bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Acupoint Application Therapy with TianGui Powder on Osteoporosis in Ovariectomized Rats through TGF‐β1 and Smad2/3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lin Xiao‐Sheng , Wang Hai‐yan , Zhang Zhen , Liu Han‐Jiao , Qu Zhen , Wu Ke‐Liang , Xiao Qing‐Hua , Zhu Jian‐Zong , Zhang Ping 
Published: March 2019

ObjectivesTo explore the effects of acupoint application therapy (AAT) with TianGui Powder (TGP) on the expressions of the transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) and Smad‐2/3 signaling pathway in ovariectomized osteoporosis rats.MethodsSixty rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal group (group A), model group (group B), TGP group (group C), and Western medicine group (group D). Group A had only the corresponding amount of adipose tissue around the ovary removed; rats in the other groups had bilateral ovariectomies. After 1 week, groups A and B were given 1 mL/100 mg normal saline solution by gavage, group C was treated with AAT with TGP on ShenQue acupoint (0.2 piece/rat, 6 h/time, 1 time/d) and group D was given calcium carbonate vitamin D3 (36 mg/kg/d) and alfacalcidol (0.05 μg/kg/d) tablet suspension. In this study, the bone mineral density (BMD) , the levels of BALP, TRAP‐5b, and BGP in serum and the changes in bone histomorphology was detected. For acquiring lumbar experimental data, the expression of TGF‐β1, Smad‐2/3 proteins and mRNA of TGF‐β1and Smad‐2/3 were assessed. After 12 weeks, the data were collected for analysis.ResultsCompared with group A, the bone trabecula was thinner and significantly reduced in other groups. The result of BMD improved significantly in both groups C and D compared to group B after intervention (P < 0.05). In contrast, compared to group B, the levels of BALP, TRAP‐5b, and BGP significantly declined in both groups C and D. In group C, the results of protein expressions in TGF‐β1, Smad‐2/3 were 2.870 ± 0.270, 1.552 ± 0.111, and 1.420 ± 0.079, respectively. In groups C and D, those indications significantly declined compared to group B (P < 0.01). In group C, the level of mRNA expressions of TGF‐β1, Smad‐2/3 were 1.872 ± 0.177, 1.672 ± 0.086, and 1.790 ± 0.136, respectively. Compared with group B, those indications had significant difference in groups C and D (P < 0.05).ConclusionAcupoint application therapy with TGP could significantly improve the BMD. The TGF‐β1 and Smad‐2/3 signaling pathway could be a therapeutic target of TGP in postmenopausal osteoporosis rats.
Identification and application of major quantitative trait loci for panicle length in rice (Oryza sativa) through single‐segment substitution lines
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , Liu Guifu , Wang Zhiquan , Chen Songliang , Xiao Yulong , Yu Chuanyuan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPanicle length (PL), an important yield‐related trait, strongly affects yield components, such as grain number, grain density and rice quality. More than 200 panicle length quantitative trait loci (PL QTLs) are identified, but only a small number are applied in rice breeding. In this study, we performed QTL analysis for PL using 42 single‐segment substitution lines (SSSLs) derived from nine donors in the genetic background of HJX74. Fourteen QTLs and five heterosis QTLs (HQTLs) for PL were recognised. Three QTLs and four HQTLs acted positively, and the other eleven QTLs and one HQTL acted negatively. By scanning the single heterozygous background region of the F2 population with large‐genetic‐effect SSSLs, we mapped PL loci qPL6‐2 and qPL7‐1 to different locations on chromosomes 6 and 7, respectively, in three consecutive years of independent trials. The genetic effects of these QTLs were further assessed. qPL6‐2 demonstrated the most positive additive effect (QTL), whereas qPL7‐1 achieved the most positive dominant effect (HQTL) for PL. These results indicated that the pyramiding of PL QTLs might increase grain yield and facilitate the application of the beneficial allele in hybrid rice breeding.
Black root rot: a long known but little understood disease
Authors: Nel W. J. , Duong T. A. , de Beer Z. W. , Wingfield M. J. 
Published: March 2019

Black root rot caused by the pathogen Thielaviopsis basicola has been known since the mid 1800s. The disease is important on many agricultural and ornamental plant species and has been found in at least 31 countries. Since its description, the pathogen has had a complex taxonomic history that has resulted in a confused literature. A recent revision of the Ceratocystidaceae following the advent of DNA sequencing technology has made it possible to resolve this confusion. Importantly, it has also shown that there are two pathogens in the Ceratocystidaceae that cause black root rot. They reside in the newly established genus Berkeleyomyces and are now known as B. basicola and B. rouxiae. This review considers the taxonomic history of the black root rot pathogens, and their global distribution. Prospects relating to the serious diseases that they cause and the likely impact that the era of genomics will have on our understanding of the pathogens are also highlighted.
Automatic analysis of pre‐ejection period during sleep using impedance cardiogram
Authors: Forouzanfar Mohamad , Baker Fiona C. , Colrain Ian M. , Goldstone Aimée , de Zambotti Massimiliano 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe pre‐ejection period (PEP) is a valid index of myocardial contractility and beta‐adrenergic sympathetic control of the heart defined as the time between electrical systole (ECG Q wave) to the initial opening of the aortic valve, estimated as the B point on the impedance cardiogram (ICG). B‐point detection accuracy can be severely impacted if ICG cardiac cycles corrupted by motion artifact, noise, or electrode displacement are included in the analyses. Here, we developed new algorithms to detect and exclude corrupted ICG cycles by analyzing their level of activity. PEP was then estimated and analyzed on ensemble‐averaged clean ICG cycles using an automatic algorithm previously developed by the authors for the detection of B point in awake individuals. We investigated the algorithms’ performance relative to expert visual scoring on long‐duration data collected from 20 participants during overnight recordings, where the quality of ICG could be highly affected by movement artifacts and electrode displacements and the signal could also vary according to sleep stage and time of night. The artifact rejection algorithm achieved a high accuracy of 87% in detection of expert‐identified corrupted ICG cycles, including those with normal amplitude as well as out‐of‐range values, and was robust to different types and levels of artifact. Intraclass correlations for concurrent validity of the B‐point detection algorithm in different sleep stages and in‐bed wakefulness exceeded 0.98, indicating excellent agreement with the expert. The algorithms show promise toward sleep applications requiring accurate and reliable automatic measurement of cardiac hemodynamic parameters.
Carbon accumulation and vertical accretion in a restored versus historic salt marsh in southern Puget Sound, Washington, United States
Authors: Drexler Judith Z. , Woo Isa , Fuller Christopher C. , Nakai Glynnis 
Published: March 2019

Few comparisons exist between vertical accretion (VA) and carbon accumulation rates (CARs) in restored versus historic (i.e. reference) marshes. Here, we compare these processes in a formerly diked, sparsely vegetated, restored salt marsh (Six Gill Slough, SG), whose surface is subsided relative to the tidal frame, to an adjacent, relatively pristine, historic salt marsh (Animal Slough, AS). Six sediment cores were collected at both AS and SG approximately 6 years after restoration. Cores were analyzed for bulk density (BD), % loss of ignition, % organic carbon, and 210Pb. We found that sharp changes in BD in surface layers of SG cores were highly reliable markers for the onset of restoration. The mean VA since restoration at SG (0.79 [SD = 0.29] cm/year) was approximately twice that of AS (0.41 [SD = 0.16] cm/year). In comparison, the VA at AS over 50 years was 0.30 (SD = 0.09) cm/year. VA consisted almost entirely of inorganic sediment at SG whereas at AS it was approximately 55%. Mean CARs at SG were somewhat greater than at AS, but the difference was not significant due to high variability (SG: 81–210 g C m−2 year−1; AS: 115–168 g C m−2 year−1). The mean CAR at AS over the past 50 years was 118 (SD = 23) g C m−2 year−1. This study demonstrates that a sparsely vegetated, restored salt marsh can quickly begin to accumulate carbon and that historic and restored marshes can have similar CARs despite highly divergent formation processes.
Wood chip soil amendments in restored wetlands affect plant growth by reducing compaction and increasing dissolved phenolics
Authors: Wolf Evan C. , Rejmánková Eliška , Cooper David J. 
Published: March 2019

Adding chipped wood to soil ameliorates compaction, allowing faster plant growth that is critical to successful wetland restorations. Following the filling and planting of an erosion gully in Halstead Meadow, Sequoia National Park, the tallest leaf height and maximum clone width of transplanted Scirpus microcarpus seedlings were negatively correlated with soil compaction. Plant height decreased by 9.8 cm and width decreased by 11.9 cm per MPa of soil compaction (range of 0.74–4.50 MPa). We experimentally amended mineral soil in a test trench and found that every 0.10 cm3/cm3 addition of wood chips (range of 0.00–0.75 cm3/cm3) reduced compaction by 0.174 MPa. Had the Halstead Meadow gully fill contained an equivalent volume of wood chips to the reference area soil organic matter content (0.64 cm3/cm3), we predict compaction would have been reduced by 1.11 MPa, increasing individual transplant width spread by 36%, approximately doubling the vegetated area after two growing seasons. In a greenhouse phytometer experiment, conifer bark leachate (phenolics 211 mg/L) significantly reduced plant growth and, in the presence of added nutrients, increased the production of the enzyme polyphenol oxidase (PPO). However, phenolics concentration in bark‐free conifer wood leachate (12 mg/L), similar to field‐sampled concentrations, did not affect plant growth or PPO production. Pure conifer bark is not recommended as a soil amendment, but the addition of low‐bark‐content wood chips to gully fill may be a feasible and effective means of reducing soil compaction, accelerating plant establishment, and lowering wetland restoration project costs.
Reconstructing deep‐time histories from integrated thermochronology: An example from southern Baffin Island, Canada
Authors: McDannell Kalin T. , Schneider David A. , Zeitler Peter K. , O'Sullivan Paul B. , Issler Dale R. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe present a multi‐chronometric approach for reconstructing deep‐time thermal histories using southern Baffin Island as a case study. This continuous thermal history begins with the Palaeoproterozoic Trans‐Hudson Orogeny and is derived from inverse and forward models that integrate thermochronometers spanning some 500°C: new apatite U–Pb ages and K‐feldspar40Ar/39Ar multi‐diffusion domain data, published (U–Th)/He zircon ages and new multi‐kinetic fission‐track results. Integration of data from a wider temperature range reduces ambiguities in thermal‐history modelling and permits us to constrain the timing of geological processes including, extended post‐orogenic cooling, enhanced later Proterozoic cooling, and then episodic burial and exhumation in the Palaeozoic–Mesozoic.
Low‐temperature thermochronology of francolite: Insights into timing of Dead Sea Transform motion
Authors: Kohn Barry , Weissbrod Tuvia , Chung Ling , Farley Ken , Bodorkos Simon 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCambrian siliciclastic sequences along the Dead Sea Transform (DST) margin in southern Israel and southern Jordan host both detrital fluorapatite [D‐apatite] and U‐rich authigenic carbonate‐fluorapatite (francolite) [A‐apatite]. D‐apatite and underlying Neoproterozoic basement apatite yield fission‐track (FT) data reflecting Palaeozoic–Mesozoic sedimentary cycles and epeirogenic events, and dispersed (U–Th–Sm)/He (AHe) ages. A‐apatite, which may partially or completely replace D‐apatite, yields an early Miocene FT age suggesting formation by fracturing, hydrothermal fluid ascent and intra‐strata recrystallisation, linked to early DST motion. The DST, separating the African and Arabian plates, records ~105 km of sinistral strike‐slip displacement, but became more transtensional post‐5 Ma. Helium diffusion measurements on A‐apatite are consistent with thermally activated volume diffusion, indicating Tc ~52 to 56 ± 10°C (cooling rate 10°C/Ma). A‐apatite AHe data record Pliocene cooling (~35 to 40°C) during the transtensional phase of movement. This suggests that timing of important milestones in DST motion can be discerned using A‐apatite low‐temperature thermochronology data alone.
Development of a vision impairment score for the assessment of functional vision in dogs: Initial evidence of validity, reliability, and responsiveness
Authors: Graham Kathleen L. , Reid Jacky , Whittaker Cameron J. G. , Hall Evelyn J. S. , Caruso Kelly , McCowan Christina I. , White Andrew 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAimTo describe the development and initial validation of a questionnaire measuring functional vision in dogs.MethodsA 17‐item survey was designed to quantify functional vision in dogs. The Vision Impairment Score (VIS) was determined by summing responses to each question. Questions were assigned to one of five subcategories: overall vision, daily activities, peripheral vision, near vision, and distance vision. Content validity was established during development phases, and construct validity via comparing results of known groups (blind vs sighted; normal vs impaired vision; surgery to improve vision vs nonrestorative surgery), and through factor analysis. Concurrent criterion validity was determined with use of a validated health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQL) assessment tool. Reliability and responsiveness assessments were investigated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and effect size (ES), respectively.ResultsResponses (221) from 201 dog owners were included. Compared to sighted dogs (n = 153), blind dogs (n = 48) had a higher VIS and greater impairment in all subcategories. Among sighted dogs, a higher VIS was obtained in dogs with low vision compared to those with normal vision (P < 0.001). A higher VIS was associated with poorer HRQL (P < 0.001). Perfect reliability was obtained for 6/17 questions, and excellent reliability for 11/17 questions (intraclass correlation 1.0 and >0.9, respectively), and the VIS was highly responsive to therapeutic intervention (effect size 1.46).ConclusionResults suggest the VIS may be clinically useful in assessing and obtaining a quantifiable measure of functional vision in dogs. Ongoing validation of the tool for clinical use is needed.
Extending the 30‐minute rule for red cell units – investigation of the bacterial risk of 60‐minute exposures to ambient temperature
Authors: Aplin Kate , Pitt Tyrone , Allen Jennifer , Roy Anjana , Tidey Katrina , Ball Joanne , McDonald Carl Peter 
Published: March 2019

Background and ObjectivesIn the UK, a significant proportion of red cell units is discarded due to the 30‐min rule governing out of temperature control. Studies have shown that repeated warming to ambient temperature has little impact on red cell quality or bacterial growth. We aimed to validate extension of the rule to 60 minutes by investigation of repeated same, and different, day exposures on bacterial growth.Materials and MethodsRed cell units were seeded individually at 100‐1000 cfu/ml with Yersinia enterocolitica, Serratia liquefaciens, Pseudomonas putida, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterobacter cloacae and Bacillus cereus. Test units were exposed to 30°C for 30 or 60 min on a single occasion at days 15, 17 and 21, or thrice on day 15 of a 35‐day storage period. A 10‐fold increase in bacterial counts in tests versus controls maintained in cold storage was considered indicative of significant bacterial proliferation.ResultsExposure of units to 30°C for up to 60 min had no substantial impact on the growth of bacteria and all mesophiles declined steadily in tests and controls. Only P. putida showed a near significant elevation in count on exposure for 60 min at day 35.ConclusionsExtension of the out of temperature rule for red cells to 60 min will potentially not compromise patient safety, although exposures to ambient temperatures should be minimized. Units returned to storage must not be reissued for at least 6 hours and not be exposed to ambient temperatures on more than three occasions.
Structural and characterization studies of insoluble thai bombyx mori silk fibroin films
Authors: Mohd Yusoff Noor Izyan Syazana , Wahit Mat Uzir , Jaafar Juhana , Wong Tuck-Whye 
Published: March 2019

Bombyx Mori fiber consists of two major proteins which are fibroin and sericin. The silk fibroin (SF) is the core structural protein of silk fiber. SF protein structures comprise of primary and secondary structures; where the primary structure contains series of amino acid and secondary structure with Silk I refers to the water-soluble and Silk II, high β sheet extent which is insoluble. This study was conducted to compare the structural and characterization of insoluble Thai Bombyx Mori SF with different types of post-treatement. Thai silk cocoons, which were degummed and dissolved in 9.3 M LiBr solution at 60 °C. The obtained SF solutions were dialyzed and purified. SF films were prepared by solution casting and immersing in methanol and ethanol, followed by water annealing in water saturated vacuum. Post-treatment was purposely done to regenerate and induce of the β sheet structure to enhance the insolubilities and the stabilities properties of the SF films. The SF films structural conformation, characterization and thermal stability were characterized. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) showed that SF films were presented in a more stable form after ethanol post treatment, which also supporting by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis which indicated the tendency to higher structural organization. Thermal analysis resutls showed that SF was thermally stable and improved after post treatment. The contact angle of post treated SF increased the hydrophobicity of the films. The thai SF films could be the promising candidate for applications in tissue regeneration, optical devices, and flexible electronic displays with the possibility to control the SF structure and properties.
Biomechanical evaluation of pin placement of external fixator in treating tranverse tibia fracture: Analysis on first and second cortex of cortical bone
Authors: Ramlee Muhammad Hanif Hanif , Zainudin Nur Amalina , Mohd Latip Hadafi Fitri , Hong Seng Gan , Garcia-Nieto Evelyn , Abdul Kadir Mohammed Rafiq 
Published: March 2019

Biomechanical perspective of external fixator is one of the greatest factor to consider in successfully treating bone fracture. This is due to the fact that mechanical behavior of the structure can be analyzed and optimized in order to avoid mechanical failure, increase bone fracture healing rate and prevent pre-term screw loosening. There are three significant factors that affect the stability of external fixator which are the placement of pin at the bone, configuration and components of external fixator. These factors lead to one question: what is the optimum pin placement in which exerts optimum stability? To date, literature on above mentioned factors is limited. Therefore, we conducted a study to evaluate the uniplanar-unilateral external fixator for two different pin placement techniques in treating transverse tibia fracture via finite element method. The study was started off with the development of transverse tibia fracture using Mimics software. Computed tomography (CT) data image was utilized to develop three dimensional tibia bone followed by crafting fracture on the bone. Meanwhile, the external fixator was developed using SolidWork software. Both tibia bone and external fixator were meshed in 3-matic software with triangular mesh element. Simulation of this configuration was took place in a finite element software, Marc.Mentat software. A load of 400 N was applied to the proximal tibia bone in order to simulate stance phase of a gait cycle. From the findings, the pin placement at the second cortex of bone provided optimum stability in terms of stress distribution and displacement, which should be considered for better treatment for transverse tibia fracture. On the other hand, the pin placement at first cortex should be avoided to prevent many complications.
Fully
Coupled Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics-Finite Element Method Approach for Fluid–Structure
Interaction Problems With Large Deflections
Authors: Dinçer A. Ersin , Demir Abdullah , Bozkuş Zafer , Tijsseling Arris S. 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
In this study, a combination of the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) and finite element method (FEM) solving the complex problem of interaction between fluid with free surface and an elastic structure is studied. A brief description of SPH and FEM is presented. Contact mechanics is used for the coupling between fluid and structure, which are simulated with SPH and FEM, respectively. In the proposed method, to couple mesh-free and mesh-based methods, fluid and structure are solved together by a complete stiffness matrix instead of iterative predictive–corrective or master–slave methods. In addition, fully dynamic large-deformation analysis is carried out in FEM by taking into account mass and damping of the elastic structure. Accordingly, a two-dimensional fluid–structure interaction (FSI) code is developed and validated with two different experiments available in the literature. The results of the numerical method are in good agreement with the experiments. In addition, a novel laboratory experiment on a dam break problem with elastic gate in which the length of the initial water column is larger than its height is conducted. The main difference between the previous experiments and the one conducted in this study is that an upward water motion parallel to the elastic gate is observed at the upstream side of the gate. This motion is captured with the numerical method.