bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of H2SO4 Solution Treatment on Adhesion, Charge Transfer, and Catalytic Performance of Screen‐Printed PEDOT:PSS
Authors: Xu Di , Shen Hujiang , Wang Wei , Xie Junjie , Zhang Tao , Yuan Huihui , Li Yuyu , Chen Xinyu , He Yunlong , Zhang Yumei 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPost‐treatment was performed for poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) films screen‐printed on fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates, to improve their charge transfer efficiency. Different H2SO4 solutions, including concentrated H2SO4 and H2SO4 diluted with H2O or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), were adopted during the post‐treatment. The adhesion of the as‐treated films was evaluated by adhesive tape peeling tests, the surface morphology and vertical charge transfer from the films to the substrates were investigated by current‐sensing atomic force microscopy, and the catalytic activities toward I3− reduction of PEDOT:PSS films were characterized by electrochemical measurements. It is discovered that selecting proper H2SO4 solutions is crucial to improve the charge transfer efficiency and catalytic performance while maintaining reliable adhesion of the film on the substrates, with H2SO4/DMSO performing best as the solution for post‐treatment. A mechanistic explanationis proposed based on different interactions among solution, PEDOT:PSS, and the substrate for various post‐treatment solutions.
Lymphatic Vessel Network Structure and Physiology
Authors: Breslin Jerome W. , Yang Ying , Scallan Joshua P. , Sweat Richard S. , Adderley Shaquria P. , Murfee Walter L. 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTThe lymphatic system is comprised of a network of vessels interrelated with lymphoid tissue, which has the holistic function to maintain the local physiologic environment for every cell in all tissues of the body. The lymphatic system maintains extracellular fluid homeostasis favorable for optimal tissue function, removing substances that arise due to metabolism or cell death, and optimizing immunity against bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other antigens. This article provides a comprehensive review of important findings over the past century along with recent advances in the understanding of the anatomy and physiology of lymphatic vessels, including tissue/organ specificity, development, mechanisms of lymph formation and transport, lymphangiogenesis, and the roles of lymphatics in disease. © 2019 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol9:207‐299, 2019.
A Flow Cytometry‐Based Assay for High‐Throughput Detection and Quantification of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Mixed Cell Populations
Authors: Zharkova Olga , Tay Sen Hee , Lee Hui Yin , Shubhita Tripathi , Ong Wei Yee , Lateef Aisha , MacAry Paul Anthony , Lim Lina Hsiu Kim , Connolly John Edward , Fairhurst Anna‐Marie 
Published: December 2018

AbstractNeutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are web‐like structures composed of decondensed chromatin and antimicrobial proteins that are released into the extracellular space during microbial infections. This active cell death program is known as NETosis. To date, florescence microscopy is the widely accepted method for visualization and quantification of NETs. However, this method is subjective, time consuming and yields low numbers of analyzed polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) per sample. Increasing interest has emerged on the identification of NETs using flow cytometry techniques. However, flow cytometry analysis of NETs requires particular precautions for sample preparation to obtain reproducible data. Herein, we describe a flow cytometry‐based assay for high‐throughput detection and quantification of NETosis in mixed cell populations. We used fluorescent‐labeled antibodies against cell markers on PMNs together with a combination of nucleic acid stains to measure NETosis in whole blood (WB) and purified PMNs. Using plasma membrane‐impermeable DNA‐binding dye, SYTOX Orange (SO), we found that cell‐appendant DNA of NETting PMNs were positive for SO and DAPI. The combination of optimally diluted antibody and nucleic acid dyes required no washing and yielded low background fluorescence. Significant correlations were found for NETosis from WB and purified PMNs. We then validated the assay by comparing with time‐lapse live cell fluorescence microscopy and determined very good intraassay and interassay variances. The assay was then applied to a disease associated with NETosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We examined PMA‐induced NETosis in peripheral PMNs from SLE patients and controls and in bone marrow PMNs from multiple murine models. In summary, this assay is observer‐independent and allows for rapid assessment of a large number of PMNs per sample. Use of this assay does not require sophisticated microscopic equipment like imaging flow cytometers and may be a starting point to analyze extracellular trap formation from immune cells other than PMNs. © 2018 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Performance analysis of the internet‐protocol multimedia‐subsystem's control layer using a detailed queueing Petri‐net model
Authors: Roshani Mozafar , Khorsandi Siavash 
Published: December 2018

SummaryIn the current trend in telecommunications industry towards all‐internet‐protocol (IP) infrastructures, IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) plays a critical role by providing a coherent data and control‐plane solution for large‐scale live multimedia applications in a flexible and cost‐effective manner. On the other hand, such a large‐scale service platform would inevitably fail without effective support for the quality‐of‐service (QoS) requirements perceived by its users. Among the most important factors that influence user QoS are system performance and scalability. In this paper, a performance model for IMS systems is developed using the queueing Petri nets (QPNs) as the modeling formalism. The model's parameters are tuned based on the measurements carried out using a well‐known IMS implementation. The model is validated against the real system. During the model calibration, the Java garbage‐collector process used in the home subscriber‐server (HSS) implementation was found to be a main factor in the discrepancy between the model and the reality. In addition, the effects of other factors such as the network stack in the operating system are investigated. The validated model is employed to give insights into the scalability of every single instance of IMS implementation. The model is extended to study load balancing among multiple instances of HSS to remove the main bottleneck in the system. It provides a valuable platform for resource management of various components of the IMS ecosystem to support the intended level of QoS for the users.
MaTRU‐KE: A key exchange protocol based on MaTRU cryptosystem
Authors: Singh Sonika , Padhye Sahadeo 
Published: December 2018

SummaryWe propose a quantum ‐resistant key exchange protocol based on hard problems of lattices using MaTRU cryptosystem as an underlying scheme. A key exchange protocol based on NTRU cryptosystem given by Lie et al is not secure against man‐in‐the‐middle (MITM) attack. To remove this failure and provide a secure protocol, our protocol uses a trusted third party (TTP). Additionally, our protocol is better than NTRU‐KE on efficiency and security point of view. In this paper, we propose key exchange protocol with TTP and without TTP, and describe the advantages and disadvantages of both schemes.
Disentangling olfactory and visual information used by field foraging birds
Authors: Rubene Diana , Leidefors Malin , Ninkovic Velemir , Eggers Sönke , Low Matthew 
Published: December 2018

AbstractForaging strategies of birds can influence trophic plant–insect networks with impacts on primary plant production. Recent experiments show that some forest insectivorous birds can use herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) to locate herbivore‐infested trees, but it is unclear how birds combine or prioritize visual and olfactory information when making foraging decisions. Here, we investigated attraction of ground‐foraging birds to HIPVs and visible prey in short vegetation on farmland in a series of foraging choice experiments. Birds showed an initial preference for HIPVs when visual information was the same for all choice options (i.e., one experimental setup had all options with visible prey, another setup with hidden prey). However, if the alternatives within an experimental setup included visible prey (without HIPV) in competition with HIPV‐only, then birds preferred the visual option over HIPVs. Our results show that olfactory cues can play an important role in birds’ foraging choices when visual information contains little variation; however, visual cues are preferred when variation is present. This suggests certain aspects of bird foraging decisions in agricultural habitats are mediated by olfactory interaction mechanisms between birds and plants. We also found that birds from variety of dietary food guilds were attracted to HIPVs; hence, the ability of birds to use plant cues is probably more general than previously thought, and may influence the biological pest control potential of birds on farmland.
Boron Nitride Nanosheet Modified Electrode: Preparation and Application to Direct Electrochemistry of Myoglobin
Authors: Zou Ruyi , Li Xiaobao , Luo Guiling , Niu Yanyan , Weng Wenju , Sun Wei , Xi Jingwen , Chen Yong , Li Guangjiu 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAn ionic liquid modified carbon paste electrode (CILE) was prepared with 1‐hexylpyridine hexafluorophosphate (HPPF6) and used as a substrate electrode. Then hexagonal boron nitride (BN) nanosheet, myoglobin (Mb) and Nafion were fixed on the electrode surface by coating method to get a new‐style chemically modified electrode (Nafion/Mb/BN/CILE). The morphology and crystal phase of BN nanosheet were characterized by SEM, TEM and XRD. UV‐Vis and FT‐IR results showed that Mb retained its original conformation in the composite modified film. In phosphate buffer solutions (PBS) with pH 3.0, cyclic voltammetry (CV) was performed to investigate the direct electrochemical behaviour of Mb. A pair of quasi‐reversible redox reaction peaks was obtained on the CV curve, proving that BN nanosheet had good biocompatibility and could accelerate electron transfer between Mb and electrode surface. Electrocatalytic reduction of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) was investigated, which was further applied to TCA detection. The catalytic reduction peak current at −0.355 V depended linearly on the TCA concentration in the range of 0.2∼30.0 mmol/L with the equation of Ipc (μA)=6.340 C (mmol/L)+0.305 (r=0.998), and the detection limit was 0.05 mmol/L (3 σ).
The implications of bias correction methods and climate model ensembles on soil erosion projections under climate change
Authors: Eekhout Joris P. C. , de Vente Joris 
Published: December 2018

AbstractClimate change will most likely cause an increase in extreme precipitation and consequently an increase in soil erosion in many locations worldwide. In most cases, climate model output is used to assess the impact of climate change on soil erosion; however, there is little knowledge of the implications of bias correction methods and climate model ensembles on projected soil erosion rates. Using a soil erosion model, we evaluated the implications of three bias correction methods (delta change, quantile mapping and scaled distribution mapping) and climate model selection on regional soil erosion projections in two contrasting Mediterranean catchments. Depending on the bias correction method, soil erosion is projected to decrease or increase. Scaled distribution mapping best projects the changes in extreme precipitation. While an increase in extreme precipitation does not always result in increased soil loss, it is an important soil erosion indicator. We suggest first establishing the deviation of the bias‐corrected climate signal with respect to the raw climate signal, in particular for extreme precipitation. Furthermore, individual climate models may project opposite changes with respect to the ensemble average; hence climate model ensembles are essential in soil erosion impact assessments to account for climate model uncertainty. We conclude that the impact of climate change on soil erosion can only accurately be assessed with a bias correction method that best reproduces the projected climate change signal, in combination with a representative ensemble of climate models. ©  2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polychlorinated biphenyl tissue-concentration thresholds for survival, growth, and reproduction in fish
Authors: Berninger Jason P. , Tillitt Donald E. 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have left a legacy of environmental contamination. Even though they were banned from production and active use in the 1970s, they persist in the environment and still have the potential to impact aquatic life. Our objective was to identify data from controlled laboratory studies of PCB-related adverse effects in fish and to conduct a meta-analysis on mortality, growth, and reproductive (MGR) threshold responses. For each endpoint type, we compiled data on the lowest-observed-adverse effect concentration (LOAEC) and the degree of effect at the LOAEC as a percentage of control. The LOAECs were expressed as tissue concentrations, so the term lowest-observed-adverse-effect residue concentration (LOAER) was used to represent PCB exposures. The lower limit of applicability was set at 0.1 μg/g total PCB tissue concentration, below which adverse MGR effects in fish were not supported by the data. Sensitivity distributions identifying the probability of adverse effects in fish populations or communities predicted that 25% of fish species would be impacted between 0.1 and 7.5 μg/g. Concentration–response threshold regressions were developed from the MGR datasets. For example, a 1 μg/g total PCB tissue concentration would predict effects of 17% mortality, 15% growth, and 39% reproductive. The analysis determined the degree of adverse response, with uncertainty estimates, expected across a broad range of PCB tissue exposure concentrations in fish. Data generated from MGR endpoints were combined to determine an approach for overall effect thresholds for PCB-related injury in fish. The MGR datasets included only laboratory data; however, responses were compared with field-observed effects. The present review provides a comprehensive assessment of PCB-induced injury in fish utilizing a data-inclusive approach. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:712–736. Published 2018 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Experimental and numerical study on compressive performance of perforated brick masonry after fire exposure
Authors: Zhang Jin , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Donghao , Xu Qingfeng , Li Weibin 
Published: December 2018

SummaryThis paper discusses the compressive performance of perforated brick masonry after fire exposure. Compressive strength tests of the mortar, clay perforated brick, and perforated brick masonry specimens were performed in accordance with ISO834 fire tests of different durations. The temperature distribution of the masonry materials and specimens was simulated using the finite element software ABAQUS, with the thermal parameters of masonry materials recommended by European standard Eurocode 6 and related literature. The compressive strength reduction factors of mortar and clay perforated brick exposed to different fire durations were calculated via the layered method suggested by European standard Eurocode 1. In addition, the compressive strength reduction factors after cooldown were obtained from the experimental data of the masonry materials, and by considering further reductions in the compressive strength after cooling from high temperatures. Experimental data of the masonry specimens were compared with the numerical results obtained using the reduction factors proposed in this work. The comparison revealed an overall acceptable approximation. Thus, the method presented in this paper can be used to evaluate the residual capacity of masonry structures after fire.
Age but no sex effects on subareas of the amygdala
Authors: Kurth Florian , Cherbuin Nicolas , Luders Eileen 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe amygdala, an anatomical composite of several nuclei that have been grouped anatomically and functionally into three major subareas, has been reported to decrease in size with increasing age and to differ in size between male and female brains. However, findings are rather inconsistent across existing studies, possibly reflecting differences in the cohorts examined or the approaches chosen to define and measure the dimensions of the amygdala. Here, we investigated possible effects of age and sex on the amygdala as well as age‐by‐sex interactions in 100 healthy subjects (50 men/50 women) aged 18–69 years. For this purpose, we enhanced conventional imaging‐based information with microscopically defined cytoarchitectonic probabilities to discriminate between different subareas. We observed significant negative correlations between age and all subareas of the amygdala indicating decreases over time, but with subarea‐specific trajectories. In addition, we detected a significant quadratic association with age for the left superficial subarea suggesting an accelerating volume loss over time. Such regional information may serve as a frame of reference in future studies, not only for normative samples but also potentially for clinical populations known to present with an atypical atrophy of the amygdala. There were no sex differences and no interactions between sex and age, suggesting that the size of the amygdala is similar in male and female brains (at least when properly accounting for total intracranial volume) and that its age‐related decline follows a similar trajectory in both sexes.
MP2RAGEME: T1, T2*, and QSM mapping in one sequence at 7 tesla
Authors: Caan Matthan W. A. , Bazin Pierre‐Louis , Marques José P. , de Hollander Gilles , Dumoulin Serge O. , van der Zwaag Wietske 
Published: December 2018

AbstractQuantitative magnetic resonance imaging generates images of meaningful physical or chemical variables measured in physical units that allow quantitative comparisons between tissue regions and among subjects scanned at the same or different sites. Here, we show that we can acquire quantitative T1, T2*, and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) information in a single acquisition, using a multi‐echo (ME) extension of the second gradient‐echo image of the MP2RAGE sequence. This combination is called MP2RAGE ME, or MP2RAGEME. The simultaneous acquisition results in large time savings, perfectly coregistered data, and minimal image quality differences compared to separately acquired data. Following a correction for residual transmit B1+‐sensitivity, quantitative T1, T2*, and QSM values were in excellent agreement with those obtained from separately acquired, also B1+‐corrected, MP2RAGE data and ME gradient echo data. The quantitative values from reference regions of interests were also in very good correspondence with literature values. From the MP2RAGEME data, we further derived a multiparametric cortical parcellation, as well as a combined arterial and venous map. In sum, our MP2RAGEME sequence has the benefit in large time savings, perfectly coregistered data and minor image quality differences.
Role and regulation of proapoptotic Bax in oral squamous cell carcinoma and drug resistance
Authors: Alam Manzar , Kashyap Tanushree , Mishra Prajna , Panda Aditya K. , Nagini Siddavaram , Mishra Rajakishore 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundBax, a proapoptotic protein but its regulation during oral cancer progression and resistance remains elusive.MethodsA total of 127 samples including adjacent normal, primary tumor, and resistance to chemoradiation therapy (RCRT) samples from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients were used. The status of Bax was analyzed at DNA/mRNA/protein levels and the results were correlated with p53 and Akt expression in tissue samples/cisplatin‐resistant oral tongue SCC (SCC9/SCC4‐CisR) cell line.ResultsFrequent progressive decrease of Bax expression with infrequent promoter methylation, polymorphisms G(‐248)A, and mutations was observed in OSCC progression/resistance. Furthermore, by targeting Akt pathway, induction of Bax‐dependent cell death was observed and this was further enhanced with nimbolide treatment in SCC9/SCC4‐CisR cells.ConclusionHence, the Bax gene alteration and its deregulation through p53/Akt pathway are important for OSCC progression and drug resistance. Akt Inhibitor VIII and nimbolide synergistically induce Bax, and it is therefore beneficial for chemosensitizing cisplatin‐resistant human OSCC.
Gland‐preserving surgery for salivary stones and the utility of sialendoscopes
Authors: Fabie Joshua E. , Kompelli Anvesh R. , Naylor Tate M. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Lentsch Eric J. , Gillespie M. Boyd 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundSialoendoscopy is the standard treatment for sialolithiasis; however, some patients may be unlikely to benefit from an endoscopic approach. This study assesses predictors of failure in the endoscopic management of sialoliths.MethodsPatients treated for sialolithiasis from 2012 to 2017 at two centers were stratified into 3 groups: successful interventional sialendoscopy, incisional sialolithotomy, and gland excision. Patient, disease, and surgical factors were compared.ResultsInterventional sialendoscopy was attempted in 156 of 206 cases and successful for 42 (27%). Endoscopically retrieved calculi were smaller (4.96 mm) compared to incisional sialolithotomy (7.90 mm). Nonendoscopic approaches were required more often in submandibular cases 87% (P ≤ .005). Palpable stones were present in 74% of incisional sialolithotomies (P < .001). Submandibular location (OR 3.50, 1.53‐7.98), palpability (OR 2.74, 1.21‐6.18), CT localization (OR 3.05, 1.32‐7.10, P = .010), and increased diameter (OR 1.25, 1.09‐1.44) were predictive of incisional management.ConclusionStone size/location, CT‐localization, and palpability were predictive of calculi that require an incisional approach. If these factors are recognized, the surgeon can consider proceeding directly to incisional sialolithotomy.Level of evidenceIII
Dependence of grip strength on shoulder position and its implications for ergonomics practice
Authors: Eryiğit Sevim , Uğurlu Ümit 
Published: December 2018

AbstractGrip strength (GS) variability due to positional changes in the upper extremity joints is of importance while designing workstations and work methods. This study was conducted to analyze the GS variations due to positional changes at shoulder joint when some important variables were under control. The GSs of dominant and nondominant hands were measured in eight shoulder (0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° of flexion and abduction) and standard test positions (STP). One hundred and thirteen subjects 20–30 years old completed the study. At the dominant side, no significant difference was observed in the pairwise comparisons between STP and the others. Maximum and minimum GSs were obtained in 0° abduction and 45° flexion and abduction, respectively. At the nondominant side, GSs were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the corresponding test positions and demonstrated more variability. The findings of this study can contribute to the available knowledge to guide occupational ergonomists in their practices.