bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Continuous cropping of soybean alters the bulk and rhizospheric soil fungal communities in a Mollisol of Northeast PR China
Authors: Liu Junjie , Yao Qin , Li Yansheng , Zhang Wu , Mi Gang , Chen Xueli , Yu Zhenhua , Wang Guanghua 
Published: May 2019

AbstractContinuous cropping of soybean causes soil degradation and decreased soybean yield in Northeast PR China. However, the mechanism underlying the effect on soil fungal communities and the relationship between these effects and cropping systems have not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we comparatively investigated the abundance, diversity, and structures of fungal communities in the bulk and rhizospheric soils of soybean grown in two cropping systems, that is, continuous cropping (CC) of soybean and cropping rotation (CR) with maize using real‐time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Illumina MiSeq sequencing methods. The results showed that the rhizospheric soil fungal abundance was significantly higher in CC than in CR, but the opposite trend was observed in bulk soils. CC decreased the fungal alpha diversity in both bulk and rhizospheric soils compared with CR. The fungal community compositions were distinctly different between CC and CR in both bulk and rhizospheric soils, and the composition and diversity in bulk soils were predominantly affected by the soil carbon to nitrigen (C/N) ratio. The soil fungal functional groups varied between the two cropping systems; CC increased the relative abundances of the potentially pathogenic fungi Fusarium oxysporum and Lectera longa and beneficial fungi Mortierella sp. and Paecilomyces lilacinus. In contrast, CR increased the relative abundance of Ustilago maydis, which is a pathogen that causes corn smut. Our findings showed that CC increased the abundances of plant pathogens, which is harmful to soybean growth; in contrast, the abundances of some beneficial fungi also increased, which suggested that suppressive soils might be developed after long‐term CC.
Multiphoton Microscopy of Collagen Structure in Ex Vivo Human Skin Following Electrochemical Therapy
Authors: Hu Allison C. , Hong Ellen M. , Toubat Omar , Sivoraphonh Ryan , Barnes Christian , Moy Wesley J. , Krasieva Tatiana B. , Wong Brian J. F. 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesInjury to healthy dermis and the dermoepidermal junction initiates a robust healing process consisting of fibrous tissue overgrowth, collagen deposition, and scar formation. The conventional management of scars and other skin injuries has largely relied upon surgical soft tissue transfer to resurface and/or replace damaged and dysmorphic tissue with new skin. However, these strategies are invasive, expensive, and may further exacerbate integumentary injury. In this study, we examine the creation of in situ redox generated pH changes in fresh human skin. We believe this process of “electrochemical therapy” (ECT) leads to changes in collagen matrix structure. Our objective is to map local tissue pH landscapes and image changes in collagen structure of non‐injured skin following ECT.Study DesignEx vivo human study involving ECT of human skin.MethodsRemnant fresh ex vivo human facial skin from facelift operations was enveloped in saline‐soaked gauze for a maximum of 2 hours prior to ECT and imaging. ECT was performed by inserting platinum‐plated needle electrodes connected to a DC power supply. Voltage (4, 5, or 6 V) and time (3, 4, or 5 minutes) were varied systematically. High frequency ultrasound (25 MHz) was performed immediately after ECT on each sample. Treated samples were also imaged using multiphoton microscopy (MPM) with second harmonic generation (SHG) to specifically visualize collagen fibers in the dermis. The pH landscapes were mapped using indicator dyes in bisected specimens and the MPM images were compared with histologic findings.ResultsAbove 4 V and 3 minutes, a profound reduction in dermal collagen SHG signal was observed at the anode. Although there was less blunting of SHG signal seen at the cathode, a decrease in the fluorescence of the dermoepidermal junction was observed. The pH application suggests ECT spatial selectivity and a direct relationship between voltage and application time. Ultrasound demonstrated gas formation between the anode and cathode, which is consistent with ECT's mechanism of action. Importantly, these electrochemical changes occurred without disrupting dermal and epidermal histologic architecture.ConclusionECT alters tissue pH leading to dermal collagen structural change. These results offer additional insight into the translational potential of ECT to locally remodel the soft‐tissue matrix. Future directions aim to expand into a skin injury model to determine if similar collagen effects are observed in vivo. ECT is incredibly inexpensive (~$5) and may be a means to treat soft tissue injuries using simple needle‐based devices and DC battery power supplies. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Focused ultrasound opening of the blood–brain barrier for treatment of Parkinson's disease
Authors: LeWitt Peter A. , Lipsman Nir , Kordower Jeffrey H. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe expanding landscape of options for Parkinson's disease (PD) therapeutics calls for novel ways to improve delivery of treatments to counteract neurodegeneration or enhance symptomatic control. This unmet need is particularly relevant for opportunities in gene therapy, which, in recent PD clinical trials, has required invasive neurosurgical approaches into the CNS. One of the promising techniques to bring new therapies into the brain for PD therapeutics involves an evolving technology, focused ultrasound. Focused ultrasound has been used to alleviate tremor by thermal ablation with high‐energy sonication. Using similar equipment but much lower sonication energy, focused ultrasound assisted with micro‐bubbles can temporarily open the blood–brain barrier at specific brain targets to facilitate real‐time magnetic resonance–guided delivery of therapeutic agents. To explore the current status and future of focused ultrasound in transvascular therapeutics for PD, a November 2018 workshop reviewed its accomplishments and challenges. This report summarizes key points of discussion and provides further background to the promising roles focused ultrasound offers. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Gene expression in blood from an individual with β‐thalassemia: An RNA sequence analysis
Authors: Taghavifar Forough , Hamid Mohammad , Shariati Gholamreza 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundTranscriptome profiling in individuals affected with β‐thalassemia, especially in individuals who carry novel mutations in the HBB, may improve our understanding of the heterogeneity and molecular mechanisms of the disease.MethodsMembers of a family with a daughter affected with thalassemia intermedia, although her mother was not clinically affected, were examined. We also characterized genome‐wide gene expression in the family using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and high‐throughput RNA‐sequencing mRNA expression profiling of blood.ResultsWe described the downregulation of the β‐globin gene in β‐thalassemia by RNA‐sequencing analysis using a sample from an affected individual and her mother, who have a novel mutation in the HBB that creates a cryptic donor splice site. The daughter has a typical β‐thalassemia allele as well, and an unexpectedly severe phenotype. The differentially expressed genes are enriched in pathways that are directly or indirectly related to β‐thalassemia such as hemopoiesis, heme biosynthesis, response to oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, immune responses, control of circadian rhythm, apoptosis, and other cellular activities.ConclusionWe compare our findings with published results of RNA‐sequencing analysis of sickle cell disease and erythroblasts from a KLF1‐null neonate with hydrops fetalis, and recognize similarities and differences in their transcriptional expression patterns.
Genetic analysis of the relation between IL2RA/IL2RB and rheumatoid arthritis risk
Authors: Yang Yonghui , Yuan Shan , Che Meihua , Jing Haiyin , Yuan Limin , Dong Kuaini , Jin Tianbo 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe biological mechanisms driving disease chronicity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are largely unidentified. Therefore, we aimed to determine genetic risk factors for RA.MethodsIn this case–control study, which includes samples from 499 patients and 507 healthy controls, six single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in interleukin‐2 receptor subunit alpha (IL2RA) and IL2RB were selected. Genotyping was performed using the Agena MassARRAY platform, and the statistical analyses were performed using the chi‐squared and Fisher's exact tests, genetic model analysis, and haplotype analysis.ResultIn the allele model, using the chi‐squared test, the result showed that rs791588 in IL2RA was associated with a decreased RA risk (odds ratios [OR] = 0.74, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 0.62–0.89, p = 0.0014) after adjusting for age and gender. In the genetic model, logistic regression analyses revealed that rs791588 was associated with a decreased risk of RA under the codominant model, dominant model, recessive model, and log‐additive model. Stratification analysis revealed that two SNPs (rs791588 and rs2281089) were significantly associated with a reduced RA risk in an allele and genetic model after stratification by gender or age (p < 0.05). In addition, the haplotypes “Crs12569923Grs791588” and “Crs12569923Trs791588” of IL2RA was associated with an increased risk of RA adjusted by age and gender (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.12–1.64, p = 0.0016; OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.03–1.48, p = 0.021).ConclusionThis finding indicates that the inherited altered genetic constitution at IL2RA may predispose to a less destructive course of RA.
Risk factors and timing of postoperative hematomas following microvascular breast reconstruction: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Phan Robert , Rozen Warren M. , Chowdhry Muhammed , Fitzgerald O'Connor Edmund , Hunter‐Smith David J. , Ramakrishnan Venkat V. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundMicrovascular free tissue transfer has become the gold standard for breast reconstruction. While safe and reliable, there are operative complications, with hematomas developing under the free flap among the more common. These can compromise flap viability, lead to hemodynamic instability and infection. This study aims to identify predictors of hematomas following free‐flap breast reconstruction.MethodsA prospective study was undertaken of patients undergoing autologous free‐flap breast reconstruction over a 4‐year period. Precise times to hematoma formation, age, arterial and venous anastomosis time, and anastomosis length were recorded and analyzed for association with time to hematoma formation.ResultsOne thousand two hundred twelve flaps were undertaken in 1,070 patients during the period of review. Seventy‐one (5.8%) flaps were taken back to theater for hematomas. Immediate reconstruction had a significantly higher hematoma rate compared to delayed reconstruction 7.4% versus 5.2% (p < .001). It is noted that there were two main peaks for time to develop hematomas—less than 4 hr postsurgery and between 12 and 15 hr postsurgery.ConclusionHematomas are a complication, which must be managed with prompt return to theater to ensure flap salvage and patient stabilization. Predictors for hematoma are presented, with hematomas most likely encountered within the first 12 hr of surgery.
Computational 1H NMR: Part 2. Chemical applications
Authors: Krivdin Leonid B. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis is the second one of three closely interrelated reviews dealing with computation of 1H NMR chemical shifts and 1H–1H spin–spin coupling constants prepared for Magnetic Resonance in Chemistry. Presented in this review are some basic notes and illustrative examples of how modern computational 1H NMR could be used for structural elucidation and stereoelectronic studies of the medium‐sized organic molecules involving saturated, unsaturated, aromatic, and heteroaromatic compounds together with their functional derivatives and coordination complexes to get deeper insight into their stereochemical structure and stereodynamic behavior.
Adjusted cost analysis of video televisits for the care of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Paganoni Sabrina , van de Rijn Marc , Drake Kristin , Burke Katherine , Doyle Michael , Ellrodt Amy Swartz , Nicholson Katherine , Atassi Nazem , de Marchi Fabiola , Babu Suma , Estrada Juan , Schwamm Lee H. , Berry James D. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We previously reported our amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) video televisit experience. Here we report on video televisit versus in‐clinic costs, adjusting for perceived medical usefulness (MU). Methods: We take the patient‐perspective and a focused institutional‐perspective. Costs are adjusted for patient/caregiver and physician perceptions of visit MU. The base‐case reflects our outpatient ALS practice. Results: In the base‐case, from the patient perspective, in‐clinic visits cost $1,116 and video televisits cost $89 ($119 after MU‐adjustment). From the institutional perspective, clinic visits cost $799, and video televisits cost $354 ($472 after MU‐adjustment). Adjusted cost‐savings per televisit are $997 (patient) and $327 (institution). Sensitivity analyses on 5 variables accounted for uncertainty in base‐case assumptions. Conclusions: Video televisits provide marked adjusted cost‐savings for patients and institutions. Adjusted costs are sensitive to perceived MU of video televisits. Future research should explore the ability of video televisits to reduce healthcare resource usage. Muscle Nerve 60: 147–154, 2019
Assessment of Juvenile Chinook Salmon Rearing Habitat Potential Prior to Species Reintroduction
Authors: Zeug Steven C. , Wiesenfeld Jesse , Sellheim Kirsten , Brodsky Annie , Merz Joseph E. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Successful Pacific salmon reintroduction into rivers where they have been extirpated requires understanding the range of habitats and environmental conditions that currently exist and their ability to support target species. Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha were extirpated from the San Joaquin River, California, over 60 years ago and are targeted for reintroduction into the system. To assess the remaining habitat along the longitudinal lower San Joaquin River gradient, juvenile Chinook Salmon were reared within an Alluvial Site, a Transitional Site, and two lowland sites (Lowland Cinnamon Slough and Lowland Eastside Bypass) during two rearing periods (early and late). The highest Chinook Salmon growth rates were observed during the early rearing period within the lowland sites when water temperatures were moderate and prey densities were greatest. However, high-water events precluded a spatial comparison of growth with that of fish reared at the Alluvial and Transitional sites during the early period. In the late rearing period, the lowest and highest growth rates were observed at the Lowland Eastside Bypass (lowest prey abundance) and Lowland Cinnamon Slough (highest prey abundance), respectively. Growth rates at the Alluvial and Transitional sites were intermediate between those at the two lowland sites. Main-channel (Alluvial and Transitional) growth rates were generally lower than those within the lowland sites, suggesting that main-channel restoration may require targeted food web enhancement. Our results indicate that lowland floodplain sites can provide quality rearing habitat and growth benefits early in the rearing season. As temperatures increase, salmon can continue to grow if sufficient prey is available. Managers considering measures for improving floodplain access to provide juvenile Chinook Salmon rearing habitat should consider interactions between environmental conditions and prey density—and how these factors vary along the river continuum—to determine when these habitats can provide the greatest growth benefit.
Characteristics of facial muscle activity during voluntary facial expressions: Imaging analysis of facial expressions based on myogenic potential data
Authors: Kuramoto Eriko , Yoshinaga Saori , Nakao Hiroyuki , Nemoto Seiji , Ishida Yasushi 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPurposeFacial expressions are formed by the coordination of facial muscles and reflect changes in emotion. Nurses observe facial expressions as way of understanding patients. This study conducted basic research using facial myogenic potential topography to visually determine changes in the location and strength of facial muscle activity associated with voluntary facial expression to examine relationships with facial expressions.MethodsParticipants comprised 18 healthy adults (6 men, 12 women; mean age, 24.3 ± 4.3 years). Facial myogenic potentials were measured from 19 electrodes arranged concentrically on the face, and topographic analysis was conducted. Using potential changes and topograms, the muscle activity associated with nonvoluntary facial expression and voluntary facial expressions of happiness and disgust were classified according to the characteristics of expressions. To classify homogeneous groups among the reaction of disgust, hierarchical cluster analysis was utilized.ResultsOne characteristic of the facial expression of happiness was activity in areas including the greater zygomatic muscle. With the facial expression of disgust, characteristic changes were seen in areas including the corrugator supercilii. Cluster analysis of the expression of disgust showed four homogeneous subgroups.ConclusionWith facial myogenic potential topography, facial expressions can be evaluated objectively without being influenced by face shape or countenance. Color changes in topograms showed subtle changes in expressions that could not be supplemented with statistical processing alone, and these were useful in identifying individuality. Topography is thus expected to be utilized to supplement basic knowledge of facial expressions for a better understanding of patients.
Clinical application and evaluation of hyperdried human amniotic membrane for the surgical repair of oral mucosal defects
Authors: Tsuno Hiroaki , Okabe Motonori , Fujiwara Kumiko , Ishizaka Risa , Tomihara Kei , Yoshida Toshiko , Nikaido Toshio , Noguchi Makoto 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe amniotic membrane is highly biocompatible, possesses anti‐inflammatory properties, and has been used for reconstructive surgeries in various areas. However, there have been persistent problems related to its preparation, storage, and sterilization. Hyperdried human amniotic membrane (HD‐AM) was developed at the Toyama University to resolve these problems of fresh amnion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects of the surgical repair of oral mucosal defects by using HD‐AM. In total, 29 patients with oral precancerous lesions or early‐stage cancer were included. After resection of the oral lesions, surgical defects of the oral mucosa were covered with HD‐AM in 15 patients (HD‐AM group) and with commercial collagen graft material in 14 patients (CGM group). Postoperative pain, feeding state, epithelialization, the scarring of the wound, and oral function were evaluated. The postoperative medication period of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug use was significantly shorter (P = 0.0457) and the recovery period for resumption of oral feeding was also significantly earlier (P = 0.0414) in the HD‐AM group than in the CGM group, without specific complications. HD‐AM reduced the postoperative inflammation; it can be used as a novel dressing material for the surgical repair of oral mucosal defects.
Ultrathin‐Carbon‐Layer‐Protected PtCu Nanoparticles Encapsulated in Carbon Capsules: A Structure Engineering of the Anode Electrocatalyst for Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cells
Authors: Xu Min , Chen Hong , Zhao Yufei , Ni Wei , Liu Mingquan , Xue Yifei , Huo Silu , Wu Linlin , Yang Zhiyu , Yan Yi‐Ming 
Published: May 2019

AbstractStructure engineering is an effective strategy to enhance the performance of electrocatalysts for the formic acid oxidation reaction. However, it remains a challenge to prepare a highly active electrocatalyst based on a distinct understanding of its structure‐dependent performance. The design and synthesis of ultrathin‐carbon‐layer‐protected PtCu nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulated in a N‐doped carbon capsule (PtCu@NCC) is reported. This system is fabricated by using Zn‐based metal–organic frameworks as the carbon support source and metal‐containing tannic acid as the protecting shell template. It displays 9.8‐ and 9.6‐fold enhancements in mass activity and specific activity compared to commercial Pt/C. Moreover, a constructed direct formic acid fuel cell using PtCu@NCC as the anodic electrocatalyst delivers a maximum power density of 121 mW cm−2. Significantly, PtCu@NCC exhibits superior structural stability and catalytic durability in both half‐cell and full‐cell tests. A mechanism study reveals that the enhanced activity is partially attributed to facilitated electro‐oxidation kinetics of formic acid in the unique structure of PtCu@NCC, while the excellent durability stems from the “protecting effect” of the in‐situ‐formed ultrathin carbon layer on the surface of the PtCu NPs. This work opens a new avenue for the development of high‐performance electrocatalysts for fuel‐cell applications by offering essential insights into the structure–performance relationship of the materials.
Sequence‐specific dynamic information in proteins
Authors: Scheraga H. A. , Rackovsky S. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe examine the local and global properties of the average B‐factor, 〈B〉, as a residue‐specific indicator of protein dynamic characteristics. It has been shown that values of 〈B〉 for the 20 amino acids differ in a statistically significant manner, and that, while strongly determined by the static physical properties of amino acids, they also encode averaged information about the influence of global fold on single‐residue dynamics. Therefore, complete sequences of amino acids also encode fold‐related global dynamic information, in addition to the local information that arises from static physical properties. We show that the relative magnitudes of these two contributions can be determined using Fourier methods, which represent the global properties of the sequences. It has also been shown that the behavior of Fourier components of 〈B〉 differs, with very high statistical significance, between structural groups, and that this information is not available from a comparable analysis of static amino acid properties.