bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of diamond surface chemistry and structure on the interfacial microstructure and properties of Al/diamond composites
Authors: Che Zifan , Li Jianwei , Wang Luhua , Qi Yingxu , Zhang Yang , Zhang Hailong , Wang Xitao , Wang Jinguo , Kim Moon J.
Published: July 2016

Modification of diamond surfaces affects the interfacial reaction in Al/diamond composites, which promotes the interfacial bonding and properties of the composites.
Two-step cycle for producing multiple anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) films with increasing long-range order
Authors: Choudhary E. , Szalai V.
Published: July 2016

Nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes are being used for an increasing number of applications.
Synthesis of organized mesoporous metal oxide films templated by amphiphilic PVA–PMMA comb copolymer
Authors: Kim Do Hyun , Park Min Su , Cho Hyung Hee , Park Jung Tae , Kim Jong Hak
Published: July 2016

We present a synthesis of organized mesoporous metal oxide films with high porosity and good interconnectivity using an amphiphilic PVA–PMMA comb copolymer which can be a promising template as an alternative to conventional block copolymers.
(E)-1,2-Di(thiophen-2-yl)ethene based high mobility polymer for efficient photovoltaic devices without any post treatment
Authors: Ren Junzhen , Zhang Yongchao , Liu Fushuai , Yan Yan , Qiu Meng , Roy V. A. L. , Zheng Huilin , Sun Mingliang , Yang Renqiang
Published: July 2016

The ethene based polymer shows better photovoltaic performance.
Copolymer films containing amphiphilic side chains of well-defined fluoroalkyl-segment length with biofouling-release potential
Authors: Galli Giancarlo , Barsi David , Martinelli Elisa , Glisenti Antonella , Finlay John A. , Callow Maureen E. , Callow James A.
Published: July 2016

Novel methacrylate copolymers containing polysiloxane (SiMA) and mixed poly(ethyleneglycol)-perfluorohexyl side chains (MEF) were synthesised and dispersed as surface-active additives in crosslinked PDMS films.
Inhibition of chikungunya virus replication by hesperetin and naringenin
Authors: Ahmadi Azin , Hassandarvish Pouya , Lani Rafidah , Yadollahi Pedram , Jokar Amin , Bakar Sazaly Abu , Zandi Keivan
Published: July 2016

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an emerging arbovirus, which has recently become globally important.
Scandium-doped zinc cadmium oxide as a new stable n-type oxide thermoelectric material
Authors: Han L. , Christensen D. V. , Bhowmik A. , Simonsen S. B. , Hung L. T. , Abdellahi E. , Chen Y. Z. , Nong N. V. , Linderoth S. , Pryds N.
Published: July 2016

Scandium-doped zinc cadmium oxide is proposed as a new n-type oxide thermoelectric material, which is stable in air at high temperature up to 1073 K, and having a 7-fold-reduced thermal conductivity at RT and the highest ZT ∼0.3 at 1173 K.
A WS2 nanosheet-based nanosensor for the ultrasensitive detection of small molecule–protein interaction via terminal protection of small molecule-linked DNA and Nt.BstNBI-assisted recycling amplification
Authors: Chen Jia , Gao Cunji , Mallik Abul K. , Qiu Hongdeng
Published: July 2016

A novel, ultrasensitive and specific fluorescent nanosensor for the detection of small molecule–protein interaction based on the terminal protection of small molecule-linked DNA and Nt.BstNBI-assisted recycling amplification was reported.
Size-controllable ultrathin carboxylated polypyrrole nanotube transducer for extremely sensitive 17β-estradiol FET-type biosensors
Authors: Na Wonjoo , Park Jin Wook , An Ji Hyun , Jang Jyongsik
Published: July 2016

Size-controllable aptamer conjugated ultrathin carboxylated polypyrrole nanotubes (A-UCPPyNTs) were successfully fabricated as transducers in 17β-estradiol field-effect transistor (FET)-type biosensors which has extremely high sensitivity (∼1 fM) and unique selectivity.
Dielectric breakdown properties of N2–O2 mixtures by considering electron detachments from negative ions
Authors: Zhao Hu , Lin Hui
Published: July 2016

The paper analyzes the dielectric breakdown properties of N2–O2 mixtures at different O2 concentrations and gas pressures, taking into account electron detachments from negative ions. The reduced effective ionization coefficients α(eff)/N in N2–O2 mixtures at different O2 concentrations and gas pressures were calculated and analyzed, by considering electron detachments. The critical reduced electric fields (E/N)cr and the critical electron temperature Tb were then determined. The result indicates a clear enhancement of α(eff)/N by collisional detachments, which causes a reduction in the (E/N)cr. In addition, a synergistic effect in the N2–O2 mixture was also observed in both (E/N)cr and Tb. The value of Tb was decreased by the increase of pd product, however, Tb tended to be constant at relatively high pd products.
The importance of the traditional fire knowledge system in a subtropical montane socio-ecosystem in a protected natural area
Authors: Martínez-Torres H. Leonardo , Castillo Alicia , Ramírez M. Isabel , Pérez-Salicrup Diego R.
Published: July 2016

The use of fire for traditional agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry is highly important to farmers in developing countries where this practice is continuously blamed as being the main cause of forest fires. That is the case in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR), Mexico, where paradoxically, little is known about the inhabitants’ traditional uses of fire. In this study we characterise fire users, describe traditional fire uses and identify the ecological and social rules involved in the use of fire in the MBBR. Through participant observation and semi-structured interviews we found a robust body of knowledge among local people regarding the geophysical and ecological factors determining fire behaviour. This information is transferred orally and through everyday practices from parents to children. We identified nine types of fire uses. The most common is ‘mound burns’, which entails a process of extraction-piling-drying-burning of weeds from agricultural fields. Social rules are aimed at decreasing the risk of forest fires. Our results suggest there is a traditional fire knowledge system in the MBBR that has undergone changes and has adapted to the ecological and social reality of the region during the past few decades.
Response of soil seed bank to a prescribed burning in a subtropical pine–oak forest
Authors: Zuloaga-Aguilar Susana , Orozco-Segovia Alma , Briones Oscar , Pelaez Enrique Jardel
Published: July 2016

Prescribed burning is a management instrument applied to reduce the risk of fire and favour revegetation. Our objective was to generate information about the dynamics of post-fire regeneration via the soil seed bank (SSB), for fire management in subtropical forests. Samples taken at soil depths of 0–3cm, 3–6 cm and 6–10 cm before and 5 h after a prescribed burn showed that the fire immediately increased the number of germinable seeds and species in a Mexican pine–oak forest. Most of the germinable seeds were from species in genera with small seeds exhibiting physical or physiological dormancy, and that are tolerant or require fire for germination. Fire increased the number of germinable seeds during the wet season and the number of species was greater in the area control at 0–6-cm soil depth after 1 year; so that the fire modified the SSB seasonal pattern. Species diversity was not altered and was dominated by perennial herbaceous and shrub species both before and 2 years after the fire. Although fire completely eliminated the aboveground biomass of the understorey vegetation, the SSB can promote regeneration and persistence of understorey vegetation following a prescribed surface fire of low severity for the ecosystem studied.
FPGA-realization of a speed control IC for induction motor drive
Authors: Kung Ying-Shieh , Chen Seng-Chi , Lin Jin-Mu , Tseng Tsung-Chun
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to integrate the function of a speed controller for induction motor (IM) drive, such as the speed PI controller, the current vector controller, the slip speed estimator, the space vector pulse width modulation scheme, the quadrature encoder pulse, and analog to digital converter interface circuit, etc. into one field programmable gate array (FPGA).

Design/methodology/approach

– First, the mathematical modeling of an IM drive, the field-oriented control algorithm, and PI controller are derived. Second, the very high speed IC hardware description language (VHDL) is adopted to describe the behavior of the algorithms above. Third, based on electronic design automation simulator link, a co-simulation work constructed by ModelSim and Simulink is applied to verify the proposed VHDL code for the speed controller intellectual properties (IP). Finally, the developed VHDL code will be downloaded to the FPGA for further control the IM drive.

Findings

– In realization aspect, it only needs 5,590 LEs, 196,608 RAM bits, and 14 embedded 9-bit multipliers in FPGA to build up a speed control IP. In computational power aspect, the operation time to complete the computation of the PI controller, the slip speed estimator, the current vector controller are only 0.28 μs, 0.72 μs, and 0.96 μs, respectively.

Practical implications

– Fast computation in FPGA can speed up the speed response of IM drive system to increase the running performance.

Originality/value

– This is the first time to realize all the function of a speed controller for IM drive within one FPGA.
Agency theory and financial crime: the paradox of the opportunistic executive
Authors: Dion Michel
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to philosophically address the issue of managerial opportunism and to describe the paradox of the opportunistic executive, particularly when the CEO could be considered as a “criminal-to-be”.

Design/methodology/approach

It will be seen to what extent governance mechanisms really contribute to prevent managerial opportunism, particularly through compensation packages (“financial carrots”). Then, Oliver E. Williamson’s viewpoint will be analyzed on opportunism, as his theory has largely influenced the way agency theories actually define managerial opportunism. Williamson was thinking opportunism without referring to philosophical works. The gap in exploring three basic types of opportunism will be filled: the Smithian egoist, the Hobbesian egoist and the Machiavellian egoist.

Findings

The Smithian egoist tries to reach an equilibrium between self-interest and compassion, while the Hobbesian egoist is motivated by self-interest, desire of power and the attitude of prudence. The Machiavellian egoist is always searching for power and makes followers’ fear arising. The way governance mechanisms and structures should be designed and implemented could be quite different if the CEO actually behaves as a Smithian, Hobbesian or Machiavellian egoist. CEO’s propensity to commit financial crime could largely vary from one type to another: low risk (Smithian egoist), medium risk (Hobbesian egoist) or high risk (Machiavellian egoist).

Research limitation/implications

Smith’s, Hobbes’ and Machiavelli’s philosophy was chosen because the agency theory sometimes refers to it, when defining the notion of opportunism. Other philosophies could also be analyzed to see to what extent they are opening the door to opportunism (for example, Spinoza).

Originality/value

The paper analyzes managerial opportunism from a philosophical viewpoint. Whether executives are Smithian, Hobbesian or Machiavellian egoists, their opportunism cannot give birth to similar behaviors.
Can complexity science inform physician leadership development?
Authors: Grady Colleen Marie
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe research that examined physician leadership development using complexity science principles.

Design/methodology/approach

Intensive interviewing of 21 participants and document review provided data regarding physician leadership development in health-care organizations using five principles of complexity science (connectivity, interdependence, feedback, exploration-of-the-space-of-possibilities and co-evolution), which were grouped in three areas of inquiry (relationships between agents, patterns of behaviour and enabling functions).

Findings

Physician leaders are viewed as critical in the transformation of healthcare and in improving patient outcomes, and yet significant challenges exist that limit their development. Leadership in health care continues to be associated with traditional, linear models, which are incongruent with the behaviour of a complex system, such as health care. Physician leadership development remains a low priority for most health-care organizations, although physicians admit to being limited in their capacity to lead. This research was based on five principles of complexity science and used grounded theory methodology to understand how the behaviours of a complex system can provide data regarding leadership development for physicians. The study demonstrated that there is a strong association between physician leadership and patient outcomes and that organizations play a primary role in supporting the development of physician leaders. Findings indicate that a physician’s relationship with their patient and their capacity for innovation can be extended as catalytic behaviours in a complex system. The findings also identified limiting factors that impact physicians who choose to lead, such as reimbursement models that do not place value on leadership and medical education that provides minimal opportunity for leadership skill development.

Practical Implications

This research provides practical applications for physician leadership development and emphasizes that it is incumbent upon physicians and organizations to focus attention on this to achieve improved patient and organizational outcomes.

Originality/value

This study pairing complexity science and physician leadership represents a unique way to view the development of physician leaders within the context of the complex system that is health care.
Ovulatory disorders are an independent risk factor for pregnancy complications in women receiving assisted reproduction treatments
Authors: Barua Sumita , Hng Tien‐Ming , Smith Howard , Bradford Jennifer , McLean Mark
Published: July 2016

Background

Conception using assisted reproduction treatments (ART) has been associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications. It is uncertain if this is caused by ART directly, or is an association of the underlying factors causing infertility.

Aims

We assessed the relationship between assisted conception (AC) and maternal or fetal complications in a large retrospective cohort study. In a nested cohort of women receiving infertility treatment, we determined if such risk rests predominantly with certain causes of infertility.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective database analysis of 50 381 women delivering a singleton pregnancy in four public hospital obstetric units in western Sydney, and a nested cohort of 508 women receiving ART at a single fertility centre, in whom the cause of infertility was known.

Results

A total of 1727 pregnancies followed AC; 48 654 were spontaneous conceptions. Adjusted for age, body mass index and smoking, AC was associated with increased risk of preterm delivery (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.50–2.02), hypertension (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.34–1.82) and diabetes (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.30–1.75). In the nested cohort, ovulatory dysfunction was present in 145 women and 336 had infertility despite normal ovulatory function. Ovulatory dysfunction was associated with increased risk of diabetes (OR 2.94, 95% CI 1.72–5.02) and hypertension (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.15–5.00) compared to women with normal ovulatory function.

Conclusions

Assisted conception is associated with increased risk of pregnancy complications. This risk appears greatest for women whose underlying infertility involves ovulatory dysfunction. Such disorders probably predispose towards diabetes and hypertension, which is then exacerbated by pregnancy.
Seizure outcome after switching antiepileptic drugs: A matched, prospective study
Authors: Finamore Jon Marc , Sperling Michael R. , Zhan Tingting , Nei Maromi , Skidmore Christopher T. , Mintzer Scott
Published: July 2016

Objective

Outcomes after changing antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have largely been studied in single cohort series. We recently reported the first study to examine this question in a controlled manner. Here we expand on these results by using a matched, prospective methodology applied to both uncontrolled and well‐controlled patients taking any AED.

Methods

We reviewed all outpatient notes over a 9‐month period and identified patients with focal epilepsy who were on monotherapy. We classified those who switched AEDs as case patients, with those remaining on the same drug serving as controls. We matched cases with controls for seizure status (seizure‐free in the preceding 6 months or not), current AED, and number of failed AEDs. We subsequently assessed outcome 6 months later.

Results

Seizure‐free patients who switched drug (n = 12) had a 16.7% rate of seizure recurrence at 6 months, compared to 2.8% among controls remaining on the same drug (n = 36, p = 0.11). There was a 37% remission rate among uncontrolled patients who switched drug compared to 55.6% among controls (n = 27 per group, p = 0.18). Uncontrolled patients who had previously tried more than one AED were somewhat less likely to enter remission (p = 0.057). Neither AED mechanism of action nor change in dosage impacted outcome.

Significance

Herein we provide further estimation of the modest risk (~14%) associated with switching AEDs in patients in remission compared to being maintained on the same regimen. Uncontrolled patients were no more likely to enter remission after a drug switch than they were after remaining on the same drug, suggesting that spontaneous changes in disease state, and not drug response, underlie remission in this population.
Biogenic manganese oxides as reservoirs of organic carbon and proteins in terrestrial and marine environments
Authors: Estes E. R. , Andeer P. F. , Nordlund D. , Wankel S. D. , Hansel C. M.
Published: July 2016

Manganese (Mn) oxides participate in a range of interactions with organic carbon (OC) that can lead to either carbon degradation or preservation. Here, we examine the abundance and composition of OC associated with biogenic and environmental Mn oxides to elucidate the role of Mn oxides as a reservoir for carbon and their potential for selective partitioning of particular carbon species. Mn oxides precipitated in natural brackish waters and by Mn(II)‐oxidizing marine bacteria and terrestrial fungi harbor considerable levels of organic carbon (4.1–17.0 mol OC per kg mineral) compared to ferromanganese cave deposits which contain 1–2 orders of magnitude lower OC. Spectroscopic analyses indicate that the chemical composition of Mn oxide‐associated OC from microbial cultures is homogeneous with bacterial Mn oxides hosting primarily proteinaceous carbon and fungal Mn oxides containing both protein‐ and lipopolysaccharide‐like carbon. The bacterial Mn oxide‐hosted proteins are involved in both Mn(II) oxidation and metal binding by these bacterial species and could be involved in the mineral nucleation process as well. By comparison, the composition of OC associated with Mn oxides formed in natural settings (brackish waters and particularly in cave ferromanganese rock coatings) is more spatially and chemically heterogeneous. Cave Mn oxide‐associated organic material is enriched in aliphatic C, which together with the lower carbon concentrations, points to more extensive microbial or mineral processing of carbon in this system relative to the other systems examined in this study, and as would be expected in oligotrophic cave environments. This study highlights Mn oxides as a reservoir for carbon in varied environments. The presence and in some cases dominance of proteinaceous carbon within the biogenic and natural Mn oxides may contribute to preferential preservation of proteins in sediments and dominance of protein‐dependent metabolisms in the subsurface biosphere.
Solutions for ecosystem‐level protection of ocean systems under climate change
Authors: Queirós Ana M. , Huebert Klaus B. , Keyl Friedemann , Fernandes Jose A. , Stolte Willem , Maar Marie , Kay Susan , Jones Miranda C. , Hamon Katell G. , Hendriksen Gerrit , Vermard Youen , Marchal Paul , Teal Lorna R. , Somerfield Paul J. , Austen Melanie C. , Barange Manuel , Sell Anne F. , Allen Icarus , Peck Myron A.
Published: July 2016

The Paris Conference of Parties (COP21) agreement renewed momentum for action against climate change, creating the space for solutions for conservation of the ocean addressing two of its largest threats: climate change and ocean acidification (CCOA). Recent arguments that ocean policies disregard a mature conservation research field and that protected areas cannot address climate change may be oversimplistic at this time when dynamic solutions for the management of changing oceans are needed. We propose a novel approach, based on spatial meta‐analysis of climate impact models, to improve the positioning of marine protected areas to limit CCOA impacts. We do this by estimating the vulnerability of ocean ecosystems to CCOA in a spatially explicit manner and then co‐mapping human activities such as the placement of renewable energy developments and the distribution of marine protected areas. We test this approach in the NE Atlantic considering also how CCOA impacts the base of the food web which supports protected species, an aspect often neglected in conservation studies. We found that, in this case, current regional conservation plans protect areas with low ecosystem‐level vulnerability to CCOA, but disregard how species may redistribute to new, suitable and productive habitats. Under current plans, these areas remain open to commercial extraction and other uses. Here, and worldwide, ocean conservation strategies under CCOA must recognize the long‐term importance of these habitat refuges, and studies such as this one are needed to identify them. Protecting these areas creates adaptive, climate‐ready and ecosystem‐level policy options for conservation, suitable for changing oceans.
Rapid detection and subtyping of European swine influenza viruses in porcine clinical samples by haemagglutinin‐ and neuraminidase‐specific tetra‐ and triplex real‐time RT‐PCRs
Authors: Henritzi Dinah , Zhao Na , Starick Elke , Simon Gaelle , Krog Jesper S. , Larsen Lars Erik , Reid Scott M. , Brown Ian H. , Chiapponi Chiara , Foni Emanuela , Wacheck Silke , Schmid Peter , Beer Martin , Hoffmann Bernd , Harder Timm C.
Published: July 2016

Background

A diversifying pool of mammalian‐adapted influenza A viruses (IAV) with largely unknown zoonotic potential is maintained in domestic swine populations worldwide. The most recent human influenza pandemic in 2009 was caused by a virus with genes originating from IAV isolated from swine. Swine influenza viruses (SIV) are widespread in European domestic pig populations and evolve dynamically. Knowledge regarding occurrence, spread and evolution of potentially zoonotic SIV in Europe is poorly understood.

Objectives

Efficient SIV surveillance programmes depend on sensitive and specific diagnostic methods which allow for cost‐effective large‐scale analysis.

Methods

New SIV haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) subtype‐ and lineage‐specific multiplex real‐time RT‐PCRs (RT‐qPCR) have been developed and validated with reference virus isolates and clinical samples.

Results

A diagnostic algorithm is proposed for the combined detection in clinical samples and subtyping of SIV strains currently circulating in Europe that is based on a generic, M‐gene‐specific influenza A virus RT‐qPCR. In a second step, positive samples are examined by tetraplex HA‐ and triplex NA‐specific RT‐qPCRs to differentiate the porcine subtypes H1, H3, N1 and N2. Within the HA subtype H1, lineages “av” (European avian‐derived), “hu” (European human‐derived) and “pdm” (human pandemic A/H1N1, 2009) are distinguished by RT‐qPCRs, and within the NA subtype N1, lineage “pdm” is differentiated. An RT‐PCR amplicon Sanger sequencing method of small fragments of the HA and NA genes is also proposed to safeguard against failure of multiplex RT‐qPCR subtyping.

Conclusions

These new multiplex RT‐qPCR assays provide adequate tools for sustained SIV monitoring programmes in Europe.
Epigenetic silencing of TIMP4 in heart failure
Authors: Chaturvedi Pankaj , Tyagi Suresh C.
Published: July 2016

Tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloprotease 4 (TIMP4) is endogenously one of the key modulators of matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9) and we have reported earlier that cardiac specific TIMP4 instigates contractility and helps in differentiation of cardiac progenitor cells. Although studies show that the expression of TIMP4 goes down in heart failure but the mechanism is unknown. This study aims to determine the mechanism of silencing of TIMP4 in heart failure progression created by aorta‐vena cava (AV) fistula. We hypothesize that there is epigenetic silencing of TIMP4 in heart failure. To validate this hypothesis, we created heart failure model by creating AV fistula in C57BL/6 mice and looked into the promoter methylation (methylation specific PCR, high resolution melting, methylation sensitive restriction enzyme and Na bisulphite treatment followed by sequencing), histone modification (ChIP assay) and microRNAs that regulate TIMP4 (mir122a) and MMP9 (mir29b and mir455‐5p). The physiological parameters in terms of cardiac function after AV fistula were assessed by echocardiography. We observed that there are 7 CpG islands in the TIMP4 promoter which get methylated during the progression of heart failure which leads to its epigenetic silencing. In addition, the up‐regulated levels of mir122a in part, contribute to regulation of TIMP4. Consequently, MMP9 gets up‐regulated and leads to cardiac remodeling. This is a novel report to explain the epigenetic silencing of TIMP4 in heart failure.
P‐glycoprotein overexpression in bone marrow–derived multipotent stromal cells decreases the risk of steroid‐induced osteonecrosis in the femoral head
Authors: Han Ning , Li Zengchun , Cai Zhengdong , Yan Zuoqin , Hua Yingqi , Xu Chong
Published: July 2016

P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) plays a role in steroid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. We hypothesized that P‐gp overexpression can preventONFHby regulating bone marrow–derived multipotent stromal cell (BMSC) adipogenesis and osteogenesis.BMSCs from Sprague–Dawley rats were transfected with green fluorescent protein (GFP) or the multidrug resistance gene 1 (MDR1) encodingGFPand P‐gp. Dexamethasone was used to induceBMSCdifferentiation. Adipogenesis was determined by measuring peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR‐γ) expression and the triglyceride level. Osteogenesis was determined by measuring runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) expression and alkaline phosphatase activity. Forin vivoexperiments, rats were injected with saline,BMSCs expressingGFP(GFP‐BMSCs) orBMSCs expressingGFP‐P‐gp (MDR1‐GFP‐BMSCs). After dexamethasone induction, adipogenesis was determined by measuringPPAR‐γ expression and fatty marrow, whereas osteogenesis was detected by measuring Runx2 expression, trabecular parameters and the mineral apposition rate, followed by evaluation of the incidence ofONFH. Overexpression of P‐gp inBMSCs resulted in markedly decreased expression of adipogenic markers and increased expression of osteogenic markers. Compared with rats injected with saline, rats injected withGFP‐BMSCs showed reducedONFH, and the injectedGFP‐positiveBMSCs attached to trabecular surfaces and exhibited an osteoblast‐like morphology. Compared with the rats injected withBMSCs expressingGFPalone, rats injected withBMSCs overexpressingGFPand P‐gp showed lower adipocytic variables, higher osteogenic variables and lower incidence ofONFH. Overexpression of P‐gp inhibitedBMSCadipogenesis and promoted osteogenesis, which reduced the incidence of steroid‐inducedONFH.
Cost‐effectiveness of regularversusirregular supportive periodontal therapy or tooth removal
Authors: Schwendicke Falk , Stolpe Michael , Plaumann Anna , Graetz Christian
Published: July 2016

Aim

For periodontitis patients, regular supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) decreases risks of tooth loss, with savings for tooth replacement possibly compensatingSPT‐costs. We aimed to assess the cost‐effectiveness of regularversusirregularSPT, and to compare both strategies with immediate tooth removal.

Methods

A private payer perspective within German healthcare was adopted. A tooth‐level Markov model was constructed. Replacement of 50% of removed teeth via implant‐supported crowns was modelled in the base case. Cost‐effectiveness was estimated as Euro/tooth retention year using Monte Carlo microsimulations. Scenario analyses were performed.

Results

RegularSPTwas more effective (tooth retention 28.7versus26.1 years), but more costly (806versus731 Euro per tooth), with an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (additional costs per tooth retention year) of 29 Euro/year. RegularSPTwas less costly if costs forSPTper tooth and visit were <5.03 Euro, patients had high risk of tooth loss, or teeth were regularly replaced. Immediately removing and replacing teeth was usually most costly.

Conclusions

Within the chosen healthcare setting and on the basis of current evidence, regularSPTretains teeth longer than irregularSPT, but does not necessarily reduce expenses. Decision‐making should consider the subjective value placed on retaining teeth, the technical feasibility of replacement, and the impact of periodontal on general health.
Tooth loss and alveolar bone crest loss during supportive periodontal therapy in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis: retrospective study with follow‐up of 8 to 15 years
Authors: Díaz‐Faes Lucía , Guerrero Adrián , Magán‐Fernández Antonio , Bravo Manuel , Mesa Francisco
Published: July 2016

Aim

To determine the incidence of tooth loss in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT), identify tooth loss risk factors, and quantify alveolar crest height changes on periapical X‐ray during follow‐up.

Material and Methods

This retrospective study included 25 GAgP patients with 656 teeth after periodontal treatment (baseline). Data were gathered on sociodemographic, periodontal, and radiological variables at baseline and at the end of follow‐up. Linear regression models were used to assess the association of risk factors with tooth loss.

Results

Twenty‐eight teeth were extracted during SPT. The mean tooth loss per patient was 1.12 ± 2.01 for all causes and 0.9 ± 2.0 for periodontal disease after a mean follow‐up of 10.9 ± 2 years. Clinical variables were improved at the end of follow‐up, with a mean reduction of −1 ± 0.8 mm in probing pocket depth (−0.7 to −1.3, 95% CI) and −0.6 ± 0.9 mm in clinical attachment loss (−0.9 to −0.2, 95% CI). Mean alveolar bone crest loss at the end of follow‐up was 0.36 ± 0.56 mm (0.10–0.61, 95% CI). Smoking was associated with tooth loss (p = 0.052).

Conclusions

Tooth loss rate was low in GAgP in a regular supportive care programme. Clinical variables improved, and bone loss was minimal over time. Smoking was associated with tooth loss.
CDH11 inhibits proliferation and invasion in head and neck cancer
Authors: Piao Songlin , Inglehart Ronald C. , Scanlon Christina Springstead , Russo Nickole , Banerjee Rajat , D'Silva Nisha J.
Published: July 2016

Background

In this study, we use a bioinformatics‐based strategy to nominate a tumor suppressor gene cadherin‐11 (CDH11) and investigate its role in growth and invasion in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

Using the Oncomine™ database to compare HNSCC and normal specimens, CDH11 was nominated as having a role in HNSCC. CDH11 expression in HNSCC was evaluated by immunohistochemistry on a tissue microarray (TMA) and immunoblotting and immunofluorescence of cell lines. The functional impact of CDH11 on proliferation and invasion was evaluated after siRNA‐mediated knockdown.

Results

In silico analysis suggested that CDH11 is overexpressed in HNSCC compared to normal specimens. HNSCC TMA exhibited a small but significant increase in intensity and proportion of CDH11. By immunoblot analysis, CDH11 was higher in 4/7 HNSCC cell lines compared to normal keratinocytes; CDH11 was highly upregulated in UM‐SCC‐47 and UM‐SCC‐74A and detectable in UM‐SCC‐14A and UM‐SCC‐29 cell lines. Downregulation of CDH11 in both UM‐SCC‐29 and UM‐SCC‐47 using two different siRNAs enhanced proliferation and invasion.

Conclusion

CDH11 inhibits cell proliferation and invasion of HNSCC. This suggests that CDH11 functions as a tumor suppressor gene in head and neck cancer. Our findings emphasize the importance of verifying in silico findings with functional studies.
Mindfulness meditation–based pain relief: a mechanistic account
Authors: Zeidan Fadel , Vago David R.
Published: July 2016

Pain is a multidimensional experience that involves interacting sensory, cognitive, and affective factors, rendering the treatment of chronic pain challenging and financially burdensome. Further, the widespread use of opioids to treat chronic pain has led to an opioid epidemic characterized by exponential growth in opioid misuse and addiction. The staggering statistics related to opioid use highlight the importance of developing, testing, and validating fast‐acting nonpharmacological approaches to treat pain. Mindfulness meditation is a technique that has been found to significantly reduce pain in experimental and clinical settings. The present review delineates findings from recent studies demonstrating that mindfulness meditation significantly attenuates pain through multiple, unique mechanisms—an important consideration for the millions of chronic pain patients seeking narcotic‐free, self‐facilitated pain therapy.
Stochastic alternative splicing is prevalent in mungbean (Vigna radiata)
Authors: Satyawan Dani , Kim Moon Young , Lee Suk‐Ha
Published: July 2016

Alternative splicing (AS) can produce multiple mature mRNAs from the same primary transcript, thereby generating diverse proteins and phenotypes from the same gene. To assess the prevalence of AS in mungbean (Vigna radiata), we analysed whole‐genome RNA sequencing data from root, leaf, flower and pod tissues and found that at least 37.9% of mungbean genes are subjected to AS. The number of AS transcripts exhibited a strong correlation with exon number and thus resembled a uniform probabilistic event rather than a specific regulatory function. The proportion of frameshift splicing was close to the expected frequency of random splicing. However, alternative donor and acceptor AS events tended to occur at multiples of three nucleotides (i.e. the codon length) from the main splice site. Genes with high exon number and expression level, which should have the most AS if splicing is purely stochastic, exhibited less AS, implying the existence of negative selection against excessive random AS. Functional AS is probably rare: a large proportion of AS isoforms exist at very low copy per cell on average or are expressed at much lower levels than default transcripts. Conserved AS was only detected in 629 genes (2.8% of all genes in the genome) when compared to Vigna angularis, and in 16 genes in more distant species like soya bean. These observations highlight the challenges of finding and cataloguing candidates for experimentally proven AS isoforms in a crop genome.
Seizures and Methemoglobinemia After Topical Application of Eutectic Mixture of Lidocaine and Prilocaine on a 3.5‐Year‐Old Child with Molluscum Contagiosum and Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Cho Yong Se , Chung Bo Young , Park Chun Wook , Kim Hye One
Published: July 2016

A eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine (EMLA) is used topically to provide local anesthesia for a variety of painful superficial procedures. Although the side effects of EMLA are usually mild and transient local reactions, potentially life‐threatening complications can occur. We report a case of generalized seizures and methemoglobinemia after topical application of EMLA for curettage of molluscum contagiosum lesions in a 3.5‐year‐old girl with atopic dermatitis.
Probable Griseofulvin‐Induced Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms in a Child
Authors: Smith Robert J. , Boos Markus D. , McMahon Patrick
Published: July 2016

A 9‐year‐old boy presented with fever, rash, anterior cervical lymphadenopathy, high liver enzymes, atypical lymphocytosis, and eosinophilia (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms [DRESS]). His history was notable for having taken griseofulvin for 3 weeks prior to onset of these findings. He improved after treatment with oral prednisone. We present a rare case of probable DRESS secondary to griseofulvin.
The invasive brown seaweed Sargassum muticum as new resource for alginate in Morocco: Spectroscopic and rheological characterization
Authors: El Atouani Samir , Bentiss Fouad , Reani Abdeltif , Zrid Rachid , Belattmania Zahira , Pereira Leonel , Mortadi Abdelhadi , Cherkaoui Omar , Sabour Brahim
Published: July 2016

The Japanese brown seaweed Sargassum muticum, recently invaded several shorelines worldwide including the Atlantic coast of Morocco with large well‐established populations. Within the framework of a sustainable strategy to control this invasive seaweed, we report on extraction yield, spectroscopic characterization and rheological properties of alginate, a commercially valuable colloid, from harvested biomass of S. muticum. Extraction yield was about 25.6% on dry weight basis. Infrared spectroscopy analysis shows that the obtained Fourier transform infrared spectra of the extracted biopolymer exhibit strong similarities with that of the commercial alginate. Furthermore, Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed that S. muticum alginate has almost equal amounts of β‐D‐mannuronic acid (M; 49%) and α‐L‐guluronic acid (G; 51%) with an M/G ratio of 1.04 and a high content of heteropolymeric MG GM diads suggesting a sequence distribution of an alternated polymer type. Rheological measurements were performed at different sodium alginate concentrations, temperatures and shear rates. The hydrocolloid exhibited pseudoplastic behavior and showed shear thinning, particularly at high solution concentration and low temperature which is consistent with the rheological behavior reported for commercial alginates. Considering the abundance of S. muticum in the Northwestern Atlantic coast of Morocco and the quality of the extracted hydrogel, this invasive species could be considered as a potential source of alginates.
Measuring EU Urban‐Rural Continuum Through Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Pagliacci Francesco
Published: July 2016

This paper aims to provide a multidimensional and continuous indicator of rurality by means of fuzzy logic. A nuanced urban‐rural continuum actually occurs in an enlarged Europe. Thus, the introduction of a fuzzy rurality indicator (FRI) can improve conventional urban‐rural classifications. FRI takes into account about 1,300 NUTS 3 regions throughout the EU 27. Being a continuous indicator, it highlights those nuances, in a multidimensional perspective: it covers complementary drivers, such as role of agriculture, population density and land use characteristics. The paper also stresses geographical differences among EU Countries and groups of them. In this respect, replacing Eurostat urban‐rural typologies, FRI improves both accuracy of further socio‐economic analyses and policy evaluations.
Silver ions eluted from partially protected silver nanoparticles
Authors: Heidari Zare Hamideh , Düttmann Oliver , Vass Attila , Franz Gerhard , Jocham Dieter
Published: July 2016

The most prominent character of a new type of antibacterial urological catheters is the zebra-stripe pattern of a silver film, which is plated electroless on their interior wall and capped by a very thin semipermeable layer of parylene. This design effectively controls the release rate of Ag+ ions in artificial urine, which has been measured as function of time with optical emission spectroscopy. By evaluating the minimum inhibitory concentration against certain strains of bacteria with solutions of AgNO3 of known concentration with the method of optical density and applying this analysis to the silver-eluting catheters, it was shown that this moderation prolongs the period of their application significantly. But to act as antibacterial agent in chlorine-containing solutions, as in urine, the presence of urea is required to avoid precipitation of AgCl and to meet or even exceed the minimum inhibitory concentration of Ag+. The quality of the silver depot layer was further determined by the deposition rate and its morphology, which revealed that the film consisted of grains with a mean size of 150 nm.
Reverberation of flexural waves scattered by a local heterogeneity in a plate
Authors: Achdjian Hossep , Moulin Emmanuel , Benmeddour Farouk , Assaad Jamal , Dupont Lucie , Chehami Lynda
Published: July 2016

A statistical model is proposed to relate the scattering properties of a local heterogeneity in a plate to the statistical properties of scattered and reverberated flexural waves. The contribution of the heterogeneity is isolated through the computation of differential signals consisting of a subtraction of the signals recorded after and before introduction of the heterogeneity. The theoretical expression of the average reverberation envelope of these differential signals is obtained as a function of the scattering cross-section of the heterogeneity. Successful numerical and experimental validations in various cases of canonical heterogeneities with known scattering cross-sections are shown. These satisfying results offer a way to estimate the scattering cross-section of an unknown scatterer from the reverberated differential signals.
Variation in fur farm and wild populations of the red fox, Vulpes vulpes (Carnivora: Canidae) — Part I: Morphometry
Authors: Zatoń-Dobrowolska Magdalena , Moska Magdalena , Mucha Anna , Wierzbicki Heliodor , Przysiecki Piotr , Dobrowolski Maciej
Published: July 2016

This paper demonstrates the influence of artificial selection on morphometric traits in the red fox [Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758)]. Measurements and two proportion coefficients were analysed in 132 wild and 199 farm red foxes. The two groups differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) on all but one of the measurements. Eight out of 11 measurements were significantly greater in the farm fox population, while only tail length, ear height, and length of the right hind limb were greater in the population of wild foxes. The opposite trend was observed when analysing variation in the measurements — the farm foxes were characterized by a greater variability only in the case of body weight, body length, and breadth of chest. When analysing the sexual dimorphism index in different sex and population groups, in almost all analysed traits, the greatest differences occurred between farm males and wild females. All of the traits examined in this study are important for survival of wild foxes. However, because importance of some traits was reduced during domestication and selective breeding (farm foxes do not have to fight for survival), the genetic relationship between them may have weakened. Other possible causes of morphological differences between the studied groups of red foxes are discussed as well.
Electronic structure and magnetic properties of Zn1−xTMxTe (TM = Fe, Co, Ni) for 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 alloys
Authors: Mahmood Q. , Faridi A. , Mahmood Asif , Rashid M. , Hassan M. , Noor N. A.
Published: July 2016

In this study, we employed Wu–Cohen generalized gradient approximation (WC-GGA) to calculate the structural stability, whereas the modified Becke and Johnson local-density approximation (mBJLDA) functional has been used to determine the electronic and magnetic properties of [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] alloys in the [Formula: see text] range 0–1. Structural optimization in paramagnetic (PM), ferromagnetic (FM) and anti-ferromagnetic (AFM) orders has been done to check the state stability of the doped alloys and then verified with the calculated values of enthalpy of formation [Formula: see text]. The erections of enthalpies were negative which gave the evidence of structural stability in FM phase for all three alloys. Our calculated values of equilibrium lattice constants decreased by increasing the TM concentration, in [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] alloys. We found ferromagnetism caused by the spin polarization of electron in TM-[Formula: see text] states in the studied alloys by analyzing the calculated band structure (BS), density of state (DOS) and magnetic moments. The calculated ferromagnetism was also explained from the Zener model. Due to the tetrahedral crystal field, the [Formula: see text]-state of TM splits into double [Formula: see text] and triple degenerate [Formula: see text] states and our calculated results show the strong pd interaction is only due to [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we predict exchange splitting energies [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and exchange constants [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Their calculated values are consistent with typical magneto-optical experiment. The magnetic moments of TM ions were reduced by increasing TM concentration in [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] alloys, while trivial local magnetic moments at Zn and Te sites were also found.
GazeStereo3D
Authors: Kellnhofer Petr , Didyk Piotr , Myszkowski Karol , Hefeeda Mohamed M. , Seidel Hans-Peter , Matusik Wojciech
Published: July 2016

Producing a high quality stereoscopic impression on current displays is a challenging task. The content has to be carefully prepared in order to maintain visual comfort, which typically affects the quality of depth reproduction. In this work, we show that this problem can be significantly alleviated when the eye fixation regions can be roughly estimated. We propose a new method for stereoscopic depth adjustment that utilizes eye tracking or other gaze prediction information. The key idea that distinguishes our approach from the previous work is to apply gradual depth adjustments at the eye fixation stage, so that they remain unnoticeable. To this end, we measure the limits imposed on the speed of disparity changes in various depth adjustment scenarios, and formulate a new model that can guide such seamless stereoscopic content processing. Based on this model, we propose a real-time controller that applies local manipulations to stereoscopic content to find the optimum between depth reproduction and visual comfort. We show that the controller is mostly immune to the limitations of low-cost eye tracking solutions. We also demonstrate benefits of our model in off-line applications, such as stereoscopic movie production, where skillful directors can reliably guide and predict viewers' attention or where attended image regions are identified during eye tracking sessions. We validate both our model and the controller in a series of user experiments. They show significant improvements in depth perception without sacrificing the visual quality when our techniques are applied.