bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scanning electron microscopy leads to identification of novel nonedible oil seeds as energy crops
Authors: Munir Mamoona , Ahmad Mushtaq , Waseem Amir , Zafar Muhammad , Saeed Muhammad , Wakeel Aneela , Nazish Moona , Sultana Shazia 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCurrently, exploration of alternative energy resources is hotly debated among the scientific community owing to rising energy crises and environmental issues. Biodiesel, as renewable energy source proves to be a better option and substitute to petro diesel. In this regard, nonedible seeds could be a better feedstock for synthesizing biodiesel due to their cost effectiveness and environmental friendly attributes. The present study, therefore, deals with the exploration and identification of micromorphologic features among eight novel nonedible oil yielding seeds via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as potential feedstock for biodiesel industry. Light microscopic studies revealed that seeds size vary from 0.1–2.9 cm in length to 0.1–3 cm in width. Moreover, a great variation in seed color from black, green, and different shades of brown was also observed. Seeds ultra‐structure examination by SEM exhibit great variation in seed shape, size, color, sculpturing and periclinal wall shape and arrangement and so on. All the understudy seeds vary from rounded, irregular, subspherical, ellipsoidal, reniform, flattened, polygonal, ovate, pyriform, oblong, and globose shape. Seeds wall structure exhibits great variation from entire, angular, straight, irregular, polygonal, smooth, and elongated. The periclinal wall pattern exhibits variation from flat to slightly concave‐convex with straight, angular, undulate, or dentate seeds margin. Among the studied species only Argemone ochroleuca Linn. (Papaveraceae) possess micropylar peak, ridged raphe, and basal helium. The obtained results from the present study would therefore, suggest that SEM could be a useful tool in refreshing the veiled micromorphological features among different oil yielding seeds which in turn helps the researchers for their correct identification, exploration, authentication, and seeds classification in future.
Evaluation of endoscopic reintervention for self‐expandable metallic stent obstruction after stent‐in‐stent placement for malignant hilar biliary obstruction
Authors: Okuno Mitsuru , Mukai Tsuyoshi , Iwashita Takuji , Ichikawa Hironao , Iwasa Yuhei , Mita Naoki , Yoshida Kensaku , Iwata Keisuke , Tomita Eiichi , Shimizu Masahito 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundBilateral self‐expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement is effective for long‐term management of unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction (UMHBO). However, endoscopic reintervention (ERI) for bilateral SEMSs is not well‐studied. This study aimed to evaluate ERI efficacy after stent‐in‐stent placement.MethodsData of 31 patients who underwent ERI from May 2000 to July 2018 were analyzed.ResultsThe technical success rate was 80.7% (25/31) and no adverse events occurred. The functional success rate was 100% (25/25). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, the angle between the bilateral SEMSs (ABBS) >104° (odds ratio 50.49, 95% CI 3.370–2131, P = 0.0039) and overgrowth (odds ratio 25.70, 95% CI 1.121–1234, P = 0.0423) were risk factors for ERI failure. Multiple liver metastases, which sometimes cause overgrowth, were also risk factors. After ERI, some patients underwent additional SEMS (n = 4), plastic stent (n = 14) placement, or internal cleaning of the initial SEMS alone (n = 7). There were no significant intergroup differences in the 50% time to recurrent biliary obstruction.ConclusionsABBS >104° and overgrowth were risk factors for ERI failure after stent‐in‐stent placement. In the decision‐making process for initial SEMS placement for UMHBO, patient condition should be considered, including the angle between bilateral bile ducts and multiple liver metastases.
Killing them softly: Ontogeny of jaw mechanics and stiffness in mollusk‐feeding freshwater stingrays
Authors: Rutledge Kelsi M. , Summers Adam P. , Kolmann Matthew A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDurophagous predators consume hard‐shelled prey such as bivalves, gastropods, and large crustaceans, typically by crushing the mineralized exoskeleton. This is costly from the point of view of the bite forces involved, handling times, and the stresses inflicted on the predator's skeleton. It is not uncommon for durophagous taxa to display an ontogenetic shift from softer to harder prey items, implying that it is relatively difficult for smaller animals to consume shelled prey. Batoid fishes (rays, skates, sawfishes, and guitarfishes) have independently evolved durophagy multiple times, despite the challenges associated with crushing prey harder than their own cartilaginous skeleton.Potamotrygon leopoldiis a durophagous freshwater ray endemic to the Xingu River in Brazil, with a jaw morphology superficially similar to its distant durophagous marine relatives, eagle rays (e.g.,Aetomylaeus, Aetobatus). We used second moment of area as a proxy for the ability to resist bending and analyzed the arrangement of the mineralized skeleton of the jaw ofP. leopoldiover ontogeny using data from computed tomography (CT) scans. The jaws ofP. leopoldido not resist bending nearly as well as other durophagous elasmobranchs, and the jaws are stiffest nearest the joints rather than beneath the dentition. While second moment has similar material distribution over ontogeny, mineralization of the jaws under the teeth increases with age. Neonate rays have low jaw stiffness and poor mineralization, suggesting thatP. leopoldimay not feed on hard‐shelled prey early in life. These differences in the shape, stiffness and mineralization of the jaws ofP. leopoldicompared to its durophagous relatives show there are several solutions to the problem of crushing shelled prey with a compliant skeleton.
Biexponential R2* relaxometry for estimation of liver iron concentration in children: A better fit for high liver iron states
Authors: Barrera Christian A. , Khrichenko Dmitry , Serai Suraj D. , Hartung Helge D. , Biko David M. , Otero Hansel J. 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundR2* relaxometry's capacity to calculate liver iron concentration (LIC) is limited in patients with severe overload. Hemosiderin increases in these patients, which exhibits a non‐monoexponential decay that renders a failed R2* analysis.Purpose/HypothesisTo evaluate a biexponential R2* relaxometry model in children with different ranges of iron overload.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationIn all, 181 children with different conditions associated with iron overload.Field Strength/Sequence1.5T, T2*‐weighted gradient echo sequence.AssessmentBi‐ and monoexponential R2* relaxometry were measured in the liver using two regions of interest (ROIs) using a nonproprietary software: one encompassing the whole liver parenchyma (ROI‐1) and the other only the periphery (ROI‐2). These were drawn by a single trained observer. The residuals for each fitting model were estimated. A ratio between the residuals of the mono‐ and biexponential models was calculated to identify the best fitting model. Patients with 1) residual ratio ≥1.5 and 2) R2*fast ≥R2*slow were considered as having a predominant biexponential behavior.Statistical TestsNonparametric tests, Bland–Altman plots, linear correlation, intraclass correlation coefficient. Patients were divided according to their LIC into stable (n = 23), mild (n = 58), moderate (n = 61), and severe (n = 39).ResultsThe biexponential model was more suitable for patients with severe iron overload when compared with the other three LIC categories (P < 0.001) for both ROIs. For ROI‐1, 37 subjects met criteria for a predominant biexponential behavior. The slow component (5.7%) had a lower fraction than the fast component (94.2%). For ROI‐2, 22 subjects met criteria for a predominant biexponential behavior. The slow component (4.7%) had a lower fraction than the fast component (95.2%). The intraobserver variability between both ROIs was excellent.Data ConclusionThe biexponential R2* relaxometry model is more suitable in children with severe iron overload.Level of Evidence: 3Technical Efficacy: Stage 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1191–1198.
Practices, knowledge and inter‐professional relationships between speech pathologists and radiation therapists managing patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Hutchison Alana R. , Cartmill Bena , Wall Laurelie R. , Ward Elizabeth C. , Hargrave Catriona , Brown Elizabeth 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntroductionThis study examined knowledge and practices of speech pathologists (SPs) and radiation therapists (RTs) regarding plan optimisation for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, and the potential impacts on swallowing function. The secondary aim was to explore the level of interaction occurring between these professional groups within cancer centres.MethodsTwo electronic surveys, with matched questions for SPs and RTs, explored: service/institutional demographics; clinician awareness, practices regarding plan optimisation to swallowing structures and; relationships and interactions between SPs and RTs in the management of HNC patients. Participant recruitment occurred through specialist professional networks with additional snowball sampling. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.ResultsA total of 32 SPs and 41 RTs completed surveys. All SPs and 50% of RTs were aware of dose‐dysphagia relationships, though SPs rarely used dosimetric information to inform patient management. Only 33% of RTs indicated that their centres actively constrain dose to swallowing structures, reporting that staffing skill mixtures and lack of prescription by the treating RO were restrictive factors. Both SPs and RTs acknowledged the importance of collaborating with colleagues (SPs/RTs) and felt they could assist their colleagues in devising patient management plans, though current collaboration/interaction was minimal.ConclusionsLevels of awareness were found to be higher in SP group. Despite high levels of awareness, limited use of swallowing structure dose constraints and hence dosimetric information specific to swallowing was rarely used to optimise/guide multidisciplinary HNC acute care. Opportunities for enhanced collaboration between SPs and RTs should be considered.
Impact of molecular point‐of‐care testing on clinical management and in‐hospital costs of patients suspected of influenza or RSV infection: a modeling study
Authors: Rahamat‐Langendoen Janette , Groenewoud Hans , Kuijpers Judith , Melchers Willem J.G. , van der Wilt Gert Jan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundAt hospital admission, patients suspected of infection with influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are placed in isolation, pending the outcome of diagnostics. In a significant number, isolated care proves unnecessary. We investigated the potential impact of molecular point‐of‐care (POC) diagnostics on patient management and in‐hospital costs.MethodProspective collection of data on resource utilization within the hospital from consecutive patients 18 years or older presenting at our university medical center with symptoms of respiratory tract infection from December 2016 to April 2017. A cost analysis was conducted using Markov modeling comparing the actual course of events (on the basis of routine diagnostic tests) with two hypothetical scenarios: when POC would impact time to diagnosis only (scenario 1) or on discharge from the hospital, too (scenario 2).ResultsA total of 283 patients were included, of whom 217 (76.7%) were admitted. Influenza and RSV were detected in 31% and 7% of the patients, respectively. Fifty‐four percent of patients tested negative, of which 79% were kept in isolated care waiting for test results, with a median duration of 24 hours. Median length of stay was 6.0 days. Mean total in‐hospital costs per patient were € 5243. Introducing POC would lower mean costs per patient to € 4904 (scenario 1) and € 4206 (scenario 2). At the hospital level, this would result in a total cost reduction of € 95 937 to € 293 471 in a single influenza season.ConclusionsIntroducing POC testing for patients presenting with symptoms of viral respiratory tract infection can reduce time‐to‐diagnosis, hospital stay and, thereby, in‐hospital costs.
Lab‐on‐paper surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy platform based on self‐assembled Au@Ag nanocube monolayer for on‐site detection of thiram in soil
Authors: Lin Xiang , Lin Shuang , Liu Yuanlan , Zhao Haiyan , Liu Benkang , Wang Li 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA paper‐based surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate was prepared by assembling Au@Ag nanocubes onto a patterned paper with the assistance of a mask paper by liquid–liquid interface self‐assembly techniques. The paper‐based SERS substrate was glued to the glass slide to construct a novel lab‐on‐paper SERS platform. This paper‐based SERS sensor possesses a sample injecting zone together with a SERS detection zone in order that sample pretreatment and detection could be performed simultaneously. The SERS performance of this paper‐based sensor was investigated by using 4‐MBA as a probe molecule, and its enhancement factor as high as 0.56 × 105 could be obtained. Additionally, the SERS sensor demonstrated an excellent repeatability with the relative standard deviation for the variation from the spot‐to‐spot Raman intensity as low as 12.8%. Based on the superiority and functionality of this paper‐based SERS platform, sensitive SERS quantitative analysis of thiram in soil could be achieved, which suggests its significant application prospects for the measurement of pesticides in soil without any pretreatment.
Eco‐friendly extraction and physicochemical properties of pectin from jackfruit peel waste with subcritical water
Authors: Li Wen‐Jia , Fan Zhi‐Guo , Wu Ying‐Ying , Jiang Zhi‐Guo , Shi Rui‐Cheng 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDWater is generally considered to be a safe and green solvent suitable for use in natural product extraction. In this study, an eco‐friendly subcritical water method was used to extract pectin from waste jackfruit peel (JFP‐S), which was compared with pectin obtained by the traditional citric acid method (JFP‐C).RESULTSThe extraction process was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM), and the optimum process parameters were as follows: extraction temperature 138 °C, extraction time 9.15 min, liquid / solid (L/S) ratio 17.03 mL g−1. Under these conditions, the pectin yield was 149.6 g kg−1 (dry basis). Pectin obtained from the two extraction methods displayed a high degree of esterification and the monosaccharide composition was consistent. The galacturonic acid content of JFP‐S and JFP‐C was 52.27% and 56.99%, respectively. JFP‐S had more hairy regions and side chains than JFP‐C. The molecular weight of JFP‐S was 113.3 kDa, which was significantly lower than that of JFP‐C (174.3 kDa). Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated that two samples had similar pectin typical absorption peaks. According to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), both JFP‐S and JFP‐C had relatively good thermal stability. JFP‐S demonstrated lower apparent viscosity and elasticity than JFP‐C. Meanwhile, the G′ and G′′ moduli of JFP‐S were lower, which found expression in the gel textural characterization of the samples.CONCLUSIONThis work showed that the subcritical water method is an efficient, time‐saving, and eco‐friendly technology for the extraction of pectin from jackfruit peel compared with the traditional citric acid method. The physicochemical properties of pectin could be changed during subcritical water extraction. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Image flickering reduction by dimer and polymer stabilization in FFS liquid crystal display
Authors: Jiang Yingfei , Zhou Xiaochen , Shin Yunho , Qin Guangkui , Xu Xiaoguang , Zhou Li , Lee SeungHee , Yang Deng‐Ke 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPower consumption of a liquid crystal display, when it is used to display static images, can be reduced by using low frequency driving. However, when the driving frequency is decreased, the brightness of the display may change with time, a phenomenon known as image flickering. One factor responsible for the flickering issue is flexoelectric effect which is sensitive to the polarity of the applied voltage. We show that the flickering in fringe field switching (FFS) LCD can be significantly reduced by doping a liquid crystal dimer and using polymer stabilization. We demonstrated that 2 Hz driving frequency can be used to display static images.
Highly selective separation and detection of cyromazine from seawater using graphene oxide based molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction
Authors: Chen Jianlei , Wang Jiangtao , Tan Liju 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA novel molecularly imprinted polymer based on graphene oxide was prepared as a solid‐phase extraction adsorbent for the selective adsorption and extraction of cyromazine from seawater samples. The obtained graphene oxide molecularly imprinted polymer and non‐imprinted polymer were nanoparticles and characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The imprinted polymer showed higher adsorption capacity and better selectivity than non‐imprinted polymer, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 14.5 mg/g. The optimal washing and elution solvents for molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction procedure were 2 mL of acetonitrile/water (80:20, v/v) and methanol/acetic acid (70:30, v/v), respectively. The recoveries of cyromazine in the spiked seawater samples were in the range of 90.3–104.1%, and the relative standard deviation was <5% (n = 3) under the optimal procedure and detection conditions. The limit of detection of the proposed method was 0.7 μg/L, and the limit of quantitation was 2.3 μg/L. Moreover, the imprinted polymer could keep high adsorption capacity for cyromazine after being reused six times at least. Finally, the synthesized graphene oxide molecularly imprinted polymer was successfully used as a satisfied sorbent for high selectivity separation and detection of cyromazine from seawater coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography.
On Stein's extension operator preserving Sobolev–Morrey spaces
Authors: Lamberti Pier Domenico , Violo Ivan Yuri 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe prove that Stein's extension operator preserves Sobolev–Morrey spaces, that is spaces of functions with weak derivatives in Morrey spaces. The analysis concerns classical and generalized Morrey spaces on bounded and unbounded domains with Lipschitz boundaries in the n‐dimensional Euclidean space.
Effects of RHD gene polymorphisms on distinguishing weak D or DEL from RhD− in blood donation in a Chinese population
Authors: Shi Jie , Luo Ying 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundWeak D or DEL red blood cell units may be mistyped as RhD− by current serology assays, which can lead to incompatible transfusion to RhD− recipients and further cause anti‐D immunization. Molecular RHD blood group typing is a very effective method for overcoming current technical limits. The purpose of this study was to identify RHD single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and compare the genotype prevalence among confirmed RhD− individuals in a Chinese population as well as explore effective biomarkers for current weak D or DEL detection before blood transfusion.MethodsIn the present study, 125 weak D (1, 2, 3, and 4.1) or DEL and 185 RhD− blood samples from donors detected by current standard serology were collected. Genotyping system was used to analyze the SNPs of RHD in each sample.ResultsSeven SNPs (rs592372, rs11485789, rs6669352, rs3118454, rs1053359, rs590787, and rs3927482) were detected in the RHD region. Rs3118454, rs1053359, rs590787, and rs3927482 showed significant differences between the weak D (1, 2, 3 and 4.1) or DEL and RhD− groups. Further combined analysis of the allelic distribution of these four SNPs revealed their higher frequencies in the RhD− group.ConclusionThe SNPs rs3118454, rs1053359, rs590787, and rs3927482 in RHD showed a significantly higher frequency among an RhD− Chinese population and are potential biomarkers.
Prediction of Ligands Binding Acetylcholinesterase with Potential Antidotal Activity: A Virtual Screening Approach
Authors: Ochoa Rodrigo , Rodriguez Carlos A. , Zuluaga Andres F. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntoxications caused by organophosphorus compounds (OPs) are associated with the reversible, and sometimes irreversible interaction with acetylcholinesterase (AChE). OPs are commonly used as pesticides mainly in developing countries, where the associated poisoning is a major health problem related to suicidal attempts, careless manipulation, and chemical warfare. The current antidotes are oxime‐based drugs that can regenerate the AChE catalytic activity. Nevertheless, challenges associated with lack of efficiency and difficulties for crossing blood‐brain barrier have motivated the design of novel alternatives. We used a validated molecular docking approach for the virtual screening of 579,890 synthetic ligands and 478 drugs against a human AChE in its apo conformation, and a murine AChE conjugated with the OP tabun. After filtering, 7 hits were selected as potential competitors due to the formation of key interactions within the active site gorge of the AChE structure, and potential reactivators based on interactions with amino acids of the catalytic triad in the presence of organophosphorus compounds. The selected candidates will be further evaluated through in vitro and in vivo assays.
Dietary Carotenoids Lutein and Zeaxanthin Change Brain Activation in Older Adult Participants: A Randomized, Double‐Masked, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Ceravolo S. Anna , Hammond Billy R. , Oliver William , Clementz Brett , Miller L. Stephen , Renzi‐Hammond Lisa M. 
Published: April 2019

ScopeSteady‐state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP) can be used to test the topological response of cortical neurons. Studies have shown that a lutein (L) preferentially accumulates within cortical tissue. L, zeaxanthin (Z), and their isomers can be measured directly in retina (macular pigment optical density, MPOD), and retinal L+Z correlate highly with L+Z levels in cortical visual processing areas. The purpose of this study was to determine the relation between MPOD and SSVEP signal power, cross‐sectionally and after supplementation with L+Z.Methods and ResultsSSVEP to three different driving frequencies of stimulation (5, 10, and 16.6 Hz) were obtained for community‐dwelling older adults, at baseline and after 12 months of supplementation with either 12 mg L+Z or placebo. Power was quantified at the driving frequencies. Non‐specific activation was quantified within the 10–15 Hz band. MPOD was measured psychophysically. Subjects with low MPOD had reduced power at 16.6 Hz and reduced non‐specific activation, compared with subjects with high MPOD. Supplementation significantly improved signal power at 5 and 10 Hz.ConclusionPast research suggests that L+Z can improve visual memory, visual processing speeds, etc. One possible mechanism for that improvement may be improving signal‐to‐noise ratio throughout the vision system.