bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ramifications of recent health policy actions for cardiovascular care of women: Progress, threats, and opportunities
Authors: Brindis Claire D. , Freund Karen M.
Published: February 2018

Women's health and well‐being are shaped by a combination of healthcare policies that impact the type of health insurance coverage they benefit from, as well as access to preventive, screening, and treatment services. Furthermore, more distal policies, such as those that pertain to housing, education, and employment, as well as social determinants of health, such as issues of socioeconomic status and women's status in society, also impact their cardiac health. Before the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, women were at greater risk of facing barriers to coverage, reflecting gender rating and the higher likelihood of the existence of preexisting health conditions such as a previous pregnancy. The ACA made substantial progress in responding to women's health needs by expanding the numbers of low‐income groups eligible for Medicaid (for the 32 states and Washington, DC that expanded the program) and other subsidized healthcare, as well as access to preventive health services. Although health reform efforts to eliminate the ACA failed in 2016, the administration and Congress are using a variety of channels, including the new Tax Cuts and Job Act, to implement policies such as the elimination of the individual insurance mandate, as well as the elimination of premium subsidies, that will likely impact women differentially, potentially undoing the progress that has been achieved over the past decade.
Unravelling the molecular basis for regulatory T‐cell plasticity and loss of function in disease
Authors: Sadlon Timothy , Brown Cheryl Y , Bandara Veronika , Hope Christopher M , Schjenken John E , Pederson Stephen M , Breen James , Forrest Alistair , Beyer Marc , Robertson Sarah , Barry Simon C
Published: February 2018

Regulatory T cells (Treg) are critical for preventing autoimmunity and curtailing responses of conventional effector T cells (Tconv). The reprogramming of T‐cell fate and function to generate Treg requires switching on and off of key gene regulatory networks, which may be initiated by a subtle shift in expression levels of specific genes. This can be achieved by intermediary regulatory processes that include microRNA and long noncoding RNA‐based regulation of gene expression. There are well‐documented microRNA profiles in Treg and Tconv, and these can operate to either reinforce or reduce expression of a specific set of target genes, including FOXP3 itself. This type of feedforward/feedback regulatory loop is normally stable in the steady state, but can alter in response to local cues or genetic risk. This may go some way to explaining T‐cell plasticity. In addition, in chronic inflammation or autoimmunity, altered Treg/Tconv function may be influenced by changes in enhancer–promoter interactions, which are highly cell type‐specific. These interactions are impacted by genetic risk based on genome‐wide association studies and may cause subtle alterations to the gene regulatory networks controlled by or controlling FOXP3 and its target genes. Recent insights into the 3D organisation of chromatin and the mapping of noncoding regulatory regions to the genes they control are shedding new light on the direct impact of genetic risk on T‐cell function and susceptibility to inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
Land use change has stronger effects on functional diversity than taxonomic diversity in tropical Andean hummingbirds
Authors: Tinoco Boris A. , Santillán Vinicio E. , Graham Catherine H.
Published: February 2018

Land use change modifies the environment at multiple spatial scales, and is a main driver of species declines and deterioration of ecosystem services. However, most of the research on the effects of land use change has focused on taxonomic diversity, while functional diversity, an important predictor of ecosystem services, is often neglected. We explored how local and landscape scale characteristics influence functional and taxonomic diversity of hummingbirds in the Andes Mountains in southern Ecuador. Data was collected in six landscapes along a land use gradient, from an almost intact landscape to one dominated by cattle pastures. We used point counts to sample hummingbirds from 2011 to 2012 to assessed how local factors (i.e., vegetation structure, flowering plants richness, nectar availability) and landscape factors (i.e., landscape heterogeneity, native vegetation cover) influenced taxonomic and functional diversity. Then, we analyzed environment – trait relationships (RLQ test) to explore how different hummingbird functional traits influenced species responses to these factors. Taxonomic and functional diversity of hummingbirds were positively associated with landscape heterogeneity but only functional diversity was positively related to native vegetation coverage. We found a weak response of taxonomic and functional diversity to land use change at the local scale. Environment‐trait associations showed that body mass of hummingbirds likely influenced species sensitivity to land use change. In conclusion, landscape heterogeneity created by land use change can positively influence hummingbird taxonomic and functional diversity; however, a reduction of native vegetation cover could decrease functional diversity. Given that functional diversity can mediate ecosystem services, the conservation of native vegetation cover could play a key role in the maintenance of hummingbird pollination services in the tropical Andes. Moreover, there are particular functional traits, such as body mass, that increase a species sensitivity to land use change.
Epigenetic population differentiation in field‐ and common garden‐grown Scabiosa columbaria plants
Authors: Groot Maartje P. , Wagemaker Niels , Ouborg N. Joop , Verhoeven Koen J. F. , Vergeer Philippine
Published: February 2018

Populations often differ in phenotype and these differences can be caused by adaptation by natural selection, random neutral processes, and environmental responses. The most straightforward way to divide mechanisms that influence phenotypic variation is heritable variation and environmental‐induced variation (e.g., plasticity). While genetic variation is responsible for most heritable phenotypic variation, part of this is also caused by nongenetic inheritance. Epigenetic processes may be one of the underlying mechanisms of plasticity and nongenetic inheritance and can therefore possibly contribute to heritable differences through drift and selection. Epigenetic variation may be influenced directly by the environment, and part of this variation can be transmitted to next generations. Field screenings combined with common garden experiments will add valuable insights into epigenetic differentiation, epigenetic memory and can help to reveal part of the relative importance of epigenetics in explaining trait variation. We explored both genetic and epigenetic diversity, structure and differentiation in the field and a common garden for five British and five French Scabiosa columbaria populations. Genetic and epigenetic variation was subsequently correlated with trait variation. Populations showed significant epigenetic differentiation between populations and countries in the field, but also when grown in a common garden. By comparing the epigenetic variation between field and common garden‐grown plants, we showed that a considerable part of the epigenetic memory differed from the field‐grown plants and was presumably environmentally induced. The memory component can consist of heritable variation in methylation that is not sensitive to environments and possibly genetically based, or environmentally induced variation that is heritable, or a combination of both. Additionally, random epimutations might be responsible for some differences as well. By comparing epigenetic variation in both the field and common environment, our study provides useful insight into the environmental and genetic components of epigenetic variation.
Cyclopentane Formation from Flexible Precursors Using Samarium(II) Reagents
Authors: Aretz Christopher D. , Escobedo Humberto , Cowen Bryan J.
Published: February 2018

Three efficient methods for five‐membered ring carbocycle synthesis have been developed from simple starting materials using samarium(II) reagents. A Reformatsky aldol reaction proceeded efficiently with samarium(II) iodide using lithium bromide as an additive. A new intramolecular alkylation of a samarium enolate was realized with a pendant sulfonate ester leaving group. Pinacol cyclization of a simple diketone was also demonstrated giving a diol product in high stereoselectivity. A promising lead result has been established demonstrating enantioselectivity in a chiral ligand controlled Reformatsky aldol reaction.
Facile Synthesis of Ni(OH)2 Modified Disposable Pencil Graphite Electrode and its Application for Highly Sensitive Non‐enzymatic Glucose Sensor
Authors: Chelaghmia Mohamed Lyamine , Nacef Mouna , Affoune Abed Mohamed , Pontié Maxime , Derabla Tahar
Published: February 2018

In this study, a low‐cost, disposable, sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor was developed for glucose determination, which is based on a pencil graphite electrode (PGE) modified with nickel hydroxide. Cyclic voltammetry was used to deposit nickel on PGE. The morphology and composition of the unmodified and modified PGE electrodes were characterized by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). The performance of the as modified electrode towards the electrooxidation of glucose in alkaline media was evaluated with cyclic voltammetry and amperometry techniques. A linear relationship between the concentration of glucose and oxidation peak currents was observed in two concentration ranges of 0.004–3.5 mM and 3.5–9.0 mM. The detection limit was 2 μM at signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3. In addition to a fast response time (<2 s), the proposed sensor preserved 93 % of its original response towards glucose after 28 days. Also, the sensor showed a good reproducibility and high selectivity for glucose oxidation in the presence of common interfering species. The use of Ni(OH)2/PGE sensor was successfully tested in the determination of glucose in human blood serum for the first time in the literature.
Silver Hexacyanoferrate (III) on a Hybrid Graphene Oxide/PAMAM Dendrimer Surface and Application as an Electrocatalyst in the Detection of Isoniazid
Authors: Silvestrini Fernandes Daniela , Silveira Bonfim Kely , do Carmo Devaney Ribeiro
Published: February 2018

The polyamidoamine dendrimer PAMAM was covalently bound to graphene oxide via amide formation between any peripheral amine group dendrimer and the carboxyl groups present in graphene oxide. This material (GOP) was characterized by different spectroscopic techniques, namely Raman Spectroscopy, X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD). The hybrid material was shown to adsorb silver, that in turn complexes with hexacyanoferrate (III) ions (GOPAgH). The complexed hybrid material was electrochemically investigated using cyclic voltammetry. Some electroanalytical parameters, such as different supporting electrolytes, the supporting electrolyte concentrations, hydrogen ion concentration effects and scan rate were evaluated in order to obtain optimum responses. The GOPAgH material was successfully tested in the electrocatalytic detection of Isoniazid using a graphite paste electrode with Limits of Detection and Quantification of 5.0×10−6 mol L−1 and 1.7×10−5 mol L−1, respectively.
Earthquake soil‐structure interaction of nuclear power plants, differences in response to 3‐D, 3 × 1‐D, and 1‐D excitations
Authors: Abell José A. , Orbović Nebojša , McCallen David B. , Jeremic Boris
Published: February 2018

In soil‐structure interaction modeling of systems subjected to earthquake motions, it is classically assumed that the incoming wave field, produced by an earthquake, is unidimensional and vertically propagating. This work explores the validity of this assumption by performing earthquake soil‐structure interaction modeling, including explicit modeling of sources, seismic wave propagation, site, and structure. The domain reduction method is used to couple seismic (near‐field) simulations with local soil‐structure interaction response. The response of a generic nuclear power plant model computed using full earthquake soil‐structure interaction simulations is compared with the current state‐of‐the‐art method of deconvolving in depth the (simulated) free‐field motions, recorded at the site of interest, and assuming that the earthquake wave field is spatially unidimensional. Results show that the 1‐D wave‐field assumption does not hold in general. It is shown that the way in which full 3‐D analysis results differ from those which assume a 1‐D wave field is dependent on fault‐to‐site geometry and motion frequency content. It is argued that this is especially important for certain classes of soil‐structure systems of which nuclear power plants subjected to near‐field earthquakes are an example.
Evolution of river planforms downstream of dams: Effect of dam construction or earlier human‐induced changes?
Authors: Słowik Marcin , Dezső József , Marciniak Adam , Tóth Gabriella , Kovács János
Published: February 2018

When studying the evolution of landscape, it is difficult to discriminate the influence of anthropogenic from natural causes, or recognise changes caused by different sources of human action. This is especially challenging when the influence of certain sources is overprinted. For instance, although dam closure is the most common method of altering river courses, dam construction is often preceded by hydro‐technical works such as channel straightening, embankment construction or sediment mining. Both dam construction and the hydro‐technical works that precede dam closure can result in changes in the balance between sediment supply and transport capacity, and often, changes in river planform.

The main objective of this study was to verify whether the works preceding dam closure are an important driver of river planform changes on the lower Drava River (Hungary). The case study is based on geological and geophysical surveys, as well as the analysis of historical maps covering an anabranching, 23 km long valley section. We show that channel straightening conducted prior to dam closure resulted in a transition from a meandering to sinuous planform with channel bars. Dam construction itself then caused enhanced incision, exposure of bar surfaces, vegetation encroachment and the formation of an anabranching planform. Based on this study, we developed models of alluvial island and channel planform evolution downstream of dams. Dam construction enhances channel incision, narrowing, and the reduction of flow caused by earlier hydro‐technical works. Many rivers downstream of dams experience episodes of anabranching or wandering, with a multi‐thread pattern replacing sinuous, braided and meandering courses. When incision continues, river patterns evolve from anabranching to sinuous via the attachment of alluvial islands to floodplains. However, the timing and sequence of these changes depend on hydrological and sediment supply regimes, geomorphic settings and anthropogenic actions accompanying dam construction. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
2‐AG limits Theiler's virus induced acute neuroinflammation by modulating microglia and promoting MDSCs
Authors: Mecha Miriam , Feliú Ana , Machín Isabel , Cordero Cesar , Carrillo‐Salinas Francisco , Mestre Leyre , Hernández‐Torres Gloria , Ortega‐Gutiérrez Silvia , López‐Rodríguez María L , de Castro Fernando , Clemente Diego , Guaza Carmen
Published: February 2018

The innate immune response is mediated by primary immune modulators such as cytokines and chemokines that together with immune cells and resident glia orchestrate CNS immunity and inflammation. Growing evidence supports that the endocannabinoid 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) exerts protective actions in CNS injury models. Here, we used the acute phase of Theiler's virus induced demyelination disease (TMEV‐IDD) as a model of acute neuroinflammation to investigate whether 2‐AG modifies the brain innate immune responses to TMEV and CNS leukocyte trafficking. 2‐AG or the inhibition of its hydrolysis diminished the reactivity and number of microglia at the TMEV injection site reducing their morphological complexity and modulating them towards an anti‐inflammatory state via CB2 receptors. Indeed, 2‐AG dampened the infiltration of immune cells into the CNS and inhibited their egress from the spleen, resulting in long‐term beneficial effects at the chronic phase of the disease. Intriguingly, it is not a generalized action over leukocytes since 2‐AG increased the presence and suppressive potency of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the brain resulting in higher apoptotic CD4+ T cells at the injection site. Together, these data suggest a robust modulatory effect in the peripheral and central immunity by 2‐AG and highlight the interest of modulating endogenous cannabinoids to regulate CNS inflammatory conditions.
An easy synthetic protocol for imidazo‐1,4‐oxazines and evaluation of their toxicities
Authors: Kuzu Burak , Genç Hasan , Taşpinar Mehmet , Tan Meltem , Menges Nurettin
Published: February 2018

Imidazo‐1,5‐alkynyl alcohol derivatives were synthesized, and they were cyclized to imidazo‐1,4‐oxazines by means of cesium carbonate. Propargyl‐allene isomerization was examined, and the reaction mechanism was proposed. Moreover, cytotoxicity of synthesized molecules against LN405 cell lines was investigated by means of structure‐activity relationship (SAR). With SAR study, toxicities of some functional groups have been shown. In addition, two lead compounds were tested against DNA damaging.
Change in alcohol and tobacco consumption after a diagnosis of head and neck cancer: Findings from Head and Neck 5000
Authors: Penfold Chris M. , Thomas Steven J. , Waylen Andrea , Ness Andrew R.
Published: February 2018

Background

Tobacco and alcohol consumption are risk factors for developing head and neck cancer, and continuation postdiagnosis can adversely affect prognosis. We explored changes to these behaviors after a head and neck cancer diagnosis.

Methods

Demographic and clinical data were collected from 973 people newly diagnosed with oral cavity, oropharyngeal, or laryngeal cancer. Tobacco and alcohol consumption were additionally collected 4 and 12 months later.

Results

The prevalence of high alcohol consumption reduced from 54.3% at diagnosis to 41.4% at 12 months, and smoking reduced from 21.0% to 11.7%. Changes in behavior were dynamic, for example, 44% of smokers at 12 months were not smoking at diagnosis or 4 months. Several factors were associated with alcohol consumption, whereas only tumor site and comorbidities were associated with smoking.

Conclusion

A diagnosis of head and neck cancer can result in important changes in alcohol consumption and smoking prevalence. However, these changes are dynamic in the first year after diagnosis.
CAREGIVER'S DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AND YOUNG CHILDREN'S SOCIOEMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT DELAYS: A CROSS‐SECTIONAL STUDY IN POOR RURAL AREAS OF CHINA
Authors: Wei Qianwei , Zhang Cuihong , Zhang Jingxu , Luo Shusheng , Wang Xiaoli
Published: February 2018

Poverty and its associated factors put people at risk for depression. The aims of this study were to describe the prevalence of depressive symptoms (DS) of primary caregivers and socioemotional development (SED) delays of young children in poor rural areas of China, and to explore the association between them. Cross‐sectional data of 2,664 children aged 3 to 35 months and their primary caregivers were used for analysis. Characteristics of the child, caregiver, and family were collected through face‐to‐face caregiver interviews. DS were assessed by the Zung Self‐Rating Depression Scale (W.W. Zung, 1965, as cited in World Health Organization, ), and SED was evaluated by the Ages and Stage Questionnaires: Social‐Emotional (J. Squires, D. Bricker, & L. Potter, 1997). The χ2 test, stratification analysis, and logistic regression analyses were used to explore the association. Among the caregivers, 40.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] [38.4, 42.1]), reported DS. Caregivers who were male, older and ethnic minorities as well as had a low level of education, a low family income, or more children were more likely to have DS. Of the children, 24.4% (95% CI [22.8, 26.0]) were recognized with SED delays. Older children displayed more delays than did younger children, but no significant differences between males and females were found. SED delays were significantly associated with mother outmigrating, male caregivers, older age, ethnic minorities, and low education or families with a single parent, low‐income, and having more children. Caregivers having DS, odds ratio (OR) = 2.40, 95% CI [1.99, 2.88], was a significant predictor of increased odds of SED delays; other factors were single‐parent family, OR = 1.99, 95% CI [1.37, 2.89], inadequate care, OR = 1.69, 95% CI [1.30, 2.21], physical punishment, OR = 1.61, 95% CI [1.33, 1.95], ethnic minorities, OR = 1.41, 95% CI [1.17, 1.71], and child age in months, OR = 1.03, 95% CI [1.02, 1.04], according to the logistic regression analysis. DS are prevalent among caregivers with young children in poor rural areas. Interventions to improve the mental health of caregivers and their parenting behaviors are needed to improve children's SED.
Moving beyond the comprehensive in vitro proarrhythmia assay: Use of human‐induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes to assess contractile effects associated with drug‐induced structural cardiotoxicity
Authors: Yang Xi , Papoian Thomas
Published: February 2018

Drug‐induced cardiotoxicity is a potentially severe side effect that can adversely affect myocardial contractility through structural or electrophysiological changes in cardiomyocytes. Human‐induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC‐CMs) are a promising human cardiac in vitro model system to assess both proarrhythmic and non‐proarrhythmic cardiotoxicity of new drug candidates. The scalable differentiation of hiPSCs into cardiomyocytes provides a renewable cell source that overcomes species differences present in current animal models of drug toxicity testing. The Comprehensive in vitro Proarrhythmia Assay (CiPA) initiative represents a paradigm shift for proarrhythmic risk assessment, and hiPSC‐CMs are an integral component of that paradigm. The recent advancements in hiPSC‐CMs will not only impact safety decisions for possible drug‐induced proarrhythmia, but should also facilitate risk assessment for non‐proarrhythmic cardiotoxicity, where current non‐clinical approaches are limited in detecting this risk before initiation of clinical trials. Importantly, emerging evidence strongly suggests that the use of hiPSC‐CMs with cardiac physiological relevant measurements in vitro improves the detection of structural cardiotoxicity. Here we review high‐throughput drug screening using the hiPSC‐CM model as an experimentally feasible approach to assess potential contractile and structural cardiotoxicity in early phase drug development. We also suggest that the assessment of structural cardiotoxicity can be added to electrophysiological tests in the same platform to complement the Comprehensive in vitro Proarrhythmia Assay for regulatory use. Ideally, application of these novel tools in early drug development will allow for more reliable risk assessment and lead to more informed regulatory decisions in making safe and effective drugs available to the public.
Pain management using photobiomodulation: Mechanisms, location, and repeatability quantified by pain threshold and neural biomarkers in mice
Authors: de Sousa Marcelo Victor Pires , Kawakubo Masayoshi , Ferraresi Cleber , Kaippert Beatriz , Yoshimura Elisabeth Mateus , Hamblin Michael R.
Published: February 2018

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a simple, efficient and cost‐effective treatment for both acute and chronic pain. We previously showed that PBM applied to the mouse head inhibited nociception in the foot. Nevertheless, the optimum parameters, location for irradiation, duration of the effect and the mechanisms of action remain unclear. In the present study, the pain threshold in the right hind paw of mice was studied, after PBM (810 nm CW laser, spot size 1 or 6 cm2, 1.2–36 J/cm2) applied to various anatomical locations. The pain threshold, measured with von Frey filaments, was increased more than 3‐fold by PBM to the lower back (dorsal root ganglion, DRG), as well as to other neural structures along the pathway such as the head, neck and ipsilateral (right) paw. On the other hand, application of PBM to the contralateral (left) paw, abdomen and tail had no effect. The optimal effect occurred 2 to 3 hours post‐PBM and disappeared by 24 hours. Seven daily irradiations showed no development of tolerance. Type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors decreased, and prostatic acid phosphatase and tubulin‐positive varicosities were increased as shown by immunofluorescence of DRG samples. These findings elucidate the mechanisms of PBM for pain and provide insights for clinical practice.
Curcumin suppressed the prostate cancer by inhibiting JNK pathways via epigenetic regulation
Authors: Zhao Wanli , Zhou Xudong , Qi Guisong , Guo Yuexian
Published: February 2018

Curcumin is a component of turmeric and is isolated from the rhizomes of the plant Curcuma longa. Curcumin was reported to have therapeutic effects on prostate cancer. Yet the molecular mechanism of curcumin remains unclear. In this study, mouse prostate cancer xenograft model was established and subjected to curcumin treatment. GST‐c‐Jun pull down kinase assays were performed to study the phospho‐c‐Jun level. Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay kit was utilized to detect the cell viability. Immunoblotting and qRT‐PCR were performed for target gene expression analysis. Curcumin inhibited growth of prostate cancer in vivo as well as promoted apoptosis of LNCaP cells in vitro. Curcumin inhibited JNK pathway and repressed H3K4me3 in LNCaP cells. Combined use of curcumin and JQ‐1 inhibited the prostate cancer efficiently. In conclusion, curcumin inhibits JNK pathway and plays a role in epigenetic regulation of prostate cancer cells by repressing H3K4me3.
Community violence and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in urban youth: The moderating influence of friend and parent support
Authors: Affrunti Nicholas W. , Suárez Liza , Simpson David
Published: February 2018

Separate lines of research have demonstrated that community violence predicts posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in youth and that social support is one protective factor against the development of PTSD symptoms. The current study sought to examine the associations between primary and secondary exposure to community violence and the moderating role of parent and friend support on these relations. Participants were 96 urban youths (aged 6–17 years; 58.4% racial/ethnic minority; 51% female) and a caregiver recruited from a university mental health clinic. Results indicated that both primary and secondary exposure to community violence predicted PTSD symptoms. Friend support, but not parent support, moderated the association between primary, but not secondary, exposure to community violence and PTSD symptoms. The findings suggest that friend support is a salient protective factor for urban youth who may be at risk of PTSD symptoms due to exposure to community violence.
Dynamic diffusion tensor imaging of spinal cord contusion: A canine model
Authors: Liu Changbin , Yang Degang , Li Jianjun , Li Dapeng , Yang Mingliang , Sun Wei , Meng Qianru , Zhang Wenhao , Cai Chang , Du Liangjie , Li Jun , Gao Feng , Gu Rui , Feng Yutong , Dong Xuechao , Miao Qi , Yang Xinghua , Zuo Zhentao
Published: February 2018

This study aimed to explore the dynamic diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of changes in spinal cord contusion using a canine model of injury involving rostral and caudal levels. In this study, a spinal cord contusion model was established in female dogs using a custom‐made weight‐drop lesion device. DTI was performed on dogs with injured spinal cords (n=7) using a Siemens 3.0T MRI scanner at pre‐contusion and at 3 h, 24 h, 6 weeks and 12 weeks post‐injury. The tissue sections were stained for immunohistochemical analysis. Canine models of spinal cord contusion were created successfully using the weight‐drop lesion device. The fractional anisotropy (FA) value of lesion epicenter decreased, while the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), mean diffusivity (MD), and radial diffusivity (RD) values increased, and the extent of the curve was apparent gradually. The site and time affected the DTI parameters significantly in the whole spinal cord, ADC (site, P < 0.001 and time, P = 0.077, respectively); FA (site, P < 0.001 and time, P = 0.002, respectively). Immunohistological analysis of GFAP and NF revealed the pathologic changes of reactive astrocytes and axons, as well as the cavity and glial scars occurring during chronic SCI. DTI is a sensitive and noninvasive imaging tool useful to assess edema, hemorrhage, cavity formation, structural damage and reconstruction of axon, and myelin in dogs. The DTI parameters after contusion vary. However, the curves of ADC, MD, and RD were nearly similar and the FA curve was distinct. All the DTI parameters were affected by distance and time.
Micellization of Anionic Sulfonate Gemini Surfactants and Their Interactions With Anionic Polyacrylamide
Authors: Wang Ruijuan , Yan Haitao , Hu Wenmin , Li Yanhong , Mei Zikun
Published: February 2018

Anionic sulfonate gemini surfactants 8‐s‐8(SO3)2 and 12‐s‐12(SO3)2 (s = 3, 6) were synthesized, and their micellization in aqueous solution at 25.0 °C and pH 9 was investigated. The results show that the critical micelle concentrations (CMC) of 8‐s‐8(SO3)2 are more than 2 orders of magnitude larger than those of 12‐s‐12(SO3)2, but the spacer length has a relatively small impact on the CMC. Moreover, the interactions of n‐s‐n(SO3)2 (n = 8, 12; s = 3, 6) with anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) at 25.0 °C and pH 9 were investigated using surface tensiometry, rheolgy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that the surface tension and rheological properties of PAM depend on the concentration of n‐s‐n(SO3)2. Below the critical aggregation concentration of C1, surface tension is sharply reduced, the surface tension of n‐s‐n(SO3)2/PAM is lower than n‐s‐n(SO3)2 alone, but viscosity is almost unchanged with increasing Cn‐s‐n(SO3)2. Above C1, surface tension reduces very slowly until the saturated concentration of C2 is reached. Above C2, surface tension rapidly reduces until CM is attained, suggesting free n‐s‐n(SO3)2 micelles begin to form. In the region of C1–CM, the viscosity significantly increases. Above CM, surface tension is basically unchanged and these curves coincide with those of the single surfactant system. Moreover, the viscosity is almost constant. The SEM images indicate that fibrous aggregates are formed below C1, then transformed into multilayer fibrous aggregates above C1, and further into fiber‐braided‐structured and spider‐web‐structured aggregates above CM. The variation of viscosity is closely associated with the transformation of aggregates.
Ablation approach for primary liver tumors: Peri‐operative outcomes
Authors: Berger Nicholas G. , Herren Josi L. , Liu Chrissy , Burrow Robert H. , Silva Jack P. , Tsai Susan , Christians Kathleen K. , Gamblin T. Clark
Published: February 2018

Background and Objectives

Ablation is a common treatment modality for malignant primary liver tumors(PLTs), outcomes following laparoscopic (LA) versus open ablation (OA) are ill‐defined. This project compares peri‐procedural outcomes of LA versus OA for PLTs.

Materials and Methods

Patients with PLTs undergoing radiofrequency ablation were queried from ACS NSQIP Database (2005‐2013) using CPT codes. Patients undergoing percutaneous ablation or hepatic resection were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression analyses determined the association of ablation approach with 30‐day morbidity and mortality.

Results

Of 5747 with PLTs, 655 (11.4%) ablations were identified: 177 (27.0%) underwent OA, 478 (73.0%) underwent LA. Patients undergoing LA had lower mortality (1.9% vs 5.1%, P = 0.026), lower minor morbidity (2.3% vs 5.7%, P = 0.031), and lower major morbidity (4.2% vs 17.0%, P < 0.001). Adjusting for demographics, disease‐specific variables (preoperative ascites, total bilirubin, platelet count, albumin, and INR), 30‐day mortality (OR 3.85, 95%CI: 1.38‐10.80, P = 0.010), minor morbidity (OR 2.98, 95%CI: 1.16‐7.67, P = 0.024), and major morbidity (OR 4.59 95%CI: 2.41‐8.76, P < 0.001) were statistically lower in LA. OA demonstrated increased length of stay(LOS) (5 vs 2 days, P < 0.001), and longer operative time (152 vs 112 min, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

LA offers decreased peri‐procedural morbidity, mortality, and reduced LOS. LA should be the preferred method for hepatic ablation.
1D simulation of canister galvanic corrosion in saturated compacted bentonite
Authors: Stoulil Jan , Kouřil Milan , Pavlova Liudmila , Dobrev David , Gondolli Jenny
Published: February 2018

This work is focused on the evaluation of the influence of galvanic couples between materials for radioactive waste canisters. The materials considered are carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, and titanium alloy. All materials were tested by means of potentiodynamic curves and zero resistance ammetry. The specific resistivity of compacted bentonite was estimated in a special cell. These results were used for simple one‐dimensional numeric simulation of a galvanic couple. The conductivity of saturated compacted bentonite is excellent and the reach of galvanic corrosion is high. The influence on the corrosion rate of anodic carbon steel is negligible, but it allows for the employment of a large area of cathodic materials, which could be susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement.
Electrochemical stability and cell response of nanostructures elaborated on zirconium
Authors: Stoian Andrei , Demetrescu Ioana , Mazare Anca , Dinischiotu Anca , Nica Cristina , Ionita Daniela
Published: February 2018

The paper studies the electrochemical stability in physiological serum and cell response of nanostrucures obtained on Zr by anodizing in electrolytes containing fluorinated ethylene glycol and various amounts of K2CO3. SEM analysis revealed that the porous nanostructure formation is greatly influenced by the various K2CO3 concentrations in the electrolyte by tipping the balance between oxide formation and dissolution during the anodizing process. The porosities of the samples were evaluated from polarization resistances recorded in physiological serum. Chronoamperometric measurements were employed to establish a range of compactness for the samples. It was found that the amount of K2CO3 from the electrolyte is directly responsible in obtaining oxide strata more resistant to corrosion. All tests performed on the samples such as corrosion, hydrophylicity and cell viability with MC3T3‐E1 pre‐osteoblasts cells from mouse bones revealed that the best coating for future research regarding nanostructured Zr implants was the one obtained from the electrolyte containing the highest amount of K2CO3.
Challenges and emergent solutions for LC‐MS/MS based untargeted metabolomics in diseases
Authors: Cui Liang , Lu Haitao , Lee Yie Hou
Published: February 2018

In the past decade, advances in liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) have revolutionized untargeted metabolomics analyses. By mining metabolomes more deeply, researchers are now primed to uncover key metabolites and their associations with diseases. The employment of untargeted metabolomics has led to new biomarker discoveries and a better mechanistic understanding of diseases with applications in precision medicine. However, many major pertinent challenges remain. First, compound identification has been poor, and left an overwhelming number of unidentified peaks. Second, partial, incomplete metabolomes persist due to factors such as limitations in mass spectrometry data acquisition speeds, wide‐range of metabolites concentrations, and cellular/tissue/temporal‐specific expression changes that confound our understanding of metabolite perturbations. Third, to contextualize metabolites in pathways and biology is difficult because many metabolites partake in multiple pathways, have yet to be described species specificity, or possess unannotated or more‐complex functions that are not easily characterized through metabolomics analyses. From a translational perspective, information related to novel metabolite biomarkers, metabolic pathways, and drug targets might be sparser than they should be. Thankfully, significant progress has been made and novel solutions are emerging, achieved through sustained academic and industrial community efforts in terms of hardware, computational, and experimental approaches. Given the rapidly growing utility of metabolomics, this review will offer new perspectives, increase awareness of the major challenges in LC‐MS metabolomics that will significantly benefit the metabolomics community and also the broader the biomedical community metabolomics aspire to serve.
Global existence and asymptotic behavior of classical solutions for a 3D two‐species chemotaxis‐Stokes system with competitive kinetics
Authors: Cao Xinru , Kurima Shunsuke , Mizukami Masaaki
Published: February 2018

This paper considers the 2‐species chemotaxis‐Stokes system with competitive kinetics

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma4807:mma4807-math-0001
under homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions in a 3‐dimensional bounded domain
with smooth boundary. Both chemotaxis‐fluid systems and 2‐species chemotaxis systems with competitive terms were studied by many mathematicians. However, there have not been rich results on coupled 2‐species–fluid systems. Recently, global existence and asymptotic stability in the above problem with (u·∇)u in the fluid equation were established in the 2‐dimensional case. The purpose of this paper is to give results for global existence, boundedness, and stabilization of solutions to the above system in the 3‐dimensional case when
is sufficiently small.
A tutorial on conducting genome‐wide association studies: Quality control and statistical analysis
Authors: Marees Andries T. , de Kluiver Hilde , Stringer Sven , Vorspan Florence , Curis Emmanuel , Marie‐Claire Cynthia , Derks Eske M.
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have become increasingly popular to identify associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and phenotypic traits. The GWAS method is commonly applied within the social sciences. However, statistical analyses will need to be carefully conducted and the use of dedicated genetics software will be required. This tutorial aims to provide a guideline for conducting genetic analyses.

Methods

We discuss and explain key concepts and illustrate how to conduct GWAS using example scripts provided through GitHub (https://github.com/MareesAT/GWA_tutorial/).

In addition to the illustration of standard GWAS, we will also show how to apply polygenic risk score (PRS) analysis. PRS does not aim to identify individual SNPs but aggregates information from SNPs across the genome in order to provide individual‐level scores of genetic risk.

Results

The simulated data and scripts that will be illustrated in the current tutorial provide hands‐on practice with genetic analyses. The scripts are based on PLINK, PRSice, and R, which are commonly used, freely available software tools that are accessible for novice users.

Conclusions

By providing theoretical background and hands‐on experience, we aim to make GWAS more accessible to researchers without formal training in the field.
Measuring person‐centred care in nurse‐led outpatient rheumatology clinics
Authors: Bala Sidona‐Valentina , Forslind Kristina , Fridlund Bengt , Hagell Peter
Published: February 2018

Background

Measurement of person‐centred care (PCC) outcomes is underdeveloped owing to the complexity of the concept and lack of conceptual clarity. A framework conceptualizing outpatient PCC in rheumatology nurse‐led clinics has therefore been suggested and operationalized into the PCC instrument for outpatient care in rheumatology (PCCoc/rheum).

Objective

The aim of the present study was to test the extent to which the PCCoc/rheum represents the underpinning conceptual outpatient PCC framework, and to assess its measurement properties as applied in nurse‐led outpatient rheumatology clinics.

Methods

The 24‐item PCCoc/rheum was administered to 343 persons with rheumatoid arthritis from six nurse‐led outpatient rheumatology clinics. Its measurement properties were tested by Rasch measurement theory.

Results

Ninety‐two per cent of individuals (n = 316) answered the PCCoc/rheum. Items successfully operationalized a quantitative continuum from lower to higher degrees of perceived PCC. Model fit was generally good, including lack of differential item functioning (DIF), and the PCCoc/rheum was able to separate individuals with a reliability of 0.88. The four response categories worked as intended, with the exception of one item. Item ordering provided general empirical support of a priori expectations, with the exception of three items that were omitted owing to multidimensionality, dysfunctional response categories and unexpected ordering. The 21‐item PCCoc/rheum showed good accordance with the conceptual framework, improved fit, functioning response categories and no DIF, and its reliability was 0.86.

Conclusion

We found general support for the appropriateness of the PCCoc/rheum as an outcome measure of patient‐perceived PCC in nurse‐led outpatient rheumatology clinics. While in need of further testing, the 21‐item PCCoc/rheum has the potential to evaluate outpatient PCC from a patient perspective.
Trends in bullying victimization by gender among U.S. high school students
Authors: Pontes Nancy M. H. , Ayres Cynthia G. , Lewandowski Carla , Pontes Manuel C. F.
Published: February 2018

This research used four consecutive waves of data from the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), to estimate linear time trends by gender in the prevalence of school and electronic bullying victimization among U.S. high school students (N = 61,042). Dependent variables were student self‐reported school bullying victimization and electronic bullying victimization during the previous 12 months. Independent variables used to estimate multiple logistic regression models by gender were survey year, race/ethnicity, and grade level. Results showed the prevalence of school bullying increased significantly among females from 2009 (21.2%) to 2015 (24.8%), linear trend OR = 1.08 [1.04, 1.12]; and decreased significantly among males from 2009 (18.7%) to 2015 (15.8%), linear trend OR = 0.93 [0.89, 0.98]. Prevalence of electronic bullying was unchanged between 2011 to 2015 among both male and female students. Asian race, relative to White race, was associated with significantly lower rates of both school and electronic bullying victimization among females, but not males. The incidence of school and electronic bullying victimization was significantly lower among Black and Hispanic students, but not among multiple‐race students, regardless of student gender. Healthy People 2020 set a goal to reduce school bullying victimization 10% by 2019. As of 2015, school bullying victimization decreased significantly among males (16% decrease); it significantly increased among females (17% increase). Future research should explore underlying factors related to these divergent trends, and develop effective strategies to reverse the alarming rise in female school bullying victimization.
Evaluation of surface modification impact on PP/MWCNT nanocomposites by rheological and mechanical characterization, assisted with morphological image processing
Authors: Zadhoush Ali , Reyhani Reyhaneh , Naeimirad Mohammadreza
Published: February 2018

PP/MWCNT nanocomposites were prepared using polypropylene and modified carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via melt‐extrusion process. Pure PP was compared with maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene, reinforced with 0.5, 1, and 1.5 wt% COOH‐modified nanotubes (PPgCNT) and polypropylene/unmodified CNT nanocomposite (PPCNT) in 1 wt% content. Morphological analysis was performed using FTIR and SEM along with MATLAB and easy fit software‐assisted image processing. Image processing of SEM monographs for well‐distributed CNTs showed a distribution factor (β) close to 0 while β in agglomerated samples was close to 1. Mechanical properties showed that tensile strength and tensile modulus of nanocomposites were higher than pure PP, in contrast the tensile elongation at break was lower. In addition, nanocomposites with modified nanotubes showed higher tensile strength, tensile modulus, and lower elongation at break compare with unmodified CNT/PP nanocomposites. Capillary rheometries resulted that at high strain rate [100–1500 (s−1)], melting behavior of the samples is similar to the viscoplastic fluids, and Herschel‐Bulkley model is the best approach for prediction of the fluid's rheological behaviors. Adding the modified and unmodified CNTs only changed the model's parameters. Oscillating rheometry studies concluded that at 1% strain, molten nanocomposites followed the viscoelastic behavior while in higher shear rates flow behavior is different. According to the oscillatory rheometry results, storage modulus, loss modulus, complex modulus, and complex viscosity of PPgCNTs were higher than PP and PPCNT. It is concluded that by reduction of β, nanocomposites become more viscoplastic (in high shear rates). Finally, statistical analysis confirmed the rheological and mechanical results. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E501–E510, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers