bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphology of the digestive gland of the marine panpulmonate limpetSiphonaria lessonii: A cytological, histochemical, and ultrastructural description
Authors: Landro Sonia M. , Teso Valeria , Arrighetti Florencia 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe molluskan digestive gland has been widely studied and its structural and ultrastructural descriptions have allowed the understanding of its several functions. Despite siphonarids are broadly distributed around the world, morphological studies on their digestive system are poorly represented. The panpulmonate limpetSiphonaria lessoniiis the most abundant gastropod and the dominant herbivore in the rocky intertidal coast of Buenos Aires. The aim of this study was to describe the morphology, histology, ultrastructure, and histochemistry of the digestive gland of this gastropod as well as the cycle of activity of digestion. For that, different histochemical techniques along with light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were employed. This study revealed a complex epithelium, composed of a simple layer with five cell types. Digestive cells and vacuolated cells are responsible for intracellular digestion and energy accumulation; basophilic cells, secrete substances that would be involved in extracellular digestion; pigmented cells might have an excretory function and thin cells would correspond to undifferentiated cells. In addition, the tubules present a changing morphology according to the digestive activity that they undergo. AsS. lessoniiis a grazer that feeds continuously, the cycle of activity of the digestive gland seems to be daily.
Taking stock of consumer returns: A review and classification of the literature
Authors: Abdulla Huseyn , Ketzenberg Michael , Abbey James D. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractCoincident with the rapid growth of consumer returns and their corresponding importance in the retail marketplace, academic interest in the area of consumer return policy design has significantly increased. In fact, the growth in academic publications has been tremendous, with almost half of the published works appearing within the past 6 years. The influx of new and evolving research spans across multiple disciplines and various methodologies. To provide clarity for the continued evolution of the field, we provide a comprehensive review and classification of the literature predicated on a holistic conceptual framework. The scope of the review includes all peer reviewed journal articles published prior to the end of 2018, along with any working papers cited therefrom, that specifically address (a) managerial decision‐making related to return policies or (b) consumer behavior in response to such decision‐making. Examining the state of the literature and practice on return policy design through the lens of a unified conceptual framework—a framework that spans both analytical and empirical research—reveals numerous managerial and theoretical opportunities for future research.
Effects of post‐release movements on survival of translocated sage‐grouse
Authors: Ebenhoch Kyle , Thornton Daniel , Shipley Lisa , Manning Jeffrey A. , White Kevin 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTTranslocation is a vital tool in conservation and recovery programs, and knowledge of factors that determine demographic rates of translocated organisms is important for assessing the efficacy of translocations. Greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) have been the subject of recent translocation efforts because of their declining range and their usefulness as an umbrella species for conservation. Using a long‐term data set on sage‐grouse in central Washington, USA, we compared movement and demographic rates of translocated and resident birds. Because newly translocated birds experience physiological stress during translocation and are released in unfamiliar habitat, we hypothesized their demographic rates would differ from residents. We analyzed 18 years of radio‐tracking data acquired from resident, newly translocated (<1 yr post‐translocation; T1), and previously translocated (>1 yr post‐translocation; T2) sage‐grouse between 1989 and 2017 to estimate movement rates, survival, and productivity. Newly translocated sage‐grouse exhibited farther daily movements (0.58 km/day) and smaller 95% home ranges (89 km2) than residents and previously translocated birds. Daily movements and sex influenced survival, but survival did not differ according to residency status. Furthermore, birds that survived to a second year after translocation exhibited shorter daily movements compared to their first year ( = −0.727 ± 0.157 [SE]), which corresponded with increased survival the second year (T1 = 0.526, T2 = 0.610). This decrease in movements and increase in survival the second year was not apparent in the control group of resident birds, indicating a possible behavioral link to survival of newly translocated sage‐grouse. Most productivity metrics were similar for translocated and resident birds, except for nest propensity (i.e., nest initiation rate), which was lower for newly translocated birds (35%) compared to residents and previously translocated birds. Our results reveal that translocated sage‐grouse exhibit temporary differences in some demographic parameters in their first year, which later align with those of resident birds in subsequent years. Similarities in adult and nest survival according to residency status further suggest that translocation may prove to be a viable tool for restoring and conserving this species. Continued declines in sage‐grouse populations in Washington, however, indicate that habitat conversion and fragmentation may be reducing demographic rates of residents and translocated birds, which warrants further study. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Expression of different ParE toxins results in conserved phenotypes with distinguishable classes of toxicity
Authors: Ames Jessica R. , Muthuramalingam Meenakumari , Murphy Tamiko , Najar Fares Z. , Bourne Christina R. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractToxin–antitoxin (TA) systems are found on both chromosomes and plasmids. These systems are unique in that they can confer both fatal and protective effects on bacterial cells—a quality that could potentially be harnessed given further understanding of these TA mechanisms. The current work focuses on the ParE subfamily, which is found throughout proteobacteria and has a sequence identity on average of approximately 12% (similarity at 30%–80%). Our aim is to evaluate the equivalency of chromosomally derived ParE toxin activity depending on its bacterial species of origin. Nine ParE toxins were analyzed, originating from six different bacterial species. Based on the resulting toxicity, three categories can be established: ParE toxins that do not exert toxicity under the experimental conditions, toxins that exert toxicity within the first four hours, and those that exert toxicity only after 10–12 hr of exposure. All tested ParE toxins produce a cellular morphologic change from rods to filaments, consistent with disruption of DNA topology. Analysis of the distribution of filamented cells within a population reveals a correlation between the extent of filamentation and toxicity. No membrane septation is visible along the length of the cell filaments, whereas aberrant lipid blebs are evident. Potent ParE‐mediated toxicity is also correlated with a hallmark signature of abortive DNA replication, consistent with the inhibition of DNA gyrase.
Quantification of hydroxyl exchange of D‐Glucose at physiological conditions for optimization of glucoCEST MRI at 3, 7 and 9.4 Tesla
Authors: Zaiss Moritz , Anemone Annasofia , Goerke Steffen , Longo Dario Livio , Herz Kai , Pohmann Rolf , Aime Silvio , Rivlin Michal , Navon Gil , Golay Xavier , Scheffler Klaus 
Published: July 2019

AimsTo determine individual glucose hydroxyl exchange rates at physiological conditions and use this information for numerical optimization of glucoCEST/CESL preparation. To give guidelines for in vivo glucoCEST/CESL measurement parameters at clinical and ultra‐high field strengths.MethodsFive glucose solution samples at different pH values were measured at 14.1 T at various B1 power levels. Multi‐B1‐Z‐spectra Bloch‐McConnell fits at physiological pH were further improved by the fitting of Z‐spectra of five pH values simultaneously. The obtained exchange rates were used in a six‐pool Bloch‐McConnell simulation including a tissue‐like water pool and semi‐solid MT pool with different CEST and CESL presaturation pulse trains. In vivo glucose injection experiments were performed in a tumor mouse model at 7 T.Results and discussionGlucose Z‐spectra could be fitted with four exchanging pools at 0.66, 1.28, 2.08 and 2.88 ppm. Corresponding hydroxyl exchange rates could be determined at pH = 7.2, T = 37°C and 1X PBS. Simulation of saturation transfer for this glucose system in a gray matter‐like and a tumor‐like system revealed optimal pulses at different field strengths of 9.4, 7 and 3 T. Different existing sequences and approaches are simulated and discussed. The optima found could be experimentally verified in an animal model at 7 T.ConclusionFor the determined fast exchange regime, presaturation pulses in the spin‐lock regime (long recover time, short yet strong saturation) were found to be optimal. This study gives an estimation for optimization of the glucoCEST signal in vivo on the basis of glucose exchange rate at physiological conditions.
Multiparametric statistical quantification of pH heterogeneity by 1H MRS and MRSI of extracellular pH markers: Proof of principle
Authors: Lutz Norbert W. , Bernard Monique 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAcid production and transport in numerous biological tissues and medical conditions are active areas of research. Heterogeneity of pH within a given homogeneous‐appearing tissue volume has been reported, but none of the conventional methods currently available for measuring tissue pH provides quantitative parameters describing the frequency of occurrence of pH values within such a volume. We have previously presented a multiparametric noninvasive in vivo approach, providing at least 10 different statistical descriptors of pH heterogeneity based on a novel type of line shape analysis developed for pH‐sensitive 31P MRS resonances. However, this method suffers from lack of sensitivity, thus making rapid and spatially resolved measurements difficult. We present here the proof of principle of a new, more sensitive approach to statistical characterization of extracellular pH heterogeneity based on 1H MRS, with the potential of being combined with spatial resolution. We experimentally study a range of test solutions of a reporter molecule that has previously been shown to possess a 1H MRS resonance whose chemical shift varies with pH, including when injected intravenously into experimental animals (imidazole ethoxycarbonylpropionic acid, [IEPA]). Statistical pH heterogeneity descriptors are determined for phantoms mimicking tissue pH heterogeneity. To this end, the pH‐sensitive 1H MRS resonance is transformed into a pH curve. Subsequently, the digital points of this pH profile are used to build a histogram using dedicated algorithms. The following descriptors are computed from this histogram: weighted mean pH and median pH, pH standard deviation, pH range, pH mode(s), pH kurtosis, pH skewness and pH entropy. Our new method is also validated by analyzing previously published in vivo MRSI spectra. The proof of principle provided in this work should form the basis of further in vivo studies in physiology and medicine, eg in cancer research, but also in other fields such as kidney and muscle research.
Climate Change and its impacts on Indian agriculture: An Econometric analysis
Authors: Praveen Bushra , Sharma Pritee 
Published: July 2019

This study assessed the climate change impacts on land productivity for major food and nonfood grain crops in India. We compiled data for 50 years (1967–2016) using 15 crops across India to estimate the variation of agriculture production for each crop by different variables such as temperature and rainfall estimation. Our results indicate that land productivity decreases with an increase in annual average temperature in most of the crops. The adverse impact of climate change on agricultural production indicates food security threat to small and marginal farming households and adversely affected due to climatic fluctuations. Results show that a rise in temperature would reduce agricultural productivity and assessed sensitivity of Indian agriculture to climate change.
Identifying patient‐centered outcomes for children with cancer and their caregivers when they seek care in the emergency department
Authors: Mueller Emily L. , Cochrane Anneli R. , Lynch Dustin O. , Cockrum Brandon P. , Wiehe Sarah E. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundChildren with cancer have high utilization of the emergency department (ED), but little is known about which outcomes are most important to them and their caregivers when they seek care in the ED.ProcedureA qualitative evaluation of ED experience for children with cancer and their caregivers was performed using self‐reported interactive toolkits. Eligible participants included children with cancer (ages 11‐19) and caregivers of children with cancer whose child received cancer therapy within the last year and had an ED visit within the last 2 years. Eligible participants received toolkits by mail and received incentives if they completed the toolkit. Toolkits were transcribed, thematically coded, and iteratively analyzed using Nvivo 11.0 software.ResultsThere were 26 toolkits received—seven by children aged 11‐17 years and 19 by caregivers (11 with children aged 2‐7 years, eight with children aged 11‐17 years). About half were from within 1 h of their treating institution. The most important outcomes to this population included system‐level issues (eg, cleanliness of space, timeliness of evaluation) and oncology‐provider‐ and ED‐provider‐level issues (eg, ability to access port‐a‐caths, quality of communication). Participants also identified outcomes that were within the control of the patient/caregiver, such as improving their sense of preparedness.ConclusionThe important outcomes to children with cancer and their caregivers when they seek care in the ED are distinct from current quality metrics. Future research should focus on the development and validation of a patient‐centered outcomes tool.
Childhood cancer survivors report preferring lifestyle interventions delivered in person rather than online: An adolescent and parent perspective
Authors: Touyz Lauren M. , Cohen Jennifer , Cohn Richard J. , Garnett Sarah P. , Anazodo Antoinette , Gohil Paayal , Grech Allison M. , Ng Anthea , Wakefield Claire E. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundMaintaining a healthy lifestyle can protect adolescent survivors of pediatric cancer against chronic diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. In this study, we examined the attitudes of adolescent survivors of pediatric cancer and their parents toward improving lifestyle behaviors after cancer treatment, including their preferences for intervention delivery and perceived barriers and benefits to healthy eating and exercise.MethodsWe recruited adolescent survivors of childhood cancer aged 11‐19 years and their parents, from two hospitals. Participants completed a questionnaire via mail or at routine oncology clinic visits.ResultsThirty‐three adolescents (response rate 39%, mean age 15, 61% male) and 32 parents (representing 30 parent‐child dyads) participated. Parents were significantly more interested in having their child participate in a lifestyle intervention than adolescents (41% of adolescents and 72% of parents, P = .012). Both groups preferred that the survivor receive lifestyle support face to face rather than online. Adolescents preferred to involve their friends (39% of adolescents and 19% of parents) whereas parents preferred to involve the family in a lifestyle intervention (15% of adolescents and 47% of parents, P = .006). Adolescents and their parents perceived a dislike of the taste of fruits and vegetables, fatigue, lack of motivation, and fear of injury as barriers to change. They perceived that keeping healthy and having more energy were benefits to participation. Participants indicated that interventions that provide face‐to‐face personal training and dietary education at a local gym would be well accepted.ConclusionsAdolescents who have had cancer in childhood have a preference for face‐to‐face contact with health professionals to overcome the barriers to participation in a lifestyle intervention.
The migration–urbanisation nexus in Nepal's exceptional urban transformation
Authors: Brøgger Ditte Rasmussen , Agergaard Jytte 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe dynamic relationship between urban transformation and migration pathways formed by multiple attractions and mobilities to, within, and beyond urban areas constitute what we, in this paper, refer to as the migration–urbanisation nexus. Drawing on case studies of urban growth in three urban sites of Nepal, this paper explores how migration practices, including rural–urban, international and return migration, and the migrant economy, exemplified by returns of remittances, intersect with the socioeconomic and spatial dynamics of urban growth. The analysis combines quantitative and qualitative data on migration pathways, including the historical timing of migration, the shifting drivers of rural–urban migration, and examinations of the links to an international migration and remittance economy. The findings show how rural–urban migration during the 10 years of conflict is setting urban growth in motion. However, most importantly, the analysis reveals how urban growth and form are stimulated by the migrant agency related to translocal migration economies, in particular, urban investments of international remittances. In conclusion, it is suggested that the migration–urbanisation nexus approach developed in this paper has potential to be used beyond Nepal in studies of migration and urban growth.
Nickel and copper doped palladium clusters from a first‐principles perspective
Authors: López‐Sosa Luis , Cruz‐Martínez Heriberto , Solorza‐Feria Omar , Calaminici Patrizia 
Published: July 2019

AbstractA complete study on the evolution of structures and the variation of the energy properties of MPdn−1(M = Ni and Cu; n = 2‐13) clusters is presented. The study was performed employing auxiliary density functional theory. The obtained results were compared with the results of Pdnclusters studied with the same methodology. For each cluster size, several structures were studied to determine the lowest energy structures. The initial structures for the geometry optimization were taken along ab initio Born‐Oppenheimer molecular dynamics trajectories. Different potentials energy surfaces were studied. All cluster structures were fully optimized without any symmetry restriction. Stable structures, frequencies, spin multiplicities, averaged bond lengths, spin density plots, different energy properties, dipole and magnetic moments as well as charge transfers are reported. This investigation indicates that the palladium clusters doped with a Ni atom are the most stable and potentially the most chemical active ones.
Impact of uterine weight on robotic hysterectomy: Analysis of 500 cases in a single institute
Authors: Akazawa Munetoshi , Lee Sheng‐Lun , Liu Wei‐Min 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundsRobotic surgeries have been used frequently for benign diseases in gynecology. However, the advantage of robotic surgery for huge uterus is unclear.MethodsWe analyzed surgical outcomes of 527 patients who underwent robotic hysterectomies for benign diseases, separating uterine sizes into five groups by every 250 g.ResultsMedian operative time in the five groups was 123 minutes (<250 g), 130 minutes (250‐500 g), 144 minutes (500‐750 g), 180 minutes (750‐1000 g), and 170 minutes (>1000 g). Median estimated blood loss was 50, 100, 100, 200, and 400 mL in the five groups, respectively. The incidence of intraoperative complications did not correlate with uterine weight.ConclusionsOperative time, estimated blood loss, and the incidence of conversion to laparotomy increased with uterine size during robotic hysterectomies, especially evident in a uterus >750 g.
Guaranteed‐performance consensus tracking of singular multiagent systems with Lipschitz nonlinear dynamics and switching topologies
Authors: Jiang Xiangli , Xia Guihua , Feng Zhiguang 
Published: July 2019

SummaryIn this paper, the problem of guaranteed‐performance consensus tracking of continuous‐time singular multiagent systems with Lipschitz nonlinearities and switching topologies is investigated. Consideration is that the interaction of the concerned agent network is described by a set of directed graphs with the union graph having a directed spanning tree rooted at the leader. To establish the guaranteed‐performance criterion, a quadratic performance function is constructed by utilizing the consensus errors among all agents. Then, a consensus protocol that collects the local information from neighboring agents is proposed to achieve consensus tracking and to guarantee the consensus regulation performance of the multiagent systems. On the basis of nonsingular transformation approach, singular systems theory, and Lyapunov stability analysis, the concerned guaranteed‐performance consensus tracking problem is cast into the admissibility analysis for an equivalent kind of switched singular consensus error system. Furthermore, sufficient conditions on the guaranteed‐performance consensus tracking protocol design are formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, numerical examples are employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Improvements to and large‐scale evaluation of a robotic kiwifruit harvester
Authors: Williams Henry , Ting Canaan , Nejati Mahla , Jones Mark Hedley , Penhall Nicky , Lim JongYoon , Seabright Matthew , Bell Jamie , Ahn Ho Seok , Scarfe Alistair , Duke Mike , MacDonald Bruce 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe growing popularity of kiwifruit orchards in New Zealand is increasing the already high demand for seasonal labourers. A novel robotic kiwifruit harvester has been designed and built to help meet this demand [H. A. Williams et al. Biosystems Eng. 181 (2019), pp. 140–156]. Early evaluations of the platform have shown good results with the system capable of harvesting 51.0% of 1,456 kiwifruit in four bays with an average cycle‐time of 5.5 s/fruit. However, the harvester's high cycle‐time, and high fruit loss rate at 23.4%, prevent it from being commercially viable. This paper presents two new developments for the harvesting system, a new vision system and two new gripper variations designed to overcome the harvester's previous limitations. Furthermore, we have designed and conducted the largest real‐world evaluation of a robotic fruit harvesting system published to date with over 12,000 kiwifruit involved. The results of this trial demonstrated that our kiwifruit harvester is one of the most effective selective fruit harvesters in the world capable of successfully harvesting 86.0% of reachable fruit, and 55.8% of all kiwifruit with a cycle‐time of 2.78 s/fruit.