bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphometric characteristics and time to hatch as efficacious indicators for potential nanotoxicity assay in zebrafish
Authors: Samaee Seyed-Mohammadreza , Manteghi Nafiseh , Yokel Robert A. , Mohajeri-Tehrani Mohammad Reza 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Although the effects of nano-sized titania (nTiO2) on hatching events (change in hatching time and total hatching) in zebrafish have been reported, additional consequences of nTiO2 exposure (i.e., the effects of nTiO2-induced changes in hatching events and morphometric parameters on embryo-larvae development and survivability) have not been reported. To address this knowledge gap, embryos 4 h postfertilization were exposed to nTiO2 (0, 0.01, 10, and 1000 μg/mL) for 220 h. Hatching rate (58, 82, and 106 h postexposure [hpe]), survival rate (8 times from 34 to 202 hpe), and 21 morphometric characteristics (8 times from 34 to 202 hpe) were recorded. Total hatching (rate at 106 hpe) was significantly and positively correlated to survival rate, but there was no direct association between nTiO2-induced change in hatching time (hatching rate at 58 and 82 hpe) and survival rate. At 58, 82, and 106 hpe, morphometric characteristics were significantly correlated to hatching rate, suggesting that the nTiO2-induced change in hatching time can affect larval development. The morphometric characteristics that were associated with change in hatching time were also significantly correlated to survival rate, suggesting an indirect significant influence of the nTiO2-induced change in hatching time on survivability. These results show a significant influence of nTiO2-induced change in hatching events on zebrafish embryo-larvae development and survivability. They also show that morphometric maldevelopments can predict later-in-life consequences (survivability) of an embryonic exposure to nTiO2. This suggests that zebrafish can be sensitive biological predictors of nTiO2 acute toxicity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:3063–3076. © 2018 SETAC
Brainstem enlargement in preschool children with autism: Results from an intermethod agreement study of segmentation algorithms
Authors: Bosco Paolo , Giuliano Alessia , Delafield‐Butt Jonathan , Muratori Filippo , Calderoni Sara , Retico Alessandra 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe intermethod agreement between automated algorithms for brainstem segmentation is investigated, focusing on the potential involvement of this structure in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Inconsistencies highlighted in previous studies on brainstem in the population with ASD may in part be a result of poor agreement in the extraction of structural features between different methods. A sample of 76 children with ASD and 76 age‐, gender‐, and intelligence‐matched controls was considered. Volumetric analyses were performed using common tools for brain structures segmentation, namely FSL‐FIRST, FreeSurfer (FS), and Advanced Normalization Tools (ANTs). For shape analysis SPHARM‐MAT was employed. Intermethod agreement was quantified in terms of Pearson correlations between pairs of volumes obtained by the different methods. The degree of overlap between segmented masks was quantified in terms of the Dice index. Both Pearson correlations and Dice indices, showed poor agreement between FSL‐FIRST and the other methods (ANTs and FS), which by contrast, yielded Pearson correlations greater than 0.93 and average Dice indices greater than 0.76 when compared with each other. As with volume, shape analyses exhibited discrepancies between segmentation methods, with particular differences noted between FSL‐FIRST and the others (ANT and FS), with under‐ and over‐segmentation in specific brainstem regions. These data suggest that research on brain structure alterations should cross‐validate findings across multiple methods. We consistently detected an enlargement of brainstem volume in the whole sample and in the male cohort across multiple segmentation methods, a feature particularly driven by the subgroup of children with idiopathic intellectual disability associated with ASD.
Differential brain mechanisms for processing distracting information in task‐relevant and ‐irrelevant dimensions in visual search
Authors: Wei Ping , Yu Hongbo , Müller Hermann J. , Pollmann Stefan , Zhou Xiaolin 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA crucial function of our goal‐directed behavior is to select task‐relevant targets among distractor stimuli, some of which may share properties with the target and thus compete for attentional selection. Here, by applying functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to a visual search task in which a target was embedded in an array of distractors that were homogeneous or heterogeneous along the task‐relevant (orientation or form) and/or task‐irrelevant (color) dimensions, we demonstrate that for both (orientation) feature search and (form) conjunction search, the fusiform gyrus is involved in processing the task‐irrelevant color information, while the bilateral frontal eye fields (FEF), the cortex along the left intraparietal sulcus (IPS), and the left junction of intraparietal and transverse occipital sulci (IPTO) are involved in processing task‐relevant distracting information, especially for target‐absent trials. Moreover, in conjunction (but not in feature) search, activity in these frontoparietal regions is affected by stimulus heterogeneity along the task‐irrelevant dimension: heterogeneity of the task‐irrelevant information increases the activity in these regions only when the task‐relevant information is homogeneous, not when it is heterogeneous. These findings suggest that differential neural mechanisms are involved in processing task‐relevant and task‐irrelevant dimensions of the searched‐for objects. In addition, they show that the top‐down task set plays a dominant role in determining whether or not task‐irrelevant information can affect the processing of the task‐relevant dimension in the frontoparietal regions.
A MATLAB toolbox for multivariate analysis of brain networks
Authors: Bahrami Mohsen , Laurienti Paul J. , Simpson Sean L. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractComplex brain networks formed via structural and functional interactions among brain regions are believed to underlie information processing and cognitive function. A growing number of studies indicate that altered brain network topology is associated with physiological, behavioral, and cognitive abnormalities. Graph theory is showing promise as a method for evaluating and explaining brain networks. However, multivariate frameworks that provide statistical inferences about how such networks relate to covariates of interest, such as disease phenotypes, in different study populations are yet to be developed. We have developed a freely available MATLAB toolbox with a graphical user interface that bridges this important gap between brain network analyses and statistical inference. The modeling framework implemented in this toolbox utilizes a mixed‐effects multivariate regression framework that allows assessing brain network differences between study populations as well as assessing the effects of covariates of interest such as age, disease phenotype, and risk factors on the density and strength of brain connections in global (i.e., whole‐brain) and local (i.e., subnetworks) brain networks. Confounding variables, such as sex, are controlled for through the implemented framework. A variety of neuroimaging data such as fMRI, EEG, and DTI can be analyzed with this toolbox, which makes it useful for a wide range of studies examining the structure and function of brain networks. The toolbox uses SAS, R, or Python (depending on software availability) to perform the statistical modeling. We also provide a clustering‐based data reduction method that helps with model convergence and substantially reduces modeling time for large data sets.
Enhancing mechanical properties of an injectable two‐solution acrylic bone cement using a difunctional crosslinker
Authors: Wiegand Michael J. , Faraci Kennedy L. , Reed Brittany E. , Hasenwinkel Julie M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTwo‐solution bone cements modified with ethylene glycol‐dimethacrylate (EG‐DMA) as a crosslinker have been developed as an attempt to further improve the mechanical properties of acrylic bone cement. The result of this study shows that EG‐DMA can increase the mechanical properties and fractional monomer conversion while preserving the thermal characteristics. The strength and bending modulus increase with EG‐DMA concentrations at 5–10 vol % EG‐DMA. Substituting the EG‐DMA content past 10 vol % decreases the bending properties due to the effects of reduced monomer concentrations. Strengthened EG‐DMA samples demonstrated an increase in ductility with noticeably different fracture surface morphologies than the control samples, indicated by microtroughs and ridge formation caused by excessive plastic strain. This work provides insight into the effect of substituting a crosslinker for MMA monomer in an injectable two‐solution system and lays out the ideal concentrations of EG‐DMA for superior mechanical or fractional monomer conversion properties. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Biomed. Mater. Res. Part B, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 783–790, 2019.
The use of electrochemical techniques to evaluate the corrosion performance of metallic biomedical materials and devices
Authors: Pound Bruce G. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe corrosion performance of metallic biomedical materials and devices is commonly evaluated using electrochemical techniques. Although test standards involving such techniques have been released to address some forms of corrosion, a key issue is application of the results with regard to use of an implantable device in vivo. This review focuses on nitinol, 316L/LVM stainless steel, and Co–Cr alloys and is intended to provide some perspective on the significance of results from tests concerning general corrosion, localized corrosion, galvanic corrosion, and fretting corrosion of these alloys in simulated physiological solutions. It also examines the factors that could cause differences in the corrosion performance between in vitro and in vivo exposure, with the goal of providing some rationale for applying electrochemical characteristics obtained from the tests to predict the corrosion performance in vivo. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1189–1198, 2019.
Quantification of solute diffusivity in osteoarthritic human femoral cartilage using correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Graham Brian T. , Wright Alison D. , Burris David L. , Axe Michael J. , Raisis Leo W. , Price Christopher 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTOsteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease characterized by articular cartilage degeneration, pain, and disability. As an avascular tissue, the movement of water and solutes through the tissue is critical to cartilage health and function, and early changes in solute diffusivity due to micro‐scale changes in the properties of cartilage's extracellular matrix might precede clinical symptoms. A diagnostic technique for quantifying alteration to the diffusive environment of cartilage that precedes macroscopic changes may allow for the earlier identification of osteoarthritic disease, facilitating earlier intervention strategies. Toward this end, we used two confocal microscopy‐based correlation spectroscopy techniques, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and raster image correlation spectroscopy, to quantify the diffusion of two small solutes, fluorescein and 3k dextran, within human osteoarthritic articular cartilage. Our goal was to determine if these relatively simple optical correlation spectroscopy techniques could detect changes in solute diffusivity associated with increasing cartilage damage as assessed by International Cartilage Repair Society scoring guidelines, and if these measures are correlated with mechanical and compositional measures of cartilage health. Our data show a modest, yet significant increase in solute diffusivity and cartilage permeability with increasing osteoarthritis score (grades 0–2), with a strong correlation between diffusion coefficients, permeability, and cartilage composition. The described correlation spectroscopy techniques are quick, simple, and easily adapted to existing laboratory workflow and equipment. Furthermore, the minimal solute concentrations and laser powers required for analysis, combined with recent advances in arthroscopic microscopy, suggest correlation spectroscopy techniques as translational candidates for development into early OA diagnosis tools. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:3256–3267, 2018.
Efficacy of levofloxacin against biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from patients with respiratory tract infections in vitro
Authors: She Pengfei , Luo Zhen , Chen Lihua , Wu Yong 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMicrobial biofilms are formed in a variety of clinical situations and increase antibiotic resistance of the pathogen by almost ~1,000 times. The effect of levofloxacin (OFLX) on the biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PAO1 and the clinical isolates was investigated by crystal violet staining and confocal laser scanning microscope. The transcriptional alteration in the PAO1 biofilms upon OFLX treatment was also analyzed by RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq). We found that while OFLX significantly inhibited P. aeruginosa biofilm formation in a dose‐dependent manner, it could not completely eradicate preformed biofilms even at higher concentrations. RNA‐seq revealed that PAO1 genes related to metabolism, formation of secondary metabolites, and quorum sensing biosynthesis were differentially expressed in the biofilms treated with OFLX. Our data might be useful in determining the optimum OFLX concentration needed for P. aeruginosa biofilm inhibition and eradication in patients with respiratory tract infections.
Vaso‐occlusive crisis as a predictor of symptomatic avascular necrosis in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Mesleh Shayeb Akram , Smeltzer Matthew P. , Kaste Sue C. , Brown Ashley , Estepp Jeremie H. , Nottage Kerri A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAvascular necrosis (AVN) is a chronic bone complication of sickle cell disease (SCD) resulting in significant morbidity. Understanding associated risk factors can facilitate risk‐based screening, earlier identification, and prompt intervention. Between 1998 and 2014, 26 symptomatic cases with imaging evidence of AVN were compared 1:5 with age‐ and SCD genotype‐matched controls (n = 128). Patients with 1–5 vaso‐occlusive crisis (VOC) (OR 11.9, 95% CI, 1.4–99.9; P = 0.02) and more than 5 VOC (OR 53.6, 95% CI, 5.5–520.2; P = 0.0006) in a 5‐year period were more likely to have AVN. Symptomatic patients with more than five VOC in 5 years may benefit from radiologic screening for AVN.
Osteonecrosis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A report from Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt (CCHE)
Authors: Ali Nesreen , Gohar Seham , Zaky Iman , Elghoneimy Ahmed , Youssef Sarah , Sameer Gehad , Yassin Dina , Salem Sherine , Magdi Hadeel , Sidhom Iman 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundAs survival rates for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) improve, awareness of treatment complications becomes important. Osteonecrosis (ON) is a serious disabling complication in treated ALL patients. The aim of the study was to define the frequency of ON identified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to study the risk factors for ON.Patients and methodsThe frequency of ON was evaluated retrospectively in 858 patients with ALL who were diagnosed at Children's Cancer Hospital of Egypt from January 2009 to December 2012. Patients were treated with St Jude Total Therapy Study XV.ResultsOf 858 patients evaluated, 665 were eligible for the study and 65 (9.7%) developed ON. The cumulative 5‐year incidence of ON was 11.96% (SE, 0.131%). Of 154 patients aged 10 years and older, 40 (26%) developed ON. The mean age of patients with ON was 10.7 years. The prognostic factors with a significant relationship with ON were age 10 years and older (P = 0.0001) and intermediate‐/high‐risk group (P = 0.0001). However, gender did not have a significant relationship. At the onset of ON, the mean cumulative dexamethasone dose was 796 mg/m2, and the mean total corticosteroid dose, calculated as prednisolone equivalence, was 6,431 mg/m2. Out of 43 patients who developed ON while on corticosteroid therapy, 36 (84%) required dexamethasone dose modification and/or discontinuation.ConclusionThe frequency of ON among the studied patients was 9.7%. Risk factors with a significant association with ON were older age and more intensive corticosteroid therapy.
The linker length of glucose–fipronil conjugates has a major effect on the rate of bioactivation by β‐glucosidase
Authors: Wen Yingjie , Jiang Xunyuan , Yang Chen , Meng Huayue , Wang Binfeng , Wu Hanxiang , Zhang Zhixiang , Xu Hanhong 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDEndogenous plant β‐glucosidases can be utilized to hydrolyze pro‐pesticides and release the bioactive pesticide. Two related glucose–fipronil conjugates with different linkers structure, N‐{3‐cyano‐1‐[2,6‐dichloro‐4‐(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]‐4‐[(trifluoromethyl) sulfinyl]‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl}‐1‐(2‐triazolethyl‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazole‐4‐methanamine (GOTF) and N‐{3‐cyano‐1‐[2,6‐dichloro‐4‐(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]‐4‐[(trifluoromethyl)‐sulfinyl]‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl}‐2‐aminoethyl‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (GOF), were deglucolysated by β‐glucosidase both in vitro and in vivo at different rates. Here, the basis for these differences was investigated by revealing the kinetics of the reaction and by modeling molecular docking between enzyme and substrate.RESULTSResults from kinetic study showed that the reaction rate was the main reason for the poorer rate of GOF hydrolysis with respect to GOTF. Modeling of substrate docking indicated that the spacer arm of glucose–fipronil conjugates affects the strength of non‐covalent bonds within the active site and the position of fipronil within the pocket. Four glucose–fipronil conjugates and four corresponding aglycones were synthesized, and the hydrolysis data confirmed that the increased tether length between the bulky aglycone and glycone would lead to faster hydrolysis rate. The bioassay results indicated that most glucose–fipronil conjugates displayed moderate to excellent insecticidal activities in vivo against Plutella xylostella larvae.CONCLUSIONThis study provides a potential strategy to optimize the substrate structure to enhance hydrolytic specificity in order to design appropriate phloem mobile pro‐pesticides. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Light‐Driven Sustainable Hydrogen Production Utilizing TiO2 Nanostructures: A Review
Authors: Cai Jingsheng , Shen Jiali , Zhang Xinnan , Ng Yun Hau , Huang Jianying , Guo Wenxi , Lin Changjian , Lai Yuekun 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAs a promising alternative clean energy to fossil fuels, H2 has been given increasing attention, and efficient H2 production is urgently required. Photocatalytic H2 generation from water splitting (WS) is deemed to be a promising and green route for H2 production. TiO2 has been widely utilized in WS owing to the stability, low cost, corrosion resistance, and environmental safety properities. Nevertheless, two dominant defects (inferior absorption performance in visible light and recombination of photogenerated e−–h+ pairs) still impede the development of TiO2. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the progress of various routes for TiO2 nanostructures (0D–3D) and diversified modifications for enhanced H2 production. Further, the perspectives and opportunities for TiO2 based materials are promoted. Persistent efforts are needed to equip the TiO2 nanomaterials with original advanced commercialization and functionality.
Offshore wind jacket foundation design challenges in earthquake regions
Authors: Brendike André , Ostermann Frank , Lüddecke Falk 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHerausforderungen in der Bemessung von Jacket‐Strukturen für Offshore‐Windturbinen in Erdbebengebieten. Die Entwicklung der Offshore‐Windmärkte in Ostasien erfordert eine Erdbebenbemessung von Offshore‐Windturbinen und deren Gründungsstrukturen. Der Aufsatz analysiert Standortbedingungen und Bemessungsmethoden für Jacket‐Gründungsstrukturen in Erdbebenregionen. Anzuwendende Normen und Richtlinien sowie Lastfallkombinationen sind aufgeführt. In einer Studie sind Jacket‐Gründungsstrukturen einer generischen 12,5 MW Turbine für Standortbedingungen in der Nordsee und Ostasien entwickelt worden. Anhand der Ergebnisse von Biegemomenten an Turmfuß und Seeboden erfolgt ein Abgleich verschiedener Bemessungsmethoden. Zusammenfassend werden bemessungsrelevante Lastsituationen identifiziert und Empfehlungen für die Erdbebenbemessung abgeleitet.
Constitutive modeling of the cyclic dissipation in thin and thick rubber specimens
Authors: Guo Qiang , Zaïri Fahmi , Ovalle Rodas Cristian , Guo Xinglin 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA thermo‐viscoelastic‐damage constitutive model, in accordance with the thermodynamic principles, is proposed to describe the cyclic dissipation in rubbers. The general form of the model can be represented by a thermal branch responsible for the stress‐free thermal expansion joined to parallel mechanical multi‐branches responsible for the cyclically damaged‐elastic response and the inelastic effects, i.e. fatigue‐induced stress‐softening and hysteresis. The viscoelastic and damage dissipations contributing to heat build‐up are considered in the model formulation using the internal state variable theory. The model is identified and verified using experimental observations on stress‐softening, hysteresis and dissipative heating obtained on rubber flat specimens containing different amounts of carbon‐black and cyclically loaded under different minimum stretch levels. The model is then used to predict damage and thermal patterns in thick specimens involving different triaxial stress states in the median cross‐section.
Workplace mentoring of residents in generic competencies by an independent coach
Authors: Stigt Jos A. , Koele Janine H. , Brand Paul L. P. , Jaarsma Debbie A. C. , Slootweg Irene A. 
Published: September 2018

Introduction During postgraduate education in pulmonology, supervisors are responsible for training residents in generic competencies such as communication, professionalism and collaboration, but their focus commonly lies more on medical-technical competencies. As an alternative approach to supporting residents to develop generic skills, we developed a personal mentoring program with a non-medical professional as mentor. In this study, the residents’ experiences with the mentoring program were evaluated.
Methods After an introductory session in which individual learning goals were established, pulmonology residents received at least six, 60–90-minute, individual, mentoring sessions largely consisting of feedback after being observed during daily clinical activities, over a period of 9 months. The residents’ experiences with mentoring were explored through in-depth interviews followed by a qualitative content analysis.
Results From March to November 2016, ten residents in pulmonology completed the program. Despite initial scepticism, mentoring encouraged residents to reflect deeply on their professional interactions. This caused an increased awareness of the effects of their communication and behaviour on patients. Experimenting with communication and different behaviours in subsequent interactions felt rewarding and contributed to further development, resulting in increased self-confidence and job satisfaction.
Discussion Mentoring residents by non-medical coaching was associated with improved residents’ proficiency in generic competencies.