bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Test-retest reliability of a smartphone app for measuring core stability for two dynamic exercises
Authors: Guillén-Rogel Paloma , Franco-Escudero Cristina , Marín Pedro J.
Published: August 2019

Background

Recently, there has been growing interest in using smartphone applications to assess gait speed and quantify isometric core stability exercise intensity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the between-session reliability and minimal detectable change of a smartphone app for two dynamic exercise tests of the lumbopelvic complex.

Methods

Thirty-three healthy young and active students (age: 22.3 ± 5.9 years, body weight: 66.9 ± 11.3 kg, height: 167.8 ± 10.3 cm) participated in this study. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (%CV), and Bland–Altman plots were used to verify the reliability of the test. The standard error of measurement (SEM) and the minimum detectable difference (MDD) were calculated for clinical applicability.

Results

The ICCs ranged from 0.73 to 0.96, with low variation (0.9% to 4.8%) between days of assessments. The Bland–Altman plots and one-sample t-tests (p > 0.05) indicated that no dynamic exercise tests changed systematically. Our analyses showed that SEM 0.6 to 1.5 mm/s-2) and MDD (2.1 to 3.5 mm/s-2).

Conclusion

The OCTOcore app is a reliable tool to assess core stability for two dynamic exercises. A minimal change of 3.5 mm/s-2 is needed to be confident that the change is not a measurement error between two sessions.
Effect of Organic Manure and Mulching on the Growth and Yield of Carrot (Daucus carota L.)
Authors: Biswas Bithi Rani , Khatun Khaleda , Haq Md. Ehsanul , Afsun Jinia , Islam Md. Nahidul , Islam Md. Rafiqul , Ahmed Montasir
Published: August 2019

An experiment on effect of organic manure & mulching on the growth and yield of carrot was conducted at the farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during the period from November 2017 to February 2018. The research consisted in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications under a factorial arrangement (of two factors), with Four levels of organic manure, as the factor A and four mulches such as factor B. Organic manure and mulching influenced significantly (p=0.05) all the studied variables. In case of organic manure the maximum plant height (44.55 cm) root length (14.73 cm), root diameter (4.11 cm), root weight (124.50 g), root yield (24.90 t/ha) and marketable root yield (23.85 ton/ha) were recorded from O2 (Vermicompost) treatment. In case of mulches, maximum plant height (44.81 cm), root length (15.20 cm), root diameter (3.91 cm), root weight (117.85 g), root yield (23.57 t/ha) and marketable root yield (21.95 t/ha) found in M2 (Black polythene) treatment. And the combined effect of the highest root yield (29.06 t/ha) was obtained from O2M2 (Vermicompost + black polythene) and lowest (13.20 t/ha) from O0M0 (control). So, it can be concluded that 10 ton/ha vermicompost with black polythene mulch was the best for carrot cultivation. The highest gross return (Tk. 563200), net return (Tk. 446355) and BCR (4.82) were obtained from the treatment combination from O2M2  where the lowest gross return (Tk. 207800), net return (Tk.112755)  were obtained from O0M0 and lowest BCR (1.67) from O1M0.
Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Using an Uncemented Wagner SL Stem in Elderly Patients With Dorr Type C Femoral Bone
Authors: Zhen Ping , Liu Jun , Lu Hao , Chen Hui , Li Xusheng , Zhou Shenghu
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study was to review retrospectively the primary total hip arthroplasties operated upon with the cementless Wagner self-locking stem in patients with Type C femoral bone. Twenty-five total hip arthroplasties were performed in 23 patients aged ≥60 years using a cementless Wagner self-locking femoral component between 2006 and 2011. According to Dorr's criteria, all 25 femora were classified as type C bone. Mean follow-up period was 62 months (range, 47–85 months). Average Harris Hip score preoperatively was 46 ± 9 (range, 39–62) and at the last follow-up was 90 ± 9 (range, 83–98). The mean proximal stem-to-canal fill percentage was 95% ± 3.5% (anteroposterior view) and 90% ± 2.8% (lateral view) and the mean distal canal fill was 93% ± 4.5% (anteroposterior) and 92% ± 3.9% (lateral). Radiographic evaluation demonstrated good osteointegration of the implants in follow-up. Based on the long-straight cylindrical tapered stem design, the cementless Wagner SL stem can achieve reliable stability by close apposition of stem and wide stovepipe femoral canal from metaphysis to diaphysis in Type C bone.
A Thermal‐Reflow‐Based Low‐Temperature, High‐Pressure Sintering of Lyophilized Silk Fibroin for the Fast Fabrication of Biosubstrates
Authors: Bucciarelli Alessio , Chiera Silvia , Quaranta Alberto , Yadavalli Vamsi K. , Motta Antonella , Maniglio Devid
Published: August 2019

Solid fibroin is a bulk nonporous material that can be prepared with two methods: a liquid–gel–solid transition from a fibroin solution or a sintering procedure starting from silk powder. Both methods have their own disadvantages: the first requires several weeks and the process is size dependent; the second requires high temperatures. To overcome these limitations, a low‐temperature sintering procedure based on a thermal‐reflow is proposed in this work to produce in fast‐fashion monoliths of solid fibroin. Thermal‐reflow is a well‐known mechanism that takes place when the glass transition temperature of the material is lower than the temperature used to process it. Water plays an important role decreasing the glass transition temperature down to 40 °C. For the first time, a thermal reflow is conducted on lyophilized silk fibroin at 40 °C, associating to the water addition a high‐pressure compression. To optimize the process, a full factorial design of experiment is used. The material is then studied in the crucial phases by digital scanning calorimetry, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Finally, a mechanical characterization and a preliminary in vitro test are conducted.
Self‐Organized Periodic Microholes Array Formation on Aluminum Surface via Femtosecond Laser Ablation Induced Incubation Effect
Authors: Liu Huagang , Lin Wenxiong , Lin Zhenyuan , Ji Lingfei , Hong Minghui
Published: August 2019

Laser surface structuring has been demonstrated to be a versatile technology to create various functional materials by modifying solid surface properties. An interesting experimental phenomenon of self‐organized periodic microholes array formation is demonstrated by exposing an aluminum surface to femtosecond laser irradiation. The microholes with a diameter much smaller than focal laser spot size are produced along laser scan paths due to the incubation effect of multiple laser scans, and they spontaneously form a highly ordered microholes array after 80 scans. It is found that the microhole period and diameter are highly dependent on laser fluence, and controllable microholes arrays with different periods and diameters are achieved by adjusting laser fluence. The physical mechanism behind the formation of the microholes array is attributed to femtosecond laser‐induced melting and Marangoni effect. The research provides a novel processing approach to achieve controllable microholes surface materials fabrication at a high speed on metal substrates, which are of great interests for various technological applications.
Versatile Amorphous Structures of Phosphonate Metal−Organic Framework/Alginate Composite for Tunable Sieving of Ions
Authors: Park Sung Ho , Lee Sang Joon
Published: August 2019

Versatile amorphous structures of phosphonate metal–organic framework (pMOF)/alginate composite are proposed to selectively separate alkaline and alkaline earth metal ions. Initially, the gelation of alginate by Al3+ ions provides preconfined Al3+ coordination. The phosphonate organic ligand is subsequently coordinated with Al3+ ions to make pMOF based on the preconfined Al3+ coordination. Al3+−phosphonate organic ligand complexes of pMOF are simultaneously intertwined with Al3+−alginate crosslinks with the aid of partial hydrolysis. Amorphous structures of Al3+‐based pMOF/alginate composite are largely modulated, as the reaction temperature and intertwinement degree of alginate networks vary. In addition, partial hydrolysis plays an important role for amorphization, which gives rise to versatile amorphous structures. The Al3+‐based pMOF/alginate composite is found to have tunable sieving of alkaline and alkaline earth metal ions with varying the degrees of intertwinement of amorphous structures and Al3+−phosphonate organic ligand complexes. In particular, a certain type of amorphous structure can effectively reject Li+ ions with small hydration energy through dehydration. Benefiting from amorphous structures, this work will provide a variety of separation opportunities accompanying unique properties and allow efficient separation of ions and similar‐sized molecules.
Mimicking Cellular Signaling Pathways within Synthetic Multicompartment Vesicles with Triggered Enzyme Activity and Induced Ion Channel Recruitment
Authors: Thamboo Sagana , Najer Adrian , Belluati Andrea , von Planta Claudio , Wu Dalin , Craciun Ioana , Meier Wolfgang , Palivan Cornelia G.
Published: August 2019

Subcellular compartmentalization of cells, a defining characteristic of eukaryotes, is fundamental for the fine tuning of internal processes and the responding to external stimuli. Reproducing and controlling such compartmentalized hierarchical organization, responsiveness, and communication is important toward understanding biological systems and applying them to smart materials. Herein, a cellular signal transduction strategy (triggered release from subcompartments) is leveraged to develop responsive, purely artificial, polymeric multicompartment assemblies. Incorporation of responsive nanoparticles—loaded with enzymatic substrate or ion channels—as subcompartments inside micrometer‐sized polymeric vesicles (polymersomes) allowed to conduct bioinspired signaling cascades. Response of these subcompartments to an externally added stimulus is achieved and studied by using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) coupled with in situ fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). Signal triggered activity of an enzymatic reaction is demonstrated in multicompartments through recombination of compartmentalized substrate and enzyme. In parallel, a two‐step signaling cascade is achieved by triggering the recruitment of ion channels from inner subcompartments to the vesicles' membrane, inducing ion permeability, mimicking endosome‐mediated insertion of internally stored channels. This design shows remarkable versatility, robustness, and controllability, demonstrating that multicompartment polymer‐based assemblies offer an ideal scaffold for the development of complex cell‐inspired responsive systems for applications in biosensing, catalysis, and medicine.
Remote Photothermal Actuation of Underwater Bubble toward Arbitrary Direction on Planar Slippery Fe3O4‐Doped Surfaces
Authors: Chen Chao , Huang Zhouchen , Shi Lu‐An , Jiao Yunlong , Zhu Suwan , Li Jiawen , Hu Yanlei , Chu Jiaru , Wu Dong , Jiang Lei
Published: August 2019

Unidirectional underwater gas bubble (UGB) transport on a surface is realized by buoyant force or wettability gradient force (Fwet‐grad) derived from a tailored geography. Unfortunately, intentional control of the UGB over transport speed, direction, and routes on horizontal planar surfaces is rarely explored. Herein reported is a light‐responsive slippery lubricant‐infused porous surface (SLIPS) composed of selective lubricants and super‐hydrophobic micropillar‐arrayed Fe3O4/polydimethylsiloxane film. Upon this SLIPS, the UGB can be horizontally actuated along arbitrary directions by remotely loading/discharging unilateral near‐infrared (NIR) stimuli. The underlying mechanism is that Fwet‐grad can be generated within 1 s in the presence of a NIR‐trigger due to the photothermal effect of Fe3O4. Once the NIR‐stimuli are discharged, Fwet‐grad vanishes to break the UGB on the SLIPS. Moreover, performed are systematic parameter studies to investigate the influence of bubble volume, lubricant rheology, and Fwet‐grad on the UGB steering performance. Fundamental physics renders the achievement of antibuoyancy manipulation of the UGBs on an inclined SLIPS. Significantly, steering UGBs by horizontal SLIPS to configurate diverse patterns, as well as facilitating light‐control‐light optical shutter, is deployed. Compared with the previous slippery surfaces, light‐responsive SLIPS is more competent for manipulating UGBs with controllable transport speed, direction, and routes independent of buoyancy or geography derivative force.
Unraveling the Formation of Amorphous MoS2 Nanograins during the Electrochemical Delithiation Process
Authors: Zhu Zhiqiang , Xi Shibo , Miao Licheng , Tang Yuxin , Zeng Yi , Xia Huarong , Lv Zhisheng , Zhang Wei , Ge Xiang , Zhang Hongwei , Wei Jiaqi , Cao Shengkai , Chen Jun , Du Yonghua , Chen Xiaodong
Published: August 2019

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is a promising high‐capacity anode for lithium‐ion batteries. However, the conversion reaction mechanism of MoS2 (the delithiation pathway in particular) has been controversial, which limits the rational optimization of its electrochemical performance. The main challenge is how to precisely identify the amorphous nanomaterials generated during lithiation/delithiation. Here, the structural evolutions of MoS2 during lithiation/delithiation are systematically investigated using synchrotron X‐ray absorption spectroscopy at Mo K‐edge and S K‐edge and Raman spectroscopy. It is revealed that amorphous MoS2 nanograins rather than sulfur as previously suggested, are formed after delithiation, and that the fully lithiated MoS2 electrode contains additional Mo‐S related phases besides the known Mo and Li2S. Density functional theory simulations suggest that the Mo nanoparticles formed during lithiation are very reactive with Li2S, thus enabling the regeneration of MoS2 upon delithiation. These findings deepen the understanding of the lithiation/delithiation mechanism of MoS2, which will pave the way for the rational design of advanced MoS2‐based electrodes.
Engineering Self‐Supported Noble Metal Foams Toward Electrocatalysis and Beyond
Authors: Du Ran , Jin Xinyi , Hübner René , Fan Xuelin , Hu Yue , Eychmüller Alexander
Published: August 2019

Noble metals, despite their expensiveness, display irreplaceable roles in widespread fields. To acquire novel physicochemical properties and boost the performance‐to‐price ratio for practical applications, one core direction is to engineer noble metals into nanostructured porous networks. Noble metal foams (NMFs), featuring self‐supported, 3D interconnected networks structured from noble‐metal‐based building blocks, have drawn tremendous attention in the last two decades. Inheriting structural traits of foams and physicochemical properties of noble metals, NMFs showcase a variety of interesting properties and impressive prospect in diverse fields, including electrocatalysis, heterogeneous catalysis, surface‐enhanced Raman scattering, sensing and actuation, etc. A number of NMFs have been created and versatile synthetic approaches have been developed. However, because of the innate limitation of specific methods and the insufficient understanding of formation mechanisms, flexible manipulation of compositions, structures, and corresponding properties of NMFs are still challenging. Thus, the correlations between composition/structure and properties are seldom established, retarding material design/optimization for specific applications. This review is devoted to a comprehensive introduction of NMFs ranging from synthesis to applications, with an emphasis on electrocatalysis. Challenges and opportunities are also included to guide possible research directions in this field and promote the interest of interdisciplinary scientists.
The time to relapse correlates with the histopathological growth pattern in nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Hartmann Sylvia , Plütschow Annette , Mottok Anja , Bernd Heinz‐Wolfram , Feller Alfred C. , Ott German , Cogliatti Sergio , Fend Falko , Quintanilla‐Martinez Leticia , Stein Harald , Klapper Wolfram , Möller Peter , Rosenwald Andreas , Engert Andreas , Hansmann Martin‐Leo , Eichenauer Dennis A.
Published: August 2019

Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) can present with different histopathological growth patterns. The impact of these histopathological growth patterns on relapse characteristics is unknown. We therefore analyzed paired biopsies obtained at initial diagnosis and relapse from 33 NLPHL patients who had received first‐line treatment within German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG) trial protocols, and from a second cohort of 41 relapsed NLPHL patients who had been treated outside GHSG studies. Among the 33 GHSG patients, 21 patients presented with a typical growth pattern at initial diagnosis, whereas 12 patients had a variant histology. The histopathological growth patterns at initial diagnosis and at relapse were consistent in 67% of cases. A variant histology at initial diagnosis was associated with a shorter median time to lymphoma recurrence (2.8 vs 5.2 years; P = .0219). A similar tendency towards a shorter median time to lymphoma recurrence was observed for patients presenting with a variant histology at relapse, irrespective of the growth pattern at initial diagnosis. Results obtained from the 41 NLPHL patients who had been treated outside GHSG studies were comparable (median time to lymphoma recurrence for variant histology vs typical growth pattern at initial diagnosis: 1.5 vs 7.0 years). In conclusion, the histopathological growth pattern remains consistent at relapse in the majority of NLPHL cases, and has major impact on the time of relapse.
Decreased consumption of common weaning foods is associated with poor linear growth among HIV‐exposed infants participating in the Kigali antiretroviral and breastfeeding assessment for the elimination of HIV (Kabeho) study
Authors: Lane Charlotte , Bobrow Emily A , Ndatimana Dieudonne , Ndayisaba Gilles F , Adair Linda S
Published: August 2019

Objective

The World Health Organization recommends that complementary foods that are adequate, safe, and appropriate be introduced to infants at age 6 months. Using an innovative modeling technique, we examine patterns of nutrient intake in HIV‐exposed and uninfected (HEU) infants and establish their relationship with growth.

Methods

Single‐day dietary recalls and anthropometrics were collected every two to 3 months from 543 infants living in Kigali, Rwanda, and attending clinics for the prevention of mother‐to‐child HIV transmission. A common weaning food index (CWFI) was calculated in grams and nutrient density for infants to reflect the extent to which the infants consumed the weaning foods typical of this population at ages 6 to 10, 11 to 15, and 16 to 20 months. Regressions among the CWFI, length‐for‐age z‐scores (LAZ), and weight‐for‐length z‐scores (WLZ) were conducted to estimate the relationship between the dietary patterns and growth.

Results

Mean absolute intake of zinc and calcium from complementary foods was insufficient. Increasing CWFI was related to increasing cow milk consumption. The density CWFI showed a decrease in the density of iron and folate as infants consume more of the weaning foods typical of this population. Density CWFI, breastfeeding, and caloric intake act on early LAZ and WLZ and interact with one another. Among breastfed infants, those who consume little of the common weaning foods and have a high caloric intake develop deficits in LAZ and have an elevated WLZ.

Conclusions

A diet that is more dominated by the typical weaning foods of this population may support a healthy growth pattern.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Oxyalkylation of Styrenes via α‐C(Sp3)−H Bond Activation of Ethers Without Organic Peroxides
Authors: Li Juanjuan , Li Jiale , Yuan Songdong , Zhang Qian , Li Dong
Published: August 2019

A cobalt‐catalyzed difunctionalization of styrenes with ethers was developed which initiated through α‐C(sp3)−H bond activation of ethers to give the oxyalkylation products. A safe and stable inorganic silver salt was used as the oxidant instead of organic peroxides. The reaction proceeded under simple and mild conditions and exhibited good regioselectivities and functional group tolerance. It provided a method to easily prepare α‐oxyalkyl ketones from readily available substrates.
Exhaled nitric oxide in ethnically diverse high‐altitude native populations: A comparative study
Authors: Ghosh Sudipta , Kiyamu Melisa , Contreras Paloma , León‐Velarde Fabiola , Bigham Abigail , Brutsaert Tom D.
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Andean and Tibetan high‐altitude natives exhibit a high concentration of nitric oxide (NO) in the lungs, suggesting that NO plays an adaptive role in offsetting hypobaric hypoxia. We examined the exhaled NO concentration as well as partial pressure of several additional high‐altitude native populations in order to examine the possibility that this putative adaptive trait, that is, high exhaled NO, is universal.

Methods

We recruited two geographically diverse highland native populations, Tawang Monpa (TM), a Tibetan derived population in North‐Eastern India (n = 95, sampled at an altitude of ~3,200 m), and Peruvian Quechua from the highland Andes (n = 412). The latter included three distinct subgroups defined as those residing at altitude (Q‐HAR, n = 110, sampled at 4,338 m), those born and residing at sea‐level (Q‐BSL, n = 152), and those born at altitude but migrant to sea‐level (Q‐M, n = 150). In addition, we recruited a referent sample of lowland natives of European ancestry from Syracuse, New York. Fraction of exhaled NO concentrations were measured using a NIOX NIMO following the protocol of the manufacturer.

Results

Partial pressure of exhaled nitric oxide (PENO) was significantly lower (p < .05) in both high‐altitude resident groups (TM = 6.2 ± 0.5 nmHg and Q‐HAR = 5.8 ± 0.5 nmHg), as compared to the groups measured at sea level (USA = 14.6 ± 0.7 nmHg, Q‐BSL = 18.9 ± 1.6 nmHg, and Q‐M = 19.2 ± 1.7 nmHg). PENO was not significantly different between TM and Q‐HAR (p < .05).

Conclusion

In contrast to previous work, we found lower PENO in populations at altitude (compared to sea‐level) and no difference in PENO between Tibetan and Andean highland native populations. These results do not support the hypothesis that high nitric oxide in human lungs is a universal adaptive mechanism of highland native populations to offset hypobaric hypoxia.
Global Aromaticity and Antiaromaticity in Porphyrin Nanoring Anions
Authors: Peeks Martin D. , Jirasek Michael , Claridge Timothy D. W. , Anderson Harry L.
Published: August 2019

Doping, through oxidation or reduction, is often used to modify the properties of π‐conjugated oligomers. In most cases, the resulting charge distribution is difficult to determine. If the oligomer is cyclic and doping establishes global aromaticity or antiaromaticity, then it is certain that the charge is fully delocalized over the entire perimeter of the ring. Herein we show that reduction of a six‐porphyrin nanoring using decamethylcobaltocene results in global aromaticity (in the 6− state; [90 π]) and antiaromaticity (in the 4− state; [88 π]), consistent with the Hückel rules. Aromaticity is assigned by NMR spectroscopy and density‐functional theory calculations.
A Karplus Equation for the Conformational Analysis of Organic Molecular Crystals
Authors: Thureau Pierre , Carvin Isaure , Ziarelli Fabio , Viel Stéphane , Mollica Giulia
Published: August 2019

Vicinal scalar couplings (3J) are extensively used for the conformational analysis of organic compounds in the liquid state through empirical Karplus equations. In contrast, there are no examples of such use for the structural investigation of solids. With the support of first principles calculations, we demonstrate here that 13C‐13C 3J coupling constants (3JCC) measured on a series of isotopically enriched solid amino acids and sugars can be related to dihedral angles by a simple Karplus‐like relationship, and we provide a parameterized Karplus function for the conformational analysis of organic molecular crystals. Under the experimental conditions discussed, torsional angles can be estimated from the experimental 3JCC values with an accuracy of 10° using this function. These results open new perspectives towards the use of 3JCC as a new analytical tool that could considerably simplify structure determination of functional organic solids.
Modular Design of Small Enzymatic Reaction Networks Based on Reversible and Cleavable Inhibitors
Authors: Pogodaev Aleksandr A. , Fernández Regueiro Cristina Lía , Jakštaitė Miglė , Hollander Marijn J. , Huck Wilhelm T. S.
Published: August 2019

Systems chemistry aims to mimic the functional behavior of living systems by constructing chemical reaction networks with well‐defined dynamic properties. Enzymes can play a key role in such networks, but there is currently no general and scalable route to the design and construction of enzymatic reaction networks. Here, we introduce reversible, cleavable peptide inhibitors that can link proteolytic enzymatic activity into simple network motifs. As a proof‐of‐principle, we show auto‐activation topologies producing sigmoidal responses in enzymatic activity, explore cross‐talk in minimal systems, design a simple enzymatic cascade, and introduce non‐inhibiting phosphorylated peptides that can be activated using a phosphatase.
Zinc‐containing ionic liquid as a dual solvent‐catalyst in base‐free condensations under ultrasonic irradiation
Authors: Ghafuri Hossein , Yaghoubi Soheila , Zand Hamid Reza Esmaili
Published: August 2019

In this study, natural‐based ionic liquid (IL) using caffeine (Caff), trietahnolamine (TEA) and ZnBr2, [Caff‐TEA]+[ZnBr3]−, which features high catalytic activity and environmentally‐friendly nature was synthesized with melting point of 76 °C by a facile method. The synthesized [Caff‐TEA]+[ZnBr3]− has high catalytic activity as both of catalyst and solvent in condensation reactions for the synthesis of benzylidenes, bis‐hydroxyenones and xanthenes. Synthesized IL was characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. Also synthesized heterocycles were characterized by FT‐IR, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR) and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (13CNMR).
Impact of shale on properties and oil recovery potential of sandstone formation for low‐salinity waterflooding applications
Authors: Chaturvedi Krishna Raghav , Singh Alok K. , Sharma Tushar
Published: August 2019

Porous and permeable formation, namely, sandstone, may also contain water‐reactive clays that swell in the presence of water and cause damage to formation by reducing its permeability. The inclusion of salts in injected water (called low‐salinity water) is considered successful to inhibit shale swelling. Therefore, this study reports the impact of shale content (0–25%) on porous and permeable sand‐packs in the presence of fresh water and salt solutions (KCl/CaCl2, 0–4 wt%). The properties of sand‐packs were found to be significantly affected by shale; porosity reduced by ~34% with 25% of shale, whereas permeability could not be measured due to no flow. KCl addition was relatively favorable as 2 wt% KCl offered least impact of shale on sand‐pack properties. Interestingly, sand‐pack that exhibited no permeability in water recovered significant permeability in the presence of KCl of 2 wt%. As a result, the oil recoveries of sand‐packs were higher than the ones with water, and moreover, sand‐pack with 25% shale content showed 27% original oil in place, which was negligible in presence of water. Thus, the study concludes that a salt solution of 2 wt% KCl can be very effective in shaly sandstone that faces challenges in conventional water flooding applications.
Oseltamivir exposure in pregnancy and the risk of specific birth defects
Authors: Van Bennekom Carla M. , Kerr Stephen M. , Mitchell Allen A.
Published: August 2019

Background

Influenza during pregnancy contributes to maternal morbidity and mortality. Neuraminidase inhibitors, including oseltamivir, are recommended for treating women with influenza during pregnancy.

Methods

Data from the Slone Birth Defects Study from 2009 to 2015 were used to investigate associations between oseltamivir and specific birth defects. We classified exposures according to timing in pregnancy and examined 52 and 16 defects with early and potential late pregnancy etiology, respectively; we calculated crude odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for defects with three or more exposures.

Results

Among 8,379 cases and 4,190 nonmalformed controls, we identified 79 and 42 oseltamivir exposures, respectively. The majority of defects had no exposures. ORs were elevated for several defects, but the CI excluded the null only for intestinal malrotation (OR: 10.7 [1.8, 45.2]; three exposures).

Conclusions

Largely null findings for specific defects are reassuring. The association with intestinal malrotation, while unstable, warrants further investigation.
At the Intersection of Microbiota and Circadian Clock: Are Sexual Dimorphism and Growth Hormones the Missing Link to Pathology?
Authors: Weger Benjamin D. , Rawashdeh Oliver , Gachon Frédéric
Published: August 2019

Reciprocal interactions between the host circadian clock and the microbiota are evidenced by recent literature. Interestingly, dysregulation of either the circadian clock or microbiota is associated with common human pathologies such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, or neurological disorders. However, it is unclear to what extent a perturbation of pathways regulated by both the circadian clock and microbiota is involved in the development of these disorders. It is speculated that these perturbations are associated with impaired growth hormone (GH) secretion and sexual development. The GH axis is a broadly neglected pathway and could be the main converging point for the interaction of both circadian clock and microbiota. Here, the links between the circadian clock and microbiota are reviewed. Finally, the effects of chronodisruption and dysbiosis on physiology and pathology are discussed and it is speculated whether a common deregulation of the GH pathway could mediates those effects.
Der Filterapparat der Kaulquappen
Authors: Viertel Bruno
Published: August 2019

Die Anurenlarven sind durch die Austrocknung ihrer Gewässer und durch Räuber gefährdet. Das schnelle Verlassen des Gewässers ist daher überlebenswichtig. Dies wird durch eine frühe Metamorphose erreicht, die durch ein schnelles Wachstum möglich ist. Die Neuerwerbung eines Filterapparates ist zusammen mit dem neu gebildeten Mundfeld ein wesentlicher Faktor, das Nahrungsspektrum zu erweitern, die vollständige Ausschöpfung der Nahrungsquellen zu gewährleisten und dadurch das Wachstum zu beschleunigen. Der Filterapparat und das Mundfeld sind bereits beim gemeinsamen Vorfahr der Anurenlarven entstanden und sind daher ein gemeinsames Merkmal. Sie werden als Schlüsselmerkmale (Key Innovations) verstanden, da sie wesentlich zur erfolgreichen Nischenbesetzung, Radiation und Artenbildung der Anuren beigetragen haben. Weitere jedoch seltene Neuerwerbungen sind die Entwicklung im Eileiter und die Brutpflege. Sie sind Ausnahmen und keine gemeinsamen Merkmale. Andere Strategien reichen vom Aufenthalt in Fließgewässern, der terrestrischen Entwicklung, der Brutpflege bis zur kryptischen Larve. Die Morphologie dieser Larven ist nur in Nuancen verändert. Ihre Merkmale sind keine Neubildungen.
Seevögel im Südpolarmeer
Authors: Quillfeldt Petra , Masello Juan F.
Published: August 2019

Seevögel unterliegen in antarktischen und subantarktischen Brutgebieten einer Reihe von Herausforderungen, wie Schwankungen des Nahrungsangebots und Veränderungen des Ökosystems im Zuge des Klimawandels, Aggregation und Konkurrenz durch die begrenzte Zahl passender Brutgebiete sowie teils unzugängliche Brutgebiete durch Veränderungen im Niederschlag. Anpassungen an unregelmäßige Nahrungsversorgung wie flexible Inkubations‐ und Nestlingszeiten sowie Torpor in Küken könnten Seevögeln helfen, mit Veränderungen im Zuge des Klimawandels Schritt zu halten. Datenlogger werden eingesetzt, um die Reaktionen der Altvögel auf Veränderungen im Ökosystem und die resultierenden Populationtrends besser zu verstehen. Verschiedene Datenlogger werden für unterschiedliche Anwendungen eingesetzt, von ein Gramm leichten Lichtloggern für das Langzeittracking über große Skalen bis zu hochauflösenden GPS‐Loggern mit Erfassung von Beschleunigungsdaten, die auch für Modellierungen von Energieumsätzen verwendet werden können. Um die Bewegungsökologie der Seevögel vollständiger zu verstehen, müssen verschiedene Ansätze berücksichtigt werden: ökologische Segregation in Raum, Zeit und Nahrungswahl, Energielandschaften und die nicht‐letalen Auswirkungen von Prädation (landscapes of fear).
Berghüttensänger – Chancengleichheit durch größengerechte Verteilung
Authors: Irsch Wilhelm
Published: August 2019

Die in Nordamerika verbreiteten Berghüttensänger werden von ihren Eltern je nach Größe adäquat mit Futter versorgt. Dabei sind die Größe der Futterhappen und die Schnabelöffnung beim Sperren entscheidend. So gelingt es den Eltern, dem Nachwuchs individuell die gleichen Überlebenschancen zu gewährleisten.
Modell zur reflexiven gesundheitsbezogenen Handlungsfähigkeit aus biologiedidaktischer Perspektive
Authors: Arnold Julia , Dannemann Sarah , Gropengießer Ilka , Heuckmann Benedikt , Kahl Lea , Schaal Sonja , Schaal Steffen , Schlüter Kirsten , Schwanewedel Julia , Simon Uwe , Spörhase Ulrike
Published: August 2019

Der Arbeitskreis „Gesundheit & Biologie“ im VBIO widmet sich der Gesundheitsbildung im Biologieunterricht. Um einen Rahmen für biologiedidaktische Forschungs‐ und Entwicklungstätigkeiten zu bieten, wurde das hier zur Diskussion gestellte dynamische Strukturmodell entwickelt. Mit dem Modell können Zustände und Veränderungen von Individuum und Lebensumfeld dargestellt werden.
Museum der Illusionen in Hamburg: Tauchgang in die Welt der Sinnestäuschungen
Authors: Högermann Christiane
Published: August 2019

Neurophysiologische Illusionen, darunter auch solche, die wir im Alltag gar nicht als solche einordnen, stehen in diesem modern gestalteten Mitmach‐Museum im Mittelpunkt. Hier werden unsere Sinnesorgane geradezu zu Spielzeugen, mit denen wir in zum Teil verblüffend kleinen räumlichen Dimensionen ungewöhnliche Selbstexperimente durchführen und Selbsterfahrungsmomente erleben können. Sinnliche Irrungen und Wirrungen total und gleich die wissenschaftliche Erklärung dazu sind der rote Faden, der den Besucher durch die Experimentalbereich führt.
Population-based study of the impact of small bowel obstruction due to adhesions on short- and medium-term mortality
Authors: Behman R , Nathens A B , Haas B , Look Hong N , Pechlivanoglou P , Karanicolas P
Published: August 2019

Background

Small bowel obstruction due to adhesions (aSBO) is a common indication for admission to a surgical unit. Despite the prevalence of this condition, the short- and medium-term survival of this patient population has not been well described. The purpose of this study was to measure the short- and medium-term survival of patients admitted to hospital with aSBO.

Methods

Linked administrative data were used to identify patients admitted to hospital in Ontario, Canada, for aSBO between 2005 and 2011. Patients were divided into two groups: those aged less than 65 years (younger group) and those aged 65 years and older (older group). Thirty-day, 90-day and 1-year mortality rates were estimated. One-year mortality was compared with that in the general population, adjusting for age and sex. The timing of deaths in relation to admission was assessed, as well as the proportion of patients discharged before experiencing short-term mortality.

Results

There were 22 197 patients admitted to hospital for aSBO for the first time in the study interval. Mean age was 64·5 years and 52·2 per cent of the patients were women. Overall, the 30-day, 90-day and 1-year mortality rates for the cohort were 5·7 (95 per cent c.i. 5·4 to 6·0), 8·7 (8·3 to 9·0) and 13·9 (13·4 to 14·3) per cent respectively. For both groups, the 1-year risk of death was significantly greater than that of the age-matched general population. The majority of deaths (62·5 per cent) occurred within 90 days of admission, with 36·4 per cent occurring after discharge from the aSBO admission.

Conclusion

Patients admitted with aSBO have a high short-term mortality rate. Increased monitoring of patients in the early period after admission is advisable.
Simultaneous determination of six components in commercial Roukou Wuwei pills using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode‐array detector
Authors: Wang Jin , Zhang Hai‐hong , Tian Jia‐ming , Liu Feng‐xi , Zhang Yu‐ping , Zhao Yong‐ming
Published: August 2019

An efficient ultra‐performance liquid chromatography with diode‐array detector method was established for simultaneous determination of six active components in Roukou Wuwei pills, namely gallic acid, piperine, costundide, dehydrocostus lactone, isoalantolactone and alantolactone. Chromatographic separation of six components was successfully achieved on an Waters BEH C18 column (50 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and water using a gradient elution. Gallic acid and piperine were detected at 270 nm and 343 nm, respectively; while costundide, dehydrocostus lactone, isoalantolactone and alantolactone were simultaneously measured at 225 nm. All six calibration curves showed good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9994) between the peak area of each component and corresponding concentration. Relative standard deviations for inter‐ and intra‐day precisions were <0.45 and 0.77%, respectively. The mean recovery rates ranged from 96.72 to 102.2% with relative standard deviations <2.07%. The developed method was validated in terms of linearity, precision and accuracy and then successfully applied for the quality control of commercial Roukou Wuwei samples.
Are 90% of deaths from cancer caused by metastases?
Authors: Dillekås Hanna , Rogers Michael S. , Straume Oddbjørn
Published: August 2019

Numerous publications have stated that metastases are responsible for 90% of cancer deaths, but data underlying this assertion has been lacking. Our objective was to determine what proportions of cancer deaths are caused by metastases. Population‐based data from the Cancer Registry of Norway for the years 2005‐2015 was analyzed. We compared all deaths in the Norwegian population where a cancer diagnosis was registered as cause of death. Deaths caused by cancer, with and without metastases, were analyzed, by sex and tumor group. For solid tumors, 66.7% of cancer deaths were registered with metastases as a contributing cause. Proportions varied substantially between tumor groups. Our data support the idea that the majority of deaths from solid tumors are caused by metastases. Thus, a better understanding of the biology of metastases and identification of druggable targets involved in growth at the metastatic site is a promising strategy to reduce cancer mortality.
BRAFV600E mutation analysis in fine‐needle aspiration cytology specimens for diagnosis of thyroid nodules: The influence of false‐positive and false‐negative results
Authors: Zhao Chong‐Ke , Zheng Jia‐Yi , Sun Li‐Ping , Xu Rong‐Ying , Wei Qing , Xu Hui‐Xiong
Published: August 2019

Background

The accurate evaluation of BRAFV600E mutation in preoperative fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) specimens is important for making management decisions in thyroid nodules (TNs). The aim of this study was to assess the false‐positive and false‐negative BRAFV600E mutations in thyroid FNAC specimens and their influence on diagnosis of TN.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled 292 nodules in 269 patients who underwent BRAFV600E mutation analysis using amplification refractory mutation system‐quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (ARMS‐qPCR) both in FNAC specimens and formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue samples after surgery. The false‐positive and false‐negative mutations for BRAFV600E analysis using ARMS‐qPCR in FNAC specimens were recorded, with reference to the results of BRAFV600E mutation analysis using ARMS‐qPCR in FFPE tissue sample. Diagnostic performances of FNAC, BRAFV600E mutation analysis in FNAC specimens, BRAFV600E mutation analysis in FFPE tissue sample, and the combination of FNAC and BRAFV600E mutation analysis for predicting thyroid malignancy were assessed.

Results

The false‐positive and false‐negative mutations for BRAFV600E analysis using ARMS‐qPCR in FNAC specimens were 10.1% (19/189) and 7.1% (7/98), respectively. FNAC combined with preoperative BRAFV600E mutation analysis significantly increased the diagnostic sensitivity from 75.7% to 92.3%, and accuracy from 78.7% to 90.6% in comparison with FNAC alone (both P < .001). No significant differences were found between the combination of FNAC and BRAFV600E mutation analysis in FNAC specimens and the combination of FNAC and BRAFV600E mutation analysis in FFPE tissue sample (sensitivity: 92.3% vs 91.9%; accuracy: 90.6% vs 91.3%; both P > .05).

Conclusions

FNAC combined with preoperative BRAFV600E mutation analysis can significantly increase the diagnostic performance in comparison with FNAC alone. False‐positive and false‐negative BRAFV600E mutation results are found in preoperative FNAC specimens, whereas it does not affect the overall auxiliary diagnosis of TNs.
Localized accumulation of kappa restricted Russell body‐containing plasma cells in tonsil
Authors: Vazmitsel Maryna A. , Laziuk Katsiaryna , Hammer Richard D.
Published: August 2019

An abnormal clonal plasma cell proliferation with Russell bodies is rare in chronic inflammatory reactions in adult patients. We describe the first case of light chain restricted Russell body accumulation within germinal centers of lymphoid follicles of the tonsil in a child. This should not be confused with a neoplastic process.
Localizing the chaperone activity of erythroid spectrin
Authors: Bose Dipayan , Chakrabarti Abhijit
Published: August 2019

Spectrin, the major protein of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton has canonically been thought to only serve a structural function. We have previously described a novel chaperone‐like property of spectrin and also hypothesized that the chaperone activity and binding of a hydrophobic ligand, Prodan are localized in the self‐association domain. Here we probe the location and molecular origin of the chaperone activity of multi‐domain spectrin using a selection of individual recombinant spectrin domains, which we have characterized using intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence and CD spectroscopy to show their identity to native spectrin. Aggregation assays using insulin, ADH, α‐ and β‐globin as well as enzyme refolding assays using alkaline phosphatase and α‐glucosidase show that the chaperone activity is not only localized in the self‐association domain but is a generalized property of spectrin domains. This is to our understanding, a unique feature in the case of modular multi‐repeat proteins, possibly implicating that the large family of “spectrin‐repeat” domain containing proteins may also have chaperone like property. Substrate selectivity of chaperone activity as evidenced by the preferential protection of α‐ over β‐globin chains is seen; which has implications in hemoglobin diseases. Moreover, enzyme‐refolding assays also indicate alternate modes of chaperone action. We propose that the molecular origin of chaperone activity resides in the surface exposed hydrophobic patches of the spectrin domains as shown by ANS (1‐anilinonaphthalene‐8‐sulfonic acid) and Prodan (6‐propionyl‐2[dimethylamino]‐naphthalene) binding. We also show that Prodan does indeed have a unique binding site on spectrin located at the self‐association domain.
GABAergic cell types in the superficial layers of the mouse superior colliculus
Authors: Whyland Kyle L. , Slusarczyk Arkadiusz S. , Bickford Martha E.
Published: August 2019

To begin to unravel the complexities of GABAergic circuits in the superior colliculus (SC), we utilized mouse lines that express green fluorescent protein (GFP) in cells that contain the 67 kDa isoform of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD67‐GFP), or Cre‐recombinase in cells that contain glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD; GAD2‐cre). We used Cre‐dependent virus injections in GAD2‐Cre mice and tracer injections in GAD67‐GFP mice, as well as immunocytochemical staining for gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) and parvalbumin (PV) to characterize GABAergic cells that project to the pretectum (PT), ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN) or parabigeminal nucleus (PBG), and interneurons in the stratum griseum superficiale (SGS) that do not project outside the SC. We found that approximately 30% of SGS neurons in the mouse are GABAergic. Of these GABAergic neurons, we identified three categories of potential interneurons in the GAD67‐GFP line (GABA+GFP ~45%, GABA+GFP + PV ~15%, and GABA+PV ~10%). GABAergic cells that did not contain GFP or PV were identified as potential projection neurons (GABA only ~30%). We found that GABAergic neurons that project to the PBG are primarily located in the SGS and exhibit narrow field vertical, stellate, and horizontal dendritic morphologies, while GABAergic neurons that project to the PT and vLGN are primarily located in layers ventral to the SGS. In addition, we examined GABA and GAD67‐containing elements of the mouse SGS using electron microscopy to further delineate the relationship between GABAergic circuits and retinotectal input. Approximately 30% of retinotectal synaptic targets are the presynaptic dendrites of GABAergic interneurons, and GAD67‐GFP interneurons are a source of these presynaptic dendrites.
An efficient approach for the detection of link failures in WBAN system for health care applications
Authors: Kalaiselvi K. , Suresh G.R. , Ravi V.
Published: August 2019

Wireless body area network (WBAN) plays an important role in patient health care. The performance of this WBAN system is affected by link failures due to the presence of malicious sensor nodes. Hence, the detection and mitigation of this link failure is important for improving the efficiency of the WBAN system. This paper proposes a methodology for link failure detection using weight metric approach. The performance of the proposed methodology is analyzed in terms of packet delivery ratio (PDR), link failure detection latency, and link failure detection rate.
d‐Glucuronic Acid‐Coated Ultrasmall Paramagnetic Ln2O3 (Ln = Tb, Dy, and Ho) Nanoparticles: Magnetic Properties, Water Proton Relaxivities, and Fluorescence Properties
Authors: Marasini Shanti , Yue Huan , Ho Son Long , Jung Ki‐Hye , Park Ji Ae , Cha Hyunsil , Ghazanfari Adibehalsadat , Ahmad Mohammad Yaseen , Liu Shuwen , Jang Yeong Ji , Miao Xu , Chae Kwon‐Seok , Chang Yongmin , Lee Gang Ho
Published: August 2019

Many of the lanthanide‐based nanoparticles are valuable in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) because they have excellent magnetic properties that make them suitable for MRI contrast agents, while some of them have additional optical properties and thus can serve as fluorescence imaging (FI) agents as well. Herein, we synthesized d‐glucuronic acid‐coated ultrasmall Ln2O3 (Ln = Tb, Dy, and Ho) nanoparticles with average diameters of ∼ 2 nm. All the nanoparticles showed unsaturated but appreciable magnetization of ∼ 4 emu/g at an applied field of 1.8 T at room temperature, and consequently, high transverse water proton relaxivities (r2) of ∼ 7 s–1 mm–1 at 1.5 T, ∼ 35 s–1 mm–1 at 3.0 T, and ∼ 55 s–1 mm–1 at 9.4 T with negligible longitudinal water proton relaxivities (r1), thus being eligible for use as T2 MRI contrast agents at high MR fields. In addition, d‐glucuronic acid‐coated ultrasmall Tb2O3 nanoparticles exhibited fluorescence in the green region, useful for dual‐modal imaging.