bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracking three decades of land use and land cover transformation trajectories in China's large river deltas
Authors: Ma Tiantian , Li Xiaowen , Bai Junhong , Cui Baoshan
Published: January 2019

Large river deltas are characterized by complicated land use/land cover (LULC) dynamics driven by intertwined natural and anthropogenic processes. Understanding spatiotemporal LULC dynamics associated with multiple drivers can help mitigate the adverse ecological impacts resulting from human activities. This research tracked spatiotemporal LULC trajectories in relation to multiple natural and anthropogenic driving processes and explored their correlations within four large river deltas (the Liaohe River Delta [LRD], Yellow River Delta [YRD], Yangtze River Delta [YtRD], and Pearl River Delta [PRD]) in China from 1980 to 2010. The results showed that the coastal wetlands had undergone transformations with 39% in LRD, 85.1% in YRD, 96.5% in YtRD, and 100% in PRD, respectively. The LULC transformations were linked with six major driving processes (accretion, erosion, reclamation, restoration, succession, and regressive succession) and were impacted by complex coupled effects between natural and anthropogenic drivers. Reclamation‐related LULC transformation types dominated in the four river deltas and had greater spatiotemporal interactions than the other driving processes. Reclamation and restoration as well as accretion and erosion showed high positive correlations in all four river deltas, but other pairwise correlations of driving processes presented regional variations. This study presents an overview of the patterns and processes of complex multitemporal LULC dynamics and can be replicated elsewhere in areas where land reclamation activities are entangled with natural processes. A ‘scrolling’ development pattern with reasonable magnitudes of land reclamation for the river deltas is proposed as a spatial strategy to minimize the adverse ecological impacts of human activity.
Evaluating the desertification vulnerability of a semiarid landscape under different land uses with the environmental sensitivity index
Authors: Gül Ebru , Erşahin Sabit
Published: January 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the desertification vulnerability of an approximately 1,000‐ha area in Anatolia, Turkey, comprising semiarid oak (Quercusspp.) and pine (Pinusspp.) forests and the adjacent cultivated lands by using the environmental sensitivity index (ESI). We calculated the ESI values for 632 randomly selected sites in the study area by entering the desertification indicators vegetation cover, plant type, soil depth, rock fragments, soil texture, slope gradient, drainage, parent material, mean annual precipitation, slope aspect, aridity index, land use intensity, and policy enforcement into the web‐based model Desertification Indicator System for Mediterranean Europe. The spatial structure of the ESI values was then evaluated using semivariograms and kriging‐interpolated surface maps. The mean ESI value was significantly greater in the cultivated areas (1.47; range = 1.25–1.61) than in the pine (1.32; 1.03–1.45) and oak (1.28; 1.18–1.57) forests (P < 0.01). The ESI was moderately spatially dependent in the oak forests and cultivated areas and strongly spatially dependent in the pine forests, as evidenced by the corresponding semivariograms. The ordinary kriging‐interpolated maps showed that most of the cultivated areas were critically vulnerable to desertification, whereas the majority of the forested areas were moderately vulnerable. We examined how the ESI values varied with soil organic matter (OM) content as an independent variable and found that the OM content was significantly moderately correlated with the ESI (n = 632,r = −0.51,P < 0.01), suggesting that the ESI could be used to evaluate the desertification vulnerability of similar landscapes across Turkey.
Practices for rehabilitating bauxite‐mined areas and an integrative approach to monitor soil quality
Authors: Borges Silvano R. , Santos Rafael S. , Oliveira Dener M. S. , Souza Ivan F. , Verburg Ernst E. J. , Pimentel Laisa G. , Cruz Rogério S. , Silva Ivo R.
Published: January 2019

Mining activities cause severe impacts to soil, the restoration of which requires specific management, and proper evaluation and monitoring. In this research, our objectives were to study recovery strategies and integrate indicators for monitoring the reclamation of an agricultural soil after bauxite mining. Distinct fertilizations (nonfertilized control [CT], poultry litter [PL], chemical fertilization [CF], and PL + CF combined) and intercrops (bare soil with no intercrops [NI], grass [G], legume [L], and G + L combined) treatments were used as recovery strategies to restore soil capacity to sustain a coffee plantation. We selected 27 quality indicators to compare the premining condition, postmining (reconfigured topsoil), and 19 months after the application of fertilization/intercrops treatments. We used univariate statistics to select soil quality indicators and multivariate analyses to group the selected indicators into organic, chemical, physical, and microbiological properties. From each group, one representative attribute was selected, and its averaged weight was summarized into a soil quality index (SQI). In postmining, the estimated SQI was approximately 65% lower than in premining. The SQI recalculated 19 months after the application of fertilization (PL or PL + CF) and intercrops (G, L, or G + L) was 23% higher than in postmining and showed strong correlation with coffee bean yield (at 27 months). Coffee bean yield was highest in plots with L or G + L receiving PL or PL + CF. We conclude that organic amendments and intercrops are suitable approaches to recover soil following bauxite mining, and soil indicators can be integrated to properly monitor the land reclamation progress.
Seasonality of pCO2 in a hard‐water lake of the northern Great Plains: The legacy effects of climate and limnological conditions over 36 years
Authors: Finlay Kerri , Vogt Richard J. , Simpson Gavin L. , Leavitt Peter R.
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Biogeochemical processes are active year‐round in ice‐covered lakes, such that processes in one season can affect limnological conditions in subsequent seasons. However, the extent and nature of these legacy effects are poorly understood, particularly for the CO2 content of lakes and when considering gas exchange with the atmosphere. Here, we used a unique 36‐yr dataset of weekly limnological measurements of Buffalo Pound Lake in the northern Great Plains to assess seasonal changes in CO2 concentration and flux and determine how dependent lake pCO2 is on limnological conditions of previous seasons. We found that the lake was a net source of CO2 to the atmosphere (mean 18.5 ± 7.4 mol CO2 m−2 yr−1), with spring potentially accounting for the majority (~ 64% ± 20%) of CO2 efflux, assuming ice in spring was permeable to gas exchange (32.9% ± 19.8% if not). Analysis with generalized additive models (GAMs) demonstrated that current and antecedent seasonal conditions combined to explain 72.6% of deviance in spring pCO2, but that the strength of model predictions and the importance of antecedent conditions diminished in GAMs of summer (43.6%) and fall (23.3%) CO2 levels. This research suggests that pCO2 is regulated by a combination of coeval and historical environmental conditions and shows that quantification of seasonal and annual fluxes requires a mechanistic understanding of the legacy effects of preceding time intervals.
Intramolecular hydrogen bonding: An opportunity for improved design in medicinal chemistry
Authors: Caron Giulia , Kihlberg Jan , Ermondi Giuseppe
Published: January 2019

Recent literature shows that intramolecular hydrogen bond (IMHB) formation can positively impact upon the triad of permeability, solubility, and potency of drugs and candidates. IMHB modulation can be applied to compounds in any chemical space as a means for discovering drug candidates with both acceptable potency and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion‐Tox profiles. Integrating IMHB formation in design of drugs is, therefore, an exciting and timely challenge for modern medicinal chemistry. In this review, we first provide some background about IMHBs from the medicinal chemist's point of view and highlight some IMHB‐associated misconceptions. Second, we propose a classification of IMHBs for drug discovery purposes, review the most common in silico tactics to include IMHBs in lead optimization and list some experimental physicochemical descriptors, which quantify the propensity of compounds to form IMHBs. By focusing on the compounds size and the number of IMHBs that can potentially be formed, we also outline the major difficulties encountered when designing compounds based on the inclusion of IMHBs. Finally, we discuss recent case studies illustrating the application of IMHB to optimize cell permeability and physicochemical properties of small molecules, cyclic peptides and macrocycles.
Risk factors for microvascular free flaps in pediatric lower extremity trauma
Authors: Lee Z‐Hye , Daar David A. , Stranix John T. , Anzai Lavinia , Thanik Vishal D. , Saadeh Pierre B. , Levine Jamie P.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

There is a dearth of literature dedicated to specifically evaluating the use of free flap reconstruction in pediatric lower extremity traumas. This study aims to identify specific risk factors for flap failure in pediatric lower extremity trauma reconstruction.

Methods

Retrospective review of 53 free flaps in our lower extremity database (1979‐2017) identified all free flaps performed for traumatic reconstruction in children <18 years of age at our institution.

Results

Fifty‐three free flaps (11.1%) were performed in 49 pediatric patients. The majority of patients were male (69.8%). Arterial injury was present in 19 patients (35.8%) and was associated with significantly higher flap failure rates compared to patients without arterial injury (36.8% vs 8.8%, P = 0.020) with RR = 6.0. This was again found to be true on multivariable logistic regression controlling for age, sex, flap type, and degree of arterial or venous mismatch (RR = 53, P = 0.016).

Analysis of anastomotic vessel sizes revealed significantly increased risk of flap failure with increasing degree of arterial size mismatch on logistic regression (RR = 6.1, p = .02). Similar analysis for venous data was performed and revealed trending towards similar findings without reaching statistical significance (P = .086); however, the presence of any venous size mismatch was associated with significantly increased risk of flap failure on χ2 analysis (P = 0.041).

Conclusion

Free flap reconstruction in the pediatric trauma population is safe with similar survival outcomes when compared to the adult population. Arterial injury and vessel size mismatch were associated with significantly higher flap failure rates in this population.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Physical Inaccessibility of a Resistant Starch Shifts Mouse Gut Microbiota to Butyrogenic Firmicutes
Authors: Kaur Amandeep , Chen Tingting , Green Stefan J. , Mutlu Ece , Martin Berdine R. , Rumpagaporn Pinthip , Patterson John A. , Keshavarzian Ali , Hamaker Bruce R.
Published: January 2019

Scope

Resistant starch (RS) is utilized by Gram‐negative Bacteroidetes through a starch utilization system (Sus), which requires physical attachment of the bacteria to the substrate. Gram‐positive Firmicutes, which include butyrate producers, utilize RS by other mechanisms, such as amylosomes and secreted amylases/glucoamylases. It has been previously shown that fabricated RS [alginate‐based starch‐entrapped microspheres (SM)] increases butyrate in in vitro human fecal fermentation and was slow fermenting. It has been hypothesized that in vivo SM would disfavor Bacteroidetes and promote Firmicutes, leading to an increase in butyrate production.

Methods and results

A C57BL/6J mouse model is used to test type 2 RS (RS2, raw potato) and SM for SCFAs and fecal microbial community structure. Feeding SM for 2 weeks results in 2.4 times higher mol% butyrate in the mouse distal gut than RS2. SM reduces relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and increases Firmicutes in fecal samples at the end of the 2‐week feeding. This phylum‐level taxonomic shift is not observed in animals fed RS2.

Conclusion

Through an approach to understand bacterial requirements related to starch utilization, a designed fiber type favors butyrogenic Firmicutes bacteria and provides higher mol% butyrate in the distal gut with potential benefit as an anti‐inflammatory agent and to improve gut barrier function.
Technical Note: Design and implementation of a high‐throughput pipeline for reconstruction and quantitative analysis of CT image data
Authors: Hoffman John , Emaminejad Nastaran , Wahi‐Anwar Muhammad , Kim Grace H. , Brown Matthew , Young Stefano , McNitt‐Gray Michael
Published: January 2019

Purpose

With recent substantial improvements in modern computing, interest in quantitative imaging with CT has seen a dramatic increase. As a result, the need to both create and analyze large, high‐quality datasets of clinical studies has increased as well. At present, no efficient, widely available method exists to accomplish this. The purpose of this technical note is to describe an open‐source high‐throughput computational pipeline framework for the reconstruction and analysis of diagnostic CT imaging data to conduct large‐scale quantitative imaging studies and to accelerate and improve quantitative imaging research.

Methods

The pipeline consists of two, primary “blocks”: reconstruction and analysis. Reconstruction is carried out via a graphics processing unit (GPU) queuing framework developed specifically for the pipeline that allows a dataset to be reconstructed using a variety of different parameter configurations such as slice thickness, reconstruction kernel, and simulated acquisition dose. The analysis portion then automatically analyzes the output of the reconstruction using “modules” that can be combined in various ways to conduct different experiments. Acceleration of analysis is achieved using cluster processing. Efficiency and performance of the pipeline are demonstrated using an example 142 subject lung screening cohort reconstructed 36 different ways and analyzed using quantitative emphysema scoring techniques.

Results

The pipeline reconstructed and analyzed the 5112 reconstructed datasets in approximately 10 days, a roughly 72× speedup over previous efforts using the scanner for reconstructions. Tightly coupled pipeline quality assurance software ensured proper performance of analysis modules with regard to segmentation and emphysema scoring.

Conclusions

The pipeline greatly reduced the time from experiment conception to quantitative results. The modular design of the pipeline allows the high‐throughput framework to be utilized for other future experiments into different quantitative imaging techniques. Future applications of the pipeline being explored are robustness testing of quantitative imaging metrics, data generation for deep learning, and use as a test platform for image‐processing techniques to improve clinical quantitative imaging.
Practical aspects of the simultaneous collection of COSY and TOCSY spectra
Authors: Nolis Pau , Parella Teodor
Published: January 2019

The practical aspects of some NMR experiments designed for the simultaneous acquisition of 2D COSY and 2D TOCSY spectra are presented and discussed. Several techniques involving afterglow‐based, coherence transfer pathway (CTP)‐based, and NMR by Ordered Acquisition using 1H‐detection (NOAH)‐based strategies for the collection of different free‐induction signal decays (FIDs) within the same scan are evaluated and compared. These methods offer a faster recording of these spectra in small‐molecule NMR when sensitivity is not a limiting factor, with a reduction in spectrometer time about 45–60% when compared with the conventional sequential acquisition of the parent experiments. It is also shown how the optimized design of an extended three‐FID approach yields one COSY and two TOCSY spectra simultaneously by combining CTP and NOAH principles in the same experiment, affording substantial sensitivity enhancements per time unit.
New implementations for the Simultaneous‐FETI method
Authors: Molina Roberto , Roux François‐Xavier
Published: January 2019

In this work, we present alternative implementations for the Simultaneous‐FETI (S‐FETI) method. Developed in recent years, this method has shown to be very robust for highly heterogeneous problems. However, the memory cost in S‐FETI is greatly increased and can be a limitation to its use. Our main objective is to reduce this memory usage without losing significant time performance. The algorithm is based on the exploitation of the sparsity patterns found on the block of search directions, allowing to store less vectors per iteration in comparison to a full storage scheme. In addition, different variations for the S‐FETI method are also proposed, including a new treatment for the possible dependencies between directions and the use of the Lumped preconditioner. Several tests are performed in order to establish the impact of the modifications presented in this work compared to the original S‐FETI algorithm.
Open source code for behavior analysis in rodents
Authors: Hattori Satoko , Okumura Yoshihiro , Takao Keizo , Yamaguchi Yoko , Miyakawa Tsuyoshi
Published: January 2019

Aim

We have conducted a series of behavioral tests, which cover a broad range of behavioral domains, on various strains of genetically engineered mice. For the behavioral screening, we have been using Image J plugins that we developed for most of the tests in the battery. Our behavioral analysis system with the plugins enables systematic and automated image analysis of behavior. The plugins are freely available on the “Mouse Phenotype Database” website (http://www.mouse-phenotype.org/software.html). Here, we release the source code of the plugins in a Git repository with the aim of promoting their use and expanding their functionality.

Methods

We published the source code of the Image J plugins for behavioral analysis at Git repository (https://github.com/neuroinformatics). The source code for light/dark transition, elevated plus maze, open filed, T‐maze, and fear conditioning tests was made publicly available in the repository.

Conclusions

The source code of the plugins for the behavioral tests as well as the pre‐compiled binaries can be freely obtained. The open source code could promote the development and modification of the plugins for additional behavioral indices in these tests and for other behavioral tests.
An execution in medieval Sicily: Computerised tomography scan analysis and 3D reconstruction of an ancient forensic context
Authors: Miccichè Roberto , Carotenuto Giuseppe , Sìneo Luca
Published: January 2019

The bioarchaeological and forensic approach is increasingly applied in the study of funerary contexts in archaeology. Here, we present a case of an atypical medieval burial recently discovered in Piazza Armerina (Sicily), in which the integrated use of traditional bioarchaeological and forensic anthropology methods was crucial. The skeleton was lying in a prone position and was characterised by a peculiar injury pattern. We recorded six clear stab wound marks on the posterior surface of the sternum. The use of computerised tomography scan and 3D modelling techniques has made it possible to obtain a reliable reconstruction of the cause and modality of death, pointing to the execution of the individual. The importance of this case study is twofold. First, the injury pattern recorded currently constitutes a unicum in the bioarchaeological record. Second, it represents the first well‐documented case of an atypical burial in Sicily.
Objective versus Self‐Reported Energy Intake Changes During Low‐Carbohydrate and Low‐Fat Diets
Authors: Guo Juen , Robinson Jennifer L. , Gardner Christopher D. , Hall Kevin D.
Published: January 2019

Objective

This study aimed to compare self‐reported with objective measurements of energy intake changes (∆EI) during a 1‐year weight‐loss intervention with subjects randomized to low‐carbohydrate versus low‐fat diets.

Methods

Repeated body weight measurements were used as inputs to an objective mathematical model to calculate ∆EIModel and to compare with self‐reported energy intake changes assessed by repeated 24‐hour recalls (∆EIRecall).

Results

∆EIRecall indicated a relatively persistent state of calorie restriction of ~500 to 600 kcal/d at 3, 6, and 12 months with no significant differences between the diets. ∆EIModel demonstrated large early decreases in calorie intake > 800 kcal/d followed by an exponential return to ~100 kcal/d below baseline at the end of the year. Accounting for self‐reported physical activities did not materially affect the results. Discrepancies between ∆EIModel and ∆EIRecall became progressively greater over time. The low‐carbohydrate diet resulted in ∆EIModel that was 162 ± 53 kcal/d lower than the low‐fat diet over the first 3 months (P  =  0.002), but no significant diet differences were found thereafter.

Conclusions

Self‐reported ∆EI measurements were inaccurate. Model‐based calculations of ∆EI found that instructions to follow the low‐carbohydrate diet resulted in greater calorie restriction than the low‐fat diet in the early phases of the intervention, but these diet differences were not sustained.
Metal‐chloride‐anion‐containing polymers with expanded π‐conjugation systems derived from through‐space interactions in the piperazinium ring
Authors: Yamaguchi Isao , Hamada Yusei , Miyoshi Kiyotaka , Wang Aohan
Published: January 2019

Reactions of N‐(2,4‐dinitrophenyl)pyridinium chloride (salt(Cl)) with H+MCl4−1 (M ≡ Fe and Bi) resulted in an anion exchange between Cl− and MCl4− to yield Zincke salts with metal chloride anions, namely salt(Fe) and salt(Bi), respectively. Reactions of the Zincke salts with piperazine resulted in ring‐opening of the pyridinium ring, yielding ionic polymers with 5‐piperazinium‐2,4‐dienylideneammonium metal chloride units, namely polymer(Fe) and polymer(Bi). The corresponding model compounds were synthesized via reactions using salt(Bi) or salt(Cl) as starting materials. The UV–visible spectra of the polymers had absorption maxima at longer wavelengths than those of the model compounds. This indicated that the π‐conjugation system is expanded along the polymer main chain. Superconducting quantum interference device measurements indicated that polymer(Fe) was paramagnetic. Cyclic voltammetry analysis suggested that the polymers underwent electrochemical oxidation. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Dynamics of supramolecular associative polymer networks at the interplay of chain entanglement, transient chain association, and chain‐sticker clustering
Authors: Jangizehi Amir , Ahmadi Mostafa , Seiffert Sebastian
Published: January 2019

The dynamic mechanical properties of supramolecular associative polymer networks depend on the average number of entanglements along the network‐forming chains, Ne, and on their content of associative groups, f. In addition, there may be further influence by aggregation of the associative groups into clusters, which, in turn, is influenced by the chemical structure of these groups, and again by Ne and f of the polymer. Therefore, the effects of these parameters are interdependent. To conceptually understand this interdependency, we study model networks in which (a) Ne, (b) f, and (c) the chemical structure of the associative groups are varied systematically. Each network is probed by rheology. The clustering of the associative groups is assessed by analyzing the rheological data at the end range of frequency covered and by comparison of the number of supramolecular network junctions with the maximum possible number of binary transient bonds. We find that if the total number of the network junctions, which can be formed either by interchain entanglement or by interchain transient associations, is greater than a threshold of 13, then the likelihood of cluster formation is high and the dynamics of supramolecular associative polymer networks is mainly controlled by this phenomenon. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1209–1223
Magnetic properties of a polyfluorene derivative containing complexed neodymium ions
Authors: Santana Alisson J. , Turchetti Denis A. , Zanlorenzi Cristiano , Santos José C. R. , Laureto Edson , De Oliveira Adilson J. A. , Akcelrud Leni
Published: January 2019

Poly[9,9′‐dihexylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl)‐6,6″‐(2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine)] (LaPPS75) and its complexes with neodymium were synthesized and characterized. Magnetic measurements showed that the noncomplexed polymer presented a ferromagnetic contribution due to the formation of π stacking, and that in absence of those, the ferromagnetic behavior is suppressed. The pristine polymer, the complexed one and a low‐molecular‐weight model compound with the same structure of the complexed site in the parent polymer were studied. The observed behavior found is presented and discussed, the most important finding was that when a conjugated chain is used as a host for the metallic ion, an amplification of four times for the magnetization is achieved, using the same metallic content for complexed polymer and model compound for comparison. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 304–311
Infertility‐related distress following cancer for women and men: A mixed method study
Authors: Ussher Jane M. , Perz Janette
Published: January 2019

Objective

Infertility‐related distress is recognised to be a long‐term effect of cancer. There have been attempts to examine predictors of such distress, but there is inconsistency in the findings. This study examined the psychological impact of infertility‐related distress in women and men cancer survivors, across age group, parity, cancer type, time since diagnosis, and relationship context; and the association of distress with acceptance of illness and relationship satisfaction.

Methods

693 women and 185 men completed a self‐report survey examining infertility‐related distress (fertility problem inventory [FPI], acceptance of cancer (acceptance of illness scale [AIS]), psychological distress (Kessler psychological distress scale [K10]), quality of life (QoL) (ladder of life), and relationship satisfaction relationship assessment scale [RAS]); 61 women and 17 men took part in one‐to‐one interviews to examine subjective experiences of infertility distress.

Results

Infertility distress was positively correlated with psychological distress and negatively correlated with QoL, relationship satisfaction, and acceptance of cancer across gender, cancer type and stage, relationship status, and age. Women reported significantly higher infertility distress than men. In multiple regression analysis, unique statistical predictors of infertility distress for women were childlessness, cancer acceptance, and QoL. Childlessness and relationship satisfaction were unique predictors for men. Thematic analysis of interviews identified loss and grief, identity threat, relationship concerns or support, and acceptance of cancer and infertility as key themes.

Conclusions

Concern about cancer‐related infertility is associated with decrements in psychological well‐being and QoL, particularly for those without children. Psychological support to address cancer‐related infertility distress should acknowledge the different meanings of infertility across gender, and the impact of acceptance of cancer and relationship satisfaction.
Dyadic yoga program for patients undergoing thoracic radiotherapy and their family caregivers: Results of a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Milbury Kathrin , Liao Zhongxing , Shannon Vickie , Mallaiah Smitha , Nagarathna Raghuram , Li Yisheng , Yang Chunyi , Carmack Cindy , Bruera Eduardo , Cohen Lorenzo
Published: January 2019

Objective

Thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) may result in toxicities that are associated with performance declines and poor quality of life (QOL) for patients and their family caregivers. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to establish feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a dyadic yoga (DY) intervention as a supportive care strategy.

Methods

Patients with stage I to III non‐small cell lung or esophageal cancer undergoing TRT and their caregivers (N = 26 dyads) were randomized to a 15‐session DY or a waitlist control (WLC) group. Prior to TRT and randomization, both groups completed measures of QOL (SF‐36) and depressive symptoms (CES‐D). Patients also completed the 6‐minute walk test (6MWT). Dyads were reassessed on the last day of TRT and 3 months later.

Results

A priori feasibility criteria were met regarding consent (68%), adherence (80%), and retention (81%) rates. Controlling for relevant covariates, multilevel modeling analyses revealed significant clinical improvements for patients in the DY group compared with the WLC group for the 6MWT (means: DY = 473 m vs WLC = 397 m, d = 1.19) and SF‐36 physical function (means: DY = 38.77 vs WLC = 30.88; d = .66) and social function (means: DY = 45.24 vs WLC = 39.09; d = .44) across the follow‐up period. Caregivers in the DY group reported marginally clinically significant improvements in SF‐36 vitality (means: DY = 53.05 vs WLC = 48.84; d = .39) and role performance (means: DY = 52.78 vs WLC = 48.59; d = .51) relative to those in the WLC group.

Conclusions

This novel supportive care program appears to be feasible and beneficial for patients undergoing TRT and their caregivers. A larger efficacy trial with a more stringent control group is warranted.
Grow your own food security? Integrating science and citizen science to estimate the contribution of own growing to UK food production
Authors: Edmondson Jill L. , Blevins Roscoe S. , Cunningham Hamish , Dobson Miriam C. , Leake Jonathan R. , Grafius Darren R.
Published: January 2019

Societal Impact Statement

Own‐grown fruit and vegetable production in urban areas is increasingly assumed to increase food security, however, the evidence‐base to support this assumption is lacking. By integrating remotely sensed Geographic Information System data, fieldwork, and a citizen science project (MYHarvest) we will estimate the current levels of UK own‐grown fruit and vegetable production and how this could be increased if more urban land was made available for own‐growing. This will provide the first comprehensive UK dataset on own‐grown production for use by research scientists, policy‐makers, and the public, and will highlight the importance of urban horticulture to local and national food security.
Nocturnal oximetry in children with obstructive lung disease or sleep‐disordered breathing
Authors: Katsouli Georgia , Polytarchou Anastasia , Tsaoussoglou Marina , Loukou Ioanna , Chrousos George , Kaditis Athanasios G.
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Although progress has been made in the standardized interpretation of nocturnal oximetry in children with obstructive sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB), no evidence exists on oximetry abnormalities in other respiratory disorders. We aimed to compare obstructive lung disease (OLD) and SDB regarding nocturnal oximetry parameters.

Methods

We analyzed oximetry recordings from children with (i) OLD (obliterative bronchiolitis; cystic fibrosis); (ii) snoring and adenotonsillar hypertrophy (SDB); and (iii) no respiratory disorder (controls). The three groups were compared regarding: (i) oxygen desaturation of hemoglobin index (SpO2 drops ≥3%/h‐ODI3) and (ii) basal SpO2 (average SpO2 between SpO2 drops). The associations of oximetry parameters (natural logarithm) with study group were tested using linear regression including age as covariate.

Results

Data of 16 subjects with OLD (median age: 7.3 years; Q25, Q75: 5.4, 12), 22 children with SDB (6.3 years; 4, 9) and 22 controls (6.8 years; 5.6, 10.3) were analyzed. Children with OLD or SDB had significantly lower basal SpO2 than controls (91.9% [90.8, 93.4] vs 96.3% [96, 97.4] vs 97.6% [97.1, 97.9]; P < 0.01). No subjects in the SDB or control groups had basal SpO2 < 95%. Children with SDB had significantly higher ODI3 than children with OLD or controls [8.4 episodes/h (6.2, 16.6) vs 4.4 episodes/h (3.6, 6.6) vs 2 episodes/h (1.3, 2.7); P < 0.01]. OLD had the greatest negative effect on basal SpO2 (R2 = 0.62; P < 0.001) and SDB the greatest positive effect on ODI3 (R2 = 0.34; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

OLD is associated mostly with reduced basal SpO2, whereas SDB is characterized by elevated ODI3.
Detection of broadleaf weeds growing in turfgrass with convolutional neural networks
Authors: Yu Jialin , Sharpe Shaun M , Schumann Arnold W , Boyd Nathan S
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Weed infestations reduce turfgrass aesthetics and uniformity. Postemergence (POST) herbicides are applied uniformly on turfgrass, hence areas without weeds are also sprayed. Deep learning, particularly the architecture of convolutional neural network (CNN), is a state‐of‐art approach to recognition of images and objects. In this paper, we report deep learning CNN (DL‐CNN) models that are remarkably accurate at detection of broadleaf weeds in turfgrasses.

RESULTS

VGGNet was the best model for detection of various broadleaf weeds growing in dormant bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.)] and DetectNet was the best model for detection of cutleaf evening‐primrose (Oenothera laciniata Hill) in bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) when the learning rate policy was exponential decay. These models achieved high F1 scores (>0.99) and overall accuracy (>0.99), with recall values of 1.00 in the testing datasets.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present research demonstrate the potential for detection of broadleaf weed using DL‐CNN models for detection of broadleaf weeds in turfgrass systems. Further research is required to evaluate weed control in field conditions using these models for in situ video input in conjunction with a smart sprayer. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The management of overactive bladder symptom complex
Authors: Park Joon Jae , Chapple Christopher
Published: January 2019

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a symptom complex characterised by urinary urgency, with or without urgency incontinence, usually associated with increased daytime frequency and nocturia. This article discusses our current understanding of OAB and its recommended management.
Assessing Potential Drug–Drug Interactions Between Dabigatran Etexilate and a P‐Glycoprotein Inhibitor in Renal Impairment Populations Using Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling
Authors: Doki Kosuke , Neuhoff Sibylle , Rostami‐Hodjegan Amin , Homma Masato
Published: January 2019

Plasma concentrations of dabigatran, an active principle of prodrug dabigatran etexilate (DABE), are increased by renal impairment (RI) or coadministration of a P‐glycoprotein inhibitor. Because the combined effects of drug–drug interactions and RI have not been evaluated by means of clinical studies, the decision of DABE dosing for RI patients receiving P‐glycoprotein inhibitors is empirical at its best. We conducted virtual drug–drug interactions studies between DABE and the P‐glycoprotein inhibitor verapamil in RI populations using physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling. The developed physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for DABE and dabigatran was used to predict trough dabigatran concentrations in the presence and absence of verapamil in virtual RI populations. The population‐based physiologically based pharmacokinetic model provided the most appropriate dosing regimen of DABE for likely clinical scenarios, such as drug–drug interactions in this RI population based on available knowledge of the systems changes and in the absence of actual clinical studies.
CO2‐activation and enhanced capture by C6Li6: A density functional approach
Authors: Srivastava Ambrish Kumar
Published: January 2019

In this study, we propose a simple and yet effective approach for capture and storage of CO2 by C6Li6. C6Li6 possesses a planar star‐like structure, whose ionization energy is lower than that of Li atom and hence, it behaves as a superalkali. We have systematically studied the interaction of successive CO2 molecules with C6Li6 using long‐range dispersion corrected density functional ωB97xD/6‐311 + G(d) calculations. We notice that these interactions lead to stable C6Li6‐nCO2 complexes (n = 1‐6) in which the structure of CO2 moieties is bent appreciably (122‐125°) due to electron transfer from C6Li6, whose planarity is distorted only slightly (≤7°). This clearly suggests that the CO2 molecules can successfully be activated and captured by C6Li6. It has been also noticed that the bond‐length of CO2 in C6Li6‐nCO2 complexes increases monotonically whereas adsorption energy decreases, ranging 3.18‐2.79 eV per CO2 with the increase in n. These findings establish the potential of C6Li6 for capture and storage of CO2 molecules.
Enantiomeric analysis of polycyclic musks AHTN and HHCB and HHCB‐lactone in sewage sludge by gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Gao Shutao , Tian Boyang , Zeng Xiangying , Yu Zhiqiang
Published: January 2019

Rationale

Enantioselective analysis of chiral compounds is an interesting and challenging technique used to elucidate the degradation/transformation mechanisms of these compounds or understand their environmental processes. In this study, we have developed an effective separation and detection approach for the enantiomeric analysis of AHTN and HHCB, as well as a transformation product of HHCB (HHCB‐lactone), in sludge samples.

Methods

The analytical method was developed using a cyclodextrin‐based enantioselective gas chromatography column combined with tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS). The GC oven temperature gradients, the linear velocity of the helium carrier gas, as well as the MS/MS parameters, including quantitative and qualitative ion pairs, dwell times, and collision energies, were optimized to achieve good separation and high sensitivity for all target enantiomers.

Results

Baseline separations of all target enantiomers were observed. Limits of quantification (LOQs) for all enantiomers ranged from 0.010 to 0.045 μg/L, and calibration linearity for all single enantiomers was higher than 0.99. The intra‐day and inter‐day precisions for all single enantiomers of AHTN, HHCB, and HHCB‐lactone ranged from 0.8 to 3.8% and from 4.2 to 8.3%, respectively.

Conclusions

The developed method was fully validated through enantioselective analyses of AHTN, HHCB, and HHCB‐lactone in sludge samples collected from 17 WWTPs. The enantiomeric fractions (EFs) of HHCB and HHCB‐lactone in sludge samples distinctly deviated from 0.50, indicating a significant enantioselective transformation of HHCB with preferential degradation of the 4S enantiomers. Significant positive correlations were found between the EF values of cis‐HHCB enantiomers and cis‐HHCB‐lactone enantiomers in the sludge samples, implying that further efforts are still needed to clarify the degradation/transformation mechanism from HHCB to HHCB‐lactone.
The influence of diet composition and tissue type on the stable isotope incorporation patterns of a small‐bodied southern African minnow Enteromius anoplus (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae)
Authors: Kambikambi Manda J. , Chakona Albert , Kadye Wilbert T.
Published: January 2019

Rationale

In trophic ecology, the use of stable isotope data relies on the general understanding of isotope turnover rates and diet‐to‐tissue discrimination factors (DTDFs). Recent studies on the application of stable isotope data have shown that isotope turnover rates and DTDFs can be influenced by many factors, including diet composition and tissue type. This study investigated the influence of diet composition and tissue type on stable isotope incorporation patterns in a small‐bodied African minnow, the chubbyhead barb Enteromius anoplus.

Methods

The isotopic incorporation patterns of carbon (δ13C values) and nitrogen (δ15N values) into white muscle and caudal fin tissues of the chubbyhead barb were examined using two isotopically different diets. Controlled‐diet stable isotope feeding trials using a fishmeal‐based diet (diet 1) and a soya‐based diet (diet 2) were conducted over a 180‐day period for the chubbyhead barb.

Results

The two diets had contrasting isotopic incorporation patterns: diet 1 was associated with progressively high δ13C and δ15N values, whereas diet 2 was associated with progressively low δ13C and δ15N values over time for both muscle and fin tissues. The δ13C turnover rates were similar for both tissues (56 and 61 days), whereas the δ15N turnover rates differed between fin and muscle tissue in both diets (diet 1 = 4 and 130 days, and diet 2 = 72 and 300 days, respectively). The DTDFs were similar for both tissues in diet 1 (Δ13C: −3.96 to −2.62‰, Δ15N: 1.98 to 2.61‰) and diet 2 (Δ13C: 4.05 to 5.24‰, Δ15N: 8.45 to 9.69‰).

Conclusions

These results suggest that fin tissue can potentially be used as an alternative for muscle tissue in food web studies with a reasonable level of error. The isotopic turnover rate and DTDFs estimates for E. anoplus, however, require consideration of diet composition because different diets may differ in their isotopic incorporation patterns.
Oocyte collection and in vitro maturation after train transportation of human follicular fluid aspirated from resected non‐stimulated ovaries of patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma
Authors: Shirasawa Hiromitsu , Ono Natsuki , Kumazawa Yukiyo , Sato Wataru , Sato Naoki , Ihara Motomasa , Yaegashi Nobuo , Terada Yukihiro
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Immature human oocytes from resected ovaries can be used for research and fertility preservation, though it is unknown whether it is feasible to transport oocytes for these purposes. This study examined in vitro maturation (IVM) outcomes after the transportation of human follicular fluid (HFF) containing oocytes.

Methods

Fourteen patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma were enrolled. Oocytes obtained from the resected ovaries of seven patients were transported with HFF by railway (transportation group). Samples of HFF from the other seven patients were not transported, and IVM was performed promptly (non‐transportation group). The results of oocyte retrieval and IVM were compared.

Results

The average ages in the transportation and non‐transportation groups were 40.1 ± 2.0 and 39.6 ± 1.8 years, respectively, and the average numbers of collected oocytes were 8.1 ± 8.4 and 5.1 ± 5.1, respectively. There was a significant negative correlation between the number of collected oocytes and age. The proportions of oocytes that reached meiosis II (maturation rate) after IVM were 38.6% and 69.2% in the transportation and non‐transportation groups, respectively (P = 0.013).

Conclusion

In this preliminary study, the usefulness of the transportation of HFF was limited. Further studies on maintaining oocyte normality during transportation are necessary for becoming the effective method for research and clinical use.
Consensus of multiagent systems with nonlinear dynamics and time‐varying communication delays
Authors: Qian Wei , Gao Yanshan , Wang Lei , Fei Shumin
Published: January 2019

This paper deals with the local consensus of multiagent systems with nonlinear dynamics communication delays simultaneously. By introducing a weighted average state and applying the properties of the Laplacian matrix eigenvalues, the system is decoupled into several subsystems, firstly, to reduce complexity of theory analysis. Then, a new augmented vector containing single and double integral terms is constructed and the corresponding Lyapunov functional with triple integral terms is introduced. Meanwhile, in order to improve the estimating accuracy of the derivatives of constructed Lyapunov functional, single integral inequalities and double integral inequalities via auxiliary functions, an extended relaxed integral inequality and an reciprocally convex approach are used, as a result, stability criterion with less conservatism is derived, which guarantees the local consensus of the considered systems. Finally, numerical examples are provided to check the improvement of the proposed method over the existing works.
Capability creation: Heuristics as microfoundations
Authors: Bingham Christopher B. , Howell Travis , Ott Timothy E.
Published: January 2019

Research Summary

While much research suggests that capabilities are critical for firms, little is known about the individual‐level origins (“microfoundations”) of capabilities. Using in‐depth nested case studies, we explore how firms develop an internationalization capability. The setting is six entrepreneurial firms from three culturally distinct countries. Our data show that executives begin byseedingthe process with imperfect heuristics and then managers continue development byelaboratingtheir understanding of what task to perform and how to perform it. Importantly, managers across hierarchical levels support the development of their firm's internationalization capability byabstractingkey heuristics away from any one experience such that the capabilities becomelessroutine over time. Overall, we contribute to the microfoundations movement in strategy and to the literature on organizational learning.

Managerial Summary

Firm capabilities are not just important to strategy, but oftenarethe strategy of firms, especially in dynamic markets. Popular examples include Cisco's acquisition capability, Hewlett–Packard's alliance capability, Starbuck's internationalization capability, and Apple's product development capability. Unfortunately, it is often unclear to executives how to build a firm capability. We explore how entrepreneurial firms develop their own internationalization capability over time. Our data show that these capabilities develop through a process of seeding, elaborating, and abstracting key heuristics for internationalization. Importantly, we show that this process is shaped by extensive communication within and across multiple hierarchical levels. In this way, heuristics move from individual‐level “rules of thumb” for action to firm‐level understandings for fueling growth and creating competitive advantage.
Mechanical and thermal performance of new liner tray solutions
Authors: Kuhnhenne Markus , Pyschny Dominik , Kramer Lisa , Brieden Matthias , Ummenhofer Thomas , Ruff Daniel C. , Fauth Christian , Holz Rainer
Published: January 2019

Liner tray wall systems are widely used for industrial and commercial buildings. Up until now, the main type used was the conventional solution with a thin (3 mm) separation strip between liner tray and outer shell. In the meantime, various solutions exist on the market to improve the thermal performance of this wall system. On the one hand, this paper deals with numerical studies that show how these new solutions reduce the heat transfer coefficient of liner tray wall systems. On the other hand, it is about the related increase in the fixing distance s1 and its influence on the mechanical performance of liner tray wall systems. Extensive experimental investigations have been performed on liner trays with a directly attached outer façade within the scope of the European RFCS Research Project GRISPE. Practicable calculation methods have been derived based on existing regulations and methods. This paper depicts by way of excerpts the results for liner trays with a directly attached outer façade for fastener distances that are not or insufficiently covered in the standards.