bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do New World pitvipers “scale‐down” at high elevations? Macroecological patterns of scale characters and body size
Authors: Jadin Robert C. , Mihaljevic Joseph R. , Orlofske Sarah A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBergmann's rule describes the macroecological pattern of increasing body size in response to higher latitudes and elevations. This pattern is extensively documented in endothermic vertebrates, within and among species; however, studies involving ectotherms are less common and suggest no consistent pattern for amphibians and reptiles. Moreover, adaptive traits, such as epidermal features like scales, have not been widely examined in conjunction with Bergmann's rule, even though these traits affect physiological processes, such as thermoregulation, which are hypothesized as underlying mechanisms for the pattern. Here, we investigate how scale characters correlate with elevation among 122 New World pitviper species, representing 15 genera. We found a contra‐Bergmann's pattern, where body size is smaller at higher elevations. This pattern was mainly driven by the presence of small‐bodied clades at high elevations and large‐bodied clades at low elevations, emphasizing the importance of taxonomic scope in studying macroecological patterns. Within a subset of speciose clades, we found that only Crotalus demonstrated a significant negative relationship between body size and elevation, perhaps because of its wide elevational range. In addition, we found a positive correlation between scale counts and body size but no independent effect of elevation on scale numbers. Our study increases our knowledge of Bergmann's rule in reptiles by specifically examining characters of squamation and suggests a need to reexamine macroecological patterns for this group.
Riparian leaf litter decomposition on pond bottom after a retention on floating vegetation
Authors: Zhang Ya‐Lin , Zhang Wei‐Jun , Duan Jun‐Peng , Pan Xu , Liu Guo‐Fang , Hu Yu‐Kun , Li Wen‐Bing , Jiang Yue‐Ping , Liu Jian , Dai Wen‐Hong , Song Yao‐Bin , Dong Ming 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAllochthonous (e.g., riparian) plant litter is among the organic matter resources that are important for wetland ecosystems. A compact canopy of free‐floating vegetation on the water surface may allow for riparian litter to remain on it for a period of time before sinking to the bottom. Thus, we hypothesized that canopy of free‐floating vegetation may slow decomposition processes in wetlands. To test the hypothesis that the retention of riparian leaf litter on the free‐floating vegetation in wetlands affects their subsequent decomposition on the bottom of wetlands, a 50‐day in situ decomposition experiment was performed in a wetland pond in subtropical China, in which litter bags of single species with fine (0.5 mm) or coarse (2.0 mm) mesh sizes were placed on free‐floating vegetation (dominated by Eichhornia crassipes, Lemna minor, and Salvinia molesta) for 25 days and then moved to the pond bottom for another 25 days or remained on the pond bottom for 50 days. The leaf litter was collected from three riparian species, that is, Cinnamomum camphora, Diospyros kaki, and Phyllostachys propinqua. The retention of riparian leaf litter on free‐floating vegetation had significant negative effect on the carbon loss, marginal negative effects on the mass loss, and no effect on the nitrogen loss from leaf litter, partially supporting the hypothesis. Similarly, the mass and carbon losses from leaf litter decomposing on the pond bottom for the first 25 days of the experiment were greater than those from the litter decomposing on free‐floating vegetation. Our results highlight that in wetlands, free‐floating vegetation could play a vital role in litter decomposition, which is linked to the regulation of nutrient cycling in ecosystems.
Amperometric Biosensors for Tyramine Determination Based on Graphene Oxide and Polyvinylferrocene Modified Screen‐printed Electrodes
Authors: Erden Pınar Esra , Erdoğan Zehra Özden , Öztürk Funda , Koçoğlu İrem Okman , Kılıç Esma 
Published: July 2019

AbstractA comparison of the analytical characteristics of two tyramine biosensors, based on graphene oxide (GRO) and polyvinylferrocene (PVF) modified screen‐printed carbon electrodes (SPCE), is reported. Diamine oxidase (DAOx) or monoamine oxidase (MAOx) was immobilized onto the PVF/GRO modified SPCE to fabricate the biosensors. Surface characteristics and electrochemical behaviour of the modified SPCEs were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Electrode surface composition and experimental variables such as pH and working potential were optimized in order to ensure a high performance. Under optimum experimental conditions, both DAOx/PVF/GRO/SPCE and MAOx/PVF/GRO/SPCE biosensors exhibited wide linear dynamic ranges for tyramine from 9.9×10−7 to 1.2×10−4 M and from 9.9×10−7 to 1.1×10−4 M, respectively. MAOx/PVF/GRO/SPCE biosensor showed higher sensitivity (11.98 μA mM−1) for tyramine determination than the DAOx/PVF/GRO/SPCE biosensor (7.99 μA mM−1). The substrate specifity of the biosensors to other biogenic amines namely histamine, putrescine, spermine, spermidine, tryptamine, β‐phenylethylamine and cadaverine was also investigated. The developed biosensors were successfully used for tyramine determination in cheese sample.
Toward Sustainable Environmental Quality: Priority Research Questions for North America
Authors: Fairbrother Anne , Muir Derek , Solomon Keith R. , Ankley Gerald T. , Rudd Murray A. , Boxall Alistair B.A. , Apell Jennifer N. , Armbrust Kevin L. , Blalock Bonnie J. , Bowman Sarah R. , Campbell Linda M. , Cobb George P. , Connors Kristin A. , Dreier David A. , Evans Marlene S. , Henry Carol J. , Hoke Robert A. , Houde Magali , Klaine Stephen J. , Klaper Rebecca D. , Kullik Sigrun A. , Lanno Roman P. , Meyer Charles , Ottinger Mary Ann , Oziolor Elias , Petersen Elijah J. , Poynton Helen C. , Rice Pamela J. , Rodriguez-Fuentes Gabriela , Samel Alan , Shaw Joseph R. , Steevens Jeffery A. , Verslycke Tim A. , Vidal-Dorsch Doris E. , Weir Scott M. , Wilson Peter , Brooks Bryan W. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Anticipating, identifying, and prioritizing strategic needs represent essential activities by research organizations. Decided benefits emerge when these pursuits engage globally important environment and health goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. To this end, horizon scanning efforts can facilitate identification of specific research needs to address grand challenges. We report and discuss 40 priority research questions following engagement of scientists and engineers in North America. These timely questions identify the importance of stimulating innovation and developing new methods, tools, and concepts in environmental chemistry and toxicology to improve assessment and management of chemical contaminants and other diverse environmental stressors. Grand challenges to achieving sustainable management of the environment are becoming increasingly complex and structured by global megatrends, which collectively challenge existing sustainable environmental quality efforts. Transdisciplinary, systems-based approaches will be required to define and avoid adverse biological effects across temporal and spatial gradients. Similarly, coordinated research activities among organizations within and among countries are necessary to address the priority research needs reported here. Acquiring answers to these 40 research questions will not be trivial, but doing so promises to advance sustainable environmental quality in the 21st century. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1606–1624. © 2019 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Silver (Ag) doped magnesium phosphate microplatelets as next‐generation antibacterial orthopedic biomaterials
Authors: Sikder Prabaha , Bhaduri Sarit B. , Ong Joo L. , Guda Teja 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis article reports for the first time our successful result in the synthesis of antibacterial single‐phase newberyite (NB, MgHPO4.3H2O), an important magnesium phosphate (MgP) bioceramic. The prime novelty lies in the fact that we explore novel MgPs as next‐generation orthopedic biomaterials as opposed to conventional calcium phosphates (CaP). While NB has already shown great promise, unlike its competitor struvite (ST, MgNH4PO4.6H2O), NB is not intrinsically antibacterial. Given the havoc created by surgical site infections (SSI) in orthopedics, it would be worthwhile to explore if antibacterial NB can be synthesized cost‐effectively. To accomplish that central goal, we used silver ion (Ag+) containing precursor solutions and exposed those to microwave irradiation. This action resulted in the rapid synthesis of NB microplatelets. Besides, three other specific objectives are addressed. First, Ag‐doping was optimized to preserve the single‐phase nature for sustained dopant release. Second, Ag+ release kinetics against common infection causing bacterial strains was analyzed. Finally, we inspected for any harmful effect of Ag‐doped NB on MC3T3 preosteoblasts. Interestingly, the single‐phase nature of NB microplatelets can be retained until 2 wt % Ag‐doping and they exhibit good antibacterial and cytocompatible properties. Even though 3 wt % Ag‐doped compositions (composites) were 100% antibacterial; they were cytotoxic.
Application of nanomaterials in three‐dimensional stem cell culture
Authors: Gholizadeh‐Ghaleh Aziz Shiva , Pashaiasl Maryam , Khodadadi Khodadad , Ocheje Onuche 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPetri dish cultured cells have for long provided scientists an aperture to understanding cell's behavior both in normal and disease states as well as in vitro and in vivo. But recent advances have brought to light how the architecture and composite nature of the immediate environment within which the cell is proliferated can profoundly influence its phenotypic features and functions, thus making obvious, limitations of the conventional two‐dimensional cell culture despite it cost effectiveness. Fortunately, the transition to three‐dimensional (3D) cell culture has occurred concurrently with expanded knowledge of nanoscience and materials, thereby lending significant impetus for innovative research. This review is focused on the application of nanoparticles in 3D stem cell breeding, recent trends and developments in medical sciences for improved drug delivery, and treatment approaches to some human diseases. We also reviewed prevailing challenges and concerns of nanotoxicity as it continues to impede and delay clinical applications as well the ongoing concerted and multidisciplinary efforts to overcome them.
Survey of Japanese Orphan Drug Program: Factors Related to Successful Marketing Approval
Authors: Harada Kenji , Toriyabe Kazuki , Ono Shunsuke 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe basic components of regulatory and supporting policies for orphan drug development appear similar between the United States and Japan, but drugs designated as orphan drugs have been different between the 2 countries. The probabilities of development success (ie, marketing approval) in designated orphan drugs have also been significantly different. In this study, we analyzed recent outcomes of development for orphan drugs designated from 1993 to 2017 in Japan, considering their development and approval status in the United States. Our analysis showed that success for orphan drug development in Japan was apparently associated with prior approval status in the United States. Company size, orphan development experience, and patient enrichment were also positively associated with successful marketing approval. Although similar designations and priority review systems for orphan drugs have been enacted, economic incentives and regulatory conditions provided by the systems seem to be different between the 2 countries, which may lead to varied performance in orphan designation and approval. We need to pay close attention to the impact of industrial global development strategies when comparing the outcomes and performance of different orphan drug promotion systems.
Diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumor in the submandibular gland: Case report and literature review
Authors: Jiang Liping , Hu Cai , Chen Li , Chen Lu 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSolitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) rarely occur in the head and neck area. Imaging findings are nonspecific, and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. We report the case of a patient with a mass in the submandibular region that was initially diagnosed as basal cell adenoma. After excision and IHC examinations, a SFT was diagnosed.
The efficacy of metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithm in cone‐beam computed tomography on the diagnostic accuracy of fenestration and dehiscence around dental implants
Authors: Sheikhi Mahnaz , Behfarnia Parichehr , Mostajabi Mahdis , Nasri Naeimeh 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithm of cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) on the diagnostic accuracy of fenestration and dehiscence around dental implants.MethodsTwenty‐three dental implants were placed adjacent to the dehiscence and 23 adjacent to the fenestration defects on bovine bone blocks. The blocks were scanned with CBCT unit in two modes, with and without MAR algorithm. The area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves (Az value), specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were determined for all modes.ResultsFor both defects, the Az values were higher in off MAR condition. The values of sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy, were higher in off MAR condition for both defects. However, the specificity in both defects in the two modes was equal.ConclusionThe MAR algorithm in CBCT unit may not be helpful in increasing the diagnostic accuracy of fenestration and dehiscence around dental implants.
Effect of staged crestal maxillary sinus augmentation: A case series
Authors: Sonoda Tetsuya , Yamamichi Kensuke , Harada Takehiro , Yamamichi Nobuyuki 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn sinus augmentation, when remaining bone height is ≤5 mm, a lateral window approach is often the preferred choice; nonetheless, patients prefer to have a less invasive approach such as crestal sinus augmentation (CSA). Prior case reports have described the use of various staged approaches of a CSA technique in cases of limited bone height. The aim of this report was to describe the results of a case series in which a two‐stage CSA technique was used in patients with 4 to 6 mm of bone height.MethodsNineteen subjects with 28 sinuses of initial vertical bone height of 4 to 6 mm were included in which a two‐stage CSA technique was used in place of a lateral window approach. In the first surgery, 0.3 mL graft material was inserted into all sites. In the second surgery, 13 sites were filled with 0.2 mL graft material and remaining 15 sites were filled with 0.4 mL.ResultsNo damage was observed in the maxillary sinus floor membrane after first 0.2 mL filling; however, one case had Schneiderian membrane perforation after filling 0.4 mL. The average elevation height (EH) after first surgery was 5.81 ± 0.7 mm, 5.15 ± 0.91 mm before second surgery, 6.69 ± 0.89 mm with 0.2 mL filling (total 0.5 mL) and 8.11 ± 1.24 mm with 0.4 mL filling (total 0.7 mL). The thickness of maxillary sinus membrane before first surgery was 2.6 ± 2.59 mm; however, it has become 0.97 ± 1.59 mm before second surgery, with a decrease of 1.6 mm estimate.ConclusionThis case series that assessed outcomes of staged crestal maxillary sinus augmentation was an effective approach to elevating 6 or 8 mm alveolar bone height without causing major membrane perforation. However, the two‐stage approach was used in the limited residual bone height (4 to 6 mm) and required two separate surgical procedures.
Poor oral hygiene is associated with the detection of obligate anaerobes in pneumonia
Authors: Hata Ryosuke , Noguchi Shingo , Kawanami Toshinori , Yamasaki Kei , Akata Kentaro , Ikegami Hiroaki , Fukuda Kazumasa , Hirashima Soichi , Miyawaki Akihiko , Fujino Yoshihisa , Oya Ryoichi , Yatera Kazuhiro , Mukae Hiroshi 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundOral cavity is a reservoir of various respiratory pathogens, and poor oral hygiene is associated with an increase in anaerobic bacteria in oral cavity. In addition, it positively relates higher risk of developing pneumonia and increased pneumonia‐related mortality. However, the association between poor oral hygiene and increase in obligate anaerobes in the lungs of pneumonia patients is unclear.MethodsA total of 39 patients with pneumonia in whom bronchoscopic examination and oral hygiene evaluation were performed were prospectively enrolled. The microbiota of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) directly obtained from the pneumonia lesion was analysed by the clone library analysis. In addition, oral hygiene evaluations were performed using oral hygiene index (OHI), tongue coating score, oral dryness, and community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN). The association between the detection of oral streptococci and obligate anaerobes and oral hygiene status was evaluated.ResultsUsing the clone library analysis of BALF, the phylotypes of oral streptococci and obligate anaerobes were detected in 31 (79.5%) and 26 (66.7%) patients, respectively. Increased oral dryness, OHI, and CPITN, but not the tongue coating score, significantly correlated with higher rate of detection of obligate anaerobes, although no significant associations between the detection of oral streptococci in the lungs and each oral hygiene evaluation were observed. Significantly higher number of obligate anaerobes were detected in the lungs in patients with total oral hygiene score of ≥ 5 (P = 0.008).ConclusionPoor oral hygiene is associated with increased obligate anaerobes in the lungs of patients with pneumonia.
Directionality guided non linear diffusion compressed sensing MR image reconstruction
Authors: Joy Ajin , Jacob Mathews , Paul Joseph Suresh 
Published: July 2019

PurposeAddress the shortcomings of edge‐preserving filters to preserve the complex nature of edges, by adapting the direction of diffusion to the local variations in intensity function on a subpixel level, thereby achieving a reconstruction accuracy superior to that of data‐driven learning‐based approaches.Theory and MethodsRate of diffusion for edges is found to vary in accordance with their gradient direction. Therefore, the edge preservation is strongly dependent on the direction in which the gradient is computed. Since the directionality of edges varies at different regions of the image, the proposed technique computes the gradients in all possible angular directions and uses a spatial‐frequency‐based deviation measure to choose the most reliable edges from the images diffused along different directions.ResultsThe proposed method is compared with the state‐of‐the‐art data‐driven learning‐based techniques of block matching and 3D filtering (BM3D), patch‐based nonlocal operator (PANO), and dictionary learning MRI (DLMRI). Best results are obtained when directionality of edges is estimated from a prior optimized k‐space and shows an improvement in peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) measures by a factor of 2.36 dB, 1.92 dB, and 1.59 dB over BM3D, PANO, and dictionary learning MRI, respectively.ConclusionThe proposed technique prevents the emphasis of false edges and better captures the structural details by a locally varying directionality‐guided diffusion to make the error lower than that of the state‐of‐the‐art reconstruction techniques. In addition, a highly parallelizable form of the proposed model promises a significant gain in the reconstruction speed for practical implementations.
In vitro metabolism of the synthetic cannabinoids PX‐1, PX‐2, and PX‐3 by high‐resolution mass spectrometry and their clearance rates in human liver microsomes
Authors: Cooman Travon , Bell Suzanne 
Published: July 2019

RationaleN‐(1‐Amino‐1‐oxo‐3‐phenylpropan‐2‐yl)‐1‐(5‐fluoropentyl)‐1H‐indole‐3‐carboxamine (PX‐1), N‐(1‐amino‐1‐oxo‐3‐phenylpropan‐2‐yl)‐1‐(5‐fluoropentyl)‐1H‐indazole‐3‐carboxamide (PX‐2), and N‐(1‐amino‐1‐oxo‐3‐phenylpropan‐2‐yl)‐1‐(cyclohexylmethyl)‐1H‐indazole‐3‐carboxamide (PX‐3) are scheduled synthetic cannabinoids (SCs). Due to the lack of metabolism data and the extensive metabolism of SCs, consumption of these illicit substances is challenging to prove. The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolism of PX‐1, PX‐2, and PX‐3 and propose marker metabolites to confirm their use.MethodsPX‐1, PX‐2, and PX‐3 were incubated in pooled human liver microsomes (HLM) to evaluate the phase I metabolites which were identified using a Q‐Exactive hybrid quadrupole‐Orbitrap mass spectrometer. Metabolic stability studies were also performed to investigate the half‐life and clearance rates using an Agilent 6470A triple quadrupole mass spectrometer.ResultsThe calculated half‐lives were 15.1 ± 1.02, 3.4 ± 0.27, and 5.2 ± 0.89 min for PX‐1, PX‐2, and PX‐3, respectively, in HLM. The calculated intrinsic clearance values were 0.046, 0.202, and 0.133 mL/min/mg for PX‐1, PX‐2, and PX‐3, respectively. Four metabolites of PX‐1, six metabolites of PX‐2, and five phase I metabolites of PX‐3 were detected. Oxidative deamination was the common biotransformation between the three compounds and there were no common metabolites.ConclusionsThe metabolic profiles of PX‐1, PX‐2, and PX‐3 provide valuable information for the detection of their metabolites in forensic samples.
Interdisciplinary and experiential learning in urban development management education
Authors: Chen Yawei , Daamen Tom A. , Heurkens Erwin W. T. M. , Verheul Wouter J. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
To understand and deal with real urban development problems, urban planners, designers, and managers need to combine and synthesize a variety of academic and professional knowledge. As our urban challenges grow more complex, learning how to do this effectively becomes ever more important. For educators, this means teaching students how to work in interdisciplinary settings, i.e. how to jointly discover the different disciplinary dimensions of an urban problem, and how to reflectively design courses of action. In this paper, we explore and evaluate the components of such interdisciplinary experiential learning, develop a framework to design and analyse this type of courses, and use it to position and evaluate a specific urban development management course. Results show that, by performing and reflecting upon specific professional roles, the course stimulates students to both integrate different disciplines and reflect on an array of academic and practical insights. Based on our evaluation, we discuss several didactical aspects that may help lecturers to improve their interdisciplinary teaching in urban planning, design, and management courses—particularly when creating learning experiences in an increasingly diverse professional, societal and educational setting.