bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single‐Scan Diffusion‐Ordered NMR Spectroscopy of SABRE‐Hyperpolarized Mixtures
Authors: Guduff Ludmilla , Berthault Patrick , van Heijenoort Carine , Dumez Jean‐Nicolas , Huber Gaspard 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe analysis of complex mixtures of dissolved molecules is a major challenge, especially for systems that gradually evolve, e. g., in the course of a chemical reaction or in the case of chemical instability. 1D NMR is a fast and non‐invasive method suitable for detailed molecular analysis, though of low sensitivity. Moreover, the spectral resolution of proton, the most commonly used and most sensitive stable isotope in NMR, is also quite limited. Spatially encoded (SPEN) experiments aim at creating in one acquisition a 2D data set by simultaneously performing different 1D sub‐experiments on different slices of the NMR tube, at the price of an extra loss of sensitivity. Choosing translational diffusion coefficients as the additional dimension (the so‐called DOSY approach) helps to recover proton spectra of each molecule in a mixture. The sensitivity limitation of SPEN NMR can, on the other hand, be addressed with hyperpolarization methods. Within hyperpolarization methods, signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE), based on parahydrogen, is the cheapest and the easiest one to set up, and allows multi‐shot experiments. Here we show that the spectra of a mixture's components at millimolar concentration are resolved in few seconds by combining the SABRE, SPEN and DOSY concepts.
Operando Study Reveals the Superior Cracking Activity and Stability of Hierarchical ZSM‐5 Catalyst for the Cracking of Low‐Density Polyethylene
Authors: Tarach Karolina A. , Pyra Kamila , Siles Sandra , Melián‐Cabrera Ignacio , Góra‐Marek Kinga 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA new theoretical and practical framework has been developed through operando study of the zeolite catalytic cracking of low‐density polyethylene (as a model reaction) under reaction conditions. Results show that microporous ZSM‐5 gives rise to less cracking products. Hierarchical ZSM‐5 zeolites are more active cracking catalysts, rendering more C2‐C5 hydrocarbons, with a delayed deactivation due to the secondary porosity. This tool in combination with thermogravimetric analysis provides complementary and valuable information for the study, and design of advanced catalysts.
Shear tests on thermal insulating clay unit masonry walls with thin layer mortar
Authors: Schermer Detleff , Schmalz Jonathan , Meyer Udo Joachim , Gams Matija , Lutman Marjana , Triller Petra 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe paper presents the results of 20 shear tests on full scale thermal insulating clay unit masonry walls. The types of units used (units with large chambers filled with mineral wool pads and units with small corings filled with mineral wool granulate) as well as the tested wall geometries and vertical loads are representative of the most common wall constructions currently used in housing in Germany.The aim of the investigations was the verification of the shear resistance of thermal insulating clay unit masonry under realistic conditions and comparison with the design rules in the codes and national technical approvals.The current design rules for clay unit masonry in DIN EN 1996‐1‐1/NA are rather conservative compared to the test results for thermal insulating units.
Effect of simulation education and case management on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ji Hong , Chen Ronghao , Huang Yong , Li Wenqin , Shi Chunhui , Zhou Juan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the study was to investigate whether simulation education (SE) and case management had any effect on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients.MethodsIn this single center pilot trial, 100 T2DM patients who received medication and basic diabetes self‐management education (DSME) were randomly divided into a control group (n = 50) and an experimental group (n = 50), who received SE and a case management program. Evaluation of biochemical indices was conducted at baseline and after 6 months. DSME consisted of 2‐hour group trainings weekly for 2 consecutive weeks followed by 2 × 30 minute education sessions after 3 and 6 months. The SE program comprised additional 50‐minute video sessions 3 times in the first week and twice in the second week. The experimental group was supervised by a nurse case manager, who followed up participants at least once a month, and who conducted group sessions once every 3 months, focusing on realistic aspects of physical activity and nutrition, with open discussions about setting goals and strategies to overcome barriers.ResultsAfter 6 months, HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, and postprandial blood glucose level improvements were superior in the experimental group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Self‐care behavior adherence scores of healthy diet (P = 0.001), physical activity (P = 0.043), self‐monitoring of blood glucose (P < 0.001), and reducing risks (P < 0.001) were significantly increased in the experimental group compared with the control group.ConclusionsSimulation education and case management added to routine DSME effectively improved glycemic control in T2DM patients.
Exploring the hybrid speciation continuum in birds
Authors: Ottenburghs Jente 
Published: December 2018

AbstractHybridization is increasingly recognized as a creative evolutionary force contributing to adaptation and speciation. Homoploid hybrid speciation—the process in which hybridization results in a stable, fertile, and reproductively isolated hybrid lineage where there is no change in ploidy—has been documented in several taxa. Hybridization can directly contribute to reproductive isolation or reinforce it at a later stage. Alternatively, hybridization might not be related to the evolution of reproductive isolation. To account for these different scenarios, I propose to discriminate between two types of hybrid speciation: type I where reproductive isolation is a direct consequence of hybridization and type II where it is the by‐product of other processes. I illustrate the applicability of this classification scheme with avian examples. To my knowledge, seven hybrid bird species have been proposed: Italian sparrow, Audubon's warbler, Genovesa mockingbird, Hawaiian duck, red‐breasted goose, golden‐crowned manakin, and a recent lineage of Darwin's finches on the island of Daphne Major (“Big Bird”). All studies provide convincing evidence for hybridization, but do not always confidently discriminate between scenarios of hybrid speciation and recurrent introgressive hybridization. The build‐up of reproductive isolation between the hybrid species and their parental taxa is mainly driven by premating isolation mechanisms and comparable to classical speciation events. One hybrid species can be classified as type I (“Big Bird”) while three species constitute type II hybrid species (Italian sparrow, Audubon's warbler, and golden‐crowned manakin). The diversity in hybrid bird species across a range of divergence times also provides an excellent opportunity to study the evolution of hybrid genomes in terms of genome stabilization and adaptation.
Varying dataset resolution alters predictive accuracy of spatially explicit ensemble models for avian species distribution
Authors: Curry Claire M. , Ross Jeremy D. , Contina Andrea J. , Bridge Eli S. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSpecies distribution models can be made more accurate by use of new “Spatiotemporal Exploratory Models” (STEMs), a type of spatially explicit ensemble model (SEEM) developed at the continental scale that averages regional models pixel by pixel. Although SEEMs can generate more accurate predictions of species distributions, they are computationally expensive. We compared the accuracies of each model for 11 grassland bird species and examined whether they improve accuracy at a statewide scale for fine and coarse predictor resolutions. We used a combination of survey data and citizen science data for 11 grassland bird species in Oklahoma to test a spatially explicit ensemble model at a smaller scale for its effects on accuracy of current models. We found that only four species performed best with either a statewide model or SEEM; the most accurate model for the remaining seven species varied with data resolution and performance measure.Policy implications: Determination of nonheterogeneity may depend on the spatial resolution of the examined dataset. Managers should be cautious if any regional differences are expected when developing policy from range‐wide results that show a single model or timeframe. We recommend use of standard species distribution models or other types of nonspatially explicit ensemble models for local species prediction models. Further study is necessary to understand at what point SEEMs become necessary with varying dataset resolutions.
Proposal of over 100‐GHz band waveguide switch
Authors: Kawamura Takashi , Mattori Shigenori 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA filter bank consisting of switches and band‐pass filters is one method for configuring a spectrum analyzer preselector. A long‐life switch with high isolation is key to this development. We propose a novel horizontal‐moving waveguide switch designed for easy addition of ports compared to commercial rotating switches. The switch has a small gap between the fixed and moving parts with the gap surrounded by chokes. This configuration offers high isolation and long life. It also reduces the size of the filter bank. This paper describes 2 proposed switch prototypes for frequency ranges from 90 to 140 GHz and from 255 to 315 GHz. The measured switch isolation is better than 50 dB and the insertion loss is less than 3 dB for both prototypes.
The role of overstrength on the seismic performance of asymmetric‐plan structures
Authors: Kaatsız Kaan , Sucuoğlu Halûk 
Published: December 2018

SummaryUneven distribution of seismic demand in asymmetric‐plan structures is a critical concern in earthquake‐resistant design. Contemporary seismic design strategies that are based on linear elastic response, single load reduction factor, and uniform ductility demand throughout an asymmetric system generally lead to unsatisfactory performance in terms of realized ductilities and nonuniform damage distribution due to strong torsional coupling associated with asymmetric‐plan systems. In many cases, actual nonlinear behavior of the structure displays significant deviation from what is estimated by a linear elastic, force‐based seismic design approach. This study investigates the prediction of seismic demand distribution among structural members of a single‐story, torsionally stiff asymmetric‐plan system. The focus is on the effect of inherent unbalanced overstrength, resulting from current force‐based design practices, on the seismic response of code‐designed single‐story asymmetric structures. The results obtained are utilized to compile unsymmetrical response spectra and uniform ductility spectra, which are proposed as assessment and preliminary design tools for estimating the seismic performance of multistory asymmetric structures. A simple design strategy is further suggested for improving the inelastic torsional performance of asymmetric systems. Providing additional strength to stiff edge members over their nominal design strength demands leads to a more balanced ductility distribution. Finally, seismic responses of several asymmetric case study structures designed with the aid of the proposed strategy are assessed for validating their improved performance.
An analysis of the stability of the least square finite difference scheme and its shock capturing ability in inviscid flows
Authors: Mungur Maheshsingh , Dauhoo Muhammad Zaid , Elahee Mohammad Khalil 
Published: December 2018

SummaryA meshless method – The Least Square Finite Difference scheme (LSFD) with diffusion is analyzed and applied to inviscid flows. The scheme is made second‐order by using a modified difference in the formulation of LSFD. Several numerical experiments, namely the Sod shock tube and the shallow water problems, are carried out and, in the limelight of the results obtained, the ability of the scheme to resolve shock wave, rarefaction wave, and contact discontinuity is discussed. The conditional stability of the LSFD scheme is established. The LSFD uses weights to diagonalize the least square matrix resulting in the spatial discretization in order to gain computational time. We prove that there exists a unique weight for the resulting optimization problem. The weighted version of LSFD is used to solve the isentropic vortex problem numerically and the results are used to discuss the dissipative nature of the scheme. Five configurations of the two‐dimensional Riemann problems are used in our numerical experiments. The capability of the scheme to capture the complex interaction of multiple planar waves is discussed in the limelight of the results on the Riemann problems. The result of the shock reflection problem shows that the scheme is minimally dissipative and leads to sharp and well‐resolved shocks.
Nuclear compartmentalization, dynamics, and function of regulatory DNA sequences
Authors: Cremer Marion , Cremer Thomas 
Published: December 2018

AbstractTranscription regulatory elements (TREs) have been extensively studied on the biochemical level with respect to their interactions with transcription factors (TFs), other DNA segments, and larger protein complexes. In this review, we describe concepts and preliminary experimental evidence for positional changes of TREs within a dynamic, functional nuclear architecture. We suggest a multilayered shell‐like chromatin organization of chromatin domain clusters with increasing chromatin compaction levels from the periphery toward the interior with a decondensed transcriptionally active peripheral layer and compact repressed chromatin typically located in the interior. This model organization of nuclear architecture implies a differential accessibility of TFs to targets located in co‐aligned active and inactive nuclear compartments (ANC and INC). It is based on evidence that active, easily accessible chromatin (perichromatin region, PR) lines a network of channels (interchromatin compartment, IC) involved in nuclear import–export functions. The IC and PR constitute the ANC, whereas transcriptionally noncompetent chromatin with higher compactness is part of the likely less accessible INC. Preliminary experimental evidence shows an enrichment of active TREs in the ANC and of inactive TREs in the INC suggesting positional changes of TREs between the ANC and INC depending on changes in their functional state.
Assessing the population relevance of endocrine-disrupting effects for nontarget vertebrates exposed to plant protection products
Authors: Crane Mark , Hallmark Nina , Lagadic Laurent , Ott Katharina , Pickford Dan , Preuss Thomas , Thompson Helen , Thorbek Pernille , Weltje Lennart , Wheeler James R 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

The European Commission intends to protect vertebrate wildlife populations by regulating plant protection product (PPP) active substances that have endocrine-disrupting properties with a hazard-based approach. In this paper we consider how the Commission's hazard-based regulation and accompanying guidance can be operationalized to ensure that a technically robust process is used to distinguish between substances with adverse population-level effects and those for which it can be demonstrated that adverse effects observed (typically in the laboratory) do not translate into adverse effects at the population level. Our approach is to use population models within the adverse outcome pathway framework to link the nonlinear relationship between adverse effects at the individual and population levels in the following way: (1) use specific protection goals for focal wildlife populations within an ecosystem services framework; (2) model the effects of changes in population-related inputs on focal species populations with individual-based population models to determine thresholds between negligible and nonnegligible (i.e., adverse) population-level effects; (3) compare these thresholds with the relevant endpoints from laboratory toxicity tests to determine whether they are likely to be exceeded at hazard-based limits or the maximum tolerated dose/concentration from the experimental studies. If the population threshold is not exceeded, then the substance should not be classified as an endocrine disruptor with population-relevant adversity unless there are other lines of evidence within a weight-of-evidence approach to challenge this. We believe this approach is scientifically robust and still addresses the political and legal requirement for a hazard-based assessment. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:278–291. © 2018 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)
Evaluation of magnesium alloys for use as an intraluminal tracheal for pediatric applications in a rat tracheal bypass model
Authors: Luffy Sarah A. , Wu Jingyao , Kumta Prashant N. , Gilbert Thomas W. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractTracheal stenting currently using non‐degradable stents is commonplace for treatment of trauma, prolonged intubation related adult airway obstructions, and pediatric patients‐associated tracheal stenosis conditions. Degradable tracheal stent placement will avoid complications of stent removal and restenosis. Widespread reports exist on degradable magnesium alloys success for orthopedic and cardiovascular applications but none to date for intra tracheal use. This research explores the use of pure Mg, AZ31, and Mg‐3Y alloys for degradable tracheal stent assessment. In vitro evaluation of magnesium, prototype stents in a bioreactor simulate the airway environment and corrosion. Micro‐CT imaging and biocompatibility evaluation helped assess the 24‐week degradation of intraluminal alloy stents following implantation in a rat tracheal in vivo bypass model. Histological analysis indicate tissue response of the harvested stented trachea segments after each time point. Corrosion studies for each alloy indicate significant differences between the simulated and control in vitro conditions. AZ31 exhibited the lowest volume loss of 6.8% in saline, while pure Mg displayed the lowest volume loss of 4.6% in simulated airway fluid (SAF), both at 1‐week time points. Significant differences in percentage of total volume lost after 6 months were determined between the alloys over time. MgY alloy displayed the slowest corrosion losing only 15.1% volume after 24 weeks of immersion. Additionally, in vitro magnesium alloy corrosion was not significantly different from the percentage of total volume lost in vivo at 1‐week time point. The study demonstrates promise of magnesium alloys for intraluminal tracheal stent application albeit viability of a clinically translatable model warrants further studies. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1844–1853, 2019.
Immunomodulatory response of layered small intestinal submucosa in a rat bladder regeneration model
Authors: Xia Ding , Yang Qing , Fung Kar‐Ming , Towner Rheal A. , Smith Nataliya , Saunders Debra , Greenwood‐Van Meerveld Beverley , Kropp Bradley P. , Madihally Sundararajan V. , Lin Hsueh‐Kung 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBased on the hypothesis that bioscaffold permeability is a major factor in determining the outcome of histologically complete and functional bladder regeneration, we evaluated regeneration processes of four‐layer porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) construct; and compared results between rat bladders augmented with single‐layer SIS bioscaffolds. Sprague–Dawley female rats were subjected to hemi‐cystectomy followed by anastomosis of a patch of either single‐ or four‐layer porcine SIS. Permeability was analyzedin situusing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at post‐operative days 7 and 14. Bladder sections excised at days 7, 14, 28, and 56 post‐operation Samples were assessed by H&E and Masson's trichrome stains. Urothelial differentiation was analyzed using cytokeratin AE1/AE3, and uroplakin III (UPIII). In addition, quantitative and qualitative evaluations of neutrophils, mast cells, eosinophils, and macrophages were performed using anti‐myeloperoxidase, Alcian blue, Giemsa stain, and anti‐CD68 staining methods, respectively. Four‐layer SIS was consistently impermeable as evidenced by the absence of intravesical administered gadolinium with diethylenetriaminepentacetate (Gd‐DTPA) contrast signal in peripheral regions of augmented bladders compared with single‐layer SIS bioscaffold. Elevated and sustained eosinophil and neutrophil infiltrations were prominent in four‐layered SIS‐augmented bladders compared with single‐layer SIS with comparable impermeability. Delayed but consistent urothelial regeneration and differentiation were observed in four‐layer SIS‐augmented bladders; and urothelial differentiation was observed at day 56 post‐augmentation. In conclusion, four‐layer SIS enacts an elevated inflammatory response along with extended urothelial regeneration. Four‐layer SIS may activate a different but yet to be identified mechanism for inflammatory responses. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1960–1969, 2019.
Endothelial cell autophagy in chronic intermittent hypoxia is impaired by miRNA‐30a‐mediated translational control of Beclin‐1
Authors: Bi Rongrong , Dai Yancheng , Ma Zifeng , Zhang Shaoyan , Wang Lei , Lin Qichang 
Published: December 2018

AbstractChronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) in obstructive sleep apnea causes damage of aortic endothelial cells, which predisposes the development of many cardiovascular diseases. Recently, both altered expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) and impaired autophagy were found to be associated with endothelial cell dysfunction in CIH. However, the exact molecular regulatory pathway has not been determined. Here, we address this question. In a mouse model of CIH, we detected significant upregulation of miR‐30a, a miRNA that targets 3′‐untranslated region of autophagy‐associated protein 6 (Beclin‐1) messenger RNA (mRNA) for suppressing the protein translation, which subsequently attenuated the endothelial cell autophagy against cell death. Indeed, unlike Beclin‐1 mRNA, the Beclin‐1 protein in endothelial cells did not increase after CIH. Suppression of miR‐30a by expression of antisense of miR‐30a significantly increased Beclin‐1 levels to enhance endothelial cell autophagy in vitro and in vivo, which improved endothelial cell survival against CIH. Together, these data suggest that endothelial cell autophagy in CIH may be attenuated by miR‐30a‐mediated translational control of Beclin‐1 as an important cause of endothelial cell dysfunction and damage.