bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balanced Chromosomal Rearrangement Detection by Low‐Pass Whole‐Genome Sequencing
Authors: Dong Zirui , Ye Lingfei , Yang Zhenjun , Chen Haixiao , Yuan Jianying , Wang Huilin , Guo Xiaosen , Li Yun , Wang Jun , Chen Fang , Cheung Sau Wai , Morton Cynthia C. , Jiang Hui , Choy Kwong Wai
Published: January 2018

Balanced chromosomal rearrangements (or balanced chromosome abnormalities, BCAs) are common chromosomal structural variants. Emerging studies have demonstrated the feasibility of using whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) for detection of BCA‐associated breakpoints, but the requirement for a priori knowledge of the rearranged regions from G‐banded chromosome analysis limits its application. The protocols described here are based on low‐pass WGS for detecting BCA events independent from chromosome analysis, and has been validated using genomic data from the 1000 Genomes Project. This approach adopts non‐size‐selected mate‐pair library (3∼8 kb) with 2∼3 μg DNA as input, and requires only 30 million read‐pairs (50 bp, equivalent to 1‐fold base‐coverage) for each sample. The complete procedure takes 13 days and the total cost is estimated to be less than $600 (USD) per sample. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Benefit of Preemptive Pharmacogenetic Information on Clinical Outcome
Authors: Roden Dan M. , Van Driest Sara L. , Mosley Jonathan D. , Wells Quinn S. , Robinson Jamie R. , Denny Joshua C. , Peterson Josh F.
Published: January 2018

The development of new knowledge around the genetic determinants of variable drug action has naturally raised the question of how this new knowledge can be used to improve the outcome of drug therapy. Two broad approaches have been taken: a point‐of‐care approach in which genotyping for specific variant(s) is undertaken at the time of drug prescription, and a preemptive approach in which multiple genetic variants are typed in an individual patient and the information archived for later use when a drug with a “pharmacogenetic story” is prescribed. This review addresses the current state of implementation, the rationale for these approaches, and barriers that must be overcome. Benefits to pharmacogenetic testing are only now being defined and will be discussed.
Digital Therapeutics: An Integral Component of Digital Innovation in Drug Development
Authors: Sverdlov Oleksandr , van Dam Joris , Hannesdottir Kristin , Thornton‐Wells Tricia
Published: January 2018

Digital therapeutics represent a new treatment modality in which digital systems such as smartphone apps are used as regulatory‐approved, prescribed therapeutic interventions to treat medical conditions. In this article we provide a critical overview of the rationale for investing in such novel modalities, including the unmet medical needs addressed by digital therapeutics and the potential for reducing current costs of medical care. We also discuss emerging pathways to regulatory approval and how innovative business models are enabling further growth in the development of digital therapeutics. We conclude by providing some recent examples of digital therapeutics that have gained regulatory approval and highlight opportunities for the near future.
Factors Associated With Postmarketing Research for Approved Indications for Novel Medicines Approved by Both the FDA and EMA Between 2005 and 2010: A Multivariable Analysis
Authors: Zeitoun Jean‐David , Ross Joseph S. , Atal Ignacio , Vivot Alexandre , Downing Nicholas S. , Baron Gabriel , Ravaud Philippe
Published: January 2018

We examined whether drug‐related characteristics—conditions, development, manufacturers, revenues—were associated with postmarketing research in terms of the number of trials and total population to be enrolled. We included 63 drugs, corresponding to 3,867 postmarketing trials of approved indications. On multivariable analysis, both the number of postmarketing trials and population to be enrolled were associated with expected length of treatment (ratio of means (RoM) = 2.35 and RoM = 8.65) and number of patients in pivotal trials (RoM = 1.11 and RoM = 1.25 per thousand patients). The number of postmarketing trials was increased for drugs approved with surrogate endpoints (RoM = 2.19), generating high revenues (RoM = 1.08 per billion dollars) and addressing greater disease burden (RoM = 1.90 per hundred million disability‐adjusted life years). The population to be included was increased for drugs approved after an increased number of pivotal trials (RoM = 1.82) and those unaffected by safety concerns (RoM = 2.63). Postmarketing trials seem to be driven both by medical and market factors.
Diabetes on demand and novel technologies
Authors: Maurizi A.R. , Piemonte V. , Pozzilli P.
Published: January 2018

To date, the use of technology for the management of diabetes represents a promising area of innovation that can dramatically change diabetics' lives. In the past decade, the use of diabetes devices has widely grown and looks to have partially improved diabetes management. The combination of cloud technology with real‐expert intervention saves time and improves efficiency, as well as empowering the patient. The application of mathematical models applied to diabetes therapy could lead to significant improvement in life quality and challenge the burden of hypoglycaemia. Events where an individual needs support are instantly achieved, triggering outreach alerts via cloud and wireless connectivity, thereby improving patient compliance and reducing disease costs.
Rapid identification of the Asian gypsy moth and its related species based on mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Wu Ying , Du Qiuyang , Qin Haiwen , Shi Juan , Wu Zhiyi , Shao Weidong
Published: January 2018

The gypsy moth—Lymantria dispar (Linnaeus)—is a worldwide forest defoliator and is of two types: the European gypsy moth and the Asian gypsy moth. Because of multiple invasions of the Asian gypsy moth, the North American Plant Protection Organization officially approved Regional Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 33. Accordingly, special quarantine measures have been implemented for 30 special focused ports in the epidemic areas of the Asian gypsy moth, including China, which has imposed great inconvenience on export trade. The Asian gypsy moth and its related species (i.e., Lymantria monocha and Lymantria xylina) intercepted at ports are usually at different life stages, making their identification difficult. Furthermore, Port quarantine requires speedy clearance. As such, it is difficult to identify the Asian gypsy moth and its related species only by their morphological characteristics in a speedy measure. Therefore, this study aimed to use molecular biology technology to rapidly identify the Asian gypsy moth and its related species based on the consistency of mitochondrial DNA in different life stages. We designed 10 pairs of specific primers from different fragments of the Asian gypsy moth and its related species, and their detection sensitivity met the need for rapid identification. In addition, we determined the optimal polymerase chain reaction amplification temperature of the 10 pairs of specific primers, including three pairs of specific primers for the Asian gypsy moth (L. dispar asiatic), four pairs of specific primers for the nun moth (L. monocha), and three pairs of specific primers for the casuarina moth (L. xylina). In conclusion, using our designed primers, direct rapid identification of the Asian gypsy moth and its related species is possible, and this advancement can help improve export trade in China.
An interaction‐driven cannibalistic reaction norm
Authors: Nishimura Kinya
Published: January 2018

Abstracts

Cannibalism is induced in larval‐stage populations of the Hokkaido salamander,Hynobius retardatus, under the control of a cannibalism reaction norm. Here, I examined phenotypic expression under the cannibalism reaction norm, and how the induction of a cannibalistic morph under the norm leads to populational morphological diversification. I conducted a set of experiments in which density was manipulated to be either low or high. In the high‐density treatment, the populations become dimorphic with some individuals developing into the cannibal morph type. I performed an exploratory analysis based on geometric morphometrics and showed that shape characteristics differed between not only cannibal and noncannibal morph types in the high‐density treatment but also between those morph types and the solitary morph type in the low‐density treatment. Size and shape of cannibal and noncannibal individuals were found to be located at either end of a continuum of expression following a unique size–shape integration rule that was different from the rule governing the size and shape variations of the solitary morph type. This result implies that the high‐density‐driven inducible morphology of an individual is governed by a common integration rule during the development of dimorphism under the control of the cannibalism reaction norm. Phenotypic expression under the cannibalism reaction norm is driven not only by population density but also by social interactions among the members of a population: variation in the populational expression of dimorphism is associated with contingent social interaction events among population members. The induced cannibalistic morph thus reflects not only by contest‐type exploitative competition but also interference competition.
Three‐Dimensional Monitoring of Thawing of Biological Tissue Using Electrical Impedance Tomography
Authors: YOKOSEKI KOHEI , NEBUYA SATORU , UJIHIRA MASANOBU , KUMAGAI HIROSHI
Published: January 2018

In this study, thawing of biological tissue was tried monitoring using three‐dimensional (3D) electrical impedance tomography (EIT). To measure 3D throwing process, a printed circuit board was developed. It contained a circular measurement hole with 5 mm in diameter and included four layers of eight electrodes arrays individually. A frozen columned beef was set at the center of the measurement hole and thawing process could be observed real‐timely. The EIT measured from bottom layer showed the fastest throwing of frozen columned beef where it had highest thermal conductivity. And other EITs from upper layers showed slower thawing. Results showed feasibility of 3D monitoring of thawing using EIT.
Solid Fat Content Determination of Dispersed Lipids by Time‐Domain NMR
Authors: Linke Christina , Guthausen Gisela , Flöter Eckhard , Drusch Stephan
Published: January 2018

Time domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD‐NMR) is used to determine the solid fat content (SFC) of dispersions stabilized by a high molecular weight hydrocolloid (gum arabic, GA) containing a high melting lipid (tristearin, SSS). Since the lipid is molten prior to homogenization for the preparation of the dispersion it recrystallizes during cooling and storage. It is known that the recrystallization in a disperse system differs from bulk lipids and TD‐NMR can be a helpful tool to investigate the phenomenon. SFC measurement by TD‐NMR is well established and widely used in food science for oils, spreads, and seeds. In the case of dispersions, however, the situation is more demanding due to the quasi‐continuous phase. A suitable TD‐NMR method has to account for that and can be realized when combining longitudinal and transverse relaxation properties to separate the signal contribution of the quasi‐continuous phase and the solid lipid and liquid lipid dispersed phase. Signal from water and emulsifier is eliminated by magnetization inversion with an initial 180° pulse and a subsequent dedicated inversion delay. The emulsifier shows a longitudinal relaxation similar to the aqueous phase. With a carefully chosen inversion delay, both signal contributions of water and emulsifier can be suppressed, and a quantitative determination of the SFC is possible via dedicated data processing.

Practical Applications: The method can be applied in characterization, stability tests and quality control of complex food emulsions and solid lipid particles, which are recently under development as drug carrier systems.

TD‐NMR is used to determine the solid fat content (SFC) of dispersions with high water content, a hydrocolloid as emulsifier and fat. Since the fat is molten prior to homogenization it recrystallizes during cooling. It is known that recrystallization in a dispersed system differs from bulk and TD‐NMR is a helpful tool to investigate the phenomenon. The situation is demanding due to the quasi‐continuous phase. With magnetization inversion, a preset 180° pulse, and a carefully chosen inversion delay, signal contributions of water, and emulsifier can be suppressed, and a quantitative determination of the SFC is possible.
Medical cannabis: A forward vision for the clinician
Authors: Fitzcharles M.A. , Eisenberg E.
Published: January 2018

Medical cannabis has entered mainstream medicine and is here to stay. Propelled by public advocacy, the media and mostly anecdote rather than sound scientific study, patients worldwide are exploring marijuana use for a vast array of medical conditions including management of chronic pain. Contrary to the usual path of drug approval, medical cannabis has bypassed traditional evidence‐based study and has been legalized as a therapeutic product by legislative bodies in various countries. While there is a wealth of basic science and preclinical studies demonstrating effects of cannabinoids in neurobiological systems, especially those pertaining to pain and inflammation, clinical study remains limited. Cannabinoids may hold promise for relief of symptoms in a vast array of conditions, but with many questions as yet unanswered. Rigorous study is needed to examine the true evidence for benefits and risks for various conditions and in various patient populations, the specific molecular effects, ideal methods of administration, and interaction with other medications and substances. In the context of prevalent use, there is an urgency to gather pertinent clinical information about the therapeutic effects as well as risks. Even with considerable uncertainties, the health care community must adhere to the guiding principle of clinical care ‘primum non nocere’ and continue to provide empathetic patient care while exercising prudence and caution. The health care community must strongly advocate for sound scientific evidence regarding cannabis as a therapy.

Significance

Legalization of medical cannabis has bypassed usual drug regulatory procedures in jurisdictions worldwide. Pending sound evidence for effect in many conditions, physicians must continue to provide competent empathetic care with attention to harm reduction. A vision to navigate the current challenges of medical cannabis is outlined.
The Touchscreen on Your Skin
Authors: Steimle Jürgen , Bolduan Gordon
Published: January 2018

Integrated, powerful and often barely visible: soon there could be a computer inside almost any conceivable object. Computer scientists are seeking to improve the interfaces for human‐machine interaction. The trend is towards solutions which are quite literally flexible.
Ancient Bones and New Legs
Authors: Fröbisch Nadia B.
Published: January 2018

The linking of research data from evolutionary biology and palaeontology is shedding new light on the origin and development of amphibians. For scientists working in this area, salamanders are a fascinating object of study – from the unusual development of their extremities to the regeneration of entire limbs.
Kinetics Inside, Outside and Through Cucurbiturils
Authors: Masson Eric , Raeisi Mersad , Kotturi Kondalarao
Published: January 2018

This review describes the kinetics at play in Cucurbituril (CB[n])/guest recognition within a very wide time frame, from picoseconds to days. We cover the kinetics of (1) radiative and non‐radiative decays of fluorophores inside and outside CB[n]s, (2) guest motions in the CB[n] cavity, and (3) ingression, egression and threading mechanisms into, out of and through the macrocycles. We then show that the kinetics of guest release or capture can be controlled using CB[n]‐capped mesoporous systems and micelles, or by coupling those processes to the kinetics of ancillary reactions. The last section is devoted to the latest examples of reactions catalyzed and inhibited by CB[n]s.
The Philippines’ new postabortion care policy
Authors: Upreti Melissa , Jacob Jihan
Published: January 2018

In 2000, a Philippine policy clarifying the legality of medical treatment for women with postabortion complications was introduced to address unsafe abortion as a leading cause of maternal death, and reports of discrimination and abuse by healthcare providers against women who had abortions illegally. Despite its initial success as a pilot program, the policy's implementation and expansion were not prioritized. The incidence of unsafe abortion has increased over the years and, in 2009, the right to postabortion care was codified in national law, yet the mistreatment and abuse of women has continued in violation of medical ethics and the law. In 2016, following the demands of advocates and recommendations from national and international human rights bodies, the government introduced a new policy to strengthen the national framework for postabortion care, clarifying the legal and ethical duties of health service providers and offering women formal avenues for redress against abuse. The new policy offers useful guidance for countries that are contemplating new ways to strengthen the quality of postabortion care services in accordance with recognized standards of medical ethics and human rights.
Nitric oxide‐releasing antibacterial albumin plastic for biomedical applications
Authors: Jones Alexander , Pant Jitendra , Lee Eliza , Goudie Marcus J. , Gruzd Alexey , Mansfield Joel , Mandal Abhyuday , Sharma Suraj , Handa Hitesh
Published: January 2018

Designing innovative materials for biomedical applications is desired to prevent surface fouling and risk of associated infections arising in the surgical care patient. In the present study, albumin plastic was fabricated and nitric oxide (NO) donor, S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), was incorporated through a solvent swelling process. The albumin‐SNAP plastic was evaluated in terms of mechanical and thermal properties, and bacterial adhesion to the plastic surface. Thermal and viscoelastic analyses showed no significant difference between albumin‐SNAP plastics and pure, water‐plasticized albumin samples. Bacteria adhesion tests revealed that albumin‐SNAP plastic can significantly reduce the surface‐bound viable gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram‐negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial cells by 98.7 and 98.5%, respectively, when compared with the traditional polyvinyl chloride medical grade tubing material. The results from this study demonstrate NO‐releasing albumin plastic's potential as a material for biomedical device applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1535–1542, 2018.
Core/shell cellulose‐based microspheres for oral administration of Ketoprofen Lysinate
Authors: Guarino Vincenzo , Caputo Tania , Calcagnile Paola , Altobelli Rosaria , Demitri Christian , Ambrosio Luigi
Published: January 2018

Herein, we propose the fabrication of a new carrier with core/shell structure—inner core of cellulose acetate (CA) coated by a micrometric layer of chitosan (CS)—fabricated through an integrated process, which combines Electro Dynamic Atomization (EDA) and layer‐by‐layer (LbL) technique. We demonstrate that CA based microspheres possess a unique capability to relevantly retain the drugs—that is, Ketoprofen Lysinate (KL)—along the gastric tract, while providing a massive release along the intestine. CS shell slightly influences the morphology and water retention under different pH conditions, improving drug encapsulation without compromising drug release kinetics. In vitro studies in simulated gastric and intestine fluids (SGF, SIF) with physiological enzymes, show a moderate release of LSK during the first 2 h (ca. 20% at pH 2), followed by a sustained release during the next 6 h (ca. 80% at pH 7). The obtained results demonstrate that CA‐based microspheres hold strong potential to be used as carriers for a delayed oral administration of anti‐inflammatory drugs. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2636–2644, 2018.
Adiponectin level changes among Egyptians with gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Rafat Mohamed N , Younus Hosni Abd‐ElKareem , EL‐Shorpagy Mohamed S , Hemida Mahmoud Haddad , EL Shahawy Mohamed S , El Sayed Atiia Ahmed Abd El Aziz
Published: January 2018

Background and Aim

Visceral fat is an important endocrine organ that secretes different bioactive substances such as adipocytokines. The aim of this study was to investigate the adiponectin level changes among patients with erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)and its consequence on pathogenesis.

Methods

In this study, 150 subjects were selected and divided into four groups: Group І (n = 40) were healthy individuals with an average body mass index and had no gastrointestinal tract symptoms; Group ІІ (n = 50) were patients with mild to moderate erosive esophagitis; Group ІІІ (n = 40) were patients with severe erosive esophagitis; and finally, Group ІV (n = 20) were patients with Barrett's esophagus. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed for Groups II, III, and IV only, and histopathological assessment was conducted for the suspicious cases of Barrett's esophagus. The measurement of serum adiponectin was performed for all groups using the ELISA test.

Results

Our results revealed that the serum level of adiponectin was significantly lower in patients with different grades of GERD as well Barrett's esophagus as compared to healthy controls (P‐value < 0.001). Additionally, the serum level of adiponectin was correlated with different grades of GERD as the highest level of the adiponectin was found in the control group (11.05 ± 2.58) followed by mild to moderate GERD (6.39 ± 1.64) and then severe GERD (2.42 ± 1.00); finally, the lowest level was detected in the Barrett's esophagus group (1.99 ± 0.47). Our study showed significant correlation between body mass index, waist circumference, and waist–hip ratio on one hand and serum adiponectin level on the other hand, with a statistically significant difference (P‐value < 0.001). The best cut‐off value for serum adiponectin was 7.7 (μg/mL), with a sensitivity of 91.8% and specificity of 97.5%.

Conclusions

Low serum adiponectin level appears to be associated with an increased risk of erosive esophagitis, and visceral fat accumulation is related to the impaired secretion of adiponectin, which may have an influence on the pathogenesis of GERD.
High‐fat diet induces a neurometabolic state characterized by changes in glutamate and N‐acetylaspartate pools associated with early glucose intolerance: An in vivo multimodal MRI study
Authors: Ribeiro Mário , Castelhano João , Petrella Lorena I. , Sereno José , Rodrigues Tiago , Neves Christian , Letra Liliana , Baptista Filipa I. , Seiça Raquel , Matafome Paulo , Castelo‐Branco Miguel
Published: January 2018

Background

Type‐2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder with a broad range of complications in the brain that depend on the conditions that precede its onset, such as obesity and metabolic syndromes. It has been suggested that neurotransmitter and metabolic perturbations may emerge even before the early stages of T2DM and that high‐caloric intake could adversely influence the brain in such states. Notwithstanding, evidence for neurochemical and structural alterations in these conditions are still sparse and controversial.

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of high‐fat diet in the neurochemical profile and structural integrity of the rodent brain.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Wistar rats (n = 12/group).

Field Strength/Sequence

A PRESS, ISIS, RARE, and EPI sequences were performed at 9.4T.

Assessment

Neurochemical and structural parameters were assessed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy, voxel‐based morphometry, volumetry, and diffusion tensor imaging.

Statistical Tests

Measurements were compared through Student and Mann‐Whitney tests. Pearson correlation was used to assess relationships between parameters.

Results

Animals submitted to high‐caloric intake gained weight (P = 0.003) and developed glucose intolerance (P < 0.001) but not hyperglycemia. In the hippocampus, the diet induced perturbations in glutamatergic metabolites reflected by increased levels of glutamine (P = 0.016) and glutamatergic pool (Glx) (P = 0.036), which were negatively correlated with glucose intolerance (glutamine, r = ‐0.804, P = 0.029), suggesting a link with neurometabolic dysregulation. At caudate‐putamen, high‐fat diet led to a surprising increase in the pool of N‐acetylaspartate (P = 0.028). A relation with metabolic changes was again suggested by the negative correlation between glucose intolerance and levels of glutamatergic metabolites in this region (glutamate, r = ‐0.845, P = 0.014; Glx, r = ‐0.834, P = 0.020). Neither changes in phosphate compounds nor major structural alterations were observed for both regions.

Data Conclusion

We found evidence that high‐fat diet‐induced obesity leads to distinct early and region‐specific metabolic/neurochemical imbalances in the presence of early glucose intolerance even when structural alterations or T2DM are absent.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:757–766.
Limb asymmetry during recovery from anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Renner Kristen E. , Franck Christopher T. , Miller Thomas K. , Queen Robin M.
Published: January 2018

There is limited literature that follows a population of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) patients through recovery. Our aim was to examine differences in movement and loading patterns across time and between limbs over four visits during 12 months post‐ACLR. We hypothesized that kinematic and kinetic data during a stop‐jump would have time‐ and limb‐dependent differences through 12 months post‐surgery. Twenty‐three ACLR athletes performed five vertical stop‐jumps at 4, 5, 6, and 12 months post‐op with motion capture and force plate data collection. The peak knee flexion (PKF) was different between the 4 and 12, 5 and 6, and the 5 and 12 month visits with earlier months exhibiting higher PKF. The peak vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) was lower at 4 than at 5 and 6 months. The peak posterior ground reaction force (pGRF) was lower at 4 months than all other visits. Frontal knee and sagittal hip range of motion (ROM) were different between 12 months and each previous visit. Asymmetries were present in peak vGRF, peak knee extension moment and impulse up to 12 months. The loading rate and peak pGRF demonstrated between limb differences up to 6 months; limb stiffness demonstrated differences up to 5 months post‐ACLR. PKF was only asymmetric at the 4 month visit. While some variables improved in the 12 months post‐ACLR, limb asymmetries in peak knee extension moment, peak vGRF and impulse persisted up to 12 months. Additionally, frontal plane knee and sagittal hip ROM had not normalized at 12 months. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1887–1893, 2018.
Efficacy of Glucose or Amino Acid–Based Commercial Beverages in Meeting Oral Rehydration Therapy Goals After Acute Hypertonic and Isotonic Dehydration
Authors: Cheuvront Samuel N. , Kenefick Robert W. , Charkoudian Nisha , Mitchell Katherine M. , Luippold Adam J. , Bradbury Karleigh E. , Vidyasagar Sadasivan
Published: January 2018

Background

The efficacy of different commercial beverage compositions for meeting oral rehydration therapy (ORT) goals in the treatment of acute dehydration in healthy humans has not been systematically tested. The objective of the study was to compare fluid retention, plasma volume (PV), and interstitial fluid (ISF) volume restoration when using 1 popular glucose‐based and 1 novel amino acid–based (AA) commercial ORT beverage following experimental hypertonic or isotonic dehydration.

Methods

Twenty‐six healthy adults (21 males, 5 females) underwent either a controlled bout of hypertonic (n = 13) or isotonic (n = 13) dehydration (3%–4% body mass) via eccrine or renal body water and electrolyte losses induced using exercise‐heat stress (EHS) or Lasix administration (LAS), respectively. Rehydration was achieved over 90 minutes by matching fluid intake to water losses (1:1) using a sports drink (SP) or AA commercial ORT beverage. Fluid retention (water and electrolytes), PV, and ISF volume changes were tracked for 180 minutes.

Results

AA produced significantly (P <0.05) greater fluid retention (75% vs 57%), ISF volume restoration, and tended (P = 0.06) to produce greater PV restoration in trial EHS. In trial LAS, neither beverage exceeded 65% retention, but AA replaced electrolytes and preserved ISF volume better than SP (P <0.05).

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate superior rehydration when using AA compared with SP for both hypertonic and isotonic dehydration.
Graphs of study contributions and covariate distributions for network meta‐regression
Authors: Donegan Sarah , Dias Sofia , Tudur‐Smith Catrin , Marinho Valeria , Welton Nicky J.
Published: January 2018

Background

Meta‐regression results must be interpreted taking into account the range of covariate values of the contributing studies. Results based on interpolation or extrapolation may be unreliable. In network meta‐regression (NMR) models, which include covariates in network meta‐analyses, results are estimated using direct and indirect evidence; therefore, it may be unclear which studies and covariate values contribute to which result. We propose graphs to help understand which trials and covariate values contribute to each NMR result and to highlight extrapolation or interpolation.

Methods

We introduce methods to calculate the contribution that each trial and covariate value makes to each result and compare them with existing methods. We show how to construct graphs including a network covariate distribution diagram, covariate‐contribution plot, heat plot, contribution‐NMR plot, and heat‐NMR plot. We demonstrate the methods using a dataset with treatments for malaria using the covariate average age and a dataset of topical fluoride interventions for preventing dental caries using the covariate randomisation year.

Results

For the malaria dataset, no contributing trials had an average age between 7–25 years and therefore results were interpolated within this range. For the fluoride dataset, there are no contributing trials randomised between 1954–1959 for most comparisons therefore, within this range, results would be extrapolated.

Conclusions

Even in a fully connected network, an NMR result may be estimated from trials with a narrower covariate range than the range of the whole dataset. Calculating contributions and graphically displaying them aids interpretation of NMR result by highlighting extrapolated or interpolated results.
Accelerating isogeometric boundary element analysis for 3‐dimensional elastostatics problems through black‐box fast multipole method with proper generalized decomposition
Authors: Li S. , Trevelyan J. , Zhang W. , Wang D.
Published: January 2018

The isogeometric approach to computational engineering analysis makes use of nonuniform rational B‐splines to discretise both the geometry and the analysis field variables, giving a higher‐fidelity geometric description and leading to improved convergence properties of the solution over conventional piecewise polynomial descriptions. Because of its boundary‐only modelling, with no requirement for a volumetric nonuniform rational B‐spline geometric definition, the boundary element method is an ideal choice for isogeometric analysis of solids in 3D. An isogeometric boundary element analysis (IGABEM) algorithm is presented for the solution of such problems in elasticity and is accelerated using the black‐box fast multipole method (bbFMM). The bbFMM scheme is of O(n) complexity, giving a general kernel‐independent separation that can be easily integrated into existing conventional IGABEM codes with little modification. In the bbFMM scheme, an important process of obtaining a low‐rank approximation of moment‐to‐local operators has been hitherto based on singular value decomposition, which can be very time consuming for large 3D problems, and this motivates the present work. We introduce the proper generalized decomposition method as an alternative approach, and this is demonstrated to enhance efficiency in comparison with schemes that rely on the singular value decomposition. In the worst case, a factor of approximately 2 performance gain is achieved. Numerical examples show the performance gains that are achievable in comparison to standard IGABEM solutions and demonstrate that solution accuracy is not affected. The results illustrate the potential of this numerical technique for solving arbitrary large scale elastostatics problems directly from computer‐aided design models.
Presidential Address: “A Thousand Petty Fortresses”: Administrative Burden in U.S. Immigration Policies and Its Consequences
Authors: Heinrich Carolyn J.
Published: January 2018

Contradictory elements in U.S. immigration policy, reflecting a long‐time struggle between inclusionary and exclusionary views, have resulted in federal legislation filled with compromises and tradeoffs that, at state and sub‐state levels, play out in unclear interpretations and uneven, highly discretionary administration and enforcement of immigration law and policy. This research describes a tool of discretionary administration—administrative burden—that is increasingly used in enforcing immigration law and policies at state and sub‐state levels and presents a theoretical frame for more fully investigating and addressing its consequences. The application and implications of administrative burden are explored empirically and qualitatively in a case study analysis of an enforcement‐oriented policy change in Texas that denied access to birth certificates for some citizen‐children born to Mexican immigrants. To better understand the potential consequences of this and related policies, interviews with immigrant parents and longitudinal data from a survey of children of immigrants are analyzed to assess both short‐term and later outcomes of children who are denied economic assistance and other benefits under policies that impose barriers to their integration into society. The study findings point to serious, adverse consequences for citizen children of state and sub‐state immigration policies that create administrative burden and perpetuate racial discrimination, while simultaneously diminishing the transparency, fairness, and effectiveness of public administration.
The microbiome and cancer
Authors: Goodman Brian , Gardner Humphrey
Published: January 2018

Humans coexist with a vast bacterial, fungal and viral microbiome with which we have coevolved for millions of years. Several long recognized epidemiological associations between particular bacteria and cancer are now understood at the molecular level. At the same time, the arrival of next‐generation sequencing technology has permitted a thorough exploration of microbiomes such as that of the human gut, enabling observation of taxonomic and metabolomic relationships between the microbiome and cancer. These studies have revealed causal mechanisms for both microbes within tumours and microbes in other host niches separated from tumours, mediated through direct and immunological mechanisms. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Natural fiber reinforced polylactic acid composites: A review
Authors: Siakeng Ramengmawii , Jawaid Mohammad , Ariffin Hidayah , Sapuan S. M. , Asim Mohammad , Saba Naheed
Published: January 2018

Biopolymer‐based composites have attracted the attention of researchers and industries due to their eco‐friendliness and environmental sustainability, as well as their suitability for a number of applications. Biocomposites containing natural fibers and biopolymers would be the ideal choice in the development of biodegradable materials for different applications. Polylactic acid (PLA) is an environmentally interesting biopolymer, which also has exclusive qualities, such as good transparency and processability, glossy appearance, and high rigidity, although it has some shortcomings as well, for example, its brittleness and high rate of crystallization. PLA‐based natural fiber composites are entirely bio‐based materials with promising biodegradability and mechanical properties. Several research studies have been carried out on PLA and its composites to explore their potential to substitute petroleum‐based products, but until now there is no comprehensive review with up‐to‐date research data available in the literature. The aim of this review is to highlight the trends in the research and development of PLA and PLA‐based natural fiber composites over the past few years. This review article covers current research efforts on the synthesis and biodegradation of PLA, its properties, trends, challenges and prospects in the field of PLA and its composites. PLA‐based composites are moderately abundant; and further research and development is needed for cost reduction and broader utilization. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:446–463, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reliability modeling of multi‐state degraded repairable systems and its applications to automotive systems
Authors: Yu Jiawei , Zheng Songlin , Pham Hoang , Chen Tie
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we presented a continuous‐time Markov process‐based model for evaluating time‐dependent reliability indices of multi‐state degraded systems, particularly for some automotive subsystems and components subject to minimal repairs and negative repair effects. The minimal repair policy, which restores the system back to an “as bad as old” functioning state just before failure, is widely used for automotive systems repair because of its low cost of maintenance. The current study distinguishes with others that the negative repair effects, such as unpredictable human error during repair work and negative effects caused by propagated failures, are considered in the model. The negative repair effects may transfer the system to a degraded operational state that is worse than before due to an imperfect repair. Additionally, a special condition that a system under repair may be directly transferred to a complete failure state is also considered. Using the continuous‐time Markov process approach, we obtained the general solutions to the time‐dependent probabilities of each system state. Moreover, we also provided the expressions for several reliability measures include availability, unavailability, reliability, mean life time, and mean time to first failure. An illustrative numerical example of reliability assessment of an electric car battery system is provided. Finally, we use the proposed multi‐state system model to model a vehicle sub‐frame fatigue degradation process. The proposed model can be applied for many practical systems, especially for the systems that are designed with finite service life.
Catching insects while recording bats: impacts of light trapping on acoustic sampling
Authors: Froidevaux Jérémy S. P. , Fialas Penelope C. , Jones Gareth
Published: January 2018

Collecting information on bat prey availability usually involves the use of light traps to capture moths and flies that constitute the main prey items of most insectivorous bats. However, despite the recent awareness on the adverse effects of light on bats, little is known regarding the potential impacts of light trapping on the bat sampling outcomes when passive acoustic sampling and light trapping are implemented simultaneously. Using a before–after experimental design that involved the installation of a 6 W actinic light trap 1 m away from the bat detector, we tested the predictions that (1) slow‐flying bat species will be less active when the light trap is present, while the opposite will be true for fast‐flying species; and (2) bat species richness will be lower at lit conditions compared to dark ones. Our results suggest that the use of light traps in combination with bat detectors may considerably influence the outcomes of acoustic sampling. Although the activity of fast‐flying bat species did not differ between the two treatments, we found that the activity of slow‐flying ones such asRhinolophus ferrumequinumandRhinolophus hipposiderosdecreased significantly at lit conditions. Furthermore, we recorded fewer bat species when the light trap was deployed. To overcome this issue, we strongly recommend either (1) placing light traps at a considerable distance from bat detectors; or (2) using light traps during the night that follows the bat sampling if sampling needs to be at the same position; or (3) deploying non‐attractant insect traps such as Malaise traps if Lepidoptera is not the main order targeted.
Chelator Probe with Exceptionally High Stokes Shift for Selective Detection of OAc− with Red Emission: Application as a Biosensor
Authors: Pramanik Koushik , Ghosh Pritam , Dey Debanjan , Malpaharia Pijush , Chandra Swapan K , Mukhopadhyay Subhra Kanti , Banerjee Priyabrata
Published: January 2018

A novel chelator probe with flexible structural configuration has been synthesized as chemosensor for selective detection of biotic anion like OAc− by chromogenic as well as fluorogenic signal. The nitro substituted chelator probe has shown pale yellow to deep yellow coloration upon detection of OAc− ion. Significantly the emission of the chelator probe upon recognition of the anion has been turned ON in low energy region which has been explained through PET‐ESIPT‐ILCT‐C=N isomerisation based pathways. The chelator probe has shown exceptionally high stroke's shift. The host guest interaction has been confirmed by different sophisticated analytical tools such as UV‐Vis, fluorescence, 1H‐NMR and FT‐IR. Significantly the fluorescence turn on phenomena has been utilized to detect intracellular OAc− inside candida albicans to explore the applicability of the chelator probe as bio sensor.
The Preparation and Properties of Submicrometer‐Sized N‐Amino‐2,4‐dinitroimidazole (ADNI): A Novel and Promising Initiating Explosive for Applications in Short Pulse Initiation Slapper Detonators
Authors: Qu Yanyang , Wang Jun , Lu Huangchang , Gong Feiyan , Fan Guijuan , Wang Jun , Yang Guangcheng
Published: January 2018

We describe for the first time a spray‐recrystallization method to prepare sub‐micrometer N‐amino‐2,4‐dinitroimidazole (ADNI) and test its critical diameters below 3 mm. The uniform sub‐micrometer ADNI has better sensitivity to short impulse shock waves with the 50% and 99.9% initiation currents at 2.45 kA and 2.67 kA, respectively, which is much better than sub‐micrometer LLM‐105 (3.11 kA and 3.46 kA, respectively) and DAAF (3.7 kA and 4.75 kA, respectively). The detonation velocity for ADNI (7.8 km⋅s−1 at a density of 1.67 g⋅cm−3) is greater than that of LLM‐105 (7.54 km⋅s−1 at the density of 1.63 g⋅cm−3) and haxanitrostilbene (HNS) (6.8 km⋅s−1). ADNI also has a higher decomposition temperature (Td =265.8 °C) and a better thermal stability (5S shotpoint of 312 °C) with low impact, friction, and electric spark sensitivities (>40 N, >360 N, and 2.20 J). These metrics are comparable to LLM‐105 (0–30 N, >360 N, and 1.02 J) and HNS (26 N, 240 N, and 1.77 J). The high stability and good detonation properties of sub‐micrometer ADNI clearly shows that it is insensitive to impact stimulus and long pulse stimulation, while also being sensitive to short impulse shock waves. This suggests that it is a promising initiating explosive for slapper detonators.
Reaction of PdCl2 with Diphenylacetylene Revisited: Effect of Solvents and Ball Milling on Cyclization and Crystal Structures of Dimeric Cyclobutenylpalladium Chloride Complexes
Authors: Kumar Rajnish , Pandey Madhusudan K. , Mondal Dipanjan , Balakrishna Maravanji S.
Published: January 2018

In an attempt to establish the structures of the product formed in the reaction of PdCl2 and diphenylacetylene in polar organic solvents, the reactions were carried out in alcohols, acetonitrile and tetrahydrofuran at room temperature. The reactions in protic solvents such as primary and secondary alcohols resulted in the cyclic dimerization of diphenylacetylene to yield the corresponding dimeric endo‐4‐alkoxy‐π‐1,2,3,4‐tetraphenylcyclobutenypalladium(II) chloride complexes 1–4 in good yields. In these complexes the tetraphenylcyclobutenyl moieties are coordinated to palladium atoms in η3‐mode and are bridged by two chlorides as confirmed by the single crystal X‐ray analysis of complexes 1, 2 and 4. In all these complexes, the coordination of cyclobutenyl moieties to palladium atoms are similar but a marked difference was observed for the Pd2Cl2 core which is planar in complex 1 but puckered in complexes 2 and 4 resulting in shorter Pd⋅⋅⋅Pd distances. The same reaction under solvent free ball milling condition yielded hexaphenylbenzene by the cyclic trimerization while that in the presence of ethanol and n‐butanol produced complexes 1 and 3, respectively, as major and hexaphenylbenzene as minor product. An efficient catalytic synthesis of hexaphenylbenzene using PdCl2 was developed using ball milling condition which has several advantages over the existing catalytic systems.
Syntheses, Crystal Structures and Luminescent Properties of Two New Heterometallic Phosphates: Sn2Ge(PO4)2(OH)2 and Sn2Mn(PO4)2
Authors: Song Jun‐Ling , Guo Tian‐Shuo , Shi Zhong‐Yu , Wang Yu‐Zhuo , Cui Jian‐Qiu , Zhang Jian‐Han , Zhang Chi
Published: January 2018

Two new bimetallic phosphates, namely, Sn2Ge(PO4)2(OH)2 (1) and anhydrous Sn2Mn(PO4)2 (2) have been prepared by a facile hydro/solvothermal method. Compound 1 crystallizes in space group P21/c and features a three‐dimensional (3D) framework which is constructed from one‐dimensional (1D) [Ge(PO4)2(OH)2] infinite chains and the SnO3 trigonal pyramids. Compound 2 crystallizes in space group C2/c and also features a 3D framework which is composed of a two‐dimensional tin phosphates layer in the bc plane and MnO6 octahedra connected with the adjacent layers. Powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) patterns, Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), UV‐Vis‐NIR absorption spectra and IR spectra for both compounds were examined. TGA results show that anhydrous Sn2Mn(PO4)2 has a high thermal stability under 800 °C. Their photoluminescence study indicates that 1 and 2 might be pure inorganics for potential intrinsic green and blue light‐phosphors, respectively.
Effect of Sodium Hydroxide Pretreatment of NiOx Cathodes on the Performance of Squaraine‐Sensitized p‐Type Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Bonomo Matteo , Magistris Claudio , Buscaino Roberto , Fin Andrea , Barolo Claudia , Dini Danilo
Published: January 2018

Squaraines are full‐organic dyes employed as sensitizers in p‐type dye‐sensitized solar cells (p‐DSSC). Their absorption spectrum shows a wide tunability that ranges from visible to NIR. Sensitization in the NIR region is crucial for exploiting a particularly intense portion of the solar spectrum. In this work three squaraines will be presented and tested as sensitizers in NiO‐based p‐type DSSC O4_C2, O4_C4 and O4_C12). The structures of the dyes differ for the length of the alkyl side chain (C2, C4 and C12). Alkyl side chains improve the solubility of the dye, influence the extent of dye loading on the electrode and affect the overall efficiency of devices. The generally low stability of squaraines represents a critical issue in view of their employment as sensitizers of p‐DSSC. Such a problem becomes even more evident when this class of molecules is bound onto an acidic surface like the one of the photocathode here employed: non‐stoichiometric nickel oxide (NiOx). NiOx possesses a quite acidic character because of the high surface concentration of Ni(III) sites. To buffer the surface acidity of NiOx due to the presence of high‐valence states of nickel, we considered the electrode pretreatment with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) prior to sensitization. This assures a major stability of the solar cell. At the same time the chemisorbed hydroxyl moieties act as passivating agents of the Ni(III) sites thus diminishing the surface concentration of sites for dye anchoring.