bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivo muscle morphology comparison in post-stroke survivors using ultrasonography and diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Körting Clara , Schlippe Marius , Petersson Sven , Pennati Gaia Valentina , Tarassova Olga , Arndt Anton , Finni Taija , Zhao Kangqiao , Wang Ruoli 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSkeletal muscle architecture significantly influences the performance capacity of a muscle. A DTI-based method has been recently considered as a new reference standard to validate measurement of muscle structure in vivo. This study sought to quantify muscle architecture parameters such as fascicle length (FL), pennation angle (PA) and muscle thickness (tm) in post-stroke patients using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and to quantitatively compare the differences with 2D ultrasonography (US) and DTI. Muscle fascicles were reconstructed to examine the anatomy of the medial gastrocnemius, posterior soleus and tibialis anterior in seven stroke survivors using US- and DTI-based techniques, respectively. By aligning the US and DTI coordinate system, DTI reconstructed muscle fascicles at the same scanning plane of the US data can be identified. The architecture parameters estimated based on two imaging modalities were further compared. Significant differences were observed for PA and tm between two methods. Although mean FL was not significantly different, there were considerable intra-individual differences in FL and PA. On the individual level, parameters measured by US agreed poorly with those from DTI in both deep and superficial muscles. The significant differences in muscle parameters we observed suggested that the DTI-based method seems to be a better method to quantify muscle architecture parameters which can provide important information for treatment planning and to personalize a computational muscle model.
The effect of silver oxidation on the photocatalytic activity of Ag/ZnO hybrid plasmonic/metal-oxide nanostructures under visible light and in the dark
Authors: Ziashahabi Azin , Prato Mirko , Dang Zhiya , Poursalehi Reza , Naseri Naimeh 
Published: August 2019

AbstractA new synergetic hybrid Ag/ZnO nanostructure was fabricated which is able to cause photocatalytic degradation (in high yields) of methylene blue under visible light as well as in the dark. In this nanostructure, ZnO was synthesized using the arc discharge method in water and was coupled with Ag via a chemical reduction method. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and photoluminescence spectroscopy results confirmed the existence of defects in ZnO in the hybrid nanostructures; these defects act as electron traps and inhibit the recombination of electron-hole pairs. The absorption edge of the hybrid nanostructure shifts toward the visible region of the spectrum due to a combination of the Ag plasmonic effect and the defects in ZnO. Band-edge tuning causes effective visible light absorption and enhances the dye degradation efficiency of Ag/ZnO nanostructures. Silver oxidation in the hetero-structure changed the metal-semiconductor interface and suppressed the plasmonic enhancement. Nevertheless, the synthesized Ag/ZnO decomposed methylene blue in visible light, and the silver oxidation only affected the catalytic activity in the dark. This work provides insight into the design of a new and durable plasmonic-metal oxide nanocomposite with efficient dye degradation even without light illumination.
A Kriging-Based Approach to Autonomous Experimentation with Applications to X-Ray Scattering
Authors: Noack Marcus M. , Yager Kevin G. , Fukuto Masafumi , Doerk Gregory S. , Li Ruipeng , Sethian James A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractModern scientific instruments are acquiring data at ever-increasing rates, leading to an exponential increase in the size of data sets. Taking full advantage of these acquisition rates will require corresponding advancements in the speed and efficiency of data analytics and experimental control. A significant step forward would come from automatic decision-making methods that enable scientific instruments to autonomously explore scientific problems—that is, to intelligently explore parameter spaces without human intervention, selecting high-value measurements to perform based on the continually growing experimental data set. Here, we develop such an autonomous decision-making algorithm that is physics-agnostic, generalizable, and operates in an abstract multi-dimensional parameter space. Our approach relies on constructing a surrogate model that fits and interpolates the available experimental data, and is continuously refined as more data is gathered. The distribution and correlation of the data is used to generate a corresponding uncertainty across the surrogate model. By suggesting follow-up measurements in regions of greatest uncertainty, the algorithm maximally increases knowledge with each added measurement. This procedure is applied repeatedly, with the algorithm iteratively reducing model error and thus efficiently sampling the parameter space with each new measurement that it requests. We validate the method using synthetic data, demonstrating that it converges to faithful replica of test functions more rapidly than competing methods, and demonstrate the viability of the approach in an experimental context by using it to direct autonomous small-angle (SAXS) and grazing-incidence small-angle (GISAXS) x-ray scattering experiments.
Annual variation in predation risk is related to the direction of selection for brain size in the wild
Authors: Jaatinen Kim , Møller Anders P. , Öst Markus 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe direction of predator-mediated selection on brain size is debated. However, the speed and the accuracy of performing a task cannot be simultaneously maximized. Large-brained individuals may be predisposed to accurate but slow decision-making, beneficial under high predation risk, but costly under low risk. This creates the possibility of temporally fluctuating selection on brain size depending on overall predation risk. We test this idea in nesting wild eider females (Somateria mollissima), in which head volume is tightly linked to brain mass (r2 = 0.73). We determined how female relative head volume relates to survival, and characterized the seasonal timing of predation. Previous work suggests that relatively large-brained and small-brained females make slow versus fast nest-site decisions, respectively, and that predation events occur seasonally earlier when predation is severe. Large-brained, late-breeding females may therefore have higher survival during high-predation years, but lower survival during safe years, assuming that predation disproportionately affects late breeders in such years. Relatively large-headed females outsurvived smaller-headed females during dangerous years, whereas the opposite was true in safer years. Predation events occurred relatively later during safe years. Fluctuations in the direction of survival selection on relative brain size may therefore arise due to brain-size dependent breeding phenology.
Year-round individual specialization in the feeding ecology of a long-lived seabird
Authors: Zango Laura , Reyes-González José Manuel , Militão Teresa , Zajková Zuzana , Álvarez-Alonso Eduardo , Ramos Raül , González-Solís Jacob 
Published: August 2019

AbstractMany generalist species are composed of individuals varying in the size of their realized niches within a population. To understand the underlying causes and implications of this phenomenon, repeated samplings on the same individuals subjected to different environmental conditions are needed. Here, we studied individual specialization of feeding strategies in breeding and non-breeding grounds of Cory’s shearwaters (Calonectris borealis) for 2–8 years, and its relationship with fitness. Individuals were relatively flexible in non-breeding destinations, but specialized in diet, habitat use and daily activity across years. Daily activity was also consistent throughout the year for the same individual, suggesting that it is driven by individual constraints, whereas individual diet and habitat use changed between breeding and non-breeding grounds, indicating that these specializations may be learned at each area. Moreover, individuals that were intermediate specialized in their diet tended to show higher breeding success than those with weakly and highly specialized diets, suggesting stabilizing selection. Overall, this study suggests that the development of individual specialization is more flexible than previously thought, i.e. it emerges under specific environmental conditions and can develop differently when environmental conditions vary. However, once established, individual specialization may compromise the ability of individuals to cope with environmental stochasticity.
Ivor Lewis esophagectomy patients are particularly vulnerable to respiratory impairment - a comparison to major lung resection
Authors: Reichert Martin , Schistek Magdalena , Uhle Florian , Koch Christian , Bodner Johannes , Hecker Matthias , Hörbelt Rüdiger , Grau Veronika , Padberg Winfried , Weigand Markus A. , Hecker Andreas 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPulmonary complications and a poor clinical outcome are common in response to transthoracic esophagectomy, but their etiology is not well understood. Clinical observation suggests that patients undergoing pulmonary resection, a surgical intervention with similarities to the thoracic part of esophagectomy, fare much better, but this has not been investigated in detail. A retrospective single-center analysis of 181 consecutive patients after right-sided thoracotomy for either Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (n = 83) or major pulmonary resection (n = 98) was performed. An oxygenation index <300 mm Hg was used to indicate respiratory impairment. When starting surgery, respiratory impairment was seen more frequently in patients undergoing major pulmonary resection compared to esophagectomy patients (p = 0.009). On postoperative days one to ten, however, esophagectomy caused higher rates of respiratory impairment (p < 0.05) resulting in a higher cumulative incidence of postoperative respiratory impairment for patients after esophagectomy (p < 0.001). Accordingly, esophagectomy patients were characterized by longer ventilation times (p < 0.0001), intensive care unit and total postoperative hospital stays (both p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the postoperative clinical course including respiratory impairment after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy is significantly worse than that after major pulmonary resection. A detailed investigation of the underlying causes is required to improve the outcome of esophagectomy.
Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Seeded Bone Biomaterial Directs Fast and Superior Mandibular Bone Augmentation in Rats
Authors: Deluiz Daniel , Delcroix Gaëtan J.-R. , D’Ippolito Gianluca , Grau-Monge Cristina , Bonnin-Marquez Andrea , Reiner Teresita , Tinoco Eduardo M. B. , Amadeu Thaís , Pires Fabio R. , Schiller Paul C. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAtrophic maxillary ridges present a challenge in the field of oral implantology. Autologous bone is still considered the gold standard grafting material, but the increased morbidity and surgical complications represent a major drawback for its use. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of an off-the-shelf cell-seeded bone biomaterial for mandibular bone augmentation, compared to its acellular counterpart. We used a rat model to test the osteogenic properties of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)-seeded bone microparticles compared to acellular bone microparticles alone. Rats were euthanized at 4 and 8 weeks, and results analyzed using micro-CT imaging, histology (H&E, Masson’s Trichrome), histomorphometry and immunohistology (Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase-TRAP, Osteocalcin and human specific anti-mitochondria antibodies). Micro-CT analysis demonstrated that the cell-seeded biomaterial achieved significantly more bone volume formation at 4 weeks (22.75 ± 2.25 mm3 vs 12.34 ± 2.91 mm3, p = 0.016) and at 8 weeks (64.95 ± 5.41 mm3 vs 42.73 ± 10.58 mm3, p = 0.029), compared to the acellular bone microparticles. Histology confirmed that the cell-seeded biomaterial was almost completely substituted at 8 weeks, in opposition to the acellular biomaterial group. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a significantly higher number of TRAP and Osteocalcin positive cells at 4 weeks in the cell-seeded group compared to the acellular group, thereby demonstrating a higher rate of bone remodeling in the presence of MSCs. The grafted human cells remained viable and were detected up to at least 8 weeks, as observed using the human specific anti-mitochondria antibody. This off-the-shelf material available in unlimited quantities could therefore represent a significant advance in the field of mandibular bone augmentation by providing a larger volume of new bone formation in a shorter time.
Artificial intelligence predicts the progression of diabetic kidney disease using big data machine learning
Authors: Makino Masaki , Yoshimoto Ryo , Ono Masaki , Itoko Toshinari , Katsuki Takayuki , Koseki Akira , Kudo Michiharu , Haida Kyoichi , Kuroda Jun , Yanagiya Ryosuke , Saitoh Eiichi , Hoshinaga Kiyotaka , Yuzawa Yukio , Suzuki Atsushi 
Published: August 2019

AbstractArtificial intelligence (AI) is expected to support clinical judgement in medicine. We constructed a new predictive model for diabetic kidney diseases (DKD) using AI, processing natural language and longitudinal data with big data machine learning, based on the electronic medical records (EMR) of 64,059 diabetes patients. AI extracted raw features from the previous 6 months as the reference period and selected 24 factors to find time series patterns relating to 6-month DKD aggravation, using a convolutional autoencoder. AI constructed the predictive model with 3,073 features, including time series data using logistic regression analysis. AI could predict DKD aggravation with 71% accuracy. Furthermore, the group with DKD aggravation had a significantly higher incidence of hemodialysis than the non-aggravation group, over 10 years (N = 2,900). The new predictive model by AI could detect progression of DKD and may contribute to more effective and accurate intervention to reduce hemodialysis.
Hadron production models’ prediction for pT distribution of charged hadrons in pp interactions at 7 TeV
Authors: Ullah S. , Ajaz M. , Wazir Z. , Ali Y. , Khan K. H. , Younis H. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe yield of transverse momentum (pT) spectra of integrated hadrons and their ratios produced in pp collisions at 7 TeV are reported using DPMJET-III, EPOS1.99, EPOS-LHC, HIJING1.383, QGSJETII-04, and Sibyll2.3c models. The models’ predictions are compared with the ALICE measurements obtained at mid rapidity and in the pT range from 0.3–6 GeV/c, 0.2–6 GeV/c, and 0.1–3 GeV/c for protons, kaons and pions respectively. Compared to the experimental data, the EPOS1.99 and EPOS-LHC models predict the yield of pion very well while reproducing yields of kaon and proton at low pT only. The DPMJET-III model predicts the yield of pions, kaons and protons only at intermediate value of pT. The HIJING and Sibyll models describe the integrated yield of pion well at high pT only. The QGSJETII model predicts the yield of kaon for almost the whole pT range. EPOS1.99 and Sibyll models reproduce excellent prediction of the K/π ratio over the entire range of pT whereas the EPOS-LHC, HIJING and DPMJET models underpredict with increasing order of discrepancy respectively. The EPOS1.99, EPOS-LHC, and Sibyll models predict the p/π ratio for low values of pT, but overpredict at high values, while the DPMJET-III and HIJING models underpredict over the entire range of pT. Although the models’ predictions are mostly consistent with the ALICE measurements but none of the models completely describe the entire distribution for the integrated yield of hadron and their ratios.
Postovulatory ageing modifies sperm-induced Ca2+ oscillations in mouse oocytes through a conditions-dependent, multi-pathway mechanism
Authors: Szpila Marcin , Walewska Agnieszka , Sabat-Pośpiech Dorota , Strączyńska Patrycja , Ishikawa Takao , Milewski Robert , Szczepańska Katarzyna , Ajduk Anna 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPostovulatory ageing of mammalian oocytes occurs between their ovulation and fertilization and has been shown to decrease their developmental capabilities. Aged oocytes display numerous abnormalities, including altered Ca2+ signalling. Fertilization-induced Ca2+ oscillations are essential for activation of the embryonic development, therefore maintaining proper Ca2+ homeostasis is crucial for the oocyte quality. In the present paper, we show that the mechanism underlying age-dependent alterations in the pattern of sperm-triggered Ca2+ oscillations is more complex and multifaceted than previously believed. Using time-lapse imaging accompanied by immunostaining and molecular analyses, we found that postovulatory ageing affects the amount of Ca2+ stored in the cell, expression of Ca2+ pump SERCA2, amount of available ATP and distribution of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria in a manner often strongly depending on ageing conditions (in vitro vs. in vivo). Importantly, those changes do not have to be caused by oxidative stress, usually linked with the ageing process, as they occur even if the amount of reactive oxygen species remains low. Instead, our results suggest that aberrations in Ca2+ signalling may be a synergistic result of ageing-related alterations of the cell cycle, cytoskeleton, and mitochondrial functionality.
Carbon assimilation profiles of mucoralean fungi show their metabolic versatility
Authors: Pawłowska Julia , Okrasińska Alicja , Kisło Kamil , Aleksandrzak-Piekarczyk Tamara , Szatraj Katarzyna , Dolatabadi Somayeh , Muszewska Anna 
Published: August 2019

AbstractMost mucoralean fungi are common soil saprotrophs and were probably among the first land colonisers. Although Mucoromycotina representatives grow well on simple sugar media and are thought to be unable to assimilate more complex organic compounds, they are often isolated from plant substrates. The main goal of the study was to explore the effects of isolation origin and phylogenetic placement on the carbon assimilation capacities of a large group of saprotrophic Mucoromycotina representatives (i.e. Umbelopsidales and Mucorales). Fifty two strains representing different Mucoromycotina families and isolated from different substrates were tested for their capacity to grow on 99 different carbon sources using the Biolog phenotypic microarray system and agar plates containing selected biopolymers (i.e. cellulose, xylan, pectin, and starch) as a sole carbon source. Although our results did not reveal a correlation between phylogenetic distance and carbon assimilation capacities, we observed 20 significant differences in growth capacity on specific carbon sources between representatives of different families. Our results also suggest that isolation origin cannot be considered as a main predictor of the carbon assimilation capacities of a particular strain. We conclude that saprotrophic Mucoromycotina representatives are, contrary to common belief, metabolically versatile and able to use a wide variety of carbon sources.
Shaping Electromagnetic Waves with Flexible and Continuous Control of the Beam Directions Using Holography and Convolution Theorem
Authors: Karimipour Majid , Komjani Nader , Aryanian Iman 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn this article, several versatile electromagnetic (EM) waves are presented with predefined shapes and directions based on the holography and convolution theorem. Inspiring the holography theory, a reflective interferogram is characterized by interfering the near field distributions of the object and reference waves. In this regard, the interference pattern on the hologram could be viewed as the inverse Fourier transform of the object and reference waves. Therefore, the capability of steering the EM shaped beam is realized using the convolution theorem (as an interesting property of the Fourier transform), which makes a link between the hologram impedance-pattern and far-field pattern domains. The main advantage of incorporating the holography concept and convolution theorem is realizing arbitrary shaped-beam EM waves with the possibility of flexible manipulation of the beam directions without employing any optimization algorithm and mathematical computation. It is demonstrated that the method could implement a combination of simple beams (such as collimated beams) and complex beams (such as cosecant squared, flat top, isoflux beams, etc.) with each beam possessing arbitrary direction by the same design topology. To experimentally verify the concept, a prototype of the hologram with three separate beams including two tilted cosecant squared shaped beam and one broadside pencil beam is fabricated and measured. The measured results show a significant agreement between theoretical findings.
Large-scale waterproof and stretchable textile-integrated laser- printed graphene energy storages
Authors: Thekkekara Litty V. , Gu Min 
Published: August 2019

AbstractTextile integrable large-scale on-chip energy storages and solar energy storages take a significant role in the realization of next-generation primary wearable devices for sensing, wireless communication, and health tracking. In general, these energy storages require major features like mechanical robustness, environmental friendliness, high-temperature tolerance, inexplosive nature, and long-term storage duration. Here we report on large-scale laser-printed graphene supercapacitors of dimension 100 cm2 fabricated in 3 minutes on textiles with excellent water stability, an areal capacitance, 49 mF cm−2, energy density, 6.73 mWh/cm−2, power density, 2.5 mW/cm−2, and stretchability up to 200%. Further, a demonstration is given for the textile integrated solar energy storage with stable performance for up to 20 days to reach half of the maximum output potential. These cost-effective self-reliant on-chip charging units can become an integral part for the future electronic and optoelectronic textiles.
Rapid and efficient high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of N-nitrosodimethylamine impurity in valsartan drug substance and its products
Authors: Masada Sayaka , Tsuji Genichiro , Arai Ryoko , Uchiyama Nahoko , Demizu Yosuke , Tsutsumi Tomoaki , Abe Yasuhiro , Akiyama Hiroshi , Hakamatsuka Takashi , Izutsu Ken-ichi , Goda Yukihiro , Okuda Haruhiro 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn July 2018, certain valsartan-containing drugs were voluntary recalled in Japan owing to contamination with N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a probable human carcinogen. In this study, an HPLC method was developed for the quantitative detection of NDMA simultaneously eluted with valsartan. Good linearity with a correlation coefficient (R2) > 0.999 was achieved over the concentration range of 0.011–7.4 µg/mL. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.0085 μg/mL and 0.0285 μg/mL, respectively. When the recalled valsartan samples were subjected to this method, the observed NDMA contents were in agreement with the reported values, indicating that our method achieved sufficient linearity, accuracy, and precision to detect NDMA in valsartan drug substances and products. Moreover, six samples (valsartan drug substances and tablet formulations), which had a possibility for NDMA contamination, were analyzed; none of the samples contained NDMA at detectable levels. Our method would be useful for the rapid screening and quantification of NDMA impurity in valsartan drug substances and products.