bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intrafollicular spontaneous parthenogenetic development of dromedary camel oocytes
Authors: Abdoon Ahmed S. S. , Kandil Omaima M. , Zeng Shen‐ming 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDromedary camel oocytes are unique in their capability for intrafollicular and in vitro spontaneous parthenogenetic activation (SPA) and development. This study was designed for (a) observing the incidence of SPA and development of dromedary camel oocytes retrieved from ovaries; (b) assessing intrafollicular development of dromedary camel oocytes using histological examination; (c) evaluating the abilities of dromedary camel oocytes to mature, SPA, and develop in vitro; and (d) identifying the transcript abundance of Cdx2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in different stages of SPA and developed camel embryos. The results revealed that 2.33% of oocytes retrieved from dromedary camel ovaries were SPA and developed to blastocyst stage. Serial sections of dromedary camel ovaries also demonstrated the presence of 1.4 SPA and parthenotes per ovary, which included from two‐cell to the blastocysts with demarcated trophectoderm and inner cell mass layers. A total of 2.6% in vitro matured dromedary camel oocytes developed into morulae. The SPA and developed dromedary embryos expressed transcript abundance for Cdx2 mRNA with the highest (p < .05) at the blastocyst. The present work determines for the first time the intrafollicular oocytes from the dromedary camel display SPA, and the parthenotes can develop into blastocysts and expressing Cdx2 mRNA.
Investigating the origin of pH‐sensitive magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry MRI contrast during the acute stroke: Correction of T1 change reveals the dominant amide proton transfer MRI signal
Authors: Wu Limin , Jiang Liang , Sun Phillip Zhe 
Published: May 2020

PurposeAmide proton transfer (APT) MRI is promising to serve as a surrogate metabolic imaging biomarker of acute stroke. Although the magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTRasym) has been used commonly, the origin of pH‐weighted MRI effect remains an area of investigation, including contributions from APT, semisolid MT contrast asymmetry, and nuclear Overhauser enhancement effects. Our study aimed to determine the origin of pH‐weighted MTRasym contrast following acute stroke.MethodsMultiparametric MRI, including T1, T2, diffusion and Z‐spectrum, were performed in rats after middle cerebral artery occlusion. We analyzed the conventional Z‐spectrum
and the apparent exchange spectrum
, being the difference between the relaxation‐scaled inverse Z‐spectrum and the intrinsic spinlock relaxation rate
. The ischemia‐induced change was calculated as the spectral difference between the diffusion lesion and the contralateral normal area.ResultsThe conventional Z‐spectrum signal change at −3.5 ppm dominates that at +3.5 ppm (−1.16 ± 0.39% vs. 0.76 ± 0.26%, P < .01) following acute stroke. In comparison, the magnitude of ΔRex change at 3.5 ppm becomes significantly larger than that at −3.5 ppm (−2.80 ± 0.40% vs. −0.94 ± 0.80%, P < .001), with their SNR being 7.0 and 1.2, respectively. We extended the magnetization transfer and relaxation normalized APT concept to the apparent exchange–dependent relaxation image, documenting an enhanced pH contrast between the ischemic lesion and the intact tissue, over that of MTRasym.ConclusionOur study shows that after the relaxation‐effect correction, the APT effect is the dominant contributing factor to pH‐weighted MTRasym following acute stroke.
The future of upper extremity rehabilitation robotics: research and practice
Authors: Vu Philip P. , Chestek Cynthia A. , Nason Samuel R. , Kung Theodore A. , Kemp Stephen W.P. , Cederna Paul S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe loss of upper limb motor function can have a devastating effect on people's lives. To restore upper limb control and functionality, researchers and clinicians have developed interfaces to interact directly with the human body's motor system. In this invited review, we aim to provide details on the peripheral nerve interfaces and brain‐machine interfaces that have been developed in the past 30 years for upper extremity control, and we highlight the challenges that still remain to transition the technology into the clinical market. The findings show that peripheral nerve interfaces and brain‐machine interfaces have many similar characteristics that enable them to be concurrently developed. Decoding neural information from both interfaces may lead to novel physiological models that may one day fully restore upper limb motor function for a growing patient population.
Identifying Under-Ice Overwintering Locations of Juvenile Chinook Salmon by Using Environmental DNA
Authors: Khalsa Noah S. , Smith Justin , Jochum Kim A. , Savory Garrett , López J. Andrés 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The detection of fish by using environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has been shown to be more cost-effective than traditional sampling methods are in certain situations, but this method has not been assessed under extreme winter conditions. We conducted a multiyear pilot study to test the effectiveness of eDNA for detecting fish under ice. In the spring of 2016, 2017, and 2018, we sampled for juvenile Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in the Tanana Flats (Alaska, USA) by using minnow traps and by using eDNA in the spring of 2017 and 2018. We used traps at 97 sites and analyzed eDNA that was isolated from water samples at 36 sites, using an established, species-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay for Chinook Salmon. We detected Chinook Salmon by using eDNA at 12 of the 36 eDNA-sampled sites but did not capture any live juveniles in the minnow traps. Assuming that positive eDNA detections are reliable indicators of recent fish presence, we found that eDNA can be a more efficient and cost-effective alternative for monitoring aquatic communities under extreme winter conditions. Based on our experience, including eDNA-based screening of target sampling sites could prove to be a significant boost to the effectiveness of fish monitoring in remote and challenging habitats.
Hyperelastic finite deformation analysis with the unsymmetric finite element method containing homogeneous solutions of linear elasticity
Authors: Li Zhi , Cen Song , Huang Junbin , Li Chen‐Feng 
Published: May 2020

SummaryA recent unsymmetric 4‐node, 8‐DOF plane finite element US‐ATFQ4 is generalized to hyperelastic finite deformation analysis. Since the trial functions of US‐ATFQ4 contain the homogenous closed analytical solutions of governing equations for linear elasticity, the key of the proposed strategy is how to deal with these linear analytical trial functions (ATFs) during the hyperelastic finite deformation analysis. Assuming that the ATFs can properly work in each increment, an algorithm for updating the deformation gradient interpolated by ATFs is designed. Furthermore, the update of the corresponding ATFs referred to current configuration is discussed with regard to the hyperelastic material model, and a specified model, neo‐Hookean model, is employed to verify the present formulation of US‐ATFQ4 for hyperelastic finite deformation analysis. Various examples show that the present formulation not only remain the high accuracy and mesh distortion tolerance in the geometrically nonlinear problems, but also possess excellent performance in the compressible or quasi‐incompressible hyperelastic finite deformation problems where the strain is large.
Weak‐form element differential method for solving mechanics and heat conduction problems with abruptly changed boundary conditions
Authors: Zheng Yong‐Tong , Gao Xiao‐Wei , Lv Jun , Peng Hai‐Feng 
Published: May 2020

SummaryElement differential method (EDM), as a newly proposed numerical method, has been applied to solve many engineering problems because it has higher computational efficiency and it is more stable than other strong‐form methods. However, due to the utilization of strong‐form equations for all nodes, EDM become not so accurate when solving problems with abruptly changed boundary conditions. To overcome this weakness, in this article, the weak‐form formulations are introduced to replace the original formulations of element internal nodes in EDM, which produce a new strong‐weak‐form method, named as weak‐form element differential method (WEDM). WEDM has advantages in both the computational accuracy and the numerical stability when dealing with the abruptly changed boundary conditions. Moreover, it can even achieve higher accuracy than finite element method (FEM) in some cases. In this article, the computational accuracy of EDM, FEM, and WEDM are compared and analyzed. Meanwhile, several examples are performed to verify the robustness and efficiency of the proposed
WEDM.
A high‐order harmonic polynomial method for solving the Laplace equation with complex boundaries and its application to free‐surface flows. Part I: Two‐dimensional cases
Authors: Wang Jingbo , Faltinsen Odd Magnus , Duan Wenyang 
Published: May 2020

SummaryA high‐order harmonic polynomial method (HPM) is developed for solving the Laplace equation with complex boundaries. The “irregular cell” is proposed for the accurate discretization of the Laplace equation, where it is difficult to construct a high‐quality stencil. An advanced discretization scheme is also developed for the accurate evaluation of the normal derivative of potential functions on complex boundaries. Thanks to the irregular cell and the discretization scheme for the normal derivative of the potential functions, the present method can avoid the drawback of distorted stencils, that is, the possible numerical inaccuracy/instability. Furthermore, it can involve stationary or moving bodies on the Cartesian grid in an accurate and simple way. With the proper free‐surface tracking methods, the HPM has been successfully applied to the accurate and stable modeling of highly nonlinear free‐surface potential flows with and without moving bodies, that is, sloshing, water entry, and plunging breaker.
The supracondylar process in subadult skeletal remains from Northern Italy (15th–18th century A.D.)
Authors: Palamenghi Andrea , Cinti Alessandra , Mann Robert W. , Viano Giorgia , Girotti Marilena , Garanzini Francesca , Fulcheri Ezio , Boano Rosa 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis paper presents five uncommon examples of the supracondylar process in subadult skeletal remains from archaeological contexts. Human skeletal remains were recovered from the Baptistery of Settimo Vittone (Italy) that date to the 15th–18th centuries. A bony process was noted at the distal end of five immature humeri. The specimens were examined morphologically, and the following measurements were taken: length of the process and distance from the tip of the process to the medial epicondyle. The distal end of three right and two left immature humeri, from three full‐term individuals and two adolescents, revealed different stages of an unusual supracondylar bony outgrowth projecting from the anteromedial surface of the diaphysis. The processes in three individuals presented as a pointed bony spur, whereas in two cases, they appeared as bony ridges. The process was present more in right humeri and in one case occurred bilaterally. The supracondylar process begins its formation in the intrauterine period and continues throughout life, presenting as variable degrees of development. The occurrence of supracondylar process in very young individuals suggests the congenital nature of the trait, rather than a consequence of biomechanical stress. This case study describes a bony variant in humeri that has not been extensively discussed in the anthropological literature and provides evidence on the appearance of the supracondylar process in immature individuals. Also, an interesting presumed case of bilaterality is described: the asymmetry of the processes brings the aetiology of the trait into question. The small number of individuals presenting the supracondylar process does not allow a study of the incidence of this trait in this population sample. Furthermore, fragmentation of some remains precluded accurate measurements and age estimation. Additional studies on larger samples would help clarify the congenital and hereditary nature of the supracondylar process and the clinical implications in young individuals.
Sample specific sex estimation method using parameters around dominant nutrient foramina in unknown femur bones collection of contemporary Egyptians
Authors: Attia MennattAllah Hassan , Badr El‐Dine Fatma Mohamed Magdy , Attia Mohammed Hassan , El‐Sekily Nancy Mohamed Aly 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBecause there is no widely accepted sexing method of fragmented femoral diaphyses, we argue that the diaphyseal diameters and circumference around nutrient foramina (NF) have comparable sex discrimination capacity to their mid‐shaft counterparts. Construction of reliable reference sample (n = 61, 29 males and 32 females) using the undocumented Alexandria University Osteological Collection was contingent upon consistent sex estimation of the epiphyses using population and sample specific methods. Statistically significant size differences were found between the males and females diaphyseal measurements around NF. Low intraobserver measurements error and high sexual dimorphism indices were observed in the new measurements at NF level. The logistic regression analysis revealed that combinations of anteroposterior diameter and circumference at both levels were the optimal models for sex classification. Testing in the holdout sample showed complete agreement in the results between both models. The best model at the level of NF achieved consistent total sex allocation of 81.1% with high probability >0.80 of correct estimates in approximately 60% of the reference sample. A great applicability pertinent to sex estimation of a tubular fragment of femur bearing a single NF using the diaphyseal measurements around it because the maximal length is not required to determine the location of the mid‐shaft measurements.
Epoxy/Fly ash from Indian soil Chulha/nano CaCO3 nanocomposite: Studies on mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Tiwari Shilpi , Gehlot Chhagan Lal , Srivastava Deepak 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAt present, the recycling of solid wastage Fly ash (FA) to generate high‐value products grows enormous interest. FA, micron sized powder, from Indian soil Chulha (a small earthen or brick stove), is a byproduct that can be utilized as filler in epoxy resin with different wt% due to its unique properties. The main objective of this considerable research work is to determine the thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of epoxy resin with FA and nano CaCO3. Two different sets of composite samples were fabricated for investigating purposes. The first set of samples was fabricated with FA and DGEBA epoxy resin. Another set of samples was prepared by FA, DGEBA epoxy resin, and nano CaCO3. In both sets, FA was varied from 0% to 50% by weight and nano CaCO3 from 1% to 7% by weight. For better dispersion of FA and nano‐particles, ultrasonication technique was performed. The curing behavior of specimen has been evaluated by DSC, whereas SEM and FTIR techniques were used to analyze the morphological properties of epoxy/FA/nano CaCO3 nanocomposite. The observed results indicated that thermal and mechanical properties like tensile strength, Shore D hardness and impact strength were improved by an increment of FA and nano CaCO3 concerning that of neat epoxy. The scope of this paper is limited to FA from Indian soil Chulha.
Development of graphite‐filled polymer blends for application in bipolar plates
Authors: Alo Oluwaseun A. , Otunniyi Iyiola O. , Pienaar HCvZ 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this study, the potential of conductive polymer composites based on graphite‐filled polymer blend for achieving high‐performance polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) bipolar plates (BPs) was investigated. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene‐compatibilized polypropylene (PP)/epoxy blend was selected as the matrix due to its good combination of mechanical strength and ductility, and its potential to form a co‐continuous morphology, which promotes the selective distribution of the filler in one of the polymer phases and formation of high electrical performance‐CPCs. PP/epoxy/graphite composites, with varying amounts of graphite, were prepared by melt mixing followed by compression molding, and then characterized. The results obtained showed that in‐plane and through‐plane electrical conductivities increased with an increase in graphite content while the flexural strength increased with graphite content up to a maximum value of 54.36 MPa at 70 wt% graphite, and then decreased to 40.16 MPa at 80 wt% graphite. The PP/epoxy/80 wt% graphite composite has the most promising combination of properties for BP application. While the PP/epoxy/80 wt% graphite composite exhibited in‐plane and through‐plane conductivities (68.03 and 3.211 Scm−1, respectively) that are still below the targets set by the United States Department of Energy (DOE), its flexural strength and modulus (40.16 and 11.47 GPa, respectively), density (1.77 gcm−3), and water absorption (0.098%) satisfy the DOE targets.
Shape memory thin films of Polyurethane: Does graphene content affect the recovery behavior of Polyurethane nanocomposites?
Authors: Zarghami Dehaghani Maryam , Kaffashi Babak , Haponiuk Józef T. , Piszczyk Lukasz 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThin nanocomposite films of polyurethane have received remarkable attention due to their shape memory properties. As most of the reports focus on the beneficial aspects of the presence of nanofillers such as graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) introduced into shape memory polymers, some research results reveal the opposite trend. The polyether/polyester‐based polyurethane was synthesized through a condensation polymerization and the nanocomposite films containing 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 wt.% of GNPs were prepared by the solvent casting method. The Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was carried out to investigate the chemical structure of nanocomposite films. The properties of nanocomposite films were verified by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile test, and the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The shape memory properties were studied through various thermomechanical cycles applied by the DMA apparatus. All the nanocomposite films showed larger glassy storage moduli compared with those of the neat PU films. The nanocomposite film containing 0.25 wt.% GNPs showed the highest shape recovery ratio (92.4%) since the net‐point effect of GNPs dominates its slipping effect. While for the other nanocomposite films the slippage effect overcomes the net‐point effect.
Fabrication of a wrinkled structure made of wearable polyacrylonitrile/polyurethane composite fibers with elastic sensing properties suitable for human movement detection
Authors: Lu Wuji , Chen Wenxing , Lu Wangyang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractResearch in wearable sensors is guided by the need for bendable, comfortable, and deformable sensors. In this study, an elastic electronic sensor is fabricated to monitor human movement. It adopts a centrifugal electrospinning technology, and the fibers form a wavy wrinkled structure by itself. This structure gives the sensor good resistance response under high strength deformation. After stretching to 180% of the original length, the numerical value of resistance is increased by 2000%. The sensor generates different signals that depend upon the variation in different human actions, making it suitable for use as a monitor of human movement.
Effects of hexaphenoxycyclotriphosphazene and glass fiber on flame‐retardant and mechanical properties of the rigid polyurethane foam
Authors: Zhang Peidong , Ma Dan , Cheng Jiaji , Zhang Xinlong , Chen Xianqun 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHexaphenoxycyclotriphosphazene (HPCTP), modified with phenoxy groups based on hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP), has been proved that have excellent thermal stability. In this article, HPCTP and glass fiber (GF) were added into the rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) to improve the flame‐retardant and mechanical properties of RPUF. The mechanical properties of composite were measured by compressive strength test. The micrographs were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the flame‐retardant and thermal properties were investigated by limiting oxygen index, cone calorimeter test, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that the addition of HPCTP and GF would improve the mechanical and flame‐retardant properties of RPUF.
Identification of nodulation‐related genes in Medicago truncatula using genome‐wide association studies and co‐expression networks
Authors: Michno Jean‐Michel , Liu Junqi , Jeffers Joseph R. , Stupar Robert M. , Myers Chad L. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractGenome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have proven to be a valuable approach for identifying genetic intervals associated with phenotypic variation in Medicago truncatula. These intervals can vary in size, depending on the historical local recombination. Typically, significant intervals span numerous gene models, limiting the ability to resolve high‐confidence candidate genes underlying the trait of interest. Additional genomic data, including gene co‐expression networks, can be combined with the genetic mapping information to successfully identify candidate genes. Co‐expression network analysis provides information about the functional relationships of each gene through its similarity of expression patterns to other well‐defined clusters of genes. In this study, we integrated data from GWAS and co‐expression networks to pinpoint candidate genes that may be associated with nodule‐related phenotypes in M. truncatula. We further investigated a subset of these genes and confirmed that several had existing evidence linking them nodulation, including MEDTR2G101090 (PEN3‐like), a previously validated gene associated with nodule number.
Registration of oilseed sunflower maintainer germplasm HA 489 with resistance to the banded sunflower moth
Authors: Wronski Adam R. , Prasifka Jarrad R. , Grove Michael S. , Koehler Brady D. , Misar Christopher G. , Underwood William , Hulke Brent S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe banded sunflower moth is one of the most pervasive insect pests of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in North America, in large part due to its ability to overwinter in cold climates. The goal of this research is to provide germplasm containing resistance to infestation by the banded sunflower moth while retaining valuable traits, such as imidazolinone herbicide tolerance and high oleic acid content in the seed oil, along with suitable agronomic performance for the northern Great Plains climate and other similar climates where the banded sunflower moth is prevalent. HA 489 (Reg. no. GP‐370, PI 691858) is a maintainer inbred germplasm developed by pedigree selection and testcross evaluation that can fill this need. HA 489 has high oleic acid composition, exhibits tolerance to imidazolinones, and provides resistance to banded sunflower moth infestation. This line was released by the USDA‐ARS, Fargo, ND, to fill the need for sources of host‐plant resistance to important insect pests.