bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Denosumab on Femoral Periprosthetic BMD and Early Femoral Stem Subsidence in Postmenopausal Women Undergoing Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Aro Hannu T , Nazari‐Farsani Sanaz , Vuopio Mia , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Mattila Kimmo
Published: July 2019

Antiresorptive denosumab is known to improve the quality and strength of cortical bone in the proximal femurs of osteoporotic women, but its efficacy in preventing periprosthetic bone loss and reducing femoral stem migration has not been studied in women undergoing cementless total hip arthroplasty. We conducted a single‐center, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial of 65 postmenopausal women with primary hip osteoarthritis and Dorr type A or B proximal femur anatomy. The patients randomly received subcutaneous injections of denosumab 60 mg or placebo once every 6 months for 12 months, starting 1 month before surgery. The primary endpoint was the change in bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal femur (Gruen zone 7) at week 48, and the secondary endpoint was stem subsidence measured by radiostereometric analysis (RSA) at week 48. Exploratory endpoints included changes in BMDs of the contralateral hip, lumbar spine and distal radius, serum levels of bone turnover markers, walking speed, walking activity, patient‐reported outcome measures, and radiographic assessment of stem osseointegration. The participants underwent vertebral‐fracture assessment in an extension safety study at 3 years. Denosumab significantly decreased bone loss in the medial femoral neck (zone 7) and increased periprosthetic BMD in the greater trochanteric region (zone 1) and lesser trochanteric region (zone 6). Denosumab did not reduce temporary femoral stem migration. The migration occurred mainly during the settling period (0 to 12 weeks) after implantation of the prosthesis. All of the stems osseointegrated, as evaluated by RSA and radiographs. There were no intergroup differences in functional recovery. Discontinuation of denosumab did not lead to any adverse events. In conclusion, denosumab increased periprosthetic BMD in the clinically relevant regions of the proximal femur, but the treatment response was not associated with any reduction of initial stem migration. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
RANKL Inhibition in Fibrous Dysplasia of Bone: A Preclinical Study in a Mouse Model of the Human Disease
Authors: Palmisano Biagio , Spica Emanuela , Remoli Cristina , Labella Rossella , Di Filippo Annamaria , Donsante Samantha , Bini Fabiano , Raimondo Domenico , Marinozzi Franco , Boyde Alan , Robey Pamela , Corsi Alessandro , Riminucci Mara
Published: July 2019

Fibrous dysplasia of bone/McCune-Albright syndrome (Polyostotic FD/MAS; OMIM#174800) is a crippling skeletal disease caused by gain-of-function mutations of Gsα. Enhanced bone resorption is a recurrent histological feature of FD and a major cause of fragility of affected bones. Previous work suggests that increased bone resorption in FD is driven by RANKL and some studies have shown that the anti-RANKL monoclonal antibody, denosumab, reduces bone turnover and bone pain in FD patients. However, the effect of RANKL inhibition on the histopathology of FD and its impact on the natural history of the disease remain to be assessed. In this study, we treated the EF1α-GsαR201C mice, which develop an FD-like phenotype, with an anti-mouse RANKL monoclonal antibody. We found that the treatment induced marked radiographic and microscopic changes at affected skeletal sites in 2-month-old mice. The involved skeletal segments became sclerotic due to the deposition of new, highly mineralized bone within developing FD lesions and showed a higher mechanical resistance compared to affected segments from untreated transgenic mice. Similar changes were also detected in older mice with a full-blown skeletal phenotype. The administration of anti-mouse RANKL antibody arrested the growth of established lesions and, in young mice, prevented the appearance of new ones. However, after drug withdrawal, the newly formed bone was remodelled into FD tissue and the disease progression resumed in young mice. Taken together, our results show that the anti-RANKL antibody significantly affected the bone pathology and natural history of FD in the mouse. Pending further work on the prevention and management of relapse after treatment discontinuation, our preclinical study suggests that RANKL inhibition may be an effective therapeutic option for FD patients. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Electronic structure and optical properties of isolated and TiO2‐grafted free base porphyrins for water oxidation: A challenging test case for DFT and TD‐DFT
Authors: Daoudi Syrine , Semmeq Abderrahmane , Badawi Michael , Assfeld Xavier , Arfaoui Youssef , Pastore Mariachiara
Published: July 2019

Seven free base porphyrins employed in dye‐sensitized photoelectrosynthetic cells are investigated with the aim of benchmarking the ability of different density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT approaches in reproducing their structure, vertical, and E0‐0 excitation energies and the energy levels alignment (red‐ox properties) at the interface with the TiO2. We find that both vertical and E0‐0 excitation energies are accurately reproduced by range‐separated functionals, among which the ωB97X‐D delivers the lowest absolute deviations from experiments. When the dye/TiO2 interface is modeled, the physical interfacial energetics is only obtained when the B3LYP functional is employed; on the other hand, M06‐2X (54% of exchange) and the two long‐range corrected approaches tested (CAM‐B3LYP and ωB97X‐D) excessively destabilize the semiconductor conduction band levels with respect to the dye's lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs), predicting no pathway for electron injection. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Living specimens under field immobilization and smartphone microscopic observation
Authors: Ahmad Zahidi Alifa A. , Chung Dwayne C. K. , Katariya Mayur , Liew Oi Wah , Ng Tuck Wah
Published: July 2019

In this work a single glycerol–water mixture, determined to be most apt at 30% (wt/vol), was used to immobilize Drosophila samples as well as to create a liquid lens for smartphone magnification viewing. This provides the advantage of being able to observe immobilized insects directly in the field rather than in the laboratory. In order to avoid having bubbles in the liquid lens and immobilizing medium that hinder visibility, an approach was developed where a stable pendant drop is moved in tandem with the dispensing tip by gravity and stopped abruptly so that sufficient momentum is transferred to the drop for its dislodgement. With 30% glycerol–water (wt/vol) mixtures, applying a minimal stroke of 10 mm with longitudinal impact delivered a momentum of 0.1464 N/s that allowed transfer of a preselected liquid volume for the processes.
A mathematical morphology approach for a qualitative exploration of drought events in space and time
Authors: Vernieuwe Hilde , De Baets Bernard , Verhoest Niko E. C.
Published: July 2019

Drought events occur worldwide and possibly incur severe consequences. Trying to understand and characterize drought events is of considerable importance in order to improve the preparedness for coping with future events. In this paper, we present a methodology that allows for the delineation of drought events by exploiting their spatiotemporal nature. To that end, we apply operators borrowed from mathematical morphology to represent drought events as connected components in space and time. As an illustration, we identify drought events on the basis of a 35‐year data set of daily soil moisture values covering mainland Australia. We then extract characteristics reflecting the affected area, duration and intensity from the proposed representation of a drought event in order to illustrate the impact of tuning parameters in the methodology presented. Yet, this paper we refrain from comparing with other drought delineation methods.
Different contributions of Arctic sea ice anomalies from different regions to North China summer ozone pollution
Authors: Yin Zhicong , Yuan Dongmin , Zhang Xinyu , Yang Quan , Xia Shuwei
Published: July 2019

Surface ozone pollution is the main form of summer air pollution in North China and damages human and ecosystem health. Long‐term meteorological observations show that late spring Arctic sea ice and ozone‐related meteorological conditions are positively correlated; this result was further verified by numerical experiments. The Eurasia teleconnection pattern bridged the sea ice over Gakkel Ridge to the local meteorological conditions associated with O3. The sea ice anomalies over the Canada Basin and the Beaufort Sea mainly influenced the O3 pollution in North China via the summer west Pacific pattern. Furthermore, changes in the relationships were also included. The anticyclonic circulation over North China, that is, the joint centre of the Eurasia teleconnection and west Pacific patterns, could significantly lead to suitable weather conditions to accelerate the photochemical reactions to transfer the precursors to surface ozone. This finding helps to improve the understanding of the interannual variation in ozone pollution in North China.
Synergistic alveolar bone resorption by diabetic advanced glycation end products and mechanical forces
Authors: Moon Jung‐Sun , Lee Su‐Young , Kim Jung‐Ha , Choi Yoon‐Ho , Yang Dong‐Wook , Kang Jee‐Hae , Ko Hyun‐Mi , Cho Jin‐Hyoung , Koh Jeong‐Tae , Kim Won‐Jae , Kim Min‐Seok , Kim Sun‐Hun
Published: July 2019

Background

The association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and bone diseases is acknowledged. However, the mechanistic pathways leading to the alveolar bone (AB) destruction remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the mechanical forces (MF)‐induced AB destruction in DM and its underlying mechanism.

Methods

In vivo periodontal tissue responses to MF were evaluated in rats with diabetes. In vitro human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells were either treated with advanced glycation end products (AGEs) alone or with AGEs and MF.

Results

In vivo, the transcription of VEGF‐A, colony stimulating factor‐1 (CSF‐1), and Ager was upregulated in diabetes, whereas changes in DDOST and Glo1 mRNAs were negligible. DM induced VEGF‐A protein in the vascular cells of the PDL and subsequent angiogenesis, but DM itself did not induce osteoclastogenesis. MF‐induced AB resorption was augmented in DM, and such augmentation was morphologically substantiated by the occasional undermining resorption as well as the frontal resorption of the AB by osteoclasts. The mRNA levels of CSF‐1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) during MF application were highly elevated in diabetes, compared with those of the normal counterparts. In vitro, AGEs treatment elevated Glut‐1 and CSF‐1 mRNA levels via the p38 and JNK pathways, whereas OGT and VEGF levels remained unchanged. Compressive MF especially caused upregulation of VEGF, CSF‐1, and Glut‐1 levels, and such upregulation was further enhanced by AGEs treatment.

Conclusions

Overloaded MF and AGEs metabolites may synergistically aggravate AB destruction by upregulating CSF‐1 and VEGF. Therefore, regulating the compressive overloading of teeth, as well as the levels of diabetic AGEs, may prove to be an effective therapeutic modality for managing DM‐induced AB destruction.
On the 4‐methylimidazole behavior at a copper electrode: A view from surface‐enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Silva Elaine F. , Wysard Julio S. , Bandeira Merlin C.E. , Mattos Oscar R. , Alves Wagner A.
Published: July 2019

Surface enhanced raman scattering (SERS) spectra of 4‐methylimidazole (4‐MeImid) are shown for the first time on a copper electrode and in the presence of chloride. The potential dependence on the spectra reveals that the N1H tautomer is majority close to the open circuit, but the N3H tautomer predominates at more cathodic polarizations. At these latter conditions, 4‐MeImid orientation changes from tilted to perpendicular, and such a behavior is similar to the one of Imid at natural pH. Interesting issues are observed at pH = 2.0: (a) 4‐MeImidH+ is not identified on the metal surface for the whole applied potential range and must be either adsorbed as an ion pair with chloride or in the bulk solution; (b) at open circuit and anodic polarization, its neutral form is the unique azole species present, in contrast to the ImidH+ behavior, which is easily observed in the surface spectra.
Iron oxide nanoparticles: a novel elicitor to enhance anticancer flavonoid production and gene expression in Dracocephalum kotschyi hairy‐root cultures
Authors: Nourozi Elnaz , Hosseini Bahman , Maleki Ramin , Abdollahi Mandoulakani Babak
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. is a valuable source of rosmarinic acid (RA) and methoxylated hydroxyflavones (such as xanthomicrol and cirsimaritin) with antioxidative and antiplatelet effects and with antiproliferative potential against various cancer cells. The extensive application of nanotechnology in hairy root cultures is a new sustainable production platform for producing these active constituents. In the present study, hairy roots derived from 4‐week‐old leaves and Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain ATCC15834 were used to investigate the impact of various concentrations of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe NPs) in two elicitation time exposures (24 and 48 h) on growth, antioxidant enzyme activity, total phenolic and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC), and some polyphenols. Gene expression levels of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (pal) and rosmarinic acid synthase (ras) were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Iron nanoparticles enhanced biomass accumulation in hairy roots. The treatment time and Fe NP dosage largely improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes, TPC and TFC. The highest RA (1194 μg g−1 FW) content (9.7‐fold), compared to controls, was detected with 24 h of exposure to 75 mg L−1 Fe NP, which was consistent with the expression of pal and ras genes under the influence of elicitation. The xanthomicrol, cirsimaritin, and isokaempferide content was increased 11.87, 3.85, and 2.27‐fold, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Stimulation of D. kotschyi hairy roots by Fe NPs led to a significant increase in the induction and production of important pharmaceutical compounds such as rosmarinic acid and xanthomicrol. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of water deficit and different nitrogen fertilizer treatments on the quality of wheat for Chinese fresh white noodles and steamed bread and the composition of storage proteins
Authors: Li Mengfei , Deng Xiong , Xu Xuexin , Liu Nannan , Wang Zhimin , Yan Yueming
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Noodles and steamed bread are popular wheat products consumed worldwide, particularly in China and other Asian countries. We performed the first comprehensive study of the influence of water deficits and different nitrogen fertilizer applications on two elite Chinese bread wheat cultivars, Zhongmai 175 and Jimai 22, which are distinct in gluten strength. These wheat cultivars were tested to determine the qualities that are optimal for the production of Chinese fresh white noodles (CFWN) and northern‐style Chinese steamed bread (NCSB), and storage protein composition.

RESULTS

Water deficit and high nitrogen (N) fertilizer application promoted total grain protein content and the accumulation of gliadins and glutenins, while low N resulted in the opposite results. Water deficit and high N fertilizer in Jimai 22, with medium‐to‐strong gluten strength significantly improved NCSB and CFWN qualities. The quality of CFWN under low N, and that of NCSB under both high and low N conditions, was significantly reduced. However, NCSB and CFWN quality in Zhongmai 175 with weak‐to‐medium gluten strength was not significantly affected by water deficit and different N fertilizer applications. Grain subproteome analysis revealed that considerable cultivar‐specific gliadins and glutenins showed significant accumulation changes in response to water deficit and high / low N fertilizer treatment, which could be responsible for NCSB and CFWN quality changes under different treatments.

CONCLUSION

Water deficit and high / low N fertilizer treatments caused changes in cultivar‐specific storage protein composition, resulting in differences in the accumulation of gliadins, glutenins, and the quality of NCSB and CFWN. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Boronic acid‐functionalized agarose affinity chromatography for isolation of tropomyosin in fishes
Authors: Yin Jialuo , Zheng Hongwei , Lin Hong , Sui Jianxin , Wang Bocheng , Pavase Tushar Ramesh , Cao Limin
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Tropomyosin is now receiving increasing attention because of its significant allergenic activity in various fishery products but its simple and effective isolation still remains a challenging task.

RESULTS

An agarose‐based boronate affinity chromatography was produced for the first time to isolate tropomyosin in various fishery products using 3,5‐difluoro‐4‐formyl‐phenylboronic acid as the functional monomer, tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine as the multi‐branched ligand, and agarose gel particles as supporting materials. The agarose concentration, binding pH, and the concentration of elution buffers demonstrated significant effects on separation performance. Under optimized conditions, the purity of the isolated tropomyosin was higher than 90%, with the column adsorption capacity over 1.85 mg mL−1 and the enrichment efficiency over 65%. Such efficiency was also validated with different fish samples including Paralichthys olivaceus, Thunnusthynnus, Oreochromis spp., and Lophius litulon.

CONCLUSION

In comparison with conventional methods, the established affinity chromatography demonstrated excellent biocompatibility (without involving any organic solvent), better speed (from at least 1–2 days to 3–4 h), and simplicity (from at least five steps to three steps). This suggests that it is a novel and promising technique for the isolation of tropomyosin and other glycoproteins (including most allergens) in foodstuffs. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Applications of packed and capillary supercritical fluid chromatography in the separation of tocochromanols
Authors: Ng Mei Han , Din Ahmad Kushairi
Published: July 2019

Tocochromanols consisting of tocopherols and tocotrienols, is collectively known as vitamin E. Similarity in their structures, physical and chemical properties rendered the tocochromanols to be subject of chromatography interest. Supercritical fluid chromatography is a highly efficient tool for the separation and analysis of tocochromanols. Separation and analysis of tocochromanols using supercritical fluid chromatography had been carried out in the past using capillary or packed columns. Each of these techniques offer their own advantages and drawbacks. Besides being used for analysis, packed column supercritical fluid chromatography found applications as a purification and content enrichment tool. Emergence of new equipment and stationary phase technologies in recent years also helped in making supercritical fluid chromatography a highly efficient tool for the separation and analysis of tocochromanols. This paper gives an insight into the use of capillary and packed columns in supercritical fluid chromatography for the separation and/or analysis of tocochromanols. The types of stationary phase used, as well as chromatographic conditions are also discussed.
A double‐mode cell to measure pitting and crevice corrosion
Authors: Shen Jing , Song Guang‐Ling , Zheng Dajiang , Wang Ziming
Published: July 2019

Pitting corrosion and crevice corrosion of passivated steels were measured by using a double‐mode syringe electrolyte cell built on an environment chamber. The setup, when set in noncontact mode, could measure pitting potentials and critical temperatures, and crevice corrosion potentials if in contact mode. It could be employed to distinguish the pitting and crevice corrosion damage of reinforcing steel in concrete.
Effect of simulated brazing on the microstructure and corrosion behavior of twin roll cast AA3003
Authors: Verkens Donovan , Revilla Reynier I. , Kosari Ali , Günyüz Mert , Işıksaçan Cemil , Mol Johannes M.C. , De Graeve Iris , Terryn Herman
Published: July 2019

Aluminum alloy (AA) 3003 is widely used as fin and tube material in heat exchangers. In these heat exchangers, the tube and fin material are brazed together by means of an AA4xxx alloy. In this study, the effect of a simulated brazing step on the microstructure and corrosion behavior of a twin roll casted (TRC) AA3003 was studied. In particular, the effect of simulated brazing on the corrosion properties of the centre line segregation (CLS) of alloying elements and the interaction of the intermetallic particles with the surrounding matrix is explored. It is shown that the cross sections are significantly more active than the surface of the TRC AA3003, revealing the importance of the CLS on the corrosion behavior. Furthermore, it is shown that the number of pits and their depths decreased considerably on the exposed cross sections after simulated brazing, especially near the CLS. Scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy measurements show that after the simulated brazing step the Volta potential difference between the intermetallic particles and the matrix reduced significantly. This change in the Volta potential could be caused by the slight increase of Si content in the matrix.
Influence of surfactant interaction on ultrafine copper powder electrodeposition
Authors: Yue S.X. , Su Y.C. , Luo Z.B. , Yu Q.S. , Tursun R. , Zhang J.
Published: July 2019

Ultrafine copper powder with uniform morphology and size was synthesized by electrodeposition. By using the Box‐Behnken design of response surface methodology, to study the interaction between anionic surfactants and nonionic surfactants at different concentrations of copper sulfate pentahydrate. The resulting copper powder was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The results show that it is difficult to obtain uniform copper powder by using a single anionic surfactant. The staggered adsorption mechanism of the non‐ionic surfactant and the anionic surfactant at the interface disperses and stabilizes the micellar interface and prevents continued growth of the copper powder. The resulting copper powder is nearly spherical with uniform morphology and particle size. Through the optimization of the response surface methodology, a nearly spherical copper powder with an average particle size of 0.61 μm and uniform shape was finally obtained.
Investigation on mechanical properties and tribological behaviour of stir cast LM13 aluminium alloy based particulate hybrid composites
Authors: Chelladurai S.J.S. , Murugesan T. , Rajamani T. , Anand S. , Asok S.J.P. , Kumaravel S.
Published: July 2019

LM13 aluminium alloy with boron carbide (0 wt.%–7.5 wt.%) and fly ash (2.5 wt.%) reinforced particulate hybrid composites were fabricated using liquid metallurgy route. Microstructure and mechanical properties viz., hardness, ultimate tensile strength and ductility were investigated. Wear behaviour of composites was tested by varying sliding distance and load. Fracture surface and worn surface of composites were examined using field emission scanning electron microscope. Microstructure of hybrid composites revealed uniform dispersion of particles in LM13 aluminium alloy. Hardness and tensile strength of composites increased with increasing wt.% of boron carbide and fly ash particles. Wear test results showed that addition of particles significantly decreased the weight loss and coefficient of friction. Also cumulative weight loss decreased up to 47.2 % for 10 wt.% of hybrid composites as compared to LM13 aluminium alloy. Fracture surface of composites showed dimples with particle cracking on the surface. Worn surface of LM13 aluminium alloy showed continuous grooves due to ploughing with delamination. However, worn surface of composites showed fine grooves due to the presence of hard reinforcements on the surface. Boron carbide and fly ash reinforced LM13 aluminium hybrid composites exhibited superior mechanical properties with excellent wear resistance as compared to LM13 aluminium alloy.
Experimental and analytical study of residual stresses relaxation in nitrided 42CrMo4 parts
Authors: Rafik B. , Ali T. Mohamed
Published: July 2019

Initial compressive residual stresses, induced by ionic nitriding treatments, relax during component operating life and it is important to consider the relaxation phenomenon in the design of the component. The paper presents three analytical models (Seungho Han et al., Zaroog and Kodama) to estimate the level of residual stress after cyclic loading. The initial and final residual stresses has been measured after each loading cycle for many load magnitudes using x‐ray diffraction. It was found that about 40 %–50 % of the maximum residual stresses are relaxed during the first cycle. The reduction in the residual stress, are dependent on the applied load because of the plastic deformation caused by the superposition between the nitrided residual stress and the applied load. It was found that the estimated average values by analytical models are comparable with the results of experimental studies after cyclic loading.
Effect of recrystallization and texture on mechanical properties of extruded AA7003 alloy
Authors: Du X. , You J. , Qu Y. , Wang S. , Zhou N.
Published: July 2019

The microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of AA7003 extrusion sheets processed with different parameters were investigated. Furthermore, the effects of the microstructure and texture on the mechanical properties were discussed. The grain morphology and the texture were analyzed by using a combination of scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction. Moreover, the mechanical properties were measured by tensile tests and the tensile fracture morphology was also analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the maximum recrystallization extent occurred at the extrusion process conditions of T = 450 °C and v = 1 mm/s, and the increase in recrystallization extent had a negative effect on the tensile strength. Moreover, a relatively strong recrystallization cube orientation <100> existed when the extrusion temperature was 470 °C, showing a high tensile strength and elongation. Thus, it can be concluded that the cube texture is beneficial to the tensile strength and elongation in extruded AA7003 alloy.
Influence of carbon dioxide shielding gas on microstructure and corrosion property of welds
Authors: Li S. , Zhou Z. , Xiao G. , Chen B.
Published: July 2019

The microstructures and corrosion properties of weld joints are studied during 10 kW high power fiber laser welding of 304 stainless steel with shielding gases of 100 % argon, 80 % argon containing 20 % carbon dioxide and 100 % carbon dioxide, respectively. As the content of carbon dioxide in argon shielding gas increases from 0 % to 20 % then to 100 % during 10 kW high power fibre laser welding, the interdendritic δ‐ferrite in weld joints changes from lathy, short strip and trivial structures to thick‐long strip with short secondary dendrite arms then to skeletal‐network structure. Oxide inclusions, observed in 100 % carbon dioxide shielded weld, promote the formation of the skeletal‐network structure of δ‐ferrite and the homogenization of chromium and nickel in weld joint. The 100 % argon shielded weld joint has a highest initial corrosion current density, the 80 % argon containing 20 % carbon dioxide shielded weld has a lowest pitting potential, while the 100 % carbon dioxide shielded weld has a highest initial corrosion potential. The microstructures and element distribution play important role in determining the corrosion properties of the weld joints.
Designing environmental uncertainty information for experts and non‐experts: Does data presentation affect users’ decisions and interpretations?
Authors: Mulder Kelsey J. , Lickiss Matthew , Black Alison , Charlton‐Perez Andrew J. , McCloy Rachel , Young Joseph S.
Published: July 2019

Uncertainty information in natural hazard forecasts is increasingly being communicated explicitly. This study was designed to determine whether different ways of communicating uncertainty graphically affects the decisions and interpretations of forecasts and if expertise was a factor in the decisions and interpretations from forecasts explicitly showing uncertainty. In a hypothetical decision‐making task regarding ice thickness and shipping, 138 experts and non‐experts received ice‐thickness forecasts in four different presentations expressing uncertainty: worded probability, spaghetti plot, fan plot and box plot. These forecasts contained no measures of central tendency. There was no consistent difference in decision or best‐guess forecast (deterministic ice thickness forecast based on the forecast representation) between the different forecast representations. However, participants interpreted different amounts of uncertainty across the different forecast representations. Experts made significantly more economically rational decisions than non‐experts, interpreted lower best‐guess forecasts and inferred significantly more uncertainty than non‐experts. These results suggest that care be taken in choosing how uncertainty is represented in forecasts, especially between expert and non‐expert audiences.
Effect of gene–gene and gene–environment interaction on the risk of first‐ever stroke and poststroke death
Authors: Feng Congrui , Yang Yunyun , Yang Shujun , Tu Xin , Wang Yibo , Song Yiqing , Hui Rutai , Zhang Weili
Published: July 2019

Background

Multiple genetic and environmental factors contribute to the individual‐level heterogeneity in stroke. This study aimed to assess how the genetic interactions confer risk of stroke.

Methods

In a Chinese case‐control study including 1,405 strokes and 1,263 controls who were followed up (range, 0.1–6.0 years), eight genes, including apolipoprotein(a) (APOA1), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1), arachidonate 5‐lipoxygenase‐activating protein (ALOX5AP), NOTCH3, chromosome 9p21.3(Chr.9p21.3), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA), and kinase insert domain‐containing receptor (KDR), were analyzed for interactions by the generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction method and validated by the multivariate logistic regression models. The genetic associations with carotid artery intima‐media thickness (IMT) were examined.

Results

The interaction of VKORC1 and Chr.9p21.3 was identified for stroke and its worse prognosis, and subjects having the VKORC1 rs2359612C and Chr.9p21.3 rs10757274G alleles had higher risks for stroke (OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.32–2.52) as well as for stroke recurrence (HR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.24–2.73), cardiovascular events (HR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.15–2.38), and cardiovascular mortality (HR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.24–3.79). Supporting, they were associated with higher IMT. Hypertension or physical inactivity increased the risk effect. The interaction of VEGFA rs833061C and KDR rs2305948T was identified for hemorrhagic stroke.

Conclusions

Our findings identified two novel genetic interactions of VKORC1 and Chr.9p21.3 and of VEGFA and KDR for risk of stroke and subtypes as well as future stroke prognosis.
A fast iterative method to find the matrix geometric mean of two HPD matrices
Authors: Bin Jebreen Haifa , Akgül Ali
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this research is to present a novel scheme based on a quick iterative scheme for calculating the matrix geometric mean of two Hermitian positive definite (HPD) matrices. To do this, an iterative scheme with global convergence is constructed for the sign function using a novel three‐step root‐solver. It is proved that the new scheme is convergent and shown to have global convergence behavior for this target, when square matrices having no pure imaginary eigenvalues. Next, the constructed scheme is used and extended through a well‐known identity for the calculation of the matrix geometric mean of two HPD matrices. Ultimately, several experiments are collected to show its usefulness.
Targeting on Gut Microbial Metabolite Trimethylamine‐N‐Oxide and Short‐Chain Fatty Acid to Prevent Maternal High‐Fructose‐Diet‐Induced Developmental Programming of Hypertension in Adult Male Offspring
Authors: Hsu Chien‐Ning , Chang‐Chien Guo‐Ping , Lin Sufan , Hou Chih‐Yao , Tain You‐Lin
Published: July 2019

Scope

Alterations of gut metabolites, such as SCFAs and trimethylamine (TMA), and microbial composition are associated with the development of hypertension. Whether maternal 3,3‐dimethyl‐1‐butanol (DMB, an inhibitor for TMA formation) treatment or the predominant SCFA acetate supplementation can prevent programed hypertension induced by a high‐fructose diet (HFD) exposure during pregnancy and lactation in adult male offspring is examined.

Methods and results

Male offspring are divided into four groups: ND, normal diet; HFD, 60% HFD; ACE, HFD plus 200 mmol L–1 magnesium acetate in drinking water; and DMB: HFD plus 1% DMB in drinking water. Maternal HFD induces programed hypertension in adult male offspring, which is prevented by maternal acetate supplementation or DMB treatment. HFD‐induced hypertension is relevant to increased plasma levels of TMA and acetate, and alterations of gut microbial composition. The protective effects of acetate supplementation are associated with decreased plasma TMA level and TMA‐to‐trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO) ratio, and increased renal expression of SCFA receptors. Maternal DMB treatment reduces plasma TMA, TMAO, acetate, and propionate levels.

Conclusion

Early intervention targeting on gut‐microbiota‐derived metabolites TMAO and SCFAs to reprogram hypertension may have significant impact to reduce the burden of hypertension.
Three‐dimensional characterization of the active volumes of PTW microDiamond, microSilicon, and Diode E dosimetry detectors using a proton microbeam
Authors: Poppinga Daniela , Kranzer Rafael , Ulrichs Ann‐Britt , Delfs Björn , Giesen Ulrich , Langner Frank , Poppe Björn , Looe Hui Khee
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this work is the three‐dimensional characterization of the active volumes of commercial solid‐state dosimetry detectors. Detailed knowledge of the dimensions of the detector’s active volume as well as the detector housing is of particular interest for small‐field photon dosimetry. As shown in previous publications from different groups, the design of the detector housing influences the detector signal for small photon fields. Therefore, detailed knowledge of the active volume dimension and the surrounding materials form the basis for accurate Monte Carlo simulations of the detector.

Methods

A 10 MeV proton beam focused by the microbeam system of the Physikalisch‐Technische Bundesanstalt was used to measure two‐dimensional response maps of a synthetic diamond detector (microDiamond, type 60019, PTW Freiburg) and two silicon detectors (microSilicon, type 60023, PTW Freiburg and Diode E, type 60017, PTW Freiburg). In addition, the thickness of the active volume of the new microSilicon was measured using the method developed in a previous study.

Results

The analysis of the response maps leads to active area of 1.18 mm2 for the Diode E, 1.75 mm2 for the microSilicon, and 3.91 mm2 for the microDiamond detector. The thickness of the active volume of the microSilicon detector was determined to be (17.8 ± 2) µm.

Conclusions

This study provides detailed geometrical data of the dosimetric active volume of three different solid‐state detector types.
Pilot study: Differences in echo intensity ratios between ulnar and median innervated muscles in ulnar neuropathy
Authors: Choi Hanboram , Choi Jun Ho , Kang Seok , Yoon Joon Shik , Son Seong‐Ho
Published: July 2019

Background

This study evaluated muscle echo intensity (EI) ratio in patients with ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) and healthy controls.

Methods

In this prospective study, 28 patients with electrodiagnostically confirmed unilateral UNE and 12 healthy controls were ultrasonographically assessed for EI ratios of the hypothenar and thenar muscles. The affected and unaffected hands between the UNE patients and controls and patient subgroups (subdivided according to electrodiagnostic severity) were compared to determine any significant differences.

Results

In patients with UNE, the EI ratio of the hypothenar to thenar muscles was significantly higher for the affected side than for the unaffected side (1.08 ± 0.11 and 0.97 ± 0.18, respectively) or the control group (0.95 ± 0.05). A significant difference in the EI ratio was observed among the subgroups (mild vs. severe subgroup, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Ultrasonographic EI measurement may be a useful parameter in the evaluation and screening of UNE.
Evaluation of Artificial Cover Units as a Sampling Technique and Habitat Enhancement for Madtoms in Rivers
Authors: Cope W. Robert , Kwak Thomas J. , Black Tyler R. , Pacifici Krishna
Published: July 2019

Instream habitat degradation and loss are major threats to freshwater fishes and critical conservation issues among nongame species due to a lack of research and knowledge concerning their habitat requirements. Instream physical cover is an important component of fish habitat, especially for benthic species that require cover for reproduction and shelter from predators. One such species is the Carolina Madtom Noturus furiosus, a small, imperiled, nongame catfish that is endemic to the Neuse and Tar River basins of North Carolina. To enhance understanding of instream cover dynamics, we constructed artificial cover units from terra cotta materials and deployed them in rivers to (1) evaluate whether they could be an effective passive-sampling technique to estimate detection and occupancy of the Carolina Madtom and (2) determine their potential to enhance habitat in systems where instream cover has been lost. Artificial cover units were deployed at eight sites in the Neuse and Tar River basins, and the units collected 30 Carolina Madtoms at two sites in the Tar River basin. Occupancy modeling estimated a Carolina Madtom detection probability of 0.92 using artificial cover units. Compared to other standardized sampling methods, artificial cover units were an efficient passive-sampling technique for detecting Carolina Madtoms. Observations also revealed that artificial cover units were occupied by Carolina Madtoms for reproduction. These findings provide an additional means by which natural resource managers can assess the status of this imperiled species via an inexpensive passive-sampling device that can provide spawning habitat and protection from predators as well as helping to mitigate the effects of instream habitat degradation.
Understanding low adherence to an exercise program for adolescents with obesity: the HEARTY trial
Authors: Alberga A. S. , Sigal R. J. , Sweet S. N. , Doucette S. , Russell‐Mayhew S. , Tulloch H. , Kenny G. P. , Prud'homme D. , Hadjiyannakis S. , Goldfield G. S.
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Despite efforts to improve adherence to physical activity interventions in youth with obesity, low adherence and attrition remain areas of great concern.

Objective

The study was designed to determine which physiological and/or psychological factors predicted low adherence in adolescents with obesity enrolled in a 6‐month exercise intervention study aimed to improve body composition.

Methods

Three hundred four adolescents with obesity aged 14–18 years who volunteered for the HEARTY (Healthy Eating Aerobic and Resistance Training in Youth) randomized controlled trial completed physiological (body mass index, waist circumference, per cent body fat, resting metabolic rate and aerobic fitness) and psychological (body image, mood, self‐esteem and self‐efficacy) measures.

Results

One hundred forty‐one out of 228 (62%) randomized to exercise groups had low adherence (completed <70% of the prescribed four exercise sessions per week) to the intervention protocol. Logistic regression revealed that there were no baseline demographic or physiological variables that predicted low adherence in the participants. Appearance concern (a subscale of body image) (odds ratio [OR] 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 2.1, P = 0.04), depressive mood (OR 1.12, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.23, P = 0.03) and confused mood (OR 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.27, P = 0.003) (two subscales of mood) were significant predictors of low adherence.

Conclusions

Adolescents with obesity who had higher appearance concerns and depressive and confused moods were less likely to adhere to exercise. Body image and mood should be screened to identify adolescents who may be at high risk of poor adherence and who may need concurrent or treatment support to address these psychological issues to derive maximal health benefits from an exercise programme.
Edmonton Obesity Staging System for Pediatrics, quality of life and fitness in adolescents with obesity
Authors: Kakon G. A. , Hadjiyannakis S. , Sigal R. J. , Doucette S. , Goldfield G. S. , Kenny G. P. , Prud'homme D. , Buchholz A. , Lamb M. , Alberga A. S.
Published: July 2019

Background

Body mass index (BMI) is often used to diagnose obesity in childhood and adolescence but has limitations as an index of obesity‐related morbidity. The Edmonton Obesity Staging System for Pediatrics (EOSS‐P) is a clinical staging system that uses weight‐related comorbidities to determine health risk in paediatric populations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations of EOSS‐P and BMI percentile with quality of life (QOL), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular strength in adolescents with obesity.

Methods

Participants were enrolled at baseline in the Healthy Eating, Aerobic and Resistance Training in Youth trial (BMI = 34.6 ± 4.5 kg m−2, age = 15.6 ± 1.4 years, N = 299). QOL, CRF (peak oxygen uptake, VO2peak) and muscular strength were assessed by the Pediatric QOL Inventory (PedsQL), indirect calorimetry during a maximal treadmill test and eight‐repetition maximum bench and leg press tests, respectively. Participants were staged from 0 to 3 (absent to severe health risk) according to EOSS‐P. Associations were assessed using age‐adjusted and sex‐adjusted general linear models.

Results

Quality of life decreased with increasing EOSS‐P stages (p < 0.001). QOL was 75.7 ± 11.4 in stage 0/1, 69.1 ± 13.1 in stage 2 and 55.4 ± 13.0 in stage 3. BMI percentile was associated with VO2peak (β = –0.044 mlO2 kg−1 min−1 per unit increase in BMI percentile, p < 0.001), bench press (β = 0.832 kg per unit increase in BMI percentile, p = 0.029) and leg press (β = 3.992 kg, p = 0.003). There were no significant differences in treadmill time or VO2peak between EOSS‐P stages (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

As EOSS‐P stages increase, QOL decreases. BMI percentile was negatively associated with CRF and positively associated with muscular strength.
Intuitive eating, objective weight status and physical indicators of health
Authors: Keirns N. G. , Hawkins M. A. W.
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Intuitive eating (IE) has emerged as a weight‐neutral approach to health promotion for those with overweight/obesity. This weight‐neutral paradigm has some support, although research thus far has often neglected to control for potential confounds (i.e. objective weight status and demographics) and foundational studies are lacking. The objective of the current study was to observe the unique association of IE with physical health indicators in a sample of adults, independent of objective weight status.

Methods

Participants were 248 adults (32 ± 14 years old, 73% female, 64% White) of all weight categories (18.2–55.3 kg m−2), with an average body mass index (BMI) of 30 ± 8 kg m−2. IE was measured with the Intuitive Eating Scale‐2 (IES‐2). BMI was objectively measured in‐lab. Health indicators included blood pressure (BP) and fasting glucose.

Results

A series of hierarchical linear regressions revealed no significant associations between IE and systolic BP (β = −0.076, P = 0.256), diastolic BP (DBP; β = −0.122, P = 0.073) or fasting glucose (β = 0.047, P = 0.500) after controlling for BMI. All effects sizes were small or below (f2 = 0.00 to −0.04). Sensitivity analyses revealed significantly lower DBP in high intuitive eaters versus low when analysed with a t‐test, t(111.651) = 3.602, P < 0.001, Levene corrected; however, after controlling for relevant covariates (i.e. BMI and demographics), analysis of covariance revealed no difference in DBP between groups, F(1, 116) = 0.330, P = 0.567. No significant differences in systolic BP or fasting glucose were observed between low and high intuitive eaters before or after considering covariates.

Conclusions

In sum, this study investigated associations between IE and common indicators of physical health after controlling for objective weight status. Findings revealed no unique relationship between IE and physical health, and any IE–physical health relationships that were observed were accounted for BMI and/or demographic factors.
pH‐sensitive carbon quantum dots−doxorubicin nanoparticles for tumor cellular targeted drug delivery
Authors: Bao Wen , Ma Haibo , Wang Nan , He Zhanhang
Published: July 2019

A kind of pH‐responsive carbon quantum dots−doxorubicin nanoparticles drug delivery platform (D‐Biotin/DOX‐loaded mPEG‐OAL/N‐CQDs) was designed and synthesized. The system consists of fluorescent carbon dots as cross‐linkers, and D‐Biotin worked as targeting groups, which made the system have a pH correspondence, doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) as the target drug, oxidized sodium alginate (OAL) as carrier materials. Ultraviolet (UV)‐Vis spectrum showed that the drug‐loading rate of DOX is 10.5%, and the drug release in vitro suggested that the system had a pH response and tumor cellular targeted, the drug release rate is 65.6% at the value of pH is 5.0, which is much higher than that at the value of pH is 7.4. The cytotoxicity test and laser confocal fluorescence imaging showed that the synthesized drug delivery system has high cytotoxicity to cancer cells, and the drug‐loaded nanoparticles could enter the cells through endocytosis.
Bi‐phase flame‐retardant effect of dimethyl methylphosphonate and modified ammonium polyphosphate on rigid polyurethane foam
Authors: Li Linshan , Chen Yajun , Wu Xingde , Xu Bo , Qian Lijun
Published: July 2019

The flame‐retardant rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) with dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) and modified ammonium polyphosphate (MAPP) were prepared. The results showed that the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value was improved by adding DMMP into RPUF/MAPP composite; 10 wt% of DMMP addition can increase the LOI value from 24.3% to 26.0%, where the commercial application standard of RPUF is achieved. Further benefits of using DMMP/MAPP system included restraining of total heat and smoke release, improvement of thermal stability, and char yield of RPUF. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometer (GC‐MS) results indicated that DMMP/MAPP could continuously release PO2 and PO·free radicals in the gas phase. In addition, DMMP/MAPP exhibited the charring effect and barrier effect in the condensed phase, such bi‐flame retardant effect exerted by DMMP/MAPP resulted in the enhanced flame retardant property of RPUF.