bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping internal brainstem structures using MP2RAGE derived T1 weighted and T1 relaxation images at 3 and 7 T
Authors: Mueller Susanne G.
Published: January 2020

The brainstem is a site of early pathology in several neurodegenerative diseases. The overall goal of this project was (a) To develop a method to segment internal brainstem structures from MP2RAGE derived images. (b) To compare the segmentations at 3 and 7 T. (c) To investigate age effects on intensities and segmentations. MP2RAGE derived T1 weighted images (UNI) and T1 relaxation maps (T1map) were obtained from two public data sets (LEMON: 50 3 T data sets, ATAG: 46 7 T data sets). The UNI and T1map images were rescaled using a linear scaling procedure and a ratio (RATIO) image calculated. The brainstem was extracted and k‐mean clustering used to identify six intensity clusters from the UNI, T1map and RATIO at 3 and 7 T. Nonlinear diffeomorphic mapping was used to warp the six intensity clusters in subject space into a common space to generate probabilistic group averages/priors that were used to inform the final probabilistic segmentations at the single subject level for each field strength. The six clusters corresponded to six brainstem tissue types (three gray matter clusters and two white matter clusters and one csf/tissue boundary cluster). The quantitative comparison of the 3 and 7 T probabilistic averages showed subtle differences that affected the localization of age‐associated brainstem volume losses. The segmentation approach presented here identified the same brainstem gray and white matter structures at both field strengths. Further studies are necessary to investigate how resolution and field strength contribute to the subtle differences observed at the two field strengths.
Self‐healing injectable gelatin hydrogels for localized therapeutic cell delivery
Authors: Sisso Arbel M. , Boit Mary O. , DeForest Cole A.
Published: January 2020

Self‐healing injectable hydrogel biomaterials uniquely enable precise therapeutic deposition and deployment at specific bodily locations through versatile and minimally invasive processes that can preserve cargo integrity and cell viability. Despite the distinct advantages that injectable hydrogels offer in tissue engineering and therapeutic delivery, exceptionally few have been created using components naturally present in the cellular niche. In this work, we introduce a shear‐thinning hydrogel based on guest‐host complexation of gelatin. As a biocompatible, biodegradable, and nonimmunogenic biopolymer derived from the most abundant extracellular matrix protein (collagen), gelatin offers great utility as the structural component of biomaterials. Taking advantage of reversible guest‐host interactions between β‐cyclodextrin (CD) and adamantane (AD) on modified gelatins, we report the first strategy to afford a self‐healing material based solely on a functionalized extracellular matrix protein. By varying the initial material formulation, hydrogels were synthesized with variable moduli and shear‐thinability across a broad range. Gels were demonstrated to exhibit shear‐thinning and self‐healing properties, supporting protection of clinically relevant stem‐cell‐derived cardiomyocytes during injection. These materials are expected to expand clinical opportunities in cell delivery for in vivo tissue regeneration.
Studies on photochemical rearrangement of non‐oxygenated bicyclo[2.2.2]octenones and mono‐oxygenated bicyclo[2.2.2]octenones from masked o‐benzoquinones: Access to protoilludane and marasmane skeletons
Authors: Hung Wei‐Chun , Chen Yung‐Ching , Niu Guang‐Hao , Chuang Gary J.
Published: January 2020

In this work, we described flexible approaches to protoilludane‐like (5,6,4‐tricyclic ring) and marasmane‐like (5,6,3‐tricyclic ring) skeletons with naturally occurring cis/anti/cis stereochemistry using photochemical rearrangement of bicyclo[2.2.2]octenones and Diels‐Alder reaction of masked o‐benzoquinones as the key steps.
Circular RNA VRK1 correlates with favourable prognosis, inhibits cell proliferation but promotes apoptosis in breast cancer
Authors: Li Yang , Li Hai
Published: January 2020

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the circular RNA VRK serine/threonine kinase 1 (circ‐VRK1) and the clinicopathological features and survival outcomes of breast cancer patients and determine its effects on breast cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Methods

A total of 350 breast cancer tissues and 163 breast cancer adjacent tissues, as controls, were acquired from Specimen House. Circ‐VRK1 expression was measured using qPCR. The correlations between circ‐VRK1 expression and demographic characteristics, tumour features and overall survival were analysed. In vitro, the effects of circ‐VRK1 on breast cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by upregulating and downregulating circ‐VRK1 expression via plasmid transfection.

Results

Circ‐VRK1 was downregulated in breast cancer tissues compared with adjacent tissues and represented a good value in distinguishing breast cancer tissues from the adjacent tissues. Circ‐VRK1 was associated with smaller tumour size, reduced T stage and lower TNM stage, and circ‐VRK1 was also an independent predictor of better overall survival. According to the in vitro experiments, circ‐VRK1 expression was lower in breast cancer cell lines (including BT474, MDA‐MB‐453 and MDA‐MB‐231) than in a normal breast epithelial cell line (MCF10A), and circ‐VRK1 inhibited cell proliferation but promoted cell apoptosis in MDA‐MB‐231 cells.

Conclusion

Circ‐VRK1 is downregulated in tumour tissues and associated with reduced tumour stage as well as better survival, and it inhibits cell proliferation but promotes cell apoptosis in breast cancer.
Iterative Decision‐making for Evaluation of Adaptations (IDEA): A decision tree for balancing adaptation, fidelity, and intervention impact
Authors: Miller Christopher J. , Wiltsey‐Stirman Shannon , Baumann Ana A.
Published: January 2020

Background

Evidence‐based practices (EBPs) are frequently adapted to maximize outcomes while maintaining fidelity to core EBP elements. Many step‐by‐step frameworks for adapting EBPs have been developed, but these models may not account for common complexities in the adaptation process. In this paper, we introduce the Iterative Decision‐making for Evaluation of Adaptations (IDEA), a tool to guide adaptations that addresses these issues.

Framework Design and Use

Adapting EBPs requires attending to key contingencies incorporated into the IDEA, including: the need for adaptations; fidelity to core EBP elements; the timeframe in which to make adaptations; the potential to collect pilot data; key clinical and implementation outcomes; and stakeholder viewpoints. We use two examples to illustrate application of the IDEA.

Conclusions

The IDEA is a practical tool to guide EBP adaptation that incorporates important decision points and the dynamism of ongoing adaptation. Its use may help implementation scientists, clinicians, and administrators maximize EBP impact.
Utilizing broad‐based partnerships to design a precision approach to implementing evidence‐based home visiting
Authors: Haroz Emily E. , Ingalls Allison , Wadlin Joshua , Kee Crystal , Begay Marissa , Neault Nicole , Barlow Allison
Published: January 2020

The aim of this paper is to describe a participatory process for adapting an implementation strategy, using a precision approach, for an evidence‐based home visiting program, Family Spirit. Family Spirit serves Native American and low‐income communities nationwide. To redesign Family Spirit's implementation strategy, we used workshops (n = 5) with key stakeholders and conducted an online survey with implementers (n = 81) to identify hypothesized active ingredients and “pivot points” to guide when to tailor the program and for whom. Active ingredients identified included the relationship between the home visitor and clients, lessons ensuring child safety and healthy development, parent–child communication, and goal setting. Pivot points included whether the client is a first‐time mother who has substance abuse history, has a baby at risk for childhood obesity, and/or has sexual or reproductive health concerns. These results are informing the adaptation of Family Spirit’ implementation strategy making it more responsive to diverse families while balancing fidelity to the previously proven standard model.
Maternal obesogenic diet combined with postnatal exposure to high‐fat diet induces metabolic alterations in offspring
Authors: Bariani María V. , Correa Fernando , Domínguez Rubio Ana P.  , Marvaldi Carolina , Schander Julieta A. , Beltrame Jimena S. , Cella Maximiliano , Silberman Dafne M. , Aisemberg Julieta , Franchi Ana M.
Published: January 2020

Maternal obesity has been shown to impact the offspring health during childhood and adult life. This study aimed to evaluate whether maternal obesity combined with postnatal exposure to an obesogenic diet could induce metabolic alterations in offspring. Female CD1 mice were fed a control diet (CD, 11.1% of energy from fat) or with a high‐fat diet (HFD, 44.3% of energy from fat) for 3 months. After weaning, pups born from control and obese mothers were fed with CD or HFD for 3 months. Both mothers and offspring were weighted weekly and several blood metabolic parameters levels were evaluated. Here, we present evidence that the offspring from mothers exposed to a HFD showed increased acetylation levels of histone 3 on lysine 9 (H3K9) in the liver at postnatal Day 1, whereas the levels of acetylation of H4K16, dimethylation of H3K27, and trimethylation of H3K9 showed no change. We also observed a higher perinatal weight and increased blood cholesterol levels when compared to the offspring on postnatal Day 1 born from CD‐fed mothers. When mice born from obese mothers were fed with HFD, we observed that they gained more weight, presented higher blood cholesterol levels, and abdominal adipose tissue than mice born to the same mothers but fed with CD. Collectively, our results point toward maternal obesity and HFD consumption as a risk factor for epigenetic changes in the liver of the offspring, higher perinatal weight, increased weight gain, and altered blood cholesterol levels.
The circular RNA aplacirc_13267 upregulates duck granulosa cell apoptosis by the apla‐miR‐1‐13/THBS1 signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Yan , Xiao Hongwei , Pi Jinsong , Zhang Hao , Pan Ailuan , Pu Yuejin , Liang Zhenhua , Shen Jie , Du Jinping
Published: January 2020

Follicle development is a key factor that determines the reproductive performance of poultry. The existing evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an important role in a variety of biological processes, especially in posttranscriptional regulation, but the regulatory mechanism of circRNAs in duck follicle development has rarely been reported. To better explore the molecular mechanism of follicle development in ducks, we sequenced and analyzed the follicular circRNAs; 4,204 circRNAs were predicted in the duck follicles. Fourteen circRNAs were differentially expressed between the white follicles and yellow follicles. The results of our studies showed that aplacirc_013267 promoted cell apoptosis in duck GCs. Moreover, a bioinformatics prediction analysis demonstrated that aplacirc_013267 was involved in a circRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA coexpression network and was observed to sponge two follicle‐related miRNAs by a luciferase activity assay. Furthermore, we found that overexpression of aplacirc_013267 significantly increased thrombospondin‐1 (THBS1) expression and downregulated granulosa cell apoptosis. The mechanistic study showed that aplacirc_013267 directly binds to and inhibits apla‐mir‐1‐13; then, aplacirc_013267 increases the expression of THBS1 and upregulates granulosa cell apoptosis. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that circRNAs have potential effects in duck ovarian follicles and that circRNAs may represent a new avenue to understand follicular development.
Expression and clinicopathological significance of lipin‐1 in human breast cancer and its association with p53 tumor suppressor gene
Authors: Dinarvand Negar , Khanahmad Hossein , Hakimian Sayyed Mohammadreza , Sheikhi Abdolkarim , Rashidi Bahman , Bakhtiari Hadi , Pourfarzam Morteza
Published: January 2020

Breast cancer (BC) is an important cause of female cancer‐related death. It has recently been demonstrated that metabolic disorders including lipid metabolism are a hallmark of cancer cells. Lipin‐1 is an enzyme that displays phosphatidate phosphatase activity and regulates the rate‐limiting step in the pathway of triglycerides and phospholipids synthesis. The objective of this study was to evaluate lipin‐1 expression, its prognostic significance, and its correlation with p53 tumor suppressor in patients with BC. In this study, 55 pairs of fresh samples of BC and adjacent noncancerous tissue were used to analyze lipin‐1, using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. The expression of other clinicopathological variables and p53 was also examined using IHC technique. The cell migration was studied in MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB231 cells following the inhibition of lipin‐1 by propranolol. Our results show that the relative expression of lipin‐1 messenger RNA was significantly higher in BC tissues compared with the adjacent normal tissue and its inhibition reduced cell migration in cancer cells. This upregulation was negatively correlated with histological grade of tumor and p53 status (p = .001 and p = .034) respectively and positively correlated with the tumor size (p = .006). Our results also seem to indicate that the high lipin‐1 expression is related to a good prognosis in patients with BC. The expression of lipin‐1 may be considered as a novel independent prognostic factor. The inhibition of lipin‐1 may also have therapeutic significance for patients with BC. The correlation between lipin‐1 and p53 confirms the role of p53 in the regulation of lipid metabolism in cancer cells.
A Multistage, Multiprocess Analysis of Consumer Judgment: A Selective Review and Conceptual Framework
Authors: Wyer Robert S. , Kardes Frank R.
Published: January 2020

Although numerous dual‐process models have been brought to bear on the cognitive operations that underlie consumer judgment, they are typically limited in their ability to capture the processes that occur at different stages of cognitive activity and to specify how these processes interface. In many (if not most) cases, a mix of both automatic and controlled processes underlies judgments and decisions. We suggest a theoretical framework that potentially provides an integration of these processes and review representative research and theory that might be conceptualized in terms of this framework.
Simultaneous separation of nickel and copper from sulfuric acid using chelating weak base resins
Authors: Ulloa Laura , Bringas Eugenio , San‐Román Mª‐Fresnedo
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

The management of industrial spent acids containing metals to be potentially recovered for further reuse is within the scope of circular economy principles. In particular, spent sulfuric acid solutions are usually treated by precipitation technologies, which are limited by the lack of selectivity thus affecting metal reuse. In this work, acidic effluents containing nickel (≈9 g L−1), copper (≈3 g L−1) and iron (≈24 g L−1) in sulfuric acid media were treated with commercial chelating resins. Iminodiacetate (Purolite®S930Plus) and bis‐picolylamine (MTS9600®) resins were selected to perform the selective recovery of nickel and copper over iron, which is an impurity for further metal recovery by electrowinning.

RESULTS

Under the selected operation conditions (pH ≈ 2), resin MTS9600® reported the best separation results with removal percentages of copper, nickel and iron of ≈80%, ≈99% and ≈10% respectively. The adsorption equilibrium of copper and nickel were described by the Langmuir (qm,Cu = 48 309 mg kgdryresin−1 and KL,Cu = 9.1 10−2 L mg−1) and Freundlich (KF,Ni = 645 (mg kgdry resin−1)(L mg−1)1/n) and nNi = 2.29) models, respectively. Kinetic experiments confirmed that copper removal is preferential and weakly influenced by the operation conditions being described by a pseudo‐first‐order model. On the contrary, nickel kinetics that followed a pseudo‐second order are strongly affected by reducing both the pH and the solid–liquid ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

The promising results confirm that resin MTS9600® is an effective adsorbent for the removal of nickel and copper at strong acid conditions. More research is being conducted to analyze the resin regeneration and the selective recovery of target metals. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Texture signatures of native myocardial T1 as novel imaging markers for identification of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients without scar
Authors: Neisius Ulf , El‐Rewaidy Hossam , Kucukseymen Selcuk , Tsao Connie W. , Mancio Jennifer , Nakamori Shiro , Manning Warren J. , Nezafat Reza
Published: January 2020

Background

In patients with suspected or known hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) provides diagnostic and prognostic value. However, contraindications and long‐term retention of gadolinium have raised concern about repeated gadolinium administration in this population. Alternatively, native T1‐mapping enables identification of focal fibrosis, the substrate of LGE. However HCM‐specific heterogeneous fibrosis distribution leads to subtle T1‐maps changes that are difficult to identify.

Purpose

To apply radiomic texture analysis on native T1‐maps to identify patients with a low likelihood of LGE(+), thereby reducing the number of patients exposed to gadolinium administration.

Study Type

Retrospective interpretation of prospectively acquired data.

Subjects

In all, 188 (54.7 ± 14.4 years, 71% men) with suspected or known HCM.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 1.5T scanner; slice‐interleaved native T1‐mapping (STONE) sequence and 3D LGE after administration of 0.1 mmol/kg of gadobenate dimeglumine.

Assessment

Left ventricular LGE images were location‐matched with native T1‐maps using anatomical landmarks. Using a split‐sample validation approach, patients were randomly divided 3:1 (training/internal validation vs. test cohorts). To balance the data during training, 50% of LGE(−) slices were discarded.

Statistical Tests

Four sets of texture descriptors were applied to the training dataset for capture of spatially dependent and independent pixel statistics. Five texture features were sequentially selected with the best discriminatory capacity between LGE(+) and LGE(−) T1‐maps and tested using a decision tree ensemble (DTE) classifier.

Results

The selected texture features discriminated between LGE(+) and LGE(−) T1‐maps with a c‐statistic of 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70–0.80) using 10‐fold cross‐validation during internal validation in the training dataset and 0.74 (95% CI: 0.65–0.83) in the independent test dataset. The DTE classifier provided adequate labeling of all (100%) LGE(+) patients and 37% of LGE(−) patients during testing.

Data Conclusion

Radiomic analysis of native T1‐images can identify ~1/3 of LGE(−) patients for whom gadolinium administration can be safely avoided.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy Stage: 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:906–919.
Effects of Therapeutic Ultrasound Applied to the Lumbar Region on Renal Function
Authors: Mengi Alper , Ozdolap Senay , Koksal Tugce , Kokturk Furuzan , Can Murat , Sarikaya Selda
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) is one of the most commonly used modalities in low back pain treatment. The objective of this study was to determine whether TUS applied to the low back region in patients with chronic low back pain had any effect on renal function.

Methods

Forty patients with chronic low back pain were randomized to 2 groups by a block randomization method. Thirty‐seven patients completed the final evaluation. All patients were treated for 5 sessions per week for 3 weeks with the same physiotherapy modalities (superficial heating and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) and exercise therapy; in addition to these treatments, the second group was treated with TUS for 10 minutes (frequency, 1 MHz; intensity, 1.5 W/cm2; and effective irradiation area of the transducer head, 5 cm2). The serum creatinine, serum cystatin C, 24‐hour urine creatinine, creatinine clearance, 24‐hour urine microalbumin and microprotein, urine volume, and glomerular filtration rate were measured. The patients were evaluated at baseline (day 0) and the end of the treatment (day 21).

Results

The serum cystatin C levels were increased in both groups, but this increase was not significant (P > .05). There was no difference between the groups in the percent change in all outcome measures (P > .05).

Conclusions

This showed that TUS applied to the low back region does not affect renal function.
The kinetics of photostabilization of cyanocobalamin in liposomal preparations
Authors: Arsalan Adeel , Ahmad Iqbal , Ali Syed Abid , Qadeer Kiran , Mahmud Shaukat , Humayun Fozia , Beg Anwar Ejaz
Published: January 2020

Cyanocobalamin (B12) is a photosensitive vitamin, and its photodegradation to hydroxocobalamin (B12b) in liposomes has been investigated. The values of apparent first‐order rate constants (kobs) for the photodegradation of B12 in liposomes (nine preparations) are in the range of (0.52‐2.24) × 10–3 min–1, compared to 3.21 × 10–3 min–1 for B12 in aqueous solution (pH 5.0). The entrapment efficiency of B12 in liposomes is 26.4‐38.8%. The values of kobs show a linear relation with phosphatidylcholine (PC) content in liposomes, indicating the influence of PC in inhibiting the rate of photolysis of B12. The value of the bimolecular rate constant for photochemical interaction of B12 and PC is 0.32 M–1 min–1, indicating the stabilizing effect of PC on the photolysis of B12. The ratio of B12 stabilization in liposomal preparations is in the range 2‐6 compared to that of the unentrapped vitamin The stabilization of B12 is mediated by a photoinduced charge‐transfer B12‐PC complex that leads to the reduction of B12 to B12r, which is then oxidized to B12b that has low susceptibility to photolysis. The extent of stabilization of B12 probably depends on the degree of interaction between the two compounds under the reaction conditions, indicated by the loss of B12 fluorescence.
The Therapeutic Effects of Straw Phonation on Vocal Fatigue
Authors: Kang Jing , Xue Chao , Lou Zhewei , Scholp Austin , Zhang Yi , Jiang Jack J.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Straw phonation has been investigated for its vocal warm‐up effects on healthy populations and therapeutic effects on voice patients. The purpose of this article was to determine whether it is beneficial for vocal fatigue.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study

Methods

Twenty‐five healthy participants were recruited into 1‐hour vocal loading tasks followed by 10‐minute vocal rest or straw phonation on 2 different days. Various parameters including phonation threshold pressure (PTP), mean airflow, closed quotient (CQ), current speaking effort level (EFFT), and laryngeal discomfort (DISC) were acquired at baseline, after vocal load, and after the intervention.

Results

Increased PTP, EFFT, and DISC were observed after vocal load. Decreased PTP, EFFT, and DISC were then acquired after both vocal rest or straw phonation. More significant improvements were obtained in straw phonation when compared with vocal rest. Additionally, significantly increased mean flow and decreased CQ were obtained after straw phonation when compared to vocal rest.

Conclusions

Straw phonation has the potential to adjust aerodynamics within the vocal tract leading to improved vocal efficiency, optimized vibration mode, and attenuated vocal fatigue. This study provided a promising treatment for vocal fatigue that could have wide clinical relevance to voice users with high voice demands.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:E674–E679, 2020
Effects of 10 yr of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on carbon and nutrient cycling in a tidal freshwater marsh
Authors: Herbert Ellen R. , Schubauer‐Berigan Joseph P. , Craft Christopher B.
Published: January 2020

Tidal freshwater marshes can protect downstream ecosystems from eutrophication by intercepting excess nutrient loads, but recent studies in salt marshes suggest nutrient loading compromises their structural and functional integrity. Here, we present data on changes in plant biomass, microbial biomass and activity, and soil chemistry from plots in a tidal freshwater marsh on the Altamaha River (GA) fertilized for 10 yr with nitrogen (+N), phosphorus (+P), or nitrogen and phosphorus (+NP). Nitrogen alone doubled aboveground biomass and enhanced microbial activity, specifically rates of potential nitrification, denitrification, and methane production measured in laboratory incubations. Phosphorus alone increased soil P and doubled microbial biomass but did not affect microbial processes. Nitrogen or P alone decreased belowground biomass and soil carbon (C) whereas +NP increased aboveground biomass, microbial biomass and N cycling, and N, P, and C assimilation and burial more than either nutrient alone. Our findings suggest differential nutrient limitation of tidal freshwater macrophytes by N and microbes by P, similar to what has been observed in salt marshes. Macrophytes outcompete microbes for P in response to long‐term N and P additions, leading to increased soil C storage through increased inputs of belowground biomass relative to N and P added singly. The susceptibility of tidal freshwater marshes to long‐term nutrient enrichment and, hence their ability to mitigate eutrophication will depend on the quantity and relative proportion of N vs. P entering estuaries and tidal wetlands.
Microplastic ingestion and diet composition of planktivorous fish
Authors: Lopes Clara , Raimundo Joana , Caetano Miguel , Garrido Susana
Published: January 2020

Planktivorous pelagic fish are susceptible to accumulating microplastics (MP), which have the same size range as their prey and accumulate in their feeding and spawning grounds. We analyzed stomach contents of pelagic fish (European sardine, horse mackerel, anchovy, chub mackerel, Atlantic mackerel, and bogue) from Atlanto‐Iberian waters to investigate the relationship between MP ingestion, their diet composition and select a potential bioindicator. We found significant differences between diet of the studied fish species in terms of prey type and size. MP ingestion was significantly related to diet composition. Species with diets that include smaller prey (European sardine, chub mackerel, and bogue) had lower MP concentration in the stomachs than fish depending on larger mesozooplanktonic prey. Horse mackerel had the highest proportion of larger prey (> 1000 μm) and the highest MP abundance in the stomachs, and thus are a suitable bioindicator for MP monitoring in the pelagic Iberian ecosystem.
Weak solutions for a diffuse interface model for two‐phase flows of incompressible fluids with different densities and nonlocal free energies
Authors: Abels Helmut , Terasawa Yutaka
Published: January 2020

We consider a diffuse interface model for the flow of two viscous incompressible Newtonian fluids with different densities in a bounded domain in two and three space dimensions and prove existence of weak solutions for it. In contrast to earlier contributions, we study a model with a singular nonlocal free energy, which controls the Hα/2‐norm of the volume fraction. We show existence of weak solutions for large times with the aid of an implicit time discretization.
Circulating Dendritic Cells from Celiac Disease Patients Display a Gut‐Homing Profile and are Differentially Modulated by Different Gliadin‐Derived Peptides
Authors: Escudero‐Hernández Celia , Martín Álvaro , de Pedro Andrés Rodrigo , Fernández‐Salazar Luis , Garrote José Antonio , Bernardo David , Arranz Eduardo
Published: January 2020

Scope

Circulating dendritic cell (DC) and monocyte subsets contribute to the pool of intestinal DC and macrophages in celiac disease (CeD), an autoimmune gut disorder triggered by dietary gluten. Here, this study aims to characterize these circulating subsets in CeD and assess the effect of different gliadin‐derived peptides on conventional DC (cDC).

Methods and results

Flow cytometry profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells reveals a slight decrease in the proportion of plasmacytoid and type 1 cDC in gluten‐free diet (GFD)‐treated CeD patients. In comparison to healthy donors, DC and monocyte subsets from active and GFD‐treated CeD patients display an increased gut‐homing profile. Type 2 cDC (cDC2) are sorted and stimulated with the gliadin‐derived peptides 8‐mer, 19‐mer, and 33‐mer. All peptides induce cDC2 maturation, although the profile is different. While peptide 8‐mer induces a Th1/Th17 pro‐inflammatory cytokine profile in active CeD patients, cDC2 primed with peptide 33‐mer displays a higher capacity to promote gut‐homing CCR9+ expression onto autologous T‐cells.

Conclusion

Distinct gliadin‐derived peptides elicit different effects on cDC2 phenotype and function. This effect is compatible with a model where diverse gliadin peptides may cooperate to promote full cDC2 activation and the subsequent T‐cell response in genetically predisposed individuals.
Solvent suppression in solid‐state DNP NMR using Electronic Mixing‐Mediated Annihilation (EMMA)
Authors: Ziarelli Fabio , Thureau Pierre , Viel Stéphane , Mollica Giulia
Published: January 2020

We show here that the Electronic Mixing‐Mediated Annihilation (EMMA) method, previously reported for the suppression of background signals in solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, can be successfully applied to remove the solvent signals observed in the case of nuclear magnetic resonance spectra obtained with dynamic nuclear polarization. The methodology presented here is applied to two standard sample preparation methods for dynamic nuclear polarization, namely, glass forming and incipient wetness impregnation. It is demonstrated that the Electronic Mixing‐Mediated Annihilation method is complementary to the different methods for solvent suppression based on relaxation filters and that it can be used to preserve the quantitative information that might be present in the pristine spectra.
Establishing the Therapeutic Index of Fluid Resuscitation in the Septic Patient: A Narrative Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Reynolds Paul M. , Wells Lauren , MacLaren Robert , Scoular Sarah K.
Published: January 2020

This comprehensive review comparatively evaluates the safety and benefits of parenteral fluids used in resuscitation with a focus on sepsis. It also provides a random‐effects meta‐analysis of studies comparing restrictive resuscitation and usual care in sepsis with the primary outcome of mortality. In the septic patient, fluid therapy remains a complex interplay between fluid compartments in the body, the integrity of the endothelial barrier, and the inflammatory tone of the patient. Recent data have emerged describing the pharmacokinetics of fluid resuscitation that can be affected by the factors just listed, as well as mean arterial pressure, rate of infusion, volume of fluid infusate, nature of the fluid, and drug interactions. Fluid overload in sepsis has been associated with vasodilation, kidney injury, and increased mortality.

Restrictive resuscitation after the initial septic insult is an emerging practice. Our search strategy of Medline databases revealed six randomized studies with 706 patients that examined restrictive resuscitation in sepsis. Results of this meta‐analysis demonstrated no differences in mortality with restrictive resuscitation compared with usual care (30.6% vs 37.8%; risk ratio 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.66–1.05, respectively) but was limited by the small number of studies and larger quantities of pre‐randomization fluids.

Another approach to address fluid overload is active (diuresis) de‐resuscitation strategies that may shorten the need for mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit length of stay. Data suggest that colloids may confer mortality benefit over saline in the most severely ill septic patients. Compared with isotonic saline, balanced resuscitation fluids are associated with a lower incidence of acute kidney injury and mortality. The benefits of balanced resuscitation fluids are most evident when higher volumes of fluids are used for sepsis. Clinicians should consider these pharmacotherapeutic factors when selecting a fluid, its quantity, and rate of infusion.
A transition program to adult health services for teenagers receiving long‐term home mechanical ventilation: A longitudinal qualitative study
Authors: Dale Craig M. , Carbone Sarah , Amin Reshma , Amaria Khushnuma , Varadi Robert , Goldstein Roger S. , Rose Louise
Published: January 2020

Objective

Adolescents receiving long‐term home mechanical ventilation (HMV) who survive into adulthood must transition to adult health care services. Lack of transition readiness is reported to result in poor health outcomes. The objective of this study is to explore longitudinally the pediatric‐to‐adult health care transition experience involving a transition program for adolescents receiving HMV including transition readiness, barriers, facilitators, and modifiable features.

Design

A prospective qualitative longitudinal interview study of adolescent and family caregiver dyads recruited through a pediatric‐to‐adult HMV transition program jointly established by two collaborating health centers: The Hospital for Sick Children and West Park Healthcare Centre in Toronto, Canada. Eligible dyads were interviewed at three time points: pretransition, transition, and 12‐months posttransition. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using directed content analysis methods.

Results

Ventilator‐assisted adolescents (VAAs) and caregiver participants perceived a lack of transition readiness in their ability to manage health communication and coordination across multiple adult providers. Transition facilitators included early transition discussion, opportunities for VAAs to speak directly with HMV providers during appointments, receipt of print informational materials regarding adult services, and a joint pediatric‐adult team handover meeting. Modifiable transition barriers included lack of other specialist referrals, insufficient information about adult homecare service funding, and limited involvement of family doctors. Unresolved transition barriers resulted in perceptions of service fragmentation.

Conclusions

Although the pediatric‐to‐adult HMV transition program conferred benefits service fragmentation was perceived. Transition barriers may be overcome through early planning and staged transition with all specialists, community providers, and the family and adolescent working in collaboration.
Hyperspectral remote sensing to detect leafminer‐induced stress in bok choy and spinach according to fertilizer regime and timing
Authors: Nguyen Hoang DD , Nansen Christian
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Detection and diagnosis of emerging arthropod outbreaks in horticultural glasshouse crops, such as bok choy and spinach, is both important and challenging. A major challenge is to accurately detect and diagnose arthropod outbreaks in growing crops (changes in canopy size, structure, and composition), and when crops are grown under three fertilization regimes. Day‐time remote sensing inside glasshouses is highly sensitive to inconsistent lighting, spectral scattering, and shadows casted by glasshouse structures. To avoid these issues, a unique feature of this study was that hyperspectral remote sensing data were acquired after sunset with an active light source. As part of this study, we describe a comprehensive approach to performance assessment of classification algorithms based on hyperspectral remote sensing data.

RESULTS

Based on average hyperspectral remote sensing profiles from individual crop plants, none of the 31 individual spectral bands showed consistent significant response to leafminer infestation and non‐significant response to fertilizer regime. Multi‐band classification algorithms were subjected to a comprehensive performance assessment to quantify risks of model over‐fitting and low repeatability of classification algorithms. The performance assessment of classification algorithms addresses the important ‘bias‐variance trade‐off’. Truly independent validation (training and validation data sets being separated over time) revealed that leafminer infestation could be detected with >99% accuracy in both bok choy and spinach.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that detailed hyperspectral profiles (not single spectral bands) can accurately detect and diagnose leafminer infestation over time and across fertilizer regimes. Hyperspectral remote sensing data acquisition at night with an active light source has the potential to enable arthropod infestations in glasshouse‐grown crops, such as, bok choy and spinach. In addition, we conclude that effective use and deployment of hyperspectral remote sensing requires thorough performance assessments of classification algorithms, and we propose an analytical performance method to address this important matter. © 2020 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Screening, identification and application of soil bacteria with nematicidal activity against root‐knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) on tomato
Authors: Liu Guangying , Lin Xu , Xu Shuangyu , Liu Guang , Liu Feng , Mu Wei
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Root‐knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are soilborne pathogens that can cause great damage to and economic loss of crops globally. Owing to the high toxicity of chemicals toward humans and the environment, the use of biocontrol bacteria, a promising method for controlling root‐knot nematodes, has gained attention.

RESULTS

To screen novel bacterial strains for their ability to control root‐knot nematodes, 106 bacterial strains were isolated from soil. Eight of the obtained isolates exhibited satisfactory nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne incognita at 2‐fold dilutions (approximately 3 × 1012 CFU mL−1) after 12 h of exposure. Based on their physiological, biochemical and molecular (16S rRNA and gyrB gene sequences) characteristics, the eight strains were identified as Bacillus halotolerans, B. kochii, B. oceanisediminis, B. pumilus, B. toyonensis, B. cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and B. pseudomycoides. In greenhouse and field experiments, the eight isolates suppressed M. incognita up to 69.96% compared to the control. Additionally, the yield of tomato increased 1.4–26.1% over that of the control.

CONCLUSION

The strains of B. halotolerans DDWA, B. kochii DDWB, B. oceanisediminis DDWC and B. pseudomycoides JNC have potential to control M. incognita, which has not been previously reported. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Ageing strategically: On migration, care, and diversity in later life
Authors: Sampaio Dora
Published: January 2020

This paper discusses how different groups of older migrants originating in the Global North and Global South converge in the Portuguese islands of the Azores—a microcosm of global migration and a site of inscribed healthcare inequalities—where they strategically maximise the economic and social capital accumulated over the life course to achieve a better life (style). Drawing on the concepts of “strategic switching” and “geographic arbitrage,” the paper extends these debates to the domains of ageing and care. Based on qualitative research with three groups of ageing migrants—lifestyle, return, and ageing‐in‐place labour migrants—the paper shows how different groups of older migrants perform their agency and employ creative strategies to attain better ageing care, in other words, to age strategically. The paper ultimately reveals the centrality of practices of geographic arbitrage and the use of a strategic lens to mobility over the life course in order to achieve a more comfortable older age.
Black Phosphorus All‐Fiber Sensor for Highly Responsive Humidity Detection
Authors: Yu De , Li Jia , Wang Tao , She Xiaoyang , Sun Yongrong , Li Jianping , Zhang Liang , Yu Xue-Feng , Yang Dexing
Published: January 2020

Black phosphorus (BP) promises high‐performance humidity sensing, due to its unique electrical, mechanical, and surface properties. Different from traditional transistor‐based BP humidity sensors, herein, an all‐fiber sensing strategy is proposed by integrating BP nanosheets with etched single‐mode fiber (ESMF). The experiments show that transmitted light in the ESMF can be effectively modulated by the coated BP nanosheets as relative humidity varies from 35% to 80%. Due to the combination of unique sensing characteristics of BP materials with a high sensitivity of optical modulation strategy, highly responsive humidity sensing is achieved with the response time as fast as 7 ms. This work demonstrates a BP‐based all‐optical sensing platform not only for high‐performance humidity sensing, but also for opening up new opportunities for many potential vapor/gas sensing applications in the fields of biomedicine and chemistry.
Ternary chalcogenides XGaS2 (X = Ag or Cu) for photocatalytic hydrogen generation from water splitting under irradiation of visible light
Authors: Liu Yu‐Liang , Yang Chuan‐Lu , Wang Mei‐Shan , Ma Xiao‐Guang , Yi You‐Gen
Published: January 2020

Ternary chalcogenide silver gallium sulfide (AgGaS2), which has an orthorhombic structure, was already synthesized. However, the feasibility of using the crystal for hydrogen production through photocatalytic water splitting has not been explored. Here, we systematically investigated the structural, electronic, optical, and transport properties of XGaS2 (X = Ag or Cu) with orthorhombic structure by using the first principles calculations. The band alignments indicate that all calculated absolute potentials of the valence and conduction band edges met the requirement of photocatalytic water splitting reaction. The presence of 2.64 and 2.56 eV direct band energy gaps and obvious optical absorption within the visible light range imply that XGaS2 can correspond to solar light. Moreover, the large electron mobility and the obvious differences between electron mobility and hole mobility were identified in XGaS2 structures, which is beneficial to the photocatalytic performance of the water splitting reaction. The present findings can provide a helpful reference for developing novel photocatalytic materials with XGaS2 for hydrogen generation from water splitting under irradiation of visible light.
Attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared study of the effects of citrate on the adsorption of phosphate at the hematite surface
Authors: Barreto Matheus S. C. , Elzinga Evert J. , Alleoni Luis R. F.
Published: January 2020

Carboxylic acids affect the retention and solubility of phosphate in soils and rhizospheres, but spectroscopic studies addressing the mechanisms involved are scarce. Here, we used in situ attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to study the mechanisms of adsorption of orthophosphate and citric acid onto hematite in binary and ternary systems at pH 4.5, 5.5, and 6.5. In binary systems, phosphate adsorbed as a mixture of two inner‐sphere species assigned as monodentate and bridging complexes, with the fraction of bridging species increasing with decreasing pH. Citrate coordinated to the hematite surface through the carboxylate groups, which consisted of a mixture of inner‐sphere complexes and either noncoordinated or outer‐sphere complexes, with inner‐sphere complexation becoming more important at lower pH. Introduction of citrate into pre‐equilibrated phosphate–hematite systems induced desorption of both the monodentate and bridging phosphate species, with competitive effects increasing with decreasing pH. At pH 5.5 and 6.5, the bridging complexes were mobilized to a larger extent than initially present on the surface, indicating preferential desorption. Similarly, pre‐equilibration of hematite with citrate preferentially inhibited the formation of the bridging phosphate surface complexes. Their relatively strong susceptibility to interference by citrate suggests that the bridging phosphate species are protonated monodentate complexes engaged in hydrogen bonding to adjacent surface sites. The results of this study refine our understanding of the mechanisms of phosphate retention at Fe‐oxide mineral surfaces and demonstrate that carboxylic acids may affect not only phosphate solubility but also the speciation of phosphate associated with Fe‐oxides in soil and rhizosphere environments.
Versatile Macroscale Concentration Gradients of Nanoparticles in Soft Nanocomposites
Authors: Taladriz‐Blanco Patricia , Rothen‐Rutishauser Barbara , Petri‐Fink Alke , Balog Sandor
Published: January 2020

Nanocomposite materials benefit from the diverse physicochemical properties featured by nanoparticles, and the presence of nanoparticle concentration gradients can lend functions to macroscopic materials beyond the realm of classical nanocomposites. It is shown here that linearity and time‐shift invariance obtained via the synergism of two independent physical phenomena—translational self‐diffusion and shear‐driven dispersion—may give access to an exceptionally high degree of flexibility in the design of scalable and programmable long‐range concentration gradients of nanoparticles in solidifiable liquid matrices.
Synthesis, Crystal and Electronic Structure of Layered AMSb Compounds (A = Rb, Cs; M = Zn, Cd)
Authors: Owens‐Baird Bryan , Wang Lin‐Lin , Lee Shannon , Kovnir Kirill
Published: January 2020

Synthesis, crystal structure, thermal stability, and electronic band structure of four new metal antimonides AMSb (A = Rb, Cs; M = Zn, Cd) are reported. CsZnSb and RbZnSb crystallize in the hexagonal ZrBeSi structure type, in a P63/mmc space group (no. 194, Z = 2) and unit cell dimensions of a = 4.5588(2)/4.5466(4) Å and c = 11.9246(6)/11.0999(10) Å. CsCdSb and RbCdSb crystallize in the tetragonal PbFCl structure type in a P4/nmm space group (no. 129; Z = 2) and unit cell parameters of a = 4.8884(5)/4.8227(3) Å and c = 8.8897(9)/8.5492(7) Å. All four compounds are air‐ and water‐sensitive and are shown through DSC measurements to decompose between 975 K and 1060 K. Analysis of the calculated electronic band structure shows that the Zn‐containing antimonides are topologically trivial narrow bandgap semiconductors, whereas Cd‐containing compounds exhibit a band inversion along Γ‐Z direction.
Population Genomics of Transitions to Selfing in Brassicaceae Model Systems
Authors: Mattila Tiina M. , Laenen Benjamin , Slotte Tanja
Published: January 2020

Many plants harbor complex mechanisms that promote outcrossing and efficient pollen transfer. These include floral adaptations as well as genetic mechanisms, such as molecular self-incompatibility (SI) systems. The maintenance of such systems over long evolutionary timescales suggests that outcrossing is favorable over a broad range of conditions. Conversely, SI has repeatedly been lost, often in association with transitions to self-fertilization (selfing). This transition is favored when the short-term advantages of selfing outweigh the costs, primarily inbreeding depression. The transition to selfing is expected to have major effects on population genetic variation and adaptive potential, as well as on genome evolution. In the Brassicaceae, many studies on the population genetic, gene regulatory, and genomic effects of selfing have centered on the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and the crucifer genus Capsella. The accumulation of population genomics datasets have allowed detailed investigation of where, when and how the transition to selfing occurred. Future studies will take advantage of the development of population genetics theory on the impact of selfing, especially regarding positive selection. Furthermore, investigation of systems including recent transitions to selfing, mixed mating populations and/or multiple independent replicates of the same transition will facilitate dissecting the effects of mating system variation from processes driven by demography.