bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The accuracy of distance perception in the frontal plane of projection‐based stereoscopic environments
Authors: Woldegiorgis Bereket Haile , Lin Chiuhsiang Joe
Published: January 2018

An experiment was conducted to investigate the accuracy of distance judgment in a frontal plane of projection‐based stereoscopic environments. The targets were presented at nine distinct frontal plane positions and at three depth levels. Eighteen right‐handed participants with self‐declared normal visual acuity reached the target, either continuously visible or presented briefly, by holding pointing sticks. All combinations of the experimental conditions were repeated for an equivalent real‐world environment. Accuracies of judgments were then computed from three‐dimensional data collected by a motion system composed of six infrared cameras. As compared with about 94% accuracy in the physical world, the space in the frontal plane was only about 85% on the stereoscopic environment. The result also revealed more accurate judgment in the continuous presence of the target. Furthermore, the accuracy was affected by the egocentric distance of the frontal plane from the position of the participant. The study concluded that the compression in the frontal plane and underestimation of depth, which has been reported by the majority of previous studies could be an indication that the space compression in virtual environments might be in all the three‐dimensions. These findings can be used as guidelines for developers and content designers to properly locate virtual targets and selection of efficient interaction modes.
Complicated Grief Among Military Service Members and Veterans Who Served After September 11, 2001
Authors: Charney Meredith E. , Bui Eric , Sager Julia C. , Ohye Bonnie Y. , Goetter Elizabeth M. , Simon Naomi M.
Published: January 2018

Minimal research is available on the prevalence and impact of complicated grief (CG) in military service members and veterans, despite high reported rates of loss in this population. The present study aimed to examine prevalence rates of CG in a sample of treatment‐seeking military service and members and veterans who served after September 11, 2001. Additionally, the study aimed to examine characteristics associated with CG as well as the association between CG and quality of life. In a sample of 622 military service members and veterans who served after September 11, 2001, 502 reported a significant loss (80.7%). Usable data were available for a total of 468 participants. Of these 468 participants, 30.3% (n = 142) met diagnostic criteria for CG, as defined by a score of 30 or more on the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG; Prigerson et al., 1995). We conducted a series of t tests and chi‐square tests to examine the differences between individuals who met criteria for CG and those who did not. The presence of CG was associated with worse PTSD, d = 0.68, p < .001; depression, d = −1.10, p < .001; anxiety, d = −1.02, p < .001; stress, d = 0.99, p < .001; and quality of life, d = 0.76, p < .001. Multiple regression analyses examined the independent impact of CG on quality of life. Complicated grief was associated with poorer quality of life above and beyond PTSD, β = −.12, p = .017. In addition, in a separate regression, CG was associated with poorer quality of life above and beyond depression, β = −.13, p < .001. Overall, our findings highlight the impact of CG on this population, and have implications for assessment and treatment.
Fabrication of Polymer–Protein Hybrids
Authors: Ju Yuanyuan , Zhang Yue , Zhao Hanying
Published: January 2018

Rapid developments in organic chemistry and polymer chemistry promote the synthesis of polymer–protein hybrids with different structures and biofunctionalities. In this feature article, recent progress achieved in the synthesis of polymer–protein conjugates, protein–nanoparticle core–shell structures, and polymer–protein nanogels/hydrogels is briefly reviewed. The polymer–protein conjugates can be synthesized by the “grafting‐to” or the “grafting‐from” approach. In this article, different coupling reactions and polymerization methods used in the synthesis of bioconjugates are reviewed. Protein molecules can be immobilized on the surfaces of nanoparticles by covalent or noncovalent linkages. The specific interactions and chemical reactions employed in the synthesis of core–shell structures are discussed. Finally, a general introduction to the synthesis of environmentally responsive polymer–protein nanogels/hydrogels by chemical cross‐linking reactions or molecular recognition is provided.
Optimization of breast reconstruction results using TMG flap in 30 cases: Evaluation of several refinements addressing flap design, shaping techniques, and reduction of donor site morbidity
Authors: Nickl Stefanie , Nedomansky Jakob , Radtke Christine , Haslik Werner , Schroegendorfer Klaus F.
Published: January 2018

Background

The transverse myocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flap is a widely used alternative to abdominal flaps in autologous breast reconstruction. However, secondary procedures for aesthetic refinement are frequently necessary. Herein, we present our experience with an optimized approach in TMG breast reconstruction to enhance aesthetic outcome and to reduce the need for secondary refinements.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 37 immediate or delayed reconstructions with TMG flaps in 34 women, performed between 2009 and 2015. Four patients (5 flaps) constituted the conventional group (non‐optimized approach). Thirty patients (32 flaps; modified group) underwent an optimized procedure consisting of modified flap harvesting and shaping techniques and methods utilized to reduce denting after rib resection and to diminish donor site morbidity.

Results

Statistically significant fewer secondary procedures (0.6 ± 0.9 versus 4.8 ± 2.2; P < .001) and fewer trips to the OR (0.4 ± 0.7 versus 2.3 ± 1.0 times; P = .001) for aesthetic refinement were needed in the modified group as compared to the conventional group. In the modified group, 4 patients (13.3%) required refinement of the reconstructed breast, 7 patients (23.3%) underwent mastopexy/mammoplasty or lipofilling of the contralateral breast, and 4 patients (13.3%) required refinement of the contralateral thigh. Total flap loss did not occur in any patient. Revision surgery was needed once.

Conclusions

Compared to the conventional group, enhanced aesthetic results with consecutive reduction of secondary refinements could be achieved when using our modified flap harvesting and shaping techniques, as well as our methods for reducing contour deformities after rib resection and for overcoming donor site morbidities.
Technical Note: Automated quantitative analysis of planar scintigraphic resolution with the ACR SPECT phantom
Authors: DiFilippo Frank P.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Evaluating gamma camera image quality is a routine task required for annual physics surveys and laboratory accreditation. A common method is visual assessment of a planar view of the American College of Radiology (ACR) phantom, for which a satisfactory result is to resolve 7.9 mm diameter cold rods with high contrast. The objective was to investigate an automated quantitative measure of planar image quality for more precise evaluation of gamma camera performance.

Methods

Planar images were automatically co‐registered to a template of the phantom's cold rod pattern. Contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) was measured for each cold rods sector by automatic placement of regions of interests on each rod and on each gap between rods. A quadratic fit to CNR vs. rod diameter yielded the Minimum Detectable Rod Diameter (MDRD) corresponding to a CNR threshold of 4. This methodology was applied to planar images acquired on a variety of gamma cameras according to ACR guidelines and also to planar images generated by Monte Carlo simulation.

Results

The automated MDRD analysis had reproducibility of 0.1 mm in repeat phantom scans with random repositioning between scans. The MDRD was 5.8 mm for modern fully digital gamma cameras and 6.2 mm for an older analog gamma camera, whereas visual assessment was identical for all cameras. Simulated Monte Carlo images had MDRD of 5.6 mm using the following parameters: 3.5 mm FWHM intrinsic detector resolution, LEHR collimators, 9.0% FWHM energy resolution, and 15% energy window. Further simulations revealed that collimator design and detector resolution have a substantial impact on MDRD but that energy window width and energy resolution have a minor or negligible impact. The small difference between the Monte Carlo simulations and the modern fully digital gamma cameras was attributed to nonlinearities associated with event positioning and depth‐of‐interaction effects, which were not modeled in the simulations.

Conclusions

Automated MDRD analysis of planar phantom images is a robust technique that provides more precise and meaningful evaluation of camera performance than visual assessment. MDRD is a suitable measure for quality assurance and for annual physics surveys of gamma cameras.
What is desirable care in the opinion of formal and informal caregivers in nursing‐home care for patients with dementia?
Authors: van Dijk Margreeth , Buijck Bianca I.
Published: January 2018

Aim

To examine care characteristics related to desirable care as reported by formal and informal caregivers in Dutch Psycho‐geriatric nursing homes for patients with dementia.

Design

Qualitative exploratory study.

Methods

The sample consisted of four nursing homes. In each home, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a manager, a quality advisor or head nurse, a daily care supervisor and an informal caregiver. The findings were analysed by labelling and coding the text fragments.

Results

The 16 semi‐structured interviews contained 60 discussion items. The 16 items that were shared by the four interviewee categories were clustered into the following six major themes: good quality of care; poor quality of care; elements of a vision; extra hands; bureaucracy; and formal caregivers.
High‐performance thermosets with tailored properties derived from methacrylated eugenol and epoxy‐based vinyl ester
Authors: Zhang Yuehong , Li Yuzhan , Thakur Vijay Kumar , Gao Zhenhua , Gu Jiyou , Kessler Michael R
Published: January 2018

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

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

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

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

BACKGROUND

Susceptibility and the mechanism (s) governing tolerance/resistance to glyphosate were characterized in two putative‐glyphosate‐resistant Chloris barbata populations (R1 and R2), collected in Persian lime orchards from Colima State, Mexico, comparing them with one non‐treated population (referred to as S).

RESULTS

Glyphosate doses required to reduce fresh weight or cause mortality by 50% were 4.2–6.4 times higher in resistant populations than in the S population. The S population accumulated 4.3 and 5.2 times more shikimate than the R2 and R1 populations, respectively. There were no differences in 14C‐glyphosate uptake between R and S populations, but the R plants translocated at least 12% less herbicide to the rest of plant and roots 96 h after treatment. Insignificant amounts of glyphosate were metabolized to aminomethyl phosphonate and glyoxylate in both R and S plants. The 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase gene of the R populations contained the Pro106‐Ser mutation, giving them a resistance 12 (R2) and 14.7 (R1) times greater at target‐site level compared with the S population.

CONCLUSION

The Pro106‐Ser mutation governs the resistance to glyphosate of the R1 and R2 C barbata populations, but the impaired translocation could contribute to the resistance. These results confirm the first case of glyphosate resistance evolved in this species. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Space–time variability of citrus leprosis as strategic planning for crop management
Authors: Andrade Daniel J , Lorençon José R , Siqueira Diego S , Novelli Valdenice M , Bassanezi Renato B
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Citrus leprosis is the most important viral disease of citrus. Knowledge of its spatiotemporal structure is fundamental to a representative sampling plan focused on the disease control approach. Such a well‐crafted sampling design helps to reduce pesticide use in agriculture to control pests and diseases.

RESULTS

Despite the use of acaricides to control citrus leprosis vector (Brevipalpus spp.) populations, the disease has spread rapidly through experimental areas. Citrus leprosis has an aggregate spatial distribution, with high dependence among symptomatic plants. Temporal variation in disease incidence increased among symptomatic plants by 4% per month.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of acaricides alone to control the vector of leprosis is insufficient to avoid its incidence in healthy plants. Preliminary investigation into the time and space variation in the incidence of the disease is fundamental to select a sampling plan and determine effective strategies for disease management. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Cetyltriammonium Bromide Assisted Synthesis of Lanthanum Containing Barium Stannate Nanoparticles for Application in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Kumar Astakala Anil , Kumar Ashok , Quamara Jitender K.
Published: January 2018

In present work, correlation of structural and optical behavior of pristine and lanthanum containing barium stannate nanoparticles (synthesized via cetyltriammonium bromide (CTAB) assisted facile wet chemical route), and its effect on photovoltaic properties of dye‐sensitized solar cell are reported. Thermo‐gravimetric analysis of the dried compound presumably BaSn(OH)6, leads to the formation of BaSnO3 nanoparticles through three endothermic decomposition processes, via liberation of one mole of water in each step, together with removal of remaining CTAB in initial cycle. The X‐ray diffraction patterns reveal that substitution of Ba2+ lattice sites by La3+ (upto ≈6 at.%), the lattice retains its cubic Pm3m symmetry, however, unit cell contracts. The dye sensitized solar cells are fabricated using pristine and La‐ containing BaSnO3 as photo anode; platinum coated FTO as counter electrode, N719 dye as sensitizer and I−/I3− as electrolyte. These show the highest power conversion efficiency (≈9.2%) at the La content of 6 at.% which is about threefold increase in efficiency in comparison to pristine BaSnO3. The electron transport properties of these DSSC devices are investigated by electro chemical impedance spectroscopy.
Multiple Color Inorganic Thin‐Film Phosphor, RE‐Doped Amorphous Gallium Oxide (RE = Rare Earth: Pr, Sm, Tb, and Dy), Deposited at Room Temperature
Authors: Watanabe Naoto , Ide Keisuke , Kim Junghwan , Katase Takayoshi , Hiramatsu Hidenori , Hosono Hideo , Kamiya Toshio
Published: January 2018

Multi‐color inorganic thin‐film phosphors are deposited at room temperature on glass substrates using ultra‐wide bandgap amorphous gallium oxide (a‐GO) as a host material. All of the a‐GO films doped with four kinds of rare‐earth ions (a‐GO:REx) emit visible light, originating from the RE ions, by 238–257 nm ultraviolet light excitation; that is, blue & red emission from RE = Pr3+, red from Sm3+, green from Tb3+, and blue and yellow from Dy3+. The a‐GO:Prx and a‐GO:Tbx films emit bright light clearly visible by human eyes. Although the internal quantum efficiencies of unannealed a‐GO:Pr0.02 and a‐GO:Tb0.02 films are 0.2 and 1.8%, respectively, those are improved to 2.4 and 3.8 %, respectively, by post‐deposition thermal annealing in O2 at 400 °C through desorption of weakly‐bonded oxygen and structural relaxation. On the other hand, the annealing temperature to improve photoluminescence is limited by crystallization (onset temperatures 400–500 °C).
Luminescence in the Visible Region from Annealed Thin ALD‐ZnO Films Implanted with Different Rare Earth Ions
Authors: Ratajczak Renata , Guziewicz Elzbieta , Prucnal Slawomir , Łuka Grzegorz , Böttger Roman , Heller Rene , Mieszczynski Cyprian , Wozniak Wojciech , Turos Andrzej
Published: January 2018

Epitaxial ZnO thin films grown by atomic layer deposition on GaN/Al2O3 substrates are implanted with Yb, Dy, and Pr ions to a fluence of 5 × 1014 at cm−2 and subsequently anneals at 800 °C using a rapid thermal annealing (RTA) system. Structural properties of implanted and annealed ZnO films and the optical response are evaluated by channeling Rutherford backscattering (RBS/c) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), respectively. RTA leads to a partial removal of the post‐implantation defects with simultaneous native defects transformation and optical activation of RE ions. It is found that two groups of defects: defects formed during implantation process and native defects, play an important role in the luminescence in the visible region. The room temperature PL spectra obtained from annealed ZnO:RE films do not show sharp PL lines from transitions within the RE 4f shell, but show near band gap emission and defect related emission, which energy emission is controlled by the RE atoms. It suggests a presence of RE‐related complexes that are formed during high‐temperature annealing in oxygen atmosphere. The excitonic and defect emission modified by RE ions create an optical response of the system resulting in a specific color of the emitted light.
Structural and Fluorescence Studies of Polycrystalline α‐Al2O3 Obtained From Sulfuric Acid Anodic Alumina
Authors: Chernyakova Katsiaryna , Karpicz Renata , Rutkauskas Danielis , Vrublevsky Igor , Hassel Achim Walter
Published: January 2018

In the present study, robust α‐Al2O3 specimens (144 µm thick) are obtained by the heat treatment at 1400 °C of free‐standing sulfuric acid anodic alumina. Scanning electron microscopy analysis show that the as‐anodized anodic alumina films possess well‐ordered porous structure with the pore diameter of about 10.2 nm. After heat treatment at 1400 °C the samples lose their porous structure and certain crystallites with average size of 5–6 µm can be observed. These crystallites can be visualized by fluorescence imaging. According to differential scanning calorimetry data accomplished by X‐ray analysis, the first step of crystallization occurs at around 967 °C, producing γ‐Al2O3. The second one takes place at around 1194 °C, which corresponds to the formation of α‐Al2O3. For the as‐anodized and samples treated at temperatures below 1200 °C the band at 420 nm can be attributed to the emission of OH‐related and other impurities centers. The fluorescence at 460 nm relates to emission of oxygen defect centers, such as F and F2 centers, and sharp bands at 678 and 693 nm indicate the formation of highly crystalline alumina. For α‐Al2O3, its fluorescence is caused by both surface defects and oxygen defect centers. The fluorescence spectroscopy can be applied as a cheap, fast, nondestructive method for the identification of amorphous alumina crystallization.
Interplay Between Extra Charge Injection and Lattice Evolution in VO2/CH3NH3PbI3 Heterostructure
Authors: Gao Min , Qi Zhihui , Lu Chang , Shi Dong , Luo Junsheng , Jia Chunyang , Pan Taisong , Zhang Yin , Lin Yuan
Published: January 2018

Research interest in VO2, one of the well‐known transition metal oxides featured by the metal–insulator transition, has resulted in a half‐century's accumulation of fundamentals toward a crystal clear description of the transition mechanism. To understand the interplay between extra electrons and lattice across the transition in VO2‐based integrated electronic devices, a heterostructure of VO2/CH3NH3PbI3 is constructed to investigate the structural evolution when hot electrons are injected from CH3NH3PbI3 to VO2 upon light irradiation. The decrease in the resistance of VO2 confirms the presence of extra electrons injected from CH3NH3PbI3 upon light irradiation. Then, Raman spectra are used to study the structural evolution of VO2 with temperature. The damping in the Raman intensity and the shift in Raman peak of VO2 near transition temperature implicate that the interplay between extra electron injection and lattice weakens the V–V vibration in VO2. This study provides a fundamental framework for understanding the interplay between extra charge and lattice in VO2.
Functional Outcome of Human Adipose Stem Cell Injections in Rat Anal Sphincter Acute Injury Model
Authors: Kuismanen Kirsi , Juntunen Miia , Narra Girish Nathaniel , Tuominen Heikki , Huhtala Heini , Nieminen Kari , Hyttinen Jari , Miettinen Susanna
Published: January 2018

Anal incontinence is a devastating condition that significantly reduces the quality of life. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of human adipose stem cell (hASC) injections in a rat model for anal sphincter injury, which is the main cause of anal incontinence in humans. Furthermore, we tested if the efficacy of hASCs could be improved by combining them with polyacrylamide hydrogel carrier, Bulkamid. Human ASCs derived from a female donor were culture expanded in DMEM/F12 supplemented with human platelet lysate. Female virgin Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups (n = 14–15/group): hASCs in saline or Bulkamid (3 × 105/60 μl) and saline or Bulkamid without cells. Anorectal manometry (ARM) was performed before anal sphincter injury, at two (n = 58) and at four weeks after (n = 33). Additionally, the anal sphincter tissue was examined by micro-computed tomography (μCT) and the histological parameters were compared between the groups. The median resting and peak pressure during spontaneous contraction measured by ARM were significantly higher in hASC treatment groups compared with the control groups without hASCs. There was no statistical difference in functional results between the hASC-carrier groups (saline vs. Bulkamid). No difference was detected in the sphincter muscle continuation between the groups in the histology and μCT analysis. More inflammation was discovered in the group receiving saline with hASC. The hASC injection therapy with both saline and Bulkamid is a promising nonsurgical treatment for acute anal sphincter injury. Traditional histology combined with the 3D μCT image data lends greater confidence in assessing muscle healing and continuity.
Flexural behavior of ultra‐high‐performance fiber reinforced concrete beams with low and high reinforcement ratios
Authors: Hasgul Umut , Turker Kaan , Birol Tamer , Yavas Altug
Published: January 2018

In the study, the effects of using ultra‐high‐performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) on deflection and curvature ductilities, moment capacities, flexural stiffness, and cracking behaviors of beams were experimentally investigated. Eight singly reinforced beams with four tensile reinforcement ratios (0.009, 0.019, 0.028, and 0.043) were tested under four‐point loading to create a pure moment behavior in the mid region. The evaluations were made by comparing the UHPFRC beams and non‐fiber beams containing UHPFRC matrix without steel fiber. Straight micro‐steel fibers with volumetric ratio of 1.5% were used in the UHPFRC matrix. The results of study indicate that the use of UHPFRC for beams having especially high reinforcement ratios provides significant advantages in terms of the considered parameters. Especially high compressive strength and deformation capacity of the UHPFRC allow the use of high reinforcement ratios in beams which results in more economical sizes as long as the beam deflections ensure for both the serviceability and the ultimate limit states. In this study, however, the simplified numerical approach developed for the flexural design of fiber reinforced concrete was applied to the UHPFRC beams, as well.
Di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) influences follicular development in mice between the weaning period and maturity by interfering with ovarian development factors and microRNAs
Authors: Liu Jin , Wang Wenxiang , Zhu Jianlin , Li Yuchen , Luo Lingfeng , Huang Yuanyuan , Zhang Wenchang
Published: January 2018

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

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

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

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Governance > Multilevel and Transnational Climate Change Governance

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

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

This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Perceptions of Climate Change
Experimental identification of modal parameters of an industrial 2‐MW wind turbine
Authors: Zierath János , Rachholz Roman , Rosenow Sven‐Erik , Bockhahn Reik , Schulze Andreas , Woernle Christoph
Published: January 2018

This contribution presents modal testing of a 2‐MW wind turbine on a 100‐m tubular tower with a 93‐m rotor developed by W2E Wind to Energy GmbH. This research is part of the DYNAWIND project of the University of Rostock and W2E. Beside classical modal analysis schemes, this contribution mainly focusses on the application of operational modal analysis techniques to a wind turbine. Specific problems are addressed, and hints for modal testing on wind turbines are given. Furthermore, an effective measurement setup is proposed for identification of the modal parameters of a wind turbine. The measurement campaign is divided in two parts. First, a measurement campaign using 8 sensor positions on a rotor blade was done while the rotor is lying on ground. Second, a detailed measurement campaign was done on the entire wind turbine with the rotor locked in Y position using 61 sensor positions on the tower, the mainframe, the gearbox, the generator, and the low‐voltage unit. While the rotor blade was tested by classical and operational modal analysis techniques, the entire wind turbine was tested by operational modal analysis techniques only. The mode shapes and eigenfrequencies of the wind turbine identified within the measurement campaigns are within the expected range of the design values of the wind turbine. But in contrast, the damping ratios differ strongly from those given in guidelines and literature. Furthermore, a strong influence of aerodynamic damping compared to structural damping is observed for the first tower mode even for a parked wind turbine.
Trauma Care in Mongolia: INTACT Evaluation and Recommendations for Improvement
Authors: Lombardo S. , Unurbileg B. , Gerelmaa J. , Bayarbaatar L. , Sarnai E. , Price R.
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Injury is the third leading cause of death in Mongolia, with a 29% increase in motor vehicle fatalities over the past decade. Half of the population lives outside the urbanized capital of Ulaanbaatar, where access to care is limited. This study evaluates and describes the Mongolian trauma system and makes recommendations for improvements.

Methods

Hospital‐level data were collected, and an International Assessment of Capacity for Trauma (INTACT) score (0–10) was calculated. INTACT is a validated measure for evaluating trauma capacity in developing countries based on resource availability; a score of 10 reflects ideal staffing and equipment. The survey was administered to key staff members at 10 rural and urban hospitals in spring 2016. INTACT scores were calculated for each hospital and compared to expected INTACT scores based on the World Health Organization Guidelines for Essential Trauma Care (GETC).

Results

Ulaanbaatar enjoys a centralized prehospital transportation service and two appropriately resourced tertiary hospitals. Rural Mongolians rely upon regionally located tertiary facilities with similar capabilities. INTACT scores for secondary‐level hospitals (n = 2) failed to meet expected GETC minimums, as did 2 of 4 primary facilities. There are no national standards guiding prehospital care, triage, or transfer. No outpatient rehabilitation facilities exist within Mongolia.

Conclusion

The Mongolian trauma system utilizes regionalized care to provide emergency services. Among surveyed hospitals, 60% met GETC standards. Areas for improvement include increased resourcing of primary and secondary facilities, development of rural prehospital systems, adoption of universal standards for patient care, and creation of post‐acute rehabilitation facilities.
Predictive Factors for Intestinal Transmural Necrosis in Patients with Acute Mesenteric Ischemia
Authors: Emile Sameh Hany
Published: January 2018

Background

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a serious and potentially fatal condition. No definite parameter can predict transmural bowel necrosis in patients with AMI to justify early surgical intervention. The current study aimed to identify the clinical, laboratory, and radiologic parameters that can successfully predict the onset of intestinal transmural necrosis in patients with AMI.

Patients and methods

Records of patients with AMI in the period of January 2013 to October 2017 were reviewed. Clinical parameters as patients’ symptoms, vital signs, and signs of peritonitis along with the results of laboratory and radiologic investigations were analyzed to identify predictive factors for intestinal transmural necrosis using binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

One hundred and one patients (70 males) with mean age of 55 years were included. Venous occlusion was the cause of AMI in 78 (77.3%) patients and arterial occlusion in 23 (22.7%) patients. Twenty‐two patients completed conservative treatment successfully, whereas 79 patients required exploratory laparotomy. On laparotomy, six patients were found to have viable bowel. Overall, 28 patients had viable bowel and 73 had bowel necrosis. The significant independent predictors for transmural bowel necrosis were mesenteric arterial occlusion (OR: 26.5, p = 0.02), leukocytosis (OR: 1.3, p < 0.0001), acidosis (OR: 3.8, p = 0.04), free intraperitoneal fluid (OR: 4.21, p = 0.005), and combined portal vein and SMV thrombosis in CT scan (OR: 3.4, p = 0.026).

Conclusion

The independent predictors for transmural bowel necrosis were mesenteric arterial occlusion, leukocytosis, acidosis, free intraperitoneal fluid, and combined portal vein and SMV thrombosis in CT scan.
(Once again) Lewis on the analysis of modality
Authors: Divers John , Fletcher Jade
Published: January 2018

We propose a novel interpretation of Lewis on the analysis of modality that is constructed from primary sources, comprehensive and unprecedented (in toto). Our guiding precepts are to distinguish semantics from metaphysics, while respecting the inter-relations between them, and to discern whatever may be special, semantically or metaphysically, about the modal case. Following detailed presentation (Sect. 2), we amplify and advocate our interpretation by providing a conforming genealogy of Lewis’s theory of modality (Sect. 3) and applying it to construct a detailed and newly illuminating version of the Lewisian theory of modality de re (Sect. 4).
Ecological consideration for several methodologies to diagnose vegetation phenology
Authors: Lim Chi Hong , An Ji Hong , Jung Song Hie , Nam Gyung Bae , Cho Yong Chan , Kim Nam Shin , Lee Chang Seok
Published: January 2018

A challenge of phenological research is to integrate remotely sensed observations obtained at different spatial and temporal scales to provide information that contains both a high temporal density and fine spatial scale observations. This study aims to improve the level of spatial detail and the temporal density required for efficient monitoring of vegetation phenology by applying two remote sensing techniques, MODIS and digital camera images. Based on the vegetation indices extracted from each measurement, we analyzed phenological changes of vegetation and deduced phenophases transition dates, such as start dates of green‐up and senescence by applying different two methods, the rate of change of curvature, K and HMV. The start and end of the growing season of Mongolian oak expressed in ExG–DC, which were extracted from digital camera image, were agreed well with that of visual assessment. EVI among three vegetation indices (EVI, NDVI and ExG–MI) showed the high correlation with ExG–DC and visual assessment. Based on RMSE, the transition dates assessed by visual observation were agreed better with the dates, which were estimated based on curvature K than with the dates estimated from HMV in all vegetation indices. Sap flow time‐series estimates for the phenological transition dates were closely accorded with the estimates derived from near‐surface time‐series, and coincided better with the dates estimated based on curvature K than that based on HMV. In conclusion, based on the result of this study, we suggest that it is effective to use EXG–DC obtained from digital camera and EVI from MODIS when these two instrument are integrated as the vegetation indices and that curvature K is an effective method for extracting the phenological event dates of vegetation.
Risk reporting: A review of the literature and implications for future research✩
Authors: Elshandidy Tamer , Shrives Philip J. , Bamber Matt , Abraham Santhosh
Published: January 2018

This paper provides a wide-ranging and up-to-date (1997–2016) review of the archival empirical risk-reporting literature. The reviewed papers are classified into two principal themes: the incentives for and/or informativeness of risk reporting. Our review demonstrates areas of significant divergence in the literature specifically: mandatory versus voluntary risk reporting, manual versus automated content analysis, within-country versus cross-country variations in risk reporting, and risk reporting in financial versus non-financial firms. Our paper identifies a number of issues which require further research. In particular we draw attention to two: first, a lack of clarity and consistency around the conceptualization of risk; and second, the potential costs and benefits of standard-setters’ involvement.
Analytical procedures in external auditing: A comprehensive literature survey and framework for external audit analytics
Authors: Appelbaum Deniz A. , Kogan Alex , Vasarhelyi Miklos A.
Published: January 2018

There is an increasing recognition in the public audit profession that the emergence of big data as well as the growing use of business analytics by audit clients has brought new opportunities and challenges. That is, should more complex business analytics beyond the customary analytical procedures be used in the engagement and if so, where? Which techniques appear to be most promising? This paper starts the process of addressing these questions by examining extant external audit research. 301 papers are identified that discuss some use of analytical procedures in the public audit engagement. These papers are then categorized by technique, engagement phase, and other attributes to facilitate understanding. This analysis of the literature is categorized into an External Audit Analytics (EAA) framework, the objective of which is to identify gaps, to provide motivation for new research, and to classify and outline the main topics addressed in this literature. Specifically, this synthesis organizes audit research, thereby offering guidelines regarding possible future research about approaches for more complex and data driven analytics in the engagement.