bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gelatin versus its two major degradation products, prolyl‐hydroxyproline and glycine, as supportive therapy in experimental colitis in mice
Authors: Zhu Suqin , Huang Min , Feng Guangxin , Miao Yu , Wu Haohao , Zeng Mingyong , Lo Yangming Martin
Published: April 2018

Gelatin is an anti‐inflammatory dietary component, and its predominant metabolites entering circulation are prolyl‐hydroxyproline (Pro‐Hyp) and glycine. We evaluated the protective effects of orally administered gelatin, glycine, and Pro‐Hyp 10:3:0.8 (w/w/w) against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis in mice. According to clinical, histological, and biochemical parameters, they exhibited significant activities in the order of gelatin < glycine < Pro‐Hyp. Gelatin prevented the DSS‐induced increase in interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in the colon, rather than in peripheral blood. Glycine and Pro‐Hyp attenuated the DSS‐induced rise in colonic IL‐6 and TNF‐α, as well as peripheral IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α. Hematologic results show the attenuation of DSS‐induced leukocytosis and lymphocytosis by glycine and Pro‐Hyp, rather than gelatin. These findings suggest that glycine and Pro‐Hyp constitute the material basis for gelatin's anticolitis efficacy, and they have better anticolitis activities and distinct mechanisms of action when ingested as free compounds than as part of gelatin.
Safety of ready‐to‐eat chicken in Burkina Faso: Microbiological quality, antibiotic resistance, and virulence genes in Escherichia coli isolated from chicken samples of Ouagadougou
Authors: Somda Namwin S. , Bonkoungou Ouindgueta J. I. , Zongo Cheikna , Kagambèga Assèta , Bassolé Imael H. N. , Traoré Yves , Mahillon Jacques , Scippo Marie‐Louise , Hounhouigan Joseph D. , Savadogo Aly
Published: April 2018

In Burkina Faso, flamed/grilled chickens are very popular and well known to consumers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality, the antibiotic resistance, and the virulence gene from Escherichia coli isolated from these chickens in Ouagadougou. A total of 102 grilled, flamed, and fumed chickens were collected in Ouagadougou and analyzed, using standard microbiological methods. All E. coli isolates were checked with the antimicrobial test and also typed by 16‐plex PCR. The mean of aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AMB) and thermo‐tolerant coliforms (TTC) was found respectively between 6.90 ± 0.12 × 107 CFU/g to 2.76 ± 0.44 × 108 CFU/g and 2.4 ± 0.82 × 107 CFU/g to 1.27 ± 0.9 × 108 CFU/g. E. coli strains were found to 27.45%. Forty samples (38.24%) were unacceptable based on the AMB load. Fifty‐nine samples (57.85%) were contaminated with TTCs. Low resistance was observed with antibiotics of betalactamin family. Diarrheagenic E. coli strains were detected in 21.43% of all samples. This study showed that flamed/grilled chickens sold in Ouagadougou could pose health risks for the consumers. Need of hygienic practices or system and good manufacturing practices is necessary to improve the hygienic quality of flamed/grilled chickens. Our results highlight the need of control of good hygiene and production practices to contribute to the improvement of the safety of the products and also to avoid antibiotic resistance. Slaughter, scalding, evisceration, plucking, bleeding, washing, rinsing, preserving, grilling, and selling may be the ways of contamination.
Phase‐Field Fracture at Finite Strains Based on Modified Invariants: A Note on its Analysis and Simulations
Authors: Thomas Marita , Bilgen Carola , Weinberg Kerstin
Published: April 2018

We present recent results on the mathematical analysis of phase‐field model for anisotropic fracture at finite strains. It is based on a modification of the Ambrosio‐Tortorelli model, formulated for polyconvex energy densities in terms of the modified invariants of the right Cauchy‐Green strain tensor and augmented by a viscous dissipation for the phase‐field variable. A suitable notion of solution is introduced and used for the simulation of a conchoidal fracture in a brittle specimen.
A Note on the Equivalence and the Boundary Behavior of a Class of Sobolev Capacities
Authors: Christof Constantin , Müller Georg
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this paper is to study different notions of Sobolev capacity commonly used in the analysis of obstacle‐ and Signorini‐type variational inequalities. We review basic facts from capacity theory in an abstract setting that is tailored to the study of W1,p ‐ and W1–1/p,p‐capacities, and we prove equivalency results that relate several approaches found in the literature to each other. Motivated by applications in contact mechanics, we especially focus on the behavior of different Sobolev capacities on and near the boundary of the domain in question. As a result, we obtain, for example, that the most common approaches to the sensitivity analysis of Signorini‐type problems are exactly the same.
On the optimal control of some nonsmooth distributed parameter systems arising in mechanics
Authors: De Los Reyes J.C.
Published: April 2018

Variational inequalities are an important mathematical tool for modelling free boundary problems that arise in different application areas. Due to the intricate nonsmooth structure of the resulting models, their analysis and optimization is a difficult task that has drawn the attention of researchers for several decades. In this paper we focus on a class of variational inequalities, called of the second kind, with a twofold purpose. First, we aim at giving a glance at some of the most prominent applications of these types of variational inequalities in mechanics, and the related analytical and numerical difficulties. Second, we consider optimal control problems constrained by these variational inequalities and provide a thorough discussion on the existence of Lagrange multipliers and the different types of optimality systems that can be derived for the characterization of local minima. The article ends with a discussion of the main challenges and future perspectives of this important problem class.
Optimal Control of a Viscous Two‐Field Gradient Damage Model
Authors: Susu Livia M.
Published: April 2018

The paper deals with a class of optimal control problems governed by a viscous damage model including two damage variables which are coupled through a penalty term. The existence and directional differentiability of the associated control‐to‐state operator is established. Moreover, necessary optimality conditions are derived. It is shown that these are equivalent to an optimality system, provided that a strict complementarity condition is satisfied.
Some evolutionary patterns of palaeokarst developed in Pleistocene deposits (Ebro Basin, NE Spain): Improving geohazard awareness in present‐day karst
Authors: Soriano María Asunción , Pocoví Andrés , Gil Héctor , Perez Antonio , Luzón Aránzazu , Marazuela Miguel Ángel
Published: April 2018

Pleistocene detrital deposits in the central Ebro Basin frequently show deformation features due mainly to karstification in the underlying Neogene evaporites. In 123 cases, estimation of parameters of shape and minimum volume of materials involved was accomplished. Six of them were analysed in more detail to establish the main processes involved in their genesis and the succession of events. All the deformation features in the selected sites are synsedimentary. To achieve the objectives, intense fieldwork was made applying methods of sedimentology and structural geology. Usually, a complex evolutionary pattern was observed, with evidences of dissolution, sagging, collapse, gravity flow, suffosion, and plastic flow. In a schematic way, three main situations, independent of the age of the analysed deposits, can be distinguished: (a) slow subsidence, (b) collapse, and (c) temporal overlapping of both processes. In the first 2 scenarios, basins with smooth or abrupt borders, respectively, were generated on the land surface. In the third one, slow subsidence was followed by a collapse, located in the area of maximum flexure. These patterns are also observed in present‐day dolines. Comparison of direct and indirect parameters between paleodolines and present‐day dolines indicates a bigger size of the latter, probably caused by the different conditions of observation. This study helps to know the possibilities in the evolution of mantled karst features, to estimate the volume of material affected by karstification and to improve the knowledge of present‐day dolines behaviour. Consequently, study of paleodolines must be considered to achieve a better urban planning in active karstic areas.
Evaluating community participation: A comparison of participatory approaches in the planning and implementation of new primary health‐care services in northern Australia
Authors: Carlisle Karen , Farmer Jane , Taylor Judy , Larkins Sarah , Evans Rebecca
Published: April 2018

Community participation is increasingly seen as a prerequisite for more acceptable and sustainable health services. It is difficult to evaluate the extent of participation in health planning and implementation of services, and there are limited tools available to assist in evaluating such processes. Our paper reports on community participation as part of the implementation of 2 primary health programs in regional north Queensland, Australia. We define community participation as collective involvement of people, including consultation, from a community of place or interest in aspects of health service development. We pragmatically evaluate and compare the extent of participation by using a framework developed by Rifkin and colleagues in 1988 and subsequently refined. Data collected from the implementation of each program were analyzed and ranked on a spidergram against 5 process indicators: needs assessment, leadership, resource mobilization, management, and organization. Community participation was found to vary across the programs but was most extensive in both programs in identifying need and potential solutions. Both programs demonstrated high levels of integration of the implementation of health programs with preexisting community structures. Involving local communities in genuine opportunities in managing the programs and mobilizing resources was more challenging. Key differences emerged in the people involved in the programs, the settings and frameworks used to facilitate implementation. We conclude that Rifkin's process indicators are a useful starting point for assessing community participation, particularly for health planners who are required to include participatory approaches when planning and implementing services. We suggest areas that require further consideration.
Bog surface oscillation (mire breathing): A useful measure in raised bog restoration
Authors: Howie Sarah A. , Hebda Richard J.
Published: April 2018

Oscillation of the peat surface is an important mechanism for hydrological self‐regulation in bogs. As the water table rises in the wet season, the peat body expands, raising the bog surface and increasing water storage. With seasonal drying, the water table declines, the peat loses volume, and the bog surface drops, thereby keeping Sphagnum mosses in close contact with the water table. The oscillation of surface elevation in a Pacific coastal temperate raised bog was monitored at multiple sites for 4–12 years in 8 different plant communities of both peat‐harvested and unharvested sites to determine how bog surface oscillation relates to site conditions. The multiyear averages of bog surface oscillation for the different sites ranged from 2 to 34 cm (mean: 10.8 cm). In harvested sites, surface oscillation was linked to a larger water level amplitude and a shallower water table. In unharvested sites, a shallow water table was also a strong predictor of surface oscillation, but water level amplitude was negatively correlated to surface oscillation. This discrepancy was attributed to rewetting and regeneration of harvested sites, as well as historic drainage in many of the unharvested sites that reduced the elasticity of the peat. Surface oscillation differed significantly between some of the plant communities, generally between drier and wetter sites. In disturbed bogs, regeneration of a more elastic surface peat can increase the magnitude of peat volume change and bring about the return of self‐regulating mechanisms. Bog surface oscillation may be an important metric for assessing the restoration success or storage capacity of raised bogs in similar climatic settings.
Maternal residential pesticide use and risk of childhood leukemia in Costa Rica
Authors: Hyland Carly , Gunier Robert B. , Metayer Catherine , Bates Michael N. , Wesseling Catharina , Mora Ana M.
Published: April 2018

Evidence suggests that early‐life exposure to pesticides inside the home may be associated with childhood leukemia, however data from Latin American countries are limited. We examined whether self‐reported maternal residential pesticide use and nearby pesticide applications–before and after child's birth–were associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in the Costa Rican Childhood Leukemia Study (CRCLS), a population‐based case‐control study (2001‐2003). Cases (n = 251 ALL) were diagnosed between 1995 and 2000 (age <15 years at diagnosis) and were identified through the Costa Rican Cancer Registry and National Children's Hospital. Population controls (n = 577) were drawn from the National Birth Registry. We fitted unconditional logistic regression models adjusted for child sex, birth year, and socioeconomic status to estimate the exposure‐outcome associations and also stratified by child sex. We observed that self‐reported maternal insecticide use inside the home in the year before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding was associated with increased odds of ALL among boys [adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 1.63 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.05–2.53), 1.75 (1.13–2.73), and 1.75 (1.12–2.73), respectively. We also found evidence of exposure‐response relationships between more frequent maternal insecticide use inside the home and increased odds of ALL among boys and girls combined. Maternal report of pesticide applications on farms or companies near the home during pregnancy and at any time period were also associated with ALL. Our study in Costa Rica highlights the need for education to minimize pesticide exposures inside and around the home, particularly during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
PGE2/EP4 antagonism enhances tumor chemosensitivity by inducing extracellular vesicle‐mediated clearance of cancer stem cells
Authors: Lin Meng‐Chieh , Chen Shih‐Yin , He Pei‐Lin , Herschman Harvey , Li Hua‐Jung
Published: April 2018

Cells expressing mesenchymal/basal phenotypes in tumors have been associated with stem cell properties. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are often resistant to conventional chemotherapy. We explored overcoming mesenchymal CSC resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Our goal was to reduce CSC numbers in vivo, in conjunction with chemotherapy, to reduce tumor burden. Analysis of clinical samples demonstrated that COX‐2/PGE2/EP4 signaling is elevated in basal‐like and chemoresistant breast carcinoma and is correlated with survival and relapse of breast cancer. EP4 antagonism elicts a striking shift of breast cancer cells from a mesenchymal/CSC state to a more epithelial non‐CSC state. The transition was mediated by EP4 antagonist‐induced extracellular vesicles [(EVs)/exosomes] which removed CSC markers, mesenchymal markers, integrins, and drug efflux transporters from the CSCs. In addition, EP4 antagonism‐induced CSC EVs/exosomes can convert tumor epithelial/non‐CSCs to mesenchymal/CSCs able to give rise to tumors and to promote tumor cell dissemination. Because of its ability to induce a CSC‐to‐non‐CSC transition, EP4 antagonist treatment in vivo reduced the numbers of CSCs within tumors and increased tumor chemosensitivity. EP4 antagonist treatment enhances tumor response to chemotherapy by reducing the numbers of chemotherapy‐resistant CSCs available to repopulate the tumor. EP4 antagonism can collaborate with conventional chemotherapy to reduce tumor burden.
Differentiating the effects of anger and sadness: A perspective of spontaneous trait inference
Authors: Shi Wenfeng , Yang Feng , Xia Jing , Wang Meifang
Published: April 2018

In the present research, three experiments were conducted to examine the effects of anger and sadness on spontaneous trait inferences (STIs). Using a probe recognition paradigm, Experiment 1 revealed that angry participants made more errors in response to probes following trait‐implying behaviours than sad participants did. Using a false recognition paradigm, Experiments 2 and 3 revealed that angry participants made more errors in response to systematic pair trials than sad participants did. The three experiments provided convergent evidence that angry individuals were more inclined to form STIs than sad individuals were. The current research first demonstrated the different effects of specific negative mood states (anger vs. sadness) on STIs, providing further insight into the relationship between mood and STIs.
MicroRNA‐21 drives the switch to a synthetic phenotype in human saphenous vein smooth muscle cells
Authors: Alshanwani Aliah R. , Riches‐Suman Kirsten , O'Regan David J. , Wood Ian C. , Turner Neil A. , Porter Karen E.
Published: April 2018

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Smooth muscle cells (SMC) comprising the vascular wall can switch phenotypes from contractile to synthetic, which can promote the development of aberrant remodelling and intimal hyperplasia (IH). MicroRNA‐21 (miR‐21) is a short, non‐coding RNA that has been implicated in cardiovascular diseases including proliferative vascular disease and ischaemic heart disease. However, its involvement in the complex development of atherosclerosis has yet to be ascertained. Smooth muscle cells (SMC) were isolated from human saphenous veins (SV). miR‐21 was over‐expressed and the impact of this on morphology, proliferation, gene and protein expression related to synthetic SMC phenotypes monitored. Over‐expression of miR‐21 increased the spread cell area and proliferative capacity of SV‐SMC and expression of MMP‐1, whilst reducing RECK protein, indicating a switch to the synthetic phenotype. Furthermore, platelet‐derived growth factor BB (PDGF‐BB; a growth factor implicated in vasculoproliferative conditions) was able to induce miR‐21 expression via the PI3K and ERK signalling pathways. This study has revealed a mechanism whereby PDGF‐BB induces expression of miR‐21 in SV‐SMC, subsequently driving conversion to a synthetic SMC phenotype, propagating the development of IH. Thus, these signaling pathways may be attractive therapeutic targets to minimise progression of the disease. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(7):649–657, 2018
Quantitative evaluation of optical coherence tomography angiography images of diabetic retinopathy eyes before and after removal of projection artifacts
Authors: Govindaswamy Nivedhitha , Gadde Santosh G. , Chidambara Lavanya , Bhanushali Devanshi , Anegondi Neha , Sinha Roy Abhijit
Published: April 2018

Projection artifacts (PAs) affect the quantification of vascular parameters in the deep layer optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography image. This study eliminated PA and quantified its effect on imaging. 53 eyes (30 subjects) of normal Indian subjects and 113 eyes (92 patients) of type 2 diabetes mellitus with retinopathy (DR) underwent imaging with a scan area of 3 mm × 3 mm. In this study, a normalized cross‐correlation between superficial and deep layer was used to remove PA in deep layer. Local fractal analysis was done to compute vascular parameters such as foveal avascular zone area (mm2), vessel density (%), spacing between large vessels (%) and spacing between small vessels (%). Before PA removal, vessel density for mild nonproliferative (NPDR), moderate NPDR, severe NPDR and proliferative DR were 42.56 ±1.69%, 40.69 ±0.72%, 37.34 ±0.85% and 35.61 ±1.26%, respectively. After artifact removal, vessel density was 28.9 ±1.22%, 29.9 ±0.56%, 26.19 ±0.59% and 24.02 ±0.94%, respectively. All the vascular parameters were statistically significant (P <.001) between normal and disease eyes, irrespective of superficial and deep retinal layers. Parafoveal sectoral analyses showed that temporal zone had the lowest vessel density and may undergo DR‐related changes first. The current approach enabled rapid and accurate quantitative interpretation of DR eyes, without PA.
Diffusion tensor imaging parameters in testes with nonobstructive azoospermia
Authors: Tsili Athina C. , Ntorkou Alexandra , Goussia Anna , Astrakas Loukas , Panopoulou Eleni , Sofikitis Nikolaos , Argyropoulou Maria I.
Published: April 2018

Background

The development of noninvasive imaging parameters having the capacity to identify the population of men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) where a successful sperm retrieval outcome is of great clinical significance.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To assess differences of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) in NOA testes with impaired spermatogenesis and the possible association with the presence of spermatozoa after testicular sperm extraction (TESE).

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Twenty NOA men (35 testes) and 21 age‐matched controls (36 testes).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T, T1WI‐SE T2WI‐FSE FS SS‐EP‐DTI.

Assessments

The MRI data were analyzed by two radiologists in consensus. The average ADC and FA of testicular parenchyma was measured. NOA testes were classified as NOA with higher Johnsen score (JS) ≥8 (group 1) and JS <8 (group 2).

Statistical Tests

Parametric and nonparametric statistical tests were used to compare ADC and FA between NOA groups and normal testes (group 3) and to evaluate a possible association with the presence of spermatozoa after TESE.

Results

Differences in ADC were found between groups 1 and 2 (P = 0.043) and groups 2 and 3 (P = 0.004), but not between groups 1 and 3 (P = 0.418). Higher values of FA were found both in NOA testes with JS ≥8 (P < 0.001) and JS <8 (P < 0.001) compared to controls. ADC (P = 0.096) and FA (P = 0.516) did not demonstrate differences in NOA testes with or without spermatozoa at TESE.

Data Conclusion

Both ADC and FA are increased in NOA testes compared to a normal population. ADC was proven to be a more useful diagnostic adjunct tool in the identification of the population of NOA men with foci of advanced spermatogenesis. However, DTI parameters were not predictive of sperm retrieval after TESE.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1318–1325.
Extreme drought hotspot analysis for adaptation to a changing climate: Assessment of applicability to the five major river basins of the Korean Peninsula
Authors: Lee Joo‐Heon , Park Seo‐Yeon , Kim Jong‐Suk , Sur Chanyang , Chen Jie
Published: April 2018

This study proposes a quantitative approach for extreme drought hotspot assessment related to climate change, the hotspot drought risk index (HDRI), and evaluates the response of extreme drought to climate change in the five major river basins of the Korean Peninsula. According to an analysis of seasonal and regional drought characteristics on the Korean Peninsula, drought occurs most frequently in spring, and the central and southern areas are generally more vulnerable to drought. Drought risk analysis under various climate change scenarios indicates significant drought risk over the entire Korean Peninsula excepting some parts of the Han and Nakdong river basins from 2011 to 2040. Extreme drought may be particularly severe in the mid‐west area as these basins lack available water resources. Drought risk decreases in the southern Korean Peninsula in the 2011–2040 and 2071–2099 periods, during which the area vulnerable to drought also decreases. However, some parts of central Korea and the western and eastern coastlines remain susceptible to drought. The drought risk evaluation method suggested herein may be useful for predicting drought and establishing realistic coping strategies for extreme drought in a changing climate.
The accuracy of climate variability and trends across Arctic Fennoscandia in four reanalyses
Authors: Marshall Gareth J. , Kivinen Sonja , Jylhä Kirsti , Vignols Rebecca M. , Rees W. G.
Published: April 2018

Arctic Fennoscandia has undergone significant climate change over recent decades. Reanalysis data sets allow us to understand the atmospheric processes driving such changes. Here we evaluate four reanalyses against observations of near‐surface air temperature (SAT) and precipitation (PPN) from 35 meteorological stations across the region for the 35‐year period from 1979 to 2013. The reanalyses compared are the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR), the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) Interim reanalysis (ERA‐Interim), the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) 55‐year reanalysis (JRA‐55) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA).

All four reanalyses have an overall small cool bias across Arctic Fennoscandia, with MERRA typically ~1 °C cooler than the others. They generally reproduce the broad spatial patterns of mean SAT across the region, although less well in areas of complex orography. Observations reveal a statistically significant warming across Arctic Fennoscandia, with the majority of trends significant at p < .01. Three reanalyses show similar regional warming but of smaller magnitude while CFSR is anomalous, even having a slight cooling in some areas. In general, the other reanalyses are sufficiently accurate to reproduce the varying significance of observed seasonal trends.

There are much greater differences between the reanalyses when comparing PPN to observations. MERRA‐Land, which merges a gauge‐based data set, is clearly the best: CFSR is the least successful, with a significant wet bias. The smoothed reanalysis orography means that the high PPN associated with the western side of the Scandinavian Mountains extends too far inland. Spatial patterns of PPN trends across the region differ markedly between the reanalyses, which have varying success at matching observations and generally fail to replicate sites with significant observed trends. Therefore, using reanalyses to analyse PPN changes in Arctic Fennoscandia should be undertaken with caution.
Highly efficient high‐performance liquid chromatographic separation of xylene isomers and phthalate acid esters on a homemade DUT‐67(Zr) packed column
Authors: Chen Sha , Li Xiao‐Xin , Feng Fan , Li Sumei , Han Jia‐Hui , Jia Zi‐Yi , Shu Lun , Somsundaran P. , Li Jian‐Rong
Published: April 2018

In this study, the baseline separations of xylene isomers and phthalate acid esters on a homemade DUT‐67(Zr) packed column were achieved, respectively. The high selectivity for xylene isomers and phthalate acid esters was obtained with the increase in temperature and decrease in the retention time. The hydrophobicity of xylene isomers and phthalate acid esters resulted in the different separation time on the DUT‐67(Zr) packed column. The relative standard deviation values of retention time, peak area, peak height, and half peak width for five repeat separation of the xylene isomers were 0.26–0.35, 2.11–2.26, 1.51–2.03, and 0.29–0.77%, and the values of the phthalate acid esters on DUT‐67(Zr) column were 0.1–0.4, 4.4–5.2, 3.9–6.3, and 0.6–2.1%, respectively. The thermodynamic properties indicated that the separation of xylene isomers was controlled by ΔH and ΔS, but the separation of phthalate acid esters was mainly controlled by ΔS.
A Potentiometric Study of the Briggs–Rauscher Oscillatory Reaction in a Solution of Nonionic Surfactants and tert‐Butanol
Authors: Pribus Marek , Trnková Libuše , Grančičová Ol'ga , Olexová Anna
Published: April 2018

The concentration effect of nonionic surfactants (Triton X‐100, Brij 30, Brij 58, Tween 20, and Tween 80) and tert‐butanol was investigated on the Briggs–Rauscher oscillatory reaction in a stirred batch reactor at 25 ± 0.1°C in both the absence and presence of nonionic surfactant and tert‐butanol as well. The addition of Triton X‐100, Brij 58, and Tween 20 influenced the oscillatory parameters in a similar fashion: a decrease of the induction period until its disappearance, an increase of the oscillation period, an increase of the oscillation amplitude, an increase of the duration of the oscillation, and a gradual increase of the oscillation numbers. The addition of Brij 30 has no significant effect on the oscillation parameters of the Briggs‐Rauscher oscillatory reaction. The effect of tert‐butanol on the Briggs–Rauscher oscillatory reaction is very similar to the effect of Brij 58; however, we were unable to observe the disappearance of the induction period on the studied concentration range. The addition of Tween 80 to the reaction mixture has a similar effect as the addition of Triton X‐100, Brij 58, or Tween 20, except for the induction period, which in the case of Tween 80, it becomes larger. The observed effects are explained in terms of micellar catalysis or inhibition, that is, in a different extent of individual reactants of solubilization.
The Knowledge Object Reference Ontology (KORO): A formalism to support management and sharing of computable biomedical knowledge for learning health systems
Authors: Flynn Allen J. , Friedman Charles P. , Boisvert Peter , Landis‐Lewis Zachary , Lagoze Carl
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Health systems are challenged by care underutilization, overutilization, disparities, and related harms. One problem is a multiyear latency between discovery of new best practice knowledge and its widespread adoption. Decreasing this latency requires new capabilities to better manage and more rapidly share biomedical knowledge in computable forms. Knowledge objects package machine‐executable knowledge resources in a way that easily enables knowledge as a service. To help improve knowledge management and accelerate knowledge sharing, the Knowledge Object Reference Ontology (KORO) defines what knowledge objects are in a formal way.

Methods

Development of KORO began with identification of terms for classes of entities and for properties. Next, we established a taxonomical hierarchy of classes for knowledge objects and their parts. Development continued by relating these parts via formally defined properties. We evaluated the logical consistency of KORO and used it to answer several competency questions about parthood. We also applied it to guide knowledge object implementation.

Results

As a realist ontology, KORO defines what knowledge objects are and provides details about the parts they have and the roles they play. KORO provides sufficient logic to answer several basic but important questions about knowledge objects competently. KORO directly supports creators of knowledge objects by providing a formal model for these objects.

Conclusion

KORO provides a formal, logically consistent ontology about knowledge objects and their parts. It exists to help make computable biomedical knowledge findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. KORO is currently being used to further develop and improve computable knowledge infrastructure for learning health systems.
Synthesis of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene Using MgO/MgCl2/TiCl4 Core–Shell Catalysts
Authors: Bando Yusuke , Chammingkwan Patchanee , Terano Minoru , Taniike Toshiaki
Published: April 2018

In this study, MgO/MgCl2/TiCl4 core–shell catalysts are employed for the production of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) particles, motivated by their advantages including simple preparation, ease of morphology control, and a dramatically reduced Cl content. It is found that the MgO/MgCl2/TiCl4 core–shell catalysts can provide UHMWPE at a reasonable activity, but the agglomeration of the catalyst particles leads to poor morphology of the UHMWPE. The dispersion problem is largely alleviated by modifying MgO nanoparticles with methyl oleate (MO). Thus, the MO‐modified MgO/MgCl2/TiCl4 core–shell catalyst successfully affords UHMWPE particles of 100–200 µm at a high yield of 8670 g‐PE g‐Cat−1.
Knitted Silk Fibroin‐Reinforced Bead‐on‐String Electrospun Fibers for Sustained Drug Delivery Against Colon Cancer
Authors: Ma Panpan , Gou Shuangquan , Wang Min , Chen Jiucun , Hu Wei , Xiao Bo
Published: April 2018

Bead‐on‐string electrospun fibers containing camptothecin (CPT) are fabricated on the surface of knitted silk fibroin (SF) meshes. Microscopic characterization reveals that the bead‐on‐string structure is prepared successfully and CPT is mainly located within the beaded structure. Interestingly, the CPT‐loaded beaded SF mesh (CPT‐SF mesh) has excellent mechanical properties. More importantly, it is able to perform a sustained CPT release without burst release. In vitro cytotoxicity tests further indicate that the CPT‐SF mesh shows much stronger anticolon cancer activity in comparison with SF meshes and beaded SF meshes. Hence, the CPT‐SF mesh has great potential as a promising local drug delivery system for colon cancer treatment.
Processing–Nanostructure–Property Relationships of All‐Polyethylene Composites Reinforced by Flow‐Induced Oriented Crystallization of UHMWPE
Authors: Zhong Fan , Thomann Ralf , Mülhaupt Rolf
Published: April 2018

All‐polyethylene composites exhibiting substantially improved toughness/stiffness balance are readily produced during conventional injection molding of high density polyethylene (HDPE) in the presence of bimodal polyethylene reactor blends (RB40) containing 40 wt% ultrahigh molar mass polyethylene (UHMWPE) dispersed in HDPE wax. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses shows that flow‐induced crystallization affords extended‐chain UHMWPE nanofibers forming shish which nucleates HDPE crystallization producing shish‐kebab structures as reinforcing phases. This is unparalleled by melt compounding micron‐sized UHMWPE. Injection molding of HDPE with 30 wt% RB40 at 165 °C affords thermoplastic all‐PE composites (12 wt% UHMWPE), improved Young's modulus of 3400 MPa, tensile strength of 140 MPa, and impact resistance of 22.0 kJ/m2. According to fracture surface analysis, the formation of skin‐intermediate‐core structures accounts for significantly improved impact resistance. At constant RB40 content both morphology and mechanical properties strongly depend upon processing temperature. Upon increasing processing temperature from 165 °C to 250 °C the average shish‐kebab diameter increases from the nanometer to micron range, paralleled by massive loss of self‐reinforcement above 200 °C. The absence of shish‐kebab structure at 250 °C is attributed to relaxation of polymer chains and stretch‐coil transition impairing shish formation.
Feeding Dystonia
Authors: Shree Ritu , Mehta Sahil , Vishnu Venugopalan Y.
Published: April 2018

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A reconsideration of the link between vertical externality and managerial incentives
Authors: Claude Denis
Published: April 2018

Previous research revealed that the strategic role of delegation contracts disappears if two quantity‐setting firms outsource input production to a monopolistic supplier. I show that this role is restored if the assumption of a downstream duopoly is relaxed. Thus, delegation contracts allow downstream profit‐maximizing owners to commit their firms to a behavior that differs from their preferences. This behavior varies nonmonotonically with the number of firms in the downstream market. Corresponding deviations from profit maximization are larger if the upstream monopolist makes a price precommitment. But little to no deviation occurs if the number of firms is large.
Asymptotic behavior of higher‐order Navier‐Stokes‐Cahn‐Hilliard systems
Authors: Cherfils Laurence , Gatti Stefania , Miranville Alain
Published: April 2018

Our aim in this paper is to study the asymptotic behavior, in terms of finite‐dimensional attractors, for higher‐order Navier‐Stokes‐Cahn‐Hilliard systems. Such equations describe the evolution of a mixture of 2 immiscible incompressible fluids. We also give several numerical simulations.
A dynamic model‐based approach to motion and deformation tracking of prosthetic valves from biplane x‐ray images
Authors: Wagner Martin G. , Hatt Charles R. , Dunkerley David A. P. , Bodart Lindsay E. , Raval Amish N. , Speidel Michael A.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure in which a prosthetic heart valve is placed and expanded within a defective aortic valve. The device placement is commonly performed using two‐dimensional (2D) fluoroscopic imaging. Within this work, we propose a novel technique to track the motion and deformation of the prosthetic valve in three dimensions based on biplane fluoroscopic image sequences.

Methods

The tracking approach uses a parameterized point cloud model of the valve stent which can undergo rigid three‐dimensional (3D) transformation and different modes of expansion. Rigid elements of the model are individually rotated and translated in three dimensions to approximate the motions of the stent. Tracking is performed using an iterative 2D–3D registration procedure which estimates the model parameters by minimizing the mean‐squared image values at the positions of the forward‐projected model points. Additionally, an initialization technique is proposed, which locates clusters of salient features to determine the initial position and orientation of the model.

Results

The proposed algorithms were evaluated based on simulations using a digital 4D CT phantom as well as experimentally acquired images of a prosthetic valve inside a chest phantom with anatomical background features. The target registration error was 0.12 ± 0.04 mm in the simulations and 0.64 ± 0.09 mm in the experimental data.

Conclusions

The proposed algorithm could be used to generate 3D visualization of the prosthetic valve from two projections. In combination with soft‐tissue sensitive‐imaging techniques like transesophageal echocardiography, this technique could enable 3D image guidance during TAVR procedures.
Quantile Regression Estimates of Body Weight at Length in Walleye
Authors: Ranney Steven H.
Published: April 2018

Quantile regression is a method of estimating fish weight at length for alternate portions of a probability distribution, but it is an approach that has not received much attention in fisheries literature. Quantile regression can provide estimates of any quantile of weight at length without bias (including the 75th quantile, which was often the focus of standard weight [Ws] equations), and this is more advantageous than previously defined Ws equations derived from linear or quadratic regression methods. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the utility of quantile regression as a tool to assess fish weight at length at various portions of the probability distribution without bias using Walleye Sander vitreus as a case study. Quantile regression models at the 75th quantile were developed for three randomly selected Walleye populations from Georgia and South Dakota and compared with a large (N = 33,589) reference population. Bootstrap resampling procedures indicated that only one population from the state of Georgia had an intercept and slope similar to the reference population. For the one population that had similar intercept and slope to the reference population, predictions of weight at various lengths still fell below the 95% CIs for predicted weights of the reference population, suggesting that slight differences in intercepts and slopes in allometric relationships can result in predicted weights that still differ at some lengths. Predicted weights of Walleye derived from the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th quantiles were used to demonstrate how individuals and populations may be compared at different management targets. Overall, this study demonstrates the relative ease with which quantile regression may be used to compare fish body condition between populations without bias.
Fraud survival in nonprofit organizations: Empirical evidence
Authors: Archambeault Deborah S. , Webber Sarah
Published: April 2018

This study examines the survival of nonprofit organizations after the discovery of a fraud. Literature on nonprofit fraud claims that fraud has a destructive impact on nonprofit organizations. This study is the first to provide empirical evidence of the impact of fraud on a nonprofit organization's survival, and to analyze the significance of underlying organizational and fraud factors. An analysis of 115 nonprofit organizations experiencing a fraud shows that over one fourth of these organizations did not survive at least 3 years beyond the publication of the fraud, a rate considerably higher than the typical nonprofit failure rate. This article investigates the characteristics of surviving organizations and finds that older and larger organizations are more likely to survive, indicating the liabilities of newness and smallness hold in fraud survival situations. In cases where an executive‐level perpetrator committed the fraud, or where the organization victimized the public, the organization was less likely to survive. These findings suggest nonprofit organizations, particularly those that are new or small, could benefit by implementing governance policies and procedures that are consistent with those employed by more established organizations.
A registry study of nursing assessments, interventions and evaluations according to nutrition for persons living in municipal residential care homes
Authors: Backlund Anja , Holmbeck Olga , Kumlien Christine , Axelsson Malin
Published: April 2018

Aim

The aim was to explore planned nursing interventions and evaluations of such interventions, in older people at risk for malnutrition living in municipal residential care homes.

Designs

A registry study.

Methods

The study was conducted using data from the Swedish national quality registry Senior Alert. Data on all persons assessed and registered in Senior Alert living in municipal residential care homes in a mid‐sized town between January and December 2014 were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results

In total, 677 nutritional risk assessments were performed among the participants (N = 587), who were between 65‐109 years. A larger proportion of women were estimated as being at risk for malnutrition compared with men. The three most common prescribed nursing interventions were nutritional treatment, dietary support and weight control; however, interventions were not prescribed for all participants at risk for malnutrition. Lesser than 50% of the interventions were evaluated, with dietary support, pharmaceutical review and weight control the three most likely to be evaluated. Further, planned interventions for participants at risk of malnutrition were implemented more often for men than for women.
Multiplexed Isobaric Tag‐Based Profiling of Seven Murine Tissues Following In Vivo Nicotine Treatment Using a Minimalistic Proteomics Strategy
Authors: Paulo Joao A. , Jedrychowski Mark P. , Chouchani Edward T. , Kazak Lawrence , Gygi Steven P.
Published: April 2018

Nicotine is a major addictive compound in tobacco and a component of smoking‐related products, such as e‐cigarettes. Once internalized, nicotine can perturb many cellular pathways and can induce alterations in proteins across different cell types; however, the mechanisms thereof remain undetermined. The authors hypothesize that both tissue‐specific and global protein abundance alterations result from nicotine exposure. Presented here is the first proteomic profiling of multiple tissues from mice treated orally with nicotine. Proteins extracted from seven tissues (brain, heart, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, and spleen) from treated (n = 5) and untreated control (n = 5) mice are assembled into a TMT10‐plex experiment. A minimalistic proteomics strategy is employed using TMT reagents efficiently and centrifugation‐based reversed‐phase columns to streamline sample preparation. Combined, over 11 000 non‐redundant proteins from over 138 000 different peptides are quantified in seven TMT10‐plex experiments. Between 7 and 126 proteins are significantly altered in tissues from nicotine‐exposed mice, 11 which are altered in two or more tissues. Our data showcase the vast extent of nicotine exposure across murine tissue.
Highlights from the 2017 North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference
Authors: Martiniano Stacey L. , Toprak Demet , Ong Thida , Zemanick Edith T. , Daines Cori L. , Muhlebach Marianne S. , Esther Charles R. , Dellon Elisabeth P.
Published: April 2018

The 31st annual North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference (NACFC) was held in Indianapolis, IN on November 2–4, 2017. Abstracts of presentations from the conference were published in a supplement to Pediatric Pulmonology [2017; Pediatr Pulmonol Suppl. 52: S1‐S776]. The current review summarizes several major topic areas addressed at the conference: the pathophysiology and basic science of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease, clinical trials, clinical management issues, and quality improvement (QI). In this review, we describe emerging concepts in several areas of CF research and care.
The effectiveness of magnesium sulfate for status asthmaticus outside the intensive care setting
Authors: DeSanti Ryan L. , Agasthya Nisha , Hunter Krystal , Hussain Mohammed J.
Published: April 2018

Aim

Magnesium is an adjunctive therapy used in patients with status asthmaticus who do not respond to conventional therapy. The optimal time from initiation of therapy, to determination of response and administration of magnesium has not yet been resolved. Our objective was to determine if magnesium administered in the non‐intensive care setting can decrease duration of continuous albuterol and hospital length of stay.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of children ages 2‐18 years admitted to the pediatric unit on continuous albuterol between January 2014 and December 2015 in a tertiary care children's hospital. Cohorts were matched on respiratory assessment score (RAS) obtained at a similar duration of albuterol therapy and evaluated for the total duration of continuous albuterol, length of stay (LOS), and adverse events.

Results

Thirty‐three patients who received magnesium were matched to 33 patients with the same RAS at a similar duration of continuous albuterol therapy who did not receive magnesium. Those who received magnesium had longer duration on continuous albuterol (34 vs 18 h; P = 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI] 4‐20; effect size 0.41) and longer LOS (72 vs 49 h; P = 0.037; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1‐33; effect size 0.26) than those who did not receive magnesium.

Conclusion

Children requiring continuous albuterol for status asthmaticus can be administered magnesium sulfate outside the PICU with a low incidence of adverse events; however, among a RAS matched cohort, those who received magnesium did not experience shorter time on continuous albuterol, or hospital length of stay.
Integrated Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Rivaroxaban Across Multiple Patient Populations
Authors: Willmann Stefan , Zhang Liping , Frede Matthias , Kubitza Dagmar , Mueck Wolfgang , Schmidt Stephan , Solms Alexander , Yan Xiaoyu , Garmann Dirk
Published: April 2018

The population pharmacokinetics (PK) of rivaroxaban have been evaluated in several population‐specific models. We developed an integrated population PK model using pooled data from 4,918 patients in 7 clinical trials across all approved indications. Effects of gender, age, and weight on apparent clearance (CL/F) and apparent volume of distribution (V/F), renal function, and comedication on CL/F, and relative bioavailability as a function of dose (F) were analyzed. Virtual subpopulations for exposure simulations were defined by age, creatinine clearance (CrCL) and body mass index (BMI). Rivaroxaban PK were adequately described by a one‐compartment disposition model with a first‐order absorption rate constant. Significant effects of CrCL, use of comedications, and study population on CL/F, age, weight, and gender on V/F, and dose on F were identified. CrCL had a modest influence on exposure, whereas age and BMI had a minor influence. The model was suitable to predict rivaroxaban exposure in patient subgroups of special interest.