bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Re‐evaluation of batoid pectoral morphology reveals novel patterns of diversity among major lineages
Authors: Martinez Christopher M. , Rohlf F. James , Frisk Michael G. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTBatoids (Chondrichthyes: Batoidea) are a diverse group of cartilaginous fishes which comprise a monophyletic sister lineage to all neoselachians or modern sharks. All species in this group possess anteroposteriorly expanded‐pectoral fins, giving them a unique disc‐like body form. Reliance on pectoral fins for propulsion ranges from minimal (sawfish) to almost complete dependence (skates and rays). A recent study on the diversity of planform pectoral fin shape in batoids compared overall patterns of morphological variation within the group. However, inconsistent pectoral homology prevented the study from accurately representing relationships within and among major batoid taxa. With previous work in mind, we undertook an independent investigation of pectoral form in batoids and evaluated the implications of shape diversity on locomotion and lifestyle, particularly in the skates (Rajoidei) and rays (Myliobatoidei). We used geometric morphometrics with sliding semilandmarks to analyze pectoral fin outlines and also calculate fin aspect ratios (AR), a functional trait linked to locomotion. In agreement with previous work, our results indicated that much of the evolution of batoid pectoral shape has occurred along a morphological axis that is closely related to AR. For species where kinematic data were available, both shape and AR were associated with swimming mode. This work further revealed novel patterns of shape variation among batoids, including strong bimodality of shape in rays, an intermediate location of skate species in the morphospace between benthic/demersal and pelagic rays, and approximately parallel shape trajectories in the benthic/demersal rays and skates. Finally, manipulation of landmarks verified the need for a consistent and accurate definition of homology for the outcome and efficacy of analyses of pectoral form and function in batoids. J. Morphol. 277:482–493, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ontogeny of head and caudal fin shape of an apex marine predator: The tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)
Authors: Fu Amy L. , Hammerschlag Neil , Lauder George V. , Wilga Cheryl D. , Kuo Chi‐Yun , Irschick Duncan J. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTHow morphology changes with size can have profound effects on the life history and ecology of an animal. For apex predators that can impact higher level ecosystem processes, such changes may have consequences for other species. Tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) are an apex predator in tropical seas, and, as adults, are highly migratory. However, little is known about ontogenetic changes in their body form, especially in relation to two aspects of shape that influence locomotion (caudal fin) and feeding (head shape). We captured digital images of the heads and caudal fins of live tiger sharks from Southern Florida and the Bahamas ranging in body size (hence age), and quantified shape of each using elliptical Fourier analysis. This revealed changes in the shape of the head and caudal fin of tiger sharks across ontogeny. Smaller juvenile tiger sharks show an asymmetrical tail with the dorsal (upper) lobe being substantially larger than the ventral (lower) lobe, and transition to more symmetrical tail in larger adults, although the upper lobe remains relatively larger in adults. The heads of juvenile tiger sharks are more conical, which transition to relatively broader heads over ontogeny. We interpret these changes as a result of two ecological transitions. First, adult tiger sharks can undertake extensive migrations and a more symmetrical tail could be more efficient for swimming longer distances, although we did not test this possibility. Second, adult tiger sharks expand their diet to consume larger and more diverse prey with age (turtles, mammals, and elasmobranchs), which requires substantially greater bite area and force to process. In contrast, juvenile tiger sharks consume smaller prey, such as fishes, crustaceans, and invertebrates. Our data reveal significant morphological shifts in an apex predator, which could have effects for other species that tiger sharks consume and interact with. J. Morphol. 277:556–564, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of the precision and reproducibility of ventricular volume, function, and mass measurements with ferumoxytol‐enhanced 4D flow MRI
Authors: Hanneman Kate , Kino Aya , Cheng Joseph Y. , Alley Marcus T. , Vasanawala Shreyas S. 
Published: February 2016

PurposeTo compare the precision and interobserver agreement of ventricular volume, function, and mass quantification by 3D time‐resolved (4D) flow MRI relative to cine steady‐state free precession (SSFP).Materials and MethodsWith Institutional Research Board approval, informed consent, and HIPAA compliance, 22 consecutive patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) (10 males, 6.4 ± 4.8 years) referred for 3T ferumoxytol‐enhanced cardiac MRI were prospectively recruited. Complete ventricular coverage with standard 2D short‐axis cine SSFP and whole chest coverage with axial 4D flow were obtained. Two blinded radiologists independently segmented images for left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) myocardium at end systole (ES) and end diastole (ED). Statistical analysis included linear regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Bland–Altman (BA) analysis, and intraclass correlation (ICC).ResultsSignificant positive correlations were found between 4D flow and SSFP for ventricular volumes (r = 0.808–0.972, P < 0.001), ejection fraction (EF) (r = 0.900–928, P < 0.001), and mass (r = 0.884–0.934, P < 0.001). BA relative limits of agreement for both ventricles were between –52% to 34% for volumes, –29% to 27% for EF, and –41% to 48% for mass, with wider limits of agreement for the RV compared to the LV. There was no significant difference between techniques with respect to mean square difference of ED‐ES mass for either LV (F = 2.05, P = 0.159) or RV (F = 0.625, P = 0.434). Interobserver agreement was moderate to good with both 4D flow (ICC 0.523–0.993) and SSFP (ICC 0.619–0.982), with overlapping confidence intervals.ConclusionQuantification of ventricular volume, function, and mass can be accomplished with 4D flow MRI with precision and interobserver agreement comparable to that of cine SSFP. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:383–392.
Variations in medial‐lateral hamstring force and force ratio influence tibiofemoral kinematics
Authors: Shalhoub Sami , Fitzwater Fallon G. , Cyr Adam J. , Maletsky Lorin P. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTA change in hamstring strength and activation is typically seen after injuries or invasive surgeries such as anterior cruciate reconstruction or total knee replacement. While many studies have investigated the influence of isometric increases in hamstring load on knee joint kinematics, few have quantified the change in kinematics due to a variation in medial to lateral hamstring force ratio. This study examined the changes in knee joint kinematics on eight cadaveric knees during an open‐chain deep knee bend for six different loading configurations: five loaded hamstring configurations that varied the ratio of a total load of 175 N between the semimembranosus and biceps femoris and one with no loads on the hamstring. The anterior–posterior translation of the medial and lateral femoral condyles’ lowest points along proximal‐distal axis of the tibia, the axial rotation of the tibia, and the quadriceps load were measured at each flexion angle. Unloading the hamstring shifted the medial and lateral lowest points posteriorly and increased tibial internal rotation. The influence of unloading hamstrings on quadriceps load was small in early flexion and increased with knee flexion. The loading configuration with the highest lateral hamstrings force resulted in the most posterior translation of the medial lowest point, most anterior translation of the lateral lowest point, and the highest tibial external rotation of the five loading configurations. As the medial hamstring force ratio increased, the medial lowest point shifted anteriorly, the lateral lowest point shifted posteriorly, and the tibia rotated more internally. The results of this study, demonstrate that variation in medial‐lateral hamstrings force and force ratio influence tibiofemoral transverse kinematics and quadriceps loads required to extend the knee. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1707–1715, 2016.
Hyaluronic acid versus saline intra‐articular injections for amelioration of chronic knee osteoarthritis: A canine model
Authors: Pashuck Troy D. , Kuroki Keiichi , Cook Cristi R. , Stoker Aaron M. , Cook James L. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of intra‐articular injections of hyaluronic acid (HA) versus saline for symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). Twenty‐five adult purpose‐bred dogs underwent meniscal release of one knee. Clinical, arthroscopic, and radiographic signs of OA were confirmed in all dogs prior to treatment. Dogs were randomized into five groups: HA‐1 (n = 5), HA‐3 (n = 5), HA‐5 (n = 5), Saline‐1 (n = 5), and Saline‐3 (n = 5). Each dog received intra‐articular injections of the respective substance into the affected knee at the pre‐determined time points. Dogs were assessed for heat, swelling, and erythema after each injection and for lameness, pain, effusion, range of motion, kinetics, radiographic OA scoring, and arthroscopic scoring prior to treatment and for 6 months after injection. Dogs were then humanely euthanatized and the knees assessed grossly and histologically. Only mild heat, swelling, and/or erythema were noted in some dogs following injection and resolved within 1 week. Dogs treated with HA‐1, HA‐3, and HA‐5 were significantly (p < 0.05) better than dogs treated with Saline‐1 and Saline‐3 at the 4, 8, and 12 week time points based on at least one outcome measure. OA severity was not significantly different among groups at any time point, but increased in severity over time in all groups. Gross and histologic OA scores were not significantly different among groups. These data suggest the three HA injection protocols were safe, superior to saline for short‐term amelioration of symptoms associated with chronic OA, and can be translated to human OA treatment. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1772–1779, 2016.
On The Role of Wetting, Structure Width, and Flow Characteristics in Polymer Replication on Micro‐ and Nanoscale
Authors: Rytka Christian , Opara Nadia , Andersen Nis Korsgaard , Kristiansen Per Magnus , Neyer Andreas 
Published: February 2016

The replication of functional polymeric micro‐ and nanostructures requires a deep understanding of material and process interrelations. In this investigation the dewetting potential of a polymer is proposed as a simple rationale for estimation of the replicability of functional micro‐ and nanostructures by injection molding. The dewetting potential of a polymer is determined by integrating the spreading coefficient over the range from melt temperature to no‐flow temperature. From all polymers tested, the lowest dewetting potential is calculated for PP and the highest for polymethylmethacrylate. The dewetting potential correlates well with the replicated height of four different structures covering both the micro‐ and the nanorange on two different surfaces (brass and fluorocarbon modified nickel) and polymers with different spreading coefficients. It is clearly shown that a lower dewetting potential of a polymer leads to a better replication accuracy. Additionally a parabolic relationship is demonstrated between filled height and structure width.
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Standardized Assessment of Hereditary Ataxia Patients in Clinical Studies
Authors: Paap Brigitte K. , Roeske Sandra , Durr Alexandra , Schöls Ludger , Ashizawa Tetsuo , Boesch Sylvia , Bunn Lisa M. , Delatycki Martin B. , Giunti Paola , Lehéricy Stéphane , Mariotti Caterina , Melegh Jörg , Pandolfo Massimo , Tallaksen Chantal M.E. , Timmann Dagmar , Tsuji Shoji , Schulz Jörg Bela , van de Warrenburg Bart P. , Klockgether Thomas 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundHereditary ataxias are a heterogeneous group of degenerative diseases of the cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord. They may present with isolated ataxia or with additional symptoms going beyond cerebellar deficits. There are an increasing number of clinical studies with the goal to define the natural history of these disorders, develop biomarkers, and investigate therapeutic interventions. Especially, early and preclinical disease stages are currently of particular interest.Methods and ResultsEvidence‐based, we review standards for sampling and storage of biomaterials, clinical and neuropsychological assessment, as well as neurophysiology and neuroimaging and recommendations for standardized assessment of ataxia patients in multicenter studies.ConclusionsDNA, RNA, serum, and, if possible, cerebrospinal fluid samples should be processed following established standards. Clinical assessment in ataxia studies must include use of a validated clinical ataxia scale. There are several validated clinical ataxia scales available. There are no instruments that were specifically designed for assessing neuropsychological and psychiatric symptoms in ataxia disorders. We provide a list of tests that may prove valuable. Quantitative performance tests have the potential to supplement clinical scales. They provide additional objective and quantitative information. Posturography and quantitative movement analysis—despite valid approaches—require standardization before implemented in multicenter studies. Standardization of neurophysiological tools, as required for multicenter interventional trials, is still lacking. Future multicenter neuroimaging studies in ataxias should implement quality assurance measures as defined by the ADNI or other consortia. MRI protocols should allow morphometric analyses.
Epidemiology of myasthenia gravis in Northern Portugal: Frequency estimates and clinical epidemiological distribution of cases
Authors: Santos Ernestina , Coutinho Ester , Moreira Isabel , Silva Ana Martins , Lopes Dina , Costa Henrique , Silveira Fernando , Nadais Goreti , Morais Hugo , Martins João , Branco Maria Ceu , Veiga Andreia , Silva Rosa Santos , Ferreira Augusto , Sousa Filipa , Freijo Marta , Matos Ilda , André Rui , Negrão Luís , Fraga Carla , Santos Manuela , Sampaio Mafalda , Lopes Carlos , Leite Maria Isabel , Gonçalves Guilherme 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTIntroduction: In this study we estimated the prevalence, incidence, and mortality of myasthenia gravis (MG) in northern Portugal and characterized the clinical features of the patients identified. Methods: We used 2 data sources: clinical records from the hospitals and pyridostigmine prescription registers. Results: On December 31, 2013, we estimated a point prevalence of 111.7 patients per million population. The highest prevalence was observed in the group >65 years of age, especially in men (288.1 per million). During 2013, we estimated an incidence rate of 6.3 per million per year. Among women, the incidence rate was highest in the 15–49‐year age group; in men, incidence increased with age up to 22.1 per million in those >65 years old. The MG‐related mortality rate was 0.5 per million. Conclusions: These figures are in keeping with similar studies and emphasize the importance of diagnosis and management of MG in elderly populations. Muscle Nerve 54: 413–421, 2016
Perception of pain during electromyography in children: A prospective study
Authors: Alshaikh Nahla M. , Martinez Jeimmy Pinzon , Pitt Matthew C. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTIntroductionElectrodiagnostic examination is perceived as a painful examination. An accurate assessment of its discomfort would be valuable to children, their parents, and clinicians.MethodsWe performed a prospective study of pediatric patients seen over 3 months at 1 center. Pain was scored for both nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography (EMG) on validated scales, depending on the child's age and in comparison with venipuncture.ResultsIn 100 cases the pain recorded fell within the moderate range on the scoring systems used. Sixty‐six percent of patients described the pain to be equivalent or less than that with venipuncture. EMG of > 1 muscle or a proximal muscle produced more pain in patients <4 years of age.ConclusionsWhen discussing the test with patients, the physician should reassure the patient and parents regarding the degree of pain that may be encountered, which is not materially different from venipuncture. Muscle Nerve 54: 422–426, 2016
Bone marrow segmentation based on a combined consideration of transverse relaxation processes and Dixon oscillations
Authors: Balasubramanian Mukund , Jarrett Delma Y. , Mulkern Robert V. 
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study was to demonstrate that gradient‐echo sampling of single spin echoes can be used to isolate the signal from trabecular bone marrow, with high‐quality segmentation and surface reconstructions resulting from the application of simple post‐processing strategies.Theoretical expressions of the time‐domain single‐spin‐echo signal were used to simulate signals from bone marrow, non‐bone fatty deposits and muscle. These simulations were compared with and used to interpret signals obtained by the application of the gradient‐echo sampling of a spin‐echo sequence to image the knee and surrounding tissues at 1.5 T.Trabecular bone marrow has a much higher reversible transverse relaxation rate than surrounding non‐bone fatty deposits and other musculoskeletal tissues. This observation, combined with a choice of gradient‐echo spacing that accentuates Dixon‐type oscillations from chemical‐shift interference effects, enabled the isolation of bone marrow signal from surrounding tissues through the use of simple image subtraction and thresholding. Three‐dimensional renderings of the marrow surface were then readily generated with this approach – renderings that may prove useful for bone morphology assessment, e.g. for the measurement of femoral anteversion.In conclusion, understanding the behavior of signals from bone marrow and surrounding tissue as a function of time through a spin echo facilitates the segmentation and reconstruction of bone marrow surfaces using straightforward post‐processing strategies that are typically available on modern radiology workstations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly[(3‐hydroxybutyrate)‐co‐(3‐hydroxyvalerate)] active bilayer films obtained by compression moulding and applying essential oils at the interface
Authors: Requena Raquel , Jiménez Alberto , Vargas María , Chiralt Amparo 
Published: February 2016

AbstractFour active components, oregano essential oil (OR) and its respective main compound carvacrol (CA) and clove essential oil (CLO) and its respective main compound eugenol (EU), were used separately to obtain, using compression moulding, poly[(3‐hydroxybutyrate)‐co‐(3‐hydroxyvalerate)] (PHBV) bilayer films with antimicrobial activity. The active compounds were sprayed (15% w/w, polymer to active compound ratio) at the interface between two layers of PHBV, which were joined using thermo‐compression. Tensile, barrier and optical properties, as well as thermal behaviour, of the films were characterized after one week at 25 °C and 53% relative humidity. Likewise, the antimicrobial activity of the films was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua. Although the tensile properties of the films were not improved with respect to pure PHBV films by the addition of the active compounds, more transparent materials with better water vapour barrier capacity were obtained. Thermogravimetric analyses showed that CA and EU slightly decreased the polymer thermal stability, while OR and CLO led to more thermally resistant material. Miscibility of actives with the polymer was assessed through the promoted decrease in melting temperature and degree of crystallinity. PHBV films allowed the release of the active compounds in adequate amounts and at adequate rates into culture media to control the microbial growth of the two tested bacteria. The films were significantly more effective against E. coli than against L. innocua. Both bacteria were more sensitive to OR and to its main compound, CA, due to the greater antimicrobial effectiveness of these components. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
The respective roles of polar/nonpolar binary patterns and amino acid composition in protein regular secondary structures explored exhaustively using hydrophobic cluster analysis
Authors: Rebehmed Joseph , Quintus Flavien , Mornon Jean‐Paul , Callebaut Isabelle 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTSeveral studies have highlighted the leading role of the sequence periodicity of polar and nonpolar amino acids (binary patterns) in the formation of regular secondary structures (RSS). However, these were based on the analysis of only a few simple cases, with no direct mean to correlate binary patterns with the limits of RSS. Here, HCA‐derived hydrophobic clusters (HC) which are conditioned binary patterns whose positions fit well those of RSS, were considered. All the HC types, defined by unique binary patterns, which were commonly observed in three‐dimensional (3D) structures of globular domains, were analyzed. The 180 HC types with preferences for either α‐helices or β‐strands distinctly contain basic binary units typical of these RSS. Therefore a general trend supporting the “binary pattern preference” assumption was observed. HC for which observed RSS are in disagreement with their expected behavior (discordant HC) were also examined. They were separated in HC types with moderate preferences for RSS, having “weak” binary patterns and versatile RSS and HC types with high preferences for RSS, having “strong” binary patterns and then displaying nonpolar amino acids at the protein surface. It was shown that in both cases, discordant HC could be distinguished from concordant ones by well‐differentiated amino acid compositions. The obtained results could, thus, help to complement the currently available methods for the accurate prediction of secondary structures in proteins from the only information of a single amino acid sequence. This can be especially useful for characterizing orphan sequences and for assisting protein engineering and design. Proteins 2016; 84:624–638. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The 3‐method for thermal conductivity measurements in a bottom heater geometry
Authors: Feuchter Manuel , Jooss Christian , Kamlah Marc 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn this article, we investigate a bottom heater geometry configuration for the 3‐method, to determine the thermal conductivity of bulk‐like materials and thin covering layer materials. By finite element simulations, the temperature oscillations due to AC Joule heating are calculated in the time domain. Based on these calculations an understanding is developed for the dependence of the temperature amplitude on thermal conductivity and the chosen geometries. Since no closed form solution exists for these configurations, we developed a new evaluation methodology in order to identify the thermal conductivity of the investigated material. We discuss the determination of the cross‐plane thermal conductivity of materials in bulk and thin film geometries and verify the obtained result by an experiment, where a SrTiO thin film is deposited on top of a Pt heater.