bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adoption of high technology medical imaging and hospital quality and efficiency: Towards a conceptual framework
Authors: Sandoval Guillermo A. , Brown Adalsteinn D. , Wodchis Walter P. , Anderson Geoffrey M. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryMeasuring the value of medical imaging is challenging, in part, due to the lack of conceptual frameworks underlying potential mechanisms where value may be assessed. To address this gap, this article proposes a framework that builds on the large body of literature on quality of hospital care and the classic structure‐process‐outcome paradigm. The framework was also informed by the literature on adoption of technological innovations and introduces 2 distinct though related aspects of imaging technology not previously addressed specifically in the literature on quality of hospital care: adoption (a structural hospital characteristic) and use (an attribute of the process of care).The framework hypothesizes a 2‐part causality where adoption is proposed to be a central, linking factor between hospital structural characteristics, market factors, and hospital outcomes (ie, quality and efficiency). The first part indicates that hospital structural characteristics and market factors influence or facilitate the adoption of high technology medical imaging within an institution. The presence of this technology, in turn, is hypothesized to improve the ability of the hospital to deliver high quality and efficient care. The second part describes this ability throughout 3 main mechanisms pointing to the importance of imaging use on patients, to the presence of staff and qualified care providers, and to some elements of organizational capacity capturing an enhanced clinical environment.The framework has the potential to assist empirical investigations of the value of adoption and use of medical imaging, and to advance understanding of the mechanisms that produce quality and efficiency in hospitals.
Impacts of forest structure on precipitation interception and run‐off generation in a semiarid region in northern China
Authors: Liu Jiakai , Zhang Zhenming , Zhang Mingxiang 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWater resource scarcity and uneven distribution are 2 major environmental issues in China today. Forest structure is a dominant factor that influences hydrological processes, but the specific interactions remain uncertain due to the predominant use of individual or 1‐dimensional forest structure metrics in previous studies. In this study, forest structures in 8 run‐off plots on Mount Miaofeng in north China were parameterized by metrics of different dimensionalities. The relation between canopy interception and forest structure, shrub/litter interception, and forest structure as well as run‐off and forest structure were analysed by regression method and validated by leave‐one‐out cross test. The results showed that canopy interception rates ranged from less than 0.10 all the way to 0.80, affected by forest structure and precipitation, with interception rate decreasing logarithmically as precipitation increased. Forests with a larger canopy area (CA), leaf area index (LAI), and higher average height (H) had a narrow range of canopy interception rates, and forest with larger value of diameters at breath height (DBH),H,LAI, vertical heterogeneity coefficient (T), and structure complexity index (SCI) had higher interception rates. Forests with higher value ofDBH,H, and horizontal heterogeneity coefficient (R) had higher shrub/litter interception rates on the forest floor. The run‐off coefficient was only significantly associated withLAI,T, andSCI. The validation test indicated that regression analysis of canopy interception rates and shrub interception are reliable andSCIis a key factor to influence the run‐off coefficient. However, the regression results of litter interception have a relatively large error. According to the results, to reduce the risks of the landslides and floods, forest managers should complicate the canopy and preserve trees with thicker stems and larger canopies. By contrast, to obtain more water resource from run‐off in arid regions, forest managers should harvest trees with large canopies and construct complex vertical structures by intermediate cutting.
Water flow velocity over frozen and nonfrozen black soil slopes
Authors: Chen Chao , Ban Yunyun , Lei Tingwu , Feng Ren , Gao Yuan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIce‐ and snow‐melted water flow over partially thawed frozen soil of cultivated slopes causes serious soil erosion, which results in soil degradation and affects productivity in Northeast China. Water flow velocity over frozen and nonfrozen soil shows importance in understanding meltwater erosion. In this work, a series of laboratory experiments were conducted to measure water flow velocity over frozen and nonfrozen soil slopes. Experiments were performed using the electrolyte trace method under the pulse boundary model, under conditions of 4 slope gradients (5°, 10°, 15°, and 20°), 3 flow rates (1, 2, and 4 L/min), and 7 sensors positioned at 0.1, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 m away from the electrolyte injection point. Results showed that velocities over frozen soil slopes increased with flow rate and slope gradient. Flow velocities over nonfrozen soil slopes increased with flow rate and slope gradients from 5° to 15° and stabilized at 15°. Flow velocities over frozen soil slopes were 30%, 54%, 71%, and 91% higher than those over nonfrozen ones at slope gradients of 5°, 10°, 15°, and 20°. Flow velocities over frozen soil slopes under different flow rates of 1, 2, and 4 L/min were approximately 52%, 59%, and 79% higher than those over nonfrozen soil, respectively. This study can help in assessing the erosion of partially thawed frozen soil by meltwater flow.
Clogging of saturated porous media by silt‐sized suspended solids under varying physical conditions during managed aquifer recharge
Authors: Du Xinqiang , Ye Xueyan , Zhang Xiaowan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractManaged aquifer recharge is an effective method for utilizing excess flood flows, but clogging of porous media is a limiting factor in the implementation of this water storage technique. In recent years, much research on the physical clogging of porous media during artificial recharge has been conducted. However, the understanding of clogging due to silt‐sized suspended solids (SS) is still inadequate, especially under varying physical conditions. Here, we subjected sand columns to controlled rates of flow and SS suspensions to investigate the influence of media size, SS size, SS concentration, and flow velocity on the clogging of porous media by silt‐sized SS. The results show that the diameter ratio of SS particles to sand grains is the dominant factor influencing the position of physical clogging. As pore velocity increased, the mobility of silt‐sized SS was enhanced and retention in the porous media decreased noticeably. The spatial retention profiles in the porous media were found to vary greatly at different flow velocities. The SS concentration of the infiltrating suspension also dramatically influenced the mobility and deposition of silt‐sized SS particles, such that high concentrations accelerated the clogging process. As the different physical factors changed, the breakthrough curves and retention profiles of silt‐sized SS particles changed obviously and the mechanisms of retention differed. On the whole, clogging position is mainly determined by particle size ratio, but clogging rate is dominated by a variety of factors including particle size ratio, SS concentration, and flow velocity.
Using poly(l‐lactic acid) and poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) blends to fabricate self‐expanding, watertight and biodegradable surgical patches for potential fetoscopic myelomeningocele repair
Authors: Tatu Rigwed , Oria Marc , Pulliam Sarah , Signey Lorenzo , Rao Marepalli B. , Peiro Jose L. , Lin Chia‐Ying 
Published: May 2018

AbstractOur study focuses on the development and characterization of a self‐expanding, watertight and biodegradable patch for fetoscopic myelomeningocele (MMC) prenatal repair. We fabricated poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) blend films by solution casting. Formulation c with average glass transition temperature of 37.6 ± 1.2°C was chosen for temporospatial recovery. Favorable results from surface studies reflected homogeneous dispersion of polymers in the blend. The cytotoxicity was studied in human foreskin fibroblasts. The blend film was cytocompatible, evidenced by matching percentage of live cells in exposed and control solutions. Subsequently, liquid water permeability experiments confirmed watertight nature of films. Finally, in vitro degradation was investigated in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and amniotic fluid (AF) separately for 16 weeks. Similar weight loss (n = 6, p = 0.912) and significantly different (n = 3, p = 0.025) surface roughness was observed in PBS and AF, respectively, at 16 weeks. Functional group analysis displayed increasing carbonyl and hydroxyl bonds in PBS and AF, respectively, over time, indicating progression of hydrolytic degradation. Favorable characterization results provide strong evidence to employ PLA‐PCL blend films as surgical patches in fetoscopic MMC repair. Designed patch serves as standalone system to successfully tackle impending hurdles of MMC repair and proves to be a superior alternative compared to existing patches. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 295–305, 2019.
What is the role of sense of community in multiracial societies? A contribution to the community–diversity dialectic: A genetic psychology approach
Authors: Rochira Alessia 
Published: May 2018

AbstractInterconnecting the construct of sense of community (SOC), elaborated by McMillan and Chavis, with the notion of social representations, elaborated by Moscovici, this article aims to contribute to advancing an understanding of the relationship between SOC and respect for diversity. Utilizing a genetic psychology approach and the intergroup contact theory, the article articulates 3 levels through which the social representation of community and SOC can be formed and transformed (i.e., microgenetic, ontogenetic, and sociogenetic) to enhance the investigation of the relationship between the 2 phenomena beyond the intraindividual and interindividual levels that tend to emphasize homophily, or preference for similarity. In particular, the article elaborates on the sociogenetic formation of SOC by examining the macro‐level forces that participate in establishing what a community should be and who is entitled to be part of it. Examples from 2 previous studies are discussed.
Integration of hepatitis B virus DNA in chronically infected patients assessed by Alu‐PCR
Authors: Larsson Simon B. , Tripodi Gianluca , Raimondo Giovanni , Saitta Carlo , Norkrans Gunnar , Pollicino Teresa , Lindh Magnus 
Published: May 2018

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the main risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. Integration of HBV DNA into the human genome has been found in >80% of HBV‐related HCC cases. Some studies have, however, found similar integration patterns in tumorous and nontumorous tissues. Thus, the role of integrations for the development of HCC as well as the rate of integration in different stages of infection remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate integrations in patients without HCC, representing different stages of chronic HBV (CHB) infection. Extracted DNA in liver biopsies from 74 patients (one with 2 available biopsies) with CHB infection was analyzed by Alu‐PCR. Amplicons were further analyzed by Sanger sequencing. Integration was detected in 39 biopsies (52%) as an amplicon containing both human and HBV sequences by Alu‐PCR with one primer targeting a region in the HBV genome. Integrations were found in patients representing the different stages of CHB infection. A majority of the HBV sequences were located upstream or downstream of nucleotide position 1820, which previously has been identified as a common breakpoint in the HBV genome in integrated sequences. Approximately 60% of the HBV integrations were found in noncoding regions of the human genome. Integrations of HBV DNA into the human genome is an event frequently found in mild phases of chronic hepatitis.
Fusarium species and moniliformin occurrence in sorghum grains used as ingredient for animal feed in Argentina
Authors: Pena Gabriela A , Cavaglieri Lilia R , Chulze Sofía N 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDA survey on Fusarium species and moniliformin (MON) occurrence in sorghum grains collected from one of the main sorghum‐producing areas of Argentina was conducted. Also, growth of F. thapsinum, one of the main sorghum pathogens, and MON production under different water activity (aw) conditions on a sorghum‐based medium were determined.RESULTSInfection of sorghum grains by Fusarium species ranged from 82.5 to 99%; closely related species F. verticillioides, F. thapsinum and F. andiyazi were the most frequently recovered, followed by F. proliferatum and F. subglutinans. By sequencing a portion of the translation elongation factor‐1α (TEF‐1α) gene and by maximum parsimony analysis, F. verticillioides and closely related species were identified as F. thapsinum, F. andiyazi and F. verticillioides. Species within the F. graminearum species complex (FGSC) were isolated in high frequency. Maximum growth rates of 12 F. thapsinum strains were obtained at 0.995 aw. All evaluated strains were able to produce MON at all aw values tested, but MON production was higher at 0.995–0.982 aw. MON was detected in 41% of the samples at levels ranging from 363.2 to 914.2 µg kg−1.CONCLUSIONThis study provides new data on the occurrence of Fusarium species in sorghum grains destined for animal consumption in Argentina. The production of MON at different aw values showed that the toxin can be produced under field conditions. The risk to livestock exposed to daily low levels of MON associated with the toxin occurrence in the sorghum grains analyzed is unknown. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of Correlative Shifts in Indices of Brain Cholesterol Metabolism in the C57BL6/Mecp2tm1.1Bird Mouse, a Model for Rett Syndrome
Authors: Lütjohann Dieter , Lopez Adam M. , Chuang Jen‐Chieh , Kerksiek Anja , Turley Stephen D. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRett syndrome (RS) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from loss‐of‐function mutations in the X‐linked gene methyl‐Cpg‐binding protein 2 (MECP2). Using a well‐defined model for RS, the C57BL6/Mecp2tm1.1Bird mouse, we have previously found a moderate but persistently lower rate of cholesterol synthesis, measured in vivo, in the brains of Mecp2−/y mice, starting from about the third week after birth. There was no genotypic difference in the total cholesterol concentration throughout the brain at any age. This raised the question of whether the lower rate of cholesterol synthesis in the mutants was balanced by a fall in the rate at which cholesterol was converted via cholesterol 24‐hydroxylase (Cyp46A1) to 24S‐hydroxycholesterol (24S‐OHC), the principal route through which cholesterol is ordinarily removed from the brain. Here, we show that while there were no genotypic differences in the concentrations in plasma and liver of three cholesterol precursors (lanosterol, lathosterol, and desmosterol), two plant sterols (sitosterol and campesterol), and two oxysterols (27‐hydroxycholesterol [27‐OHC] and 24S‐OHC), the brains of the Mecp2
−/y mice had significantly lower concentrations of all three cholesterol precursors, campesterol, and both oxysterols, with the level of 24S‐OHC being ~20% less than in their Mecp2
+/y controls. Together, these data suggest that coordinated regulation of cholesterol synthesis and catabolism in the central nervous system is maintained in this model for RS. Furthermore, we speculate that the adaptive changes in these two pathways conceivably resulted from a shift in the permeability of the blood–brain barrier as implied by the significantly lower campesterol and 27‐OHC concentrations in the brains of the Mecp2−/y mice.
Chemically Enhanced Wet‐Spinning Process to Accelerate Thermal Stabilization of Polyacrylonitrile Fibers
Authors: Fakhrhoseini Seyed Mousa , Khayyam Hamid , Naebe Minoo 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this study, a fast and inexpensive approach is introduced to assist stabilization of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers by adding ammonium iron(II) sulfate in coagulation bath. Effects of chemical treatment on stabilization process and structural evolution of fibers are studied using calorimetric, infrared, and X‐ray techniques. A stepwise infrared study confirms the assisted cyclization reaction, and an X‐ray analysis reveals a significant improvement in crystallinity and orientation of polymer chains which lead to an increase in tensile strength and modulus of PAN fibers. Differential scanning calorimetry results show 13 °C reductions in peak temperature of the stabilization reaction which means a sign of chemical activation at lower temperature by adding sulfate ions. Quantification of IR spectra shows a 7% increase in extent of reaction of chemically treated fibers and higher degree of conjugation compared with untreated and post‐treated fibers. Finally, mechanical properties of chemically treated fibers are improved due to an increase in size and orientation of polymer chains after chemical treatment in the coagulation bath. Compared to control and post‐treated PAN fibers, thermochemical properties of presented fibers are improved due to chemically assisted stabilization, and as a consequence, energy consumption of the stabilization step will be reduced by a simple and facile treatment.
Rex in Caldicellulosiruptor bescii: Novel regulon members and its effect on the production of ethanol and overflow metabolites
Authors: Sander Kyle , Chung Daehwan , Hyatt Doug , Westpheling Janet , Klingeman Dawn M. , Rodriguez Miguel , Engle Nancy L. , Tschaplinski Timothy J. , Davison Brian H. , Brown Steven D. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRex is a global redox‐sensing transcription factor that senses and responds to the intracellular [NADH]/[NAD+] ratio to regulate genes for central metabolism, and a variety of metabolic processes in Gram‐positive bacteria. We decipher and validate four new members of the Rex regulon in Caldicellulosiruptor bescii; a gene encoding a class V aminotransferase, the HydG FeFe Hydrogenase maturation protein, an oxidoreductase, and a gene encoding a hypothetical protein. Structural genes for the NiFe and FeFe hydrogenases, pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase, as well as the rex gene itself are also members of this regulon, as has been predicted previously in different organisms. A C. bescii rex deletion strain constructed in an ethanol‐producing strain made 54% more ethanol (0.16 mmol/L) than its genetic parent after 36 hr of fermentation, though only under nitrogen limited conditions. Metabolomic interrogation shows this rex‐deficient ethanol‐producing strain synthesizes other reduced overflow metabolism products likely in response to more reduced intracellular redox conditions and the accumulation of pyruvate. These results suggest ethanol production is strongly dependent on the native intracellular redox state in C. bescii, and highlight the combined promise of using this gene and manipulation of culture conditions to yield strains capable of producing ethanol at higher yields and final titer.
Serial passage through resistant and susceptible cucumber cultivars affects the virulence of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum
Authors: Huang Xiaoqing , Sun Manhong , Lu Xiaohong , Li Shidong 
Published: May 2018

AbstractFusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum (Foc) is the causal pathogen of cucumber Fusarium wilt resulting in losses to cucumber production. To investigate the effects of the selective pressures of host plants on the virulence of Foc, a low virulence isolate, foc‐3b, was successively inoculated on resistant and susceptible cucumber cultivars for five generations. The virulence of the original isolate diverged; virulence was significantly strengthened after serial passage on the resistant cultivar and weakened on the susceptible plants (p ˂ .05). The expression of four virulence‐related genes of F. oxysporum, G‐protein α subunit gene fga1, sucrose nonfermenting 1 gene snf1, F‐box protein gene frp1, and Class V chitin synthase gene chsV, was quantified using real‐time PCR. All genes were significantly upregulated after serial passage on the resistant cultivar, compared to the original strain, and the expression of snf1 was downregulated in strains re‐isolated from the susceptible plants (p ˂ .05). A significant positive correlation was found between the expression levels of gene snf1, frp1, and chsV and disease severity of cucumber Fusarium wilt, suggesting these genes may impact virulence differentiation. This study will improve the management of cucumber Fusarium wilt and provide insight into the mechanisms underlying virulence of F. oxysporum.
Whole‐exome sequencing for variant discovery in blepharospasm
Authors: Tian Jun , Vemula Satya R. , Xiao Jianfeng , Valente Enza Maria , Defazio Giovanni , Petrucci Simona , Gigante Angelo Fabio , Rudzińska‐Bar Monika , Wszolek Zbigniew K. , Kennelly Kathleen D. , Uitti Ryan J. , van Gerpen Jay A. , Hedera Peter , Trimble Elizabeth J. , LeDoux Mark S. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundBlepharospasm (BSP) is a type of focal dystonia characterized by involuntary orbicularis oculi spasms that are usually bilateral, synchronous, and symmetrical. Despite strong evidence for genetic contributions to BSP, progress in the field has been constrained by small cohorts, incomplete penetrance, and late age of onset. Although several genetic etiologies for dystonia have been identified through whole‐exome sequencing (WES), none of these are characteristically associated with BSP as a singular or predominant manifestation.MethodsWe performed WES on 31 subjects from 21 independent pedigrees with BSP. The strongest candidate sequence variants derived from in silico analyses were confirmed with bidirectional Sanger sequencing and subjected to cosegregation analysis.ResultsCosegregating deleterious variants (GRCH37/hg19) in CACNA1A (NM_001127222.1: c.7261_7262delinsGT, p.Pro2421Val), REEP4 (NM_025232.3: c.109C>T, p.Arg37Trp), TOR2A (NM_130459.3: c.568C>T, p.Arg190Cys), and ATP2A3 (NM_005173.3: c.1966C>T, p.Arg656Cys) were identified in four independent multigenerational pedigrees. Deleterious variants in HS1BP3 (NM_022460.3: c.94C>A, p.Gly32Cys) and GNA14 (NM_004297.3: c.989_990del, p.Thr330ArgfsTer67) were identified in a father and son with segmental cranio‐cervical dystonia first manifest as BSP. Deleterious variants in DNAH17, TRPV4, CAPN11, VPS13C, UNC13B, SPTBN4, MYOD1, and MRPL15 were found in two or more independent pedigrees. To our knowledge, none of these genes have previously been associated with isolated BSP, although other CACNA1A mutations have been associated with both positive and negative motor disorders including ataxia, episodic ataxia, hemiplegic migraine, and dystonia.ConclusionsOur WES datasets provide a platform for future studies of BSP genetics which will demand careful consideration of incomplete penetrance, pleiotropy, population stratification, and oligogenic inheritance patterns.