bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diblock Copolymers with Similar Glass Transition Temperatures in Both Blocks for Comparing Shear Orientation Processes with DPD Computer Simulations
Authors: Heck Matthias , Schneider Ludwig , Müller Marcus , Wilhelm Manfred 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study is the development of phase‐separating diblock copolymer model systems suitable for the comparison between the orientation process under shear and computer simulations of the same process. To do so, the polymer systems have to fulfill certain requirements like similar dynamics of both polymer blocks, which are associated with comparable glass transition temperatures. The development of suitable diblock copolymer systems such as poly(ethyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine) or the tuning of already established polymer systems like polystyrene‐b‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine) via copolymerization with 4‐vinylpyridine is essential. Anionic polymerization is used for the sample synthesis to achieve this goal with the lowest possible polydispersity. Soft, coarse‐grained models are used to study the block dynamics in computer simulations. Within the dissipative particle dynamics methods the remaining differences in the block mobility are addressed. The experimentally determined zero‐shear viscosity η0is used to match the simulation results to the synthesized polymer melts.
Design of Open‐Shell π‐Conjugated Microporous Polymer Film with Super‐High Conductivity
Authors: Xu Lai 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPolymers with open‐shell π‐conjugated structure and thiophene‐based building blocks are designed for electropolymerization. These systems are expected to electropolymerize and form solution‐processable conjugated microporous polymer films, which can be used for device fabrications. The designed radical structure has a low highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) gap, high electronic hopping rate for the hole transfer and electron transfer, and ultimately high conductivity. The eclipsed dimer has higher conductivities than that of staggered dimer. The designed monomer with substituted groups has lower conductivities due to steric effect. The open‐shell systems designed will be promising materials with various applications. Design principles for open‐shell organic materials can be established based on the trends of this paper.
Surprising Insensitivity of Homogeneous Acetylation of Cellulose Dissolved in Triethyl(n‐octyl)ammonium Chloride/Molecular Solvent on the Solvent Polarity
Authors: Achtel Christian , Jedvert Kerstin , Kostag Marc , El Seoud Omar A. , Heinze Thomas 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe homogeneous acetylation of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) by acetyl chloride and acetic anhydride in triethyl(n‐octyl)ammonium chloride (N2228Cl)/molecular solvents (MSs) is investigated. The reaction with both acylating agents shows the expected increase of the degree of substitution (DS) on reaction temperature and time. Under comparable reaction conditions, however, DS is surprisingly little dependent on the MS employed, although the MSs differ in empirical polarity by 7 kcal mol−1 as calculated by use of solvatochromic probes. The empirical polarities of (MCC + N2228Cl + MS) differ only by 0.8 kcal mol−1. The formation a polar electrolyte sheath around cellulose chains presumably contributes to this “leveling‐off” of the dependence DS on the polarity of the parent MS employed. N2228Cl recovery and recycling is feasible.
Changes in soil physicochemical properties and soil bacterial community in mulberry (Morus alba L.)/alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) intercropping system
Authors: Zhang Meng‐Meng , Wang Ning , Hu Yan‐Bo , Sun Guang‐Yu 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA better understanding of tree‐based intercropping effects on soil physicochemical properties and bacterial community has a potential contribution to improvement of agroforestry productivity and sustainability. In this study, we investigated the effects of mulberry/alfalfa intercropping on soil physicochemical properties and soil bacterial community by MiSeq sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene. The results showed a significant increase in the contents of available nitrogen, available phosphate, available potassium, and total carbon in the rhizosphere soil of the intercropped alfalfa. Sequencing results showed that intercropping improved bacterial richness and diversity of mulberry and alfalfa based on richness estimates and diversity indices. The relative abundances of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes were significantly higher in intercropping mulberry than in monoculture mulberry; and the abundances of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Gemmatimonadetes in the intercropping alfalfa were markedly higher than that in monoculture alfalfa. Bacterial taxa with soil nutrients cycling were enriched in the intercropping system. There were higher relative abundances of Bacillus (0.32%), Pseudomonas (0.14%), and Microbacterium (0.07%) in intercropping mulberry soil, and Bradyrhizobium (1.0%), Sphingomonas (0.56%), Pseudomonas (0.18%), Microbacterium (0.15%), Rhizobium (0.09%), Neorhizobium (0.08%), Rhodococcus (0.06%), and Burkholderia (0.04%) in intercropping alfalfa soil. Variance partition analysis showed that planting pattern contributed 26.7% of the total variation of bacterial community, and soil environmental factors explained approximately 56.5% of the total variation. This result indicated that the soil environmental factors were more important than the planting pattern in shaping the bacterial community in the field soil. Overall, mulberry/alfalfa intercropping changed soil bacterial community, which was related to changes in soil total carbon, available phosphate, and available potassium.
Transcriptional coupling (Mfd) and DNA damage scanning (DisA) coordinate excision repair events for efficient Bacillus subtilis spore outgrowth
Authors: Valenzuela‐García Luz I. , Ayala‐García Víctor M. , Regalado‐García Ana G. , Setlow Peter , Pedraza‐Reyes Mario 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe absence of base excision repair (BER) proteins involved in processing ROS‐promoted genetic insults activates a DNA damage scanning (DisA)‐dependent checkpoint event in outgrowing Bacillus subtilis spores. Here, we report that genetic disabling of transcription‐coupled repair (TCR) or nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathways severely affected outgrowth of ΔdisA spores, and much more so than the effects of these mutations on log phase growth. This defect delayed the first division of spore′s nucleoid suggesting that unrepaired lesions affected transcription and/or replication during outgrowth. Accordingly, return to life of spores deficient in DisA/Mfd or DisA/UvrA was severely affected by a ROS‐inducer or a replication blocking agent, hydrogen peroxide and 4‐nitroquinoline‐oxide, respectively. Mutation frequencies to rifampin resistance (Rifr) revealed that DisA allowed faithful NER‐dependent DNA repair but activated error‐prone repair in TCR‐deficient outgrowing spores. Sequencing analysis of rpoB from spontaneous Rifr colonies revealed that mutations resulting from base deamination predominated in outgrowing wild‐type spores. Interestingly, a wide range of base substitutions promoted by oxidized DNA bases were detected in ΔdisA and Δmfd outgrown spores. Overall, our results suggest that Mfd and DisA coordinate excision repair events in spore outgrowth to eliminate DNA lesions that interfere with replication and transcription during this developmental period.
Initial cognitive changes in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Weintraub Daniel , Tröster Alexander I. , Marras Connie , Stebbins Glenn 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTThe focus on cognitive impairment in neurodegenerative diseases, including PD, is shifting from the dementia stage to earlier stages of impairment, including mild cognitive impairment. This shift is driven primarily by the desire to improve long‐term outcomes by delivering therapeutic interventions earlier in the clinical course, even presymptomatically in those at highest risk, and at the initial stage in the pathophysiological cascade that underpins common dementia syndromes. This article focuses on key findings and challenges in studying earliest stages of cognitive decline in PD, including a detailed examination of neuropsychological testing, cognitive performance in early and prodromal PD, epidemiological research for PD mild cognitive impairment to date, and expert recommendations for assessment. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The Role of Non‐Coding RNAs and Isothiocyanates in Cancer
Authors: Martin Samantha L. , Royston Kendra J. , Tollefsbol Trygve O. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCancer is the second leading cause of mortalities in the United States, only exceeded by heart disease. Current cancer treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, and/or radiation. Due to the often harsh effects of current cancer therapies, investigators are focusing their efforts on cancer prevention mediated by dietary phytochemicals. Since the discovery that cancer can be initiated by and progressed through both genetic and epigenetic pathways, there has been a significant surge in studies on epigenetic effects mediated by nutritive compounds. Isothiocyanates, naturally occurring molecules found in cruciferous vegetables, have been documented to exhibit many anticarcinogenic activities. Although isothiocyanates have been extensively documented as key players in epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, their effects on non‐coding RNAs is understudied. Non‐coding RNAs are molecules that target mRNA production and repress protein translation and are known to be dysregulated in various human malignancies. Studies have used non‐coding RNAs as novel targets for exploration in cancer therapy. This review focuses on the exploration of isothiocyanates and their effect on non‐coding RNAs in cancer prevention and therapy.
Polyphenol Phase‐II Metabolites are Detectable in Human Plasma after Ingestion of 13C Labeled Spinach—a Pilot Intervention Trial in Young Healthy Adults
Authors: Passon Maike , Bühlmeier Judith , Zimmermann Benno F. , Stratmann Anja , Latz Stefan , Stehle Peter , Galensa Rudolf 
Published: March 2018

ScopeAfter intrinsic labeling of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L., Chenopodiaceae) with 13CO2, we investigated if labeled polyphenol metabolites were detectable in human plasma.Methods and resultIn a pilot intervention trial, five healthy men consumed 5 g freeze‐dried 13C labeled spinach, including a total amount of 160 μmol methoxyflavonols, including 70 μmol 5,3′,4′‐trihydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐6,7‐methylendioxyflavone‐4′‐glucuronide. Plasma samples of all subjects were analyzed with regard to their 13C/12C ratio. Additionally, 13C labeled metabolites of patuletin, spinacetin, and 5,3′,4′‐trihydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐6,7‐methylendioxyflavone (TMM) were analyzed in plasma samples in a subgroup of three subjects. TMM‐glucuronide, TMM‐sulfate, and spinacetin‐glucuronide‐sulfate, the latter as 12C113C16 and 13C17 isotopologs, were tentatively identified. Plasma concentration of TMM‐glucuronide and TMM‐sulfate reached cmax from 19.1–54.3 and 22.5–125.5 nmol L–1, respectively, 7–9 h post‐ingestion.ConclusionIt seems likely that 13C labeled TMM‐glucuronide and TMM‐sulfate are phase‐II metabolites which were converted after colonic transformation. Variations in plasma kinetics were observed for these two metabolites and may be attributed to the individual composition of the microbiota. We conclude that 13C labeled polyphenol metabolites are detectable and quantifiable in human plasma.
Classification images for localization performance in ramp‐spectrum noise
Authors: Abbey Craig K. , Samuelson Frank W. , Zeng Rongping , Boone John M. , Eckstein Miguel P. , Myers Kyle 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThis study investigates forced localization of targets in simulated images with statistical properties similar to trans‐axial sections of x‐ray computed tomography (CT) volumes. A total of 24 imaging conditions are considered, comprising two target sizes, three levels of background variability, and four levels of frequency apodization. The goal of the study is to better understand how human observers perform forced‐localization tasks in images with CT‐like statistical properties.MethodsThe transfer properties of CT systems are modeled by a shift‐invariant transfer function in addition to apodization filters that modulate high spatial frequencies. The images contain noise that is the combination of a ramp‐spectrum component, simulating the effect of acquisition noise in CT, and a power‐law component, simulating the effect of normal anatomy in the background, which are modulated by the apodization filter as well. Observer performance is characterized using two psychophysical techniques: efficiency analysis and classification image analysis. Observer efficiency quantifies how much diagnostic information is being used by observers to perform a task, and classification images show how that information is being accessed in the form of a perceptual filter.ResultsPsychophysical studies from five subjects form the basis of the results. Observer efficiency ranges from 29% to 77% across the different conditions. The lowest efficiency is observed in conditions with uniform backgrounds, where significant effects of apodization are found. The classification images, estimated using smoothing windows, suggest that human observers use center‐surround filters to perform the task, and these are subjected to a number of subsequent analyses. When implemented as a scanning linear filter, the classification images appear to capture most of the observer variability in efficiency (r2 = 0.86). The frequency spectra of the classification images show that frequency weights generally appear bandpass in nature, with peak frequency and bandwidth that vary with statistical properties of the images.ConclusionsIn these experiments, the classification images appear to capture important features of human‐observer performance. Frequency apodization only appears to have a significant effect on performance in the absence of anatomical variability, where the observers appear to underweight low spatial frequencies that have relatively little noise. Frequency weights derived from the classification images generally have a bandpass structure, with adaptation to different conditions seen in the peak frequency and bandwidth. The classification image spectra show relatively modest changes in response to different levels of apodization, with some evidence that observers are attempting to rebalance the apodized spectrum presented to them.
An audit of the utilization of physiotherapy assistants in the musculoskeletal outpatients setting within a primary care physiotherapy service
Authors: Sarigiovannis Panos , Cropper Steve 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundPhysiotherapy assistants account for approximately 20% of the physiotherapy workforce across a community health service in North Staffordshire. Although their job descriptions state that the post is primarily clinical, their role depends heavily on the qualified physiotherapists and how they utilize their clinical skills.MethodsAn audit of the physiotherapy assistants’ tasks was carried out to reveal whether the physiotherapy assistants’ time spent on clinical tasks complied with their job descriptions. Using the audit improvement cycle, pathway mapping of specific anatomical areas was performed to identify which parts of treatment can be carried out by physiotherapy assistants, clarify the physiotherapy assistants’ clinical role and standardize treatments. A competences and training needs analysis was completed and physiotherapy assistants were trained before the pathways were implemented. Finally, the physiotherapy assistants’ practice was re‐audited and job satisfaction questionnaires were redistributed after the pathways were implemented.ResultsThe results showed that, following the implementation of the pathways, the amount of working time that physiotherapy assistants spent treating patients increased from 9% to 16%. Their job satisfaction changed from 11% prior to the implementation of the pathways to 100% post‐implementation.ConclusionsUsing defined pathways in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions of the peripheral joints provides the framework to standardize delegation of clinical tasks from qualified physiotherapists to physiotherapy assistants. However, the utilization of such pathways needs to be examined further, to clarify the clinical and cost effectiveness of delegating clinical work to physiotherapy assistants, and also the perceptions of qualified physiotherapists.
Electrical impedance myography in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: A 1‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Mul Karlien , Heatwole Chad , Eichinger Katy , Dilek Nuran , Martens William B. , Van Engelen Baziel G. M. , Tawil Rabi , Statland Jeffrey M. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is a noninvasive technique for measuring muscle composition and a potential physiological biomarker for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD).Methods: Thirty‐two participants with genetically confirmed and clinically affected FSHD underwent EIM in 7 muscles bilaterally. Correlations between EIM and baseline clinical measures were used to select EIM variables of interest in FSHD, and EIM and clinical measures were followed for 1 year.Results: There were no significant changes in the EIM variables. Although 50‐kHZreactance correlated the strongest with clinical measures at baseline, the 50–211‐kHZphase ratio demonstrated lower within‐subject 12‐month variability, potentially offering sample size savings for FSHD clinical trial planning.Discussion: EIM did not identify significant disease progression over 12 months. It is currently unclear whether this is because of limitations of the technology or the slow rate of disease progression in this cohort of FSHD patients over this period of time.Muscle Nerve58: 213–218, 2018
Effects of Vegetation Density on the Ontogeny to Piscivory of Juvenile Largemouth Bass
Authors: Shoup Daniel E. , Broderius Chance R. 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
First-year overwinter survival is a frequent bottleneck to the recruitment of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides. Early ontogeny to piscivory provides increased overwinter survival through increased growth and the accumulation of lipids. This ontogeny is thought to be slowed by dense and complex vegetative habitats, but this hypothesis has not been directly tested. To address this question, we conducted enclosure experiments for 5 weeks during the typical time that juvenile Largemouth Bass would transition to piscivory (i.e., midsummer). Thirty-two enclosures were constructed across two 0.10-ha ponds and given one of four stem densities of simulated vegetation (0, 50, 250, and 500 stems/m2). Three juvenile Largemouth Bass and 30 juvenile Bluegills Lepomis macrochirus were added to each enclosure. All fish were sampled twice per week. Largemouth Bass growth was measured on all sample dates, and stomach samples were collected to determine diets on one date each week. Bluegill sizes and densities were manipulated to maintain the number of fish at 30 fish that were 25–35% of Largemouth Bass TL after each sampling event. Largemouth Bass stomach contents (percent by weight) were initially dominated by insects, and the bass transitioned to mostly fish prey by the end of the experiment. The use of fish prey, as measured by the presence of surviving Bluegills in the enclosures, significantly increased at the beginning of the second week at all stem densities, but fewer fish prey were eaten by bass in the 250-stems/m2 treatment than in all other treatments throughout the experiment. Largemouth Bass also grew less in the 250-stems/m2 treatment. We concluded that vegetation density does affect the foraging rate of piscivorous juvenile Largemouth Bass, but not necessarily the timing of the ontogeny to piscivory. However, differing results between this experiment and other previously published studies suggests vegetation may have an interactive effect with available prey types.
Simple paths with exact and forbidden lengths
Authors: Dolgui Alexandre , Kovalyov Mikhail Y. , Quilliot Alain 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWe study new decision and optimization problems of finding a simple path between two given vertices in an arc weighted directed multigraph such that the path length is equal to a given number or it does not fall into the given forbidden intervals (gaps). A fairly complete computational complexity classification is provided and exact and approximation algorithms are suggested.
Successful Placement of Nasointestinal Feeding Tubes Using an Electromagnetic Sensor‐Guided Enteral Access System in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Lash Kay , Oppel Rachelle , Hasse Jeanette 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTechnology advances have made it possible to prolong life for patients with heart failure who are not transplant candidates or while awaiting transplant. Many different cardiac devices are available that can be used as a bridge to transplant (temporary support) or as a destination therapy (permanent support). Placement of these devices can cause complications that, if not addressed, could negatively impact the nutrition status of patients. Placement of nasointestinal feeding tubes using an electromagnetic sensor–guided enteral access system (EMS‐EAS) has been difficult in patients with implantable devices because of the potential for interference with the EMS‐EAS and the left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The purpose of this paper was to report the results using a modified method to place nasointestinal tubes in patients with LVADs by elevating the receiver off the xiphoid process. There were 42 feeding tube placements in 25 patients. Results showed a 69% success rate of placement into the small bowel, 13 unsuccessful placements, and no adverse or sentinel events associated with tube placement using this method. Results indicated the modified method is a safe approach to help expedite feeding tube placement in a nutritionally compromised patient. The success rate is comparable with non‐LVAD patient populations requiring nasointestinal tube placement via EMS‐EAS. To our knowledge, this is the first published case series addressing a modified method for nasointestinal tube placement in patients with LVAD. More research is needed to determine ideal separation distances or other techniques to improve the success rate in this patient population.
Scaled norm minimization method for computing the parameters of the HSS and the two‐parameter HSS preconditioners
Authors: Yang Ai‐Li 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThe performance of the Hermitian and skew‐Hermitian splitting (HSS) preconditioner for the non‐Hermitian positive definite system of linear equations is largely dependent on the choice of its parameter value. In this work, an efficient scaled norm minimization (SNM) method is proposed to compute the parameter value of the HSS preconditioner. In addition, by choosing different parameters for the Hermitian and the skew‐Hermitian matrices in the HSS preconditioner, a two‐parameter HSS preconditioner is proposed. Moreover, an efficient and practical formula for computing the parameter values of this new preconditioner is also derived by using the SNM method. Numerical examples are illustrated to verify the performances of the HSS and the two‐parameter HSS preconditioners when their parameters are computed by the SNM method.