bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antioxidative system in sweet potato rootis activated by low‐temperature storage
Authors: Wang Si‐Qi , Tang Jun , Hu Kang‐Di , Huang Zhong‐Qin , Yang Feng , Zhang Hui‐Yun , Hu Lan‐Ying , Li Yan‐Hong , Yao Gai‐Fang , Zhang Hua 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDSweet potato is susceptible to chilling injury during low‐temperature storage. To explore the correlation between chilling injury and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, the content of ROS and the activities and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes were analyzed in the typical storage‐tolerant cultivar Xushu 32 and storage‐sensitive cultivar Yanshu 25.RESULTSThe activities of antioxidant enzymes including ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR) were enhanced rapidly in the early period of storage in response to chilling stress. Thereafter, the content of ROS metabolites increased consistently due to gradual decrease in ROS scavenging enzymes. Storage‐tolerant cultivar Xushu 32 had higher antioxidant enzyme activities and gene expressions as well as higher content of antioxidant metabolites and lower content of ROS metabolites compared with storage‐sensitive cultivar Yanshu 25, suggesting that the capacity of ROS scavenging by antioxidant enzymes and antioxidants is highly associated with the tolerance of sweet potato to chilling stress.CONCLUSIONThese results indicated that the antioxidative system is activated in the storage root of sweet potato and the antioxidative capacity is positively associated with better storage performance in the storage‐tolerant cultivar. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Somatosensory evoked potential: Preventing brachial plexus injury in transaxillary robotic surgery
Authors: Huang Shuo , Garstka Meghan E. , Murcy Mohammed A. , Bamford Jeremey A. , Kang Sang‐Wook , Randolph Gregory W. , Kandil Emad 
Published: January 2019

Objectives/HypothesisThe potential for brachial plexopathy due to arm positioning is a major concern regarding the robotic transaxillary approach. Intraoperative nerve monitoring via somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) has been suggested to prevent such injury. In this study, we examined the use of SSEP in detecting imminent brachial plexus traction during robotic transaxillary thyroid and parathyroid surgery.Study DesignRetrospective case series.MethodsA analysis was performed for all patients undergoing robotic transaxillary surgery with continuous intraoperative SSEP monitoring at a North American institution between 2015 and 2017. A significant intraoperative SSEP change was defined as a decrease in signal amplitude of >50% or an increase in latency of >10% from baseline established during preoperative positioning.ResultsOne hundred thirty‐seven robotic transaxillary surgeries using SSEP monitoring were performed on 123 patients. Seven patients (5.1%) developed significant changes, with an average SSEP amplitude reduction of 73% ± 12% recorded at the signals' nadir. Immediate arm repositioning resulted in recovery of signals and complete return to baseline parameters in 14.3 ± 9.2 minutes. There was no difference in age (40.4 ± 9.4 years vs. 44.5 ± 13.4 years; P = .31) or body mass index (27.3 ± 3.7 kg/m2 vs. 26.9 ± 6.1 kg/m2; P = .79) between cases with and without SSEP change. Operative time was shorter for patients with significant SSEP change (131.6 ± 14.7 minutes vs. 146.5 ± 46.7 minutes; P = .048). There were no postoperative positional brachial plexus injuries.ConclusionsSSEP is a novel, safe, and reliable tool in detection of position‐related brachial plexus neuropathy. Intraoperative monitoring using SSEP can play a vital role in early recognition and prevention of injury during robotic transaxillary thyroid and parathyroid surgery.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 129:2663–2668, 2019
Validation of the Chinese Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Effects on Life Outcomes Instrument
Authors: Huang Hanyao , Chen Nan , Yin Heng , Skirko Jonathan R. , Guo Chunli , Ha Pin , Li Jingtao , Shi Bing 
Published: January 2019

Objectives/HypothesisTo translate the Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Effects on Life Outcomes (VELO) instrument into Chinese and test its psychometric properties.Study DesignQuality of life instrument translation and validation.MethodsThe original English version of the VELO instrument was translated into Mandarin, back‐translated, and adapted among the Chinese population, based on the standardized guidelines for the cross‐culture adaption process. Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) patients were identified by a professional speech and language pathologist. Internal reliability of the VELO instrument was assessed by the Cronbach's α coefficient. Discriminant validity was tested by the Mann‐Whitney U test. Construct validity was assessed by factor analysis.ResultsA total of 113 patients with VPI and 72 parents of the patients were enrolled. The mean age of the VPI patients was 14.8 years. Internal reliability was excellent; Cronbach's α coefficients were 0.92 and 0.94 for VPI patients and their parents, respectively. The Chinese VELO discriminated well between the VPI group and the controls, with a mean (standard deviation) score that was significantly lower for the VPI group (74.8 [25.7]) than the control group (98.0 [15.9]) (P < .001). The total scores and scores in the emotional domain or perception domain showed differences between VPI patients and their parents. Similar to the original study, the factor loading after rotation followed hypothesized domains largely, in spite of items from several domains loaded on the same factor.ConclusionsThe translated Chinese version of the VELO instrument demonstrated an acceptable reliability, discriminant validity, and construct validity. These psychometric properties suggested theoretical evidence for the further use of the VELO instrument among Chinese patients with VPI.Level of Evidence3b Laryngoscope, 129:E395–E401, 2019
The impact of sustainable land management on household crop production in the Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Schmidt Emily , Tadesse Fanaye 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAgricultural productivity in the highlands of Ethiopia is threatened by severe land degradation, resulting in significant reductions in agricultural GDP. In order to mitigate ongoing erosion and soil nutrient loss, the government of Ethiopia initiated a Sustainable Land Management Program (SLMP) targeting 177 micro‐watersheds in six regions of the Country. This study evaluates the impact of SLMP on the value of agricultural production across diverse agro‐ecological zones by using a panel survey from 2010 to 2014. Results suggest the need for long‐term engagement in SLM activities regardless of underlying biophysical endowments and environmental characteristics. The analysis finds that the SLMP is not associated with significant increases in household‐level agricultural value of production after 4 years of program participation regardless of agro‐ecological zone or landscape type. However, SLM investments and agricultural value of production increased significantly in both treatment and nontreatment areas between 2010 and 2014. Although data suggest positive trends in agricultural productivity and SLM activities during program years, past soil and water conservation programs in Ethiopia have failed to maintain momentum in rural communities after programs ceased funding. Given the results presented in this paper, SLM programs should place emphasis on SLM infrastructure maintenance over the medium to long term in order to reap sustainable effects of SLM on agricultural productivity in critical watersheds.
Supramolecular Gel Based on Crown‐Ether‐Appended Dynamic Covalent Macrocycles
Authors: Ge Yan , Gong Hanlin , Shang Jie , Jin Lin , Pan Tiezheng , Zhang Qiao , Dong Shengyi , Wang Yangxin , Qi Zhenhui 
Published: January 2019

AbstractA new type of dynamic covalent macrocycle with self‐promoted supramolecular gelation behavior is developed. Under oxidative conditions, the dithiol compound containing a diamide alkyl linker with an odd number (7) of carbon chain and an appended crown ether shows a remarkable gelation ability in acetonitrile, without any template molecules. Due to the existence of crown ethers and disulfide bonds, the obtained gel shows a multiple stimuli‐responsiveness behavior. The mechanical properties and reversibility of the gel are investigated. Computational modeling suggests that the peripheral chain for diamide hydrogen bonding is responsible for the gelation process.
The endocytic membrane trafficking pathway plays a major role in the risk of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Bandres‐Ciga Sara , Saez‐Atienzar Sara , Bonet‐Ponce Luis , Billingsley Kimberley , Vitale Dan , Blauwendraat Cornelis , Gibbs Jesse Raphael , Pihlstrøm Lasse , Gan‐Or Ziv ,   The International Parkinson's Disease Genomics Consortium (IPDGC), Cookson Mark R. , Nalls Mike A. , Singleton Andrew B. 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTBackgroundPD is a complex polygenic disorder. In recent years, several genes from the endocytic membrane‐trafficking pathway have been suggested to contribute to disease etiology. However, a systematic analysis of pathway‐specific genetic risk factors is yet to be performed.ObjectivesTo comprehensively study the role of the endocytic membrane‐trafficking pathway in the risk of PD.MethodsLinkage disequilibrium score regression was used to estimate PD heritability explained by 252 genes involved in the endocytic membrane‐trafficking pathway including genome‐wide association studies data from 18,869 cases and 22,452 controls. We used pathway‐specific single‐nucleotide polymorphisms to construct a polygenic risk score reflecting the cumulative risk of common variants. To prioritize genes for follow‐up functional studies, summary‐data based Mendelian randomization analyses were applied to explore possible functional genomic associations with expression or methylation quantitative trait loci.ResultsThe heritability estimate attributed to endocytic membrane‐trafficking pathway was 3.58% (standard error = 1.17). Excluding previously nominated PD endocytic membrane‐trafficking pathway genes, the missing heritability was 2.21% (standard error = 0.42). Random heritability simulations were estimated to be 1.44% (standard deviation = 0.54), indicating that the unbiased total heritability explained by the endocytic membrane‐trafficking pathway was 2.14%. Polygenic risk score based on endocytic membrane‐trafficking pathway showed a 1.25 times increase of PD risk per standard deviation of genetic risk. Finally, Mendelian randomization identified 11 endocytic membrane‐trafficking pathway genes showing functional consequence associated to PD risk.ConclusionsWe provide compelling genetic evidence that the endocytic membrane‐trafficking pathway plays a relevant role in disease etiology. Further research on this pathway is warranted given that critical effort should be made to identify potential avenues within this biological process suitable for therapeutic interventions. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Association between the IL1R2 rs2072472 polymorphism and high‐altitude pulmonary edema risk
Authors: Jin Tianbo , Zhu Linhao , Bai Mei , He Xue , Wang Li , Yuan Dongya , Li Shanqu , He Yongjun 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimHigh‐altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), as a multifactorial disease, is caused by stress failure and involves both environmental and genetic factors. Study shows that IL‐1 receptors can selectively decrease the oxygen arterial hypertension and influence the blood coagulation. So we evaluated whether genetic polymorphisms in IL1R1 and 1L1R2 genes are associated with the risk of HAPE in Chinese Han population.MethodsTen susceptible SNPs in the IL1R1 and IL1R2 genes were genotyped among 265 HAPE cases and 303 controls using the Agena MassARRAY platform. The associations of the SNP frequencies with HAPE were analyzed by chi‐square (χ2) test/Fisher's test. The genetic models were used to evaluate associations.ResultsIn the allele model, we found that rs2072472 was significantly associated with a 0.73‐fold decreased risk of HAPE (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.55–0.97, p = 0.033). In the genetic model analysis, the rs2072472 in IL1R2 gene was associated with a 0.32‐fold decreased risk of HAPE in the codominant model, 0.67‐fold decreased risk of HAPE in the dominant model, 0.36‐fold decreasing the risk of HAPE in the recessive model, and 0.66‐fold decreased risk of HAPE in the log‐additive model, respectively. We found three candidate SNPs (rs11674595, rs4851527, and rs719250) in the IL1R2 gene have shown strong linkage, and none of the haplotypes was significantly associated with risk of HAPE.ConclusionThese findings suggested that IL1R2 polymorphisms may contribute to the protection of HAPE.
The prevalence of germline DICER1 pathogenic variation in cancer populations
Authors: Kim Jung , Schultz Kris Ann P. , Hill Dana Ashley , Stewart Douglas R. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe DICER1 syndrome is an autosomal dominant tumor‐predisposition disorder associated with pleuropulmonary blastoma, a rare pediatric lung cancer. Somatic missense variation in “hotspot” codons in the RNaseIIIb domain (E1705, D1709, G1809, D1810, E1813) is observed in DICER1‐associated tumors. Previously, we found the prevalence of germline pathogenic DICER1 variation in the general population is 1:10,600. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of pathogenic DICER1 germline variation in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA; 32 adult cancer types; 9,173 exomes) and the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatment (TARGET; two pediatric cancer types; 175 exomes) cohorts.MethodsAll datasets were annotated and binned into four categories: pathogenic, likely pathogenic, variant of unknown significance, or likely benign.ResultsThe prevalence of DICER1 pathogenic variants was 1:4,600 in TCGA. A single participant with a uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma harbored two pathogenic germline DICER1 (hotspot and splice‐donor) variants, and a single participant with a rectal adenocarcinoma harbored a germline DICER1 stop‐gained variant. In the smaller TARGET dataset, we observed no pathogenic germline variants.ConclusionThis is the largest comprehensive analysis of DICER1 pathogenic variation in adult and pediatric cancer populations using publicly available data. The observation of germline DICER1 variation with uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma merits additional investigation.
Modeling of Coesterification Process for Biodegradable Poly(Butylene Succinate‐co‐Butylene Terephthalate) Copolyesters
Authors: Liu Tianqi , Gu Xueping , Li Naixiang , Wu Linbo , Wang Jiajun , Feng Lianfang 
Published: January 2019

AbstractComprehensive mathematical model based on the kinetics and thermodynamic equations is developed to examine a coesterification concept of biodegradable aliphatic‐aromatic copolyesters, poly(butylene succinate‐co‐butylene terephthalate) (PBST). The simulation results for batch process are validated with pilot experimental data. The continuous process is further studied to figure out the coesterification performance of succinic acid (SA) and terephthalic acid (TPA) with different reaction activities and thermodynamic properties in terms of reaction efficiency, small molecular evaporation and product quality. There is a compromise between the operating conditions of the two systems of SA/1,4‐butanediol (BDO) and TPA/BDO. Proper pressure reduction is beneficial to reaction efficiency and product quality. The way to increase reaction efficiency by raising temperature is limited due to the serious evaporation of reactants. Influenced by the solid–liquid equilibrium and the slow reaction rate of TPA, the esterification of acid needs sufficient residence time to complete.
Parameter map error due to normal noise and aliasing artifacts in MR fingerprinting
Authors: Kara Danielle , Fan Mingdong , Hamilton Jesse , Griswold Mark , Seiberlich Nicole , Brown Robert 
Published: January 2019

PurposeTo introduce a quantitative tool that enables rapid forecasting of T1 and T2 parameter map errors due to normal and aliasing noise as a function of the MR fingerprinting (MRF) sequence, which can be used in sequence optimization.Theory and MethodsThe variances of normal noise and aliasing artifacts in the collected signal are related to the variances in T1 and T2 maps through derived quality factors. This analytical result is tested against the results of a Monte‐Carlo approach for analyzing MRF sequence encoding capability in the presence of aliasing noise, and verified with phantom experiments at 3 T. To further show the utility of our approach, our quality factors are used to find efficient MRF sequences for fewer repetitions.ResultsExperimental results verify the ability of our quality factors to rapidly assess the efficiency of an MRF sequence in the presence of both normal and aliasing noise. Quality factor assessment of MRF sequences is in agreement with the results of a Monte‐Carlo approach. Analysis of MRF parameter map errors from phantom experiments is consistent with the derived quality factors, with T1 (T2) data yielding goodness of fit R2 ≥ 0.92 (0.80). In phantom and in vivo experiments, the efficient pulse sequence, determined through quality factor maximization, led to comparable or improved accuracy and precision relative to a longer sequence, demonstrating quality factor utility in MRF sequence design.ConclusionThe here introduced quality factor framework allows for rapid analysis and optimization of MRF sequence design through T1 and T2 error forecasting.
A cohesive XFEM model for simulating fatigue crack growth under mixed‐mode loading and overloading
Authors: Dekker R. , van der Meer F.P. , Maljaars J. , Sluys L.J. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryStructures are subjected to cyclic loads that can vary in direction and magnitude, causing constant amplitude mode I simulations to be too simplistic. This study presents a new approach for fatigue crack propagation in ductile materials that can capture mixed‐mode loading and overloading. The extended finite element method is used to deal with arbitrary crack paths. Furthermore, adaptive meshing is applied to minimize computation time. A fracture process zone ahead of the physical crack tip is represented by means of cohesive tractions from which the energy release rate, and thus the stress intensity factor can be extracted for an elastic‐plastic material. The approach is therefore compatible with the Paris equation, which is an empirical relation to compute the fatigue crack growth rate. Two different models to compute the cohesive tractions are compared. First, a cohesive zone model with a static cohesive law is used. The second model is based on the interfacial thick level set method in which tractions follow from a given damage profile. Both models show good agreement with a mode I analytical relation and a mixed‐mode experiment. Furthermore, it is shown that the presented models can capture crack growth retardation as a result of an overload.
Rapid Assessment of Reward‐Related Eating: The RED‐X5
Authors: Vainik Uku , Eun Han Jung , Epel Elissa S. , Janet Tomiyama A. , Dagher Alain , Mason Ashley E. 
Published: January 2019

ObjectiveThe prevalence of obesity has created a plethora of questionnaires characterizing psychological aspects of eating behavior, such as reward‐related eating (RRE). The Reward‐based Eating Drive questionnaires (RED‐9, RED‐13) broadly and deeply assess the RRE construct. However, large‐sample research designs require shorter questionnaires that capture RRE quickly and precisely. This study sought to develop a brief, reliable, and valid version of the RED questionnaire.MethodsAll‐subset correlation was used to find a subset that maximally associated with the full RED‐13 in two separate samples. Results were validated in a third independent sample. Internal consistency, test‐retest reliability, and ability to explain variance in external outcomes were also assessed.ResultsA five‐item questionnaire (RED‐X5) correlated strongly with RED‐13 in the independent sample (r = 0.95). RED‐X5 demonstrated high internal consistency (omega total ≥ 0.80) and 6‐month test‐retest reliability (r = 0.72). RED‐X5 accurately reproduced known associations between RED‐13 and BMI, diabetes status, and craving for sweet and savory foods. As a novel finding, RED questionnaires predicted laboratory intake of chips.ConclusionsRED‐X5 is a short, reliable, and valid measure of the RRE construct and can be readily implemented in large‐sample research designs in which questionnaire space is limited.
Illustration of Measurement Error Models for Reducing Bias in Nutrition and Obesity Research Using 2‐D Body Composition Data
Authors: Murillo Anarina L. , Affuso Olivia , Peterson Courtney M. , Li Peng , Wiener Howard W. , Tekwe Carmen D. , Allison David B. 
Published: January 2019

ObjectiveThis study aimed to illustrate the use and value of measurement error models for reducing bias when evaluating associations between body fat and having type 2 diabetes (T2D) or being physically active.MethodsLogistic regression models were used to evaluate T2D and physical activity among adults aged 19 to 80 years from the Photobody Study (n = 558). Self‐reported T2D and physical activity were categorized as “yes” or “no.” Body fat measured by two‐dimensional photographs was adjusted for bias using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry scans as a reference. Three approaches were applied: regression calibration (RC), simulation extrapolation (SIMEX), and multiple imputation (MI).ResultsUnadjusted two‐dimensional measures of body fat had upward biases of 30% and 233% for physical activity and T2D, respectively. For the physical activity model, RC‐adjusted values had a 13% upward bias, whereas MI and SIMEX decreased the bias to 9% and 91%, respectively. For the T2D model, MI reduced the bias to 0%, whereas RC and SIMEX increased the upward bias to > 300%.ConclusionsOf three statistical approaches to reducing bias due to measurement errors, MI performed best in comparison to RC and SIMEX. Measurement error methods can improve the reliability of analyses that look for relations between body fat measures and health outcomes.
Early weight loss in a standalone mHealth intervention predicting treatment success
Authors: Patel M. L. , Hopkins C. M. , Bennett G. G. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryObjectiveEarly weight loss is a strong predictor of longer‐term and clinically meaningful weight loss but has not been studied in the context of mobile health (‘mHealth’) interventions.MethodsGoalTracker was a randomized trial among adults (21–65 years) with overweight or obesity comparing three 12‐week standalone mHealth interventions for weight loss. All arms received a free commercial mobile app (MyFitnessPal) for daily self‐monitoring of diet and/or weight and a goal to lose 5% of weight by 3 months. Collapsing across arms, this analysis examined participants with a 1‐month weight (n = 84), categorizing them as either early responders (≥2% weight loss at 1 month) or early non‐responders (<2% weight loss at 1 month).ResultsEarly responders – 36% of participants – had greater per cent weight change at 3 months (−5.93% [95% confidence interval: −6.82%, −5.03%]) than early non‐responders (−1.45% [−2.15%, −0.75%]), which was sustained at 6 months (−5.91% [−7.33%, −4.48%] vs. −1.28% [−2.37%, −0.19%]; ps < 0.0001). Over half (57%) of early responders achieved ≥5% weight loss at 3 months vs. 11% of early non‐responders. At 4 weeks, self‐monitoring frequency (weight/diet) was significantly greater among early responders, which continued across 12 weeks.ConclusionResponding early to an mHealth treatment is associated with higher engagement and greater likelihood of achieving clinically meaningful weight loss.