bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A triple‐layered hybrid coating with self‐organized microporous polymer film on magnesium for biodegradable implant applications
Authors: Bobby Kannan Mathan , Walter Rhys , Khakbaz Hadis , Zeng Rong‐Chang , Blawert Carsten 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn this study, a triple‐layered hybrid coating with self‐organized microporous polymer film was developed on pure magnesium for biodegradable implant applications. Firstly, plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) technique was used to form a highly adherent but porous coating on magnesium metal. Secondly, the pores in the PEO coating were sealed by electrochemically depositing calcium phosphate (CaP). Finally, a self‐organized microporous biodegradable polymer, poly(l‐lactide acid) PLLA, was formed as a top coat on the material using spin coating method. The degradation resistance of the triple‐layer coated magnesium was evaluated using electrochemical techniques in simulated body fluid (SBF). The triple‐layered hybrid coating reduced the corrosion current density (icorr) of pure magnesium from 28.79 to 0.24 μA/cm2. Similarly, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results showed that the triple‐layered hybrid coating increased the polarization resistance (Rp) of pure magnesium more than three orders of magnitude after 2 hr exposure to SBF (pure Mg: 4.76 × 10+2 Ω cm2; triple‐layer coating: 8.67 × 10+5 Ω cm2). Although the Rp of the triple‐layer coated magnesium decreased with increase of immersion time in SBF (8 hr = 4.27 × 10+5 Ω cm2; 24 hr = 1.57 × 10+5 Ω cm2; 48 hr = 6.5 × 10+4 Ω cm2; 72 hr = 3.5 × 10+4 Ω cm2), it was noted that the Rp of the triple‐layer coated magnesium was two orders of magnitude greater than pure magnesium even after 72 hr exposure to SBF, which shows the robust nature of the coating. Further, the architecture and the dissolution mechanism of the triple‐layer coating suggest that the coating has a great potential for tailoring the degradation rate of magnesium for targeted implant applications.
Sequence‐based Detection of DNA‐binding Proteins using Multiple‐view Features Allied with Feature Selection
Authors: Zhou Liling , Song Xiaoning , Yu Dong‐Jun , Sun Jun 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDNA‐binding proteins play essential roles in many molecular functions and gene regulation. Therefore, it becomes highly desirable to develop effective computational techniques for detecting DNA‐binding proteins. In this paper, we proposed a new method, iDBP‐DEP, which performs DNA‐binding prediction by using the discriminative feature derived from multi‐view feature sources including evolutionary profile, dipeptide composition, and physicochemical properties with feature selection. We evaluated iDBP‐DEP on two benchmark datasets, i. e., PDB1075 and PDB594 by rigorous Jackknife test. Compared with the state‐of‐the‐art sequence‐based DNA‐binding predictors, the proposed iDBP‐DEP achieved 1.8 % and 3.0 % improvements of accuracy (Acc) and Mathew's Correlation Coefficient (MCC), respectively, on PDB1075 dataset; 7.4 % and 14.8 % improvements of Acc and MCC, respectively, on PDB594. The independent validation test with PDB186 show that the proposed method achieved the best performances on Acc (80.1 %) and MCC (0.684), which further demonstrated the robustness of iDBP‐DEP for the detection of DNA‐binding proteins. Datasets and codes used in this study are freely available at https://githup.com/Zll‐codeside/iDBP‐DEP.
Cone‐beam CT for imaging of the head/brain: Development and assessment of scanner prototype and reconstruction algorithms
Authors: Wu P. , Sisniega A. , Stayman J. W. , Zbijewski W. , Foos D. , Wang X. , Khanna N. , Aygun N. , Stevens R. D. , Siewerdsen J. H. 
Published: March 2020

PurposeOur aim was to develop a high‐quality, mobile cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanner for point‐of‐care detection and monitoring of low‐contrast, soft‐tissue abnormalities in the head/brain, such as acute intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). This work presents an integrated framework of hardware and algorithmic advances for improving soft‐tissue contrast resolution and evaluation of its technical performance with human subjects.MethodsFour configurations of a CBCT scanner prototype were designed and implemented to investigate key aspects of hardware (including system geometry, antiscatter grid, bowtie filter) and technique protocols. An integrated software pipeline (c.f., a serial cascade of algorithms) was developed for artifact correction (image lag, glare, beam hardening and x‐ray scatter), motion compensation, and three‐dimensional image (3D) reconstruction [penalized weighted least squares (PWLS), with a hardware‐specific statistical noise model]. The PWLS method was extended in this work to accommodate multiple, independently moving regions with different resolution (to address both motion compensation and image truncation). Imaging performance was evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively with 41 human subjects in the neurosciences critical care unit (NCCU) at our institution.ResultsThe progression of four scanner configurations exhibited systematic improvement in the quality of raw data by variations in system geometry (source‐detector distance), antiscatter grid, and bowtie filter. Quantitative assessment of CBCT images in 41 subjects demonstrated: ~70% reduction in image nonuniformity with artifact correction methods (lag, glare, beam hardening, and scatter); ~40% reduction in motion‐induced streak artifacts via the multi‐motion compensation method; and ~15% improvement in soft‐tissue contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) for PWLS compared to filtered backprojection (FBP) at matched resolution. Each of these components was important to improve contrast resolution for point‐of‐care cranial imaging.ConclusionsThis work presents the first application of a high‐quality, point‐of‐care CBCT system for imaging of the head/ brain in a neurological critical care setting. Hardware configuration iterations and an integrated software pipeline for artifacts correction and PWLS reconstruction mitigated artifacts and noise to achieve image quality that could be valuable for point‐of‐care detection and monitoring of a variety of intracranial abnormalities, including ICH and hydrocephalus.
Free‐running 5D coronary MR angiography at 1.5T using LIBRE water excitation pulses
Authors: Masala Nemanja , Bastiaansen Jessica A. M. , Di Sopra Lorenzo , Roy Christopher W. , Piccini Davide , Yerly Jérôme , Colotti Roberto , Stuber Matthias 
Published: March 2020

PurposeTo implement, optimize, and characterize lipid‐insensitive binomial off‐resonant RF excitation (LIBRE) pulses for fat‐suppressed fully self‐gated free‐running 5D cardiac MRI.MethodsBloch equation simulations were used to optimize LIBRE parameter settings in non‐interrupted bSSFP prior to in vitro validation. Thus, optimized LIBRE pulses were subsequently applied to free‐running coronary MRA in 20 human adult subjects, where resulting images were quantitatively compared to those obtained with non‐fat‐suppressing excitation (SP), conventional 1‐2‐1 water excitation (WE), and a previously published interrupted free‐running (IFR) sequence. SAR and scan times were recorded. Respiratory‐and‐cardiac‐motion‐resolved images were reconstructed with XD‐GRASP, and contrast ratios, coronary artery detection rate, vessel length, and vessel sharpness were computed.ResultsThe numerically optimized LIBRE parameters were successfully validated in vitro. In vivo, LIBRE had the lowest SAR and a scan time that was similar to that of WE yet 18% shorter than that of IFR. LIBRE improved blood–fat contrast when compared to SP, WE, and IFR, vessel detection relative to SP and IFR, and vessel sharpness when compared to WE and IFR (for example, for the left main and anterior descending coronary artery, 51.5% ± 10.2% [LIBRE] versus 42.1% ± 6.8% [IFR]). Vessel length measurements remained unchanged for all investigated methods.ConclusionLIBRE enabled fully self‐gated non‐interrupted free‐running 5D bSSFP imaging of the heart at 1.5T with suppressed fat signal. Measures of image quality, vessel conspicuity, and scan time compared favorably to those obtained with the more conventional non‐interrupted WE and the previously published IFR, while SAR reduction offers added flexibility.
Evaluating Artificial Propagation Release Strategies for Recovering Endangered Snake River Sockeye Salmon
Authors: Johnson Eric L , Kozfkay Christine C , Powell John H , Peterson Mike P , Baker Dan J , Heindel Jeff A , Plaster Kurtis E , McCormick Joshua L , Kline Paul A 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
As a growing number of aquatic organisms become imperiled due to anthropogenic and environmental threats, there is an increasing need to implement captive propagation programs to conserve some species. These captive propagation programs can aid in the recovery of species, such as for Sockeye Salmon Oncorhynchus nerka, by providing individuals that can be used to supplement wild populations. The Snake River Sockeye Salmon Captive Broodstock Program implemented a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plan to evaluate adult recruitment using three juvenile release strategies from excess eggs of captive females. Hatchery-produced eyed eggs, presmolts, and smolts were released into the upper Salmon River basin to increase the abundance of individuals expressing an anadromous life history as a way to support population augmentation. A mixed-effects logistic regression model used to evaluate egg-to-adult returns between release strategies indicated that release strategies differed from one another. Full-term smolt production was observed to produce the highest recruitment among the release strategies and has become the focus of recovery efforts involving juvenile releases. The estimated odds of a fish (egg) returning as an adult were 9.7 times greater for smolts reared at the Oxbow Fish Hatchery and 3.6 times greater for smolts reared at the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery relative to eggs that were hatchery reared and released as presmolts or placed into in-lake incubator boxes. The variation observed in productivity and in expression of life history traits among release strategies indicates that juvenile releases are not one size fits all, and we recommend undertaking a similar assessment to match observed outcomes with desired objectives when initiating supplementation programs.
A Genetic Assessment of Missouri's Lake Sturgeon after 30 Years of Restoration Releases
Authors: Berkman Leah K. , Anderson Michelle R. , Herzog David P. , Moore Travis L. , Eggert Lori S. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The Lake Sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens is native to three major watersheds in the USA: the Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, and Mississippi River drainages. However, they have declined across much of their range due to overfishing, pollution, and major river alterations. After their near extirpation in Missouri, the Missouri Department of Conservation initiated a reintroduction program to restore the Lake Sturgeon in the state's largest waterways. From 1984 to 2015, offspring originating from Lake Winnebago (1984–2001) and from upper Mississippi River tributaries (2004–2015) were reared in captivity and released into portions of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. After 32 years of restorative releases, we screened Lake Sturgeon samples from the state of Missouri by using 11 microsatellite loci and mitochondrial DNA control region sequences. We examined overall genetic diversity and genetic structure of Lake Sturgeon captured in the Mississippi and Missouri rivers for differences between rivers and among groups within rivers. We found high levels of genetic diversity within both rivers, with very little genetic differentiation between them. Higher-than-average relatedness within sample groups and heterozygote excess were consistent with the pattern expected from stocked fish and suggested that closely related fish may have aggregated at stocking sites. We detected two genetic groups in Missouri, reflecting the change in stock source. Haplotypes that may be unique to the Mississippi and Ohio River systems were observed at very low frequencies. Though largely the product of stocking, reproductively mature Lake Sturgeon will likely have sufficient genetic diversity and will have experienced selection pressures in Missouri's large rivers, making them the most appropriate source for further supplementation if it is deemed necessary. We recommend continued research and monitoring of reproductive habits and preservation of multiple spawning sites to continue the long path toward a self-sustaining Lake Sturgeon population in Missouri's waters.
Von Willebrand Factor Deficiency Improves Hepatic Steatosis, Insulin Resistance, and Inflammation in Mice Fed High‐Fat Diet
Authors: Yang Juan , Lu Yan , Lou Xudan , Wang Jian , Yu Huilin , Bao Zhijun , Wang Haidong 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Von Willebrand factor (VWF) on high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, and inflammation in mice.MethodsThe expression of VWF was detected in obese mice. Wild‐type and VWF knockout mice were fed a normal chow diet or an HFD, and then biomedical, histological, and metabolic analyses were conducted to identify pathologic alterations. Inflammatory cytokine levels and the number of hepatic macrophages were determined in these mice fed an HFD.ResultsVWF expression was significantly increased in obese mice. VWF−/− mice were less obese and had improved hepatic steatosis, balance of lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance in response to HFD. Furthermore, VWF deficiency attenuated HFD‐induced systemic and hepatic inflammation. In addition, VWF deficiency rescued the abnormal accumulation of hepatic macrophages.ConclusionsThese data demonstrated VWF deficiency improves hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Furthermore, the protective effects are mediated via regulation of hepatic macrophages.
Prefrontal Cortex Neuromodulation Enhances Frontal Asymmetry and Reduces Caloric Intake in Patients with Morbid Obesity
Authors: Forcano Laura , Castellano Marta , Cuenca‐Royo Aida , Goday‐Arno Albert , Pastor Antoni , Langohr Klaus , Castañer Olga , Pérez‐Vega Karla Alejandra , Serra Carme , Ruffini Giulio , Alonso‐Alonso Miguel , Soria‐Frisch Aureli , de la Torre Rafael 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to test the feasibility of a combined intervention involving transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and cognitive training (CT). Short‐term effects on food consumption, cognition, endocannabinoid (eCB) levels, and electroencephalogram (EEG) markers of future weight loss were explored.MethodsEighteen healthy volunteers with morbid obesity were randomized in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel trial. Participants received sham or active tDCS plus CT for four consecutive days. Cognitive performance, daily food intake, and eCB blood samples were collected before and after the intervention; EEG data were gathered before and after daily training.ResultsThe active tDCS + CT group reversed left‐dominant frontal asymmetry and increased frontal coherence (FC) in the γ‐band (30‐45 Hz) after the intervention. The strength of the latter predicted BMI reduction. Additionally, a large intervention effect on food intake was shown in the active tDCS + CT group at follow‐up (−339.6 ± 639 kcal on average), and there was a decrease of plasma eCB concentrations.ConclusionsdlPFC modulation through tDCS + CT is an effective tool to restore right dominance of the dlPFC and enhance FC in patients with morbid obesity. Moreover, the effect of the strength of FC on BMI suggests that the interhemispheric FC at the dlPFC is functionally relevant for the efficient regulation of food choice.
Validity of Slaughter Equations and Bioelectrical Impedance Against Dual‐Energy X‐Ray Absorptiometry in Children
Authors: Martín‐Matillas Miguel , Mora‐Gonzalez Jose , Migueles Jairo H. , Ubago‐Guisado Esther , Gracia‐Marco Luis , Ortega Francisco B. 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveThis study aimed to 1) analyze the criterion validity of the Slaughter equations (Slg‐Eq) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to estimate body fat percentage (BFP) and fat mass index (FMI) at different degrees of obesity in children compared with dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) and 2) determine their agreement over time.MethodsNinety‐two children with overweight or obesity (10.0 [SD 1.2] years; 34.8% girls) participated in this 20‐week study. Anthropometric, BIA, and DXA measurements were performed.ResultsBoth Slg‐Eq and BIA methods underestimated BFP and FMI against DXA, and the bias was markedly larger with BIA (mean absolute percentage error = 11% for Slg‐Eq vs. 18%‐21% for BIA); a larger underestimation was observed in girls compared with boys for Slg‐Eq (P ≤ 0.001), and the observed underestimation in adiposity was reduced as weight status increased. Systematic errors were kept constant over time, so no large differences between methods were observed in the change in adiposity.ConclusionsAt the group level, Slg‐Eq provides a more valid estimation of BFP and FMI than BIA. At the individual level, Slg‐Eq shows larger estimation errors. The validity of these methods might differ in sex and weight status. Nevertheless, both methods seem to be valid for monitoring changes in adiposity.
Ginsenoside Rd Ameliorates High Fat Diet‐Induced Obesity by Enhancing Adaptive Thermogenesis in a cAMP‐Dependent Manner
Authors: Yao Lu , Han Zaiqi , Zhao Guoyan , Xiao Yanfang , Zhou Xuenan , Dai Rongzheng , Han Meijing , Wang Zilin , Xin Rongshuang , Wang Shuran 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveWith the discovery of thermogenic adipocytes in humans, it has been hypothesized that enhancing adaptive thermogenesis may improve obesity. Although many studies have found that ginseng can improve obesity, the beneficial effects of ginsenoside Rd on obesity and its mechanisms have not been studied.MethodsHigh‐fat diet‐induced obese mice were used as the study subjects, with intraperitoneal injection of Rd daily at a dose of 15 mg/kg. Body weight and energy metabolism were observed. The effects of Rd on glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and cold tolerance were tested. The expression of genes associated with thermogenesis was analyzed. Finally, the mechanisms by which Rd regulates adaptive thermogenesis were studied.ResultsRd ameliorated obesity and insulin resistance. Rd increased cold tolerance through enhancing thermogenic gene expression in brown adipose tissue and increased the browning of white adipose tissue induced by cold stress. Rd increased intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) content. Decreasing intracellular cAMP levels by an inhibitor of adenylyl cyclase SQ22536 abolished the promoting effects of Rd on the expression of thermogenic genes.ConclusionsRd improves obesity and insulin resistance. The upregulation of thermogenesis by Rd is dependent on the cAMP/protein kinase A signaling pathway.
Baseline Habitual Physical Activity Predicts Weight Loss, Weight Compensation, and Energy Intake During Aerobic Exercise
Authors: Höchsmann Christoph , Dorling James L. , Apolzan John W. , Johannsen Neil M. , Hsia Daniel S. , Martin Corby K. 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine whether different measures of habitual physical activity (PA) at baseline predict weight change, weight compensation, and changes in energy intake (EI) during a 24‐week supervised aerobic exercise intervention.MethodsData from 108 participants (78 women; 48.7 [SD: 11.6] years; BMI 31.4 [SD: 4.6] kg/m2), randomly assigned to either the moderate‐dose exercise group (8 kcal/kg of body weight per week) or the high‐dose exercise group (20 kcal/kg of body weight per week) of the Examination of Mechanisms of Exercise‐induced Weight Compensation (E‐MECHANIC) trial, were analyzed. Moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA), steps per day, and PA energy expenditure (PAEE) were measured with SenseWear armbands (BodyMedia, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), and total activity energy expenditure and EI were estimated with doubly labeled water, all over 2 weeks, before and toward the end of the intervention. Multiple linear regression models, adjusted for sex, exercise group, and baseline value of the outcome, were used.ResultsBaseline habitual MVPA levels predicted weight change (β = −0.275; P = 0.020), weight compensation (β = −0.238; P = 0.043), and change in EI (β = −0.318; P = 0.001). Associations between baseline PAEE and outcomes were comparable, whereas steps per day and, importantly, total activity energy expenditure (via doubly labeled water) did not significantly predict change in weight‐related outcomes.ConclusionsWhile acknowledging substantial variability in the data, on average, lower baseline habitual MVPA and PAEE levels were associated with less weight loss from exercise, higher compensation, and increased EI.
Estimating and parameterizing mismatch power loss in bifacial photovoltaic systems
Authors: Deline Chris , Ayala Pelaez Silvana , MacAlpine Sara , Olalla Carlos 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNonuniform irradiance on the rear side of bifacial photovoltaic (PV) systems can cause additional mismatch loss, which may not be appropriately captured in PV energy production estimates and software. We evaluated several scenarios including horizontal single‐axis tracking (HSAT) over natural ground‐cover and rooftop‐mounted systems over high albedo reflective roofs. We found mismatch losses of up to 1.5% annual loss for very close‐mounted (0.15 m) rooftop systems, but losses for HSAT systems and high‐ground‐clearance rooftop systems were lower (<0.5%). A simplified empirical relationship was found that links the spatial variation of irradiance (specifically, the mean absolute difference of irradiance) to the resulting mismatch loss factor, with an R2 better than .99. This approximate relationship was experimentally validated on mismatched PV modules, and it provides a basis for rapidly estimating bifacial mismatch loss factors for use in hourly PV performance simulations such as PVSyst or SAM. Additional parameters investigated include (a) climate dependence and module orientation, which were not found to have a strong impact on bifacial mismatch losses and (b) PV module fill factor and bifaciality ratio, which did have a strong linear impact on mismatch losses.