bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meroterpenoid‐Rich Fraction of the Ethanol Extract of Sargassum Serratifolium Suppresses Collagen‐Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis in DBA/1J Mice Via Inhibition of Nuclear Factor κB Activation
Authors: Joung Eun‐Ji , Kwon Misung , Gwon Wi‐Gyeong , Cao Lei , Lee Sang‐Gil , Utsuki Tadanobu , Wakamatsu Nobuko , Kim Jae‐Il , Kim Hyeung‐Rak 
Published: January 2020

ScopeRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder related to the inflammation of cartilage due to the infiltration of inflammatory cells. Sargassum serratifolium, a brown alga, possesses strong anti‐inflammatory activities.Methods and ResultsThe effect of meroterpenoid‐rich fraction from the ethanol extract of S. serratifolium (MES) on RA and its underlying mechanisms on the inhibition of RA using a collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model are examined. The results show that MES ameliorates paw swelling and reduces the arthritis score. MES considerably decreases the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in the serum and joint tissue of mice. Histopathological analysis demonstrates that MES strongly inhibited bone damage and inflammatory cell intrusion in the joint tissue. The expression of inflammatory enzymes and adhesion molecules is significantly inhibited in the serum and joint tissue of MES‐fed mice. In addition, MES downregulates the nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) signaling pathway by suppressing the phosphorylation of protein kinase B, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases.ConclusionsMES supplementation remarkably reduces inflammatory response in CIA mouse model. These results indicate that MES can be used as a pharmaceutical agent against RA.
Minibeam radiation therapy: A micro‐ and nano‐dosimetry Monte Carlo study
Authors: Dos Santos M. , Delorme R. , Salmon R. , Prezado Y. 
Published: January 2020

PurposeMinibeam radiation therapy (MBRT) is an innovative strategy based on a distinct dose delivery method that is administered using a series of narrow (submillimetric) parallel beams. To shed light on the biological effects of MBRT irradiation, we explored the micro‐ and nanodosimetric characteristics of three promising MBRT modalities (photon, electron, and proton) using Monte Carlo (MC) calculations.MethodsIrradiation with proton (100 MeV), electron (300 MeV), and photon (effective energy of 69 keV) minibeams were simulated using Geant4 MC code and the Geant4‐DNA extension, which allows the simulation of energy transfer points with nanometric accuracy. As the target of the simulations, cells containing spherical nuclei with or without a detailed description of the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) geometry were placed at different depths in peak and valley regions in a water phantom. The energy deposition and number of events in the cell nuclei were recorded in the microdosimetry study, and the number of DNA breaks and their complexity were determined in the nanodosimetric study, where a multi‐scale simulation approach was used for the latter. For DNA damage assessment, an adapted DBSCAN clustering algorithm was used. To compare the photon MBRT (xMBRT), electron MBRT (eMBRT), and proton MBRT (pMBRT) approaches, we considered the treatment of a brain tumor located at a depth of 75 mm.ResultsBoth mean energy deposition at micrometric scale and DNA damage in the “valley” cell nuclei were very low as compared with these parameters in the peak region at all depths for xMBRT and at depths of 0 to 30 mm and 0 to 50 mm for eMBRT and pMBRT, respectively. Only the charged minibeams were favorable for tumor control by producing similar effects in peak and valley cells after 70 mm. At the micrometer scale, the energy deposited per event pointed to a potential advantage of proton beams for tumor control, as more aggressive events could be expected at the end of their tracks. At the nanometer scale, all three MBRT modalities produced direct clustered DNA breaks, although the majority of damage (>93%) was composed of isolated single strand breaks. The pMBRT led to a significant increase in the proportion of clustered single strand breaks and double‐strand breaks at the end of its range as compared to the entrance (7% at 75 mm vs 3% at 10 mm) in contrast to eMBRT and xMBRT. In the latter cases, the proportions of complex breaks remained constant, irrespective of the depth and region (peak or valley).ConclusionsEnhanced normal tissue sparing can be expected with these three MBRT techniques. Among the three modalities, pMBRT offers an additional gain for radioresistant tumors, as it resulted in a higher number of complex DNA damage clusters in the tumor region. These results can aid understanding of the biological mechanisms of MBRT.
Implementation of the structural SIMilarity (SSIM) index as a quantitative evaluation tool for dose distribution error detection
Authors: Peng Jiayuan , Shi Chengyu , Laugeman Eric , Hu Weigang , Zhang Zhen , Mutic Sasa , Cai Bin 
Published: January 2020

PurposeTo apply an imaging metric of the structural SIMilarity (SSIM) index to the radiotherapy dose verification field and evaluate its capability to reveal the different types of errors between two dose distributions.MethodThe SSIM index consists of three sub‐indices: luminance, contrast, and structure. Given two images, luminance analysis compares the local mean result, contrast analysis compares the local standard deviation, and the structure index represents the local Pearson correlation. Three test error patterns (absolute dose error, dose gradient error, and dose structure error) were designed to characterize the response of SSIM and its sub‐indices and establish the correlation between the indices and different dose error types. After establishing the correlation, four radiotherapy plans (one MLC picket‐fence test plan, one brain stereotactic radiotherapy plan, and two head‐and‐neck plans) were tested by computing each index and compared with the gamma analysis results to determine their similarities and differences.ResultsAmong the three test error patterns, the luminance index decreased from 1 to 0.1 when the absolute dose agreement fell from 100% to 5%, the contrast index decreased from 1 to 0.36 when the dose gradient agreement fell from 100% to 10%, and the structure index decreased from 1 to 0.23 when the periodical dose pattern shifted (leading to a lower correlation). Thus, the luminance, contrast and structure index can detect the absolute dose error, gradient discrepancy, and dose structure error, respectively. For the four clinical cases, the sub‐indices can reveal the type of error when gamma analysis only provided limited information.ConclusionsThe correlation between the subcomponents of the SSIM index and the error types of the dose distribution were established. The SSIM index provides additional error information compared to that provided by gamma analysis.
Identifying aspirin polymorphs from combined DFT‐based crystal structure prediction and solid‐state NMR
Authors: Mathew Renny , Uchman Karolina A. , Gkoura Lydia , Pickard Chris J. , Baias Maria 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA combined experimental and computational approach was used to distinguish between different polymorphs of the pharmaceutical drug aspirin. This method involves the use of ab initio random structure searching (AIRSS), a density functional theory (DFT)‐based crystal structure prediction method for the high‐accuracy prediction of polymorphic structures, with DFT calculations of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) parameters and solid‐state NMR experiments at natural abundance. AIRSS was used to predict the crystal structures of form‐I and form‐II of aspirin. The root‐mean‐square deviation between experimental and calculated 1H chemical shifts was used to identify form‐I as the polymorph present in the experimental sample, the selection being successful despite the large similarities between the molecular environments in the crystals of the two polymorphs.
Magnetic resonance fingerprinting for simultaneous renal T1 and T2* mapping in a single breath‐hold
Authors: Hermann Ingo , Chacon‐Caldera Jorge , Brumer Irène , Rieger Benedikt , Weingärtner Sebastian , Schad Lothar R. , Zöllner Frank G. 
Published: January 2020

PurposeTo evaluate the use of magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) for simultaneous quantification of and in a single breath‐hold in the kidneys.MethodsThe proposed kidney MRF sequence was based on MRF echo‐planar imaging. Thirty‐five measurements per slice and overall 4 slices were measured in 15.4 seconds. Group matching was performed for in‐line quantification of and . Images were acquired in a phantom and 8 healthy volunteers in coronal orientation. To evaluate our approach, region of interests were drawn in the kidneys to calculate mean values and standard deviations of the and times. Precision was calculated across multiple repeated MRF scans. Gaussian filtering is applied on baseline images to improve SNR and match stability.Results and times acquired with MRF in the phantom showed good agreement with reference measurements and conventional mapping methods with deviations of less than 5% for and less than 10% for . Baseline images in vivo were free of artifacts and relaxation times yielded good agreement with conventional methods and literature (deviation , ).ConclusionsIn this feasibility study, the proposed renal MRF sequence resulted in accurate and quantification in a single breath‐hold.
A comparative study of different model families for the constitutive simulation of viscous clays
Authors: Tafili Merita , Fuentes William , Triantafyllidis Theodoros 
Published: January 2020

SummaryThe simulation of the viscous behavior of some clays is of high importance in many geotechnical problems. The literature offers a vast amount of constitutive models able to simulate the rate dependence observed on these materials. Although most of these models are calibrated to very similar experimental observations and share similar definitions of material parameters, some discrepancies of their response have been detected, which are related to their mathematical formulations. In this work, the causes of these discrepancies are carefully studied. To that end, four different model families are analyzed, namely, nonstationary flow surface (NSFS) models, viscoplasticity with overstress function (OVP), viscoplasticity with Norton's power law (NVP), and visco‐hypoplasticity (VHP). For the sake of a fair comparison, single constitutive models using the same set of material parameters, and following other requirements, are developed for each model family. Numerical implementations of the four resulting models are performed. Their response at different tests are carefully analyzed through simulation examples and direct examination of their constitutive equations. The set includes some basic tests at isotropic stress states and others as responses envelopes, undrained creep rupture, and an oedometer test with loading, unloading‐reloading, creep, and relaxation. The article is concluded with some remarks about the observed discrepancies of these model families.
Geospatial variation in caesarean delivery
Authors: Vanderlaan Jennifer , Edwards Johnathan A. , Dunlop Anne 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the variation in caesarean delivery rates across counties in Georgia and to determine whether county‐level characteristics were associated with clusters.DesignThis was a retrospective, observational study.MethodsRates of primary and repeat caesarean by maternal county of residence were calculated for 2008 through 2012. Global Moran's I (Spatial Autocorrelation) was used to identify geographic clustering. Characteristics of high and low‐rate counties were compared using student's t test and chi‐squared test.ResultsSpatial analysis of both primary and repeat caesarean rate identified the presence of clusters (Moran's I = 0.375; p < .001). Counties in high‐rate clusters had significantly lower access to midwives, more deliveries paid by Medicaid, higher proportion of births for women belonging to racial/ethnic minority groups and were more likely to be rural.
Grit in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults with Low Back Pain Is Related to Self‐Physical Training Habits
Authors: Kawasaki Tsubasa , Tozawa Ryosuke 
Published: January 2020

IntroductionSelf‐management is an effective way to manage chronic low back pain (LBP) and is frequently recommended. However, the psychological aspects, including grit (ie, perseverance and passion for long‐term goals), of the habit of self‐management remain unclear.ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between grit and the self‐directed exercise.DesignCross‐sectional observational study.SettingCommunity‐dwelling older adults.ParticipantsFifty‐nine older adults with LBP (30 men, 29 women; mean age 72 ± 5 years, range 65‐82 years).InterventionNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcome measures included grit scores on the Short Grit Scale and the number of months performing self‐directed exercise. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between participants' grit and duration of self‐directed exercise.ResultsA significant positive correlation between grit and the duration of self‐directed exercise habits was observed (r = 0.49, P < .001). Furthermore, in multiple regression analysis, grit was a significant factor of the duration of self‐directed exercise.ConclusionLow grit was associated with reduced self‐directed exercise in individuals with LBP self‐directed exercise.
Enset‐based agricultural systems in Ethiopia: A systematic review of production trends, agronomy, processing and the wider food security applications of a neglected banana relative
Authors: Borrell James S. , Goodwin Mark , Blomme Guy , Jacobsen Kim , Wendawek Abebe M. , Gashu Dawd , Lulekal Ermias , Asfaw Zemede , Demissew Sebsebe , Wilkin Paul 
Published: January 2020

Societal Impact StatementEnset is a staple food for over 20 million people via its starch‐rich corm and pseudostem, yet it is virtually unknown outside a narrow zone of cultivation in southern Ethiopia. Due to acculturation and urbanization coupled with climate change, emerging pests and the introduction of new crops, the extensive indigenous knowledge associated with this crop is in danger of being lost, imperilling the future food security and prosperity of millions of Ethiopians. Here, we synthesize the current state of enset ethnobotanical research, identifying key gaps and challenges, and provide a framework for further enset research to safeguard this important, but neglected, tropical crop.
Summary
Enset (Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman) is the major starch staple of the Ethiopian Highlands, where its unique attributes enhance the food security of approximately 20 million people and have earned it the title “The Tree Against Hunger”. Yet enset‐based agriculture is virtually unknown outside of its narrow zone of cultivation, despite growing wild across much of East and Southern Africa. Here, we review historical production data to show that the area of land under enset production in Ethiopia has reportedly increased 46% in two decades, whilst yield increased 12‐fold over the same period, making enset the second most produced crop species in Ethiopia—though we critically evaluate potential issues with these data. Furthermore, we address a major challenge in the development and wider cultivation of enset, by reviewing and synthesizing the complex and fragmented agronomic and ethnobotanic knowledge associated with this species; including farming systems, processing methods, products, medicinal uses and cultural importance. Finally, we provide a framework to improve the quality, consistency and comparability of data collected across culturally diverse enset‐based agricultural systems to enhanced sustainable use of this neglected starch staple. In conclusion, we discuss the challenges and opportunities for enset cultivation beyond its restricted distribution, and the regional food security potential it could afford smallholders elsewhere in Southern and East Africa.
A commercial arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculum increases root colonization across wheat cultivars but does not increase assimilation of mycorrhiza‐acquired nutrients
Authors: Elliott Ashleigh J. , Daniell Tim J. , Cameron Duncan D. , Field Katie J. 
Published: January 2020

Societal Impact StatementProduction and heavy application of chemical‐based fertilizers to maintain crop yields is unsustainable due to pollution from run‐off, high CO2 emissions, and diminishing yield returns. Access to fertilizers will be limited in the future due to rising energy costs and dwindling rock phosphate resources. A growing number of companies produce and sell arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) inoculants, intended to help reduce fertilizer usage by facilitating crop nutrient uptake through arbuscular mycorrhizas. However, their success has been variable. Here, we present information about the efficacy of a commercially available AMF inoculant in increasing AMF root colonization and fungal contribution to plant nutrient uptake, which are critical considerations within the growing AMF inoculant industry.Summary

Arable agriculture needs sustainable solutions to reduce reliance on large inputs of nutrient fertilizers while continuing to improve crop yields. By harnessing arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis, there is potential to improve crop nutrient assimilation and growth without additional inputs, although the efficacy of commercially available mycorrhizal inocula in agricultural systems remains controversial.
Using stable and radioisotope tracing, carbon‐for‐nutrient exchange between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and three modern cultivars of wheat was quantified in a non‐sterile, agricultural soil, with or without the addition of a commercial mycorrhizal inoculant.
While there was no effect of inoculum addition on above‐ground plant biomass, there was increased root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and changes in community structure. Inoculation increased phosphorus uptake across all wheat cultivars by up to 30%, although this increase was not directly attributable to mycorrhizal fungi. Carbon‐for‐nutrient exchange between symbionts varied substantially between the wheat cultivars.
Plant tissue phosphorus increased in inoculated plants potentially because of changes induced by inoculation in microbial community composition and/or nutrient cycling within the rhizosphere. Our data contribute to the growing consensus that mycorrhizal inoculants could play a role in sustainable food production systems of the future.
Chilling consequences: Herbarium records reveal earlier reproductive phenology of winter annual gladecress in a wetter, cooler climate
Authors: Banaszak Caitlin , Grinath Joshua B. , Herlihy Christopher R. 
Published: January 2020

Societal Impact StatementNetworks of digitized herbarium records are rich resources for understanding plant responses to climate change. While the climate is warming globally, some localities are experiencing climate cooling, the effects of which are poorly understood. Our herbarium‐based study of a geographically restricted species shows that the timing of reproduction can shift earlier as the climate becomes cooler and wetter. Local variation in climate change may be a key factor driving the high variability of changes observed in plant reproduction and climate cooling should be considered along with other global change drivers. This will help enable accurate predictions for the successful management of climate change effects.
Summary

Plant phenological responses to global warming are well studied. However, while many locations are experiencing increased temperatures, some locations are experiencing climate cooling. Little work has been conducted to understand plant phenological responses to cooling trends, much less the combined effects of cooling and other factors, such as changing precipitation. Furthermore, studies based on herbarium specimens have been instrumental in demonstrating plant responses to global warming; but to our knowledge, herbarium records have not been used to investigate responses to cooling.

We collected data from 98 years of herbarium records to evaluate whether the reproductive phenology (flowering/fruiting) of an annual mustard, cedar gladecress (Leavenworthia stylosa), has changed as the climate has become cooler and wetter in central Tennessee, USA. Additionally, we conducted two field experiments to assess reproductive consequences of different flowering times.

Over the last century, gladecress reproductive phenology has shifted 2.1 days earlier per decade, concurrent with wetter conditions during germination and cooler conditions during reproduction. Field experiments showed that plants with extremely early and moderately early flowering had equivalent reproduction, but these plants had greater reproduction than intermediate‐ and late‐flowering plants.

Counter to expectations from global warming studies, our work demonstrates that climate cooling and greater rainfall can result in earlier plant reproductive phenology, potentially due to asymmetric selection for early flowering. Future studies may need to consider climate cooling along with other global change factors to fully explain changes in plant phenology. Our understanding of plant responses to climate cooling can be enhanced through additional herbarium‐based research.
Soil health recovery after grassland reestablishment on cropland: The effects of time and topographic position
Authors: De Mriganka , Riopel Jason A. , Cihacek Larry J. , Lawrinenko Michael , Baldwin‐Kordick Rebecca , Hall Steven J. , McDaniel Marshall D. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a U.S. federal land conservation program that incentivizes grassland reestablishment on marginal lands. Although this program has many environmental benefits, two critical questions remain: does reestablishing grasslands via CRP also result in soil health recovery, and what parts of restored fields (i.e., topographic positions) recover the fastest? We hypothesized that soil health will recover over time after converting cropland to CRP grassland and that recovery will be greatest at higher topographic positions. To test this, we sampled 241 midwestern U.S. soils along a grassland chronosequence (0–40 yr, including native grasslands) and at four topographic positions (i.e., a chronotoposequence). Soils were measured for bulk density, maximum water holding capacity (MWHC), soil organic C (SOC), extractable inorganic N, potentially mineralizable C (PMC), and N. Native grasslands had superior soil health compared with cropland and most CRP soils, and even 40 yr since grassland reestablishment was not adequate for full soil health recovery. Topographic position strongly influenced soil health indicators and often masked any CRP effect, especially with MWHC and SOC. However, PMC (a measure of active C) responded most rapidly to CRP and consistently across the landscape and was 26–34% greater 19–40 yr after grassland reestablishment. Reestablishing grasslands through CRP can improve soil health, although topographic position regulates the recovery, with greatest improvements at shoulder slope positions. Patience is needed to observe changes in soil health, even in response to a drastic management change like conversion of cropland to CRP grassland.