bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid analysis and characterization of multiple constituents of corn silk aqueous extract using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Yumei , Liu Qi , Fan Songjie , Yang Xueting , Ming Linlin , Wang Huimin , Liu Jianhua 
Published: July 2019

AbstractCorn silk is a well‐known traditional Chinese medicine that has been widely used for its antidiabetic, antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, and other effects in China for thousands of years. Numerous studies have revealed that corn silk contains multiple bioactive constituents that are beneficial for human health. However, the constituents of corn silk in vivo remain ambiguous. In this study, high‐throughput ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry technology using multivariate statistical analysis was established to systematically investigate the constituents migrating into blood from corn silk aqueous extract. As a result, 76 compounds were identified, including caffeic acid and ten of its derivatives, (E)‐p‐coumaric acid and two of its derivatives, ferulic acid and four of its derivatives, and five flavones. Among the identified constituents, 21 constituents, including nine prototype components and 12 metabolites derived from eight components, were characterized in sequence. Based on the significance of the results, the applied approach was powerful for the accurate determination and rapid screening of bioactive components from corn silk aqueous extract. The obtained results are valuable for the in‐depth understanding and further pharmacological study of corn silk aqueous extract.
Supramolecular Assembly of Oriented Spherulitic Crystals of Conjugated Polymers Surrounding Carbon Nanotube Fibers
Authors: Armas Jeremy A. , Reynolds Karina J. , Marsh Zachary M. , Fernández‐Blázquez Juan P. , Ayala Denzel , Cronin Adam D. , Del Aguila Jeremy , Fideldy Rikki , Abdou John P. , Bilger David W. , Vilatela Juan J. , Stefik Morgan , Scott Gregory E. , Zhang Shanju 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe directed assembly of conjugated polymers into macroscopic organization with controlled orientation and placement is pivotal in improving device performance. Here, the supramolecular assembly of oriented spherulitic crystals of poly(3‐butylthiophene) surrounding a single carbon nanotube fiber under controlled solvent evaporation of solution‐cast films is reported. Oriented lamellar structures nucleate on the surface of the nanotube fiber in the form of a transcrystalline interphase. The factors influencing the formation of transcrystals are investigated in terms of chemical structure, crystallization temperature, and time. Dynamic process measurements exhibit the linear growth of transcrystals with time. Microstructural analysis of transcrystals reveals individual lamellar organization and crystal polymorphism. The form II modification occurs at low temperatures, while both form I and form II modifications coexist at high temperatures. A possible model is presented to interpret transcrystallization and polymorphism.
Direct muscle neurotization with long acellular nerve allograft: A case report
Authors: Tuffaha Sami H. , Meaike Jesse D. , Moran Steven L. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractNerve repair and nerve transfer are the optimal approaches to restore function to denervated muscle. When the distal‐most portion of the nerve entering the muscle is compromised, these are not possible and direct muscle neurotization (DMN) is considered. We describe the first reported case of DMN with acellular nerve allograft. The patient is a 25 year old male who sustained a blast injury to the patient's proximal leg with segmental injury to the deep peroneal nerve resulting in complete foot drop with 0/5 dorsiflexion and toe extension. Given complete obliteration of the distal nerve, we performed direct neurotization of the tibialis anterior muscle with a 7 cm acellular nerve allograft coapted to the proximal stump of the deep peroneal nerve. At 3 years after surgery, the patient regained 5/5 strength with dorsiflexion and toe extension and normal gait. This case supports the use of acellular nerve allografts to restore function to denervated muscle when the distal nerve stump is not available for nerve repair or transfer and there is a desire to avoid the morbidity of autologous nerve graft harvest.
Automatic tandem and ring reconstruction using MRI for cervical cancer brachytherapy
Authors: Hrinivich William T. , Morcos Marc , Viswanathan Akila , Lee Junghoon 
Published: July 2019

PurposeThe MRI‐guided cervical cancer brachytherapy provides unparalleled soft‐tissue contrast for target and normal tissue contouring, but eliminates the ability to use conventional metallic fiducials for radiation source path reconstruction as required for treatment planning. Instead, the source path is reconstructed by manually aligning a library model to the signal void produced by the applicator, which takes time intraoperatively and precludes fully automated treatment planning. The purpose of this study is to present and validate an algorithm to automatically reconstruct tandem and ring applicators using MRI for cervical cancer brachytherapy treatment planning.MethodsApplicators were reconstructed using T2‐weighted MR images acquired at 1.5 T from 33 brachytherapy fractions including 10 patients using a model‐to‐image registration algorithm. The algorithm involves (a) image filtering and maximum intensity projection to highlight the applicator, (b) ring center identification using the circular Hough transform, and (c) three‐dimensional surface model registration, optimized by maximizing the image intensity gradient normal to the model surface. Two independent observers manually reconstructed all applicators, enabling the calculation of interobserver variability and establishing a ground truth. Algorithm variability was calculated by comparing algorithm results to each individual observer, and algorithm accuracy was calculated by comparing algorithm results to the ground truth. The algorithm variability and accuracy were compared to the interobserver variability using paired t‐tests.ResultsMean ± SD interobserver variability was 0.83 ± 0.31 mm and 0.78 ± 0.29 mm for the ring and tandem, respectively. The algorithm had mean ± SD variability and accuracy of 0.72 ± 0.32 mm (P = 0.02) and 0.60 ± 0.24 mm (P = 0.0005) for the ring, and 0.70 ± 0.29 mm (P = 0.11) and 0.58 ± 0.24 mm (P = 0.004) for the tandem, respectively.ConclusionsThe algorithm variability and accuracy were within the interobserver variability measured in this study. The algorithm accuracy and mean execution time of 10.0 s are sufficient for clinical tandem and ring reconstruction, and are a step toward fully automated tandem and ring brachytherapy treatment planning.
Impact of Abdominal Obesity on Proximal and Distal Aorta Wall Thickness in African Americans: The Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Mzayek Fawaz , Wang Lisa E. , Relyea George , Yu Xinhua , Terry James G. , Carr Jeffrey , Hundley Gregory W. , Hall Michael E. , Correa Adolfo 
Published: July 2019

ObjectiveAbdominal obesity and wall thickness of the central arteries have been associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Despite the higher burden of overweight and cardiovascular disease among African Americans, limited data are available on the association of abdominal obesity with aortic wall thickness in African Americans. We assessed the cross‐sectional and the longitudinal associations of abdominal obesity with aortic intima‐media thickness (aIMT) in a cohort of African Americans from the Jackson Heart Study.MethodsData on aIMT and repeated measures of waist circumference (WC) and waist to height ratio from 1,572 participants, as well as on abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and aIMT from 1,223 participants, were analyzed. aIMT was measured at proximal ascending aorta (PA‐aIMT), proximal descending aorta (PD‐aIMT), and distal aorta (bifurcation) using cardiac magnetic resonance. SAT and VAT were measured using computerized tomography.ResultsWC and WHtR were longitudinally associated with PA‐aIMT and PD‐aIMT; SAT and VAT were associated with PA‐aIMT only. Only WC was associated with distal aIMT.ConclusionsAbdominal obesity measures are associated with increased proximal aIMT in adult African Americans. Only WC is associated with wall thickness in all three segments of the aorta.
Solution‐Based Determination of Dissociation Constants for the Binding of Aβ42 to Antibodies
Authors: Zhang Tao , Nagel‐Steger Luitgard , Willbold Dieter 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAmyloid β‐peptides (Aβ) play a major role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, numerous monoclonal antibodies against Aβ have been developed for basic and clinical research. The present study applied fluorescence based analytical ultracentrifugation and microscale thermophoresis to characterize the interaction between Aβ42 monomers and three popular, commercially available antibodies, namely 6E10, 4G8 and 12F4. Both methods allowed us to analyze the interactions at low nanomolar concentrations of analytes close to their dissociation constants (KD) as required for the study of high affinity interactions. Furthermore, the low concentrations minimized the unwanted self‐aggregation of Aβ. Our study demonstrates that all three antibodies bind to Aβ42 monomers with comparable affinities in the low nanomolar range. KD values for Aβ42 binding to 6E10 and 4G8 are in good agreement with formerly reported values from SPR studies, while the KD for 12F4 binding to Aβ42 monomer is reported for the first time.
Relationship between respiratory function and need for NIV in childhood SMA
Authors: Kapur Nitin , Deegan Sean , Parakh Ankit , Gauld Leanne 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) causes progressive respiratory muscle weakness but respiratory function (RF) in those using noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is not well described.ObjectiveTo describe RF in childhood SMA and assess differences between those using and not using NIV.MethodsA cross‐sectional study of childhood SMA assessed polysomnography (PSG), spirometry, forced oscillation technique (FOT), lung clearance index (LCI), sniff nasal inspiratory pressures, peak cough flow, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure, and NIV use and indication.ResultsTwenty‐five children (median age [interquartile range], 8.96 [5.63] years; 10 F) with SMA 1 (n = 3), 2 (n = 15), and 3 (n = 7) were recruited. Spirometry and FOT testing was feasible in children as young as 3 years. Ten (40%) required NIV, 5 for sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB), and 5 initiated during lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). Children requiring NIV were older (median, 10.52 vs 5.67 years; P < .02) with more abnormal forced vital capacity (FVC) z‐score (−5.70 vs −1.39, P < .02), Rsr8 z‐score (1.97 vs 0.50, P = .04), and LCI (8.84 vs 7.34, P = .01). Two had normal RF and SDB. For FVC z‐score less than −2.5 and LCI greater than 7.5, the odds ratio for NIV was 10.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39‐82.03) and 2 (95% CI, 0.40‐10.31), respectively. All children with LCI greater than 8 used NIV. FVC z‐score and LCI are associated with maximum transcutaneous carbon dioxide on PSG (r = 0.43, P < .001).ConclusionNIV is common in SMA. Normal RF does not exclude SDB. Children with more abnormal FVC and LCI should be considered at risk of starting NIV during/following an LRTI.
Outcomes of pulmonary vascular disease in infants conceived with non‐IVF fertility treatment and assisted reproductive technologies at 1 year of age
Authors: Fineman David C. , Baer Rebecca J. , Chambers Christina D. , Rajagopal Satish , Maltepe Emin , Rinaudo Paolo F. , Fineman Jeffrey R. , Jelliffe‐Pawlowski Laura L. , Steurer Martina A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundAssisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have been associated with the development of endothelial dysfunction.ObjectiveTo determine potential differences in outcomes associated with pulmonary vascular disease in infants born to mothers receiving any infertility treatment including ART and non‐IVF fertility treatments (NIFTs).Design/MethodsThe sample was derived from an administrative database containing detailed information on infant and maternal characteristics for live‐born infants in California (2007‐2012) with gestational age (GA) 22 to 44 weeks. Cases were defined as infants with ICD‐9 code for pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) and records for ART/NIFT. Controls were randomly selected at a 1:4 ratio. The primary outcome was 1‐year mortality. Crude and adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.ResultsWe identified 159 cases and 636 controls. Mothers that utilized ART/NIFT were older, to be of the Caucasian race, to have pre‐eclampsia, private insurance, and education >12 years (P < .001). Cases compared to controls were more premature, had lower birth weights, and were more often the product of a multiple gestation pregnancy (P < .001). Cases had a higher 1‐year mortality (18.2% vs 9.1%; OR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.4, 3.6), more severe PVD (86.2% vs 72.3%; OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.5, 3.9), and a longer hospital stay (66.7 ± 73.0 vs 32.5 ± 47.2 days; P < .001) than controls. However, when adjusting for GA these differences become statistically insignificant.ConclusionChildren born following ART/NIFT with PVD had increased mortality compared to infants with PVD but without ART/NIFT. The primary driver of this relationship is prematurity.
A Val‐202‐Phe α‐tubulin mutation and enhanced metabolism confer dinitroaniline resistance in a single Lolium rigidum population
Authors: Chen Jinyi , Chu Zhizhan , Han Heping , Goggin Danica E , Yu Qin , Sayer Chad , Powles Stephen B 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDA Lolium rigidum population collected from Western Australia was previously reported as highly resistant to dinitroaniline herbicides mainly due to a Val‐202‐Phe substitution in the target site α‐tubulin protein. To further determine the contribution of the 202 mutation to resistance, two sub‐populations, respectively comprising the 202 mutant and wild‐type (WT) individuals, were isolated from within the same resistant population and subject to dinitroaniline herbicide doses. A rice transgenic study was conducted to demonstrate whether the amino acid substitution at the 202 residue confers resistance. In addition, as indicated in the phenotyping and genotyping study, non‐target enhanced trifluralin metabolism was further examined in the same population.RESULTSThe 202 mutants were more resistant than the wild‐type plants. Rice calli transformed with the L. rigidum mutant α‐tubulin gene (Val‐202‐Phe) were more resistant to dinitroaniline herbicides relative to calli transformed with the wild‐type gene. Also, enhanced trifluralin metabolism was detected in the 202 mutants in comparison to the susceptible seedlings.CONLCUSIONBoth target‐site Val‐202‐Phe α‐tubulin mutation and non‐target‐site enhanced trifluralin metabolism co‐exist in this dinitroaniline‐resistant L. rigidum population. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Fertility intention‐induced relocation: The mediating role of housing markets
Authors: Li Ang 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis study provides an empirical investigation on the impact of fertility intentions on residential relocation behaviours of partnered women during periods of housing price inflation in Australia. The finding suggests that there is a significant impact of fertility intentions on residential mobility. Couples with strong fertility intentions tend to move from one owner‐occupied dwelling to another with more capacity in more affordable local government areas. However, there is substantial heterogeneity around housing market conditions. The translation of fertility intention into relocation was not observed in housing markets with high affordability pressures. This study extends previous research on fertility intention and relocation behaviour by considering how housing market conditions can interfere the translation of fertility intentions into residential moves and the realisation of fertility intentions in births.
The use of palaeoecological and contemporary macroinvertebrate community data to characterize riverine reference conditions
Authors: Seddon Emma , Hill Matthew , Greenwood Malcolm T. , Mainstone Christopher , Mathers Kate , White James C. , Wood Paul J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractDefining reference conditions is a crucial element in quantifying the extent of anthropogenic modification and for identifying restoration targets in riverine ecosystems. Despite palaeoecological approaches being widely applied in lakes to establish reference conditions, their use in lotic ecosystems remains limited. In this study, we examine contemporary, historical (1930 and 1972), and palaeoecological macroinvertebrate biodiversity and biomonitoring scores in Eastburn Beck, a headwater tributary of the River Hull (UK) to determine if palaeoecological approaches can be used to characterize lotic system reference conditions. Palaeoecological samples comprised a greater gamma diversity (18 taxa) than contemporary samples (8 taxa), samples taken in 1972 (11 taxa) and 1930 (8 taxa). Palaeoecological samples supported taxonomically different Gastropoda, Trichoptera, and Coleoptera (GTC) communities compared with contemporary and historical samples (1930 and 1972). Results from biomonitoring indices using the GTC community indicated that the palaeochannel had (a) similar invertebrate biological quality, (b) a less energetic flow regime, and (c) increased fine sediment deposits compared with the contemporary channel. The results clearly illustrate that palaeoecological data can provide a suitable method to characterize reference conditions for lotic habitats. However, it is important to recognize that faunal data from palaeochannel deposits provide a short‐term “snapshot” of the conditions within the river immediately prior to its hydrological isolation. River restoration activities should therefore draw on multiple lines of evidence, including palaeoecological information where possible, to characterize a range of reference conditions to reflect the highly dynamic nature of lotic ecosystems.
Amnion membrane hydrogel and amnion membrane powder accelerate wound healing in a full thickness porcine skin wound model
Authors: Murphy Sean V. , Skardal Aleksander , Nelson Ronald A. , Sunnon Khiry , Reid Tanya , Clouse Cara , Kock Nancy D. , Jackson John , Soker Shay , Atala Anthony 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
There is a need for effective wound treatments that retain the bioactivity of a cellular treatment, but without the high costs and complexities associated with manufacturing, storing, and applying living biological products. Previously, we developed an amnion membrane-derived hydrogel and evaluated its wound healing properties using a mouse wound model. In this study, we used a full thickness porcine skin wound model to evaluate the wound-healing efficacy of the amnion hydrogel and a less-processed amnion product comprising a lyophilized amnion membrane powder. These products were compared with commercially available amnion and nonamnion wound healing products. We found that the amnion hydrogel and amnion powder treatments demonstrated significant and rapid wound healing, driven primarily by new epithelialization versus closure by contraction. Histological analysis demonstrated that these treatments promote the formation of a mature epidermis and dermis with similar composition to healthy skin. The positive skin regenerative outcomes using amnion hydrogel and amnion powder treatments in a large animal model further demonstrate their potential translational value for human wound treatments.

Significance statement This study demonstrates the efficacy of amnion hydrogel and amnion powder wound healing products in a large animal model. This further demonstrates their potential translational value for human wound treatments.
Toward achieving environmental sustainability target in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries: The role of real income, research and development, and transport infrastructure
Authors: Danish  , Zhang JianWu , Hassan Syed Tauseef , Iqbal Kashif 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe transport sector due to growing population significantly contributes to greenhouse gases, and its share in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are increasing around the world. Therefore, this study investigates the linkage between research and development (R&D), transport, real income, and transport's CO2 in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries from 1990 to 2015. The study uses long‐run robust panel estimation methods such as mean group, fully modified ordinary least square, and DK standard regression that allow for heterogeneity and cross‐sectional dependence in the panel data analysis. The study finds that real income and population density contributes to CO2 emissions. Furthermore, transport infrastructure has an insignificant impact on CO2 emissions. However, R&D has a diminishing negative impact that lowers CO2 emissions. The control over the high population density and investment in R&D in clean energy production projects are necessary to combat the high rate of transport's CO2 emissions in OECD countries.
How enhancing gender inclusion affects inequality: Thresholds of complementary policies for sustainable development
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , Odhiambo Nicholas M. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis study investigates how enhancing gender inclusion affects inequality in 42 African countries for the period 2004–2014. The empirical evidence is based on the generalised method of moments. Three inequality indicators are used, namely, the Gini coefficient, Atkinson index, and Palma ratio. The two gender inclusion measurements used include female labour force participation and female employment. The following main findings are established. There are positive net effects on inequality from the enhancement of gender inclusion dynamics. An extended threshold analysis is used to assess critical masses at which further increasing gender inclusion enhances inequality. The established thresholds are as follows: (a) 55.555 “employment to population ratio, 15+, female (%)” for the nexus with the Gini coefficient. (b) 50 “labour force participation rate, female (% of female population ages 15+)” and between 50 and 55 “employment to population ratio, 15+, female (%)”, for the Atkinson index. (c) 61.87 “labour force participation rate, female (% of female population ages 15+)” for the Palma ratio. These established thresholds are worthwhile for sustainable development because, beyond the critical masses, policymakers should complement the gender inclusion policy with other measures designed to reduce income inequality. Some complementary measures that can be taken on board beyond the established thresholds could focus on enhancing, inter alia, information and communication technology, infrastructural development, financial inclusion, and inclusive education.