bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Development of Ultrafast Sinapic Acid Sensor Based on Electrochemically Nanotuned Gold Nanoparticles and Solvothermally Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Kumar Ashutosh , Purohit Buddhadev , Mahato Kuldeep , Roy Sharmili , Srivastava Ananya , Chandra Pranjal
Published: August 2019

We report for the first time sinapic acid (SA) sensing based on nanocomposite comprising electrochemically tuned gold nanoparticles (EAuNPs) and solvothermally reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The synthesized EAuNPs, rGO, and EAuNPs‐rGO nanocomposite were characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), particle size analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. A proof‐of‐concept electrochemical sensor for SA was developed based on synthesized EAuNPs‐rGO nanocomposite, which was characterized by electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The developed sensor detected SA with a linear dynamic range (LDR) between 20 μM and 200 μM and detection limit (DL) of 33.43 (±0.21) nM (RSD<3.32 %). To show the useful purpose of the sensor probe in clinical applications, SA was detected in human urine samples, which showed the percentage recovery between 82.6 % and 92.8 %. Interferences due to various molecules such as L‐cystine, glycine, alanine, serum albumin, uric acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, and urea were tested. Long‐term stability of the sensor probe was examined, which was found to be stable up to 6 weeks. The sensor fabricated using EAuNPs‐rGO nanocomposite has many attractive features such as; simplicity, rapidity, and label‐free detection; hence, it could be a method of choice for SA detection in various matrices.
Deactivation Mechanism, Countermeasures, and Enhanced CH4 Oxidation Performance of Nickel/Cobalt Oxides
Authors: Chen Junfei , Zou Xuelin , Rui Zebao , Ji Hongbing
Published: August 2019

Nickel/cobalt oxides (NixCo3−xO4) are enticing candidates for replacing noble metal catalysts in low‐temperature methane complete oxidation. Poor thermal stability is the main drawback of these kinds of materials. Understanding the relationships among the morphology, composition, activity, and thermal stability of NixCo3−xO4 is crucial to develop robust NixCo3−xO4 for CH4 oxidation. Herein, a series of hierarchical NixCo3−xO4 (x = 0.1, 0.5, or 1) are synthesized by a hydrothermal method followed by thermal treatment at various temperatures for lean methane combustion. The results show that the decrease in surface area, surface Ni3+ + Co3+ amount, and defective oxygen amount are the main reasons for the performance degradation of NixCo3−xO4 after an elevated temperature treatment (500 and 800 °C). Proper decrease in the Ni/Co ratio, that is, Ni0.5Co2.5O4, slows down the thermal deactivation of NiCo2O4. Hierarchically structured Ni0.5Co2.5O4 shows high CH4 oxidation activity with a 90% CH4 conversion temperature of 380 °C and a satisfied long‐term (>50 h) CH4 combustion stability even after thermal treatment at 500 °C. These results demonstrate that simultaneous consideration of morphology manipulation and Ni/Co ratio optimization is an effective strategy for designing robust nickel/cobalt oxides for catalytic methane combustion.
Experiment on morphological and hydraulic adjustments of step‐pool unit to flow increase
Authors: Zhang Chendi , Xu Mengzhen , Hassan Marwan A. , Chartrand Shawn M. , Wang Zhaoyin , Ma Zewei
Published: August 2019

Exceptional flood events with a return period of about 50 years can be destructive to step‐pool channel segments. However, field investigations and flume experiments have not examined the hydraulic and morphological feedbacks of step‐pool morphology during unsteady hydrographs of exceptional flood events. We performed a series of flume experiments with a manually constructed step model, perturbed with three hydrographs that varied in the rate of water supply change. The bed texture, topography, flow regimes, surface flow field and water depth were characterized and measured as the flow rate was increased during the experiments. A distinct pool feature emerged downstream of the manually constructed step when the flow rate exceeded the threshold scaled to the peaks of ordinary flood events in well‐graded mountain streams. The pool feature was modified in several different ways with flow rate increase. The bed surface steadily coarsened, micro‐bedforms developed and became more pronounced, the bed topography became more spatially complex based on analysis using the Hurst exponent, and last, pool depth steadily increased. Pool modification was also linked to the flow regime: the impinging jet regime led to grain size segmentation in the pool while the jump regime contributed to decelerating flow velocity. The steeper rising limb of hydrograph led to a less developed pool feature, with smaller sized micro‐bedforms in the pool bottom to outlet, and higher discharge threshold for distinct coarsening and scouring in the pool. The estimated energy dissipation within the step‐pool unit decreased as a power function from low to high flow, quantified as the ratio hc/HS, where hc is the critical water depth and HS is scour depth. Our results highlight the interaction between morphology, hydraulics, and energy dissipation of step‐pool unit and the crucial role of hydrograph shape on the interaction during flow increase © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monoalkyl Tin Nano-Cluster Films Reveal a Low Environmental Impact under Simulated Natural Conditions
Authors: Wu Fan , Harper Bryan J. , Marsh David A. , Saha Sumit , Diulus Trey , Amador Jenn M. , Keszler Douglas A. , Herman Gregory S. , Maddux Bettye L.S. , Harper Stacey L.
Published: August 2019

Recently, monoalkyl oxo-hydroxo tin clusters have emerged as a new class of metal-oxide resist to support the semiconductor industry's transition to extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. Under EUV exposure, these tin-based clusters exhibit higher performance and wider process windows than conventional polymer materials. A promising new monoalkyl precursor, [(BuSn)12O14(OH)6][OH]2 (BuSn), is still in its infancy in terms of film formation. However, understanding potential environmental effects could significantly affect future development as a commercial product. We synthesized and explored the toxicity of nano-BuSn in the alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the crustacean Daphnia magna at exposure concentrations ranging from 0 to 250 mg/L. Nano-BuSn had no effect on C. reinhardtii growth rate irrespective of concentration, whereas high nanoparticle concentrations (≥100 mg/L) increased D. magna immobilization and mortality significantly. To simulate an end-of-life disposal and leachate contamination, BuSn-coated film wafers were incubated in water at various pH values and temperatures for 14 and 90 d to investigate leaching rates and subsequent toxicity of the leachates. Although small quantities of tin (1.1–3.4% of deposited mass) leached from the wafers, it was insufficient to elicit a toxic response regardless of pH, incubation time, or temperature. The low toxicity of the tin-based thin films suggests that they can be an environmentally friendly addition to the material sets useful for semiconductor manufacturing. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2651–2658. © 2019 SETAC
Characterization of Miscellaneous Effluent Discharges from a Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit to the Marine Environment
Authors: Hughes Sarah A. , Naile Jonathan , Pinza Meg , Ray Collin , Hester Brian , Baum Julia , Gardiner William , Kallestad Waverly , Brzuzy Louis
Published: August 2019

A study was performed to evaluate the potential biological impacts from 8 different miscellaneous discharges from an oil and gas mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) including deck drainage, desalination unit waste, boiler blowdown, fire control system test water, noncontact cooling water, and bilge water. Samples were evaluated for toxicity using a rapid (<1 h) initial screening test (echinoderm [Dendraster excentricus] fertilization test), and if toxicity was found, further testing was conducted using 3 chronic whole-effluent toxicity tests. This additional testing included the embryo larval development 72-h echinoderm (D. excentricus); 7-d mysid (Americamysis bahia) survival, growth, and fecundity invertebrate test; and 7-d topsmelt (Atherinops affinis) survival and growth fish test. Toxicity identification evaluations were performed on 3 discharges that consistently elicited a toxic response during whole-effluent toxicity testing. To place the results of the toxicity testing into the context of environmental risk, the spatial extent of potential biological effects was investigated using the CORMIX mixing zone model. The output of the modeling indicated that discharge of selected effluents did not result in concentrations, or duration of exposure, that would elicit toxic effects to organisms living in the surrounding environment. The present study provides a comprehensive data set that was used to characterize potential toxicity and environmental risk of MODU “miscellaneous discharges” which could help inform future risk assessments of these discharges. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2811–2823. © 2019 SETAC
Petrographic and geochemical study of the stone warrior stelae from central Iberia: Linking the geological record and archaeological heritage
Authors: Merino Martínez E. , Andonaegui P. , Chapa T. , Pereira Sieso J.
Published: August 2019

Six warrior stelae from central Iberia (Toledo, Spain) were studied using different geological techniques to discriminate their potential source materials and evaluate the displacement suffered from the quarry sites to their final location. The similar petrographic and geochemical features of the stelae, when compared with other lithological equivalents cropping out in the surrounding area, suggest that most raw materials were quarried less than 10 km from the finds. These materials mainly belong to a set of metasedimentary rocks from the Schist–Graywacke Complex and other Ordovician brownish sandstones, mostly found in the vicinity of the stelae sites. In contrast, the Talavera de la Reina stele, previously used as a statue‐menhir, was engraved on a leucogranite, geochemically similar to some plutonic units in the Navamorcuende area, in the southernmost region of the Spanish Central System batholith. The fact that all stelae and the proposed geological sources were located close to ancient tracks suggests that the raw materials were quarried in connection with these natural routes. The stelae may, therefore, have been landmarks or reference points that signaled transit passages used for trade or grazing, in the framework of continuous territorial expansion during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age.
Swallowing‐related outcomes associated with late lower cranial neuropathy in long‐term oropharyngeal cancer survivors: cross‐sectional survey analysis
Authors: Aggarwal Puja , Zaveri Jhankruti S. , Goepfert Ryan P. , Shi Qiuling , Du Xianglin L. , Swartz Michael , Lai Stephen Y. , Fuller C. David , Lewin Jan S. , Piller Linda B. , Hutcheson Katherine A.
Published: August 2019

Background

The purpose of this study was to quantify the association of late lower cranial neuropathy (late LCNP) with swallowing‐related quality of life (QOL) and functional status among long‐term oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) survivors.

Methods

Eight hundred eighty‐nine OPC survivors (median survival time: 7 years) who received primary treatment at a single institution between January 2000 and December 2013 completed a cross‐sectional survey (56% response rate) that included the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) and self‐report of functional status. Late LCNP events ≥3 months after cancer therapy were abstracted from medical records. Multivariate models regressed MDADI scores on late LCNP status adjusting for clinical covariates.

Results

Overall, 4.0% (n = 36) of respondents developed late LCNP with median time to onset of 5.25 years post‐treatment. LCNP cases reported significantly worse mean composite MDADI (LCNP: 68.0 vs no LCNP: 80.2; P < .001). Late LCNP independently associated with worse mean composite MDADI (β = −6.7, P = .02; 95% confidence interval [CI], −12.0 to −1.3) as well as all MDADI domains after multivariate adjustment. LCNP cases were more likely to have a feeding tube at time of survey (odds ratio [OR] = 20.5; 95% CI, 8.6‐48.9), history of aspiration pneumonia (OR = 23.5; 95% CI, 9.6‐57.6), and tracheostomy (OR = 26.9; 95% CI, 6.0‐121.7).

Conclusions

In this large survey study, OPC survivors with late LCNP reported significantly poorer swallowing‐related QOL and had significantly higher likelihood of poor functional status. Further efforts are necessary to optimize swallowing outcomes to improve QOL in this subgroup of survivors.
Lean NAFLD: A Distinct Entity Shaped by Differential Metabolic Adaptation
Authors: Chen Fei , Esmaili Saeed , Rogers Geraint B. , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Petta Salvatore , Marchesini Giulio , Bayoumi Ali , Metwally Mayada , Azardaryany Mahmoud Karimi , Coulter Sally , Choo Jocelyn M. , Younes Ramy , Rosso Chiara , Liddle Christopher , Adams Leon A. , Craxì Antonio , George Jacob , Eslam Mohammed
Published: August 2019

Background and Aims

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects a quarter of the adult population. A significant subset of patients are lean, but their underlying pathophysiology is not well understood.

Approach and Results

We investigated the role of bile acids (BAs) and the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of lean NAFLD. BA and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 19 levels (a surrogate for intestinal farnesoid X receptor [FXR] activity), patatin‐like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3), and transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) variants, and gut microbiota profiles in lean and nonlean NAFLD were investigated in a cohort of Caucasian patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD (n = 538), lean healthy controls (n = 30), and experimental murine models. Patients with lean NAFLD had a more favorable metabolic and histological profile compared with those with nonlean NAFLD (P < 0.05 for all). BA levels were significantly higher in NAFLD with advanced compared with earlier stages of liver fibrosis. Patients with lean NAFLD had higher serum secondary BA and FGF19 levels and reduced 7‐alpha‐hydroxy‐4‐cholesten‐3‐one (C4) levels (P < 0.05 for all). These differences were more profound in early compared with advanced stages of fibrosis (P < 0.05 for both). Lean patients demonstrated an altered gut microbiota profile. Similar findings were demonstrated in lean and nonlean murine models of NAFLD. Treating mice with an apical sodium‐dependent BA transporter inhibitor (SC‐435) resulted in marked increases in fgf15, a shift in the BA and microbiota profiles, and improved steatohepatitis in the lean model.

Conclusions

Differences in metabolic adaptation between patients with lean and nonlean NAFLD, at least in part, explain the pathophysiology and provide options for therapy.
Evidence for similarity in symptoms and mechanism: The extra‐pulmonary symptoms of severe asthma and the polysymptomatic presentation of fibromyalgia
Authors: Hyland Michael E. , Lanario Joseph W. , Wei Yinghui , Jones Rupert C. , Masoli Matthew
Published: August 2019

Background

Asthma is a disease of the lung and a systemic disease. Functional disorders are associated with multiple systemic abnormalities that have been explained by complexity models. The aim was to test the similarity in type and aetiology between the extra‐pulmonary symptoms of severe asthma and the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Methods

One Hundred patients recruited from a specialist severe asthma clinic and 1751 people reporting different functional disorder diagnoses recruited via the internet completed the same 60‐item questionnaire. Symptom patterns were compared between groups using a new measure, the symptom pattern similarity index where 0 = no relationship, 1 = identical patterns between groups.

Results

Severe asthma patients report numerous extra‐pulmonary symptoms. The similarity index between the symptom pattern of the asthma patients with other groups was irritable bowel syndrome = 0.54, chronic fatigue syndrome = 0.69, and fibromyalgia = 0.75. The index between fibromyalgia and asthma patients with the most and least frequent extra‐pulmonary symptoms was 0.81 and 0.55 respectively.

Conclusions

Patients with severe asthma have numerous extra‐pulmonary symptoms similar in type and pattern to the symptoms of fibromyalgia. The similarity of the symptom pattern between asthma and fibromyalgia increases as the number of extra‐pulmonary symptoms increases as predicted by network theory and previously shown to be the case with other functional disorders. These findings support the hypothesis that functional disorders and extra‐pulmonary asthma symptoms have a common complexity or network aetiology. Evidence based behavioural interventions for fibromyalgia may be helpful for patients with severe asthma reporting extra‐pulmonary symptoms.
Adult dietary fat intake and ovarian cancer risk
Authors: Rice Megan S. , Poole Elizabeth M. , Willett Walter C. , Tworoger Shelley S.
Published: August 2019

The association of dietary fat intake with ovarian cancer risk has been inconsistent across populations. We examined dietary fat intake, overall and by type and ovarian cancer risk in two prospective cohort studies. We assessed long‐term dietary fat intake among Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and NHSII participants using food frequency questionnaires administered every 2–4 years beginning in 1984 and 1991, respectively. We examined cumulative energy‐adjusted intake of total fat, specific types of fat (animal, vegetable, saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and trans fat) and cholesterol. We identified 700 ovarian cancer cases in NHS and 196 in NHSII with dietary information. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate associations between intake and ovarian cancer risk. Dietary fat intake changed over time in both cohorts and was lower in NHS than NHSII. Higher cumulative average intakes of animal fat and cholesterol were significantly positively associated with risk of ovarian cancer in NHS (relative risk [RR] comparing extreme quartiles = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.20, 2.06 and 1.35, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.69, respectively), but not in NHSII. Other dietary fat sources were not clearly associated with risk in either population. We did not observe clear associations between dietary fat and ovarian cancer risk in two large prospective cohort studies.
Bacteriophage delivering hydrogels reduce biofilm formation in vitro and infection in vivo
Authors: Wroe James A. , Johnson Christopher T. , García Andrés J.
Published: August 2019

Implanted orthopedic devices become infected more frequently than any other implanted surgical device. These infections can be extremely costly and result in significant patient morbidity. Current treatment options typically involve the long term, systemic administration of a combination of antibiotics, often followed by implant removal. Here we engineered an injectable hydrogel capable of encapsulating Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteriophage and delivering active phage to the site of bone infections. Bacteriophage retain their bacteriolytic activity after encapsulation and release from the hydrogel, and their rate of release from the hydrogel can be controlled by gel formulation. Bacteriophage‐encapsulating hydrogels effectively kill their host bacteria in both planktonic and biofilm phenotypes in vitro without influencing the metabolic activity of human mesenchymal stromal cells. Bacteriophage‐encapsulating hydrogels were used to treat murine radial segmental defects infected with P. aeruginosa. The hydrogels achieved a 4.7‐fold reduction in live P. aeruginosa counts at the infection site compared to bacteriophage‐free hydrogels at 7 days postimplantation. These results support the development of bacteriophage‐delivering hydrogels to treat local bone infections.
Green synthesis of bio‐ethyl acetate over Egyptian natural red clay as a highly active, selective, and eco‐friendly catalyst
Authors: Said Abd El‐Aziz A. , Goda Mohamed N.
Published: August 2019

The present work focused on the utilization of Egyptian red clay (ERC) without any treatment as a highly efficient, selective, and eco‐friendly catalyst for synthesis of bio‐ethyl acetate in the gas phase. The best conditions used in conventional fixed bed reactor were 130 cm3/min total flow rate of air with 1.6 and 2.1 vol% bio‐ethanol and bio‐acetic acid, respectively, 1 g clay catalyst calcined at 300 and 225°C reaction temperature. Under these conditions, the conversions to ester achieved were about 80 and 98% after 5 and 30 min, respectively, from the initial admission of the reactants into the reactor. The amount and type of surface acidity were identified by isopropanol reaction and chemisorption of basic probes. The results demonstrated that the majority of intermediate strength of BrØnsted acid sites are the key role for the dehydration reaction toward ester formation. The virgin and annealed clay solids were characterized using X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and N2 sorption.
Development and validation of T‐ARMS‐PCR to detect CYP2C19*17 allele
Authors: Jin Chenxi , Li Zhikun , Zheng Xiaodi , Shen Kailin , Chao Jiashuo , Dong Yifei , Huang Qin , Yin Qiulin , Deng Yan , Zhu Weifeng
Published: August 2019

Background

CYP2C19*17 (rs12248560) is a functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the CYP2C19 gene. It has been shown that CYP2C19*17 is associated with the clinical outcome of some drugs metabolized by CYP2C19 and a decreased risk of some diseases. The aim of this study was to develop a reliable and simple method to detect this polymorphism.

Methods

Tetra‐primer amplification refractory mutation system‐polymerase chain reaction (T‐ARMS‐PCR) was used to detect the CYP2C19*17 polymorphism. A total of 93 samples were screened by this method, and the results of T‐ARMS‐PCR were validated by DNA sequencing.

Results

There were 91 samples with the CC genotype (97.8%) and two samples with the CT genotype (2.2%). The frequency of the C allele was 98.9%, and the frequency of the T allele was 1.1%. The DNA sequencing results were completely concordant with the T‐ARMS‐PCR results.

Conclusion

T‐ARMS‐PCR can detect the CYP2C19*17 polymorphism with high accuracy, low costs, and a simple process.
Assessment of hypercoagulability using thromboelastography predicts advanced status in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xun , Shi An , Huang Jiwei , Chen Yonghui , Xue Wei , Zhang Jin
Published: August 2019

Background

Thromboelastography (TEG) has been established as a sensitive method to assess the whole coagulation process. The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnosis significance of TEG on hypercoagulability in patients suffering renal mass.

Methods

A total of 478 patients were diagnosed with renal tumor by histolopathologic examination and were assigned to three groups. Group A: 79 patients with benign renal tumor; Group B: 317 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC, Fuhrman grades I and II); Group C: 82 patients with high‐risk RCC (Fuhrman grades III and IV). Subgroup analysis was performed in malignant renal tumor patients according to the TMN classification. The clinical data, whole blood TEG, and conventional coagulation tests were reviewed.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between subgroups in respect to conventional coagulation tests. Hypercoagulablity was marked in Group C according to the TEG parameters. The elevated platelets and fibrinogen is linked with hypercoagulability in renal tumor. The positive correlation was between fibrinogen and MA value (r = .663, P < .05). The pathologic tumor stages were also associated with the TEG parameters.

Conclusion

Patients suffering advanced RCC are hypercoagulable which can be identified by TEG. MA value could be potential diagnosis indicators for detecting high‐grade RCC.
A scoping review: The utility of participatory research approaches in psychology
Authors: Levac Leah , Ronis Scott , Cowper‐Smith Yuriko , Vaccarino Oriana
Published: August 2019

Consistent with community psychology's focus on addressing societal problems by accurately and comprehensively capturing individuals’ relationships in broader contexts, participatory research approaches aim to incorporate individuals’ voices and knowledge into understanding, and responding to challenges and opportunities facing them and their communities. Although investigators in psychology have engaged in participatory research, overall, these approaches have been underutilized. The purpose of this review was to examine areas of research focus that have included participatory research methods and, in turn, highlight the strengths and ways that such methods could be better used by researchers. Nearly 750 articles about research with Indigenous Peoples, children/adolescents, forensic populations, people with HIV/AIDS, older adults, and in the area of industrial‐organizational psychology were coded for their use of participatory research principles across all research stages (i.e., research design, participant recruitment and data collection, analysis and interpretation of results, and dissemination). Although we found few examples of studies that were fully committed to participatory approaches to research, and notable challenges with applying and reporting on this type of work, many investigators have developed creative ways to engage respectfully and reciprocally with participants. Based on our findings, recommendations and suggestions for researchers are discussed.
What Do We Know About Children's Access to School and Their Learning Outcomes in Pakistan? Analysis of the Risk Factors to Children's Proficiency in Literacy and Numeracy Assessments
Authors: Siddiqui Nadia
Published: August 2019

This paper discusses the research feasibility of Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), volunteering citizen‐led social survey conducted in Pakistan. The paper presents a detailed commentary on the process of ASER data collection, discussing the strengths, limitations and quality of the data maintained. There are also findings of the ASER data analysis from 2013 to 2016 with a focus on 34 risk factors associated with children's cognitive ability at age 8 (N = 89 460). The results show that ‘not enrolled in school' and ‘household poverty' are the biggest risk factors for children to achieve an expected level in learning. However, school type attended by children does not explain variation in the learning outcomes. Children missing information on household characteristics are at high risk of failing to achieve. Social surveys are feasible for understanding the patterns of household poverty and access to education. Following the discussion on results, the paper considers policy implications of maintaining a national database of all children, ensuring a universal access to school education in Pakistan. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparing the toepads of Australian diurnal and nocturnal raptors with nonpredatory taxa: Insights into functional morphology
Authors: Tsang Leah R. , Wilson Laura A. B. , McDonald Paul G.
Published: August 2019

The ventral structures of the avian digits are the critical interface between a bird and the item within its grasp (e.g., prey, landing substrate, or object), and as such are vital for ensuring the hunting success and survival of predatory birds. Here, we present the first descriptive analysis of the ventral structures of the toes, toepad morphology, and toepad surface area of several diurnal (Accipitriformes and Falconiformes) and nocturnal species (Strigiformes) of Australian raptors. We compare these with nonpredatory taxa (passeriform and psittaciform) to elucidate possible functional explanations for these differences. Although all groups shared the structural characters of joint, phalanx, ungual, and central (tarsal) pad features, the positioning of these structures in relation to the underlying skeletal framework and subsequent gross morphology differed markedly. Toepads overlying the phalangeal joints were much more developed in raptorial species with protrusional toepads only found on goshawks (Accipiter sp.), falcons, and owls. In contrast, the ventral surface of representative passeriform and parrot species showed overall uniformity in contact surface area, with much flatter toepads. There was only a very low phylogenetic signal in the data indicating that phylogenetic relationships did not have a significant effect on toepad surface area. Linear discriminant analysis indicated that functional prey sizes correlated positively with toepad surface areas. Generalized linear modelling showed that there was a positive, significant relationship between body mass and toepad surface area, and prey category significantly affected the toepad surface areas for Digit I and Digit IV. Overall, the ventral surface of the raptorial foot is subject to considerable variation, with active hunters showing the greatest differences in structures, specifically markedly developed toepads to protrusional toepads, potentially as a means to enable more efficient predatory behaviors and facilitate diet preferences for more difficult to catch prey items.
Spectroscopic characterization of mucilage (Chia seed) and polygalacturonic acid
Authors: Ellerbrock Ruth H. , Ahmed Mutez Ali , Gerke Horst H.
Published: August 2019

Polygalacturonic acid (PGA) has frequently been suggested and used as a model substance for studying mucilage properties and effects in soil. While PGA has a defined chemical structure, the composition of mucilage as natural product can vary in space and time depending on the plant and soil conditions. However, it is still unclear if PGA can be used as surrogate for original mucilage when considering soil–mucilage interactions in the rhizosphere. Here the organic matter (OM) composition of PGA was compared with that of Chia seed mucilage and small‐scale spatial distribution of OM composition in mucilage droplets was analysed using Fourier transform mid infrared spectroscopy in KBr‐transmission technique (FTIR). Selected regions of dried Chia seed mucilage droplets were analysed using micro‐ Fourier transform mid infrared spectroscopy in transflection technique (micro‐FTIR).

For PGA, the FTIR spectra revealed lower C–H/C=O and higher C=O/C–O–C ratios as compared to Chia seed mucilage, indicating a relatively lower potential hydrophobicity and higher sorption capacity of the OM in PGA than OM in mucilage. The micro‐FTIR spectra revealed that the potential hydrophobicity of a single freeze‐dried mucilage droplet was higher at the tip as compared to regions located above the tip. The results suggest that the use of PGA as model substance for mucilage is limited especially when trying to imitate the sorption and wettability properties of the Chia seed mucilage OM. The spatial heterogeneity in OM composition as well as shifts in maxima of C=O and O–H bands in micro FTIR spectra of the cross sectioned mucilage droplet suggest that the composition of mucilage is changing with time. These findings may help initiating future studies on the dynamics and variability of OM composition of mucilage.
Temporal and spatial variation in bacterial communities of “Jonagold” apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) and “Conference” pear (Pyrus communis L.) floral nectar
Authors: Smessaert Jolien , Van Geel Maarten , Verreth Christel , Crauwels Sam , Honnay Olivier , Keulemans Wannes , Lievens Bart
Published: August 2019

Production of many agricultural crops and fruits strongly depends on pollinators. For instance, pome fruits such as apple and pear are highly dependent on pollination for fruit set, fruit quality, and yield. Nectar is often inhabited by microbes, most often yeasts and bacteria, which may change nectar quality and therefore also affect plant–pollinator interactions. Here, we used high‐throughput 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing to investigate the temporal and spatial variation in bacterial communities in floral nectar of apple and pear. We sampled 15 apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) and 15 pear (Pyrus communis L.) orchards distributed over the eastern part of Belgium over a timespan of seven days. Nectar bacterial community composition differed strongly among fruit species. Nectar of pear was dominated by Actinobacteria, followed by Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. Apple nectar was strongly enriched in Bacteroidetes, a phylum which until now has been found to be rarely associated with floral nectar. Nectar was dominated by only a few bacterial species, with Brevibacterium (Actinobacteria) and Undibacterium (Proteobacteria) as the most abundant bacteria in pear and apple nectar, respectively. Bacterial richness and diversity were found to fluctuate during flowering, likely due to changing environmental conditions. Additionally, spatial structure in nectar bacterial community composition was found in apple orchards, while this was not the case for pear. Differences in nectar bacterial communities between apple and pear nectar may differently affect the chemical and nutritional composition of the nectar, influencing pollinator attraction and visitation, and thus pollination efficacy in general.
Pavement patterns can be designed to improve gait in Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Gál Ota , Poláková Kamila , Hoskovcová Martina , Tomandl Jan , Čapek Václav , Berka Roman , Brožová Hana , Šestáková Irena , Růžička Evžen
Published: August 2019

Background

Public spaces are usually designed with respect to various patient populations, but not Parkinson's disease. The objective of this study was to explore what type of easily applicable visual cueing might be used in public spaces and some interiors to improve gait in people with Parkinson's disease.

Methods

Thirty‐two patients with freezing of gait walked an 8‐meter track on 6 different floor patterns in single‐ and dual‐task conditions in random sequence. The reference pattern was a virtual large transverse chessboard, and the other patterns differed either in size (small floor stones), orientation (diagonal), nature (real paving), regularity (irregular), or no pattern. Time, number of steps, velocity, step length, cadence, and dual‐task effect were calculated. The number and total duration of freezing episodes were analyzed.

Results

Virtual, large, transverse floor stones improve time (P = 0.0101), velocity (P = 0.0029), number of steps (P = 0.0291), and step length (P = 0.0254) in Parkinson's disease patients compared with walking on no pattern. Virtual floor stones were superior in time and velocity to the real ones. Transverse floor stones were better than diagonal, whereas regular pattern stones were superior to irregular in some gait parameters. Subjectively, the reference pattern was preferred to the irregular one and to no pattern. No direct effect on freezing of gait was observed.

Conclusions

Parkinson's disease patients may benefit from floor patterns incorporating transverse oriented large rectangular visual cues. Because public space can be regulated with respect to people with medical conditions, the relevant legislative documents should be extended to allow for parkinsonian gait disorder. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The clinical and genetic characteristics of permanent neonatal diabetes (PNDM) in the state of Qatar
Authors: Al‐Khawaga Sara , Mohammed Idris , Saraswathi Saras , Haris Basma , Hasnah Reem , Saeed Amira , Almabrazi Hakeem , Syed Najeeb , Jithesh Puthen , El Awwa Ahmed , Khalifa Amal , AlKhalaf Fawziya , Petrovski Goran , Abdelalim Essam M. , Hussain Khalid
Published: August 2019

Background

Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a rare condition that occurs within the first six months of life. Permanent NDM (PNDM) is caused by mutations in specific genes that are known for their expression at early and/or late stages of pancreatic beta‐ cell development, and are either involved in beta‐cell survival, insulin processing, regulation, and release. The native population in Qatar continues to practice consanguineous marriages that lead to a high level of homozygosity. To our knowledge, there is no previous report on the genomics of NDM among the Qatari population. The aims of the current study are to identify patients with NDM diagnosed between 2001 and 2016, and examine their clinical and genetic characteristics.

Methods

To calculate the incidence of PNDM, all patients with PNDM diagnosed between 2001 and 2016 were compared to the total number of live births over the 16‐year‐period. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) was used to investigate the genetic etiology in the PNDM cohort.

Results

PNDM was diagnosed in nine (n = 9) patients with an estimated incidence rate of 1:22,938 live births among the indigenous Qatari. Seven different mutations in six genes (PTF1A, GCK, SLC2A2, EIF2AK3, INS, and HNF1B) were identified. In the majority of cases, the genetic etiology was part of a previously identified autosomal recessive disorder. Two novel de novo mutations were identified in INS and HNF1B.

Conclusion

Qatar has the second highest reported incidence of PNDM worldwide. A majority of PNDM cases present as rare familial autosomal recessive disorders. Pancreas associated transcription factor 1a (PTF1A) enhancer deletions are the most common cause of PNDM in Qatar, with only a few previous cases reported in the literature.
An iterative sparse deconvolution method for simultaneous multicolor 19F‐MRI of multiple contrast agents
Authors: Schoormans Jasper , Calcagno Claudia , Daal Mariah R.R. , Wüst Rob C.I. , Faries Christopher , Maier Alexander , Teunissen Abraham J.P. , Naidu Sonum , Sanchez‐Gaytan Brenda L. , Nederveen Aart J. , Fayad Zahi A. , Mulder Willem J.M. , Coolen Bram F. , Strijkers Gustav J.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

19F‐MRI is gaining widespread interest for cell tracking and quantification of immune and inflammatory cells in vivo. Different fluorinated compounds can be discriminated based on their characteristic MR spectra, allowing in vivo imaging of multiple 19F compounds simultaneously, so‐called multicolor 19F‐MRI. We introduce a method for multicolor 19F‐MRI using an iterative sparse deconvolution method to separate different 19F compounds and remove chemical shift artifacts arising from multiple resonances.

Methods

The method employs cycling of the readout gradient direction to alternate the spatial orientation of the off‐resonance chemical shift artifacts, which are subsequently removed by iterative sparse deconvolution. Noise robustness and separation was investigated by numerical simulations. Mixtures of fluorinated oils (PFCE and PFOB) were measured on a 7T MR scanner to identify the relation between 19F signal intensity and compound concentration. The method was validated in a mouse model after intramuscular injection of fluorine probes, as well as after intravascular injection.

Results

Numerical simulations show efficient separation of 19F compounds, even at low signal‐to‐noise ratio. Reliable chemical shift artifact removal and separation of PFCE and PFOB signals was achieved in phantoms and in vivo. Signal intensities correlated excellently to the relative 19F compound concentrations (r−2 = 0.966/0.990 for PFOB/PFCE).

Conclusions

The method requires minimal sequence adaptation and is therefore easily implemented on different MRI systems. Simulations, phantom experiments, and in‐vivo measurements in mice showed effective separation and removal of chemical shift artifacts below noise level. We foresee applicability for simultaneous in‐vivo imaging of 19F‐containing fluorine probes or for detection of 19F‐labeled cell populations.
Automatic in‐line quantitative myocardial perfusion mapping: Processing algorithm and implementation
Authors: Xue Hui , Brown Louise A.E. , Nielles‐Vallespin Sonia , Plein Sven , Kellman Peter
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Quantitative myocardial perfusion mapping has advantages over qualitative assessment, including the ability to detect global flow reduction. However, it is not clinically available and remains a research tool. Building upon the previously described imaging sequence, this study presents algorithm and implementation of an automated solution for inline perfusion flow mapping with step by step performance characterization.

Methods

Proposed workflow consists of motion correction (MOCO), arterial input function blood detection, intensity to gadolinium concentration conversion, and pixel‐wise mapping. A distributed kinetics model, blood‐tissue exchange model, is implemented, computing pixel‐wise maps of myocardial blood flow (mL/min/g), permeability‐surface‐area product (mL/min/g), blood volume (mL/g), and interstitial volume (mL/g).

Results

Thirty healthy subjects (11 men; 26.4 ± 10.4 years) were recruited and underwent adenosine stress perfusion cardiovascular MR. Mean MOCO quality score was 3.6 ± 0.4 for stress and 3.7 ± 0.4 for rest. Myocardial Dice similarity coefficients after MOCO were significantly improved (P < 1e‐6), 0.87 ± 0.05 for stress and 0.86 ± 0.06 for rest. Arterial input function peak gadolinium concentration was 4.4 ± 1.3 mmol/L at stress and 5.2 ± 1.5 mmol/L at rest. Mean myocardial blood flow at stress and rest were 2.82 ± 0.47 mL/min/g and 0.68 ± 0.16 mL/min/g, respectively. The permeability‐surface‐area product was 1.32 ± 0.26 mL/min/g at stress and 1.09 ± 0.21 mL/min/g at rest (P < 1e‐3). Blood volume was 12.0 ± 0.8 mL/100 g at stress and 9.7 ± 1.0 mL/100 g at rest (P < 1e‐9), indicating good adenosine vasodilation response. Interstitial volume was 20.8 ± 2.5 mL/100 g at stress and 20.3 ± 2.9 mL/100 g at rest (P = 0.50).

Conclusions

An inline perfusion flow mapping workflow is proposed and demonstrated on normal volunteers. Initial evaluation demonstrates this fully automated solution for the respiratory MOCO, arterial input function left ventricle mask detection, and pixel‐wise mapping, from free‐breathing myocardial perfusion imaging.
Mapping of finger fascicles within the flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus muscles
Authors: Hodde Franziska L. , Ioannou Christos I. , Altenmüller Eckart
Published: August 2019

Introduction

In this study we aimed to systematically investigate and map localization of the individual finger fascicles within the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) muscles.

Methods

Using B‐mode ultrasonographic assessments, the right forearms of ten healthy participants (five males and five females) were examined during active and passive finger movements. Results: A topographical map indicating clear core areas of fascicle activation within the FDS and FDP muscles was created. Borders that could, to some degree, define individual differences were also indicated.

Discussion

Our findings offer a detailed image of fascicle distributions within the FDS and FDP muscles. Various challenges, such as managing individual muscular profiles or the existence of the palmaris longus muscle, are discussed and should always be taken into consideration. The current map can serve as a general orientation for future measurements or injection therapies.
AUS: Anisotropic undrained shear strength model for clays
Authors: Krabbenhøft Kristian , Galindo‐Torres Sergio Andres , Zhang Xue , Krabbenhøft Jørgen
Published: August 2019

A total stress model applicable to clays under undrained conditions is presented. The model involves three strength parameters: the undrained shear strengths in triaxial compression, triaxial extension, and simple shear. The amount of physical anisotropy implied by the model is a function of the relative magnitude of these three strengths assuming a Mises‐type plastic potential. Elastoplastic deformation characteristics below failure are accounted for by a hardening law requiring two additional parameters that can be related to the axial strains halfway to failure in triaxial compression and extension. Finally, elasticity is accounted for by Hooke law. The result is a relatively simple model whose parameters can all be inferred directly from a combination of in situ and standard undrained laboratory tests. The model is applied to a problem involving the horizontal loading of a monopile foundation for which full scale tests have been previously conducted. The model shows good agreement with the measured data.
High‐Carbohydrate vs High‐Fat Nutrition for Burn Patients
Authors: Shields Beth A. , VanFosson Christopher A. , Pruskowski Kaitlin A. , Gurney Jennifer M. , Rizzo Julie A. , Cancio Leopoldo C.
Published: August 2019

Nutrition is an essential component of the healing and recovery process after severe burn injury. For many burn patients, nutrition support is necessary to meet nutrition goals. The ratio of carbohydrates and fat is particularly important for burn patients, as an essential fatty acid deficiency can contribute to poor wound healing. However, there is evidence to suggest that diets containing more carbohydrates and less fat may result in better patient outcomes. A literature search was conducted to identify studies related to nutrition support and macronutrient ratios in burn patients. Eleven published papers were found that considered macronutrient use in enteral and parenteral nutrition therapies among 9 different burn patient samples. No negative outcomes associated with lower fat, higher carbohydrate nutrition for severely burned patients were found in the literature. Conversely, the literature review revealed improved outcomes among severely burned patients receiving lower fat, higher carbohydrate nutrition to include fewer incidences of pneumonia, wound infections, acute respiratory distress syndrome, fatty liver, and sepsis. These patients also experienced shorter hospital length of stay and shorter wound healing times, as well as lower spleen and kidney weights, lower urinary nitrogen losses, improved nitrogen balance, higher insulin levels, higher insulin‐like growth factor‐1, lower cortisol, and less muscle protein breakdown. The evidence available to date supports the clinical use of nutrition support providing ≤15% fat and ≥60% carbohydrate for critically ill burn patients.
Coupled poromechanics‐damage mechanics modeling of fracturing during injection in brittle rocks
Authors: Bubshait Ahmed , Jha Birendra
Published: August 2019

Subsurface injection of fluids in a stress‐sensitive naturally fractured rock faces the problem of near‐wellbore fracture evolution and associated changes in rock properties. Numerical modeling of the changes in permeability and poroelastic properties of the near‐wellbore region is challenging due to the coupling between fracture dynamics and poromechanics across multiple length scales of fractures and the host rock. We present a numerical framework to model anisotropic and dynamic evolution in rock properties based on a coupled formulation of fluid flow, rock mechanics, and fracturing, where fracturing‐induced damage is used to update the rock properties. A generalized fixed‐stress method, which accounts for damage‐induced anisotropy in flow and deformation processes, is developed to sequentially solve the equations of flow, mechanics, and fracture evolution. We demonstrate the usefulness of our framework in quantifying the effects of injection rate variability, initial fracture distribution, and in‐situ stress state on the evolution in permeability, elastic stiffness, and the Biot parameters. Our framework does not require the computational mesh to conform to existing or future fractures, allows simultaneous growth of multiple randomly distributed fractures, and can be implemented relatively easily in existing coupled flow‐geomechanics simulators to extend them to model fracturing at the reservoir scale.