local Anaesthesia No Tourniquet: Komplikationen bei elektiven und akut-traumatologischen handchirurgischen Eingriffen
Authors: Wieschollek Stefanie , Forster Selma , Megerle Kai 
Published: February 2022

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Die als WALANT (Wide Awake Local Anaesthesia No Tourniquet) bekannte Anästhesiemethode wird immer beliebter. Die Vorteile sind oft beschrieben. Komplikationen wurden bislang kaum aufgearbeitet. Daher haben wir unser Patientengut hinsichtlich Art und Häufigkeit von Komplikationen retrospektiv ausgewertet.
Patienten und Methoden Zwischen Januar 2013 und Juni 2017 wurden die Komplikationen eines einzelnen Operateurs untersucht. Eingeschlossen wurden alle elektiven (n = 195) und akuten (n = 90) in WALANT durchgeführten Operationen. Das Mindestalter der Patienten betrug 18 Jahre. Bei allen Patienten wurde Articain 1 % mit Suprarenin (1:200 000) angewandt. Injiziert wurden unterschiedliche Mengen mit einer Einwirkzeit von mindestens 30 Minuten. Komplikationen wurden retrospektiv anhand der Patientenakten sowie durch telefonische Befragung durchschnittlich 73 Wochen postoperativ anhand eines standardisierten Fragebogens erfasst.
Ergebnisse Bei 285 Patienten traten insgesamt 13 (4,6 %) Komplikationen auf. Bei einem Patienten trat nach Injektion von 16 ml Articain/Suprarenin ein Koronarspasmus auf, welcher nach Gabe von Nitro-Spray sistierte. Bei einem Patienten mit Gefäß-Nervenbündel-Verletzung in der Hohlhand lag nach 60 Minuten keine ausreichende Bluttrockenheit vor, sodass zur Exploration kurz eine Blutsperre angelegt wurde. Bei einem Patienten musste bei Beugesehnentenolyse auf eine Vollnarkose mit Tourniquet gewechselt werden, da hier durch ausgeprägtes Narbengewebe keine ausreichende Vasokonstriktion erreicht wurde. Ein Patient klagte über eine lange gerötete Injektionsstelle, 2 Patienten zeigten flächenhafte Rötungen am Handrücken und 7 Patienten berichteten über mehr als eine Woche anhaltende Schwellungen der Hand.
Schlussfolgerung Die WALANT-Methode ist sicher. Perioperative Komplikationen sind selten. Dennoch gilt es einige Nachteile der Methode zu bedenken.Bei Gefäßverletzungen, insbesondere an den Fingern, sollte die Perfusion kritisch beobachtet und der „off-label-use“ bedacht werden, ebenso bei kardial vorerkrankten Patienten. Bei Verletzungen in der Hohlhand kann die kurzzeitige Anlage eines Tourniquets vonnöten sein. Voroperiertes Gewebe scheint eher ungeeignet, da hier eventuell keine ausreichende Diffusion mehr gegeben ist. In seltenen Fällen kann es zu anhaltenden Rötungen oder Schwellungen kommen. Generell ist abzuwägen, ob der Patient für eine Operation in örtlicher Betäubung geeignet ist.