bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Therapeutic Effect of Low‐Intensity Transcranial Ultrasound on Traumatic Brain Injury With Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging
Authors: Zheng Tao , Yuan Yi , Yang Haoxiang , Du Juan , Wu Shuo , Jin Yinglan , Wang Zhanqiu , Liu Defeng , Shi Qinglei , Wang Xiaohan , Liu Lanxiang
Published: January 2020

Background

Low‐intensity transcranial ultrasound (LITUS) has a therapeutic effect on traumatic brain injury (TBI). Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) might be able to evaluate the effect changes of injured brain microstructure.

Purpose

To evaluate the therapeutic effect of LITUS in a moderate TBI rat model with DKI parameters.

Study Type

Prospective case–control animal study.

Animal Model

Forty‐five rats were randomly divided into sham control, TBI, and LITUS treatment groups (n = 15).

Field Strength/Sequence

Single‐shot spin echo echo‐planar imaging and fast T2WI sequences at 3.0T.

Assessment

DKI parameters were obtained on days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 after TBI.

Statistical Tests

For the mean kurtosis (MK), axial kurtosis (Ka), and radial kurtosis (Kr) values, groups were compared using a two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

LITUS inhibited TBI and caused MK values to increase significantly during the early stage (LITUS vs. TBI, day 7, adjusted P < 0.0001) and decrease during the late stage (LITUS vs. TBI, day 42, adjusted P = 0.0156) in the damaged cortex. In the thalamus, the MK value of the TBI group began to rise on day 7, with no change observed in the LITUS group. TBI increases Ka value during the early stage in the cortex and decreases during the late stage in the cortex and thalamus. LITUS inhibited these Ka changes (LITUS vs. TBI, day 7, adjusted P = 0.0014; LITUS vs. TBI, day 42, adjusted P = 0.0026 and 0.0478, respectively, for cortex and thalamus). The Kr value increased slightly during the early stage in the cortex (TBI vs. Sham, day 1, adjusted P = 0.0016).

Data Conclusion

The DKI parameter, particularly the MK value, evaluates primary cortical injury as well as the secondary brain injury that could not be detected by conventional T2WI.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy Stage: 4

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:520–531.
Detecting total hip replacement prosthesis design on plain radiographs using deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Borjali Alireza , Chen Antonia F. , Muratoglu Orhun K. , Morid Mohammad A. , Varadarajan Kartik M.
Published: January 2020

Identifying the design of a failed implant is a key step in the preoperative planning of revision total joint arthroplasty. Manual identification of the implant design from radiographic images is time‐consuming and prone to error. Failure to identify the implant design preoperatively can lead to increased operating room time, more complex surgery, increased blood loss, increased bone loss, increased recovery time, and overall increased healthcare costs. In this study, we present a novel, fully automatic and interpretable approach to identify the design of total hip replacement (THR) implants from plain radiographs using deep convolutional neural network (CNN). CNN achieved 100% accuracy in the identification of three commonly used THR implant designs. Such CNN can be used to automatically identify the design of a failed THR implant preoperatively in just a few seconds, saving time and improving the identification accuracy. This can potentially improve patient outcomes, free practitioners' time, and reduce healthcare costs.
Nutrient uptake and growth of potato: Arbuscular mycorrhiza symbiosis interacts with quality and quantity of amended biochars
Authors: Yang Qi , Ravnskov Sabine , Neumann Andersen Mathias
Published: January 2020

Aims: The aim of this study was to explore interactive effects between quality (types) and quantity (application rates) of biochar as well as of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) symbiosis on the growth of potato plants.

Methods: A low P sandy loam soil was amended with 0%, 1.5%, or 2.5% (w/w) of either of 4 types of biochar, which were produced from wheat straw pellets (WSP) or miscanthus straw pellets (MSP) pyrolyzed at temperatures of either 550°C or 700°C. Potato plants grown in pots containing the soils or soil biochar mixture were inoculated with or without AM fungus (AMF),Rhizophagus irregularis. The experiment was carried out under fully irrigated semi‐field conditions and plants were harvested 101 days after planting.

Results: Application of high temperature biochar decreased growth, biomass and tuber yield of potato plants, while the low temperature biochar had a similar effect on yield as plants grown without biochar amendment. Total biomass of potato plants were decreased with the increasing rate of biochar. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus inoculation stimulated the growth of potato plants in all organs, increased tuber biomass significantly in 1.5% MSP700 amended plants, and to a lesser degree for WSP700, MSP550, and WSP550. In addition, plant biomass gain was linearly related to N, P, and K uptake, the ratio of P to N in the leaf of plants indicated that all treatments were mainly P‐limited. A multiple linear regression using P uptake and biochar rate as independent variables explained 91% of the variation in total biomass. The single effect of AMF inoculation, type and rate of biochar affected plant N, P and K uptake similarly. While AMF inoculation significantly increased P uptake in potato plants grown in soil with WSP700 or MSP700 despite of the rate of biochar. In general, application of biochar significantly increased AMF root colonization of potato plants.

Conclusions: The application of MSP550 at 1.5% combined with AMF stimulated growth of potato the most.

Furthermore, the results indicated that the interactive effect of AMF inoculation, biochar type and application rate on potato growth to a large extent could be explained by effects on plant nutrient uptake.
Dynamics of nitrogen translocation from mature leaves to new shoots and related gene expression during spring shoots development in tea plants (Camellia sinensis L.)
Authors: Fan Kai , Zhang Qunfeng , Tang Dandan , Shi Yuanzhi , Ma Lifeng , Liu Meiya , Ruan Jianyun
Published: January 2020

The contribution of N remobilization is crucial for new shoots growth and quality formation during spring tea shoots development. However, the translocation mechanism of N from source leaves to sink young shoots is not well understood. In the present study, 15N urea was applied to mature tea leaves one week before bud break to track N remobilization in a field experiment. The dynamic changes in plant 15N abundance, contents of amino acids, and the expression levels of genes related to N metabolism and translocation were followed during the 18‐d development of new spring shoots until three expanding young leaves. The results showed that during the growth of new shoots the amount of 15N in the shoots increased, whereas the Ndff (N derived from 15N‐urea) in mature leaves decreased, showing that the foliar‐applied N in mature leaves was readily exported to new shoots. This process was found to be accompanied by decline of chlorophylls. In the mature leaves, expression CsATG18a and CsSAG12 involved in autophagy was dramatically induced (> 4‐fold) at approximately nine days after the bud breaking. The genes involved in the transformation of amino acids, including primarily CsGDH2, CsGDH4, CsGLT3, CsGS1;3, and CsASN2 were upregulated by > 3‐fold after bud breaking. The expression levels of CsATG8A, CsATG9, CsSAG12, CsGS1;1, CsGDH1, and CsAAP6 correlated negatively with the Ndff in mature leaves, but positively with 15N amount and total N amount in new shoots, suggesting these genes played important roles in N export from mature leaves. In the new shoots, the expression of most genes showed two defined peaks, one on six days and one on 12 days after bud breaking. The expression of CsGS2, CsASN3, CsGLT1, and CsAAP4 positively correlated with the 15N amount and total N amount in new shoots. These genes might be involved in the transport and re‐assimilation of N from mature leaves. The overall results demonstrated that the translocation of 15N from mature leaves to new spring shoots was regulated by the genes involved in autophagy, protein degradation, amino acid transformation and transport.
Identification and acceptance of suggested therapeutic alternatives of potentially inappropriate medications amongst hospitalised geriatric patients in Iran
Authors: Abbasinazari Mohammad , Tavana Akhtar
Published: January 2020

The Beers Criteria (BC) are frequently used to identify potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in geriatric patients. There are limited reports from non‐Western countries documenting the rate of both PIM identification and acceptance of pharmacist‐suggested changes to medications in geriatric patients. This prospective interventional study identified PIMs using the BC in hospitalised geriatric patients in an Iranian hospital, and documented the rate of acceptance of alternative therapies suggested by a clinical pharmacist. All patients aged ≥65 years (n = 240) who were admitted to medical and surgical wards for ≥3 days were included in the study. PIMs were screened for on Day 2 of admission using 2015 BC and therapeutic alternatives were suggested if a PIM was identified. Whether the suggestions were accepted was determined on Day 3. At least one PIM was identified for 80 (33.3%) patients, with 95 PIMs reported overall. The most frequent PIMs recorded were pethidine (44.2%), alprazolam (8.4%) and metoclopramide (7.3%). Of the 95 interventions suggested, 87 (91.5%) were accepted by physicians. The identification of PIMs and provision of alternative treatment options by an experienced clinical pharmacist resulted in a high uptake of recommendations.
Chemical composition, antioxidant, antibacterial, and tyrosinase inhibition activity of extracts from Newhall navel orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck cv. Newhall) peel
Authors: Guo Can , Shan Youxia , Yang Zhiqiang , Zhang Linyan , Ling Wei , Liang Yan , Ouyang Zhigang , Zhong Balian , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Newhall navel orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck cv. Newhall) is the major navel orange cultivar planted in China. Almost all Newhall navel orange peels produced in that country are currently discarded, which is not only harmful to the environment but also a waste of resources. It is therefore necessary to carry out research to explore the utilization potential of this resource.

RESULTS

A 95% ethanol extract (EE) of Newhall orange peel was prepared and fractionated into three subextracts: petroleum ether extract (PEE), ethyl acetate extract (EtOAcE), and water extract (WE) by simple liquid / liquid extractions. These four extracts were then subjected to antioxidant, antibacterial, and tyrosinase inhibition assays. Interestingly, EtOAcE was significantly superior to all other three extracts, exhibiting the best biological effects. The total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and primary individual flavonoids of these four extracts were analyzed and compared. This was followed by principal component analysis (PCA) and the Pearson's correlation test. The result indicates that the primary bioactive compounds responsible for the biological effects of the EtOAcE are sinensetin, 4′,5,6,7‐tetramethoxyflavone, nobiletin, 3,3′,4′,5,6,7‐hexamethoxyflavone, and narirutin. In view of its easy preparation and potent biological effects, EtOAcE might demonstrate excellent application potential in various industrial areas.

CONCLUSIONS

This study successfully identified EtOAcE as a potent naturally occurring antioxidant, antibacterial, and tyrosinase inhibitory agent, which might add value to the utilization of Newhall navel orange peel in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Establishing the chromatographic fingerprints of flavan‐3‐ols and proanthocyanidins from rose hip (Rosa sp.) species
Authors: Dabić Zagorac Dragana Č. , Fotirić Akšić Milica M. , Glavnik Vesna , Gašić Uroš M. , Vovk Irena , Tešić Živoslav Lj. , Natić Maja M.
Published: January 2020

The profile of flavan‐3‐ols and proanthocyanidins in five different Rosa species (R. canina, R. glutinosa, R. rubiginosa, R. multiflora, and R. spinosissima) was estimated on high performance thin layer chromatography cellulose plates. Differences in flavanol and proanthocyanidin profiles of the extracts were evident, among which Rosa spinosissima stood out with catechin as the only detected flavanol and red zones as indication of anthocyanins. Furthermore, the elution solvent for thin layer chromatography with mass spectrometry analyses of glycosylated flavan‐3‐ols and proanthocyanidins was optimized, enabling identification of catechin, (epi)catechin hexoside, proanthocyanidin dimer, and proanthocyanidin dimers and trimers hexosides. A total of 15 flavanols and their derivatives were identified using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography with linear trap quadrupole‐Orbitrap mass analyzer and epicatechin, gallocatechin, and proanthocyanidin trimer were identified only using this technique. However, proanthocyanidin trimer trihexoside was identified only by thin‐layer chromatography with mass spectrometry. To establish the relationships between the flavanols and proanthocyanidins composition of rose hip and their origin, principal component analysis was performed on the entire set of liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry data. Both principal components’ scores plots showed that Rosa spinosissima could be considered as an outlier. Our study demonstrated that flavanol and proanthocyanidin profiles of different rose hips depend on the geographical origin rather than on the cultivar and genotype.
Complications After Percutaneous Ultrasound‐Guided Liver Biopsy
Authors: Tian Guo , Kong Dexing , Jiang Tian'an , Li Lanjuan
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Percutaneous liver biopsy (LB) has been considered the reference standard in distinguishing the degree of liver disease, but there has been no definitive systematic review to assess complication rates or potential risk factors for them.

Methods

In this study, we searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases for studies appraising complication rates after percutaneous ultrasound (US)‐guided LB published until October 11, 2018. The safety and efficacy of US‐guided LB were estimated according to major and minor complications. Subgroups including the biopsy style, needle styles, mean number of needle insertions, study period, and specific complication items were analyzed.

Results

Among 12,481 patients from 51 studies, pooled results showed a low rate (0; 95% confidence interval, 0–0) of major and minor complications. The subgroup analysis indicated that US‐guided LB had a low major complication rate of 0 (0–0) for both fine‐needle aspiration and core biopsy, with rates of 0.016 (0–0.032) for 14‐gauge, 0.010 (0.003–0.017) for 15‐gauge, 0.002 (–0.001–0.005) for 20‐gauge, and 0 (0–0) for 16‐, 17‐, 18‐, 21‐, and 22‐gauge needles, and low minor complication rates of 0 (0–0) for fine‐needle aspiration and 0.001 (0–0.002) for core biopsy, with rates of 0.164 (0.137–0.191) for 15‐gauge, 0.316 (0.113–0.519) for 16‐gauge, and 0 (0–0) for 14‐, 17‐, 18‐, 20‐, 21‐, and 22‐gauge needles. Furthermore, specific complication rates of bleeding, pain, pneumothorax, vasovagal reactions, and death were all 0 (0–0).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that it is possible to safely perform percutaneous US‐guided LB.
Managing the Effects of Introduced Predators on Hawaiian Endangered Seabirds
Authors: Raine André F. , Driskill Scott , Vynne Megan , Harvey Derek , Pias Kyle
Published: January 2020

Introduced predators are one of the greatest threats facing seabirds worldwide. We investigated the effects of multiple introduced predators on 2 endangered seabirds, the Newell's shearwater (Puffinus newelli) and the Hawaiian petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis), on the island of Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, USA. Between 2011 and 2017, we recorded 309 depredations of which 35.6% were by feral cats, 50.2% by black rats (Rattus rattus), 10.4% by pigs (Sus scrofa; feral pigs), and 3.9% by barn owls (Tyto alba). Cats were the most destructive of the predators because they killed more breeding adults than chicks, which had repercussions on breeding probability in following years. Cats and rats were also the most prevalent of all the predators, depredating birds at all of the sites under consideration regardless of how remote or inaccessible. We also considered the effectiveness of predator control over the study period. Reproductive success at all sites increased once predator control operations were in place and depredations by all species except barn owls decreased. Furthermore, we modeled population trajectories for all sites with and without predator control. Without predator control, population trajectories at all sites declined rapidly over 50 years. With predator control operations in place, populations at all sites increased; thus, controlling introduced predators at endangered seabird colonies is important for their management. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
The Design of Sulfobetaine Polymers with Thermoresponsiveness under Physiological Salt Conditions
Authors: Morimoto Nobuyuki , Oishi Yoshifumi , Yamamoto Masaya
Published: January 2020

Thermoresponsive polymers are attractive in terms of basics and applications because of the phase separation in aqueous solution. Some sulfobetaine polymers are known for their antifouling biocompatibility and upper critical solution temperature (UCST) type thermoresponsiveness; however, thermoresponsiveness disappears in aliphatic sulfobetaine polymers in physiological salt conditions. Aromatic cation‐containing sulfobetaine polymers are not responded because of the strong intermolecular interactions. In this study, new sulfobetaine methacrylamides with a pyridinium cation, 3‐(4‐(2‐methacrylamido)alkyl pyridinio‐1‐yl)propane‐1‐sulfonates, (PySMAAm)s, are designed and then prepared the homopolymers using aqueous reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The P(PySMAAm)s exhibited UCST‐type thermoresponsiveness that is induced by substitution of the dipole–dipole interaction between the interpolymer side chain to an ion–dipole interaction in physiological salt conditions. The thermoresponsiveness is affected by the molecular weight and structure of the side chains. Such sulfobetaine polymers can be promising tools as biomaterials especially for drug delivery and regenerative medicine.
Solving a classification task by spiking neural network with STDP based on rate and temporal input encoding
Authors: Sboev Alexander , Serenko Alexey , Rybka Roman , Vlasov Danila
Published: January 2020

This paper develops local learning algorithms to solve a classification task with the help of biologically inspired mathematical models of spiking neural networks involving the mechanism of spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity (STDP). The advantages of the models are their simplicity and, hence, the potential ability to be hardware‐implemented in low‐energy‐consuming biomorphic computing devices. The methods developed are based on two key effects observed in neurons with STDP: mean firing rate stabilization and memorizing repeating spike patterns. As the result, two algorithms to solve a classification task with a spiking neural network are proposed: the first based on rate encoding of the input data and the second based on temporal encoding. The accuracy of the algorithms is tested on the benchmark classification tasks of Fisher's Iris and Wisconsin breast cancer, with several combinations of input data normalization and preprocessing. The respective accuracies are 99% and 94% by F1‐score.
A quad‐band bandpass filter using sept‐mode double square‐ring loaded resonator
Authors: Zhu Bao‐Hua , Wang Zhi‐Ji , Kim Eun‐Seong , Kim Nam‐Young
Published: January 2020

A quad‐band bandpass filter (BPF) using a sept‐mode double square‐ring loaded resonator (DSRLR) is presented in this article. Based on the symmetrical geometric construction of the DSRLR, the even‐ and odd‐mode analysis with theoretical equations is employed to analyze the proposed BPF, and current density are obtained. Additionally, multimode splitting and resonant characteristics of the proposed DSRLR are explored. Accordingly, the design procedure is given after a pair of feedlines with dual‐finger structure is added to the I/O ports to introduce extra transmission zeros (TZs). Four TZs—including two created by the dual‐finger feedlines—are produced to separate four passbands that exhibit a sharp skirt and high stopband rejection. Finally, a microstrip quad‐band BPF is fabricated on a Teflon substrate with four measured passbands centered at 2.46, 3.41, 6.65, and 9.09 GHz with insertion losses of 0.68, 0.73, 0.81, and 1.23 dB, respectively. A satisfactory agreement is achieved between the measurement results and full‐wave simulation results.
A multilayer low parasitic parameter extraction method for synthesis of composite right‐left handed TL
Authors: Mehrafza Amir , Khodapanah Ehsan , Pourziad Ali
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a new multilayer low parasitic synthesis of composite right‐left handed (CRLH) TL is proposed and demonstrated. A novel method for designing of the extended microstrip inductors and capacitors in the resonator or 2‐port method for the simultaneous extraction of inductors and capacitors in series or parallel form is presented. By putting these resonators together, multilayer unit cells are introduced for CRLH practical implementations. Finally, with the combination of the unit cells, several CRLH metamaterial TLs are designed. To verify this method, a Wilkinson power divider based on CRLH cells is designed and simulated. The actual prototype of 1:2 Wilkinson power divider is fabricated on FR4 substrate. Measured results of fabricated prototype provide a good consistency with simulated results.
The association of working alliance, outcome expectation, adherence and self‐efficacy with clinical outcomes for Achilles tendinopathy: A feasibility cohort study (the MAP study)
Authors: Mallows Adrian , Jackson Jo , Littlewood Chris , Debenham James
Published: January 2020

Introduction

This study evaluated the feasibility of a large longitudinal cohort study utilizing an online platform to investigate the association and predictive relationship of working alliance, outcome expectations, adherence and self‐efficacy with outcome in Achilles tendinopathy. The objectives were: (1) to determine the recruitment and retention rate and (2) to carry out preliminary data analysis of the selected variables and clinical outcomes.

Methods

A multi‐centred, longitudinal feasibility cohort study was used. Eligible participants were directed to a bespoke online platform hosting study information and the outcome measures in the form of an online questionnaire. Responses from the online questionnaire were collected on three occasions: at baseline, at 6 and at 12 weeks following completion of the first questionnaire. Feasibility outcomes (recruitment and retention rates) were described using descriptive statistics.

Results

The website recorded a total 55 views. These 55 views resulted in 24 participants consenting to join the study. The questionnaire at baseline was started 63 times and completed on 60 separate occasions resulting in a 95% conversion rate. Retainment for completion of the questionnaire for a second time was 83.3% and for the third time was 66.6%. All questionnaires were completed fully yielding a missing data indicator of 0%.

Conclusions

Feasibility studies ask the question ‘can this be done’? Based on the data from recruitment and rates and exploratory correlation analysis a future study can be done; this previously untested online platform appears feasible, but changes could be useful before proceeding to a much larger study.
Factors influencing the implementation of evidence‐based guidelines for osteoarthritis in primary care: A systematic review and thematic synthesis
Authors: Swaithes Laura , Paskins Zoe , Dziedzic Krysia , Finney Andrew
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Implementation of evidence‐based health guidelines in primary care is challenging. This systematic review aimed to synthesize qualitative evidence that investigates the factors influencing the implementation of evidence‐based guidelines for osteoarthritis in primary care.

Methods

A systematic review of qualitative studies. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, HMIC, PsychINFO, Web of Science and Assia were searched (from 2000 to March 2019). The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed by two independent reviewers. Data were analyzed and synthesized using thematic synthesis.

Results

1612 articles were screened and four articles with a total of 87 participants (46 patients, 28 GPs, 13 practice nurses) were included. Three of the studies were conducted in England within the context of an implementation trial and one was conducted in the Netherlands. The thematic synthesis revealed three overarching themes. Best practice was not enough to achieve ‘buy‐in’ to implementation but a range of tacit motivators to implementation were identified. Healthcare professionals used patient reasons to justify engaging or not engaging with implementation. Engaging with the whole practice was important in achieving implementation. A disconnect between research and ‘real‐world’ primary care practice influenced long‐term implementation.

Conclusions

Despite the relative paucity of current evidence, this systematic review has identified a series of possible disconnects may impact uptake of interventions to improve osteoarthritis care, existing between clinicians and patients, researchers and clinicians, clinicians and guidelines and within general practice itself. There remains a need to further explore the experiences of key stakeholders, including patients involved in implementation for osteoarthritis in primary care.
Immobility and F‐waves: Impact on lower motor neuron excitability
Authors: Pereira Mariana , Swash Michael , de Carvalho Mamede
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Immobility of the upper limbs has been associated with reduction of F‐wave frequency. However, there are no similar studies on lower limb (LL) F‐waves. We investigated the impact of LL rest on F‐wave and H‐reflex parameters.

Methods

The LLs of 14 healthy participants were studied after 90 minutes rest. F‐waves (frequency, latencies, chronodispersion, and mean amplitude) and H‐reflexes (latency and recruitment curve) were investigated bilaterally. In seven participants the protocol was repeated, but the temperature of one limb was reduced.

Results

Immobility only changed F‐wave latencies, which increased significantly (mean value of 2 ms, P < .01). Limb cooling did not influence results.

Discussion

Contrary to what occurred in cervical lower motor neurons (LMN), LL LMNs did not show a reduced F‐wave response to immobility, but their latency increased significantly. This could have been due to reduced Renshaw inhibition of small LMNs, thus facilitating their response to antidromic stimulation and causing delayed late responses.
The role of cartilage glycosaminoglycan structure in gagCEST
Authors: Einarsson Emma , Peterson Pernilla , Önnerfjord Patrik , Gottschalk Michael , Xu Xiang , Knutsson Linda , Dahlberg Leif E. , Struglics André , Svensson Jonas
Published: January 2020

Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chemical exchange saturation transfer (gagCEST) is a potential method for cartilage quality assessment. The aim of this study was to investigate how the gagCEST effect depends on the types and molecular organization of GAG typically found in articular cartilage. gagCEST was performed on different concentrations of GAG in various forms: free chains of chondroitin sulfate (CS) of different types (‐A and ‐C) and GAG bound to protein in aggregated and nonaggregated aggrecan extracted from calf articular cartilage. The measured magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTRasym) was compared with known GAG concentrations or GAG concentrations determined through biochemical analysis. The gagCEST effect was assessed through the linear regression coefficient with 95% confidence interval of MTRasym per GAG concentration. We observed a lower gagCEST effect in phantoms containing a mixture of CS‐A and CS‐C compared with phantoms containing mainly CS‐A. The difference in response corresponds well to the difference in CS‐A concentration. GAG bound in aggrecan from calf articular cartilage, where CS‐A is assumed to be the major type of GAG, produed a similar gagCEST effect as that observed for free CS‐A. The effect was also similar for aggregated (ie, bound to hyaluronic acid) and nonaggregated aggrecan. In conclusion, our results indicate that the aggrecan structure in itself does not impact the gagCEST effect, but that the effect is strongly dependent on GAG type. In phantoms, the current implementation of gagCEST is sensitive to CS‐A while for CS‐C, the main GAG component in mature human articular cartilage, the sensitivity is limited. This difference in gagCEST sensitivity between GAG types detected in phantoms is a strong motivation to also explore the possibility of a similar effect in vivo.
A multisample 7 T dynamic nuclear polarization polarizer for preclinical hyperpolarized MR
Authors: Cheng Tian , Gaunt Adam P. , Marco‐Rius Irene , Gehrung Marcel , Chen Albert P. , van der Klink Jacques J. , Comment Arnaud
Published: January 2020

Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) provides the opportunity to boost liquid state magnetic resonance (MR) signals from selected nuclear spins by several orders of magnitude. A cryostat running at a temperature of ~ 1 K and a superconducting magnet set to between 3 and 10 T are required to efficiently hyperpolarize nuclear spins. Several DNP polarizers have been implemented for the purpose of hyperpolarized MR and recent systems have been designed to avoid the need for user input of liquid cryogens. We herein present a zero boil‐off DNP polarizer that operates at 1.35 ± 0.01 K and 7 T, and which can polarize two samples in parallel. The samples are cooled by a static helium bath thermally connected to a 1 K closed‐cycle 4He refrigerator. Using a modified version of the commercial fluid path developed for the SPINlab polarizer, we demonstrate that, within a 12‐minute interval, the system can produce two separate hyperpolarized 13C solutions. The 13C liquid‐state polarization of [1‐13C]pyruvate measured 26 seconds after dissolution was 36%, which can be extrapolated to a 55% solid state polarization. The system is well adapted for in vitro and in vivo preclinical hyperpolarized MR experiments and it can be modified to polarize up to four samples in parallel.
Accepted Safe Food‐Handling Procedures Minimizes Microbial Contamination of Home‐Prepared Blenderized Tube‐Feeding
Authors: Milton Debra L. , Johnson Teresa W. , Johnson Kelly , Murphy Brie , Carter Holly , Hurt Ryan T. , Mundi Manpreet S. , Epp Lisa , Spurlock Amy Y. , Hussey Jenna
Published: January 2020

Background

The number of patients requiring home enteral nutrition (HEN) continues to increase. Many of these patients are interested in using blended food instead of, or in addition to, commercial enteral formula (CEF). Increased risk of food‐borne illness is a concern of blenderized tube‐feeding (BTF). This project assessed a standard procedure for minimizing bacterial growth of BTF prepared in the home setting.

Methods

Fifty participants prepared BTF in their kitchens using a standard preparation procedure to minimize bacterial contamination. BTF was assessed for growth of aerobic microorganisms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and coliforms at baseline, 24‐hour, and 48‐hour intervals after preparation for a total of 150 colony forming units (CFU) counts performed.

Results

No sample had zero aerobic microbial counts; yet no substantial increase in microbial counts was observed during the 48 hours. At baseline and 24 hours, 5/50 (10%) had a CFU count of >104, and at 48 hours, 6/50 (12%) exceeded 104 CFUs. Out of 150 CFU counts, 2 (1.3%) were just over 105 CFU/mL. Samples exceeding 104 CFU/mL were likely contaminated by common endospore‐forming bacteria found in soil or by bacteria in milk that was close to its expiration date.

Conclusion

In this study, 88% of the samples met the US Food Code criteria for safe food consumption; 10.7% met guidelines for marginal safety by other standards; and 1.3% slightly exceeded 105 CFUs. Established safe food‐handling procedures can minimize bacterial contamination of BTF and consequently reduce risk of food‐borne infection in HEN patients.
Optimal state estimation for singular system with stochastic uncertain parameter
Authors: Yu Xingkai , Li Jianxun
Published: January 2020

This article studies singular systems with uncertain parameters by using a direct method which is called the first restricted equivalent transformation (FRET). The stochastic uncertain parameters we studied in the article, which are more general and challenging, are different from the two existing types: time‐invariant parameters and time‐varying parameters. We propose an optimal filtering algorithm to filter out artifacts, such as noise, from the uncertain parameter by using the projection theorem and the FRET. The proposed algorithm guarantees optimum in the sense of linear minimum mean‐square error. Simulation results verify the proposed algorithm.
Anthracene‐Based Amido−Amine Cage Receptor for Anion Recognition under Neutral Aqueous Conditions
Authors: Morozov Boris S. , Namashivaya Siva S. R. , Zakharko Marina A. , Oshchepkov Aleksandr S. , Kataev Evgeny A.
Published: January 2020

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Evgeny A. Kataev at the Technical University Chemnitz. The cover picture shows the authors’ association of fluorescence anion sensing with pearl hunting – the activity of recovering pearls from wild molluscs. In the presented work, the group of Kataev has developed a new water‐soluble amido‐amine azacryptand bearing a fluorescence anthracene dicarboxamide fragment. With the help of the fluorescent receptors (a hand) one can catch the phosphate anion (a glowing pearl) and visualize this binding event. The recognition of phosphate and oxalate has led to a fluorescent enhancement in a selective manner. Read the full text of their Communication at 10.1002/open.201900309.
Flavones as tyrosinase inhibitors: kinetic studies in vitro and in silico
Authors: Arroo Randolph R.J. , Sari Suat , Barut Burak , Özel Arzu , Ruparelia Ketan C. , Şöhretoğlu Didem
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Tyrosinase is a multifunctional copper‐containing oxidase enzyme that catalyses the first steps in the formation of melanin pigments. Identification of tyrosinase inhibitors is of value for applications in cosmetics, medicine and agriculture.

Objective

To develop an analytical method that allows identification of drug‐like natural products that can be further developed as tyrosinase inhibitors. Results of in vitro and in silico studies will be compared in order to gain a deeper insight into the mechanism of action of enzyme inhibition.

Method

Using an in vitro assay we tested tyrosinase inhibitor effects of five structurally related flavones, i.e. luteolin (1), eupafolin (2), genkwanin (3), nobiletin (4), and chrysosplenetin (5). The strongest inhibitors were further investigated in silico, using enzyme docking simulations.

Results

All compounds tested showed modest tyrosinase inhibitory effect compared to the positive control, kojic acid. The polymethoxy flavones 4 and 5 exhibited the strongest tyrosinase inhibitory effect with the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 131.92 ± 1.75 μM and 99.87 ± 2.38 μM respectively. According to kinetic analysis 2, 4 and 5 were competitive inhibitors, whereas 1 and 3 were non‐competitive inhibitors of tyrosinase. Docking studies indicated that methoxy groups on 4 and 5 caused steric hindrance which prevented alternative binding modes in the tyrosinase; the methoxy groups on the B‐ring of these flavones faced the catalytic site in the enzyme.

Conclusions

The docking simulations nicely complemented the in vitro kinetic studies, opening the way for the development of predictive models for use in drug design.
Innovative method for analysis of safranal under static and dynamic conditions through combination of HS‐SPME‐GC technique with mathematical modelling
Authors: Feyzi Samira , Varidi Mehdi , Housaindokht Mohammad Reza , Es'haghi Zarrin
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a well‐known spice which is used as the colourant and flavouring agent in food products. Safranal could act as an indicator for saffron grading, authentication and adulteration, as well as for quality evaluation of saffron flavoured products; since it is the main odourant and the most aroma‐active compound of saffron.

Objectives

Firstly, determination of the optimum static conditions for safranal extraction through headspace solid‐phase micro‐extraction combined with gas chromatography (HS‐SPME‐GC) technique. Secondly, safranal measurement in different saffron flavoured products under the optimised static conditions. Thirdly, elucidation of the method efficiency for safranal measurement under non‐equilibrium conditions for a saffron drink sample.

Methods

Different equilibrium times, pH and salt concentrations were applied on aqueous solutions of safranal. Accordingly, the optimised static conditions were determined for safranal extraction through HS‐SPME‐GC approach using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fibre.

Results

Under static conditions, a linear response was obtained for standard curve within the safranal concentration range of 0.08–30 ppm, with R2 = 0.9999. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.04 and 0.08 ppm, respectively. Despite the fact that safranal peak area was an efficient parameter for quantifications under static conditions; its poor reproducibility was proved under dynamic conditions for the saffron drink sample. This observation necessitated application of kinetic studies on real food samples.

Conclusions

Safranal extraction was successfully performed from aqueous matrices through HS‐SPME‐GC, under static conditions. Mathematical modelling resulted in kinetic parameters that improved the efficiency of safranal measurement under dynamic conditions, using PDMS fibre.
Effect of transfer type on labor's role in ownership judgments
Authors: Li Zhanxing , Zhu Liqi , Wan Yingjia , Li Jing , Yu Jing
Published: January 2020

Many property issues in real life occur in the transfer contexts. Previous studies have investigated the role of creation and value change in people's use of the labor rule when solving property issues involving conflicting cues between labor and first possession, but have neglected the possible effect of transfer types. This study explored how items get transferred from the original owner to the next affected adults' use of the labor rule when assigning ownership. Eighty‐two participants (Mage = 22.10 years) read some scenarios in which a person modified some redwoods into a set of furniture after he (a) was requested to store the redwoods for another person, (b) borrowed the redwoods from another person, or (c) found the redwoods lost by another person. Participants were then asked to decide whether the original possessor or the modifier of the transferred objects was the owner, and to explain their answers. The results showed that most subjects were inclined to select the laborer as owner in the losing context, and support the original possessor as owner in the storing context. Participants were more likely to justify their answers with the first possession heuristic in the storing context, but more likely to justify their answers with transfer types in the borrowing context and justify their answers with knowledge and intention in the losing context. The study shows that transfer types affect use of the labor rule in adults' ownership judgments, and may shed light on legislation and court decisions in real life.
The Effect of Self–Awareness on the Identification of Goal–Related Obstacles
Authors: Kreibich Antonia , Hennecke Marie , Brandstätter Veronika
Published: January 2020

When individuals strive towards personal goals, they may encounter obstacles that could compromise their goal progress and pose a challenge to self–regulation. Coping with obstacles first requires those obstacles to be identified. The purpose of the present studies was to apply an inter–individual approach to this important, but insufficiently studied self–regulatory aspect of goal striving. We therefore examined the role of self–awareness, that is, paying attention to one's own feelings, thoughts, and behaviours, for the identification of goal–related obstacles. We measured and manipulated self–awareness in two correlational and two experimental studies (one of them preregistered) and asked participants to identify obstacles to their goals. All studies confirmed the hypothesis that individuals with higher levels of dispositional and situational self–awareness identify more obstacles, both with regard to their idiosyncratic personal goals (Studies 1 and 2) and with regard to a goal in an assigned task during an experiment (Studies 3 and 4). The results indicate that self–awareness plays a crucial role for identifying obstacles. We discuss the implications of our findings for personality and self–regulation research.
Development of a communication and health literacy curriculum: Optimizing the informal cancer caregiver role
Authors: Wittenberg Elaine , Goldsmith Joy , Parnell Terri Ann
Published: January 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop learning objectives and identify content for a core communication and health literacy curriculum designed to optimize the role of informal cancer caregivers (family or friends).

Methods

A three‐step process was conducted: (a) two‐round online Delphi method process with experts (n = 9) in cancer caregiving to gain consensus on curriculum learning objectives; (b) online survey of oncology providers (n = 32) to generate potential content and rate importance of domains; and (c) focus group of cancer caregivers (n = 6) to explore caregiving experiences and curriculum content topics.

Results

Overall, 17 learning objectives and 53 topics were identified for a cancer caregiver communication and health literacy curriculum. Feedback from cancer caregivers did not produce any new topics yet confirmed topics generated by experts and providers. The curriculum identified as essential has been organized under the following headings: finding cancer information; assessing and integrating information; working with health care providers; getting help; talking with the care recipient; recognizing the care recipient's needs; and planning for caregiver self‐care.

Conclusions

This theoretically grounded study systematically identified seven curriculum topic areas and content unique to caregivers and included input from key stakeholders. The next step is to develop the program for dissemination and to test its impact on caregiver and patient outcomes.
Numerical Modelling of Shock Initiation of a HNIW‐Based Explosive
Authors: Lee Jaimin , Lee Kieun , Hwang Eulha , Hyun Baek Sung , Park Jung‐Su
Published: January 2020

To investigate shock‐to‐detonation transition (SDT) characteristics of a HNIW‐based explosive, a rate law based on the Forest Fire model was calibrated by conducting five wedge tests. In the wedge tests, initial shock pressure at wedge‐shaped test explosive charges was varied from 5 to 11 GPa. In each test, the shock trajectory along the wedge‐shaped explosive charge was recorded with a streak camera. The streak records showed that sharp SDT occurred in the test explosive. The shock Hugoniot of the test explosive was determined from the free‐surface velocity of PMMA attenuators measured with a VISAR instrument and the early shock velocity in the wedges, determined from the shock trajectories. The Pop plot for the test explosive was obtained from run distances to detonation estimated based on the shock trajectories. The Forest Fire rate of the test explosive was calibrated from the experimental Hugoniot and the Pop plot. The wedge tests were numerically simulated with the calibrated rate by using a one‐dimensional Lagrangian hydrodynamic code. The calculated shock trajectories closely reproduced experimental observations. The rate was further applied to two‐dimensional numerical simulations of large‐scale gap tests (LSGTs). The estimated critical gap thickness by the LSGT simulations was 43.7 mm, which was in good agreement with experimental data of 46.67 mm. The results of these two types of numerical simulations suggested that the calibrated rate could be used to model most SDT‐related applications.
Substrate‐dependent transport mechanism in AcrB of multidrug resistant bacteria
Authors: Jewel Yead , Van Dinh Quyen , Liu Jin , Dutta Prashanta
Published: January 2020

The multidrug resistance (MDR) system effectively expels antibiotics out of bacteria causing serious issues during bacterial infection. In addition to drug, indole, a common metabolic waste of bacteria, is expelled by MDR system of gram‐negative bacteria for their survival. Experimental results suggest that AcrB, one of the key components of MDR system, undergoes large scale conformation changes during the pumping due to proton‐motive process. However, due to extremely short time scale, it is difficult to observe (experimentally) those changes in the AcrB, which might facilitate the pumping process. Molecular simulations can shed light to understand the conformational changes for transport of indole in AcrB. Examination of conformational changes using all‐atom simulation is, however, impractical. Here, we develop a hybrid coarse‐grained force field to study the conformational changes of AcrB in presence of indole in the porter domain of monomer II. Using the coarse‐grained force field, we investigated the conformational changes of AcrB for a number of model systems considering the effect of protonation in aspartic acid (Asp) residues Asp407 and Asp408 in the transmembrane domain of monomer II. Our results show that in the presence of indole, protonation of Asp408 or Asp407 residue causes conformational changes from binding state to extrusion state in monomer II, while remaining two monomers (I and III) approach access state in AcrB protein. We also observed that all three AcrB monomers prefer to go back to access state in the absence of indole. Steered molecular dynamics simulations were performed to demonstrate the feasibility of indole transport mechanism for protonated systems. Identification of indole transport pathway through AcrB can be very helpful in understanding the drug efflux mechanism used by the MDR bacteria.
Summertime cloud phase strongly influences surface melting on the Larsen C ice shelf, Antarctica
Authors: Gilbert E. , Orr A. , King J. C. , Renfrew I. A. , Lachlan‐Cope T. , Field P. F. , Boutle I. A.
Published: January 2020

Surface melting on Antarctic Peninsula ice shelves can influence ice shelf mass balance, and consequently sea level rise. We show that summertime cloud phase on the Larsen C ice shelf on the Antarctic Peninsula strongly influences the amount of radiation received at the surface and can determine whether or not melting occurs. While previous work has separately evaluated cloud phase and the surface energy balance (SEB) during summertime over Larsen C, no previous studies have examined this relationship quantitatively. Furthermore, regional climate models frequently produce surface radiation biases related to cloud ice and liquid water content. This study uses a high‐resolution regional configuration of the UK Met Office Unified Model (MetUM) to assess the influence of cloud ice and liquid properties on the SEB, and consequently melting, over the Larsen C ice shelf. Results from a case‐study show that simulations producing a vertical cloud phase structure more comparable to aircraft observations exhibit smaller surface radiative biases. A configuration of the MetUM adapted to improve the simulation of cloud phase reproduces the observed surface melt most closely. During a five‐week simulation of summertime conditions, model melt biases are reduced to <2 W·m−2: a four‐fold improvement on a previous study that used default MetUM settings. This demonstrates the importance of cloud phase in determining summertime melt rates on Larsen
C.