bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early warning signals for landscape connectivity and resilient conservation solutions
Authors: Li Yi , Yin Bingchao , Li Yangfan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe ever‐increasing and unprecedented impacts of human activities on natural landscapes are dramatically altering the heterogeneity of habitats and biodiversity. We developed a holistic resilience‐based framework to identify the early warning points of climate‐gradient landscape connectivity; the results offer the first map capable of providing information about landscape connectivity in the coastal provinces of mainland China. The results show that only 24% of natural/seminatural lands retained sufficient connectivity, which is considered to be high‐quality patches for animals to move through temperature gradient corridors. Moreover, the critical junctions, such as the tipping points and early warning points of landscape connectivity, were mainly detected in seminatural lands (forests and grasslands). Increasing connections in these seminatural lands initiated the permeability of landscape connectivity in coastal areas, which are essential for accessing suitable habitats with low temperatures. By connecting fragmented patches into a landscape network, the transition zones in seminatural lands highlight priority locations for ecologists and conservation managers as natural solutions to configure the most effective conservation areas.
Primary Stent Placement for Hepatic Artery Stenosis After Liver Transplantation: Improving Primary Patency and Reintervention Rates
Authors: Sarwar Ammar , Chen Christine , Khwaja Khalid , Malik Raza , Raven Kristin E. , Weinstein Jeffrey L. , Evenson Amy , Faintuch Salomao , Fisher Robert , Curry Michael P. , Ahmed Muneeb 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Recent studies have reported high rates of reintervention after primary stenting for hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) due to the loss of primary patency. The aims of this study were to evaluate the outcomes of primary stenting after HAS in a large cohort with longterm follow‐up. After institutional review board approval, all patients undergoing liver transplantation between 2003 and 2017 at a single institution were evaluated for occurrence of hepatic artery complications. HAS occurred in 37/454 (8%) of patients. HAS was defined as >50% stenosis on computed tomography or digital subtraction angiography. Hepatic arterial patency and graft survival were evaluated at annual intervals. Primary patency was defined as the time from revascularization to imaging evidence of new HAS or reaching a censored event (retransplantation, death, loss to follow‐up, or end of study period). Primary stenting was attempted in 30 patients (17 female, 57%; median age, 51 years; range, 24‐68 years). Surgical repair of HAS prior to stenting was attempted in 5/30 (17%) patients. Endovascular treatment was performed within 1 week of the primary anastomosis in 5/30 (17%) of patients. Technical success was accomplished in 97% (29/30) of patients. Primary patency was 90% at 1 year and remained unchanged throughout the remaining follow‐up period (median, 41 months; interquartile range [IQR], 25‐86 months). Reintervention was required in 3 patients to maintain stent patency. The median time period between primary stenting and retreatment was 5.9 months (IQR, 4.4‐11.1 months). There were no major complications, and no patient developed hepatic arterial thrombosis or required listing for retransplantation or retransplantation during the follow‐up period. In conclusion, primary stenting for HAS has excellent longterm primary patency and low reintervention rates.
Role of Grafting on Particle and Film Morphology and Film Properties of Zero VOC Polyurethane/Poly(meth)acrylate Hybrid Dispersions
Authors: Mehravar Samane , Ballard Nicholas , Agirre Amaia , Tomovska Radmila , Asua José M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHybrid waterborne dispersions of polyurethane (PU)/poly(meth)acrylic are widely applied in coating and adhesive products, as well as in many other applications. The synergetic performance of the two component polymers is highly dependent on the ability to control the PU and (meth)acrylic network structure. In this work, the effect of grafting and the impact of macromolecular architecture on the particle and film morphology as well as on the properties of PU/(meth)acrylic hybrid films is investigated. It is shown that with grafting, the absolute molar mass distribution (MMD) is shifted toward higher values as the low molar mass PU chains become incorporated in the (meth)acrylic polymer network. Furthermore, by using different types of functional monomers, the nature of the MMD can be altered. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, it is demonstrated that more homogeneous particle and film morphologies are obtained in the case of grafted hybrids. Finally, the impact of network structure on tensile strength is outlined highlighting that grafted polymer films have higher Young's modulus and strain hardening than the non‐grafted ones.
The conjoined parascapular and latissimus dorsi free flap for reconstruction of extensive knee defects
Authors: Bigdeli Amir K. , Thomas Benjamin , Schmidt Volker J. , Kotsougiani Dimitra , Hernekamp Frederick J. , Hirche Christoph , Kneser Ulrich , Gazyakan Emre 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundExtensive soft‐tissue defects affecting the knee region pose a significant reconstructive challenge and may require separate or multiple flaps for coverage. We evaluated the conjoined parascapular and latissimus dorsi free flap as an alternative reconstructive option.MethodsFrom January 2013 to December 15, 2016 patients (7 female and 8 male) with a mean age of 47.5 years underwent reconstruction of such defects. Causes were trauma (12 cases) and infection (3 cases). The mean defect size was 40.9 × 20.8 cm (range, 21.4×7.3 to 60.1×40.5 cm). The mean defect surface area was 820.0 cm2 (range, 273.2‐2,400.4 cm2). The conjoined free flap was anastomosed to the femoral vessels in the adductor canal with (3 cases) or without an arterio‐venous loop (8 cases), posterior tibial vessels (3 cases), or anterior tibial vessels (1 case).ResultsPostoperatively, 10 patients experienced a total of 14 complications, of which 9 (7 patients) were considered major (requiring additional surgery) and 5 (4 patients) minor (conservative treatment). There was no total flap loss. Partial flap loss occurred in 5 patients. Major donor‐site complications occurred in 6 patients with impaired wound healing (4 cases), seroma (1 case), and hematoma (1 case). Reconstruction was successful in 14 out of 15 patients during a mean follow‐up time of 28.6 months (range, 6.0‐52.5 months). Twelve patients were able to walk at the last follow‐up visit.ConclusionsThe conjoined parascapular and latissimus dorsi free flap is a large and reliable flap. It allows for simultaneous 1‐stage reconstruction of complex and unusually large soft‐tissue defects of the knee region.
Dietary Intervention Modifies DNA Methylation Age Assessed by the Epigenetic Clock
Authors: Sae‐Lee Chanachai , Corsi Sarah , Barrow Timothy M. , Kuhnle Gunter G. C. , Bollati Valentina , Mathers John C. , Byun Hyang‐Min 
Published: October 2018

ScopeAlterations in DNA methylation patterns are correlated with aging, environmental exposures, and disease pathophysiology; the possibility of reverting or preventing these processes through dietary intervention is gaining momentum. In particular, methyl donors that provide S‐adenosyl‐methionine for one‐carbon metabolism and polyphenols such as flavanols that inhibit the activity of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) can be key modifiers of epigenetic patterns.Methods and resultsDNA methylation patterns are assessed in publicly available Illumina Infinium 450K methylation datasets from intervention studies with either folic acid + vitamin B12 (GSE74548) or monomeric and oligomeric flavanols (MOF) (GSE54690) in 44 and 13 participants, respectively. Global DNA methylation levels are increased in unmethylated regions such as CpG islands and shores following folic acid + vitamin B12 supplementation and decreased in highly methylated regions, including shelves and open‐seas, following intervention with MOF. After supplementation with folic acid + vitamin B12, epigenetic age, estimated by the Horvath “epigenetic clock” model, is reduced in women with the MTHFR 677CC genotype.ConclusionsThe effects of supplementation with folic acid + vitamin B12 and MOF on DNA methylation age are dependent upon gender and MTHFR genotype. Additionally, the findings demonstrate the potential for these dietary factors to modulate global DNA methylation profiles.
Isoquercitrin Attenuated Cardiac Dysfunction Via AMPKα‐Dependent Pathways in LPS‐Treated Mice
Authors: Huang Si‐Hui , Xu Man , Wu Hai‐Ming , Wan Chun‐Xia , Wang Hui‐Bo , Wu Qing‐Qing , Liao Hai‐Han , Deng Wei , Tang Qi‐Zhu 
Published: October 2018

ScopeIsoquercitrin (IQC) has been reported to play a protective role in many pathological conditions. Here, the effects of IQC on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced cardiac dysfunction are investigated, exploring its potential molecular mechanisms.Methods and ResultsC57BL/6 mice or H9c2 cardiomyoblasts are subjected to LPS challenge for 12 h. Pretreatment with IQC attenuates LPS‐induced cardiac dysfunction. IQC remarkably reduces LPS‐mediated inflammatory responses by inhibiting the mRNA levels of TNF‐α, IL6, and MCP1 as well as the protein levels of p‐IKKβ, p‐IκBα, and p‐p65 in vivo and in vitro. Interestingly, IQC administration also improves energy deficiencies caused by LPS, manifesting as significant increases in cardiac and cellular ATP levels. Furthermore, ATP levels increase due to the upregulation of PGC1β and PPAR‐α, which enhances fatty acid oxidation in vivo and in vitro. However, the protective roles of IQC against LPS‐mediated increased inflammatory responses and decreased acid fatty oxidation are partially blunted by inhibiting AMPKα in vitro, and suppressing AMPKα partially blocks the increased cardiac function elicited by IQC in LPS‐treated mice.ConclusionIQC attenuates LPS‐induced cardiac dysfunction by inhibiting inflammatory responses and by enhancing fatty acid oxidation, partially by activating AMPKα. IQC might be a potential drug for sepsis‐induced cardiac dysfunction.
bSSFP phase correction and its use in magnetic resonance electrical properties tomography
Authors: Ozdemir Safa , Ider Yusuf Ziya 
Published: October 2018

PurposeBalanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) sequence is widely used because of its high SNR and high speed. However, bSSFP images suffer from “banding artifact” caused by B0 inhomogeneity. In this article, we propose a method to remove this artifact in bSSFP phase images and investigate the usage of the corrected phase images in phase‐based magnetic resonance electrical properties tomography (MREPT).Theory and MethodsTwo bSSFP phase images, obtained with different excitation frequencies, are collaged to get rid of the regions containing banding artifacts. Phase of the collaged bSSFP image is the sum of the transceive phase of the RF system and an error term that depends on B0 and T2. By using B0 and T2 maps, this error is eliminated from bSSFP phase images by using pixel‐wise corrections. Conductivity maps are obtained from the uncorrected and the corrected phase images using the phase‐based cr‐MREPT method.ResultsPhantom and human experiment results of the proposed method are illustrated for both phase images and conductivity maps. It is shown that uncorrected phase images yield unacceptable conductivity images. When only B0 information is used for phase correction conductivity, reconstructions are substantially improved, and yet T2 information is still needed to fully recover accurate and undistorted conductivity images.ConclusionsWith the proposed technique, B0 sensitivity of the bSSFP phase images can be removed by using B0 and T2 maps. It is also shown that corrected bSSFP phase images are of sufficient quality to be used in conductivity imaging.
Smoothed point interpolation methods for the regularization of material instabilities in scalar damage models
Authors: Gori Lapo , Silva Penna Samuel , da Silva Pitangueira Roque Luiz 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThe nonlocal character embedded in the formulation of smoothed point interpolation methods is exploited, in order to regularize the behavior of the simulations of scalar damage problems affected by strain localization. The use of these methods is made possible by the extension of the weakened weak form that they are based on to the case of elastic‐degrading media, with specific focus on the scalar damage case. The provided numerical simulations emphasize the regularization effects of this class of meshfree methods and the improved mesh objectivity with respect to the standard finite element method. Different strategies for support node selection are considered, pointing out the role played by the size of the support domains regarding the regularization effects.
A level set–based method for stress‐constrained multimaterial topology optimization of minimizing a global measure of stress
Authors: Chu Sheng , Xiao Mi , Gao Liang , Li Hao 
Published: October 2018

SummaryIn multimaterial topology optimization of minimizing a global measure of stress, the maximum stresses in different materials may not satisfy the strength design requirements simultaneously if stress constraints for different materials are not considered. In this paper, a level set–based method is presented to handle the stress‐constrained multimaterial topology optimization of minimizing a global stress measure. Specifically, a multimaterial level set model is adopted to describe the structural topology, and a stress interpolation scheme is introduced for stress evaluation. Then, a stress penalty‐based topology optimization model is presented. Meanwhile, an adaptive adjusting scheme of the stress penalty factor is employed to improve the control of the local stress level. To solve the stress‐constrained multimaterial topology optimization problem minimizing the global measure of stress, the parametric level set method is employed, and the sensitivity analysis is carried out. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented method. Results indicate that multimaterial structures with optimized global stress can be gained, and stress constraints for different materials can be satisfied simultaneously.
Bone marrow fibroblasts overexpress miR‐27b and miR‐214 in step with multiple myeloma progression, dependent on tumour cell‐derived exosomes
Authors: Frassanito Maria Antonia , Desantis Vanessa , Di Marzo Lucia , Craparotta Ilaria , Beltrame Luca , Marchini Sergio , Annese Tiziana , Visino Fabrizio , Arciuli Marcella , Saltarella Ilaria , Lamanuzzi Aurelia , Solimando Antonio G , Nico Beatrice , De Angelis Maria , Racanelli Vito , Mariggiò Maria A , Chiacchio Rosistella , Pizzuti Michele , Gallone Anna , Fumarulo Ruggiero , D'Incalci Maurizio , Vacca Angelo 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAberrant microRNA (miR) expression has an important role in tumour progression, but its involvement in bone marrow fibroblasts of multiple myeloma patients remains undefined. We demonstrate that a specific miR profile in bone marrow fibroblasts parallels the transition from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to myeloma. Overexpression of miR‐27b‐3p and miR‐214‐3p triggers proliferation and apoptosis resistance in myeloma fibroblasts via the FBXW7 and PTEN/AKT/GSK3 pathways, respectively. Transient transfection of miR‐27b‐3p and miR‐214‐3p inhibitors demonstrates a cooperation between these two miRNAs in the expression of the anti‐apoptotic factor MCL1, suggesting that miR‐27b‐3p and miR‐214‐3p negatively regulate myeloma fibroblast apoptosis. Furthermore, myeloma cells modulate miR‐27b‐3p and miR‐214‐3p expression in fibroblasts through the release of exosomes. Indeed, tumour cell‐derived exosomes induce an overexpression of both miRNAs in MGUS fibroblasts not through a simple transfer mechanism but by de novo synthesis triggered by the transfer of exosomal WWC2 protein that regulates the Hippo pathway. Increased levels of miR‐27b‐3p and miR‐214‐3p in MGUS fibroblasts co‐cultured with myeloma cell‐derived exosomes enhance the expression of fibroblast activation markers αSMA and FAP. These data show that the MGUS‐to‐myeloma transition entails an aberrant miRNA profile in marrow fibroblasts and highlight a key role of myeloma cells in modifying the bone marrow microenvironment by reprogramming the marrow fibroblasts' behaviour. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Defect Engineering Strategies for Nitrogen Reduction Reactions under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Yan Dafeng , Li Hao , Chen Chen , Zou Yuqin , Wang Shuangyin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe production of ammonia from N2 molecules under ambient conditions [electro (photo) chemical reduction] is one of the most attractive topics in the energy‐related field due to its unique advantages and great potentials. Recently, various catalysts have been explored to show certain activities in nitrogen reduction reactions (NRRs) at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. To further improve the catalytic activity and increase the selectivity, the catalysts should be rationally designed to introduce extra active sites for the N2 molecule adsorption and activation. This review summarizes recent progress of the defect engineering strategies to design highly efficient electrochemical or photocatalytic NRR nanocatalysts. The defect sites would serve as the active center for the NRR and further enhance its intrinsic performance. The defect engineering strategies are summarized in different categories, including vacancies (oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur vacancies), doping (metal doping and nonmetal doping), amorphous phases (amorphous noble metal and amorphous transition metal), size effects, and structure effects. In addition, the different ammonia determination methods are summarized and compared in order to obtain more credible and veritable NRR performance results.
Effects of an antler point restriction on deer hunter perceptions and satisfaction in Missouri
Authors: Hansen Lonnie P. , Sumners Jason A. , Reitz Ron , Bian Yuanyuan , Gao Xiaoming , Millspaugh Joshua J. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTAntler point restrictions (APR), intended to create an older male age structure of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), have been implemented in many states, but effects of APR on hunters’ satisfaction and activities often have not been measured. During 2004–2008, we conducted mail surveys of firearms deer hunters in Missouri, USA, to measure effects of an APR on respondents including 1) perceptions of deer population trends and availability of large males; 2) satisfaction with the hunting experience and deer management; and 3) support of the APR. There was no effect of the APR on how respondents perceived deer population trends, but respondents hunting under the APR believed there were more large males in both central and northern Missouri. Respondents were less satisfied with their hunt and deer management in central Missouri areas under the APR during years when hunter success was reduced. There was no effect of the APR on how respondents rated their most recent deer season in the northern areas under the APR, although respondents there were less satisfied with deer management prior to implementation of the APR and for the first 2 years after implementation with no differences after that time. In all areas, generally >70% of respondents supported the APR; presence of the APR where a respondent hunted did not affect support of the APR. Respondents supporting the APR were more likely to have less deer hunting experience, hunt counties where harvest of antlered males was relatively greater, rate Missouri deer management as good or excellent, hunt private land during at least part of the season, and select for antlered males while hunting. An APR may be most appropriate where deer densities are moderate or large and harvest rates of antlered males are excessive. Use of APRs in areas with low‐density deer populations where harvest opportunity is low may not be popular with hunters. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Role of purinergic receptors in the Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Cieślak Marek , Wojtczak Andrzej 
Published: October 2018

AbstractEtiology of the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is not fully understood. Different pathological processes are considered, such as amyloid deposition, tau protein phosphorylation, oxidative stress (OS), metal ion disregulation, or chronic neuroinflammation. Purinergic signaling is involved in all these processes, suggesting the importance of nucleotide receptors (P2X and P2Y) and adenosine receptors (A1, A2A, A2B, A3) present on the CNS cells. Ecto-purines, ecto-pyrimidines, and enzymes participating in their metabolism are present in the inter-cellular spaces. Accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) in brain induces the ATP release into the extra-cellular space, which in turn stimulates the P2X7 receptors. Activation of P2X7 results in the increased synthesis and release of many pro-inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and chemokines. Furthermore, activation of P2X7 leads to the decreased activity of α-secretase, while activation of P2Y2 receptor has an opposite effect. Simultaneous inhibition of P2X7 and stimulation of P2Y2 would therefore be the efficient way of the α-secretase activation. Activation of P2Y2 receptors present in neurons, glia cells, and endothelial cells may have a positive neuroprotective effect in AD. The OS may also be counteracted via the purinergic signaling. ADP and its non-hydrolysable analogs activate P2Y13 receptors, leading to the increased activity of heme oxygenase, which has a cytoprotective activity. Adenosine, via A1 and A2A receptors, affects the dopaminergic and glutaminergic signaling, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF), and also changes the synaptic plasticity (e.g., causing a prolonged excitation or inhibition) in brain regions responsible for learning and memory. Such activity may be advantageous in the Alzheimer’s disease.
CHILDREN AND TESTIMONIAL INJUSTICE: A RESPONSE TO BURROUGHS AND TOLLEFSEN
Authors: Bartlett Gary 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTMichael Burroughs and Deborah Tollefsen (2016) claim that children are subject to widespread testimonial injustice. They argue that empirical data shows that children are prejudicially accorded less epistemic credibility in forensic contexts, and that this in turn shows that the same is true in broader contexts. While I agree that there is indeed testimonial injustice against children, I argue that Burroughs and Tollefsen exaggerate its severity and extent, by exaggerating children's testimonial reliability. Firstly, the empirical data do not quite support their claim about children's performance in forensic contexts. Secondly, while they advocate a relational conception of children's agency which emphasizes the role of adults in realizing their testimonial abilities, Burroughs and Tollefsen miss the full implications of such a conception for our evaluation of children's credibility, and for our behavior towards them in testimonial contexts. Thirdly, they underestimate the significance of children's limited general knowledge.
Immediate impact of healthcare-facility–onset Clostridium difficile laboratory-identified events reporting methodology change on standardized infection ratios
Authors: Figueroa Castro Carlos E. , Palen Louis , Johnson Carrie , Graham Mary Beth , Letzer David , Ledeboer Nathan , Buchan Blake , Block Timothy , Seliger Heather , Singh Siddhartha , Behrens Elizabeth , Huerta Susan , Munoz-Price L. Silvia 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn 2018, the Clostridium difficile LabID event methodology changed so that hospitals doing 2-step tests, nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) plus enzyme immunofluorescence assay (EIA), had their adjustment modified to EIA-based tests, and only positive final tests (eg, EIA) were counted in the numerator. We report the immediate impact of this methodological change at 3 Milwaukee hospitals.