bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel connectivity map normalization procedure for improved quantitative investigation of structural thalamic connectivity in temporal lobe epilepsy patients
Authors: Santyr Brendan G. , Lau Jonathan C. , Mirsattari Seyed M. , Burneo Jorge G. , de Ribaupierre Sandrine , Steven David A. , Parrent Andrew G. , MacDougall Keith , Khan Ali R.
Published: March 2018

Background

Connectivity studies targeting the thalamus have revealed patterns of atrophy and deafferentiation in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The thalamus can be parcellated using probabilistic tractography to demonstrate regions of cortical connectivity; however, sensitivity to smaller or less connected regions is low.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To investigate thalamic structural connectivity in a wider range of cortical and limbic structures in TLE patients using a novel connectivity map normalization procedure.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population/Subjects

Patients (N = 23) with medication‐resistant TLE and 34 healthy age‐matched controls.

Field Strength/Sequence

For T1 and diffusion weighting a spoiled gradient sequence was used (41 gradient directions [b = 1000]). For T2 mapping balanced steady‐state free precession was used. Images were acquired at 3T.

Assessment

Probabilistic tractography and a novel normalization procedure allowed comparison of groups with respect to thalamic connected volume, quantitative MRI, and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics.

Statistical Tests

Independent samples t‐test, Cohen's d, and Mann–Whitney tests.

Results

Following normalization, significant differences in thalamic connected volumes were found in left TLE vs. controls bilaterally within the posterior parahippocampal gyrus (L: P = 0.007, confidence interval [CI]: [173.306,1044.41], effect size [ES] = 1.072; R: P = 0.017, CI: [98.677,947.653], ES = 0.945), and contralaterally in the anterior temporal neocortex (P = 0.01, CI: (–2348.09, –333.719), ES = −1.021). This procedure revealed differences in thalamic connected volumes, where previously published procedures could not, and provided a basis for exploratory analysis of quantitative MRI and DTI metrics.

Data Conclusion

The novel connectivity map normalization scheme proposed here successfully allowed comparison between a wider range of cortical and limbic structures. Multiple volumetric and quantitative MRI and DTI‐related differences between TLE patients and controls were revealed following normalization. With validation from a larger cohort, thalamo‐temporal connection aberrancies may become useful biomarkers of disease states and probabilistic tractography as a procedure for identification of thalamic targets in modulatory therapies for TLE.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:1529–1539
Criteria to evaluate the validity of multi‐model ensemble methods
Authors: Zhang Xianliang , Yan Xiaodong
Published: March 2018

Multi‐model ensemble (MME) methods have been developed to improve upon the simulations of individual general circulation models. Their performances can be evaluated using metrics such as correlation and root‐mean‐square error, between the simulations and observations. However, most metrics change with the length of the calibration period, meaning the skill of MME methods in simulating future climate change is poorly known. In the present work, an order preservation criterion and a boundary preservation criterion are proposed to guarantee the reliability of MME simulations in the future. The order preservation criterion makes every model contribute a positive value to the MME simulations, while the boundary preservation criterion restricts the range of variation in the MME simulations. Four commonly used MME methods are evaluated based on these two criteria. The results show that the multiple linear regression method and singular value decomposition method are unsuitable MME methods in most situations. However, the arithmetic ensemble mean and Bayesian model averaging can be used to combine model simulations. The two criteria proposed in this study provide a simple way to evaluate the validity of MME methods.
Using all data to improve seasonal sea surface temperature predictions: A combination‐based model forecast with unequal observation lengths
Authors: Khan Mohammad Zaved Kaiser , Sharma Ashish , Mehrotra Rajeshwar
Published: March 2018

One way to reduce model uncertainty in climate predictions is to combine forecasts from several models. Recent multi‐model combination approaches combine model forecasts by pooling data for a time period, common across all the models, thus ignoring the additional data available or discarding altogether the models with the shorter time period. This results in the loss of some information which could otherwise be used while combining the models to possibly improve forecast skill. Our research explores this issue in the context of multi‐model sea surface temperature (SST) models predictions and proposes a novel concept that allows a framework for combining models with unequal time period. Here, the unequal time periods imply different range of start and end dates of available model forecasts. A qualitative standpoint of our multi‐model forecasting strategy is to reduce the uncertainty and improve the forecast skill. The utility of the approach is demonstrated by combining the global seasonal NDJ (November–January) SST predictions of two models and also as many as eight models, obtained using both equal and unequal time periods. The proposed approach shows improvement over 62–69% grid cells around the entire globe over the case when the common period of data length across the models is considered.
Observed diurnal temperature range variations and its association with observed cloud cover in northern Pakistan
Authors: Waqas A. , Athar H.
Published: March 2018

Spatio‐temporal variability in the observed diurnal temperature range (DTR) for the recent 30‐year period (1986–2015) is examined from a total of 18 weather stations in Hindukush Karakoram Himalaya region of northern Pakistan (HKNP). The daily maximum and minimum temperature data are used to compute the regional DTR, whereas observed total cloud cover (TCC) is used to assess its possible relationship with regional DTR, both on seasonal and annual basis. The regional mean DTR is 13.27 °C on annual basis, with a maximum in autumn (14.63 °C) and minimum in winter (11.81 °C). On annual basis, the regional DTR has increased significantly at a rate of .34 °C/decade, during the 30‐year study period at p ≤ .05, based on Mann–Kendall test. On seasonal basis, the DTR displays an increasing trend in all four seasons with largest significant increase in the winter season at a rate of .32 °C/decade. The DTR is positively correlated with maximum temperature of the region on seasonal and annual basis. Strong negative correlation is found between the DTR and observed TCC in all seasons, indicating that variability in TCC has an impact on the variation of DTR in this region. The statistically significant increasing DTR trend along with statistically significant decreasing trend of TCC in spring season suggests an early melt of snow and ice covers in the region, consequently changing the hydrological cycle of the region that demands a better water resource management in the HKNP.
Methyl Orange Paired Microextraction and Diffuse Reflectance‐Fourier Transform Infrared Spectral Monitoring for Improved Signal Strength of Total Mixed Cationic Surfactants
Authors: Kurrey Ramsingh , Deb Manas Kanti , Shrivas Kamlesh
Published: March 2018

We report a novel methyl orange paired microextraction (MOP‐ME) and diffuse reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared (DRS‐FTIR) spectral monitoring for improved signal strength of total mixed cationic surfactants (CS+) for its quantification in real water samples. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that describes the rapid quantitative determination of total mixed CS+ using MOP‐ME/DRS‐FTIR. The method is based on separation and preconcentration of CS+ using chloroform as the extracting solvent by the formation of ion‐pair complex with anionic methyl orange (MO−) followed by DRS‐FTIR analysis. The intense vibration peak obtained at 2919 cm−1 in the FTIR spectra was used for the optimization of all analytical parameters and for the determination of mixed CS+. The best extraction efficiency of CS+ from the aqueous solution was obtained at pH 4.0 when extracted for 3 min in chloroform at a stirring rate of 250 rpm. The linearity range obtained for the determination of total mixed CS+ in water sample was 0.150–300 μg L−1 with the limit of detection and limit of quantification as 0.05 and 0.150 μg L−1, respectively. The good recovery percentage (97.1–109.5%) from wastewater showed that the method is very selective for the determination of total CS+ in complex sample matrices. The advantages of the MOP‐ME/DRS‐FTIR method are its simplicity, selectivity, and sensitivity toward the analysis of total mixed CS+ in wastewater samples.
Effects on bread and oil quality after functionalization with microencapsulated chia oil
Authors: González Agustín , Martínez Marcela L , León Alberto E , Ribotta Pablo D
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Omega‐3 and omega‐6 fatty acids‐rich oils suffer oxidation reactions that alter their chemical and organoleptic quality. Microencapsulation can be a powerful tool for protection against ambient conditions. In the present study, the addition of microencapsulated chia oil as an ingredient in bread preparations and its effect on the technological and chemical quality of breads was investigated.

RESULTS

Microencapsulation of chia oil was carried out by freeze‐drying with soy proteins as wall material and oil release was determined under in vitro gastric and intestinal conditions. Encapsulated oil‐containing bread showed no differences in specific volume, average cell area, firmness and chewiness with respect to control bread. Unencapsulated oil‐containing bread showed a marked increase in hydroperoxide values respect to control, whereas encapsulated oil‐containing bread values were not affected by baking and bread storage. The fatty acid profiles showed a decrease of 13% and 16%, respectively, in α‐linolenic acid in the encapsulated and unencapsulated oils with respect to bulk chia oil. Sensory analysis showed no significant differences between bread samples.

CONCLUSION

The addition of encapsulated chia oil did not alter the technological quality of breads and prevented the formation of hydroperoxide radicals. A ration of encapsulated oil‐containing bread contributes 60% of the recommended dietary intake of omega‐3 fatty acids. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Activity‐guided isolation of phase II enzyme inducers from buckwheat flour methanolic extracts
Authors: Qiu Rong‐ying , Wang Jun‐ru , Parkin Kirk L
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Buckwheat is an important alternative crop and a raw material for functional food formulation. Phase II detoxification proteins/enzymes provide cytoprotective roles against oxidative stress and inflammation originating from various stressors. We aimed to identify and characterize potential phase II enzyme inducers from methanolic extracts of buckwheat flour, using an activity‐guided fractionation based on the induction of quinone reductase (QR) (EC 1.6.5.2) in Hepa 1c1c7 cells.

RESULTS

We isolated the QR inducers N‐trans‐feruloyltyramine (I), syringic acid (II), quercetin (III) and myricetin (IV). The relative QR‐inducing ability, as well as the concentration required to double QR specific activity (CD values, in parentheses), decreased in the order: quercetin (3.0 µmol L–1) > N‐trans‐feruloyltyramine (24 µmol L–1) > myricetin (58 µmol L–1) > syringic acid (5.4 mmol L–1). Quercetin and N‐trans‐feruloyltyramine exhibited the greatest extent of QR induction of an approximately four‐fold maximum induction and these compounds also exhibited the greatest values for the ratio of IC50 (i.e. level to reduce viability by 50%): CD values of 11 and > 8.3, respectively, among the four QR inducers isolated. Isobologram analyses for binary combinations of compounds I–IV revealed primarily antagonistic interactions for QR induction.

CONCLUSION

These findings add to our understanding of the nutraceutical potential of buckwheat as a chemoprophylactic dietary component. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Modeling biophysical and anthropogenic effects on soil erosion over the last 2,000 years in central Mexico
Authors: González‐Arqueros Maria Lourdes , Navarrete‐Segueda Armando , Mendoza Manuel E.
Published: March 2018

Erosion prediction models recreate past scenarios, assess future ones, and determine the best explanatory variables of the soil erosion process. They are widely used and contribute valuable data for landscape management. This paper presents an estimation of soil erosion in the Teotihuacan Valley Basin in central Mexico, assessing its response to biophysical and anthropogenic components during 4 periods within the past 2,000 years. The valley has undergone past and recent anthropogenic erosion and, during the past 2 millennia, has experienced a marked variation in precipitation, variations in land use, soil management, and to a lesser extent, variations in soil type. With the use of the Water Erosion Prediction Project model, we estimated how the above‐mentioned parameters affect soil losses under 4 scenarios: (a) humid conditions (900 mm yr−1) during the Teotihuacan Period (1–650 CE), (b) dry conditions (370 mm yr−1) during the Aztec Period (1325–1521 CE), (c) humid conditions (900 mm yr−1) during the Aztec Period, and (d) present conditions (after 1970 CE; 560 mm yr−1). Comparison of scenarios and a principal component analysis of soil loss according biophysical components showed topography to be the most closely related parameter to soil erosion. Land use and soil type also showed a relationship with soil erosion, particularly during the Aztec Period; climate change did not appear to be the most significant factor in soil loss. Estimation of soil erosion by means of models is an inexpensive way to find answers to future challenges concerning soil erosion in a changing environment.
Growth and quality of Chinese journals from 1949 to 2013
Authors: Wang Yuandi , Chen Yu , Liu Meijun , Hu Ruifeng
Published: March 2018

In recent years, substantial investments in science and technology have led to an increase in Chinese academic journals. Previous investigations have used international indexes to track growth, but this article uses the China Academic Journal Network Publishing Database along with Web of Science and SCImago to avoid inclusion bias and analyse the complete landscape of Chinese academic journals (in all disciplines). This article investigated the rate of growth of new journals, the regional distribution of journals, and the quality of the journals (calculated domestically and internationally). Our results indicate that: (1) the average annual growth rate of Chinese academic journals has been 2.74%, but this might probably be affected by different periods of China’s economic and cultural development; (2) the number of journals published in Eastern China is higher than that in Central and Western China; (3) journal quality has improved somewhat in recent years; (4) 84.48% of journals demonstrate domestic impact factors below 1; and (5) China performs better than other developing countries when using the impact factor but equals them when using the SCImago Journal and Country Rank indicator.
Egg‐Yolk Sphingomyelin and Phosphatidylcholine Attenuate Cholesterol Absorption in Caco‐2 Cells
Authors: Yang Fang , Chen Guoxun , Ma Meihu , Qiu Ning , Zhu Lingjiao , Li Jing
Published: March 2018

Phospholipids have been shown to modulate intestinal cholesterol absorption in cells and animals, a process that is regulated by several transporter proteins. Of these proteins, Niemann–Pick C1‐Like 1 (NPC1L1) is a major contributor to this process. The mechanism by which phospholipids modulate cholesterol absorption remains unknown. Here, we evaluate the effects of egg‐yolk phospholipids on cholesterol absorption and transport in human colon carcinoma cell line (Caco‐2 cells) and on the expression of NPC1L1 and others proteins associated with cholesterol absorption (ABCG5, ABCG8, ABCA1, ACAT2, MTP, CAV‐1, ANX‐2). The roles of SREBP‐1 and SREBP‐2 in this process were also investigated. The results show that egg‐yolk sphingomyelin (CerPCho) and phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) inhibit cholesterol transport in the Caco‐2 monolayer in a dose‐dependent manner. These might be due to the decrease of the cholesterol solubility in micelles as well as to the increases in the micellar sizes and the bile acid‐binding capacity. Furthermore, the treatments with egg‐yolk CerPCho or PtdCho at 1.2 mmol/L reduced the expression levels of NPC1L1 protein to 21 or 22%, respectively, and its mRNA to 9 or 31% of that in the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was a general inhibitory effect of egg‐yolk PtdCho and CerPCho on the mRNA levels of SREBP‐1, and SREBP‐2. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of egg‐yolk CerPCho and PtdCho on cholesterol transport might be due to their interference with the physicochemical properties of micelles and their regulations on the expression of the NPC1L1 gene.
Effects of Chain Transfer Agent and Temperature on Branching and β‐Scission in Radical Polymerization of 2‐Ethylhexyl Acrylate
Authors: Lena Jean‐Baptiste , Deschamps Michaël , Sciortino Natasha F. , Masters Sarah L. , Squire Marie A. , Russell Gregory T.
Published: March 2018

Poly(2‐ethylhexyl acrylate) is synthesized by conventional radical bulk polymerization both with and without 1‐dodecane thiol as chain transfer agent (CTA) at temperatures from 4 to 140 °C. Electrospray‐ionization mass spectrometry is used to analyze the polymer. This reveals the occurrence of significant β‐scission at high temperature and confirms the presence of CTA‐capped polymers at all temperatures, as well as combination products from 4 to 65 °C. Subsequent 13C melt‐state NMR analysis allows quantification of branching and β‐scission. Both are reduced when CTA is present, consistent with a “patching” effect. As expected, the amounts of β‐scission and branching increase with synthesis temperature, although β‐scission dominates at the highest temperature. The backbiting rate coefficient of 2‐ethylhexyl acrylate is determined from NMR results, taking β‐scission into account for the first time. Remarkable agreement with literature kbb values is obtained, especially for activation energy. This strongly suggests family‐type behavior for acrylate kbb.
Neuroprotective Effects of Creatine in the CMVMJD135 Mouse Model of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3
Authors: Duarte‐Silva Sara , Neves‐Carvalho Andreia , Soares‐Cunha Carina , Silva Joana M. , Teixeira‐Castro Andreia , Vieira Rita , Silva‐Fernandes Anabela , Maciel Patrícia
Published: March 2018

Background and Objective: Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases. Creatine administration increases concentration of the energy buffer phosphocreatine, exerting protective effects in the brain. We evaluate whether a creatine‐enriched diet would be beneficial for a mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, a genetically defined neurodegenerative disease for which no treatment is available.

Methods: We performed 2 independent preclinical trials using the CMVMJD135 mouse model (treating 2 groups of animals with different disease severity) and wild‐type mice, to which 2% creatine was provided for 19 (preclinical trial 1) or 29 (preclinical trial 2) weeks, starting at a presymptomatic age. Motor behavior was evaluated at several time points from 5 to 34 weeks of age, and neuropathological studies were performed at the end of each trial.

Results: Creatine supplementation led to an overall improvement in the motor phenotype of CMVMJD135 mice in both trials, rescuing motor balance and coordination and also restored brain weight, mitigated astrogliosis, and preserved Calbindin‐positive cells in the cerebellum. Moreover, a reduction of mutant ataxin‐3 aggregates occurred despite maintained steady‐state levels of the protein and the absence of autophagy activation. Creatine treatment also restored the expression of the mitochondrial mass marker Porin and reduced the expression of antioxidant enzymes Heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) and NAD(P)H Quinone Dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), suggesting a beneficial effect at the level of mitochondria and oxidative stress.

Conclusions: Creatine slows disease progression and improves motor dysfunction as well as ameliorates neuropathology of the CMVMJD135 animals, supporting this as a useful strategy to slow the progression of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Medical and surgical management of advanced Parkinson's disease
Authors: Antonini Angelo , Moro Elena , Godeiro Clecio , Reichmann Heinz
Published: March 2018

Advanced Parkinson's disease is characterized by the presence of motor fluctuations, various degree of dyskinesia, and disability with functional impact on activities of daily living and independence. Therapeutic management aims to extend levodopa benefit while minimizing motor complications and includes, in selected cases, the implementation of drug infusion and surgical techniques. In milder forms of motor complications, these can often be controlled with manipulation of levodopa dose and the introduction of supplemental therapies such as catechol‐O‐methyl transferase inhibitors, monoamine oxidase B inhibitors, and dopamine agonists including apomorphine. Clinical experience and evidence from published studies indicate that when these agents cannot satisfactorily control motor complications, patients should be assessed and considered for device‐aided therapies. This review article summarizes some of the newer available therapeutic opportunities such as use of enzyme inhibitors like opicapone and safinamide, adenosine A2A receptor antagonists, apomorphine and levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel infusion, deep brain stimulation including the role of closed‐loop and adaptive stimulation, and MRI‐guided focused ultrasound. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Weak solution to a one‐dimensional full compressible non‐Newtonian fluid
Authors: Fang Li , Kong Xiaojing , Liu Jinjing
Published: March 2018

This paper is devoted to the existence of global‐in‐time weak solutions to a one‐dimensional full compressible non‐Newtonian fluid. A semi‐discrete finite element scheme is taken to generate approximate solutions, based on an exact projection technique. To enforce convergence of the approximate solutions, the uniform estimate is obtained using an iteration method and energy method, with the help of the weak compactness and convexity. Numerical simulations showing the existence of solutions are presented.
A Legendre spectral element method (SEM) based on the modified bases for solving neutral delay distributed‐order fractional damped diffusion‐wave equation
Authors: Dehghan Mehdi , Abbaszadeh Mostafa
Published: March 2018

The main purpose of the current paper is to propose a new numerical scheme based on the spectral element procedure for simulating the neutral delay distributed‐order fractional damped diffusion‐wave equation. To this end, the temporal direction has been discretized by a finite difference formula with convergence order
where 1<α<2. In the next, to obtain a full‐discrete scheme, we apply the spectral finite element method on the spatial direction. Furthermore, the unconditional stability of semidiscrete scheme and convergence order of full‐discrete scheme of new technique are discussed. Finally, 2 test problems have been considered to demonstrate the ability and efficiency of the proposed numerical technique.
The effects of navigator distortion and noise level on interleaved EPI DWI reconstruction: a comparison between image‐ and k‐space‐based method
Authors: Dai Erpeng , Zhang Zhe , Ma Xiaodong , Dong Zijing , Li Xuesong , Xiong Yuhui , Yuan Chun , Guo Hua
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To study the effects of 2D navigator distortion and noise level on interleaved EPI (iEPI) DWI reconstruction, using either the image‐ or k‐space‐based method.

Methods

The 2D navigator acquisition was adjusted by reducing its echo spacing in the readout direction and undersampling in the phase encoding direction. A POCS‐based reconstruction using image‐space sampling function (IRIS) algorithm (POCSIRIS) was developed to reduce the impact of navigator distortion. POCSIRIS was then compared with the original IRIS algorithm and a SPIRiT‐based k‐space algorithm, under different navigator distortion and noise levels.

Results

Reducing the navigator distortion can improve the reconstruction of iEPI DWI. The proposed POCSIRIS and SPIRiT‐based algorithms are more tolerable to different navigator distortion levels, compared to the original IRIS algorithm. SPIRiT may be hindered by low SNR of the navigator.

Conclusion

Multi‐shot iEPI DWI reconstruction can be improved by reducing the 2D navigator distortion. Different reconstruction methods show variable sensitivity to navigator distortion or noise levels. Furthermore, the findings can be valuable in applications such as simultaneous multi‐slice accelerated iEPI DWI and multi‐slab diffusion imaging.
Modeling the Effects of Vital Rate Manipulation and Management Scenarios to Predict the Population Impact of Restoration Programs on an Unrecovered Coastal Population of Striped Bass
Authors: Bradley Caitlin E. , Rice James A. , Aday D. Derek
Published: March 2018

Striped Bass Morone saxatilis have supported important fisheries along the Atlantic coast of North America. However, the species experienced major declines due to overharvest, water quality degradation, and dam construction. Restoration efforts have been successful for specific stocks but unsuccessful for the Striped Bass population in the Neuse River of North Carolina. Ongoing research programs have estimated stage- and source-specific mortality rates to identify mechanisms associated with the lack of recovery of the population. These demographic data are useful; however, they give little insight into the effectiveness of potential restoration programs. To develop effective management strategies, we used estimated mortality rates from the literature to build an age-structured population model. We estimated that if vital rates remained constant, the Neuse River adult Striped Bass population would consist of 18,457 individuals (95% credible interval = 8,176–34,314). We then conducted a life stage simulation analysis to determine the adult population abundance and age structure that would result from a 50% decrease of the following: juvenile and adult natural mortality, recreational discard and harvest, and commercial discard and harvest. Finally, we simulated the potential impacts of six possible management scenarios on population abundance and age structure. We determined that the abundances of adults (age 3+) and older adults (age 6+) were most sensitive to natural mortality of juveniles and adults and next most sensitive to commercial harvest and discard. We further estimated that eliminating all fishing mortality would have the greatest impact on the population and would result in a 26-fold increase in abundance of age-6+ adults. Our results suggest that high mortality rates are preventing the development of a sufficient abundance of adult spawning stock. We recommend that managers use this model to identify the most effective management scenario—given specific goals and constraints—to help increase Striped Bass abundance in the Neuse River.
A survey and classification of controller placement problem in SDN
Authors: Singh Ashutosh Kumar , Srivastava Shashank
Published: March 2018

Software defined networking emerges as a promising paradigm shift that decouples the control plane from the data plane. It has the ability to centrally monitor and control the network through softwarization, ie, controller. Deploying a single controller is inefficient to handle large network traffic; thereby, making multiple controllers are a necessity of current software defined networking in wide area networks. Placing multiple controllers in an optimum way, ie, controller placement is a vibrant research problem. Controller placement problem (CPP) is of twofold: the minimum number of controllers to be placed in a network and locations of these controllers. Numerous researchers in the last 5 years (2012 to November 2017) have proposed solutions for the CPP, which is an NP‐hard problem. In general, solutions are based on objective functions and their optimum solutions considering various factors (such as propagation latency between switches and controllers, and intercontrollers) and constraints (such as the capacity of controllers and switches). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt of state‐of‐the‐art review on CPP. This paper classifies the CPP, critically analyzes the existing solutions, and finds limitations and future scope existing, which will help potential researchers in this area to innovate new solutions for CPP lying on this information.
Association between rs2275913 single‐nucleotide polymorphism of the interleukin‐17A gene and perioperative analgesic use in cosmetic orthognathic surgery
Authors: Ohka Seii , Nishizawa Daisuke , Hasegawa Junko , Takahashi Kaori , Nakayama Kyoko , Ebata Yuko , Fukuda Ken‐ichi , Ikeda Kazutaka
Published: March 2018

Aim

Interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) plays an essential role in tissue inflammation by inducing proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production and is related to innate immune reactions. IL‐17A also contributes to neuroinflammation, neuropathic pain, and mechanical hypersensitivity after peripheral nerve injury in rodents. To clarify the contribution of IL‐17A to pain‐related phenotypes in humans, we investigated the association between pain‐related phenotypes and the rs2275913 single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the IL‐17A gene, which has been reported to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and some cancers.

Methods

The present study used a correlational design to examine the impact of the rs2275913 SNP on postoperative pain‐related phenotypes in a group of patients who underwent cosmetic orthognathic surgery.

Results

Carriers of the AA genotype had higher opioid requirements during and after surgery than carriers of the AG and GG genotypes (P = .009). Linear regression analysis indicated that opioid requirements linearly increased as the copy number of the A allele of the SNP increased (P = .008).

Conclusions

Opioid requirements during and after surgery are enhanced in carriers of the AA genotype of the rs2275913 SNP of the IL‐17A gene, possibly through an enhancement of IL‐17A function that induces inflammation that is related to the inflammatory pain stimulus.
Comparative analysis of palmitoylation sites of serotonin (5‐HT) receptors in vertebrates
Authors: Kaizuka Toshie , Hayashi Takashi
Published: March 2018

Background

In the vertebrate central nervous system as well as in the periphery, serotonin, also known as 5‐hydroxytriptamine (5‐HT), function as a neurotransmitter, a hormone or a mitogen. 5‐HT receptors are composed of 7 family 5‐HT1‐7 receptors, comprising of 14 structurally and pharmacologically distinct 5‐HT receptor subtypes. Previous experimental studies showed that mouse 5‐HT1A, 5‐HT4 and 5‐HT7 receptors are regulated by post‐translational protein palmitoylation, the reversible attachment of the lipid palmitate to intracellular cysteine residues. Here, we further focused on conservation of these putative palmitoylation sites found in vertebrate 5‐HT receptor orthologs.

Methods and Results

Analysis of sequence databases provides evidence to suggest that palmitoylation sites of these 5‐HT receptors have been extremely conserved in the vertebrate lineages from jawless fishes to human, in spite of the divergence of 5‐HT1A, 5‐HT4 or 5‐HT7 receptors full‐length amino acid sequences during molecular evolution.

Conclusion

Our findings mean that dynamic regulation of 5‐HT receptors made possible by reversible post‐translational protein palmitoylation may be critical for refined functions of the vertebrate serotonergic systems.
Introducing graphene thin films into carbon fiber composite structures for lightning strike protection
Authors: Kumar Sachin S.A. , Uddin Md. Nizam , Rahman Muhammad M. , Asmatulu Ramazan
Published: March 2018

The research and development of graphene and graphene‐based materials have been significantly increasing since they were invented. However, in many industries, the applications of graphene nanoflakes are still few, compared with other materials. This study presents the fabrication of highly conductive graphene thin film (GTF) papers to reduce the possible damage of lightning strikes on composite structures. Three concepts were presented in this project: (1) fabrication of a highly conductive functionalized nanosize GTF, (2) incorporation of the GTF into carbon fiber‐reinforced composite panels, and (3) introduction of 3D stitching concepts into composite structures to protect against the effects of lightning strikes. Experimental studies have shown that the highest electrical and thermal conductivity values measured on GTF papers are approximately 1,800 S/cm and 425 W/m.K, respectively. After GTF was incorporated into the carbon fiber‐reinforced composites, some delamination was observed between the GTF and the composite. Therefore, the 3D stitching concept was introduced to reduce this delamination. Four stitch configurations with different stitch lengths, thread‐to‐thread thicknesses, thread tensions, and thread thicknesses were used. Then, tensile tests were carried out on the prepared unidirectional fiber composite test coupons. Although the delamination was completely eliminated, tensile strength on some of the test configurations was reduced. This study will be useful in increasing the electrical and thermal conductivity values of composite surfaces in aircraft and wind energy industries. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E517–E525, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Unusual twinning: Additional findings during prenatal diagnosis of twin zygosity by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array
Authors: Zou Zhiyong , Huang Linhuan , Lin Shaobin , He Zhiming , Luo Yanmin
Published: March 2018

Objective

To evaluate the incidence and characteristics of unusual twinning by using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array to identify twin zygosity.

Methods

This study reviewed 386 twin pairs who were seen for prenatal or postnatal diagnosis and underwent SNP array to detect zygosity.

Results

The incidence of monozygotic (MZ) twins was 11.36% (25/220) in the assisted reproductive technology (ART)‐conceived group. Monochorionic dizygotic twins represented 3 of 24 monochorionic ART‐conceived twin pairs (3/24, 12.50%) but none in the spontaneous twin pairs. Among 4 single‐embryo transfer twin pairs, 3 represented unusual twinning, including 2 MZ twin pairs with discordant karyotypes and 1 dizygotic twin pair of the same gender. Of the pregnancies with 2 or more embryos transferred, 7.77% (15/193) were MZ. Additionally, there was a dichorionic monozygotic twin pair with placental vascular anastomoses from a day‐5 blastocyst transfer.

Conclusion

Single nucleotide polymorphism array can provide zygosity diagnosis in addition to chromosomal copy number variation and uniparental disomy detection. ART twin pregnancies have a risk of unusual twinning, such as monochorionic dizygotic, single‐embryo transfer twin pairs with discordant karyotypes or dizygotic, and dichorionic monozygotic with vascular anastomoses from day‐5 transfer.
Dielectric and rheological study of the molecular dynamics during the cure of an epoxy resin
Authors: Chaloupka Alexander , Pflock Tobias , Horny Robert , Rudolph Natalie , Horn Siegfried R.
Published: March 2018

Composite manufacturing is currently one of the most challenging processes for industrial lightweight applications. To date, the process conditions for polymer‐based composite manufacturing are evaluated by laboratory measurements: usually, the flow behavior and the curing of the polymer matrix material are characterized by rheology and quality assurance is performed by thermo‐physical analysis in postprocess measurements. In contrast a dielectric in‐mold sensor offers the possibility to measure the real‐time behavior of the polymer during processing. This study focuses on the correlation of simultaneous rheological and dielectric measurements on Hexcel RTM6 using a coupled setup of both techniques. For dielectric measurements a reusable in‐mold sensor was used and a calibration, taking into account the cable response, was performed. The results show good agreement with respect to glass‐transition temperature and the gel‐point. This can be understood by the fluctuation–dissipation theorem that explicitly relates molecular dynamics to the macromolecular mechanical properties under dynamic time‐dependent load. Furthermore, it was found that the dynamic viscosity can directly be related to the electrical conductivity. This proves the high potential of dielectric analysis as online‐capable technique for material characterization during composite manufacturing. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys.2018,56, 907–913
Relationship between individual and family characteristics and psychosocial factors in persons with familial pancreatic cancer
Authors: Underhill Meghan , Hong Fangxin , Lawrence Janette , Blonquist Traci , Syngal Sapna
Published: March 2018

Objective

Describe relationships between self‐reported personal demographics or familial characteristics and psychosocial outcomes (Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Global Health, Impact of Event Scale‐Revised [pancreatic cancer risk–related distress], cancer risk perception, and cancer worry) in participants with inherited or familial pancreatic cancer risk.

Methods

A multisite cross sectional survey of adults with elevated pancreatic cancer risk based on family history. All variables were summarized with descriptive statistics. To assess univariate associations, t test and chi‐square/Fisher's exact test were used, and backward model selection was used in multivariable analysis.

Results

Respondents (N = 132) reported moderate to high frequency of cancer worry and 59.3% perceived a 50% or more perceived lifetime risk for pancreatic cancer, which far exceeds objective risk estimates. Cancer worry was associated with female gender (P = .03) and pancreatic cancer risk specific distress (P = .05). Higher‐risk perception was associated with having a high school education or less (P = .001), higher distress (P = .02), and cancer worry (P = .008) and family cancer death experience (P = .02). Higher distress was associated with experience as a caregiver to a seriously ill family member in the past 5 years (P = .006).

Conclusions

Individuals with inherited or familial pancreatic cancer risk experience cancer worry, distress, and have increased risk perception, particularly in the period following caring for a loved one with cancer. Routine evaluation of distress in this setting, as well as the development of supportive care resources, will help support patients living with risk for pancreatic cancer.
An ecological perspective on managing weeds during the great selection for herbicide resistance
Authors: Bagavathiannan Muthukumar V , Davis Adam S
Published: March 2018

More than 70 years after modern agriculture declared a ‘war on weeds’, they continue to thrive and suppress crop yields. Viewing weeds as an enemy that can be defeated if only a powerful enough technology can be deployed is a losing proposition. The latest evidence for the inadequacy of this approach, rampant evolution of multiple herbicide‐resistant weed genotypes and dwindling options for chemical control in many production systems, should be seen as an urgent message to all those concerned with the science and practice of weed management: we need another way of thinking about the weed resistance issue. Fortunately, the theoretical and practical foundation of this alternative approach, ecological weed management, has been in development for decades. Here, we use Barry Commoner's laws of ecology as a conceptual frame for a review of some of the fundamental concepts of ecological weed management. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Investigation of Boron Containing AlN and AlGaN Layers Grown by MOVPE
Authors: Rettig Oliver , Scholz Jan‐Patrick , Steiger Natja , Bauer Sebastian , Hubáček Tomáš , Zíková Markéta , Li Yueliang , Qi Haoyuan , Biskupek Johannes , Kaiser Ute , Thonke Klaus , Scholz Ferdinand
Published: March 2018

In this work we investigate the epitaxial growth of boron containing (Al,Ga)N layers and superlattices for applications in the active region of UV‐LEDs. For AlBN layers containing 5% of boron as quantified by secondary ion mass spectrometry, columnar growth has been observed. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies revealed B‐lean, crystalline columns, separated by highly boron containing amorphous intermediate regions. However, in the first few nanometers of AlBN growth, no evidence of columnar growth can be found. Indeed, first layers of AlBGaN/AlN superlattice stacks do not show any sign of columnar growth. However, for increasing thickness, 3D‐like growth develops through formation of pyramidal structures. TEM‐based selective area electron diffraction analysis does not show evidence of lattice tilting, proving that the observed inclined facets are not a result of lattice twinning. Thin AlBGaN layers with different thickness containing 1% boron show similar photoluminescence (PL) spectra with slightly reduced intensity as compared to similar B‐free AlGaN layers. Although small grainy structures develop and increase in density for AlBGaN layers with a thickness of 10 nm and more, the PL intensity increases steadily with layer thickness, showing that these grains do not drastically deteriorate their luminescence properties.
Identification of the acid‐induced degradation products of omeprazole and 5‐hydroxyomeprazole by high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Roberts Joanne , McNaughtan Moyra L. , MacLachlan John , Hunter Colin , Pahl Ole
Published: March 2018

Rationale

Omeprazole is used to treat gastric disorders and is one of the most commonly consumed drugs in the western world. It forms several metabolites but is mostly excreted unchanged and as 5‐hydroxyomeprazole. Since omeprazole is widely prescribed, its excretion from the body has a potential environmental effect. After excretion it will enter the wastewater system and if not adequately removed during wastewater treatment will be discharged into rivers in the wastewater effluent. It is important to consider not only the parent drug, but also the main metabolite (5‐hydroxyomeprazole) and their degradation products to fully understand the fate of this drug during wastewater treatment. In order to do this potential degradation products need to be determined.

Methods

Acid was used to artificially accelerate the degradation of omeprazole and 5‐hydroxyomeprazole. A Q‐Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometer with an electrospray ionisation source was used to determine precursor and product ion data for the degradation products.

Results

Both starting materials quickly degrade under acidic conditions and the main degradation product formed in each case was a re‐arranged monomer. Other species identified were doubly and singly charged dimers with varying numbers of sulphur atoms in the dimer bridge. Careful inspection of the accurate mass, isotope pattern, isotope abundance and product ion spectra was used to interpret the data.

Conclusions

The resultant degradants from omeprazole and 5‐hydroxyomeprazole were analogous to each other, differing only by an oxygen atom. This investigation determined the degradation products of omeprazole and 5‐hydroxyomeprazole and proposed structures based on the accurate mass and isotope information. The product ions from the degradation products are also reported.
Clinical outcomes of assisted reproductive technology treatment by using a self‐injection of recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin as the final maturation trigger
Authors: Nakagawa Koji , Oba Midori , Ehara Kaori , Ishigaki Nozomi , Ino Nao , Itakura Akiko , Tsutsumi Ryo , Nakao Katsuki , Ojiro Yuko , Sugiyama Rikikazu
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of self‐injections of the prefilled recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin (r‐hCG) in a syringe in assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment for the maturation trigger (MT), as compared to self‐injections of conventional hCG and intranasal administration of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist (GnRH‐a).

Methods

Between January and April, 2017, 396 patients who underwent oocyte retrieval were recruited. Of these, 396 patients were classified into three groups, according to the types of MT: (1) the urinary human chorionic gonadotropin (u‐hCG) group that consisted of patients who had a self‐injection of u‐hCG (n = 127); (2) the GnRH‐a group that received nasal administration of GnRH‐a (n = 159); and (3) the r‐hCG group that had a self‐injection of r‐hCG (n = 110). Several ART outcomes were evaluated.

Results

The mature oocyte retrieval rate was not different between the u‐hCG, r‐hCG, and GnRH‐a groups and the fertilization and cleavage rates were similar between the three groups. The clinical pregnancy rates did not significantly differ between the GnRH‐a group and the u‐hCG group; however, it was significantly lower in the GnRH‐a group, compared to the r‐hCG group. No difference was observed in the incidence of moderate or more severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome among the three groups.

Conclusion

The self‐injection of the prefilled r‐hCG is a favorable MT for ART patients.
Robust adaptive attitude control for flexible spacecraft in the presence of SGCMG friction nonlinearity
Authors: Wang Lu , Zhong Chenxing , Guo Yu , Wu Yifei , Guo Jian
Published: March 2018

This paper investigates attitude maneuver control issues of a flexible spacecraft with pyramid‐type single gimbaled control moment gyroscopes (SGCMGs) as the actuator. The LuGre friction model is adopted to precisely describe the nonlinearity of the SGCMG gimbal friction. Aiming at restraining the adverse effects of the friction existed in SGCMG on the attitude control performance, a robust adaptive attitude controller is proposed, and projection‐based adaptive laws are presented to estimate the friction parametric uncertainties and the bound of friction nonlinearity. By treating the flexible mode coupling effect and external disturbances as lump disturbances, the inertia uncertainties and the bound of the lump disturbances are also estimated and compensated simultaneously to reduce their adverse effect on the system. With the Lyapunov technique, the states of flexible spacecraft control system are proved to be uniformly ultimately bounded. Numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Convenient extraction method for quantification of thin zinc patina layers
Authors: Saarimaa Ville , Kaleva Aaretti , Paunikallio Teemu , Nikkanen Juha‐Pekka , Heinonen Saara , Levänen Erkki , Väisänen Pasi , Markkula Antti
Published: March 2018

Synthetic zinc patina was grown on galvanized steel sheets in supercritical carbon dioxide atmosphere. Different patina compounds were dissolved and quantified using a stepwise immersion and dissolution procedure. The distinct patina components, namely anhydrous zinc carbonate (a dense layer adjacent to metallic zinc) and zinc hydroxy carbonate (nanowires on the surface), were dissolved in glycine solutions, followed by quantification of Zn2+ in the solutes by X‐ray fluorescence. The zinc hydroxy carbonate nanowires were readily glycine soluble, and the anhydrous zinc carbonate showed scarce glycine solubility, which enabled their selective quantification. The amount of the remaining (anhydrous) zinc carbonate after glycine extraction was determined from the glycine‐soluble zinc oxide after calcination (heat treatment for 10 minutes at 350°C). The results were verified by scanning electron microscopy imaging and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements.