bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Dynamic Baropodometric Profile of Children with Idiopathic Toe-Walking
Authors: Martín-Casas Patricia , Meneses-Monroy Alfonso , Beneit-Montesinos Juan Vicente , Atín-Arratibel María de los Ángeles , Plaza-Manzano Gustavo , Pecos-Martín Daniel , Gallego-Izquierdo Tomás , Williams Cylie 
Published: April 2019

Background:
Idiopathic toe-walking (ITW) gait may present in children older than 3 years and in the absence of a medical condition known to cause or be associated with toe-walking gait. It is unknown how this gait type changes pressure distribution in the growing foot. We sought to determine whether children with ITW gait exhibit different plantar pressures and temporal gait features than typically developing children.

Methods:
Children aged 3 to 6 years were recruited who had either a typical heel-toe gait pattern or a diagnosis of ITW. The ITW diagnosis was reported by the parent/caregiver and confirmed through history and physical examination. Temporal gait measures, peak pressures, and impulse percentages were measured. A minimum of ten unshod footprints were collected. Data were compared with unpaired t tests.

Results:
The study included 40 children with typical gait and 56 with ITW gait. The ITW group displayed lower peak pressures at the hallux, midfoot, and hindfoot (P < .05) and higher and lower pressure impulse percentages at the forefoot (P < .001) and hindfoot (P < .001), respectively. The ITW group spent a higher percentage of contact time at all areas of the forefoot and less at the midfoot and rearfoot (P < .05). There were no significant differences in total step duration and foot progression angle between groups (P > .05).

Conclusions:
There were differences in pressure distributions between groups. Understanding these differences may help us better understand the compensations or potential long-term impact that ITW gait may have on a young child's foot. Podiatric physicians may also consider the use of this equipment in the clinical setting to measure outcomes after treatment for ITW.
Throwing light on dark diversity of vascular plants in China: predicting the distribution of dark and threatened species under global climate change
Authors: Tang Lili , Wang Runxi , He Kate S. , Shi Cong , Yang Tong , Huang Yaping , Zheng Pufan , Shi Fuchen 
Published: April 2019

Background
As global climate change accelerates, ecologists and conservationists are increasingly investigating changes in biodiversity and predicting species distribution based on species observed at sites, but rarely consider those plant species that could potentially inhabit but are absent from these areas (i.e., the dark diversity and its distribution). Here, we estimated the dark diversity of vascular plants in China and picked up threatened dark species from the result, and applied maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model to project current and future distributions of those dark species in their potential regions (those regions that have these dark species).

Methods
We used the Beals probability index to estimate dark diversity in China based on available species distribution information and explored which environmental variables had significant impacts on dark diversity by incorporating bioclimatic data into the random forest (RF) model. We collected occurrence data of threatened dark species (Eucommia ulmoides, Liriodendron chinense, Phoebe bournei, Fagus longipetiolata, Amentotaxus argotaenia, and Cathaya argyrophylla) and related bioclimatic information that can be used to predict their distributions. In addition, we used MaxEnt modeling to project their distributions in suitable areas under future (2050 and 2070) climate change scenarios.

Results
We found that every study region’s dark diversity was lower than its observed species richness. In these areas, their numbers of dark species are ranging from 0 to 215, with a generally increasing trend from western regions to the east. RF results showed that temperature variables had a more significant effect on dark diversity than those associated with precipitation. The results of MaxEnt modeling showed that most threatened dark species were climatically suitable in their potential regions from current to 2070.

Discussions
The results of this study provide the first ever dark diversity patterns concentrated in China, even though it was estimated at the provincial scale. A combination of dark diversity and MaxEnt modeling is an effective way to shed light on the species that make up the dark diversity, such as projecting the distribution of specific dark species under global climate change. Besides, the combination of dark diversity and species distribution models (SDMs) may also be of value for ex situ conservation, ecological restoration, and species invasion prevention in the future.
Salivary LDOC1 is a gender-difference biomarker of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Chung-Ji , Chen Jen-Hao , Hsia Shih-Min , Liao Chiu-Chu , Chang Hui-Wen , Shieh Tzong-Ming , Shih Yin-Hwa 
Published: April 2019

Background
The X-linked tumor suppressor gene LDOC1 is reported to be involved in oral cancer. The detection of biomarkers in salivary RNA is a non-invasive strategy for diagnosing many diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of salivary LDOC1 as a biomarker of oral cancer.

Methods
We determined the expression levels of LDOC1 in the saliva of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) subjects, and investigated its correlation with various clinicopathological characteristics. The expression levels of salivary LDOC1 were detected in 53 OSCC subjects and 43 healthy controls using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. We used Fisher’s exact test to analyze the correlations between expression levels and clinicopathological characteristics.

Results
Salivary LDOC1 was significantly upregulated in females with OSCC (p = 0.0072), and significantly downregulated in males with OSCC (p = 0.0206). Eighty-nine percent of male OSCC subjects who smoked expressed low levels of LDOC1. OSCC cell lines derived from male OSCC subjects expressed low levels of LDOC1.

Conclusions
A high level of salivary LDOC1 expression is a biomarker of OSCC in females. A high percentage of male OSCC subjects who smoke express low levels of salivary LDOC1. A low level of salivary LDOC1 expression is a biomarker of OSCC in males.
Cutaneous Side Effect of Hydroxurea in a Sickle Cell Anaemia Child-A Case Report
Authors: Salako A. O. , Ogunmefun S. O. , Aworanti O. W. 
Published: April 2019

Background: Hydroxyurea (HU) has redefined the quality of life of children with sickle cell anaemia and their care givers. Despite the acclaimed benefits of HU, the drug could be associated with variable side effects affecting different systems in the human body, including the skin and integuments. The aim of this report is to raise the awareness about the less common side effects of HU.
Case Report: A 5-year 8 months old homozygous sickle cell anaemia child presented with pruritic hyperpigmented lesions on the trunk, arms and the legs, four weeks after commencement of HU. HU was initially discontinued for two weeks and thereafter recommenced with a different brand but there was worsening skin lesions despite at a daily low dose of 10 mg/kg. The rashes eventually resolved with low dose once in 3 days HU therapy. She had recurrent episodes of acute painful crisis; average of three [3] episodes per year warranted hospital admission prior to commencement, but with HU therapy, there has been significant improvement in the crisis.
Discussion: Cutaneous lesions are uncommon side effect of hydroxyurea. This side effect is dependent on genetic predisposition and photosensitivity. However, with the established benefit of HU in the management sickle cell anaemia, it is important for the sickle cell experts to continue to monitor closely the children for both the common and rare side effects and to individualize therapy to ensure maximal benefit with minimal or no side effects.
Cancer‐associated fibroblasts show heterogeneous gene expression and induce vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in response to environmental stimuli
Authors: Inoue Ken‐ichi , Kishimoto Satoko , Akimoto Kazumi , Sakuma Masashi , Toyoda Shigeru , Inoue Teruo , Yoshida Ken‐ichiro , Shimoda Mitsugi , Suzuki Shuji 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimCancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAF) play a crucial role in angiogenesis in the complex tumor microenvironment. However, fibroblasts show extensive heterogeneity and their dynamic functions against stressors remain largely unknown.MethodsWe collected patient‐derived CAF and carried out perturbation‐based monitoring of the dynamic functions. Clinically relevant experimental stimuli were defined as follows: hypoxia, cisplatin, fluorouracil, coculture with cancer spheroids (interaction through paracrine signals). We selected 18 marker genes that encode components for fibroblast activation, intracellular communication, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was carried out for data collection and statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS software.ResultsKruskal‐Wallis multivariate analysis of variance showed that variations in expression of 11 marker genes were explained, in part, by a difference in tissue of origin. Friedman and two‐sided Wilcoxon signed rank tests detected significant perturbations in expression of marker genes. Paracrine signal from cancer spheroids induced vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in CAF but not in fetal lung fibroblasts.ConclusionWe have established perturbation‐based monitoring of patients’ CAF. Further data collection and individual patient follow up is ongoing to identify critical determinants of disease outcome.
Metal‐Free Regioselective Carbonylation of Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines via Photoredox Catalysis using Nitrones
Authors: Tang Fang , Guan Zhi , He Yan‐Hong 
Published: April 2019

AbstractImidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine is an important skeletal structure of many drug molecules. A novel metal‐free regioselective C3 carbonylation of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines via visible light photoredox catalysis using nitrones is described. 9‐Mesityl‐10‐methylacridinium ion (Acr+−Mes) acts as an efficient organic photosensitizer and molecular oxygen acts as an oxidant. This work provides a greener and convenient alternative to the C3 carbonylation of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines. Mild reaction conditions and a wide range of substrates make this method of great potential application value in medicinal chemistry and organic synthesis.
A thermoplastic microfluidic microphysiological system to recapitulate hepatic function and multicellular interactions
Authors: Bale Shyam Sundhar , Manoppo Andrea , Thompson Rebecca , Markoski Alex , Coppeta Jonathan , Cain Brian , Haroutunian Nerses , Newlin Veronica , Spencer Abbie , Azizgolshani Hesham , Lu Mingjian , Gosset James , Keegan Philip , Charest Joseph L. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractHepatic in vitro platforms ranging from multi‐well cultures to bioreactors and microscale systems have been developed as tools to recapitulate cellular function and responses to aid in drug screening and disease model development. Recent developments in microfabrication techniques and cellular materials enabled fabrication of next‐generation, advanced microphysiological systems (MPSs) that aim to capture the cellular complexity and dynamic nature of the organ presenting highly controlled extracellular cues to cells in a physiologically relevant context. Historically, MPSs have heavily relied on elastomeric materials in their manufacture, with unfavorable material characteristics (such as lack of structural rigidity) limiting their use in high‐throughput systems. Herein, we aim to create a microfluidic bilayer model (microfluidic MPS) using thermoplastic materials to allow hepatic cell stabilization and culture, retaining hepatic functional phenotype and capturing cellular interactions. The microfluidic MPS consists of two overlapping microfluidic channels separated by a porous tissue‐culture membrane that acts as a surface for cellular attachment and nutrient exchange; and an oxygen permeable material to stabilize and sustain primary human hepatocyte (PHH) culture. Within the microfluidic MPS, PHHs are cultured in the top channel in a collagen sandwich gel format with media exchange accomplished through the bottom channel. We demonstrate PHH culture for 7 days, exhibiting measures of hepatocyte stabilization, secretory and metabolic functions. In addition, the microfluidic MPS dimensions provide a reduced media‐to‐cell ratio in comparison with multi‐well tissue culture systems, minimizing dilution and enabling capture of cellular interactions and responses in a hepatocyte‐Kupffer coculture model under an inflammatory stimulus. Utilization of thermoplastic materials in the model and ability to incorporate multiple hepatic cells within the system is our initial step towards the development of a thermoplastic‐based high‐throughput microfluidic MPS platform for hepatic culture. We envision the platform to find utility in development and interrogation of disease models of the liver, multi‐cellular interactions and therapeutic responses.
Investigation of Fouling Mechanisms Using Surface Morphology and Physicochemical Membrane Features
Authors: Heidari Setareh , Amirinejad Mehdi , Jahangirian Hamed 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe influences of membrane composition and surface morphology for membranes composed of polyethersulfone (PES) and fumarate alumoxane (Fum‐A) on fouling were investigated. Membrane fouling and blocking mechanisms were analyzed using the Hermia and combined pore blocking models. According to the Hermia fitted parameters, nanocomposite membranes revealed better antifouling properties. The lowest fouling coefficient belonged to the 2 wt % Fum‐A/PES membrane. In whey filtration, membrane surface morphology did not seem to have an important impact on the blocking mechanism as hydrophilicity. However, results clearly indicated a strong correlation between the surface morphology and the contribution of each individual fouling mechanism in the combined pore blocking/cake formation models.
Comparison of Two Sustainable Counter Electrodes for Energy Storage in the Microbial Rechargeable Battery
Authors: Molenaar Sam D. , Elzinga Margo , Willemse Sonja G. , Sleutels Tom , ter Heijne Annemiek , Buisman Cees J. N. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRecently, the microbial rechargeable battery (MRB) has been proposed as a potentially sustainable and low‐cost electrical energy storage technology. In the MRB, bioelectrochemical CO2 reduction and subsequent product oxidation has successfully been combined in one integrated system. However, finding a suitable counter electrode is hindering its further development. In this work, we have tested two alternative counter electrodes in duplicate‐namely, i) oxygen/water and ii) a capacitive electrode‐for use in the MRB platform. During daily charge/discharge cycling over periods of 11 to 15 days, experimentally obtained energy efficiencies of 25 and 3.7 % were reported when using the capacitive and the oxygen/water electrodes, respectively. Large overpotentials, resulting in a voltage efficiency of 15 % and oxygen crossover leading to coulombic efficiencies of 25 % caused the considerably lower efficiency for the oxygen/water systems, despite the theoretical higher voltage efficiency. Although the capacitive electrode equipped systems performed better, energy density is limited by the operational potential window within which capacitive systems can operate reliably. Microbial community analysis revealed dominant presence of Geobacter in the bioanode and Selenomonadales in the biocathode. These results do not necessarily bring practical application of the MRB closer, but they do provide new insights in the working principle of this new technology.
Regularity for Shape Optimizers: The Degenerate Case
Authors: Kriventsov Dennis , Lin Fanghua 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe consider minimizers of

urn:x-wiley:00103640:media:cpa21810:cpa21810-math-0001

where F is a function nondecreasing in each parameter, and λk(Ω) is the kth Dirichlet eigenvalue of ω. This includes, in particular, functions F that depend on just some of the first N eigenvalues, such as the often‐studied F=λN. The existence of a minimizer, which is also a bounded set of finite perimeter, was shown recently. Here we show that the reduced boundary of the minimizers Ω is made up of smooth graphs and examine the difficulties in classifying the singular points. Our approach is based on an approximation (“vanishing viscosity”) argument, which—counterintuitively—allows us to recover an Euler‐Lagrange equation for the minimizers that is not otherwise available. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Titrating Complex Mass Cytometry Panels
Authors: Gullaksen Stein‐Erik , Bader Lucius , Hellesøy Monica , Sulen André , Fagerholt Oda Helen Eck , Engen Caroline B. , Skavland Jørn , Gjertsen Bjørn Tore , Gavasso Sonia 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe describe here a simple and efficient antibody titration approach for cell‐surface markers and intracellular cell signaling targets for mass cytometry. The iterative approach builds upon a well‐characterized backbone panel of antibodies and analysis using bioinformatic tools such as SPADE. Healthy peripheral blood and bone marrow cells are stained with a pre‐optimized “backbone” antibody panel in addition to the progressively diluted (titrated) antibodies. Clustering based on the backbone panel enables the titration of each antibody against a rich hematopoietic background and assures that nonspecific binding and signal spillover can be quantified accurately. Using a slightly expanded backbone panel, antibodies quantifying changes in transcription factors and phosphorylated antigens are titrated on ex vivo stimulated cells to optimize sensitivity and evaluate baseline expression. Based on this information, complex panels of antibodies can be thoroughly optimized for use on healthy whole blood and bone marrow and are easily adaptable to the investigation of samples from for example clinical studies. © 2019 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Traits or habitat? Disentangling predictors of leaf‐litter decomposition in Amazonian soils and streams
Authors: Four B. , Cárdenas R. E. , Dangles O. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractQuantifying the relative contributions of plant physicochemical traits and environmental conditions to leaf decomposition is essential to increase our understanding of ecosystem processes in forested terrestrial and aquatic habitats. This is particularly crucial in tropical rainforests that display high levels of tree diversity and environmental heterogeneity over relatively small spatial scales. For example, in Amazonia, detritus from hundreds of tree species fuels carbon cycling in watersheds, but much remains to be learned about how species traits interact with environmental conditions to mediate decomposition. We investigated the leaf‐litter decomposition of 17 tree species with contrasting traits in soil and stream habitats in Yasuní National Park, Ecuador. We hypothesized that (1) habitat type would be the major determinant of leaf decomposition (faster in stream than soil systems), (2) species would be ranked similarly in terms of leaf decomposition rates, according to decomposability traits (i.e., litter quality), within each habitat, and (3) the variability of leaf decomposition within habitats would be greater for soil than for stream systems. Contrary to our first hypothesis, we found that leaf‐litter decomposition rates for any given tree species were similar in stream and soil systems. However, we found that the relative importance of litter traits for decomposition such as concentrations of micronutrients (Mn and Cu, in particular) was consistent across habitats. Finally, we found that decomposition was equally highly variable in both terrestrial and aquatic systems. This variability was explained by differences in microhabitat within soils, but appeared to be more stochastic in streams. Overall, we found that plant traits had an overwhelming effect on the decomposition process in the intertwined aquatic and terrestrial matrices of the Yasuní rainforest, with significant effects of microhabitat features. This study sheds light on the fate of the pool of dead organic matter in tropical rainforests and highlights the need for further studies of the mechanisms underlying microhabitat variability.
Motivational interviewing can support physical activity in elderly patients with diastolic heart failure: results from a pilot study
Authors: Schertz Anna , Herbeck Belnap Birgit , Chavanon Mira‐Lynn , Edelmann Frank , Wachter Rolf , Herrmann‐Lingen Christoph 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimsPatients suffering from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) report similar symptoms and reduction in quality of life to those with reduced ejection fraction but remain largely untreated. We conducted a preliminary evaluation of the acceptance, feasibility, and efficacy of a motivational interviewing (MI) intervention to support elderly patients suffering from HFpEF in maintaining or starting physical activity.Methods and resultsAt the conclusion of the exercise training in diastolic heart failure parent trial that examined the effects of supervised exercise, patients with HFpEF were offered participation in a two‐group pilot study. Based on their preference, consenting patients were assigned to either a 6 month MI intervention group (n = 19) or their physicians' usual care (n = 20). To support participants in increasing and/or maintaining their physical activity, counsellors delivered a mean of 6.5 MI sessions (face to face and via telephone) and also provided a physical activity diary as self‐management tool. At baseline and 6 months, we assessed participants' physical activity motivation (Sportbezogene Selbstkonkordanz Scale) and their physical improvements with the 6 min walk test and a cardiopulmonary exercise test. Of the entire sample (N = 39), 46% were female, their mean age was 73, 90% were in New York Heart Association Class II, and the mean ejection fraction was 61.4%. The majority of MI participants rated the intervention as acceptable, 90% perceived MI as helpful in setting specific exercise goals and overcoming barriers concerning physical activity, and 58% considered the physical activity diary as very helpful. Three‐quarters of MI participants (79%) reported an increase in their physical activity compared with the previous year. Intervention participants showed a greater increase in median peak VO2 from baseline to 6 months (baseline: 18.4 mL/kg/min; 6 months: 20.4 mL/kg/min) compared with the control group (baseline: 20.0 mL/kg/min; 6 months: 19.2 mL/kg/min; P = 0.015). There was no significant change in motivation on the Sportbezogene Selbstkonkordanz Scale for either group (MI: 1.7 vs. 3, P = 0.55; control: 4.7 vs. 4, P = 0.26) nor did patients show any significant improvements in the 6 min walk test (MI: 549 vs. 540 m, P = 0.80; control: 572 vs. 580 m, P = 0.37). Counsellors rated the implementation of the MI intervention as feasible.ConclusionsThe results from this pilot study suggest that our MI intervention was well accepted by participants and deemed feasible. It also appears to be an effective treatment to increase and maintain physical activity and exercise capacity in patients suffering from HFpEF. Our findings need to be confirmed in a randomized clinical trial with larger and unselected patient cohorts.