bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age‐ and sex‐related differences in diastolic function and cardiac dimensions in a hypertensive population
Authors: Hoshida Shiro , Shinoda Yukinori , Ikeoka Kuniyasu , Fukuoka Hidetada , Inui Hirooki , Watanabe Tetsuya 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAimsThe prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction increases with age, particularly in hypertensive women. We aimed to determine the age‐ and sex‐related differences in diastolic function, and its relation to alterations of cardiac dimensions in a hypertensive population.Methods and resultsWe enrolled 479 hypertensive patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50% (men/women, 267/212) and their echocardiographic parameters regarding LV performance and vascular function were measured. Left atrial volume index (LAVI) and operant diastolic elastance (EdI: E/e′/stroke volume index), but not LV mass index (LVMI), correlated weakly with age in both sexes. The arterial elastance index (EaI) and EdI did not differ significantly between sexes in any of the three age groups (A, <65 years; B, ≥65 years but <75 years; C, age ≥75 years). The EdI indexed to EaI, EdI/EaI = E/e′/(0.9 × systolic blood pressure), was significantly more impaired in women than in men only in group C. There were significant differences in LAVI, LVMI, and EdI/EaI between groups B and C only in women.ConclusionsImpairment of diastolic function relative to arterial elasticity, EdI/EaI, occurred in elderly hypertensive women and was coincident with the alteration of cardiac dimensions. The coincidence with the changes in diastolic function and the alterations of cardiac dimensions occurred in a different time point between the sexes.
Influence of the Feedstock on Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis with a Solid Acid Catalyst
Authors: Wang Kaige , Mante Ofei D. , Peters Jonathan E. , Dayton David C. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAt RTI, we are developing a catalytic fast pyrolysis process with a new solid acid catalyst, the performance of which has been evaluated in a pilot‐scale reactor using loblolly pine. More robust technology development requires a deeper understanding of the influence of the feedstock properties of process performance defined by the organic liquid yield and composition. Seven types of woody and herbaceous biomass were tested in a 2.54 cm diameter fluidized‐bed reactor. This study shows that the product distribution and biocrude composition vary widely with different feedstocks. The yield of organic biocrude is in the range of 14.0–20.8 wt % for the tested feedstocks. The yields of incondensable gases and carbonaceous solids vary significantly from feedstock to feedstock, which may be because of the variation of the ash content in the feedstock. A feedstock with a higher ash content generates more gases; specifically more CO2 but not necessarily more CO. The chemical composition, which includes lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose, also affects the biocrude composition and the yield of gases. We also demonstrated a positive correlation between the cellulose content and CO yield and a negative correlation between the hemicellulose content and CO yield.
Aquatic hazard assessment of MON 0818, a commercial mixture of alkylamine ethoxylates commonly used in glyphosate-containing herbicide formulations. Part 2: Roles of sediment, temperature, and capacity for recovery following a pulsed exposure
Authors: Rodriguez-Gil Jose L. , Prosser Ryan , Hanta Gregory , Poirier David , Lissemore Linda , Hanson Mark , Solomon Keith R. 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

A series of toxicity tests with MON 0818, a commercial surfactant mixture of polyoxyethylene tallow amines, were performed: 1) in the presence of sediment for benthic invertebrates and fish: 2) to examine the recovery capacity of Daphnia magna and 4 primary producers after a pulsed (24-h) exposure; and 3) to examine the potential effect of increased water temperature on toxicity of MON 0818 to 2 cold-water fishes. In the presence of sediment, no acute (24-h) mortality was observed for 3 of the 5 species up to 10 mg L−1. The median effective concentrations for the other 2 species were significantly greater than for water only tests. The EC50 at 15 °C for Salvelinus alpinus was statistically lower than that at 10 °C. Latent effects of a 24-h exposure (1 mg L−1) were observed for Rhabdocelis subcapitata and Chlorella vulgaris, as indicated by delayed growth during recovery phase; however, both cultures were able to recover, as indicated by a lack of changes in maximum absolute growth rates. No significant effects of a 24-h exposure to MON 0818 were observed for Oophila sp. (1.5 mg L−1) or Lemna minor (100 mg L−1). Latent mortality after a 24-h exposure to 5 mg L−1 was observed during the recovery phase for D. magna; however, reproduction endpoints on surviving individuals were not altered. The results indicate that quick dissipation of MON 0818 in the presence of sediment can reduce the effects on exposed organisms, and that full recovery from 24-h exposures to concentrations of MON 0818 equal to, or greater than, those expected in the environment is possible. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:512–521. © 2016 SETAC
Aquatic hazard assessment of MON 0818, a commercial mixture of alkylamine ethoxylates commonly used in glyphosate-containing herbicide formulations. Part 1: Species sensitivity distribution from laboratory acute exposures
Authors: Rodriguez-Gil Jose L. , Prosser Ryan , Poirier David , Lissemore Linda , Thompson Dean , Hanson Mark , Solomon Keith R. 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

The sensitivity of 15 aquatic species, including primary producers, benthic invertebrates, cladocerans, mollusks, and fish, to MON 0818, a commercial surfactant mixture of polyoxyethylene tallow amines, was evaluated in standard acute (48–96-h) laboratory tests. In addition, the potential for chronic toxicity (8 d) was evaluated with Ceriodaphnia dubia. Exposure concentrations were confirmed. No significant effects on any endpoint were observed in the chronic test. A tier-1 hazard assessment was conducted by comparing species sensitivity distributions based on the generated data, as well as literature data, with 4 exposure scenarios. This assessment showed moderate levels of hazard (43.1% of the species exposed at or above median effective concentration levels), for a chosen worst-case scenario—unintentional direct over-spray of a 15-cm-deep body of water with the maximum label application rate for the studied formulations (Roundup Original, Vision Forestry Herbicide; 12 L formulation ha−1, equivalent to 4.27 kg acid equivalent [a.e.] ha−1). The hazard decreased to impairment of 20.9% of species under the maximum application rate for more typical uses (6 L formulation ha−1, 2.14 kg a.e. ha−1), and down to 6.9% for a more frequently employed application rate (2.5 L formulation ha−1, 0.89 kg a.e. ha−1). Finally, the percentage (3.8%) was less than the hazardous concentration for 5% of the species based on concentrations of MON 0818 calculated from maximum measured concentrations of glyphosate in the environment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:501–511. © 2016 SETAC
Sensitivity Analysis of the Impedance Characteristics of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Niya S. M. Rezaei , Phillips R. K. , Hoorfar M. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe sensitivity of the impedance characteristics to the operating conditions of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell is studied. The impedance of a cell is measured in different potentials (current densities), operating temperatures, and anode and cathode relative humidities to estimate the indifference interval of each of these parameters. The indifference interval of a parameter, defined for a specific point, refers to a range out of which the impedance results are statistically dissimilar from that specific point. The analysis presented evaluates the average indifference intervals of the potential, temperature and relative humidities to be 10 mV, 5 °C and 7%, respectively. In other words, the changes less than the above mentioned limits do not affect the impedance of the cell statistically.
Animal Intuitions
Authors: Kaebnick Gregory E. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAs described by Lori Gruen in the Perspective column at the back of this issue, federally supported biomedical research conducted on chimpanzees has now come to an end in the United States, although the wind‐down has taken longer than expected. The process began with a 2011 Institute of Medicine report that set up several stringent criteria that sharply limited biomedical research. The National Institutes of Health accepted the recommendations and formed a committee to determine how best to implement them. The immediate question raised by this transition was whether the IOM restrictions should be extended in some form to other nonhuman primates—and beyond them to other kinds of animals. In the lead article in this issue, Anne Barnhill, Steven Joffe, and Franklin Miller consider the status of other nonhuman primates.
“I am not interested in talking with you.”
Authors: Peña Adam , Bibler Trevor 
Published: July 2016

AbstractMr. M is an eighty‐five‐year‐old who presented to the hospital with congestive heart failure exacerbation, pneumonia, altered mental status, and sepsis. A physician determines that he lacks capacity, and the team in the intensive care unit looks to the patient's daughter, Celia, as his surrogate decision‐maker because she is named as an agent in his medical power of attorney form. While in the ICU, Mr. M suffers acute respiratory distress secondary to pneumonia and thus requires intubation. Celia accepts several life‐sustaining interventions, but she sporadically refuses other medically indicated therapies. Although providers explain the importance of the ICU insulin regimen for glucose control, she either refuses the insulin or requests a lower dose. The health care team believes that it is providing substandard care and that Celia's medical decisions are not in the patient's best interests, so they request an ethics consultation. When the clinical ethicist attempts to talk with Celia, she refuses to speak with him, saying flatly, “I am not interested in talking with you.” The clinical ethicist meets with Celia on a couple of occasions, but she consistently refuses to have a conversation with him. He wonders if the patient's surrogate decision‐maker can refuse a clinical ethics consultation and is unsure what his next steps should be.
The Effect of Medical Marijuana on Sickness Absence
Authors: Ullman Darin F. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractUtilizing the Current Population Survey, the study identifies that absences due to sickness decline following the legalization of medical marijuana. The effect is stronger in states with ‘lax’ medical marijuana regulations, for full‐time workers, and for middle‐aged males, which is the group most likely to hold medical marijuana cards. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioconversion of anhydrosugars: Emerging concepts and strategies
Authors: Bacik John‐Paul , Jarboe Laura R. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAs methods for the use of anhydrosugars in chemical and biofuel production continue to develop, our collective knowledge of anhydrosugar processing enzymes continues to improve, including their mechanistic details, structural dynamics and modes of substrate binding. Of particular interest, anhydrosugar kinases, such as levoglucosan kinase (LGK) and 1,6‐anhydro‐N‐acetylmuramic acid kinase (AnmK), utilize an unusual mechanism whereby the sugar substrate is both cleaved and phosphorylated. The phosphorylated sugar can then be routed to other metabolic pathways, thereby allowing its further bioconversion. Advanced engineering efforts to improve the catalytic efficiency and stability of LGK have been steadily progressing. Other enzymes that cleave the glycosidic bond of disaccharide sugars containing an anhydrosugar component are also being identified and characterized. Accordingly, the potential future use of these enzymes in large‐scale production strategies is becoming increasingly viable. Here, a mini‐review of the observed characteristics of anhydrosugar processing enzymes is presented along with recent developments in the bioconversion of these sugars. © 2016 IUBMB Life 68(9):700–708, 2016
Endomyocardial radial strain rate imaging during dobutamine stress echocardiography for the evaluation of contractile reserve in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Minoshima Makoto , Noda Akiko , Kobayashi Masakazu , Miyata Seiko , Hirashiki Akihiro , Okumura Takahiro , Izawa Hideo , Ishii Hideki , Kondo Takahisa , Murohara Toyoaki 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACTPurposeMyocardial contractile reserve is associated with clinical prognosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We assessed myocardial contractile reserve using tissue Doppler strain rate imaging with dobutamine stress echocardiography in DCM patients.MethodsSimultaneous echocardiography and left ventricular (LV) catheterization during dobutamine stress were performed in 20 patients with DCM, and echocardiography was performed in 31 control subjects. Dobutamine was infused at a starting dose of 5 μg/kg/min for 5 minutes and then at 10 μg/kg/min. Peak endomyocardial radial strain (ɛ) and systolic strain rate (SRsys) measured with echocardiography and the maximum first derivative of LV pressure (LV dP/dtmax) derived from catheterization were used as indices of contractility. Their percentage change from baseline to the dose of 10 μg/kg/min was calculated.ResultsThe ɛ and SRsys were significantly smaller in DCM patients than in controls. The LV dP/dtmax, ɛ, and SRsys were significantly higher at the dose of 10 μg/kg/min than at baseline. The percentage change in SRsys was significantly correlated with the percentage change in LV dP/dtmax.ConclusionsStrain rate imaging during dobutamine stress in DCM might prove noninvasively informative for the evaluation of myocardial contractile reserve and provide insight into LV systolic dysfunction. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:555–560, 2016
On the Rigidity of Sparse Random Graphs
Authors: Linial Nati , Mosheiff Jonathan 
Published: July 2016

AbstractA graph with a trivial automorphism group is said to be rigid. Wright proved (Acta Math 126(1) (1971), 1–9) that for a random graph is rigid whp (with high probability). It is not hard to see that this lower bound is sharp and for with positive probability is nontrivial. We show that in the sparser case , it holds whp that G's 2‐core is rigid. We conclude that for all p, a graph in is reconstructible whp. In addition this yields for a canonical labeling algorithm that almost surely runs in polynomial time with o(1) error rate. This extends the range for which such an algorithm is currently known (T. Czajka and G. Pandurangan, J Discrete Algorithms 6(1) (2008), 85–92).
Structure and growth pattern of the bizarre hemispheric prominence on the rostrum of the fossil beaked whale Globicetus hiberus (Mammalia, Cetacea, Ziphiidae)
Authors: Dumont Maïtena , de Buffrénil Vivian , Miján Ismael , Lambert Olivier 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACTThe rostrum of most ziphiids (beaked whales) displays bizarre swollen regions, accompanied with extreme hypermineralisation and an alteration of the collagenous mesh of the bone. The functional significance of this specialization remains obscure. With the voluminous and dense hemispheric excrescence protruding from the premaxillae, the recently described fossil ziphiid Globicetus hiberus is the most spectacular case. This study describes the histological structure and interprets the growth pattern of this unique feature. Histologically, the prominence in Globicetus is made up of an atypical fibro‐lamellar complex displaying an irregular laminar organization and extreme compactness (osteosclerosis). Its development is suggested to have resulted from a protraction of periosteal accretion over the premaxillae, long after the end of somatic growth. Complex shifts in the geometry of this tissue are likely to have occurred during its accretion and no indication of Haversian remodeling could be found. X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy indicate that the bone matrix in the premaxillary prominence of Globicetus closely resembles that of the rostrum of the extant beaked whale Mesoplodon densirostris: apatite crystals are of common size and strongly oriented, but the collagenous meshwork within bone matrix seems to be extremely sparse. These morphological and structural data are discussed in the light of functional interpretations proposed for the highly unusual and diverse ziphiid rostrum. J. Morphol. 277:1292–1308, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Push or Pull? The light‐weight architecture of the Daphnia pulex carapace is adapted to withstand tension, not compression
Authors: Kruppert Sebastian , Horstmann Martin , Weiss Linda C. , Schaber Clemens F. , Gorb Stanislav N. , Tollrian Ralph 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACTDaphnia (Crustacea, Cladocera) are well known for their ability to form morphological adaptations to defend against predators. In addition to spines and helmets, the carapace itself is a protective structure encapsulating the main body, but not the head. It is formed by a double layer of the integument interconnected by small pillars and hemolymphatic space in between. A second function of the carapace is respiration, which is performed through its proximal integument. The interconnecting pillars were previously described as providing higher mechanical stability against compressive forces. Following this hypothesis, we analyzed the carapace structure of D. pulex using histochemistry in combination with light and electron microscopy. We found the distal integument of the carapace to be significantly thicker than the proximal. The pillars appear fibrous with slim waists and broad, sometimes branched bases where they meet the integument layers. The fibrous structure and the slim‐waisted shape of the pillars indicate a high capacity for withstanding tensile rather than compressive forces. In conclusion they are more ligaments than pillars. Therefore, we measured the hemolymphatic gauge pressure in D. longicephala and indeed found the hemocoel to have a pressure above ambient. Our results offer a new mechanistic explanation of the high rigidity of the daphniid carapace, which is probably the result of a light‐weight construction consisting of two integuments bound together by ligaments and inflated by a hydrostatic hyper‐pressure in the hemocoel. J. Morphol. 277:1320–1328, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Potential of quantitative susceptibility mapping for detection of prostatic calcifications
Authors: Straub Sina , Laun Frederik B. , Emmerich Julian , Jobke Björn , Hauswald Henrik , Katayama Sonja , Herfarth Klaus , Schlemmer Heinz‐Peter , Ladd Mark E. , Ziener Christian H. , Bonekamp David , Röthke Matthias C. 
Published: July 2016

PurposeTo evaluate whether quantitative susceptibility (QSM) may be used as an alternative to computed tomography (CT) to detect calcification in prostate cancer patients.Materials and MethodsSusceptibility map calculation was performed using 3D gradient echo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from 26 patients measured at 3T who previously received a planning CT of the prostate. Phase images were unwrapped using Laplacian‐based phase unwrapping, the background field was removed with the V‐SHARP method, and susceptibility maps were calculated with the iLSQR method. Two blinded readers were asked to identify peri‐ and intraprostatic calcifications.ResultsAverage mean and minimum susceptibility values (referenced to iliopsoas muscle) of calcifications were −0.249 ± 0.179 ppm and –0.551 ± 0.323 ppm, and average mean and maximum intensities in CT images were 319 ± 164 HU and 679 ± 392 HU. Twenty‐one and 17 out of 22 prostatic calcifications were identified using susceptibility maps and magnitude images, respectively, as well as more than half of periprostatic phleboliths depicted by CT. Calcifications in the prostate and its periphery were quantitatively differentiable from noncalcified prostate tissue in CT (mean values for calcifications / for noncalcified tissue: 71 to 649 / –1 to 83 HU) and in QSM (mean values for calcifications / for noncalcified tissue: –0.641 to 0.063 / –0.046 to 0.181 ppm). Moreover, there was a significant correlation between susceptibility values and CT image intensities for calcifications (P < 0.004).ConclusionProstatic calcifications could be well identified with QSM. Susceptibility maps can be easily obtained from clinical prostate MR protocols that include a 3D gradient echo sequence, rendering it a promising technique for detection and quantification of intraprostatic calcifications.Level of Evidence: 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:889–898.
Binding and lubrication of biomimetic boundary lubricants on articular cartilage
Authors: Samaroo Kirk J. , Tan Mingchee , Putnam David , Bonassar Lawrence J. 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACTThe glycoprotein, lubricin, is the primary boundary lubricant of articular cartilage and has been shown to prevent cartilage damage after joint injury. In this study, a library of eight bottle‐brush copolymers were synthesized to mimic the structure and function of lubricin. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) grafted onto a polyacrylic acid (pAA) core mimicked the hydrophilic mucin‐like domain of lubricin, and a thiol terminus anchored the polymers to cartilage surfaces much like lubricin's C‐terminus. These copolymers, abbreviated as pAA‐g‐PEG, rapidly bound to cartilage surfaces with binding time constants ranging from 20 to 39 min, and affected lubrication under boundary mode conditions with coefficients of friction ranging from 0.140 ± 0.024 to 0.248 ± 0.030. Binding and lubrication were highly correlated (r2 = 0.89–0.99), showing that boundary lubrication in this case strongly depends on the binding of the lubricant to the surface. Along with time‐dependent and dose‐dependent behavior, lubrication and binding of the lubricin‐mimetics also depended on copolymer structural parameters including pAA backbone length, PEG side chain length, and PEG:AA brush density. Polymers with larger backbone sizes, brush sizes, or brush densities took longer to bind (p < 0.05). Six of the eight polymers reduced friction relative to denuded cartilage plugs (p < 0.05), suggesting their potential to lubricate and protect cartilage in vivo. In copolymers with shorter pAA backbones, increasing hydrodynamic size inhibited lubrication (p < 0.08), while the opposite was observed in copolymers with longer backbones (p < 0.05). These polymers show similar in vitro lubricating efficacy as recombinant lubricins and as such have potential for in vivo treatment of post‐traumatic osteoarthritis. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:548–557, 2017.