bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compressive and cyclic loading of silicone breast implants and their effect on shape resilience and reliability of the shell material
Authors: Schubert Dirk W , von Hanstein Harald , Daenicke Jonas , Werner Siegfried , Horch Raymund E
Published: December 2017

The mechanical behavior of gel‐filled silicone breast implants has been examined as well as the mechanical properties of the implant shell itself. For the first time the implants were tested under compression in two different ways. Subsequently the implant shell material was analyzed by tensile test on dumbbell‐shaped specimens. The results are presented in contour plots which provide a detailed view of the measured values of the samples. Finally a statistical failure analysis was carried out by means of a Weibull fit to provide further data on the mechanical behavior. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Prostate tumors downregulate microseminoprotein‐beta (MSMB) in the surrounding benign prostate epithelium and this response is associated with tumor aggressiveness
Authors: Bergström Sofia Halin , Järemo Helena , Nilsson Maria , Adamo Hanibal Hani , Bergh Anders
Published: December 2017

Background

Microseminoprotein‐beta (MSMB) is a major secretory product from prostate epithelial cells. MSMB synthesis is decreased in prostate tumors in relation to tumor grade. MSMB levels are also reduced in the circulation and MSMB is therefore used as a serum biomarker for prostate cancer. We hypothesized that cancers induce a reduction in MSMB synthesis also in the benign parts of the prostate, and that the magnitude of this response is related to tumor aggressiveness. Reduced levels of MSMB in the circulation could therefore be a consequence of reduced MSMB expression not only in tumor tissue but also in the benign prostate tissue.

Methods

MSMB expression was analyzed in prostatectomy specimens from 36 patients using immunohistochemistry and qRT‐PCR. MSMB expression in the benign prostate tissue was analyzed in relation to Gleason score, tumor stage, and distance to the tumor. Furthermore, Dunning rat prostate tumors with different aggressiveness were implanted into the prostate of Copenhagen rats to study if this affected the MSMB expression in the tumor‐adjacent benign rat prostate tissue.

Results

In prostatectomy specimens, MSMB expression was reduced in prostate tumors but also in the tumor‐adjacent benign parts of the prostate. The reduction in tumor MSMB was related to tumor grade and stage, and the reduction in the benign parts of the prostate to tumor grade, stage, and distance to the tumor. Implantation of Dunning cancer cells into the rat prostate resulted in reduced MSMB protein levels in the tumor‐adjacent benign prostate tissue. Rapidly growing and metastatic MatLyLu tumors had a more pronounced effect than slow‐growing non‐metastatic G tumors.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that aggressive prostate tumors suppress MSMB synthesis in the benign prostate and that this could explain why serum levels of MSMB are decreased in prostate cancer patients. This study suggests that markers for aggressive cancer can be found among factors altered in parallel in prostate tumors and in the adjacent benign tissue.
Inherently safer design for synthesis of 3‐methylpyridine‐N‐oxide
Authors: Hua Min , Qi Min , Pan Xuhai , Yu Wendi , Zhang Lu , Jiang Juncheng
Published: December 2017

Alkyl pyridine‐N‐oxide can decompose to pyridine which readily leads to explosion accident in air. Therefore, risk analysis and inherently safer design are necessary for this process. This article aims to study the thermal hazards of the process of 3‐methylpyridine oxidized by hydrogen peroxide, and then the corresponding Inherently Safer Designs (ISDs) were proposed. The inherent hazards during the process were first qualitatively evaluated by Qualitative Assessment for Inherently Safer Design. Then, the reaction calorimeter was employed to analyze the thermal hazards of the target reaction. Meanwhile, the Integrated Inherent Safety Index methods were simplified to quantitatively estimate the level of inherent safety of the process. The results show that the potential risk of the process is 87.2% which is at the high risk level. Based on the hazard identification and assessment results, three ISDs, namely adding catalyst (ISD I), improving reaction condition (ISD II), and using a tubular (ISD III), were proposed to enhance the safety. Finally, combining comparative experiments with ISI methods, an effect evaluation model for ISD was established to verify the rationality of the ISDs. The results indicate that the reaction hazards are diminished when three ISDs are utilized in production process. The inherent safety level of the reaction is increased by 22.2%, 50.7%, and 31.8%, respectively. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Process Saf Prog 37:355–361, 2018
Protein identification before and after glyphosate exposure in Lolium multiflorum genotypes
Authors: Barroso Arthur AM , de S Costa Marilia G , Neto Nelson J , dos Santos Juciléia I , Balbuena Tiago S , Carbonari Caio A , Alves Pedro LCA
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Weeds reduce crop yields, and among the methods used to control these plants, the use of chemicals is preferred. However, the repeated application of herbicides with the same mechanism of action selects for resistant populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate glyphosate resistance in Lolium multiflorum (Lam.) and relate the resistance to protein expression in the absence and presence of the herbicide using a metabolic‐proteomic approach.

RESULTS

Glyphosate resistance was confirmed, with a sevenfold difference in resistance between susceptible and resistant genotypes. Among the possible mechanisms affecting resistance, mutations in the enzyme 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase (EPSPS), herbicide differential translocation and overexpression of EPSPS are suggested. Susceptible plants had higher growth than did resistant plants in the absence of the herbicide, in addition to greater expression of protein groups related to photosynthesis and to tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. With application of glyphosate, resistant plants maintained their metabolism and began to express EPSPS and other candidate proteins related to herbicide resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

In the absence of glyphosate, the susceptible plants would replace the resistant plants over time, and abiotic or biotic stresses would accelerate this process. Resistance in plants resulted from a combination of target‐site and non‐target‐site resistance mechanisms. We identified several candidate proteins that could be investigated in future studies on glyphosate resistance. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Soybean seed coat chitinase as a defense protein against the stored product pest Callosobruchus maculatus
Authors: Silva Nadia CM , Conceição Jamile G , Ventury Kayan Eudorico , De Sá Leonardo FR , Oliveira Eduardo AG , Santos Izabela S , Gomes Valdirene M , Costa Monique N , Ferreira Andre TS , Perales Jonas , Xavier‐Filho Jose , Fernandes Kátia VS , Oliveira Antonia EA
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Chitinases (EC 3.2.1.14) are enzymes involved in the breaking of the β‐1,4‐glycosidic linkages of chitin. In insects, chitin is present mainly in the cuticle and in peritrophic membranes and peritrophic gel. Enzymes with the potential to damage peritrophic membranes and gel, such as chitinase, have been associated with plant defense systems. Identification and characterization of seed coat chitinase as a plant defense molecule may indicate a more effective target for manipulation strategies, which may lead to the prevention of consumption of embryonic tissues by larvae and consequently minimization of seed damage.

RESULTS

We studied the efficiency of soybean seed coat chitinase as a defense molecule against the insect Callosobruchus maculatus. The seed coat chitinase was isolated and identified by mass spectrometry, immunoreacted with an anti‐chitinase antibody and shown to have activity against chitin azure and 4‐methylumbelliferyl β‐D‐N,N′,N′′‐triacetylchitotrioside. A chitinase fraction incorporated in artificial cotyledons at 0.1% reduced larval survival by approximately 77%, and at 0.5%, the reduction in larval mass was 60%. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐labeled chitinase was detected in the guts and feces of larvae. At 25% in thick artificial seed coats, chitinase showed a high toxicity to larvae, with mortality of 90% and a reduction of larval mass of 87%.

CONCLUSION

Seed coat chitinase is an important seed defense molecule not only in the cotyledons but also in seed coats, acting as part of the array of defense mechanisms against Callosobruchus maculatus. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Thermal Stress Effect on the Structure and Properties of Single and Double Stacked Films of GeTe and SnSe
Authors: Sava Florinel , Borca Camelia N. , Galca Aurelian C. , Socol Gabriel , Grolimund Daniel , Mihai Claudia , Velea Alin
Published: December 2017

The thermal stress effect on the structure of phase change memory materials, namely single films and double stacked films of GeTe and SnSe, is evaluated. The crystallization temperatures of GeTe and SnSe single films are 138 °C and 292 °C, respectively. The films are amorphous before annealing and crystallize in rhombohedral and orthorhombic structures afterwards. Ge is tetrahedrally bonded and Se is bivalent after deposition. Both Ge and Se have an octahedral configuration after annealing. The double stacked structure is studied in the as‐deposited state and after annealing at temperatures of 100, 210, and 350 °C. Pulsed laser deposition produces the crystallization of both as‐deposited layers when stacked, mostly of SnSe, but also some crystalline GeTe is present. GeTe fully crystallizes after annealing at 210 °C, in the face‐centred cubic structure. Annealing at 350 °C leads to the evaporation of a significant quantity of Se and to the formation of a cubic Ge0.75Sn0.25Te solid solution. Ge has an octahedral coordination, while Se is tetrahedrally bonded as a result of a combination of bivalent amorphous Se and octahedral Se from crystalline SnSe. The study shows that diffusion between layers at high annealing temperatures might suppress the memory property and determines the formation of irreversible solid solutions.
Phytotherapeutic effects of the fruits of Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. on cancer, inflammation, and digestive dysfunction
Authors: Jang Yongwoo , Kim Eun‐Kyung , Shim Won‐Sik
Published: December 2017

Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. belongs to the family Rutaceae in the genus Poncirus. Its fruits are widely used to alleviate symptoms of various disorders. The mature fruit (MF) possesses anticancer and antiinflammatory activities. Extracts of the dried, immature fruit, Poncirus fructus (PF) are widely used as a traditional medicine for ameliorating symptoms of digestive dysfunction in East Asia. Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the effects of MF and PF extracts on cancer, inflammation, and gastrointestinal disorders have been extensively studied in the past decade. This review summarizes recent findings on the anticancer and antiinflammatory effects of MF and the prokinetic effects of PF. Although the therapeutic effects of MF and PF have been clearly elucidated, in‐depth further clinical studies are still required to completely verify the clinical efficacy and safety of the fruits of P. trifoliata (L.) Raf.
Disturbance observer–based consensus tracking for nonlinear multiagent systems with switching topologies
Authors: Ai Xiaolin , Yu Jianqiao , Jia Zhenyue , Yang Di , Xu Xuan , Shen Yuanchuan
Published: December 2017

This paper considers the leader‐follower consensus tracking problem for nonlinear multiagent systems with external disturbances and switching topologies. A distributed disturbance observer is constructed to estimate the disturbances suffered by the followers. Then, a distributed consensus protocol is proposed for the consensus tracking problem with disturbance rejection under a fixed directed topology based on the disturbance observer. Next, this result is extended to the case in which the switching communication topology only frequently but not always contains a directed spanning tree. By selecting the parameters appropriately such that the communication time satisfies various preset conditions, it is theoretically proven that the consensus tracking with disturbance rejection can also be achieved by the multiagent systems. Finally, a simulation example is presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed control scheme.
EM algorithm estimation of a structural equation model for the longitudinal study of the quality of life
Authors: Barbieri Antoine , Tami Myriam , Bry Xavier , Azria David , Gourgou Sophie , Bascoul‐Mollevi Caroline , Lavergne Christian
Published: December 2017

Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) data are measured via patient questionnaires, completed by the patients themselves at different time points. We focused on oncology data gathered through the use of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaires, which decompose HRQoL into several functional dimensions, several symptomatic dimensions, and the global health status (GHS). We aimed to perform a global analysis of HRQoL and reduce the number of analyses required by using a two‐step approach. First, a structural equation model (SEM) was used for each time point; in these models, the GHS is explained by two latent variables. Each latent variable is a factor that summarizes, respectively, the functional dimensions and the symptomatic dimensions to the global measurement. This is achieved through the maximization of the likelihood of each SEM using the EM algorithm, which has the advantage of giving an estimation of the subject‐specific factors and the influence of additional explanatory variables. Then, to consider the longitudinal aspect, the GHS variable and the two factors were concatenated for each patient visit at which the questionnaire was completed. The GHS and the two factors estimated in the first step can then be explained by additional explanatory variables using a linear mixed model.
Using threshold regression to analyze survival data from complex surveys: With application to mortality linked NHANES III Phase II genetic data
Authors: Li Yan , Xiao Tao , Liao Dandan , Lee Mei‐Ling Ting
Published: December 2017

The Cox proportional hazards (PH) model is a common statistical technique used for analyzing time‐to‐event data. The assumption of PH, however, is not always appropriate in real applications. In cases where the assumption is not tenable, threshold regression (TR) and other survival methods, which do not require the PH assumption, are available and widely used. These alternative methods generally assume that the study data constitute simple random samples. In particular, TR has not been studied in the setting of complex surveys that involve (1) differential selection probabilities of study subjects and (2) intracluster correlations induced by multistage cluster sampling. In this paper, we extend TR procedures to account for complex sampling designs. The pseudo‐maximum likelihood estimation technique is applied to estimate the TR model parameters. Computationally efficient Taylor linearization variance estimators that consider both the intracluster correlation and the differential selection probabilities are developed. The proposed methods are evaluated by using simulation experiments with various complex designs and illustrated empirically by using mortality‐linked Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Phase II genetic data.
Innovative modeling of naturalistic driving data: Inference and prediction
Authors: Albert Paul S.
Published: December 2017

Naturalistic driving studies provide opportunities for investigating the effects of key driving exposures on risky driving performance and accidents. New technology provides a realistic assessment of risky driving through the intensive monitoring of kinematic behavior while driving. These studies with their complex data structures provide opportunities for statisticians to develop needed modeling techniques for statistical inference. This article discusses new statistical modeling procedures that were developed to specifically answer important analytical questions for naturalistic driving studies. However, these methodologies also have important applications for the analysis of intensively collected longitudinal data, an increasingly common data structure with the advent of wearable devises. To examine the sources of variation between‐ and within‐participants in risky driving behavior, we explore the use of generalized linear mixed models with autoregressive random processes to analyzing long sequences of kinematic count data from a group of teenagers that have measurements at each trip over a 1.5‐year observation period starting after receiving their license. These models provide a regression framework for examining the effects of driving conditions and exposures on risky driving behavior. Alternatively, generalized estimating equations approaches are explored for the situation where we have intensively collected count measurements on a moderate number of participants. In addition to proposing statistical modeling for kinematic events, we explore models for relating kinematic events with crash risk. Specifically, we propose both latent variable and hidden Markov models for relating these 2 processes and for developing dynamic predictors of crash risk from longitudinal kinematic event data. These different statistical modeling techniques are all used to analyze data from the Naturalistic Teenage Driving Study, a unique investigation into how teenagers drive after licensure.
A multiple‐model generalisation of updating clinical prediction models
Authors: Martin Glen P. , Mamas Mamas A. , Peek Niels , Buchan Iain , Sperrin Matthew
Published: December 2017

There is growing interest in developing clinical prediction models (CPMs) to aid local healthcare decision‐making. Frequently, these CPMs are developed in isolation across different populations, with repetitive de novo derivation a common modelling strategy. However, this fails to utilise all available information and does not respond to changes in health processes through time and space. Alternatively, model updating techniques have previously been proposed that adjust an existing CPM to suit the new population, but these techniques are restricted to a single model. Therefore, we aimed to develop a generalised method for updating and aggregating multiple CPMs. The proposed “hybrid method” re‐calibrates multiple CPMs using stacked regression while concurrently revising specific covariates using individual participant data (IPD) under a penalised likelihood. The performance of the hybrid method was compared with existing methods in a clinical example of mortality risk prediction after transcatheter aortic valve implantation, and in 2 simulation studies. The simulation studies explored the effect of sample size and between‐population‐heterogeneity on the method, with each representing a situation of having multiple distinct CPMs and 1 set of IPD. When the sample size of the IPD was small, stacked regression and the hybrid method had comparable but highest performance across modelling methods. Conversely, in large IPD samples, development of a new model and the hybrid method gave the highest performance. Hence, the proposed strategy can inform the choice between utilising existing CPMs or developing a model de novo, thereby incorporating IPD, existing research, and prior (clinical) knowledge into the modelling strategy.
Cobalt Iron Hydroxide as a Precious Metal‐Free Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Babar Pravin , Lokhande Abhishek , Shin Hyeong Ho , Pawar Bharati , Gang Myeng Gil , Pawar Sambhaji , Kim Jin Hyeok
Published: December 2017

Highly efficient and stable electrocatalysts from inexpensive and earth‐abundant elements are emerging materials in the overall water splitting process. Herein, cobalt iron hydroxide nanosheets are directly deposited on nickel foam by a simple and rapid electrodeposition method. The cobalt iron hydroxide (CoFe/NF) nanosheets not only allow good exposure of the highly active surface area but also facilitate the mass and charge transport capability. As an anode, the CoFe/NF electrocatalyst displays excellent oxygen evolution reaction catalytic activity with an overpotential of 220 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. As a cathode, it exhibits good performance in the hydrogen evolution reaction with an overpotential of 110 mV, reaching a current density of 10 mA cm−2. When CoFe/NF electrodes are used as the anode and the cathode for water splitting, a low cell voltage of 1.64 V at 10 mA cm−2 and excellent stability for 50 h are observed. The present work demonstrates a possible pathway to develop a highly active and durable substitute for noble metal electrocatalysts for overall water splitting.
A Very Highly Efficient Magnetic Nanomaterial for the Removal of PAHs from Aqueous Media
Authors: Gutiérrez M. Susana , Duel Paulino , Hierro Fernando , Morey Jeroni , Piña M. Nieves
Published: December 2017

Two new hybrid magnetic recyclable nanomaterials are developed. These new materials are based on bisimide perylene dopamine or bisimide perylene 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane and iron oxide nanoparticles. One of them, the bisimide perylene dopamine, has proven to be very efficient in the removal, by magneto filtration, of 15 carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs), especially naphthalene, acenaphthene, anthracene, phenanthrene, and fluorene. These compounds are known to be common contaminants of drinking and underground water. This nanomaterial presents a high dispersivity and stability in an aqueous media, and it is capable of forming supramolecular fluorescent magnetic nanofibers with benzo‐alpha‐pyrene or benzo[k]fluoranthene, BKF. This strong association is due to hydrophobic forces and the π–π interaction, between the bisimide perylene motif and the polycyclic aromatic compounds. The resilience of this material is tested in different media. No good results are obtained in ethanol, acetone, or acetonitrile, but an 85% recovery is achieved using toluene or hexane. Once washed, nanoparticles are shown to retain their ability to continue capturing PAHs.
In Situ Disinfection through Photoinspired Radical Oxygen Species Storage and Thermal‐Triggered Release from Black Phosphorous with Strengthened Chemical Stability
Authors: Tan Lei , Li Jun , Liu Xiangmei , Cui Zhenduo , Yang Xianjin , Yeung Kelvin Wai Kwok , Pan Haobo , Zheng Yufeng , Wang Xianbao , Wu Shuilin
Published: December 2017

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizing light‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a promising alternative to combat antibiotic‐resistant bacteria and biofilm. However, the photosensitizer (PS)‐modified surface only exhibits antibacterial properties in the presence of light. It is known that extended photoirradiation may lead to phototoxicity and tissue hypoxia, which greatly limits PDT efficiency, while ambient pathogens also have the opportunity to attach to biorelevant surfaces in medical facilities without light. Here, an antimicrobial film composed of black phosphorus nanosheets (BPSs) and poly (4‐pyridonemethylstyrene) endoperoxide (PPMS‐EPO) to control the storage and release of ROS reversibly is introduced. BPS, as a biocompatible PS, can produce high singlet oxygen under the irradiation of visible light of 660 nm, which can be stably stored in PPMS‐EPO. The ROS can be gradually thermally released in the dark. In vitro antibacterial studies demonstrate that the PPMS‐EPO/BPS film exhibits a rapid disinfection ability with antibacterial rate of 99.3% against Escherichia coli and 99.2% against Staphylococcus aureus after 10 min of irradiation. Even without light, the corresponding antibacterial rate reaches 76.5% and 69.7%, respectively. In addition, incorporating PPMS significantly improves the chemical stability of the BPS.
Cutting‐Edge Nanomaterials for Advanced Multimodal Bioimaging Applications
Authors: Tsang Ming‐Kiu , Wong Yuen‐Ting , Hao Jianhua
Published: December 2017

The desire for high sensitivity, resolution, low toxicity, and fast clearance contrast agents has driven the research for new nanomaterial systems. The drawbacks of traditional molecular probes limit their bioimaging ability, hence the exploration of emerging nanomaterials for multimodal bioimaging continues with rational designs. The key for realizing effective multimodal bioimaging is harnessing the physical and chemical properties of the nanomaterials. Although some nanomaterials possess multimodality intrinsically, those imaging modes may not be sufficient to meet the increasing demands of various applications. Therefore, the fabrication of novel composite structures by integrating various nanomaterials or molecules may overcome the challenging issues in multimodal bioimaging. An overview and considerations for multimodal bioimaging and the requirements regarding the nanomaterials are presented. The recently emerged nanomaterials and their composite structures for multimodal bioimaging are highlighted, including the recently emerging 2D materials. The traditional nanomaterials also show breakthroughs in terms of novel structures and morphologies, which would affect the contrast ability, entrance, and clearance from the in vivo models. Finally, some suggestions for toxicity studies of nanomaterials and new strategies are presented for realizing the advance of multimodal bioimaging.
Resistant Starch Formation from Corn Starch by Combining Acid Hydrolysis with Extrusion Cooking and Hydrothermal Storage
Authors: Neder‐Suárez David , Amaya‐Guerra Carlos A. , Báez‐González Juan G. , Quintero‐Ramos Armando , Aguilar‐Palazuelos Ernesto , Galicia‐García Tomás , Ramírez‐Wong Benjamín , Campos‐Venegas Karla , de Jesús Zazueta‐Morales José
Published: December 2017

Acid hydrolysis process (AHPS) combined with hydrothermal storage process (HSPS) and extrusion cooking process (ECPS) are performed to obtain resistant starch (RS) from corn starch (CS). CS is subjected to AHPS citric, phosphoric acids, and HCl and thermal processes: 1) ECPS at 100 °C, 18% moisture content, and 220 rpm; 2) HSPS at 120 °C for 1 h, then storing at low temperature (4 °C) for 24 h. Evaluations in the different treatments are: RS, water absorption index (WAI) and solubility index (WSI); rheological, thermal, and microstructural properties. Treatment HAL results in the highest yield of RS (13.19 g/100 g), which increases WAI and WSI, low viscosity, gel hardness, ΔH and microstructural analysis showing agglomerated structures (30 µm) of diameter. On the other hand, HAC and HAP generated values of RS (8.47–9.19 g/100 g), respectively. Results show that pre‐treatment by AHPS combined with HSPS is an alternative for obtaining RS, which exhibits suitable physical properties and is applicable to different dietary matrixes, at a 20‐fold increased yield.
Fawcettimine‐Type Lycopodium Alkaloids as a Driving Force for Discoveries in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Li Houhua , Lei Xiaoguang
Published: December 2017

Ever since the pioneering synthetic work reported by both Inubushi and Heathcock back in 1980s, the fawcettimine‐type Lycopodium alkaloids have continuously served as a driving force for discoveries in organic synthesis. In this personal account, we summarized our recent synthetic efforts towards the total synthesis of fawcettimine‐type Lycopodium alkaloids, along with a brief summary of relevant syntheses reported by others. Our discussions focus mainly on the key reactions applied during the synthesis of fawcettimine‐type Lycopodium alkaloids.
Antifibrotic effects of D‐limonene (5(1‐methyl‐4‐[1‐methylethenyl]) cyclohexane) in CCl4 induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats
Authors: Ahmad Sheikh Bilal , Rehman Muneeb U. , Fatima Bilques , Ahmad Bilal , Hussain Ishraq , Ahmad Sheikh Pervaiz , Farooq Adil , Muzamil Showkeen , Razzaq Rahil , Rashid Shahzada Mudasir , Ahmad Bhat Showkat , Mir Manzoor Ur Rahman
Published: December 2017

This study was designed to assess the potential antifibrotic effect of D‐Limonene—a component of volatile oils extracted from citrus plants. D‐limonene is reported to have numerous therapeutic properties. CCl4‐intduced model of liver fibrosis in Wistar rats is most widely used model to study chemopreventive studies. CCl4‐intoxication significantly increased serum aminotransferases and total cholesterol these effects were prevented by cotreatment with D‐Limonene. Also, CCl4‐intoxication caused depletion of glutathione and other antioxidant enzymes while D‐Limonene preserved them within normal values. Hydroxyproline and malondialdehyde content was increased markedly by CCl4 treatment while D‐Limonene prevented these alterations. Levels of TNF‐α, TGF‐β, and α‐SMA were also assessed; CCl4 increased the expression of α‐SMA, NF‐κB and other downstream inflammatory cascade while D‐Limonene co‐treatment inhibited them. Collectively these findings indicate that D‐Limonene possesses potent antifibrotic effect which may be attributed to its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties.
Painting Writing, Writing Painting: Thinking, Seeing, and Problem Solving Through Story
Authors: Martens Prisca , Martens Ray , Doyle Michelle Hassay , Loomis Jenna , Fuhrman Laura , Stout Robbie , Soper Elizabeth
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this article is to share how the authors supported kindergartners’ and first graders’ developing creativity through stories they composed in writing and art. Over eight years, the authors explored ways to use picturebooks as mentor texts to help students explore how the authors and artists create meaning multimodally. This article shares minilessons and examples of how students creatively and imaginatively told their stories; learned to think, see, and reason; and invented and problem solved their stories, seamlessly weaving their meanings into writing and art.
Outbreak of porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) in Abruzzi region, central‐Italy
Authors: Pizzurro Federica , Cito Francesca , Zaccaria Guendalina , Spedicato Massimo , Cerella Angelo , Orsini Massimiliano , Forzan Mario , D'Alterio Nicola , Lorusso Alessio , Marcacci Maurilia
Published: December 2017

Here we report and characterize a porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) outbreak which occurred in a swine fattening farm in the province of Teramo, Abruzzi region (central Italy), in January 2016. PED virus (PEDV) identification was determined by real‐time RT‐PCR performed on RNAs purified from fecal samples collected from two symptomatic pigs. Whole genome sequence (PEDV 1842/2016) was also obtained by next generation sequencing straight from RNA purified from one fecal sample. Genome comparison with extant global PEDV strains revealed a high nucleotide identity with recently reported European and American S‐INDEL PEDVs. Efficient sequencing, share of genomic data combined with the implementation of epidemiological tools would be the ideal approach for study and analysis of transboundary infectious diseases as PED.
Justification and solvability of dynamical contact problems for generalized Marguerre–von Kármán shallow shells
Authors: Ghezal Abderrezak , Chacha Djamal Ahmed
Published: December 2017

In this work, we consider a three–dimensional dynamical model of unilateral contact problems with Signorini conditions and Coulomb friction laws for nonlinearly elastic shallow shells with a specific class of boundary conditions of generalized Marguerre–von Kármán type. Using technics from formal asymptotic analysis, we show that the scaled three–dimensional solution still leads to a two–dimensional dynamical model with frictionless contact problems. Then, we solve the last problems, using penalization method.
Impacts of Coastal Land Use and Shoreline Armoring on Estuarine Ecosystems: an Introduction to a Special Issue
Authors: Prosser Diann J. , Jordan Thomas E. , Nagel Jessica L. , Seitz Rochelle D. , Weller Donald E. , Whigham Dennis F.
Published: December 2017

The nearshore land-water interface is an important ecological zone that faces anthropogenic pressure from development in coastal regions throughout the world. Coastal waters and estuaries like Chesapeake Bay receive and process land discharges loaded with anthropogenic nutrients and other pollutants that cause eutrophication, hypoxia, and other damage to shallow-water ecosystems. In addition, shorelines are increasingly armored with bulkhead (seawall), riprap, and other structures to protect human infrastructure against the threats of sea-level rise, storm surge, and erosion. Armoring can further influence estuarine and nearshore marine ecosystem functions by degrading water quality, spreading invasive species, and destroying ecologically valuable habitat. These detrimental effects on ecosystem function have ramifications for ecologically and economically important flora and fauna. This special issue of Estuaries and Coasts explores the interacting effects of coastal land use and shoreline armoring on estuarine and coastal marine ecosystems. The majority of papers focus on the Chesapeake Bay region, USA, where 50 major tributaries and an extensive watershed (~ 167,000 km2), provide an ideal model to examine the impacts of human activities at scales ranging from the local shoreline to the entire watershed. The papers consider the influence of watershed land use and natural versus armored shorelines on ecosystem properties and processes as well as on key natural resources.
Religious Context Matters: Exploring the Relationship between Religious Context and Underage Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Nie Fanhao , Yang Xiaozhao Yousef , Olson Daniel V. A.
Published: December 2017

Previous research has demonstrated that individual religious beliefs and practices may reduce the likelihood of underage alcohol consumption, but less is known about how the overall religious cultural influence of a religion may influence individual alcohol consumption behaviors. Using multilevel analyses on two waves of the National Study of Youth and Religion merged with county-level variables from the U.S. Census and the Religious Congregations and Membership Study, we find that a county's higher Catholic population share leads to more frequent underage drunkenness even after controlling for a wide range of individual and county-level variables. Contrary to other studies’ findings discovered at individual level, a greater population share of conservative Protestants is also linked with higher level of underage drunkenness. This study highlights the importance of viewing religious influence on health behaviors as a contextual, cultural force.
Using parent feedback: A qualitative study of residents’ and physician-educators’ perspectives
Authors: Eady Kaylee , Moreau Katherine A.
Published: December 2017

Introduction Patients and family members can contribute to resident assessment in competency-based medical education. However, few studies have examined the use of patient/family member feedback generated from questionnaire-based assessments. To implement appropriate assessment strategies and optimize feedback use, we need to understand how residents and physician-educators would use feedback from these stakeholders. This study aimed to understand how paediatric residents and physician-educators would use parent feedback generated from questionnaire-based assessments.

Methods This study was conducted at a paediatric academic health science centre. We held dyadic interviews with six residents and six physician-educators. A three-step approach was used to analyze the data: data reduction, data display, and conclusions/verifications. We developed an initial coding scheme, conducted an in-depth review of the data and coded it, finalized our coding scheme, and identified categories.

Results Participants described that they would use parent feedback to: (a) provide additional direct observations of residents’ performances, (b) teach and coach residents, (c) assess residents’ overall performance and progression, and (d) encourage resident self-assessment and behaviour change.

Discussion Parents directly observe residents as they interact with them and their children and, therefore, can provide feedback on residents’ performances. Residency programs should include parent feedback and promote and facilitate its use by residents and physician-educators.

Conclusion This study provides an initial understanding of how paediatric residents and physician-educators would use parent feedback if they were to receive it. This information, combined with future research, can inform the development and implementation of parent feedback strategies in competency-based medical education.
Can Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Help Overcome Regulatory Gaps of Animal Law? Insights from Trophy Hunting
Authors: Blattner Charlotte
Published: December 2017

Cross-border trade, industry outsourcing, and increased animal migration are becoming pressing issues for numerous states and fundamentally challenge our conceptions of animal law as territorial. Instead of proposing that nations try to solve these problems by coming to agreement on low and mostly ineffective standards, this essay opens an unexplored and promising avenue for animal law: extraterritorial protection. Using the example of trophy hunting, the essay reveals the many established jurisdictional options that can help animal law to overcome regulatory gaps, and showcases how animal issues can thereby gain visibility on the international plane.
Corruption Gone Wild: Transnational Criminal Law and the International Trade in Endangered Species
Authors: Ivory Radha
Published: December 2017

The goal of this essay is to sketch how, and with what effect, the problems of corruption and endangered animal trafficking have been linked in international law. To that end, I first compare and contrast the “hard law” legal frameworks on corruption and on animal trafficking. After that, I illustrate how those two regimes have been related in international reports, “soft” (nonbinding) international instruments, and UN Security Council resolutions. Finally, I caution against an automatic merger of these areas of law and agendas for global law reform. Like other transnational criminal laws, the anticorruption treaties have practical limitations, ideological biases, and potentials for unintended consequences. These features qualify their utility as “tools” in the fight for animal welfare. They may also mask the ways in which efforts to prevent and suppress wildlife trafficking are both anthropocentric and sources of human insecurity.
Cross-Border Forms of Animal Use by Indigenous Peoples
Authors: Kirchner Stefan
Published: December 2017

The aim of this essay is to show how international law relates to the interaction of indigenous peoples and animals across international borders. While colonial borders have affected the lives of herding communities in Africa and while there are cross-border indigenous activities in different parts of Latin America, the situation in Northern Europe is particularly noteworthy. This is because cross-border activities are possible there not simply because effective border controls are difficult to ensure in such remote areas but mainly because several of the relevant states have the long-term political will to allow for cross-border activities. Particular attention will be given to the situation of the indigenous Sámi people. Their homeland, Sápmi, is governed by Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The borders between Norway, Sweden, and Finland have been open since the Nordic Passport Union of 1952, significantly predating the Schengen Agreement of 1985, which allows for unhindered travel in large parts of Europe, including these countries.1 Finland and Sweden are members of the European Union, while Norway is part of the European Free Trade Area and of the Schengen Agreement; Russia imposes visa requirements on citizens of the three other states. With such limitations, the Russian part of Sápmi is effectively cut off from the Western parts. While the borders between Finland, Norway, and Sweden have long been open for many purposes, this openness does not fully take into account the needs of the indigenous Sámi people, who consider themselves to be one people and consider the Sápmi homeland as a whole.2 Today, only part of their ancestral homeland is recognized as Sámi home areas in the legal sense of the term and the Sámi are a minority in their own regions virtually throughout Sápmi. The transnational characteristic of the Sámi people serves to illustrate some of the challenges faced by indigenous peoples with traditional activities such as animal herding as a result of borders imposed on them by the nation states that govern their homelands, yet in which they usually constitute only a small minority.
SYSTEMIC RISK: AN ASYMPTOTIC EVALUATION
Authors: Asimit Alexandru V. , Li Jinzhu
Published: December 2017

Systemic risk (SR) has been shown to play an important role in explaining the financial turmoils in the last several decades and understanding this source of risk has been a particular interest amongst academics, practitioners and regulators. The precise mathematical formulation of SR is still scrutinised, but the main purpose is to evaluate the financial distress of a system as a result of the failure of one component of the financial system in question. Many of the mathematical definitions of SR are based on evaluating expectations in extreme regions and therefore, Extreme Value Theory (EVT) represents the key ingredient in producing valuable estimates of SR and even its decomposition per individual components of the entire system. Without doubt, the prescribed dependence model amongst the system components has a major impact over our asymptotic approximations. Thus, this paper considers various well-known dependence models in the EVT literature that allow us to generate SR estimates. Our findings reveal that SR has a significant impact under asymptotic dependence, while weak tail dependence, known as asymptotic independence, produces an insignificant loss over the regulatory capital.
Palatal Tremor Revisited: Disorder with Nosological Diversity and Etiological Heterogeneity
Authors: Nagappa Madhu , Bindu Parayil S. , Sinha Sanjib , Bharath Rose D. , Sandhya Mangalore , Saini Jitender , Mathuranath Pavagada S. , Taly Arun B.
Published: December 2017

This case series aimed to describe clinicoradiological, electromyographic, and etiological spectra in palatal tremor (essential=1; symptomatic=26). Patients with symptomatic palatal tremor had 2 to 10 Hz arrhythmic electromyographic bursts, a spectrum of changes in inferior olivary nucleus, with/without lesions in Guillain Mollaret triangle, and varied etiologies (genetic=9, vascular=6, trauma=3, infections=3). Exome sequencing showed variations in POLG, WDR81, NDUFS8, TENM4, and EEF2. Clinical phenotypes of patients with POLG, WDR81, and NDUFS8 variations were consistent with that described in literature. We highlight salient magnetic resonance imaging features, electrophysiological observations, and diverse etiologies in a large cohort of palatal tremor.
Clinical Profile of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis Across the Continuum of Care
Authors: Turcotte Luke A. , Marrie Ruth Ann , Patten Scott B. , Hirdes John P.
Published: December 2017

Background:This study is part of the Innovations in Data, Evidence and Applications for Persons with Neurological Conditions project to understand the strengths, preferences, and needs of persons with neurological conditions living in Canada.Objective:To estimate the prevalence and describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of persons with multiple sclerosis in Canadian home care, nursing home, Complex Continuing Care hospitals, and inpatient mental health care settings.Methods:Cross-sectional study of adults aged 18 years and older with multiple sclerosis (MS; n=11,250) across Canada from 1996 through 2011 using interRAI Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) comprehensive health assessments (RAI Minimum Data Set 2.0, RAI-Home Care, RAI-Mental Health). Comparisons were made to adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (n=260,910), other neurological conditions (n=163,578) and non-neurological conditions (n=571,567).Results:The prevalence of MS was highest in Complex Continuing Care hospitals (4125 cases per 100,000 patients), followed by home care (2020 cases per 100,000 patients), nursing homes (1424 cases per 100,000 patients), and mental health settings (138 cases per 100,000 patients). Persons with MS experienced greater impairment in the completion of activities of daily living, pain, pressure ulcers, swallowing difficulty, depression, and anxiety compared with peers within care settings. There were also significant differences between settings, particularly the degree of physical and cognitive impairment experienced by persons with MS.Conclusions:Except for mental health care settings, the prevalence of MS in community, institutional and hospital-based care settings exceeded that of the general population. These data describing the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of persons with MS may be used to inform clinical practice and policy decisions for persons with MS across the continuum of care.
Pathogen Distribution and Antimicrobial Resistance Among Pediatric Healthcare-Associated Infections Reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network, 2011–2014
Authors: Lake Jason G. , Weiner Lindsey M. , Milstone Aaron M. , Saiman Lisa , Magill Shelley S. , See Isaac
Published: December 2017

OBJECTIVE

To describe pathogen distribution and antimicrobial resistance patterns for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) from pediatric locations during 2011–2014.

METHODS

Device-associated infection data were analyzed for central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and surgical site infection (SSI). Pooled mean percentage resistance was calculated for a variety of pathogen-antimicrobial resistance pattern combinations and was stratified by location for device-associated infections (neonatal intensive care units [NICUs], pediatric intensive care units [PICUs], pediatric oncology and pediatric wards) and by surgery type for SSIs.

RESULTS

From 2011 to 2014, 1,003 hospitals reported 20,390 pediatric HAIs and 22,323 associated pathogens to the NHSN. Among all HAIs, the following pathogens accounted for more than 60% of those reported:Staphylococcus aureus(17%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (17%),Escherichia coli(11%),Klebsiella pneumoniaeand/oroxytoca(9%), andEnterococcus faecalis(8%). Among device-associated infections, resistance was generally lower in NICUs than in other locations. For several pathogens, resistance was greater in pediatric wards than in PICUs. The proportion of organisms resistant to carbapenems was low overall but reached approximately 20% forPseudomonas aeruginosafrom CLABSIs and CAUTIs in some locations. Among SSIs, antimicrobial resistance patterns were similar across surgical procedure types for most pathogens.

CONCLUSION

This report is the first pediatric-specific description of antimicrobial resistance data reported to the NHSN. Reporting of pediatric-specific HAIs and antimicrobial resistance data will help identify priority targets for infection control and antimicrobial stewardship activities in facilities that provide care for children.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2018;39:1–11