bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgical approach to the intrathoracic goiter
Authors: Vaiman Michael , Bekerman Inessa , Basel Jabarin , Peer Michael 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveIn a retrospective study, the authors analyzed the surgical approach to the intrathoracic goiter to avoid sternotomy or thoracotomy.MethodsWe selected 70 intrathoracic cases of multinodular goiter out of 988 cases of thyroidectomy and compared them with cervical goiter cases. Surgical technique, results, and postsurgical complications were assessed.ResultsThe analyzed cases presented the retrosternal goiter (n = 53; 75.7%), the retrotracheal goiter (n = 9; 12.8%), and the retroesophageal goiter (n = 8; 11.4%). Complaining of chest pressure or discomfort was specific for intrathoracic cases (50%; 35 of 70). All goiters except one were removed via cervical incision. The surgeons used head reclination and isthmus dissection when removing sizable goiters. Mean weight of goiters was 180 g. The recurrent laryngeal nerve was more often temporarily damaged in intrathoracic cases in comparison with cervical cases (4.3% vs. 2.8%, P = .04), but the difference in permanent injury was less significant (P = .09). The incidence of temporary hypoparathyroidism was significantly higher in intrathoracic cases (P = .01).ConclusionIn cases of multinodular goiter the goiters of various extensions can be successfully removed via the cervical incision in most of the cases even if they occupy the retrosternal, retrotracheal, or retroesophageal position. The transthoracic approaches and sternotomy might be justified in malignant cases.Level of Evidence4.
Effects of submarine groundwater discharge on coral accretion and bioerosion on two shallow reef flats
Authors: Lubarsky Katie A. , Silbiger Nyssa J. , Donahue Megan J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSubmarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is an important source of nutrients to many coastal reefs, yet there is little information on how SGD impacts key coral reef processes. Here, we investigated the effect of SGD on coral growth and bioerosion rates from Porites lobata nubbins and blocks of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) on two reef flats in Maunalua Bay, O'ahu. Over a 6‐month (coral nubbins) and yearlong (CaCO3 blocks) deployment period, we combined multiple metrics of coral growth (buoyant weight, surface area, and linear extension) and bioerosion with a suite of co‐measured physicochemical parameters that are indicators for SGD (carbonate chemistry, dissolved inorganic nutrients, temperature, salinity, and water motion). All coral growth metrics showed a modal response to SGD, and the percent change in buoyant weights and nubbin surface area were negatively related to pH variation. SGD negatively affected coral survival, indicating that at high levels of SGD, salinity stress could be killing corals, but at mid‐levels SGD‐associated nutrients could be increasing growth rates. SGD had a positive effect on bioerosion, most likely due to the positive effect of increased nutrients on bioeroding organisms. Further, coral accretion rates were two orders of magnitude higher than bioerosion rates; however, given the low coral cover on these reef flats, the total carbonate accreted by corals is much lower than suggested by rates alone. These results indicate that corals can thrive on SGD‐impacted reefs if isolated from secondary stressors, so active management to reduce macroalgae and sedimentation could allow coral recovery in Maunalua Bay.
Coping with arsenic stress: Adaptations of arsenite‐oxidizing bacterial membrane lipids to increasing arsenic levels
Authors: Ghosh Devanita , Bhadury Punyasloke , Routh Joyanto 
Published: March 2018

AbstractElevated levels of arsenic (As) in aquifers of South East Asia have caused diverse health problems affecting millions of people who drink As‐rich groundwater and consume various contaminated agriculture products. The biogeochemical cycling and mobilization/immobilization of As from its mineral‐bound phase is controlled by pH, oxic/anoxic conditions, and different microbial processes. The increased As flux generated from ongoing biogeochemical processes in the subsurface in turn affects the in situ microbial communities. This study analyzes how the indigenous arsenite‐oxidizing bacteria combat As stress by various biophysical alterations and self‐adaptation mechanisms. Fifteen arsenite‐oxidizing bacterial strains were isolated and identified using a polyphasic approach. The bacterial strains isolated from these aquifers belong predominantly to arsenite‐oxidizing bacterial groups. Of these, the membrane‐bound phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) were characterized in seven selected bacterial isolates grown at different concentrations of As(III) in the medium. One of the significant findings of this study is how the increase in external stress can induce alteration of membrane PLFAs. The change in fatty acid saturation and alteration of their steric conformation suggests alteration of membrane fluidity due to change in As‐related stress. However, different bacterial groups can have different degrees of alteration that can affect sustainability in As‐rich aquifers of the Bengal Delta Plain.
Susceptibilities of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus‐infected and noninfected Diaphorina citri to entomopathogenic fungi and their detoxification enzyme activities under different temperatures
Authors: Hussain Mubasher , Akutse Komivi Senyo , Lin Yongwen , Chen Shiman , Huang Wei , Zhang Jinguan , Idrees Atif , Qiu Dongliang , Wang Liande 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSome entomopathogenic fungi species, Isaria fumosorosea, and Hirsutella citriformis were found to be efficient against the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae). However, the susceptibility to these fungi increases when the psyllid infected with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las), which is transmitted by D. citri and causes citrus greening disease. In this study, we examined the Las‐infected and Las‐uninfected D. citri susceptibility to entomopathogenic fungi at different temperature regimes (5–40°C). When D. citri adults exposed to cold temperature (5°C), they showed less susceptibility to entomopathogenic fungi as compared with control (27°C). Irrespective of infection with Las, a significantly positive correlation was observed between temperature and percentage mortality caused by different isolates of I. fumosorosea, 3A Ifr, 5F Ifr, PS Ifr, and H. citriformis isolates, HC3D and 2H. In contrast, a significantly negative correlation was found between temperature and percentage mortality for 3A Ifr for both Las‐infected and Las‐uninfected psyllids. Detoxification enzymes, Glutathione S‐transferase levels in D. citri showed a negative correlation, whereas cytochrome P450 and general esterase levels were not correlated with changes in temperature. These findings revealed that detoxification enzymes and general esterase levels are not correlated with altered susceptibility to entomopathogenic fungi at the different temperature regimes. Conclusively, temperature fluctuations tested appear to be a significant factor impacting the management strategies of D. citri using entomopathogenic fungi.
Removal and biodegradation of different petroleum hydrocarbons using the filamentous fungus Aspergillus sp. RFC‐1
Authors: Al‐Hawash Adnan B. , Zhang Xiaoyu , Ma Fuying 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPetroleum pollution inevitably occurs at any stage of oil production and exerts a negative impact on the environment. Some microorganisms can degrade petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs). Polluted sludge of Rumaila oil field was use to isolate the highly efficient hydrocarbon‐degrading fungal strain. Aspergillus sp. RFC‐1 was obtained and its degradation ability for petroleum hydrocarbons was evaluated through surface adsorption, cell uptake, hydrophobicity, surface tension, biosurfactant production, and emulsification activity. In addition, the degradation mechanism was investigated. The results indicated the strain RFC‐1 showed high removal activity for PHs, including biodegradation, adsorption, and emulsifiability. On the day 7 of incubation, the removal efficiencies of crude oil, naphthalene (NAP), phenanthrene (PHE), and pyrene (PYR) reached 60.3%, 97.4%, 84.9%, and 90.7%, respectively. Biodegradation efficiencies of crude oil, NAP, PHE, and PYR were 51.8%, 84.6%, 50.3%, and 55.1%, respectively. Surface adsorption and cell absorption by live mycelial pellets followed a decreasing order: PYR ≥ PHE > NAP > crude oil. Adsorption by heat‐killed mycelial pellets increased within 40 and 10 min for crude oil and PAHs, respectively, and remained constant thereafter. Effects of cell surface hydrophobicity, surface tension, and emulsification index were discussed. Intra‐ and extracellular enzymes of strain RFC‐1 played important roles in PHs degradation. The strain RFC‐1 is a prospective strain for removing PHs from aqueous environments.
Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae isolated from milk of the bovine udder as emerging pathogens: In vitro and in vivo infection of human cells and zebrafish as biological models
Authors: Alves‐Barroco Cinthia , Roma‐Rodrigues Catarina , Raposo Luís R. , Brás Catarina , Diniz Mário , Caço João , Costa Pedro M. , Santos‐Sanches Ilda , Fernandes Alexandra R. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractStreptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae (SDSD) is a major cause of bovine mastitis and has been regarded as an animal‐restricted pathogen, although rare infections have been described in humans. Previous studies revealed the presence of virulence genes encoded by phages of the human pathogen Group A Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) in SDSD isolated from the milk of bovine udder with mastitis. The isolates SDSD VSD5 and VSD13 could adhere and internalize human primary keratinocyte cells, suggesting a possible human infection potential of bovine isolates. In this work, the in vitro and in vivo potential of SDSD to internalize/adhere human cells of the respiratory track and zebrafish as biological models was evaluated. Our results showed that, in vitro, bovine SDSD strains could interact and internalize human respiratory cell lines and that this internalization was dependent on an active transport mechanism and that, in vivo, SDSD are able to cause invasive infections producing zebrafish morbidity and mortality. The infectious potential of these isolates showed to be isolate‐specific and appeared to be independent of the presence or absence of GAS phage‐encoded virulence genes. Although the infection ability of the bovine SDSD strains was not as strong as the human pathogenic S. pyogenes in the zebrafish model, results suggested that these SDSD isolates are able to interact with human cells and infect zebrafish, a vertebrate infectious model, emerging as pathogens with zoonotic capability.
Non‐Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: How Its Gut Immune Activation and Potential Dietary Management Differ from Celiac Disease
Authors: Rotondi Aufiero Vera , Fasano Alessio , Mazzarella Giuseppe 
Published: March 2018

AbstractNon‐celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is a clinical entity triggered by the ingestion of gluten‐containing grains leading to intestinal and/or extraintestinal symptoms that resolve once the gluten‐containing foodstuff is eliminated from the diet, and it is diagnosed when celiac disease (CD) and wheat allergy (WA) have been ruled out. The limited knowledge about the pathophysiology of NCGS and the lack of validated biomarkers are still major limitations for clinical studies, making it difficult to differentiate NCGS from other gluten‐related disorders (GRD). In the absence of clear‐cut diagnostic criteria, NCGS is still mainly a diagnosis of exclusion. Several studies suggest that NCGS is an immune‐mediated disease that likely activates an innate immune response. Moreover, it has recently been hypothesized that in addition to gluten, other components of wheat may be responsible for the symptoms observed in individuals without CD. This review aims at discussing available evidence related to the histological and immunological features in the gut mucosa of patients with NCGS and at outlining new dietary opportunities for these patients.
Resveratrol Improves Muscle Atrophy by Modulating Mitochondrial Quality Control in STZ‐Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Wang Dongtao , Sun Huili , Song Gaofeng , Yang Yajun , Zou Xiaohu , Han Pengxun , Li Shunmin 
Published: March 2018

ScopeIn this study, we aim to determine the effects of resveratrol (RSV) on muscle atrophy in streptozocin‐induced diabetic mice and to explore mitochondrial quality control (MQC) as a possible mechanism.Methods and resultsThe experimental mice were fed either a control diet or an identical diet containing 0.04% RSV for 8 weeks. Examinations were subsequently carried out, including the effects of RSV on muscle atrophy and muscle function, as well as on the signaling pathways related to protein degradation and MQC processes. The results show that RSV supplementation improves muscle atrophy and muscle function, attenuates the increase in ubiquitin and muscle RING‐finger protein‐1 (MuRF‐1), and simultaneously attenuates LC3‐II and cleaved caspase‐3 in the skeletal muscle of diabetic mice. Moreover, RSV treatment of diabetic mice results in an increase in mitochondrial biogenesis and inhibition of the activation of mitophagy in skeletal muscle. RSV also protects skeletal muscle against excess mitochondrial fusion and fission in the diabetic mice.ConclusionThe results suggest that RSV ameliorates diabetes‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy by modulating MQC.
Taste and Flavor Perceptions of Glucosinolates, Isothiocyanates, and Related Compounds
Authors: Bell Luke , Oloyede Omobolanle O. , Lignou Stella , Wagstaff Carol , Methven Lisa 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBrassicaceae plants are renowned for their taste, aroma and trigeminal characteristics; predominantly bitter taste, sulfurous aroma, and pungency. Compounds responsible for these sensations include the glucosinolates (GSLs) and their hydrolysis products, particularly isothiocyanates (ITCs), but also sulfur‐containing volatile compounds. This article reviews the relative importance of taste and flavor perceptions resulting from such compounds; collating evidence from papers where findings are based on sensory analytical correlations, and those that have extracted specific compounds prior to sensory evaluation. Where specific GSLs impart bitterness and many ITCs impart pungency, this is clearly not true for all GSLs and ITCs. Designing crop improvement strategies for sensory traits based on total GSL content would be flawed, as it does not consider the relative differences in sensory characteristics of different GSLs and ITCs, nor the contribution from other GSL hydrolysis products. In addition, some Brassicaceae plants are consumed raw, whilst others are cooked; this affects not only the hydrolysis of GSLs, but also the generation and release of sulfides. Therefore, in breeding new plant varieties, it is prudent to consider the individual GSLs, the typical cooking conditions the plant is subjected to, enzyme stability, and resultant composition of both GSL hydrolysis products (including ITCs) and sulfides.
Hepatic Lipogenesis and Brain Fatty Acid Profile in Response to Different Dietary n6/n3 Ratios and DHA/EPA Supplementation in Streptozotocin Treated Rats
Authors: Starčević Kristina , Filipović Natalija , Galan Asier , Micek Vedran , Gudan Kurilj Andrea , Mašek Tomislav 
Published: March 2018

ScopeWe investigated the interaction between streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetes and dietary n6/n3 ratio, and its influence on lipogenesis.Methods and resultsThe animals were treated with STZ and fed with different dietary n6/n3 ratios: 1, 7, and 60, or supplemented with DHA/EPA. Gene expression was assessed by RT‐PCR and protein expression by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Fatty acid profile was determined by GC‐MS. Pancreas and liver histology were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. STZ‐induced characteristic changes in all STZ treated groups, including: increased blood glucose, decreased body mass, increased lipid peroxidation and CD36 expression, decreased 16:1n7 and 18:1n7, increases in 20:3n6, decreases in phospholipid (PL) content of 20:4n6, as well as decreases in the expression of SREBP1c, Δ‐9‐desaturase (Δ9D), and Δ‐5‐desaturase (Δ5D). Additionally, other changes occurred that were dependent on the n6/n3 ratio. Among the diabetic groups, the lower n6/n3 ratio caused higher lipid peroxidation and CD36 expression, a greater decrease in 20:4n6 and decreased Δ6‐desaturase (Δ6D) expression, while the higher n6/n3 ratio caused increased partitioning of 20:4n6 into hepatic neutral lipids (NL), a decrease in 20:5n3 content, and increased β‐oxidation.ConclusionPresented data suggest that the n6/n3 ratio could significantly influence lipogenesis, lipid peroxidation, and β‐oxidation in STZ‐induced diabetes, which could have clinical significance.
A high DQE water‐equivalent EPID employing an array of plastic‐scintillating fibers for simultaneous imaging and dosimetry in radiotherapy
Authors: Blake Samuel J. , Cheng Zhangkai , McNamara Aimee , Lu Minghui , Vial Philip , Kuncic Zdenka 
Published: March 2018

PurposeFirst measurements of the imaging performance of a novel prototype water‐equivalent electronic portal imaging device (EPID) designed for simultaneous imaging and dose verification in radiotherapy and previously characterized by our group for dosimetry are reported. Experiments were conducted to characterize the prototype's imaging performance relative to a standard commercial EPID and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were performed to quantify the impact of several detector parameters on image quality and to inform the design of a proposed next‐generation prototype.MethodsThe prototype EPID utilizes an array of 3 cm long plastic‐scintillating fibers in place of the metal plate/phosphor screen in standard EPIDs. Using a clinical 6 MV photon beam, the prototype's modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS), and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) were measured and compared to measurements taken using a standard commercial EPID. A sensitivity analysis was then performed using the MC model by quantifying these metrics while varying the values of several geometrical and optical transport parameters that were unspecified by the prototype manufacturer. Finally, the MC model was used to quantify the imaging performance of a proposed next‐generation prototype incorporating 1.5 cm long fibers that is better suited for integration with clinical portal imaging and dosimetry systems.ResultsThe prototype EPID's zero spatial frequency DQE exceeded 3%, more than doubling that measured with the standard EPID (1.25%). This increased DQE was a consequence of using a prototype array detector with a greater equivalent thickness than the combined copper plate and phosphor screen in a standard EPID. The increased thickness of our prototype decreased spatial resolution relative to the standard EPID; however, the prototype EPID NPS was also lower than that measured with the standard EPID across all spatial frequencies. The sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the NPS was strongly affected by the roughness of the boundaries between fiber core and cladding regions. By comparison, the MTF was most sensitive to beam divergence and the presence of air between the fiber array and underlying photodiode panel. Simulations demonstrated that by optimizing these parameters, DQE(0) >4% may be achievable with the proposed next‐generation prototype design.ConclusionsThe first measurements characterizing the imaging performance of a novel water‐equivalent EPID for imaging and dosimetry in radiotherapy demonstrated a DQE(0) more than double that of a standard EPID. MC simulations further demonstrated the potential for developing a next‐generation prototype better suited for clinical translation with even higher DQE.
In Situ Semibatch Emulsion Polymerization of 2‐Ethyl Hexyl Acrylate/n‐Butyl Acrylate/Methyl Methacrylate/Cellulose Nanocrystal Nanocomposites for Adhesive Applications
Authors: Ouzas Alexandra , Niinivaara Elina , Cranston Emily D. , Dubé Marc A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are safe, “green,” hydrophilic nanoparticles. CNCs are added in situ during a semibatch 2‐ethyl hexyl acrylate (EHA)/n‐butyl acrylate (BA)/methyl methacrylate (MMA) emulsion polymerization. As EHA is a more hydrophobic monomer, manipulation of the monomer feed composition allows for the evaluation of the effect of hydrophobicity on CNC distribution in the nanocomposite and ultimately on adhesive properties. The adhesive properties (loop tack, peel strength, and shear strength) of three different EHA/BA/MMA latex formulations are shown to simultaneously improve with increasing CNC loading. However, the hydrophobicity of the EHA leads to a nonuniform distribution of CNCs in the latex films. Comparison of the in situ polymerized nanocomposites to their blended counterparts is also made.
Distributed hierarchical SVD in the Hierarchical Tucker format
Authors: Grasedyck Lars , Löbbert Christian 
Published: March 2018

SummaryWe consider tensors in the Hierarchical Tucker format and suppose the tensor data to be distributed among several compute nodes. We assume the compute nodes to be in a one‐to‐one correspondence with the nodes of the Hierarchical Tucker format such that connected nodes can communicate with each other. An appropriate tree structure in the Hierarchical Tucker format then allows for the parallelization of basic arithmetic operations between tensors with a parallel runtime that grows like
, where d is the tensor dimension. We introduce parallel algorithms for several tensor operations, some of which can be applied to solve linear equations
directly in the Hierarchical Tucker format using iterative methods such as conjugate gradients or multigrid. We present weak scaling studies, which provide evidence that the runtime of our algorithms indeed grows like
. Furthermore, we present numerical experiments in which we apply our algorithms to solve a parameter‐dependent diffusion equation in the Hierarchical Tucker format by means of a multigrid algorithm.
Variational inequality‐based framework of discontinuous deformation analysis
Authors: Fan Huo , Zhao Jidong , Zheng Hong 
Published: March 2018

SummaryFor modeling discrete particle‐block systems, a new framework of discontinuous deformation analysis is established on the basis of finite‐dimensional variational inequality. The presented method takes into account the contacts, the rolling resistance, and the tensile resistance of cemented interface among particles and blocks using the corresponding variational or quasivariational inequalities. The new formulation avoids using the artificial springs that are usually indispensable in many conventional methods dealing with similar discrete problems and conveniently integrates the rigid circle particles, the nonrigid ring particles, and the arbitrary shape blocks into a uniform framework. The proposed discontinuous deformation analysis approach is further coupled with the finite element method using a node‐based composite contact matrix and several simple transformation matrices to solve practical problems. A particle/block‐based composite contact matrix is constructed to further broaden the application of the proposed method. The accuracy, robustness, and capability of the presented method are demonstrated with examples.