bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of multiplatform, multispectral remote sensors for mapping intertidal macroalgae: A comparative approach
Authors: Rossiter Thomas , Furey Thomas , McCarthy Timothy , Stengel Dagmar B. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Intertidal macroalgal communities are economically and ecologically important and, with a likely increase in anthropogenic pressures, there is need to evaluate and monitor these diverse habitats. Efforts to conserve and sustainably manage these habitats must be underpinned by accurate, cost‐effective, and efficient data collection methods. The high spatial and temporal resolution of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), compared with satellites and aircraft, combined with the development of lightweight sensors, provides researchers with a valuable set of tools to research intertidal macroalgal communities.
The ability of multispectral sensors, mounted on a satellite, an aircraft, and a UAV, to identify and accurately map the intertidal brown fucoid Ascophyllum nodosum (Fucales, Ochrophyta) at a site with a low species diversity of macroalgae were compared.
Visual analysis confirmed that the spatial resolution of satellite imagery was too coarse to map intertidal macroalgae as it could not capture the fine spatial patterns of the macroalgal community. High‐resolution RGB (colour) imagery, taken during the aircraft and UAV surveys, was used to collect training and reference data through the visual identification and digital delineation of species. Classes were determined based on the level of taxonomic detail that could be observed, with higher levels of taxonomic detail observed in the UAV imagery over the aircraft imagery. Data from both were used to train a maximum‐likelihood classifier (MLC).
The UAV imagery was able to more accurately classify a distinct A. nodosum class, along with other macroalgal and substratum classes (overall accuracy, OA, 92%), than the aerial imagery, which could only identify a lower taxonomic resolution of mixed A. nodosum and fucoid class, achieving a lower OA (78.9%). This study has demonstrated that in a coastal site with low macroalgal species diversity, and despite the spectral similarity of macroalgal species, UAV‐mounted multispectral sensors proved the most accurate for focused assessments of individual canopy‐forming species.
Analysis of structure and gene expression in developing kidneys of male and female rats exposed to low protein diets in utero
Authors: Wood‐Bradley Ryan J. , Henry Sarah L. , Barrand Sanna , Giot Anais , Eipper Luke , Bertram John F. , Cullen‐McEwen Luise A. , Armitage James A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA maternal low protein (LP) diet in rodents often results in low nephron endowment and renal pathophysiology in adult life, with outcomes often differing between male and female offspring. Precisely how a maternal LP diet results in low nephron endowment is unknown. We conducted morphological and molecular studies of branching morphogenesis and nephrogenesis to identify mechanisms and timepoints that might give rise to low nephron endowment. Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a normal protein (19.4% protein, NP) or LP (9% protein) diet for 3 weeks prior to mating and throughout gestation. Embryonic day 14.25 (E14.25) kidneys from males and females were either cultured for 2 days after which branching morphogenesis was quantified, or frozen for gene expression analysis. Real‐time PCR was used to quantify expression of key nephrogenesis and branching morphogenesis genes at E14.25 and 17.25. At E17.25, nephron number was determined in fixed tissue. There was no effect of either maternal diet or sex on branching morphogenesis. Nephron number at E17.25 was 14% lower in male and female LP offspring than in NP controls. At E14.25 expression levels of genes involved in branching morphogenesis (Gfrα1, Bmp4, Gdnf) and nephrogenesis (Hnf4a, Pax2, Wnt4) were similar in the dietary groups, but significant differences between sexes were identified. At E17.25, expression of Gfrα1, Gdnf, Bmp4, Pax2 and Six2 was lower in LP offspring than NP offspring, in both male and female offspring. These findings provide new insights into how a LP diet leads to low nephron endowment and renal sexual dimorphism.
DNA Methylation and Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression Account for Symptoms and Widespread Hyperalgesia in Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Comorbid Fibromyalgia
Authors: Polli Andrea , Ghosh Manosij , Bakusic Jelena , Ickmans Kelly , Monteyne Dora , Velkeniers Brigitte , Bekaert Bram , Godderis Lode , Nijs Jo 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveThe epigenetics of neurotrophic factors holds the potential to unravel the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of complex conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This study was undertaken to explore the role of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genetics, epigenetics, and protein expression in patients with both CFS and comorbid fibromyalgia (CFS/FM).MethodsA repeated‐measures study was conducted in 54 participants (28 patients with CFS/FM and 26 matched healthy controls). Participants underwent a comprehensive assessment, including questionnaires, sensory testing, and blood withdrawal. Serum BDNF (sBDNF) protein levels were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, while polymorphism and DNA methylation were measured in blood using pyrosequencing technology. To assess the temporal stability of the measures, participants underwent the same assessment twice within 4 days.ResultsRepeated‐measures mixed linear models were used for between‐group analysis, with mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) shown. Compared to controls, serum BNDF was higher in patients with CFS/FM (F = 15.703; mean difference 3.31 ng/ml [95% CI 1.65, 4.96]; P = 0.001), whereas BDNF DNA methylation in exon 9 was lower (F = 7.543; mean difference −2.16% [95% CI −3.93, −0.83]; P = 0.007). BDNF DNA methylation was mediated by the Val66Met (rs6265) polymorphism. Lower methylation in the same region predicted higher sBDNF levels (F = 7.137, β = −0.408 [95% CI −0.711, −0.105]; P = 0.009), which in turn predicted participants’ symptoms (F = 14.410, β = 3.747 [95% CI 1.79, 5.71]; P = 0.001) and widespread hyperalgesia (F = 4.147, β = 0.04 [95% CI 0.01, 0.08]; P = 0.044).ConclusionOur findings indicate that sBDNF levels are elevated in patients with CFS/FM and that BDNF methylation in exon 9 accounts for the regulation of protein expression. Altered BDNF levels might represent a key mechanism explaining CFS/FM pathophysiology.
Hyperbranched Poly(ester‐enamine) from Spontaneous Amino‐yne Click Reaction for Stabilization of Gold Nanoparticle Catalysts
Authors: Yang Dong , Liu Pei , Lin Wanran , Sui Shanglin , Huang Long‐Biao , Xu Ben Bin , Kong Jie 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHyperbranched polymers have garnered much attention due to attractive properties and wide applications, such as drug‐controlled release, stimuli‐responsive nano‐objects, photosensitive materials and catalysts. Herein, two types of novel hyperbranched poly(ester‐enamine) (hb‐PEEa) were designed and synthesized via the spontaneous amino‐yne click reaction of A2 monomer (1, 3‐bis(4‐piperidyl)‐propane (A2a) or piperazine (A2b)) and B3 monomer (trimethylolpropanetripropiolate). According to Flory's hypothesis, gelation is an intrinsic problem in an ideal A2+B3 polymerization system. By controlling the polymerization conditions, such as monomer concentration, molar ratio and rate of addition, a non‐ideal A2+B3 polymerization system can be established to avoid gelation and to synthesize soluble hb‐PEEa. Due to abundant unreacted alkynyl groups in periphery, the hb‐PEEa can be further functionalized by different amino compounds or their derivates. The as‐prepared amphiphilic PEG‐hb‐PEEa copolymer can readily self‐assemble into micelles in water, which can be used as surfactant to stabilize Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) during reduction of NaBH4 in aqueous solution. As a demonstration, the as‐prepared PEG‐hb‐PEEa‐supported AuNPs demonstrate good dispersion in water, solvent stability and remarkable catalytic activity for reduction of nitrobenzene compounds.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling of the metastin/kisspeptin analog, TAK‐448, for its anti‐tumor efficacy in a rat xenograft model
Authors: Kogame Akifumi , Ishikawa Kaori , DeJongh Joost , Tagawa Yoshihiko , Matsui Hisanori , Moriya Yuu , Kondo Takahiro , Asahi Satoru 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTAK‐448 is the investigational metastin/kisspeptin analog, which is known to have an anti‐tumor effect through suppression of androgen hormones (luteinizing hormone and testosterone) levels. This study developed pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) models of TAK‐448 and leuprorelin acetate (TAP‐144) in a rat vertebral‐cancer of the prostate (VCaP) androgen‐sensitive prostate cancer xenograft model to quantitatively assess and compare the anti‐tumor effects of both drugs. A potential contribution of the hormone‐independent direct effects of TAK‐448 to the tumor growth inhibition was also investigated in the in vivo rat xenograft model, because our in vitro experiments revealed that TAK‐448 may also directly suppress VCaP cellular proliferation. The PK/PD model successfully described the time course of tumor growth inhibition after drug treatment as well as the development of resistance to the inhibition of androgen hormones, following drug treatment or castration. The EC50 of the hormone‐dependent inhibitory effect of TAK‐448 was much lower than that of TAP‐144, and TAK‐448 also has a faster onset of anti‐tumor effect than TAP‐144, demonstrating that TAK‐448 has a stronger overall anti‐tumor effect than TAP‐144. In addition, model inference, by incorporating a hormone‐independent inhibition pathway of TAK‐448 into the PK‐PD model, suggested that such a direct inhibition pathway for TAK‐448 cannot be excluded, as also indicated by in vitro studies, but its EC50 would be approximately three orders of magnitude higher than that of the hormone‐dependent pathway. This study helps to understand the potential and mechanism of TAK‐448 as a prostate cancer treatment.
The functional networks of a novel environment: Neural activity mapping in awake unrestrained rats using positron emission tomography
Authors: McGregor Matthew , Richer Kaleigh , Ananth Mala , Thanos Panayotis K. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionNovel environment stimulation is thought to have an important role in cognitive development and has been shown to encourage exploratory behavior in rats. However, psychopathology or perceived danger or stress can impede this exploratory drive. The balance between brain circuits controlling the exploratory drive elicited by a novel environment, and the avoidance response to stressors, is not well understood.MethodsUsing positron emission tomography (PET) and the glucose analog [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG), we assessed awake brain glucose metabolism (BGluM) in rats while in a novel environment (cage of an unfamiliar male rat) and non‐novel environment (the animal's home cage).ResultsExposure to the novel environment increased BGluM in regions associated with vision (visual cortex), motor function and motivated behavior (striatum and motor cortex), and anxiety (stria terminalis), and decreased BGluM in regions associated with auditory processing (auditory cortex, insular cortex, inferior colliculus), locomotor activity (globus pallidus, striatum, motor cortex, ventral thalamic nucleus), spatial navigation (retrosplenial cortex), and working memory (hippocampus, cingulate cortex, prelimbic cortex, orbitofrontal cortex).ConclusionThese results suggest that the novel cage is a stressful environment that inhibits activity in brain regions associated with exploratory behavior. Patterns of inhibition in the novel cage also support the proposed rat default mode network, indicating that animals are more cognitively engaged in this environment. Additionally, these data support the unique capability of combining FDG‐PET with psychopharmacology experiments to examine novelty seeking and brain activation in the context of decision making, risk taking, and cognitive function more generally, along with response to environmental or stress challenges.
Effects of intraaortic balloon counterpulsation on translesional coronary hemodynamics
Authors: Seto Arnold H. , Yu Jeannie , Iwaz James , Kern Morton J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) provides counterpulsation by displacing a 40–50 cc blood volume during diastole augmenting diastolic pressure. The rapid deflation of the balloon timed to the initiation of systole reduces the afterload of ventricular ejection and thus peak systolic pressure. As a direct result, IABP increases mean arterial pressure (MAP) and peak diastolic pressure while reducing systolic pressure and myocardial work. IABP increases coronary flow velocity in non‐obstructed vessels, but does not increase flow across a severe obstruction as shown by intracoronary Doppler flow studies (Kern et al., Circulation, 1993;87:500–511 and Kern et al., Circulation 1991;84:II‐485). There are few studies using pressure sensor guidewires to confirm these responses. We present a case illustrating the translesional hemodynamics using an angioplasty sensor pressure wire across a severe stenosis and the unique influence of the IABP.
Analysis of structural effects on coloring mechanism of Ru celadon porcelain
Authors: Chen Yen‐Yu , Bai Yi‐Wun , Wei Wen‐Cheng J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe glazes in celadon are Ca‐Al‐Si‐O based glasses with a trace of Fe species doped as a coloring agent. The color of celadon is generated by a dual‐coloring mechanism of chemico‐compositional coloring by Fe species, and structural coloring by inhomogeneities. In order to identify the effects on the structural coloring mechanism, Fe doped Ca‐Al‐Si‐O glasses based on the composition of celadon were systematically synthesized by a thermal melting method to compare with that of the shard of ancient Ru‐ware. The results show that the as‐prepared glazes consisted of bubbles, crystalline precipitates, and dual‐phasic glass areas. The crystalline precipitates are mainly facet anorthite grains surrounded by Ca‐Al‐Si‐O glasses. Spinodal decomposition of the Ca‐Al‐Si‐O glasses was observed, whose morphologies are either a spherical or a worm‐like patterns. From the analysis of optical spectra, the intensities of wavelengths in the green (495‐570 nm), yellow (570‐590 nm), and orange (590‐620 nm) are in mixture hybrid. The dominant factor of the structural coloring might due to Rayleigh scattering by the nano‐textures of duel‐phasic glasses (50‐100 nm), which increases the blue opalescence. The spinodal decomposition of celadon porcelain after the anorthite grains precipitated was also identified in this study.
High Temperature Co‐Electrolysis as a Key Technology for CO2 Emission Mitigation – A Model‐Based Assessment of CDA and CCU
Authors: Herz Gregor , Müller Nils , Adam Paul , Megel Stefan , Reichelt Erik , Jahn Matthias 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe mitigation of CO2 emissions is a major challenge for modern society. While the mitigation of energy‐related emissions can be achieved comparatively easy by switching to renewable energy sources, reduction of process‐related industrial emissions is considerably more challenging. To reduce industrial CO2 emissions, two basic routes are available: carbon direct avoidance (CDA) and carbon capture and utilization (CCU). It is shown that in terms of efficiency, CDA is to be favored when applicable. However, for applications where emissions cannot be avoided, CCU can be a viable approach allowing for emission mitigation.
One pot synthesis of nano Ag in calcium alginate beads and its catalytic application in p‐Nitrophenol reduction with kinetic parameter estimation and model fitting
Authors: Supriya  , Pal Chandan K. , Sengupta Sonali , Basu Jayanta K. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this work, one step process of synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Agnp) embedded in insitu formed calcium alginate (CA) beads is stated. CA, formed from the reaction between sodium alginate and calcium hydroxide, acts as reducing and stabilizing agent as well as support for nanoparticles. The reaction mechanism for the formation and stabilization of Agnp is proposed where the vicinal dihydroxy groups of alginate are assumed to act as the reducing agent for Ag+ to Ag°. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), UV‐vis spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) were used to characterize the Agnp. The formation of spherical nanoparticles with average size range of 4‐5 nm was confirmed by TEM. Catalytic activity of this nano silver‐calcium alginate (Agnp‐CA) composite was evaluated in the reduction of p‐nitrophenol. Concentrations of sodium alginate, calcium hydroxide, and AgNO3 are found to be the parameters that critically affect the synthesis of Agnp. The efficacy of the catalyst is expressed on the basis of suitable reaction parameters. Both pseudo‐homogeneous and heterogeneous kinetic models are proposed for the reaction to find the best model and the Eley‐Riedel model is found to fit well with the experimental data. The novelty of this work is that the tandem process of CA bead formation, Agnp formation, and Agnp entrapment in CA have been transformed into a single‐step process. Moreover, elaborations of each step of the ionic mechanisms of Agnp formation and p‐NP reduction with Agnp and the establishment of a heterogeneous kinetic model for the reaction are reported for the first time here.
Diffuse domain method for needle insertion simulations
Authors: Jerg Katharina I. , Austermühl René Phillip , Roth Karsten , Große Sundrup Jonas , Kanschat Guido , Hesser Jürgen W. , Wittmayer Lisa 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe present a new strategy for needle insertion simulations without the necessity of meshing. A diffuse domain approach on a regular grid is applied to overcome the need for an explicit representation of organ boundaries. A phase field function captures the transition of tissue parameters and boundary conditions are imposed implicitly. Uncertainties of a volume segmentation are translated in the width of the phase field, an approach that is novel and overcomes the problem of defining an accurate segmentation boundary. We perform a convergence analysis of the diffuse elastic equation for decreasing phase field width, compare our results to deformation fields received from conforming mesh simulations and analyze the diffuse linear elastic equation for different widths of material interfaces. Then, the approach is applied to computed tomography data of a patient with liver tumors. A three‐class U‐Net is used to automatically generate tissue probability maps serving as phase field functions for the transition of elastic parameters between different tissues. The needle tissue interaction forces are approximated by the absolute gradient of a phase field function, which eliminates the need for explicit boundary parameterization and collision detection at the needle‐tissue interface. The results show that the deformation field of the diffuse domain approach is comparable to the deformation of a conforming mesh simulation. Uncertainties of tissue boundaries are included in the model and the simulation can be directly performed on the automatically generated voxel‐based probability maps. Thus, it is possible to perform easily implementable patient‐specific elastomechanical simulations directly on voxel data.
Predictive value of MCM5 (ADXBLADDER) analysis in urine of men evaluated for the initial diagnosis of bladder cancer: A comparative prospective study
Authors: Anastasi Emanuela , Maggi Martina , Tartaglione Sara , Angeloni Antonio , Gennarini Giuseppina , Leoncini Pier Paolo , Sperduti Isabella , Di Lascio Giovanni , De Stefano Virgilio , Di Pierro Giovanni Battista , Del Giudice Francesco , Busetto Gian Maria , De Berardinis Ettore , Sciarra Alessandro 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo compare predictive value of MCM5 to urinary cytology (UC) for the primary diagnosis of bladder cancer (BCa).MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 91 patients who presented macroscopic hematuria or persistent lower urinary tract symptoms at our institution. Single voided mid‐stream urine specimens were collected for UC and MCM5 (ADXBLADDER; Arquer Diagnostics Ltd, Sunderland, United Kingdom) assessment. Cystoscopy was used as confirmatory test, and positive cases underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor with histopathological evaluation.ResultsForty cases (43.9%) showed a positive cystoscopy for BCa. Histology was obtained in 37 cases: 16 (43.2%) high‐grade (HG) and 21 (56.8%) low‐grade (LG) transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). UC had a sensitivity of 62.5%, specificity of 86.3%, PPV of 78.1% and NPV of 74.6%. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of MCM5 were 60.0%, 88.2%, 80.0% and 73.8%, respectively. According to tumor grade, MCM5 and UC showed a sensitivity of 47.6% and 52.4% in LG, and 87.5% and 75.0%, respectively, in HG TCC. False‐positive rates were 11.8% and 13.7% of negative cases for BCa with MCM5 and UC test, whereas false‐negative results were found in 40.0% and 37.5% of BCa cases, respectively. The combination of the two tests showed a sensitivity of 71.4% in LG, and 93.8% in HG TCC.ConclusionIn the present analysis, MCM5 showed lower sensitivity than UC in predicting BCa primary diagnosis. According to tumor grade, MCM5 showed a higher sensitivity in the detection of HG BCa compared to UC, although values were not significantly different.
Closing the gap from transcription to the structural connectome enhances the study of connections in the human brain
Authors: Charvet Christine J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe brain is composed of a complex web of networks but we have yet to map the structural connections of the human brain in detail. Diffusion MR imaging is a high‐throughput method that relies on the principle of diffusion to reconstruct tracts (ie, pathways) across the brain. Although diffusion MR tractography is an exciting method to explore the structural connectivity of the brain in development and across species, the tractography has at times led to questionable interpretations. There are at present few if any alternative methods to trace structural pathways in the human brain. Given these limitations and the potential of diffusion MR imaging to map the human connectome, it is imperative that we develop new approaches to validate neuroimaging techniques. I discuss our recent studies integrating neuroimaging with transcriptional and anatomical variation across humans and other species over the course of development and in adulthood. Developing a novel framework to harness the potential of diffusion MR tractography provides new and exciting opportunities to study the evolution of developmental mechanisms generating variation in connections and bridge the gap between model systems to humans.
Pregnant Women in Trials of Covid‐19: A Critical Time to Consider Ethical Frameworks of Inclusion in Clinical Trials
Authors: Farrell Ruth , Michie Marsha , Pope Rachel 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTEthical issues abound during this unprecedented international public health crisis of Covid‐19. While the trade‐off between societal and individual interests that occurs at the intersection of public health ethics and clinical ethics affects all populations, this calculus has particular relevance for pregnant women and the question of when they will have access to new Covid‐19 therapies and vaccines. Pregnant women are a “scientifically complex” population whose inclusion in clinical research must be done with consideration of the unique state of pregnancy. Yet research on the impact of Covid‐19 on pregnant women is lagging. In a rush to prevent and treat SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, it is crucial that the interests of pregnant women be prioritized to enable them to make autonomous, informed decisions about participating in clinical trials. The global pandemic calls for a revisiting of frameworks for the inclusion of pregnant women in research, as these women have an important stake in the prevention and treatment of Covid‐19.