bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of breast reconstruction results using TMG flap in 30 cases: Evaluation of several refinements addressing flap design, shaping techniques, and reduction of donor site morbidity
Authors: Nickl Stefanie , Nedomansky Jakob , Radtke Christine , Haslik Werner , Schroegendorfer Klaus F. 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundThe transverse myocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flap is a widely used alternative to abdominal flaps in autologous breast reconstruction. However, secondary procedures for aesthetic refinement are frequently necessary. Herein, we present our experience with an optimized approach in TMG breast reconstruction to enhance aesthetic outcome and to reduce the need for secondary refinements.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 37 immediate or delayed reconstructions with TMG flaps in 34 women, performed between 2009 and 2015. Four patients (5 flaps) constituted the conventional group (non‐optimized approach). Thirty patients (32 flaps; modified group) underwent an optimized procedure consisting of modified flap harvesting and shaping techniques and methods utilized to reduce denting after rib resection and to diminish donor site morbidity.ResultsStatistically significant fewer secondary procedures (0.6 ± 0.9 versus 4.8 ± 2.2; P < .001) and fewer trips to the OR (0.4 ± 0.7 versus 2.3 ± 1.0 times; P = .001) for aesthetic refinement were needed in the modified group as compared to the conventional group. In the modified group, 4 patients (13.3%) required refinement of the reconstructed breast, 7 patients (23.3%) underwent mastopexy/mammoplasty or lipofilling of the contralateral breast, and 4 patients (13.3%) required refinement of the contralateral thigh. Total flap loss did not occur in any patient. Revision surgery was needed once.ConclusionsCompared to the conventional group, enhanced aesthetic results with consecutive reduction of secondary refinements could be achieved when using our modified flap harvesting and shaping techniques, as well as our methods for reducing contour deformities after rib resection and for overcoming donor site morbidities.
Technical Note: Automated quantitative analysis of planar scintigraphic resolution with the ACR SPECT phantom
Authors: DiFilippo Frank P. 
Published: January 2018

PurposeEvaluating gamma camera image quality is a routine task required for annual physics surveys and laboratory accreditation. A common method is visual assessment of a planar view of the American College of Radiology (ACR) phantom, for which a satisfactory result is to resolve 7.9 mm diameter cold rods with high contrast. The objective was to investigate an automated quantitative measure of planar image quality for more precise evaluation of gamma camera performance.MethodsPlanar images were automatically co‐registered to a template of the phantom's cold rod pattern. Contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) was measured for each cold rods sector by automatic placement of regions of interests on each rod and on each gap between rods. A quadratic fit to CNR vs. rod diameter yielded the Minimum Detectable Rod Diameter (MDRD) corresponding to a CNR threshold of 4. This methodology was applied to planar images acquired on a variety of gamma cameras according to ACR guidelines and also to planar images generated by Monte Carlo simulation.ResultsThe automated MDRD analysis had reproducibility of 0.1 mm in repeat phantom scans with random repositioning between scans. The MDRD was 5.8 mm for modern fully digital gamma cameras and 6.2 mm for an older analog gamma camera, whereas visual assessment was identical for all cameras. Simulated Monte Carlo images had MDRD of 5.6 mm using the following parameters: 3.5 mm FWHM intrinsic detector resolution, LEHR collimators, 9.0% FWHM energy resolution, and 15% energy window. Further simulations revealed that collimator design and detector resolution have a substantial impact on MDRD but that energy window width and energy resolution have a minor or negligible impact. The small difference between the Monte Carlo simulations and the modern fully digital gamma cameras was attributed to nonlinearities associated with event positioning and depth‐of‐interaction effects, which were not modeled in the simulations.ConclusionsAutomated MDRD analysis of planar phantom images is a robust technique that provides more precise and meaningful evaluation of camera performance than visual assessment. MDRD is a suitable measure for quality assurance and for annual physics surveys of gamma cameras.
What is desirable care in the opinion of formal and informal caregivers in nursing‐home care for patients with dementia?
Authors: van Dijk Margreeth , Buijck Bianca I. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimTo examine care characteristics related to desirable care as reported by formal and informal caregivers in Dutch Psycho‐geriatric nursing homes for patients with dementia.DesignQualitative exploratory study.MethodsThe sample consisted of four nursing homes. In each home, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a manager, a quality advisor or head nurse, a daily care supervisor and an informal caregiver. The findings were analysed by labelling and coding the text fragments.ResultsThe 16 semi‐structured interviews contained 60 discussion items. The 16 items that were shared by the four interviewee categories were clustered into the following six major themes: good quality of care; poor quality of care; elements of a vision; extra hands; bureaucracy; and formal caregivers.
High‐performance thermosets with tailored properties derived from methacrylated eugenol and epoxy‐based vinyl ester
Authors: Zhang Yuehong , Li Yuzhan , Thakur Vijay Kumar , Gao Zhenhua , Gu Jiyou , Kessler Michael R 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA renewable chemical, eugenol, is methacrylated to produce methacrylated eugenol (ME) employing the Steglich esterification reaction without any solvent. The resulting ME is used as a low‐viscosity co‐monomer to replace styrene in a commercial epoxy‐based vinyl ester resin (VE). The volatility and viscosity of ME and styrene are compared. The effect of ME loading and temperature on the viscosity of the VE–ME resin is investigated. Moreover, the thermomechanical properties, curing extent and thermal stability of the fully cured VE–ME thermosets are systematically examined. The results indicate that ME is a monomer with low volatility and low viscosity, and therefore the incorporation of ME monomer in VE resins allows significant reduction of viscosity. Moreover, the viscosity of the VE–ME resin can be tailored by adjusting the ME loadings and processing temperature to meet commercial liquid molding technology requirements. The glass transition temperatures of VE–ME thermosets range from 139 to 199 °C. In addition, more than 95% of the monomer is incorporated and fixed in the crosslinked network structure of VE–ME thermosets. Overall, the developed ME monomer exhibits promising potential for replacing styrene as an effective low‐viscosity co‐monomer. The VE–ME resins show great advantages for use in polymer matrices for high‐performance fiber‐reinforced composites. This work is of great significance to the vinyl ester industry by providing detailed experimental support. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Functional requirement for human pitrilysin metallopeptidase 1 arginine 183, mutated in amyloidogenic neuropathy
Authors: Smith‐Carpenter Jillian E. , Alper Benjamin J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHere we report the enzymologic characterization of recombinant human pitrilysin metallopeptidase 1 (Pitrm1) and derivative mutants including the arginine‐to‐glutamine substitution mutant Pitrm1 R183Q, which has been implicated in inherited amyloidogenic neuropathy. Recombinant Pitrm1 R183Q was readily expressed in and purified from Escherichia coli, but was less active than the recombinant wild‐type enzyme against recombinant amyloid beta‐peptide (Aβ 1‐40). A novel fluorogenic substrate derived from the reported Aβ 1‐40 core peptide cleavage sequence, Mca‐KLVFFAEDK‐(Dnp)‐OH, was synthesized and applied to real‐time kinetic study of Pitrm1 and derivative mutants including Pitrm1 R183Q. The Pitrm1 R183Q mutant exhibited significantly decreased rate of fluorogenic peptide hydrolysis, yet retained similar binding affinity by comparison with the wild‐type enzyme. Targeted mutagenic analysis revealed a functional requirement for uncharged or electropositive residues in place of Pitrm1 R183. Residue R183 is positioned within an N‐terminal strand‐loop‐strand motif that is conserved among M16C, but not M16A or M16B family metallopeptidases. Truncation analysis revealed that this strand‐loop‐strand motif inclusive of residue R183 is essential Pitrm1 function. A requirement for charged residues within 4.5 Å of residue R183 was demonstrated, and Pitrm1 R183Q was found to exhibit increased sensitivity to heat inactivation. Our findings indicate that charge sharing in the vicinity of Pitrm1 R183 is critical to enzyme activity, providing potential insight into a molecular basis of Pitrm1 dysfunction.
Hydrodynamic radius coincides with the slip plane position in the electrokinetic behavior of lysozyme
Authors: Grisham Daniel R. , Nanda Vikas 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe zeta potential (ζ) is the effective charge energy of a solvated protein, describing the magnitude of electrostatic interactions in solution. It is commonly used in the assessment of adsorption processes and dispersion stability. Predicting ζ from molecular structure would be useful to the structure‐based molecular design of drugs, proteins, and other molecules that hold charge‐dependent function while remaining suspended in solution. One challenge in predicting ζ is identifying the location of the slip plane (XSP), a distance from the protein surface where ζ is theoretically defined. This study tests the hypothesis that the XSP can be estimated by the Stokes–Einstein hydrodynamic radius (Rh), using globular hen egg white lysozyme as a model system. Although the XSP and Rh differ in their theoretical definitions, with the XSP being the position of the ζ during electrokinetic phenomena (e.g., electrophoresis) and the Rh being a radius pertaining to the edge of solvation during diffusion, they both represent the point where water and ions no longer adhere to a molecule. This work identifies the limited range of ionic strengths in which the XSP can be determined using diffusivity measurements and the Stokes–Einstein equation. In addition, a computational protocol is developed for determining the ζ from a protein crystal structure. At low ionic strengths, a hyperdiffusivity regime exists, requiring direct measurement of electrophoretic mobility to determine ζ. This work, therefore, supports a basic tenant of EDL theory that the electric double layer during diffusion and electrophoresis are equivalent in the Stokes–Einstein regime.
Exploring additivity effects of double mutations on the binding affinity of protein‐protein complexes
Authors: Jemimah Sherlyn , Gromiha M. Michael 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAdditivity in binding affinity of protein‐protein complexes refers to the change in free energy of binding (ΔΔGbind) for double (or multiple) mutations which is approximately equal to the sum of their corresponding single mutation ΔΔGbind values. In this study, we have explored the additivity effect of double mutants, which shows a linear relationship between the binding affinity of double and sum of single mutants with a correlation of 0.90. However, the comparison of ΔΔGbind values showed a mean absolute deviation of 0.86 kcal/mol, and 25.6% of the double mutants show a deviation of more than 1 kcal/mol, which are identified as non‐additive. The additivity effects have been analyzed based on the influence of structural features such as accessible surface area, long range order, binding propensity change, surrounding hydrophobicity, flexibility, atomic contacts between the mutations and distance between the 2 mutations. We found that non‐additive mutations tend to be closer to each other and have more contacts. We have also used machine learning methods to discriminate additive and non‐additive mutations using structure‐based features, which showed the accuracies in the range of 0.77–0.92 for protein‐protein complexes belonging to different functions. Further, we have compared the additivity effects of protein stability along with binding affinity and explored the similarities and differences between them. The results obtained in this study provide insights into the effects of various structural features on binding affinity of double mutants, and will aid the development of accurate methods to predict the binding affinity of double mutants.
From tolerance to resistance: mechanisms governing the differential response to glyphosate in Chloris barbata
Authors: Bracamonte Enzo , Silveira Hellen Martins da , Alcántara‐de la Cruz Ricardo , Domínguez‐Valenzuela José Alfredo , Cruz‐Hipolito Hugo Enrique , De Prado Rafael 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDSusceptibility and the mechanism (s) governing tolerance/resistance to glyphosate were characterized in two putative‐glyphosate‐resistant Chloris barbata populations (R1 and R2), collected in Persian lime orchards from Colima State, Mexico, comparing them with one non‐treated population (referred to as S).RESULTSGlyphosate doses required to reduce fresh weight or cause mortality by 50% were 4.2–6.4 times higher in resistant populations than in the S population. The S population accumulated 4.3 and 5.2 times more shikimate than the R2 and R1 populations, respectively. There were no differences in 14C‐glyphosate uptake between R and S populations, but the R plants translocated at least 12% less herbicide to the rest of plant and roots 96 h after treatment. Insignificant amounts of glyphosate were metabolized to aminomethyl phosphonate and glyoxylate in both R and S plants. The 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase gene of the R populations contained the Pro106‐Ser mutation, giving them a resistance 12 (R2) and 14.7 (R1) times greater at target‐site level compared with the S population.CONCLUSIONThe Pro106‐Ser mutation governs the resistance to glyphosate of the R1 and R2 C barbata populations, but the impaired translocation could contribute to the resistance. These results confirm the first case of glyphosate resistance evolved in this species. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Space–time variability of citrus leprosis as strategic planning for crop management
Authors: Andrade Daniel J , Lorençon José R , Siqueira Diego S , Novelli Valdenice M , Bassanezi Renato B 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDCitrus leprosis is the most important viral disease of citrus. Knowledge of its spatiotemporal structure is fundamental to a representative sampling plan focused on the disease control approach. Such a well‐crafted sampling design helps to reduce pesticide use in agriculture to control pests and diseases.RESULTSDespite the use of acaricides to control citrus leprosis vector (Brevipalpus spp.) populations, the disease has spread rapidly through experimental areas. Citrus leprosis has an aggregate spatial distribution, with high dependence among symptomatic plants. Temporal variation in disease incidence increased among symptomatic plants by 4% per month.CONCLUSIONSUse of acaricides alone to control the vector of leprosis is insufficient to avoid its incidence in healthy plants. Preliminary investigation into the time and space variation in the incidence of the disease is fundamental to select a sampling plan and determine effective strategies for disease management. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Functional Outcome of Human Adipose Stem Cell Injections in Rat Anal Sphincter Acute Injury Model
Authors: Kuismanen Kirsi , Juntunen Miia , Narra Girish Nathaniel , Tuominen Heikki , Huhtala Heini , Nieminen Kari , Hyttinen Jari , Miettinen Susanna 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAnal incontinence is a devastating condition that significantly reduces the quality of life. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of human adipose stem cell (hASC) injections in a rat model for anal sphincter injury, which is the main cause of anal incontinence in humans. Furthermore, we tested if the efficacy of hASCs could be improved by combining them with polyacrylamide hydrogel carrier, Bulkamid. Human ASCs derived from a female donor were culture expanded in DMEM/F12 supplemented with human platelet lysate. Female virgin Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups (n = 14–15/group): hASCs in saline or Bulkamid (3 × 105/60 μl) and saline or Bulkamid without cells. Anorectal manometry (ARM) was performed before anal sphincter injury, at two (n = 58) and at four weeks after (n = 33). Additionally, the anal sphincter tissue was examined by micro-computed tomography (μCT) and the histological parameters were compared between the groups. The median resting and peak pressure during spontaneous contraction measured by ARM were significantly higher in hASC treatment groups compared with the control groups without hASCs. There was no statistical difference in functional results between the hASC-carrier groups (saline vs. Bulkamid). No difference was detected in the sphincter muscle continuation between the groups in the histology and μCT analysis. More inflammation was discovered in the group receiving saline with hASC. The hASC injection therapy with both saline and Bulkamid is a promising nonsurgical treatment for acute anal sphincter injury. Traditional histology combined with the 3D μCT image data lends greater confidence in assessing muscle healing and continuity.
Di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) influences follicular development in mice between the weaning period and maturity by interfering with ovarian development factors and microRNAs
Authors: Liu Jin , Wang Wenxiang , Zhu Jianlin , Li Yuchen , Luo Lingfeng , Huang Yuanyuan , Zhang Wenchang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAlthough studies have shown that di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) can disrupt ovarian function, few reports have focused on follicular development in mice between the weaning period and maturity, especially with respect to microRNA (miRNA) expression. In this study, 21‐day‐old ICR mice were administered DEHP at doses of 0, 100, 400, and 1600 mg/(kg d) for 6 weeks by gavage. After DEHP administration, a significant decrease in the expression of follicle development‐related factors (including c‐kit, kitl, gdf9, and atm) was observed by quantitative real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR), but no significant difference in the proteins encoded by these genes was observed by Western blot. Bisulfite sequencing suggested that the total methylation percentages of promoter regions of these genes were not notably altered after DEHP exposure. However, RT‐PCR revealed a significantly increased expression of ovarian miRNAs (let‐7b, miR‐17‐5p miR‐181a, and miR‐151), which inhibit follicular granulosa cell proliferation. Overall, this study showed that DEHP administration from weaning to maturity could suppress the mRNA expression of follicular development factors, and this effect was not achieved through changes in the methylation of DNA in CpG islands of development factors. In addition, DEHP was shown to induce miRNAs to inhibit the proliferation of follicular granulosa cells and the anti‐apoptosis function of KITL and GDF9 while increasing bax/bcl2 expression to further promote the apoptosis of granulosa cells.
Toxicity implications for early life stage Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) exposed to oxyfluorfen
Authors: Powe Doris K. , Dasmahapatra Asok K. , Russell Joseph L. , Tchounwou Paul B. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe investigated the potential toxic effects of Oxyfluorfen (OXY), an herbicide used in agriculture, on the embryo‐larval development of Japanese medaka fish (Oryzias latipes). Embryos (1‐day postfertilization) and larvae (2‐day posthatch) were exposed to OXY (0.5‐8 mg/L) for 96 h and evaluated for mortality and hatching on embryos, and the mortality and growth on larvae during depuration. It was observed that the embryo‐mortality was inconsistently altered by OXY; only the 2 mg/L group showed significant reduction on embryo survivability. However, larval‐mortality was concentration‐dependent and OXY exposure induced scoliosis‐like phenotypic features in the surviving larvae; the calculated LC50 was 5.238 mg/L. Our data further indicated that larval skeleton, both axial and appendicular, was the potential target site of OXY. Skeletal growth in larvae exposed to 2 mg/L was inhibited significantly until 1 week of depuration with regard to the linear lengths of neurocranium, Meckel's cartilage, caudal vertebrae (first 10) in the axial skeletons, and pectoral fin and urostyle in the appendicular skeletons. Moreover, the total protein content remained unaltered by OXY after 96 h exposure; while the RNA concentration was reduced significantly in larvae exposed to 2 mg/L. Expression analysis of several genes by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR (RT‐qPCR) showed significant upregulation of zic5, a zinc‐finger type transcription regulator, at the transcription level. This study indicated that the scoliosis induced by OXY in Japanese medaka larvae was the result of stunted skeletal growth, probably because of deregulation of zinc‐finger type transcription regulators, at the genomic level.
Political economies of climate change
Authors: Paterson Matthew , P‐Laberge Xavier 
Published: January 2018

Political economy approaches across the social sciences provide powerful explanations for important dynamics within the global response to climate change. This article discusses in particular how they provide explanations of the social origins of greenhouse gas emissions, the dominant policy and governance responses to climate change, recurrent political conflicts over these responses, and the patterns of bargaining between states, businesses, and other actors. Underlying these dynamics are a set of contradictions or tensions between the character of capitalism as a social system and the demands of decarbonizing the global economy, specifically: between the imperative for growth that constrains and shapes responses; concerning the power of large transnational businesses and other incumbent interests to block responses; and over the embeddedness of carbon emissions in daily life. The article explores the implications of these contradictions as well as some of the important theoretical debates about the limits of political economy approaches.This article is categorized under:

Policy and Governance > Multilevel and Transnational Climate Change Governance
Climate Economics > Economics and Climate Change
Public engagement with climate imagery in a changing digital landscape
Authors: Wang Susie , Corner Adam , Chapman Daniel , Markowitz Ezra 
Published: January 2018

Despite extensive exploration into the use of language in climate change communication, our understanding of the use of visual images, and how they relate to public perceptions of climate change, is less developed. A limited set of images have come to represent climate change, but rapid changes in the digital landscape, in the way media and information are created, conveyed, and consumed has changed the way climate change is visualized. We review the use of climate imagery in digital media (news and social media, art, video and visualizations), and synthesize public perceptions research on factors that are important for engaging with climate imagery. We then compare how key research findings and recommendations align with the practical strategies of campaigners and communicators, highlighting opportunities for greater congruence. Finally, we outline key challenges and recommendations for future directions in research. The increasingly image‐focused digital landscape signals that images of climate change have a pivotal role in building public engagement, both now, and in future. A better understanding of how these images are being used and understood by the public is crucial for communicating climate change in an engaging way.This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Perceptions of Climate Change