bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Architecture of tectonic sequences, depositional systems, and tectonic controls of the sedimentary fills of the rift‐related Wenchang Formation in the Lufeng Depression, Pearl River Mouth Basin, China
Authors: Jia Langbo , Zhong Dakang , Ji Youliang , Zhou Yong , Liu Junlong , Mi Lijun , Li Danjie , Yan Ruitao , Yi Zhen , Jia Liankai
Published: July 2018

Different sequence types were formed in various stages associated with tectonic variations and changes of the sediment supply in the rift‐related Wenchang Formation. Based on cores, wire logging, and seismic data, the sequence stratigraphy, depositional systems, and controls on the depositional systems of the Wenchang Formation in the Lufeng Depression were studied. The Wenchang Formation developed braided‐delta, lacustrine, fan‐delta, and nearshore subaqueous fan deposits and represents one first‐order sequence and three second‐order sequences, indicating three stages of tectonostratigraphic evolution. (a) The early syn‐rift sequence (SSQ1) developed fan‐delta and shallow lacustrine deposits. (b) The rift climax sequence (SSQ2) contains the early rift climax systems tract and the middle‐late rift climax systems tract. The early rift climax systems tract formed primarily braided‐delta and shallow lacustrine deposits, whereas the middle‐late rift climax systems tract developed mostly semi‐deep to deep lacustrine deposits. (c) The late syn‐rift sequence (SSQ3) developed braided‐delta and shallow lacustrine deposits. In the SSQ3 transgressive systems tract, retrogradational parasequence sets developed along the southern dip slope because of the weak sediment supply from the Huilu low uplift, whereas westward aggradational–progradational parasequence sets developed along the long axis because of the stronger sediment supply from the Lufeng eastern low uplift. Tectonic activity primarily controlled the early syn‐rift and rift climax deposition; syn‐depositional faults formed the transfer zones and slope break zones. Three types of transfer zones for sedimentary transport into the basin were distinguished, including synthetic approaching transfer zones, strike ramps, and collateral transfer zones. Three types of slope break zones were also recognised, including fault scarp zones controlling fan deltas and nearshore subaqueous fans, fault terrace zones controlling low‐stand fan deltas, and antithetic fault terrace dip‐slope zones controlling braided deltas.
Topological analyses of functional connectomics: A crucial role of global signal removal, brain parcellation, and null models
Authors: Chen Xiaodan , Liao Xuhong , Dai Zhengjia , Lin Qixiang , Wang Zhiqun , Li Kuncheng , He Yong
Published: July 2018

Recently, functional connectome studies based on resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (R‐fMRI) and graph theory have greatly advanced our understanding of the topological principles of healthy and diseased brains. However, how different strategies for R‐fMRI data preprocessing and for connectome analyses jointly affect topological characterization and contrastive research of brain networks remains to be elucidated. Here, we used two R‐fMRI data sets, a healthy young adult data set and an Alzheimer's disease (AD) patient data set, and up to 42 analysis strategies to comprehensively investigate the joint influence of three key factors (global signal regression, regional parcellation schemes, and null network models) on the topological analysis and contrastive research of whole‐brain functional networks. At the global level, we first found that these three factors affected not only the quantitative values but also the individual variability profile in small‐world related metrics and modularity, wherein global signal regression exhibited the predominant influence. Moreover, strategies without global signal regression and with topological randomization null model enhanced the sensitivity of the detection of differences between AD and control groups in small‐worldness and modularity. At the nodal level, strategies of global signal regression dominantly influenced the spatial distribution of both hubs and between‐group differences in terms of nodal degree centrality. Together, we highlight the remarkable joint influence of global signal regression, regional parcellation schemes and null network models on functional connectome analyses in both health and diseases, which may provide guidance for the choice of analysis strategies in future functional network studies.
Context‐dependent role of selective attention for change detection in multi‐speaker scenes
Authors: Starzynski Christian , Gutschalk Alexander
Published: July 2018

Disappearance of a voice or other sound source may often go unnoticed when the auditory scene is crowded. We explored the role of selective attention for this change deafness with magnetoencephalography in multi‐speaker scenes. Each scene was presented two times in direct succession, and one target speaker was frequently omitted in Scene 2. When listeners were previously cued to the target speaker, activity in auditory cortex time locked to the target speaker's sound envelope was selectively enhanced in Scene 1, as was determined by a cross‐correlation analysis. Moreover, the response was stronger for hit trials than for miss trials, confirming that selective attention played a role for subsequent change detection. If selective attention to the streams where the change occurred was generally required for successful change detection, neural enhancement of this stream would also be expected without cue in hit compared to miss trials. However, when listeners were not previously cued to the target, no enhanced activity for the target speaker was observed for hit trials, and there was no significant difference between hit and miss trials. These results, first, confirm a role for attention in change detection for situations where the target source is known. Second, they suggest that the omission of a speaker, or more generally an auditory stream, can alternatively be detected without selective attentional enhancement of the target stream. Several models and strategies could be envisaged for change detection in this case, including global comparison of the subsequent scenes.
Visual integration of objects and scenes increases recollection‐based responding despite differential MTL recruitment in young and older adults
Authors: Memel Molly , Ryan Lee
Published: July 2018

Unitization, the process of encoding previously independent units as one coherent representation, improves associative memory in both young and older adults, or in some cases, differentially benefits older adults. Unitization of verbal associative pairs may reduce reliance on the hippocampus (HC) for successful encoding and recognition by shifting to familiarity‐based processing mediated by perirhinal cortex (PRC). However, this shift was not observed in a recent study of visual associative memory, with equivalent activation in HC and PRC during encoding of visually integrated (unitized) and nonintegrated object and scene pairs. Furthermore, behavioral findings from this study suggested an increase in recollection rather than familiarity during recognition of visually integrated pairs. The present study extends our previous work by focusing on the influence of visual integration on fMRI activation during associative recognition, rather than encoding and these patterns between young and older adults. In contrast to our findings from encoding, visual integration reduced HC and PRC activation during retrieval of object and scene associative pairs across both age groups. However, visual integration increased the correlation between bilateral HC and left parahippocampal (PHC) activation and behavioral performance among older adults, consistent with an increased reliance on recollection. In contrast, visual integration reduced the correlation between HC activation and behavioral performance in young adults, more consistent with findings from the verbal unitization literature. Taken together, these results suggest that associative memory for visually integrated pairs may involve differential recruitment of medial temporal regions in young and older adults.
Energy Producing Metabolic Pathways in Functional Regulation of the Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Roy Irene M. , Biswas Atreyi , Verfaillie Catherine , Khurana Satish
Published: July 2018

The hematopoietic system has a very well‐studied hierarchy with the long‐term (LT) hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) taking the top position. The pool of quiescent adult LT‐HSCs generated during the fetal and early postnatal life acts as a reservoir to supply all the blood cells. Therefore, the maintenance of this stem cell pool is pivotal to maintaining homeostasis in hematopoietic system. It has long been known that external cues, along with the internal genetic factors influence the status of HSCs in the bone marrow (BM). Hypoxia is one such factor that regulates the vascular as well as hematopoietic ontogeny from a very early time point in development. The metabolic outcomes of a hypoxic microenvironment play important roles in functional regulation of HSCs, especially in case of adult BM HSCs. Anaerobic metabolic pathways therefore perform prominent role in meeting energy demands. Increased oxidative pathways on the other hand result in loss of stemness. Recent studies have attributed the functional differences in HSCs across different life stages to their metabolic phenotypes regulated by respective niches. Indicating thus, that various energy production pathways could play distinct role in regulating HSC function at different developmental/physiological states. Here, we review the current status of our understanding over the role that energy production pathways play in regulating HSC stemness. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(7):612–624, 2018
Sexual Dimorphism in Cortical and Trabecular Bone Microstructure Appears During Puberty in Chinese Children
Authors: Cheuk Ka Yee , Wang Xiao-Fang , Wang Ji , Zhang Zhendong , Yu Fiona Wai Ping , Tam Elisa Man Shan , Hung Vivian Wing Yin , Lee Wayne Yuk Wai , Ghasem-Zadeh Ali , Zebaze Roger , Zhu Tracy Y , Guo X Edward , Cheng Jack Chun Yiu , Lam Tsz Ping , Seeman Ego
Published: July 2018

Distal forearm fractures during growth are more common in males than females. Because metaphyseal cortical bone is formed by coalescence of trabeculae emerging from the periphery of the growth plate, we hypothesized that the later onset of puberty in males produces a longer delay in trabecular bone formation and coalescence, which leaves a transient phase of high cortical porosity, low matrix mineral density, and high trabecular density relative to females. We quantified the nondominant distal radial microstructure using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography in 214 healthy Chinese boys and 219 Chinese girls aged between 7 and 17 years living in Hong Kong. Measurements of 110 slices (9.02 mm) were acquired 5 mm proximal to the growth plate of the nondominant distal radius. Porosity was measured using StrAx1.0 (Straxcorp, Melbourne, VIC, Australia) and trabecular plate and rod structure were measured using individual trabecula segmentation (ITS). Mechanical properties were estimated using finite element analysis (FEA). Results were adjusted for age, total bone cross-sectional area (CSA), dietary calcium intake, and physical activity. In boys, total bone CSA was 17.2% to 22.9% larger throughout puberty, cortical/total bone CSA was 5.1% smaller in Tanner stage 2 only, cortical porosity was 9.4% to 17.5% higher, and matrix mineral density was 1.0% to 2.5% lower in Tanner stage 2 to 5, than girls. Boys had higher trabecular rod BV/TV in Tanner stage 3 and 4, but higher trabecular plate BV/TV and plate to rod ratio in Tanner stage 5, than girls. Boys had 17.0% lower apparent modulus than girls in Tanner stage 2. A transient phase of higher porosity due to dissociation between bone mineral accrual and linear growth may contribute to higher distal radial bone fragility in Chinese boys compared to girls. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Chemopreventive effect of sulindac in combination with epigallocatechin gallate or kaempferol against 1,2‐dimethyl hydrazine‐induced preneoplastic lesions in rats: A Comparative Study
Authors: Hassanein Nahed M. A. , Hassan Eman S. G. , Hegab Amany M. , Elahl Helmy M. Sayd
Published: July 2018

A systematic investigation of the chemopreventive effect of sulindac (SL) in combination with either epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) or kaempferol similar (KMP) has been carried out 1,2‐dimethyl hydrazine‐treated rats (DMH). Those SL combinations with KMP and EGCG have enhanced the SL activity producing greater antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antiproliferating, and apoptotic activities in both combinations than SL alone. The chemopreventive effects of SL with both EGCG and KMP were demonstrated by a decrease in thiobaribituric acid reactive substances level, tissue nitric oxide (NO), serum, and tissue β‐catenin as well as a reduction in the multiplicity of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) with alleviation in the dysplastic changes that resulted from DMH administration. Down‐regulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) were also confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. The current study paves the way for the use of sulindac combination with kaempferol or EGCG as potential chemopreventive agents against colon cancer with more effect in combination with EGCG.
Improvements in mentalization predict improvements in interpersonal distress in patients with mental disorders
Authors: Hayden Markus C. , Müllauer Pia K. , Gaugeler Richard , Senft Birgit , Andreas Sylke
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Associations between interpersonal problems and mentalization have rarely been investigated. In this study, we explored patterns of interpersonal problems, mentalization, symptom severity, and attachment during inpatient treatment and at follow‐up. Additionally, we investigated whether mentalization predicts a decrease in interpersonal distress.

Method

 We analyzed time‐series data from patients with mental disorders. Data were collected at the beginning and at the end of inpatient treatment, and approximately 6 months after discharge from hospital.

Results

Patterns of correlations were stable from admission to the hospital until follow‐up. Treatment significantly increased the levels of mentalization and decreased the levels of interpersonal problems and symptom severity, whereas attachment was only partially targeted. Improvements in mentalization significantly predicted reduction in interpersonal distress at each point in time.

Conclusion

Results revealed characteristic patterns of interpersonal problems, mentalization, symptom severity, and attachment. Mentalization was found to play a key role in the reduction of interpersonal distress.
Historical Roots of Microcredit and Usury: The Role of Monti di Pietà in Italy and in the Kingdom of Naples in XV–XX Centuries
Authors: Gatto Andrea
Published: July 2018

The study investigates the role of the Monti di Pietà in Italy and in the Kingdom of Naples from the fifteenth to the twentieth century in promoting the development of contemporary microcredit. The object of the research is to run, through the archival sources and regulations promulgated by the Church, a historical analysis on the evolution of the financial instruments, modern features of the operations and microcredit institutes of the contemporary age. The letter identifies a crucial role of the Monti di Pietà in the provision of credit to the poor as a form of contrast to usury and local development. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long-term reprogramming of the innate immune system
Authors: Dominguez-Andres Jorge , Netea Mihai G
Published: July 2018

During the last few years, a growing body of evidence has shown that immunological memory is not an exclusive trait of lymphocytes, as many inflammatory insults can alter the functionality and the responsiveness of the innate immune system in the long term. Innate immune cells, such as monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and NK cells can be influenced by the encounters with inflammatory stimuli, undergoing functional reprogramming and developing changed responses to subsequent chellenges. The long-term reprogramming depends on the rewiring of cell metabolism and epigenetic processes, and they stay at the basis of induction of both innate immune memory (also termed trained immunity) and innate immune tolerance. Here, we review the central role that the effects of this long-term reprogramming of innate immune cells plays in a number of clinically relevant conditions such as vaccination, atherosclerosis, sepsis, and cancer.

In this Review, we will focus on the metabolic and epigenetic changes that take place during trained immunity and tolerance and the most relevant clinical conditions.
The role of IL-20 in chronic kidney disease and diabetic nephropathy: Pathogenic and therapeutic implications
Authors: Chang Ming-Shi , Hsu Yu-Hsiang
Published: July 2018

Chronic kidney disease and its complications are a major public health problem worldwide. Diabetic nephropathy has become the main contributing cause of terminal renal failure. There are now evidences that different inflammatory molecules, including proinflammatory cytokines, play a critical role in the development of microvascular diabetic complications, including nephropathy. IL-20 is emerging as a potent angiogenic, chemotactic, and proinflammatory cytokine related to several chronic inflammatory disorders likes psoriasis, atherosclerosis, and renal failure. This review discusses the role of IL-20 as a pathogenic factor in renal injury, focusing on chronic kidney disease and diabetic nephropathy, and describes potential treatment strategies based on modulation of IL-20's function.

IL-20 is a crucial mediator for regulating tubular cell apoptosis, promoting renal fibrosis, and enhancing podocyte dysfunction.
A dyadic model of motives, pride, gratitude, and helping
Authors: Kim You Jin (YJ) , Van Dyne Linn , Lee Stephanie M.
Published: July 2018

Although scholars emphasize the importance of dyadic interactions between helpers and helping recipients, prior studies tend to focus on helpers and investigate why they help and how they feel after helping. Thus, we lack understanding of the role of recipients and how their motive attributions influence their affective responses to receiving help. The purpose of this paper is to draw on the affect theory of social exchange and focus on helpers and recipients of helping. Specifically, we develop and test a dyadic model of helping that emphasizes motives and discrete affective responses of both helpers and recipients to providing and receiving help. The model also goes beyond most prior research by acknowledging repeated acts of helping and demonstrates that helper pride and recipient gratitude interact to predict subsequent helping. Our research contributes to the helping literature by offering a more complete model of helping that simultaneously accounts for motives and pride of helpers and motive attributions and gratitude of recipients.
Progranulin is highly expressed in patients with chronic periodontitis and protects against experimental periodontitis in rats
Authors: Li Xiao , Zuo Zhibin , Chen Qian , Li Jing , Tang Wei , Yang Pishan
Published: July 2018

Background

 The autocrine growth factor progranulin (PGRN) plays a crucial role in the physiological and pathological processes. However, its function in chronic periodontitis (CP) remains unclear.

Methods

 Forty‐five CP patients and 43 healthy controls were recruited. Expressions of PGRN in gingival biopsies were assessed by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The levels of PGRN, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) before and after non‐surgical periodontal treatment were quantified by ELISA. In addition, recombinant human PGRN (rhPGRN) or its vehicle was injected into the gingiva of rats with ligature‐induced experimental periodontitis to test its influence on the disease process. Local inflammatory cell infiltration and alveolar bone loss were assessed by histomorphometric analysis, and the expression levels of TNF‐α and IL‐1β in the gingiva were determined by RT‐qPCR and ELISA.

Results

 PGRN expression was increased in the gingiva and GCF of patients with CP compared with healthy controls. With the decline of periodontal clinical indices, the molar ratio of PGRN to TNF‐α in GCF at 1 month after non‐surgical treatment was significantly higher than at baseline (35.31 ± 22.09 vs 25.67 ± 16.19, P < 0.01). In rats with experimental periodontitis, local administration of rhPGRN attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration (P < 0.05), inhibited alveolar bone loss (P < 0.05) and decreased TNF‐α and IL‐1β levels (both P < 0.01) compared with the vehicle treatment group.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that progranulin is highly expressed in the gingiva and GCF of patients with CP and protects against experimental periodontitis in rats.
Nanoencapsulation of carotenoids extracted from tomato peels into zein fibers by electrospinning
Authors: Horuz Tuğba İnanç , Belibağlı K Bülent
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

The processing of tomatoes generates significant amounts of tomato waste, which has a high potential to be used in food industry as a natural food colorant, antioxidant, and food supplement providing health benefits. However, it is difficult to incorporate the carotenoids into different food formulations because they are relatively unstable in food systems. Hence, this novel study investigated the use of an electrospinning technique for the encapsulation of carotenoids extracted from tomato peel into zein nanofibers to improve its thermal and storage stability, and antioxidant activity.

RESULTS

Composite zein nanofibers containing the carotenoids extracted from tomato peel (TP) were successfully produced with above 90% encapsulation efficiency by electrospinning. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed that the extract‐loaded fibers exhibited morphology similar to the neat zein fibers with a bead‐free, smooth, and homogeneously‐distributed morphology. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms showed that the thermal stability of the extract was enhanced by nanoencapsulation. No significant changes in the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of extract‐loaded zein fibers were observed compared to neat zein fiber, showing that the TP extract could be entrapped into the zein fibers. Compared to non‐encapsulated extract, the encapsulated one inside zein fibers had better retention of lycopene and antioxidant activity (AA) during 14‐days' storage. More interestingly, the AA of the extract increased about 11‐fold by nanoencapsulation.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that nanoencapsulation by electrospinning is an effective way to stabilize carotenoids, which is promising for their use in food processing. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Nanoparticle‐induced enzyme pretreatment method for increased glucose production from lignocellulosic biomass under cold conditions
Authors: Dutta Nalok , Saha Malay Kumar
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Appropriate pretreatment strategies that fractionate sugarcane bagasse (SB) are essential for the successful use of this feedstock in ethanol production. In this paper, we investigate a purely enzymatic process to achieve increased production of reducing sugars (RS) from SB in the presence of MgO nanoparticles (MgN) subjected to a three‐step sequential enzyme treatment.

RESULT

Pretreatment of SB with protease activated by magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgN‐pro) at 95 °C showed an increase in amino acid production by 6.18‐fold compared to the untreated enzyme set at the same temperature. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) studies showed an 18‐fold removal of lignin from the samples subjected to protease (+ MgN) treatment compared to untreated samples. When the MgN‐pro pretreated samples were subjected to pretreatment with xylanase activated by magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgN‐xyl), more than 30‐fold increased RS was produced at 8 °C compared to cellulase (cel) pretreated samples. Xylanase pretreated SB samples produced 1.82‐ and 1.91‐fold increased reducing sugar and glucose respectively at 8 °C in the presence of MgN compared to untreated samples at the same temperature.

CONCLUSION

The results presented here show the efficiency of the proposed method for improving the enzymatic digestibility of SB and explain the pretreatment action mechanism. These findings have potential implications in bio‐ethanol, bio‐fuel, and agro industries. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of milled flaxseed and storage conditions on sensory properties and selected bioactive compounds in banana and cinnamon muffins used in a clinical trial
Authors: Santiago Amalia , Ryland Donna , Cui Steve , Blewett Heather , Aliani Michel
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Muffins containing 0, 20, and 30 g of flaxseed were developed for a randomized, controlled cross‐over trial on low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol lowering. The effect of milled flaxseed and storage (−20 °C for 1 and 6 months) of banana and cinnamon muffins on sensory attribute intensities, selected physical properties, bioactive concentrations, and acceptability by two groups – clinical trial participants and consumers – was investigated.

RESULTS

The addition of flax increased flax aroma and flavor, sour aroma, and cohesiveness of mass and brown color, and decreased sweet aroma and flavor, banana and cinnamon aroma and flavor, springiness and mouth dryness. Alpha‐linolenic acid and secoisolariciresinol diglucoside were significantly increased when flax was increased from 20 to 30 g. Clinical trial participants generally found the muffins more acceptable than the consumers. Consumers reported significantly decreased acceptability when flax at any level was added to muffins, with 30 g the least acceptable.

CONCLUSIONS

Muffins with 20 g flaxseed generally had higher mean acceptability values compared to muffins with 30 g. Neither flavoring nor storage at −20 °C for 6 months appreciably changed muffin attributes or acceptability. Future work will optimize the ingredients as well as the amount of flax needed to provide the required amount of bioactive to positively affect LDL cholesterol level and to produce acceptable muffins. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Investigating the Free‐Volume Characteristics of Regulated Dimethacrylate Networks Below and Above Glass Transition Temperature
Authors: Švajdlenková Helena , Šauša Ondrej , Mat́ko Igor , Koch Thomas , Gorsche Christian
Published: July 2018

Studying the relationship between microstructural interactions and resulting macroscopic material properties gives a more elaborate understanding on final material performance. The microstructural arrangement with characteristic length, relaxation, and thermal expansion behavior of regulated dimethacrylate networks is studied by differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermomechanical analysis, and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy at a broad temperature range (250–380 K). The length scale ξ (Tg) of cooperative segmental rearrangement is decreased with increasing crosslinking and degree of freedom in regulated chain transfer agent (CTA)‐based networks. The macro and microscopic thermal expansion coefficients are determined in the glassy and rubbery state for three polymer systems—a dimethacrylate‐based reference (poly2M) and regulated photopolymers with CTAs (i.e., thiol, β‐allyl sulfone). The influence of CTAs on the free volume characteristics (i.e., free volume void size, the specific occupied volume V0, free volume number density per unit mass N′, and free volume fraction f) at the glass transition temperature Tg is correlated with the cooperative length, activation energy Ea,α, and mechanically effective crosslinking density. A more complex understanding of the revealed relations contributes to a more elaborate explanation of final material performance.
Optimizers for the singular Trudinger–Moser inequalities in the critical case in
Authors: Lam Nguyen
Published: July 2018

The main purpose of this paper is to study the existence of extremal functions for the singular Trudinger–Moser inequalities in the critical case in . More precisely, let and denote
urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201600528:mana201600528-math-0006then we will prove in this article that there exists such that can be achieved for all , .
Technical Note: Retrospective reduction in systematic differences across scanner changes by accounting for noise floor effects in diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Sakaie Ken , Zhou Xiaopeng , Lin Jian , Debbins Josef , Lowe Mark , Fox Robert J.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine if retrospective correction for noise floor effects can reduce systematic differences and improve reproducibility across major scanner changes. Changes in scanner configuration can negatively impact quantitative MRI studies by introducing systematic differences between measurements that are due to the instrument, not biology. Noise floor rectification is a potential source of systematic differences in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Methods

Healthy volunteers were scanned before and after a major scanner change at four sites. DTI‐based measures of tissue microstructure were calculated using a standard approach that ignores noise floor effects and using a maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) approach that accounts for the noise floor. Voxelwise estimates of systematic differences and reproducibility were evaluated.

Results

Accounting for noise floor effects can reduce the extent of systematic differences and can improve reproducibility. However, when signal levels are high, accounting for the noise floor can have a deleterious effect. An empirical metric constructed to reflect the magnitude of noise floor effects signal‐to‐noise‐floor ratio (SNFR). The MLE approach improves reproducibility for SNFR < 3.

Conclusions

Accounting for noise floor effects can boost the robustness of DTI measurements in the presence of scanner changes, potentially improving the reliability of DTI for studies of neurological disease.
Hydrophilic surface modification of polydimetylsiloxane‐co‐2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate (PDMS‐HEMA) by Silwet L‐77 (heptamethyltrisiloxane) surface treatment
Authors: Kalulu Mulenga , Zhang Wei , Xia Xue‐Ke , Oderinde Olayinka , Jiang Yong
Published: July 2018

Biomaterials and their host organism's quintessential place of interaction are the surfaces of materials, as transportation of liquids within microchannels requires hydrophilic surfaces. Modifying the hydrophobic surface of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) into a hydrophilic one which can be used in biomaterials remains a big challenge. Herein, PDMS‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) films were prepared by the condensation of PDMS using isophorone diisocyanate as a cross‐linker, followed by the incorporation of HEMA via radical copolymerization. The as‐prepared PDMS‐HEMA films were thereafter hydrophilized via physical treatment with heptamethyltrisiloxane. The surface properties of the obtained PDMS‐HEMA films were characterized in wettability, morphology, topography, swelling, mechanical properties, and protein adsorption. Compared to pristine PDMS‐HEMA as control, the surface wettability, roughness, and protein adsorption of the hydrophilized PDMS‐HEMA films were significantly improved while the films also exhibited excellent optical properties. However, the improvement of the swelling properties remains insignificant, indicating that the interior morphology was still based on the hydrophobic siloxane PDMS. The long‐term hydrophilicity was considered good as no significant hydrophobic recovery was noticeable in a period of 5 months after treatment.
Fabrication, characterization, and performance evaluation of polyethersulfone/TiO2 nanocomposite ultrafiltration membranes for produced water treatment
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Saeid , Fakharian Torbati Sina , Alaei Shahmirzadi Mohammad Amin , Tavangar Tohid
Published: July 2018

In the present work, development of neat and nanocomposite polyethersulfone membranes composed of TiO2 nanoparticles is presented. Membranes are fabricated using nonsolvent phase inversion process with the objective of improving antifouling, hydrophilicity, and mechanical properties for real and synthetic produced water treatment. Membranes are characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared, contact angle, porosity measurement, compaction factor, nanoparticles stability, and mechanical strength. The performance of prepared membranes was also characterized using flux measurement and oil rejection. Fourier‐transform infrared spectra indicated that noncovalence bond formed between Ti and polyethersulfone chains. The contact angle results confirmed the improved hydrophilicity of nanocomposite membranes upon addition of TiO2 nanoparticles owing to the strong interactions between fillers and water molecules. The increased water flux for nanocomposite membranes in comparison with neat ones can be due to coupling effects of improved surface hydrophilicity, higher porosity, and formation of macrovoids in the membrane structure. The membrane containing 7 wt% of TiO2 nanoparticles was the best nanocomposite membrane because of its high oil rejection, water flux, antifouling properties, and mechanical stability. The pure water flux for this membrane was twice greater than that of neat membrane without any loss in oil rejection. The hydrophilicity and antifouling resistance against oil nominates developed nanocomposite membranes for real and synthetic produced water treatment applications with high performance and extended life span.
RETRACTED: Investigation of structure‐performance properties of a special type of polysulfone blended membranes
Authors: Mahmoudian Mehdi , Kochameshki Mahmoud Ghasemi , Mahdavi Hossein , Vahabi Henri , Enayati Mojtaba
Published: July 2018

Membranes require superior mechanical strength due to applied harsh conditions. The mechanical properties of membranes decrease with increasing hydrophilicity of its elements. In this study, mechanical properties were investigated for two special blended membranes which were made by blending polysulfone with (polysulfone‐g‐poly (n‐butylacrylate) and polysulfone‐g‐poly (tert‐butylacrylate) as components. All of the prepared membranes were characterized by differential scanning calorimeter, thermal gravimetric analysis, field emission scanning electron microscope, and atomic electron microscope and were investigated in terms of pure water flux, water contact angle, molecular weight cut off, and morphology. It was found that water contact angle decreased from 73.6° which belongs to neat membrane decreased to 46° for blended membranes containing higher amounts of copolymers; however, the pure water flux increased with increasing copolymer content considerably compared with the neat membrane. Also, molecular weight cut off increased aggressively. Furthermore, mechanical properties including tensile strength, Young modulus, and elongation at break were measured and compared with the neat polysulfone membrane. Results showed that the tensile strength and modulus decreased with an increase in the copolymers content, despite the increase in the elongation at break. The effect of applied pressure on the membrane structure and also bursting strength were studied, and it has been proved that not only the structure of the membranes but also their performance is strongly affected by the composition of the membranes.
Chlorin e6‐embedded starch nanogels for improved photodynamic tumor ablation
Authors: Lim Seon A , Park Hongsuk , Lee Jae Min , Lee Eun Seong
Published: July 2018

In this study, we report on a polysaccharide‐based nanogel composed of starch conjugated with a photosensitizing chlorin e6 (Ce6) and hydrophilic poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG). The proposed design of the nanogel takes advantage of its hydrogel network and high oxygen‐carrying capacity originated by the water‐swollen and water‐holding characteristics of starch. This resulted in a decrease in the auto‐quenching effect and an increase in the photoactivity of Ce6 molecules inserted into starch. In addition, PEG decoration was introduced to enhance the colloidal stability of the nanogels. Our experimental results revealed that the nanogel structure of starch liked to Ce6 and PEG produced a significant level of singlet oxygen and elicited noticeable A549 tumor cell death under light irradiation, thereby suggesting their potential use in photodynamic tumor therapy.
Measures of respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) in children with neuromuscular disease
Authors: Strang Abigail , Ryan Lauren , Rahman Tariq , Balasubramanian Sona , Hossain Jobayer , Heinle Robert , Shaffer Thomas H.
Published: July 2018

Background

Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is essential for the clinical assessment of respiratory problems. Respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) is a non‐invasive method of PFT requiring minimal patient cooperation. RIP measures the volumetric change in the ribcage and abdomen, from which work of breathing (WOB) indices are derived. WOB indices include: phase angle (Ф), percent ribcage (RC%), respiratory rate (RR), and labored breathing index (LBI). Heart rate (HR) is collected separately.

Aim

The goal of this study was to assess the utility of a newly developed RIP system, the pneuRIP, in an outpatient clinic setting in children with neuromuscular (NM) disease.

Method

The pneuRIP system measures and displays the WOB indices in real‐time on an iPad display. Forty‐three subjects, 22 NM patients and 21 healthy children (ages: 5‐18 years) were enrolled.

Results

Patients’ means showed an increase of 119.8% for Ф, 15.7% for LBI, and 19.9% for HR compared with healthy subjects, when adjusted for age and gender. The study found significant differences between the mean values of the healthy subjects and patients in Ф (P = 0.000), LBI (P = 0.001), and HR (P = 0.001). No differences were noted for RC% and RR between groups. Data for Ф in NM patients were diffusely distributed as compared with healthy subjects based on analysis of histograms.

Conclusion

Non‐invasive pneuRIP testing provided instantaneous PFT results. As compared to healthy subjects, NM patients showed abnormal results with increased markers of thoracoabdominal asynchrony, WOB indices, and biphasic breathing patterns likely resulting from NM weakness.
Quantifying pesticide deposits and spray patterns at micro‐scales on apple (Malus domesticus) leaves with a view to arthropod exposure
Authors: Witton Joanna T , Pickering Matthew D , Alvarez Tania , Reed Melissa , Weyman Gabriel , Hodson Mark E , Ashauer Roman
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Pesticides used in commercial crop systems can adversely affect non‐target arthropod populations. The spatial distribution of pesticide residues is rarely studied at scales relevant to these populations. Here, we combine two methods for assessing pesticide spray deposits at spatial scales relevant to non‐target arthropods found in apple orchards. Pesticide residues were determined on individual apple leaves through conventional residue analysis; water‐sensitive paper was used to investigate spatial distributions in deposits at the micro‐scale. We also evaluated how accurately a digital image analysis program estimated pesticide residues.

RESULTS

We found that mean pesticide spray coverage on water‐sensitive paper varied by up to 6.1% (95% CI 9.4%, 2.7%) within an apple orchard, and leaf residues varied by up to 0.95 (95% CI 0.54, 1.36) mg kg−1 within a tree. Leaf residues based on analytical chemistry were six times lower than pesticide deposition estimated through image analysis of water‐sensitive paper, although these correlated strongly. This correlation allowed estimation of actual residues by application of a correction factor.

CONCLUSION

Our method demonstrates accurate estimation of pesticide deposits at the individual leaf scale through digital analysis of water‐sensitive paper and is a low‐cost, rapid alternative to conventional residue analysis techniques. © 2018 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Gene drive systems: do they have a place in agricultural weed management?
Authors: Neve Paul
Published: July 2018

There is a pressing need for novel control techniques in agricultural weed management. Direct genetic control of agricultural pests encompasses a range of techniques to introduce and spread novel, fitness‐reducing genetic modifications through pest populations. Recently, the development of CRISPR–Cas9 gene editing has brought these approaches into sharper focus. Proof of concept for CRISPR–Cas9‐based gene drives has been demonstrated for the control of disease‐vectoring insects. This article considers whether and how gene drives may be applied in agricultural weed management, focusing on CRISPR–Cas9‐based systems. Population‐suppression drives might be employed to introduce and proliferate deleterious mutations that directly impact fitness and weediness, whereas population‐sensitizing drives would seek to edit weed genomes so that populations are rendered more sensitive to subsequent management interventions. Technical challenges relating to plant transformation and gene editing in planta are considered, and the implementation of gene drives for timely and sustainable weed management is reviewed in the light of weed population biology. The technical, biological, practical and regulatory challenges remain significant. Modelling‐based studies can inform how and if gene drives could be employed in weed populations. These studies are an essential first step towards determining the utility of gene drives for weed management. © 2018 The Author. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Lippia gracilis essential oil in β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complexes: an environmentally safe formulation to control Aedes aegypti larvae
Authors: Galvão Juliana G , Cerpe Patrícia , Santos Darlisson A , Gonsalves Joyce KMC , Santos Adriana J , Nunes Rafaela KV , Lira Ana AM , Alves Péricles B , La Corte Roseli , Blank Arie F , Silva Gabriel F , Cavalcanti Sócrates CH , Nunes Rogéria S
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

One of the most efficient ways to prevent arboviruses, such as dengue fever, yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika, is by controlling their vector, the Aedes aegypti. Because this vector is becoming resistant to most larvicides used, the development of new larvicides should be considered. β‐Cyclodextrin (β‐CD) complexes have been investigated as an interesting way of enabling the use of essential oils in water as larvicides. This study comprised the development of Lippia gracilis essential oil (LGEO) and β‐CD inclusion complexes for control of Ae. aegypti.

RESULTS

Thermal analysis clearly showed the formation of complexes using kneading and co‐evaporation methods. Gas chromatography analysis showed that kneading without co‐solvent (KW) gave the highest content (∼ 15%) of the LGEO major component. Moreover, KW showed that the complex had a 50% lethal concentration (LC50; 33 ppm) lower than that of pure LGEO (39 ppm); in other words, complexing LGEO with β‐CD improved the larvicidal activity. In addition, LGEO complexed with β‐CD (KW) was not harmful to non‐target organisms at the concentrations needed to control Ae. aegypti larvae.

CONCLUSION

The inclusion complex with LGEO was a feasible formulation, being economically viable, easy‐to‐apply and without impact on non‐target organisms and, therefore, is a potential alternative larvicide for Ae. aegypti control. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Influences of Surface Finishes on Properties of Biological Zinc Phosphate Conversion Coating on Titanium
Authors: Shi Xingling , Zhu Haiming , Valanezhad Alireza , Xu Lingli , Xu Lin , Qian Qian
Published: July 2018

Chemically formed phosphate conversion coatings (PCC) usually have good adhesion strength due to in situ growth and have great potential for biomedical applications. However, the fabrication of PCC on titanium (Ti) metals has seldom been studied because inherent chemical inertia and oxide layer block the dissolving process. Previously, the authors successfully fabricate intact PCC on pure Ti by a novel hydrothermal phosphorization method, and the coating shows good adhesion. However, metallographically polished specimens are used only in order to eliminate the influences of surface topography. In this study, the feasibility of such method to be performed on sandpaper polished and acid‐etched pure Ti are studied. Results show that rough surface benefit the nucleation of PCC and refine the crystal size, whereas, a smooth surface allow sufficient growth of crystal grain resulting in a thicker coating with stronger adhesive strength. In spite of rough surface, PCC formation on acid‐etched Ti is depressed due to the existence of titanium hydride. All the coatings obviously improve corrosion resistance of Ti substrate. The cytotoxicity test suggests that the PCCs present no adverse effects on L‐929 cells and has a cytotoxicity ranking of 0–I grade. The study shows that the hydrothermal zinc phosphorization has a potential to be extensively used for Ti‐based implants with different surface finishes.
Covariate adjustment and estimation of mean response in randomised trials
Authors: Bartlett Jonathan W.
Published: July 2018

Analyses of randomised trials are often based on regression models which adjust for baseline covariates, in addition to randomised group. Based on such models, one can obtain estimates of the marginal mean outcome for the population under assignment to each treatment, by averaging the model‐based predictions across the empirical distribution of the baseline covariates in the trial. We identify under what conditions such estimates are consistent, and in particular show that for canonical generalised linear models, the resulting estimates are always consistent. We show that a recently proposed variance estimator underestimates the variance of the estimator around the true marginal population mean when the baseline covariates are not fixed in repeated sampling and provide a simple adjustment to remedy this. We also describe an alternative semiparametric estimator, which is consistent even when the outcome regression model used is misspecified. The different estimators are compared through simulations and application to a recently conducted trial in asthma.
Law of the iterated logarithm for random graphs
Authors: Ferber Asaf , Montealegre Daniel , Vu Van
Published: July 2018

A milestone in probability theory is the law of the iterated logarithm (LIL), proved by Khinchin and independently by Kolmogorov in the 1920s, which asserts that for iid random variables with mean 0 and variance 1

In this paper we prove that LIL holds for various functionals of random graphs and hypergraphs models. We first prove LIL for the number of copies of a fixed subgraph H. Two harder results concern the number of global objects: perfect matchings and Hamiltonian cycles. The main new ingredient in these results is a large deviation bound, which may be of independent interest. For random k‐uniform hypergraphs, we obtain the Central Limit Theorem and LIL for the number of Hamilton cycles.