bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
European Pain Federation (EFIC) position paper on appropriate use of cannabis‐based medicines and medical cannabis for chronic pain management
Authors: Häuser Winfried , Finn David P. , Kalso Eija , Krcevski‐Skvarc Nevenka , Kress Hans‐Georg , Morlion Bart , Perrot Serge , Schäfer Michael , Wells Chris , Brill Silviu
Published: August 2018

Cannabis‐based medicines are being approved for pain management in an increasing number of European countries. There are uncertainties and controversies on the role and appropriate use of cannabis‐based medicines for the management of chronic pain. EFIC convened a European group of experts, drawn from a diverse range of basic science and relevant clinical disciplines, to prepare a position paper to empower and inform specialist and nonspecialist prescribers on appropriate use of cannabis‐based medicines for chronic pain. The expert panel reviewed the available literature and harnessed the clinical experience to produce these series of recommendations. Therapy with cannabis‐based medicines should only be considered by experienced clinicians as part of a multidisciplinary treatment and preferably as adjunctive medication if guideline‐recommended first‐ and second‐line therapies have not provided sufficient efficacy or tolerability. The quantity and quality of evidence are such that cannabis‐based medicines may be reasonably considered for chronic neuropathic pain. For all other chronic pain conditions (cancer, non‐neuropathic noncancer pain), the use of cannabis‐based medicines should be regarded as an individual therapeutic trial. Realistic goals of therapy have to be defined. All patients must be kept under close clinical surveillance. As with any other medical therapy, if the treatment fails to reach the predefined goals and/or the patient is additionally burdened by an unacceptable level of adverse effects and/or there are signs of abuse and misuse of the drug by the patient, therapy with cannabis‐based medicines should be terminated.

Significance

This position paper provides expert recommendations for nonspecialist and specialist healthcare professionals in Europe, on the importance and the appropriate use of cannabis‐based medicines as part of a multidisciplinary approach to pain management, in properly selected and supervised patients.
A carbon nanoparticles‐based solid‐phase purification method facilitating sensitive MALDI–MS analysis of permethylated N‐glycans
Authors: Zhong Jieqiang , Banazadeh Alireza , Peng Wenjing , Mechref Yehia
Published: August 2018

In recent decades, MALDI–MS has been extensively used for the analysis of glycans. However, native glycans usually have low ionization efficiency in MS, which hinders the direct analysis. Permethylation of glycans is a solution for this issue, but a significant amount of salt is introduced during this process, which can further suppress the MS signals. Thus, it is necessary to purify the glycans prior to MALDI–MS analysis. In this study, we developed a carbon nanoparticles‐based solid‐phase purification method to enable direct MALDI–MS analysis of permethylated glycans. Two carbon nanomaterials, carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) and graphene nanosheets (GNs), and two conventional carbon materials, activated charcoal and porous graphitic carbon (PGC), were investigated as sorbents to purify permethylated N‐glycans derived from ribonuclease B and fetuin. The results confirmed the superior performance of CNPs over the other carbon materials. Additionally, our method was also employed to purify glycans released from human sera in different esophageal disease stages. The obtained data confirmed 16 and 18 structures in adenocarcinoma and Barret's sera with significantly different relative intensities versus disease‐free sera. Comparing the performance of CNPs‐based solid‐phase purification method employed in this study to online purification suggested more than 97% recovery rate. The results of this study demonstrate that CNPs have the potential to be a better alternative to existing solid‐phase purification sorbents.
A digest of capillary electrophoretic methods applied to lipid analyzes
Authors: Poinsot Véréna , Ta Hai Yen , Meang Varravaddheay Ong , Perquis Lucie , Gavard Pierre , Pipy Bernard , Couderc François
Published: August 2018

Lipids are naturally occurring organic compounds that can be classified into a number of types based on their solubility in nonpolar organic solvents, and are generally insoluble in water. The great structural variety of these various types of lipids has led them to be components of many different biological substances such as oils, waxes, cellular membranes, tissues and biological fluids. The use of capillary electrophoresis (CE) for the study of lipids during the past 30 years has been relatively rare when compared to its use for other classes of biomolecules, primarily due to their insolubility in water. However, a number of interesting studies have been conducted, and as part of this review, we will present the different approaches that were used, which mainly consist of micellar kinetic chromatography and non‐aqueous CE. The main advantages of the use of these techniques compared to GC is the very simple sample preparation that is required and, compared to LC, the very robust and quick separations that can be obtained. In this review, we present the various methods that have been reported in the literature that have been used for the study of fatty acids, phospholipids, glycerides, eicosanoids and sterols, with the inclusion of various tables presenting descriptions of the CE methods used as well as the methods of detection, including UV absorbance, fluorescence, mass spectrometry, and conductivity. This review aims to demonstrate that CE can be easily used for the analysis of lipids.
Caloric Effects in Ferroic Materials: New Concepts for Cooling
Authors: Fähler Sebastian
Published: August 2018

Refrigeration is one of the primary uses for electrical energy and an important contributor to worldwide CO2 emissions. Both of these issues can be mitigated if caloric effects in solid materials are fully utilized. In particular, materials with ferroic phase transitions, which give rise to magneto‐, electro‐, and elasto‐caloric effects, are promising candidates. Because these refrigerants are in the solid state, the corresponding cooling technology also eliminates the need for halo‐carbon refrigerants with high global warming potential. This Special Issue gives an overview on recent breakthroughs in the research on magnetocaloric, elastocaloric, and electrocaloric materials and their implementation in more efficient cooling devices, as obtained within the German Priority Program Ferroic Cooling (SPP 1599). As a brief introduction to the in‐depth Reviews and Full Papers included in the Special Issue, a ferroic cooling cycle is sketched and the influences of magnetic, electric, and stress fields on ferroic materials are summarized in this Editorial.
Operational Stability of a LOHC‐Based Hot Pressure Swing Reactor for Hydrogen Storage
Authors: Jorschick H. , Dürr S. , Preuster P. , Bösmann A. , Wasserscheid P.
Published: August 2018

Apart from hydrogen logistics, stationary hydrogen storage applications using Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) systems are also of significant interest. In contrast to the traditional use of separate hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactors, our so‐called oneReactor technology offers the advantages of a simpler storage unit layout and high dynamics in switching from hydrogen charging to hydrogen release. Here we report repeated hydrogenation and dehydrogenation cycles with one batch of liquid carrier for LOHC stability tests under defined hydrogenation and dehydrogenation conditions. We demonstrate up to 13 hydrogenation/dehydrogenation cycles over a total of 405 h of operation including two long dehydrogenation sequences over weekends. In general, longer dehydrogenation runs, i. e. exposure of the LOHC to catalyst at low hydrogen pressure and elevated temperatures (>280 °C), showed negative effects on both activity of the subsequent cycles and by‐product formation. Concerning catalyst activity and hydrogen productivity, stable productivity was achieved (within 3 to 9 cycles) under all conditions tested. Longer hydrogenation runs led to significantly higher stability of the reaction system.
Nitrogen‐Decorated Porous Carbon Supported AgPd Nanoparticles for Boosting Hydrogen Generation from Formic Acid
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Shang Ningzhao , Shang Honglin , Du Tianxing , Zhou Xin , Feng Cheng , Gao Shutao , Wang Chun , Wang Zhi
Published: August 2018

Formic acid (FA) decomposition to yield molecular H2 is a promising approach in hydrogen economy. Design of selective, efficient catalysts for dehydrogenation of formic acid remains a challenging topic. Here, nitrogen‐doped porous carbon (NPC) nanosheets were fabricated with glucose as carbon source and g‐C3N4 as both the nitrogen source and self‐sacrificial template. Highly dispersed AgPd nanoparticles were supported on NPC successfully by a simple liquid impregnation approach. The optimized catalyst Ag1Pd9@NPC exhibits high catalytic activity (total turnover frequency up to 3000 h−1) and 100 % hydrogen selectivity for the dehydrogenation reaction of FA at 50 °C. Our study demonstrated that the synergistic effects between the nitrogen‐doped carbon nanosheets support and AgPd nanoparticles play a pivotal role for the efficient catalytic dehydrogenation of formic acid.
Cellular antiseizure mechanisms of everolimus in pediatric tuberous sclerosis complex, cortical dysplasia, and non–mTOR‐mediated etiologies
Authors: Cepeda Carlos , Levinson Simon , Yazon Vannah‐Wila , Barry Joshua , Mathern Gary W. , Fallah Aria , Vinters Harry V. , Levine Michael S. , Wu Joyce Y.
Published: August 2018

The present study was designed to examine the potential cellular antiseizure mechanisms of everolimus, a mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway blocker, in pediatric epilepsy cases. Cortical tissue samples obtained from pediatric patients (n = 11, ages 0.67–6.75 years) undergoing surgical resections for the treatment of their pharmacoresistant epilepsy were examined electrophysiologically in ex vivo slices. The cohort included mTOR‐mediated pathologies (tuberous sclerosis complex [TSC] and severe cortical dysplasia [CD]) as well as non–mTOR‐mediated pathologies (tumor and perinatal infarct). Bath application of everolimus (2 μm) had practically no effect on spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic activity. In contrast, long‐term application of everolimus reduced spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic activity, burst discharges induced by blockade of γ‐aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptors, and epileptiform activity generated by 4‐aminopyridine, a K+ channel blocker. The antiseizure effects were more pronounced in TSC and CD cases, whereas in non–mTOR‐mediated pathologies, the effects were subtle at best. These results support further clinical trials of everolimus in mTOR pathway–mediated pathologies and emphasize that the effects require sustained exposure over time.
Optimal design and seismic performance of tuned mass damper inerter (TMDI) for structures with nonlinear base isolation systems
Authors: De Domenico Dario , Ricciardi Giuseppe
Published: August 2018

The tuned mass damper inerter (TMDI) couples the classical tuned mass damper (TMD) with an inerter, a mechanical device whose generated force is proportional to the relative acceleration between its terminals, thus providing beneficial mass‐amplification effects. This paper deals with a dynamic layout in which the TMDI is installed below the isolation floor of base‐isolated structures in order to enhance the earthquake resilience and reduce the displacement demand. Unlike most of the literature studies that assumed a linearized behavior of the isolators, the aim of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of the TMDI while accounting for the nonlinearity of the isolators. Two nonlinear constitutive behaviors are considered, a Coulomb friction model and a Bouc‐Wen hysteretic model, representative of friction pendulum and of lead‐rubber‐bearing isolators, respectively. Optimal design is based on the stochastic dynamic analysis of the system, by modeling the base acceleration as a Kanai‐Tajimi filtered stationary random process and resorting to the stochastic linearization technique to handle the nonlinear terms. Different tuning criteria based on displacement, acceleration, and energy‐based performance indices are defined, and their implications in a design process are discussed. It is proven that the improved robustness of the TMDI reduces its performance sensitivity to the tuning frequency and to the earthquake frequency content, which are well‐known shortcomings of TMD‐like systems. This important feature makes the TMDI particularly suitable for nonlinear base‐isolated structures that are affected by unavoidable uncertainties in the isolators' properties and that may experience changes of isolators effective stiffness depending on the excitation level.
Landslide shape, ellipticity and length‐to‐width ratios
Authors: Taylor Faith E. , Malamud Bruce D. , Witt Annette , Guzzetti Fausto
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a new methodology to systematically quantify the shape of landslides by their ellipticity (eL) and length‐to‐width ratio (ΛL), along with variability in these measures over different geomorphic settings. Two large substantially complete triggered‐event landslide inventories (source area and runout) are used: (i) 11 111 earthquake‐triggered landslides (1994 Northridge, USA); and (ii) 9594 rainfall‐triggered landslides (1998, Guatemala). Three methods are trialled to abstract landslide shapes to ellipses. The best method fits a convex hull to each landslide shape, approximates an ellipse with the equivalent convex hull area and perimeter, and scales this ellipse to match the original landslide area. An ellipticity index (eL) is used based on the intersection of the original landslide shape and the elliptical approximation. We consider an ellipse a reasonable approximation of landslide shape if eL ≥ 0.5 (>80% of landslides in each of the two landslide inventories). Landslides with eL < 0.5 reflect processes such as coalescence. We calculate for each landslide an ellipse length‐to‐width ratio (ΛE), finding 1.2 ≤ ΛE ≤ 15.1. The statistical distributions of ΛE are examined for ten categories of landslide area (AL). An inverse‐Gamma probability density function is found to be a good statistical model for landslide ΛE, with model parameters dependent on landslide area category. As landslide area AL increases, ΛE tends to decrease for the Northridge (earthquake‐triggered) inventory and increase for Guatemala (rainfall‐triggered). In three additional (rainfall‐triggered) landslide inventories, ΛE trends are similar to Guatemala. Our findings show that (i) an ellipse is a reasonable model for >80% of landslide shapes across different geomorphic settings, (ii) those landslides significantly deviating from an ellipse can be related to landscape processes, (iii) the length‐to‐width ratios of ellipses are non‐normally distributed, with implications for modelling landslide hazard and risk. Supporting information includes code so that the new methodology may be applied more widely. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selenium dynamics in headwater streams of the central Appalachian coalfield
Authors: Whitmore Keridwen M. , Schoenholtz Stephen H. , Soucek David J. , Hopkins William A. , Zipper Carl E.
Published: August 2018

Coal mining can cause selenium (Se) contamination in US Appalachian streams, but linkages between water-column Se concentrations and Se bioaccumulation within Appalachian headwater streams have rarely been quantified. Using elevated specific conductance (SC) in stream water as an indicator of mining influence, we evaluated relationships between SC and Se concentrations in macroinvertebrates and examined dynamics of Se bioaccumulation in headwater streams. Twenty-three Appalachian streams were categorized into 3 stream types based on SC measurements: 1) reference streams with no coal-mining history; 2) mining-influenced, high-SC streams; and 3) mining-influenced, low-SC streams. Selenium concentrations in macroinvertebrates exhibited strong positive associations with both SC and dissolved Se concentrations in stream water. At 3 streams of each type, we further collected water, particulate matter (sediment, biofilm, leaf detritus), and macroinvertebrates and analyzed them for Se during 2 seasons. Enrichment, trophic transfer, and bioaccumulation factors were calculated and compared among stream types. Particulate matter and macroinvertebrates in mining-influenced streams accumulated high Se concentrations relative to reference streams. Concentrations were found at levels indicating Se to be a potential environmental stressor to aquatic life. Most Se enrichment, trophic transfer, and bioaccumulation factors were independent of season. Enrichment factors for biofilm and sediments and bioaccumulation factors for macroinvertebrate predators varied negatively with water-column Se. Our results increase scientific understanding of Se bioaccumulation processes in Appalachian headwater streams. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2714–2726. © 2018 SETAC
Service disruption index (SDI): A novel user perspective reliability indicator for modern virtual service networks
Authors: The Wut Yee Thiri , Wipusitwarakun Komwut
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we propose a service‐independent, user‐perspective reliability analysis index for the modern virtual service networks to quantify the magnitude of failure impacts in terms of actual user‐perceived value. If a virtual service network encounters failures, it will generate disruptions to the demand traffic. The proposed algorithm observes these disrupted demand flows and then maps that value to the overall network reliability. Comparative analysis and simulation results show that our proposed method is suitable for reliability evaluation in modern virtual service networks and can provide acceptable accuracy. Consequently, it can be used by service providers as a reliability indicator to monitor the application‐specific reliability for each virtual service network.
Fire safety of FAÇADES with polystyrene foam insulation
Authors: Hofmann Anja , Kaudelka Sven , Hauswaldt Sebastian
Published: August 2018

As part of energy‐efficient renovations or for the construction of new buildings often external thermal insulation composite (ETIC) are used. In 2015, in Germany almost 37 million square meters were installed. But several fires involving ETIC systems with polystyrene foam (EPS) insulation in Germany led to an extensive discussion about fire safety of such systems. A collection initiated by the Frankfurt fire service of façade fires which include polystyrene insulation foam shows that more than two thirds of all reported fires started in front of buildings. In half of these fires burning waste containers were the first burning objects. Consequently, German building authorities called for tests of existing approved ETIC systems with EPS insulation in a fire scenario representing a burning waste container. As these tests revealed weaknesses in the existing ETIC systems measures were introduced to enhance the systems. However, the recently introduced German test standard DIN 4102‐20 does not take these changes into account. The DIN test represents a fire where flames emerge an opening but is downscaled regarding the size of the fire load and therefore does not represent a fully developed fire in a room. In ETIC systems with EPS insulation, the render is an important factor for the fire performance of these systems as collapse of the render usually leads to very rapid fire development. Intermediate scale tests with ETICs specimens indicate that mechanical damages of the render weaken the system significantly. Challenges and possible measures to enhance fire safety of ETIC systems are discussed.
Imperiled Species Policy Is a Critical Issue for AFS
Authors: Shirey Patrick D , Roulson Leanne H , Bigford Thomas E
Published: August 2018

The American Fisheries Society (AFS) has a long history of scientific, management, and policy interests in the U.S. Endangered Species Act and other federal, tribal, state, provincial, and international laws pertaining to imperiled species. For decades, AFS has hosted technical sessions, developed policy, and participated in critical discussions pertaining to imperiled species conservation. For this reason, the AFS leadership elected to update the Societys three policy statements on imperiled species, which are no longer official under AFS bylaws because they expired as official AFS policy in 1987, 1993, and 1999. As part of the effort to update, here we (1) review the elements of imperilment, (2) present the history of AFS engagement on imperiled species policy issues, and (3) set the goals to update this policy and the AFS policy process moving forward. Our intent is to launch a dialogue that leads to an AFS policy statement on imperiled species, supported by primary literature, that can be updated with minor revisions every five years.
The effect of organized breast cancer screening on mammography use: Evidence from France
Authors: Buchmueller Thomas C. , Goldzahl Léontine
Published: August 2018

In 2004, France introduced a national program of organized breast cancer screening. The national program built on preexisting local programs in some, but not all, départements. Using data from multiple waves of a nationally representative biennial survey of the French population, we estimate the effect of organized screening on the percentage of women obtaining a mammogram. The analysis uses difference‐in‐differences methods to exploit the fact that the program was targeted at women in a specific age group: 50 to 74 years old. We find that organized screening significantly raised mammography rates among women in the target age range. Just above the lower age threshold, the percentage of women reporting that they had a mammogram in the past 2 years increased by over 10 percentage points after the national program went into effect. Mammography rates increased even more among women in their 60s. Estimated effects are particularly large for women with less education and lower incomes, suggesting that France's organized screening program has reduced socioeconomic disparities in access to mammography.
Gut and Liver B Cells of Common Clonal Origin in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis–Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Chung Brian K. , Henriksen Eva Kristine Klemsdal , Jørgensen Kristin Kaasen , Karlsen Tom H. , Hirschfield Gideon M. , Liaskou Evaggelia
Published: August 2018

B cells express an antigen‐specific B‐cell receptor (BCR) and may contribute to liver inflammation by recognizing shared antigens in the gut and liver. Herein, we used high‐throughput BCR sequencing of the immunoglobulin heavy chain, specifically the complementarity‐determining region 3 (CDR3), to characterize the B‐cell repertoire of freshly‐frozen paired gut and liver tissue samples from patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and concurrent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (PSC‐IBD, n = 10) and paired formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tumor‐adjacent normal colon and liver tissue from patients with colorectal liver metastases (controls, n = 10). We observed significantly greater numbers of B cells (P < 0.01) and unique B‐cell clonotypes (P < 0.05) in gut samples compared to liver samples of patients with PSC‐IBD, whereas BCR sequences in FFPE normal gut and liver samples were nearly absent (14 ± 5 clonotypes; mean ± SD; n = 20). In PSC‐IBD, an average of 8.3% (range, 1.6%‐18.0%) of B‐cell clonotypes were found to overlap paired gut and liver samples following the exclusion of memory clonotypes reported in the blood of healthy controls. Overlapping gut and liver clonotypes showed stronger evidence of antigen‐driven activation compared to non‐overlapping clonotypes, including shorter CDR3 lengths and higher counts of somatic hypermutation (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: A proportion of gut and liver B cells originate from a common clonal origin (i.e., likely to recognize the same antigen) in patients with PSC which suggests B‐cell antigens are shared across the gut–liver axis. (Hepatology Communications 2018; 00:000‐000)
Liver Fibrosis Is Associated With Corrected QT Prolongation During Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir Treatment for Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Tahata Yuki , Sakamori Ryotaro , Urabe Ayako , Morishita Naoki , Yamada Ryoko , Yakushijin Takayuki , Hiramatsu Naoki , Doi Yoshinori , Kaneko Akira , Hagiwara Hideki , Yamada Yukinori , Hijioka Taizo , Inada Masami , Tamura Shinji , Imai Yasuharu , Furuta Kunimaro , Kodama Takahiro , Hikita Hayato , Tatsumi Tomohide , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: August 2018

Combination treatment of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) is first‐line treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 in the United States, Europe, and Japan. However, the influence of LDV/SOF on the cardiovascular system is poorly characterized. A total of 470 chronic hepatitis C patients who started LDV/SOF treatment between September 2015 and February 2016 at nine hospitals in Japan were prospectively enrolled in this study. Corrected QT (QTc) prolongation was defined as a QTc interval ≥450 milliseconds. The sustained virologic response rate was 96.0% (451/470), and the discontinuance rate due to adverse effects was 0.9% (4/470). Among 395 patients whose electrocardiogram was evaluated over time and compared with baseline, the QTc interval was significantly prolonged during treatment and returned to baseline levels 12 weeks after the end of treatment. Twenty‐four of 376 patients with baseline QTc intervals <450 milliseconds experienced on‐treatment QTc prolongation. Higher aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index scores (≥0.76; odds ratio, 4.375; P = 0.005) and longer QTc intervals (≥416 milliseconds; odds ratio, 4.823; P = 0.003) at baseline were significantly associated with on‐treatment QTc prolongation on multivariate analysis. Patients with cirrhosis showed significantly longer QTc intervals than those without cirrhosis during treatment but not at baseline, and they developed on‐treatment QTc prolongation at a higher rate than patients without cirrhosis. No cardiovascular events occurred, except for 1 patient who developed paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Conclusion: Newly developed QTc prolongation was observed in 6.4% of Japanese patients during treatment and was associated with more advanced fibrosis. (Hepatology Communications 2018; 00:000‐000)
Cell Penetration, Herbicidal Activity, and in‐vivo‐Toxicity of Oligo‐Arginine Derivatives and of Novel Guanidinium‐Rich Compounds Derived from the Biopolymer Cyanophycin
Authors: Grogg Marcel , Hilvert Donald , Ebert Marc‐Olivier , Beck Albert K. , Seebach Dieter , Kurth Felix , Dittrich Petra S. , Sparr Christof , Wittlin Sergio , Rottmann Matthias , Mäser Pascal
Published: August 2018

Oligo‐arginines are thoroughly studied cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs, Figures 1 and 2). Previous in‐vitro investigations with the octaarginine salt of the phosphonate fosmidomycin (herbicide and anti‐malaria drug) have shown a 40‐fold parasitaemia inhibition with P. falciparum, compared to fosmidomycin alone (Figure 3). We have now tested this salt, as well as the corresponding phosphinate salt of the herbicide glufosinate, for herbicidal activity with whole plants by spray application, hoping for increased activities, i.e. decreased doses. However, both salts showed low herbicidal activity, indicating poor foliar uptake (Table 1). Another pronounced difference between in‐vitro and in‐vivo activity was demonstrated with various cell‐penetrating octaarginine salts of fosmidomycin: intravenous injection to mice caused exitus of the animals within minutes, even at doses as low as 1.4 μmol/kg (Table 2). The results show that use of CPPs for drug delivery, for instance to cancer cells and tissues, must be considered with due care. The biopolymer cyanophycin is a poly‐aspartic acid containing argininylated side chains (Figure 4); its building block is the dipeptide H‐βAsp‐αArg‐OH (H‐Adp‐OH). To test and compare the biological properties with those of octaarginines we synthesized Adp8‐derivatives (Figure 5). Intravenouse injection of H‐Adp8‐NH2 into the tail vein of mice with doses as high as 45 μmol/kg causes no symptoms whatsoever (Table 3), but H‐Adp8‐NH2 is not cell penetrating (HEK293 and MCF‐7 cells, Figure 6). On the other hand, the fluorescently labeled octamers FAM‐(Adp(OMe))8‐NH2 and FAM‐(Adp(NMe2))8‐NH2 with ester and amide groups in the side chains exhibit mediocre to high cell‐wall permeability (Figure 6), and are toxic (Table 3). Possible reasons for this behavior are discussed (Figure 7) and corresponding NMR spectra are presented (Figure 8).
Systemic treatment of a patient with relapsed and refractory extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma (ENKL) and meningeosis leukemica with daratumumab
Authors: Aeppli Stefanie , Driessen Christoph , Graf Lukas , Hitz Felicitas
Published: August 2018

Key message

Targeting CD‐38‐positive ENKL cells with daratumumab might be a promising new treatment option.

Systemic administration of daratumumab may be active against intracerebral manifestations of CD‐38‐positive ENKL.

Serial EBV‐monitoring in ENKL is a usefool tool for diagnosis, response assessment and detection of relapse.
Migration and health: A systematic review on health and health care of internal migrants in India
Authors: Kusuma Yadlapalli S. , Babu Bontha V.
Published: August 2018

The objective of this paper is to review published studies on various health conditions and health care access of internal migrants in India. The guidelines under PRISMA Statement for Reporting Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis were followed. We searched 3 databases—Web of Science, Medline (PubMed), and Google Scholar. By applying selection criteria, we identified a total of 42 papers to include in the review. These studies reported various health problems/morbid conditions, and some studies reported health care access. Major health issues of poor migrants included work‐related injuries, noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension, and communicable diseases like malaria and HIV. In addition, behavioural risks such as the use of tobacco and alcohol are reported. Information on health care seeking and poor access to government health care system are available. This review demonstrates the need to improve the health status and health care access of poor migrants. As health systems‐related factors also influence the health care seeking behaviour, they are to be considered along with improving the living conditions of this population. Thus, a comprehensive migrant‐sensitive health care should be the part of the urban health care system.
Provincial health expenditure and cardiovascular disease mortality, a panel data study of Canadian provinces
Authors: Pswarayi Hakunawadi , Dankwah Emmanuel , Kaur Manpreet , Okon Imaeyen , Yaghoubi Mohsen , Qarmout Tamer , Steeves Megan , Farag Marwa
Published: August 2018

Objective

Health expenditures on cardiovascular disease (CVD) account for a large proportion of health care expenditures of all the diseases in Canada, and hence there is a need to examine the responsiveness of CVD outcomes to health expenditures. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between health care expenditures and CVD mortality, as a health care outcome at the provincial level in Canada.

Methods

A 10‐year (2000‐2009) panel dataset was constructed from multiple data sources for the purposes of this study. The dataset composed of age standardized CVD mortalities, health care expenditures, and covariates for the 10 Canadian provinces. We employed a fixed effects model based on the results of the Hausman test, with CVD mortalities as the dependent variable and health care expenditure and other covariates, as explanatory variables.

Results

Health care expenditures were significantly (0.05) and negatively associated with CVD mortality, with a 1% increase in health care expenditures associated with a decrease of 6.31 per 1 000 000 people in CVD mortality.

Conclusion

In the Canadian context, increases in spending on health care were associated with improvements in CVD outcomes for the time period under investigation.
At the coalface of collaborative mental health care: A qualitative study of governance and power in district‐level service provision in South Africa
Authors: Janse van Rensburg André , Khan Rabia , Wouters Edwin , van Rensburg Dingie , Fourie Pieter , Bracke Piet
Published: August 2018

Globally, there is an urgency to address fragmented mental health systems, especially in low‐to‐middle income countries. State and non‐state mental health service collaboration is a central strategy to strengthen care. The study was undertaken to analyse the power in governance processes of public mental health service provision. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with state and non‐state actors in mental health care in a South African district. Transcriptions were thematically analysed using the Framework for Assessing Power in Collaborative Processes. Findings suggested that collaborative processes were significantly state‐owned, in terms of funding models, administrative and legislative jurisdiction, and state hierarchical referral structure. No formal agreements were in place, elevating the importance of key network actors to bring less‐endowed NGOs into the service network. Fragmentation between the Departments of Health and Social Development was telling in district forums. Resistance to power structures unfolded, some participants sidestepping traditional hierarchies to leverage funding and support. The paper highlights the complexities and different facets of power in integrated mental health care in a South African district, adding to growing literature on the social mechanisms that influence collaboration.
Women's career equality and leadership in organizations: Creating an evidence‐based positive change
Authors: Kossek Ellen Ernst , Buzzanell Patrice M.
Published: August 2018

Research on women's career equality and leadership is growing in importance for advancing social justice, equal employment opportunity, and global and national economic goals. Despite the increased attention being paid to gender equality for decades, progression has slowed or stalled around the globe, in many countries, such as United States. The goal of this special issue is to address the persistent research‐to‐practice gap in developing and implementing practical solutions for a positive change to advance women's career equality. In this introduction, we provide a brief overview of the approaches used to study women's careers and discuss how research and practices that are more inclusive of women's needs, values, and career experiences should be broadened to include more expansive and less‐gendered notions of careers. Then, we introduce the articles in the special issue that inform current directions in (a) career and leadership theory, research, and methodologies for gender equality and (b) the application of scholarship to organizations. We conclude with a summary of some lessons for future research and practice on closing the women's career‐equality gap.
Turbulent forced convection flow inside inward‐outward rib corrugated tubes with different rib‐shapes
Authors: Dhaidan Nabeel S. , Abbas Abdalrazzaq K.
Published: August 2018

The thermal and hydrodynamic behaviors of forced convection turbulent flow inside the corrugated tube are investigated numerically. The ribs of corrugated tube are distributed in inward‐outward arrangement simultaneously and alternately (referred as IOCT). Three roughness shapes of the corrugated tube are examined; rectangular, semicircular, and trapezoidal ribs. The computational model is validated through comparison with the predicted results with correlated and experimental ones of related works. The performance of IOCT is compared thermally and hydrodynamically with that of the inward‐rib corrugated tube (ICT), outward‐rib corrugated tube (OCT) and smooth tubes. The results reveal that the heat is exchanged effectively by employing IOCT than utilizing OCT but with extra pumping power losses. At the maximum Re, it is found that the heat transfer of IOCT is 17.7% higher than that of OCT, and utilizing IOCT instead of ICT results in a reduction of friction factor by about 27.2%. Also, IOCT exhibits a lower friction factor and pressure drop penalty than that imposed by ICT. Also, roughness shapes have an insignificant effect on the thermal and hydrodynamic performances of IOCT for the same rib geometrical parameters. Furthermore, the influence of variation pitch‐to‐diameter ratio is also examined for various rib shapes of IOCT.
Physically based maximum precipitation estimation under future climate change conditions
Authors: Ishida Kei , Kavvas M. Levent , Chen Z. Q. Richard , Dib Alain , Diaz Andres J. , Anderson Michael L. , Trinh Toan
Published: August 2018

Estimation of the extreme precipitation over a target watershed under a changing climate would be necessary to design safe large hydraulic structures. For this purpose, the maximum precipitation (MP) estimation approach was applied to the American River Watershed (ARW) in Northern California under several future climate conditions over 90 water years (2010–2099). These future climate conditions were obtained using 13 future climate projections from two general circulation models (ECHAM5 and CCSM3) based on four future climate scenarios (Special Report on Emissions Scenarios: A1B, A1FI, A2, and B1). A total of 1,170 future projected severe storm events (90 years × 13 projections) were selected with respect to the 72‐hr basin‐average precipitation over the ARW. The 72‐hr basin‐average precipitation for each of the selected severe storm events was maximized over the ARW by horizontally shifting the atmospheric boundary conditions of a regional atmospheric model in order to optimize the path of the storm system that corresponded to the particular event. After maximization, the MP estimates, which are the largest precipitation depths among the maximized results, were obtained as 836.7 mm for the early half‐century period (2010–2054) and 1,056.5 mm for the late half‐century period (2055–2099).
Variation in leaf area density drives the rainfall storage capacity of individual urban tree species
Authors: Baptista Mariana D. , Livesley Stephen J. , Parmehr Ebadat G. , Neave Melissa , Amati Marco
Published: August 2018

A rapid rise of urban population is making cities denser. Consequently, the proportion of impervious surface cover has enlarged, increasing the amount and speed of run‐off reaching urban catchment areas, which may cause flash flooding. Trees play a key role to reduce run‐off in the city, as they intercept rainfall and store part of it on their leaves and branches, reducing the amount and speed of water running onto impervious surfaces. Storage capacity will depend on the rainfall event, the climate conditions and tree characteristics and canopy density. These canopy characteristics vary greatly among different species and their phenology. Furthermore, these canopy characteristics can vary greatly among individual trees of the same age, size, and species. This study tested how canopy density and leaf characteristics of three different tree species affect storage capacity under simulated rainfall conditions. Three species were selected (Ulmus procera, Platanus × acerifolia, and Corymbia maculata), each being of the same height and similar canopy dimensions. Storage capacity was measured using a mass balance approach during a 15‐min indoor, simulated rainfall event (2.5 mm/hr). Canopy metrics were estimated using a terrestrial laser scanner. Canopy surface area was measured through destructive harvest and leaf/twig/branch scanning. To investigate variations in the canopy leaf density, leaves were systematically removed to create four treatments: full, half, quarter, and woody. Canopy storage capacity was well correlated to plant surface area (m2), plant area index (m2/m2), and plant area density (m2/m3). All analyses indicated U. procera as the most efficient species for storing rainfall water within a canopy of equal volume or area index. Results reveal the complexity of evaluating interception of rainfall by tree canopies. This study contributes to the discipline and practice by distinguishing how variation in the leaf density is important to consider when selecting urban tree species to be planted.
Capital flow management policies in emerging market economies: Are they successful in mitigating drastic changes of capital flows?
Authors: Hwang Inbin , Park Hyungsoon , Park Sunyoung
Published: August 2018

This paper constructs a new database for capital flow management policies (CFMs) in 16 emerging market economies from 1999 to 2008 and analyses their effect on extreme capital flow movements. We show that CFMs are effective in mitigating drastic changes of capital flows. We also find that CFMs do not have significant impacts on capital flow volumes. The results suggest that CFMs could be employed as policy toolkits for mitigating extreme capital flow movements without distorting capital flows in a normal period.
WIDENING THE SCOPE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT: THE FLORIDA MATERNAL, INFANT, AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME VISITING PROGRAM
Authors: Marshall Jennifer , Birriel Pamela C. , Baker Elizabeth , Olson Leandra , Agu Ngozichukwuka , Estefan Lianne F.
Published: August 2018

The Florida Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program is designed to support pregnant women and families in developing skills and utilizing resources necessary to promote their children's physical, social, and emotional development. Little evaluation attention has focused on large‐scale, public policy driven home‐visiting programs. Social support provision is a critical component of a successful home‐visiting program; therefore, there is a need to better understand participants’ perceptions of social support provided to them in this context. Forty‐five home‐visiting participants from five Florida MIECHV programs completed semistructured telephone interviews. Participants discussed their experiences with the MIECHV program, including descriptions of their interactions with home visitors. Content analysis revealed that participants experienced multilayered social support from home‐visiting staff. Families needed and received substantial emotional, instrumental, informational, and appraisal support at the individual level. This support was embedded within and strengthened by the strategies and activities of the home‐visiting model of service provision. Results highlight the powerful opportunity home visiting offers as a method of service delivery within the larger system of care to increase social support in families experiencing high risk for negative maternal and child health outcomes. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
Feasibility study of using the dispersion of surface acoustic wave impulse for viscoelasticity characterization in tissue mimicking phantoms
Authors: Zhou Kanheng , Li Chunhui , Chen Siping , Nabi Ghulam , Huang Zhihong
Published: August 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of utilizing the phase velocity dispersion of impulse surface acoustic wave (SAW) for viscoelasticity characterization of soft materials. The focused ultrasound transducer and the phase‐sensitive optical coherence tomography were applied as the impulse SAW inducer and tracker, respectively. Three types of liquid‐paraffin‐based cream‐in‐agar phantoms were tested. Phase velocity dispersion curve was extracted using a Fourier transform‐based phase velocity analysis algorithm. Viscoelastic parameters were obtained by fitting the dispersion curve of SAW into Rayleigh wave dispersion equation. The estimated viscoelasticity was compared with that from spherical indenter, ramp‐hold relaxation testing for validation. Both results show an increasing trend in the elasticity and decreasing trend in the viscosity with the concentration of liquid‐paraffin‐based cream increasing in the samples. The proposed method has the capability of evaluating the viscoelastic properties of homogeneous soft tissue. By combining viscoelastic parameters estimated from the proposed method, the dispersive SAW‐impulse‐based viscosity‐compensated elastography could be further developed.
The effect of osseodensification drilling for endosteal implants with different surface treatments: A study in sheep
Authors: Lahens Bradley , Lopez Christopher D. , Neiva Rodrigo F. , Bowers Michelle M. , Jimbo Ryo , Bonfante Estevam A. , Morcos Jonathan , Witek Lukasz , Tovar Nick , Coelho Paulo G.
Published: August 2018

This study investigated the effects of osseodensification drilling on the stability and osseointegration of machine‐cut and acid‐etched endosteal implants in low‐density bone. Twelve sheep received six implants inserted into the ilium, bilaterally (n = 36 acid‐etched, and n = 36 as‐machined). Individual animals received three implants of each surface, placed via different surgical techniques: (1) subtractive regular‐drilling (R): 2.0 mm pilot, 3.2 and 3.8 mm twist drills); (2) osseodensification clockwise‐drilling (CW): Densah Bur (Versah, Jackson, MI) 2.0 mm pilot, 2.8, and 3.8 mm multifluted tapered burs; and (3) osseodensification counterclockwise‐drilling (CCW) Densah Bur 2.0 mm pilot, 2.8 mm, and 3.8 mm multifluted tapered burs. Insertion torque was higher in the CCW and CW‐drilling compared to the R‐drilling (p < 0.001). Bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) was significantly higher for CW (p = 0.024) and CCW‐drilling (p = 0.006) compared to the R‐drilling technique. For CCW‐osseodensification‐drilling, no statistical difference between the acid‐etched and machine‐cut implants at both time points was observed for BIC and BAFO (bone‐area‐fraction‐occupancy). Resorbed bone and bone forming precursors, preosteoblasts, were observed at 3‐weeks. At 12‐weeks, new bone formation was observed in all groups extending to the trabecular region. In low‐density bone, endosteal implants inserted via osseodensification‐drilling presented higher stability and no osseointegration impairments compared to subtractive regular‐drilling technique, regardless of evaluation time or implant surface. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 615–623, 2019.
Roles of TREM2 in degeneration of human nucleus pulposus cells via NF‐κB p65
Authors: Bai Ming , Yin He‐Ping , Zhao Jian , Li Yang , Wu Yi‐Min
Published: August 2018

Nuclear factor (NF)‐κB p65 plays a key role in the development of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Herein, we found that messenger RNA levels of human triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells‐2 (TREM2) and NF‐κB p65 were upregulated and strongly positive correlated (r2 = 0.299, P = 0.0126) in nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues of patients with IDD. To investigate the role of TREM2 in the development of IDD and whether NF‐κB p65 was the underlying mechanism, whereby TREM2 played its role, we established TREM2‐siRNA–transfected human degenerative NP cells and TREM2‐overexpression vector–transfected human normal NP cells. Degeneration of human NP cells was assessed by measuring cell apoptosis, cell proliferation, and the secretion of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐6. Protein levels of Bcl2, Bax, total NF‐κB p65 in whole cell lysates, cytoplasm NF‐κB p65, and nuclear NF‐κB p65 were determined to evaluate underlying mechanisms. Our data elucidated that TREM2 silencing was a therapy for human degenerative NP cells through inhibiting cell apoptosis, promoting cell proliferation, suppressing production of tumor necrosis factor‐α, IL 1β, and IL‐6, and the mechanisms included decreasing Bax while enhancing Bcl2, downregulating total NF‐κB p65, and retarding NF‐κB p65 nuclear translocation. On the contrary, upregulated TREM2 showed the opposite effects, accelerating the degeneration of human normal NP cells. Downregulating TREM2 and total NF‐κB p65 and inhibiting NF‐κB p65 nucleus translocation were also confirmed in NP tissue samples of four IDD rats. We concluded that TREM2 functioned as a promoter in the degeneration of human NP cells. Downregulating TREM2 may be a novel therapeutic strategy for human IDD.