bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil organic carbon stock as an indicator for monitoring land and soil degradation in relation to United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Lorenz Klaus , Lal Rattan , Ehlers Knut 
Published: January 2019

AbstractSeventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in September 2015 aim to end hunger and poverty, to protect the Planet, and to ensure peace and prosperity for all. The soil organic carbon (SOC) stock is a major planetary resource supporting many critically important ecosystem services (ESs) and underpins realization of some of the SDGs at the national level. Thus, decrease in the SOC stock is among the significant universal indicators for land and soil degradation and compromises efforts to achieve the SDGs especially those with reference to food, health, water, climate, and land management. However, there is currently no well‐established relationship (i.e., quantitative evidence) between the SOC stock and the level of ESs attributable to it. Further, basic soil data and monitoring systems including those of SOC stock and its changes are not available for many regions and nations. This uncertainty affects the suitability of using the SOC stock as absolute indicator to monitor changes in land and soil degradation and, particularly, in relation to the SDG monitoring framework. Thus, although the SOC stock is arguably an important indicator for land and soil degradation among others, more research and data on a national level are needed to establish the relationship between the SOC stock and the targets to monitor progress towards achieving the SDGs with reference to food, health, water, climate, and land management. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review on the suitability of the SOC stock as an indicator for monitoring land and soil degradation with regard to the SDG framework.
Institutional challenges in pastoral landscape management: Towards sustainable land management in Ngamiland, Botswana
Authors: Basupi Lenyeletse Vincent , Dougill Andrew John , Quinn Claire Helen 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPolicies, institutions, and governance structures have implications for the sustainable use of land resources. In dryland Africa, pastoral landscapes are faced with challenges of land degradation, livestock diseases, droughts, and land use conflicts. In order to enhance resilience and integrity of pastoral societies and landscapes, sustainable land management (SLM) requires that policies and institutions create an enabling environment that encourages sustainable use. This study analyses current policy, institutional, and governance challenges in relation to SLM in Ngamiland, Botswana. We use a series of expert interviews, local stakeholder workshops, document, and policy content analysis to analyse policy and institutional challenges. Key findings of this study include fragmented institutional and policy frameworks, conflicting policies and priorities, weak governance structures, lack of integrated planning and coordination between sectors, gaps in communication, knowledge gaps, and fragmented pastoralists lobbying institutions, all of which hinders prospects for SLM in communal areas of Botswana. Harmonisation of sectoral policies requires institutional and policy design to consider institutional coordination and enhanced learning on other actors' perspectives and constraints. Findings in Ngamiland show that collaborative comanagement approaches can play a role in facilitating intersectoral data sharing to enable successful development of pastoral landscapes and a supportive decision‐making system for SLM.
A New Strategy to Prepare Poly(2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline)‐Based Antifouling Coatings: Using UV‐Crosslinked Copolymer Anchors
Authors: Zhu Haikun , Chen Lijuan , Zhang Chong , Atif Muhammad , Gong Kai , Chen Chaoshi , Wang Yanmei 
Published: January 2019

AbstractA series of the copolymer, poly(styrene‐random‐glycidyl methacrylate) (P(St‐r‐GMA)), is synthesized by free radical polymerization, and characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. The various substrates are then modified by P(St‐r‐GMA) under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Subsequently, the poly(2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PMOXA) based coatings are prepared by anchoring amino‐terminated PMOXA onto the P(St‐r‐GMA) modified surfaces through the reaction between the amino group of PMOXA and epoxy group of P(St‐r‐GMA). The results of ellipsometry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and water contact angle reveal that PMOXA‐based coatings can be prepared successfully on the substrates through UV‐crosslinked P(St‐r‐GMA) as anchoring coatings. Besides, the PMOXA‐based coatings display not only a superior antifouling property but long‐term stability as well. Furthermore, the location of the coating formed on the substrate can be well controlled through selecting the site of UV irradiation, which can be utilized for the selectivity of protein adsorption (or resistance) on special devices.
Self‐Healing Polymeric Hydrogel Formed by Metal–Ligand Coordination Assembly: Design, Fabrication, and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Shi Liyang , Ding Pinghui , Wang Yuzhi , Zhang Yu , Ossipov Dmitri , Hilborn Jöns 
Published: January 2019

AbstractSelf‐healing hydrogels based on metal–ligand coordination chemistry provide new and exciting properties that improve injectability, rheological behaviors, and even biological functionalities. The inherent reversibility of coordination bonds improves on the covalent cross‐linking employed previously, allowing for the preparation of completely self‐healing hydrogels. In this article, recent advances in the development of this class of hydrogels are summarized and their applications in biology and medicine are discussed. Various chelating ligands such as bisphosphonate, catechol, histidine, thiolate, carboxylate, pyridines (including bipyridine and terpyridine), and iminodiacetate conjugated onto polymeric backbones, as well as the chelated metal ions and metal ions containing inorganic particles, which are used to form dynamic networks, are highlighted. This article provides general ideas and methods for the design of self‐healing hydrogel biomaterials based on coordination chemistry.
Comparison between donor nerves to motorize the free functional gracilis muscle transfer for elbow flexion: Retrospective study of 38 consecutive cases in traumatic adult brachial plexus injuries
Authors: Cho Alvaro B. , Bersani Silva Gustavo , Pisani Marina J. , Alves Jairo A. , Iamaguchi Raquel B. , Wei Teng H. , de Rezende Marcelo R. 
Published: January 2019

PurposeElbow flexion deficit is a frequent problem in traumatic brachial plexus injuries and reestablishment of this function is the primary treatment goal. When management is delayed, or the initial acute approach fails, free functional transfer of the gracilis muscle for elbow flexion is the treatment of choice. In this report, the authors present the results of a comparison study on different donor nerves (spinal accessory and ulnar) in elbow flexion reconstruction with gracilis flap for traumatic adult brachial plexus injuries.MethodsRetrospective analysis of patients with both total or partial traumatic brachial plexus injuries was carried out. Of the 38 patients enrolled, 37 were male (97.4%) with a mean age of 28.3 years. The mean follow‐up period was 25 months. Postoperative function of the gracilis muscle flap was recorded and patients were divided into two groups according to donor nerve: spinal accessory nerve (SAN) (18 cases), and motor fascicles of the ulnar (ULNAR) (20 cases).ResultsTwenty‐six cases obtained elbow flexion strength M3 or M4 (68.4%): 0 M0 (0.0%), 4 M1 (10.5%), 8 M2 (21.1%), 9 M3 (23.7%) and 17 M4 (44.7%). The mean interval to first recorded M3 muscular strength was 12.4 months. Functional elbow flexion strength (≥ M3) had the following distribution: SAN 83.3% (15/18) and ULNAR 55.0% (11/20) (p = .086).ConclusionNo statistical difference for final muscle strength was found between donor nerve groups.
Green Tea Polyphenols Modify the Gut Microbiome in db/db Mice as Co‐Abundance Groups Correlating with the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect
Authors: Chen Tingting , Liu Anna B. , Sun Shili , Ajami Nadim J. , Ross Matthew C. , Wang Hong , Zhang Le , Reuhl Kenneth , Kobayashi Koichi , Onishi Janet C. , Zhao Liping , Yang Chung S. 
Published: January 2019

ScopeThe effects of green tea polyphenols, Polyphenon E (PPE), and black tea polyphenols, theaflavins (TFs), on gut microbiota and development of diabetes in db/db mice are investigated and compared.Methods and resultsSupplementation of PPE (0.1%) in the diet of female db/db mice for 7 weeks decreases fasting blood glucose levels and mesenteric fat while increasing the serum level of insulin, possibly through protection against β‐cell damage. However, TFs are less or not effective. Microbiome analysis through 16S rRNA gene sequencing shows that PPE and TFs treatments significantly alter the bacterial community structure in the cecum and colon, but not in the ileum. The key bacterial phylotypes responding to the treatments are then clustered into 11 co‐abundance groups (CAGs). CAGs 6 and 7, significantly increased by PPE but not by TFs, are negatively associated with blood glucose levels. The operational taxonomic units in these CAGs are from two different phyla, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. CAG 10, decreased by PPE and TFs, is positively associated with blood glucose levels.ConclusionGut microbiota respond to tea polyphenol treatments as CAGs instead of taxa. Some of the CAGs associated with the blood glucose lowering effect are enriched by PPE, but not TFs.
A novel design of a planar antenna with modified patch and defective ground plane for ultra‐wideband applications
Authors: Baudha Sudeep , Yadav Manish V. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn this article, a novel design of a planar antenna with modified patch and defective ground plane for UWB applications is presented. The optimum dimension of the antenna is 20 × 25 × 1.5 mm3 and it is fabricated on commercially available low‐cost FR‐4 substrate having relative permittivity (εr = 4.3) and relative permeability (μr = 1) with a loss tangent of 0.025. The impedance bandwidth of the proposed antenna (magnitude of S11 [S11 < −10 dB]) is 110% (3.1‐10.8 GHz). The peak gain and the peak radiation efficiency of the proposed antenna is 5.1 dB and 89%, respectively, in the proposed band of operation. Simulated and measured results of the proposed antenna are in good agreement. The proposed antenna is suitable for ultra‐wideband applications, 3.5/5.5 GHz WiMAX band, 5.2/5.8 GHz WLAN band, 4/6 GHz satellite communication, and various other wireless communication applications.
Highly accelerated, model‐free diffusion tensor MRI reconstruction using neural networks
Authors: Aliotta Eric , Nourzadeh Hamidreza , Sanders Jason , Muller Donald , Ennis Daniel B. 
Published: January 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to develop a neural network that accurately performs diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) reconstruction from highly accelerated scans.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted using data acquired between 2013 and 2018 and was approved by the local institutional review board. DTI acquired in healthy volunteers (N = 10) was used to train a neural network, DiffNet, to reconstruct fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) maps from small subsets of acquired DTI data with between 3 and 20 diffusion‐encoding directions. FA and MD maps were then reconstructed in volunteers and in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM, N = 12) using both DiffNet and conventional reconstructions. Accuracy and precision were quantified in volunteer scans and compared between reconstructions. The accuracy of tumor delineation was compared between reconstructed patient data by evaluating agreement between DTI‐derived tumor volumes and volumes defined by contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted MRI. Comparisons were performed using areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC).ResultsDiffNet FA reconstructions were more accurate and precise compared with conventional reconstructions for all acceleration factors. DiffNet permitted reconstruction with only three diffusion‐encoding directions with significantly lower bias than the conventional method using six directions (0.01 ± 0.01 vs 0.06 ± 0.01, P < 0.001). While MD‐based tumor delineation was not substantially different with DiffNet (AUC range: 0.888–0.902), DiffNet FA had higher AUC than conventional reconstructions for fixed scan time and achieved similar performance with shorter scans (conventional, six directions: AUC = 0.926, DiffNet, three directions: AUC = 0.920).ConclusionDiffNet improved DTI reconstruction accuracy, precision, and tumor delineation performance in GBM while permitting reconstruction from only three diffusion‐encoding directions.&!#6;
Regularized inversion of the Laplace transform for series of experiments
Authors: Radel Benjamin , Hardy Edme H. , Djuric Zorana , Mahlbacher Markus , Haist Michael , Müller Harald S. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractNot only in low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance, Laplace inversion is a relevant and challenging topic. Considerable conceptual and technical progress has been made, especially for the inversion of data encoding two decay dimensions. Distortion of spectra by overfitting of even moderate noise is counteracted requiring a priori smooth spectra. In this contribution, we treat the case of simple and fast one‐dimensional decay experiments that are repeated many times in a series in order to study the evolution of a sample or process. Incorporating the a priori knowledge that also in the series dimension evolution should be smooth, peak position can be stabilized and resolution improved in the decay dimension. It is explained how the standard one‐dimensional regularized Laplace inversion can be extended quite simply in order to include regularization in the series dimension. Obvious improvements compared with series of one‐dimensional inversions are presented for simulated as well as experimental data. For the latter, comparison with multiexponential fitting is performed.
Quantitative evaluation of hand motor function using a gyrosensor in mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Seok Hung Youl , Kim Ji‐Won , Kim Yool‐Hee , Park Moon‐Ho , Kwon Do‐Young 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe objective of this study was to determine whether patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) manifest changes in early‐stage motor function and to investigate the utility of a gyrosensor for quantitative evaluation of motor function.MethodsAngular velocity signal was measured during finger tapping in 52 patients with mild‐to‐moderate CTS and 45 controls. Four finger‐tapping performance (FTP) values—root‐mean‐squared (RMS) velocity, RMS angle, peak power, and total power—were derived from the signal.ResultsAll FTP values were significantly lower in patients with CTS than in controls (P = 0.001 or P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the mild and moderate CTS subgroups.DiscussionFTP measurement with a gyrosensor represents a valuable tool for the evaluation of median nerve motor function in patients with CTS. It facilitates the detection of subclinical motor dysfunction in patients with early stage CTS. Muscle Nerve 59:465–469, 2019
Leukemia in Ancient Egypt: Earliest case and state‐of‐the‐art techniques for diagnosing generalized osteolytic lesions
Authors: Isidro Albert , Seiler Roger , Seco Myriam 
Published: January 2019

AbstractMalignant bone tumors are uncommon among archaeological skeletal remains, and the general skeletal involvement is even less frequent. Multiple myelomas along with metastases are the most common conditions in paleopathology, whereas malignant myeloproliferative diseases have only been described in a handful of cases.We present a probable case of acute lymphocytic leukemia in a skeleton of an individual from Ancient Egypt, dated to the end of the First Intermediate Period and the beginning of the Middle Kingdom (c 2160–2000 bc). The excavation of the Temple of Millions of Years of Thutmosis III located in el‐Assasif (Luxor, Upper Egypt) recovered a total of 41 complete individual from an associated grave‐Necropolis placed close to the north enclosure wall. The individual, a 16 to 21‐year‐old male, showed a severe disease affecting all the skeleton with, predominantly, osteolytic lesions and areas of new bone formation. Gross examination under magnification and X‐ray in field were performed.We review the paleopathological literature to compare the cases previously reported of malignant disease. The morphology and distribution of the lesions of the individual are discussed to make an adequate differential diagnosis in the individual. Several criteria suggest that the disease was most likely acute lymphocytic leukemia: The individual died before the age of 21, the patterns of the bone lesions as well as its distribution below the elbow and knee joints, the presence of a gap in the coronal suture, and the mandible involvement.If this is the case, it would be the oldest case of leukemia described in Ancient Egypt and could help to understand the evolution patterns of cancer in the history.
Bone tools of Late Holocene hunter‐gatherer‐fishers of North‐Central Chile: Case study of the Punta Teatinos assemblage
Authors: Bravo Gabriela , Troncoso Andrés , Santander Boris 
Published: January 2019

AbstractDuring the Late Holocene, important changes can be identified in the social dynamics of hunter‐gatherer populations in different regions of the Southern Andes. These transformations are associated with processes of demographic growth, territoriality, increased social complexity, technological innovations, and intensified exploitation of the environment. One of the technological transformations associated with these processes is the popularization of bone instruments. In this study, we discuss the functions of bone tools made by Late Holocene coastal hunters‐gatherers of North‐Central Chile, by carrying out a morphological characterization and identifying use‐wear patterns on their surfaces. Our results show that bone technology was used for hunting, fishing, and gathering activities, from flint working to processing vegetal fibres and hide. A reduce number of artefacts had an ornamental use as well. These results suggest a varied and intensive exploitation of the surrounding space by coastal groups, where bones of land animals constituted an important part of the raw materials used in bone industry. Also, we argue that some bone artefacts were elements structuring social relations, as they participated in flows of information and social networks. We conclude by arguing that the popularization of bone industry reflects the dynamics of social complexity, as well as how bone was integrated as a productive, economic, and social resource in the process of coastal hunters and gatherers who inhabited the area.
Oxo‐Hydroxoferrate K2−xFe4O7−x(OH)x: Hydroflux Synthesis, Chemical and Thermal Instability, Crystal and Magnetic Structures
Authors: Albrecht Ralf , Hunger Jens , Block Theresa , Pöttgen Rainer , Senyshyn Anatoliy , Doert Thomas , Ruck Michael 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe reaction of Fe(NO3)3⋅9 H2O with KOH under hydroflux conditions at about 200 °C produces red crystals of K2−xFe4O7−x(OH)x in a quantitative yield. In the crystal structure, edge‐sharing [FeO6] octahedra form
Fe2O6] honeycomb nets. Pillars consisting of pairs of vertex‐sharing [FeO4] tetrahedra link the honeycomb layers and form columnar halls in which the potassium ions are located. The trigonal (P
1m) and the hexagonal (P63/mcm) polytypes of K2−xFe4O7−x(OH)x show oriented intergrowth. The sub‐stoichiometric potassium content (x≈0.3) is compensated by hydroxide ions. K2−xFe4O7−x(OH)x is an antiferromagnet above 2 K and its magnetic structure was determined by neutron powder diffraction. Under ambient conditions, K2−xFe4O7−x(OH)x hydrolyzes and K2CO3 ⋅ H2O forms gradually on the surface of the K2−xFe4O7−x(OH)x crystals. Upon annealing at air at about 500 °C, the potassium atoms in the columnar halls start to order into a superstructure. The thermal decomposition of K2−xFe4O7−x(OH)x proceeds via a topotactic transformation into K1+x′Fe11O17, adopting the rhombohedral β’’ or the hexagonal β‐aluminate‐type structure, before γ‐Fe2O3 is formed above 950 °C, which then converts into thermodynamically stable α‐Fe2O3.
Exercise training alters lipoprotein particles independent of brown adipose tissue metabolic activity
Authors: Motiani P. , Teuho J. , Saari T. , Virtanen K. A. , Honkala S. M. , Middelbeek R. J. , Goodyear L. J. , Eskola O. , Andersson J. , Löyttyniemi E. , Hannukainen J. C. , Nuutila P. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryIntroductionNew strategies for weight loss and weight maintenance in humans are needed. Human brown adipose tissue (BAT) can stimulate energy expenditure and may be a potential therapeutic target for obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, whether exercise training is an efficient stimulus to activate and recruit BAT remains to be explored. This study aimed to evaluate whether regular exercise training affects cold‐stimulated BAT metabolism and, if so, whether this was associated with changes in plasma metabolites.MethodsHealthy sedentary men (n = 11; aged 31 [SD 7] years; body mass index 23 [0.9] kg m−2; VO2 max 39 [7.6] mL min−1 kg−1) participated in a 6‐week exercise training intervention. Fasting BAT and neck muscle glucose uptake (GU) were measured using quantitative [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography–magnetic resonance imaging three times: (1) before training at room temperature and (2) before and (3) after the training period during cold stimulation. Cervico‐thoracic BAT mass was measured using MRI signal fat fraction maps. Plasma metabolites were analysed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.ResultsCold exposure increased supraclavicular BAT GU by threefold (p < 0.001), energy expenditure by 59% (p < 0.001) and plasma fatty acids (p < 0.01). Exercise training had no effect on cold‐induced GU in BAT or neck muscles. Training increased aerobic capacity (p = 0.01) and decreased visceral fat (p = 0.02) and cervico‐thoracic BAT mass (p = 0.003). Additionally, training decreased very low‐density lipoprotein particle size (p = 0.04), triglycerides within chylomicrons (p = 0.04) and small high‐density lipoprotein (p = 0.04).ConclusionsAlthough exercise training plays an important role for metabolic health, its beneficial effects on whole body metabolism through physiological adaptations seem to be independent of BAT activation in young, sedentary men.
Are all chromosome microarrays the same? What clinicians need to know
Authors: Levy Brynn , Burnside Rachel D. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractMicroarray testing is the recommended first‐tier diagnostic test for women who undergo invasive prenatal diagnostic procedures. It is well‐established that microarray analysis provides information regarding copy number for changes (or copy number variants, CNVs) that may be below the resolution level of standard chromosome analysis, and that such CNVs are not related to maternal age. What may not be appreciated by ordering providers, however, are the technical differences among laboratories with respect to the established laboratory cutoff values for reporting, the definition of targeted versus nontargeted regions, and how these differences may affect the interpretation and reporting of findings which, in turn, affects counseling and possible follow‐up testing of family members. Here, we provide a detailed explanation of these technical factors and clarify how they practically impact diagnostic results.