bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of inhibition of μ‐calpain on the myofibril structure and myofibrillar protein degradation in postmortem ovine muscle
Authors: Li Zheng , Li Xin , Gao Xing , Du Manting , Zhang Dequan
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Tenderness is considered to be one of the most important attributes of meat quality. Myofibrillar protein degradation contributes to meat tenderization during postmortem ageing. In this process, calpain is the primary enzyme catalyzing the proteolysis. To further understand the action of calpain in meat tenderization, a μ‐calpain inhibitor, MDL‐28170, was used and its effects on sarcomere structure and myofibrillar protein degradation were determined.

RESULTS

The results of the present study showed that inhibition of μ‐calpain significantly reduced muscle myofibrillar fragmentation compared to the group without μ‐calpain inhibitor. Meanwhile, the sarcomere structure of the μ‐calpain inhibited muscle was only slightly broken and largely remained integral 48 h postmortem. Myosin heavy chain, actin, desmin, troponin T and troponin I were identified to be substrates of μ‐calpain by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrocopy and western blotting, and were detected with a higher degradation degree in the control group compared to the μ‐calpain inhibition group.

CONCLUSION

Comparatively, myosin heavy chain and actin were found to be less sensitive to μ‐calpain compared to desmin, troponin T and troponin I. These findings provide a better understanding of the contribution of μ‐calpain to the myofibril structure and myofibrillar protein degradation of ovine muscle. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Toward high‐resolution, inkjet‐printed, quantum dot light‐emitting diodes for next‐generation displays
Authors: Han Jongseok , Ko Donghyun , Park Myeongjin , Roh Jeongkyun , Jung Heeyoung , Lee Yeonkyung , Kwon Yongwon , Sohn Jiho , Bae Wan Ki , Chin Byung Doo , Lee Changhee
Published: September 2016

We have investigated the possibility of fabricating quantum dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) using inkjet printing technology, which is the most attractive method for the full‐color patterning of QLED displays. By controlling the quantum dot (QD) ink formulation and inkjet printing condition, we successfully patterned QLED pixels in the 60‐in ultrahigh definition TV format, which has a resolution of 73 pixels per inch. The inkjet‐printed QLEDs exhibited a maximum luminance of 2500 cd/m2. Although the performance of inkjet‐printed QLEDs is low compared with that of QLEDs fabricated using the spin‐coating process, our results clearly indicate that the inkjet printing technology is suitable for patterning QD emissive layers to realize high‐resolution, full‐color QLED displays.
Grade repetition and parents' perception of hearing loss: An analysis of data from children in the United States
Authors: Gilani Sapideh , Roditi Rachel , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: September 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine whether parent‐perceived hearing problems are associated with grade repetition among children in the United States.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort analysis of a contemporary national database.

Methods

The National Survey of Children's Health 2011 to 2012 was analyzed. Hearing loss, as perceived and reported by parents, was categorized as: no hearing problem, history of a hearing problem, or current hearing problem. Children never repeating a grade versus repeating one or more grades (kindergarten–high school) were identified. Univariate statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyzed the association of hearing problems with grade repetition. Patients with mental retardation, autism, and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder were excluded from the analysis. After adjusting for race, sex, and poverty level, odds ratios for grade repetition were computed.

Results

Among 66.1 million (average age, 8.3 years, 49.0% male) children, 97.3% never had a hearing problem, 1.7% had a history of a hearing problem, and 1.0% had a current hearing problem. Overall, 7.1% repeated a grade. Grade repetition was reported in 6.9% of children without a hearing problem versus 9.4% with a history of a hearing problem and 19.3% with a current hearing problem (P < 0.001). After adjustment for race, poverty level, and sex, a history of a hearing problem demonstrated an odds ratio of 1.9 (95% confidence interval 0.82–4.13) for grade repetition, whereas a current hearing problem demonstrated an odds ratio of 3.0 (1.90–4.80).

Conclusion

Parents' perception of children's hearing problems is strongly associated with grade repetition. This trend is noticed in elementary school more than in high school.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:741–745, 2017
Augmentation pharyngoplasty for treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency in children: Results with injectable dextranomer and hyaluronic acid copolymer
Authors: Cofer Shelagh A. , Baas Becky , Strand Edythe , Cockerill Cara C.
Published: September 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the effectiveness, durability, and safety of a tissue filler (dextranomer and hyaluronic acid copolymer) when injected submucosally in the nasopharynx to treat velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in pediatric patients.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Charts were reviewed for all patients treated with injectable filler at a tertiary children's center for VPI from April 2010 through September 2013. Main outcome measures included perceptual speech assessments before and after the procedure, velopharyngeal gap size on nasendoscopy, and nasalance. Length of follow‐up, length of surgery, hospital admission, and complications were also identified.

Results

After injection augmentation pharyngoplasty, 93% of patients had no or mild hypernasality, 83% had resolution of nasal grimace, and 96% had resolution of audible nasal emission. Complications were minor and included mucosal infection, neck pain, snoring, and obstructive sleep apnea.

Conclusions

Use of injectable filler to augment the nasopharynx is an effective, minimally invasive therapy for small or moderate‐sized velopharyngeal gaps, with shorter procedural times, easier recovery, and acceptable durability.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 126:S5–S13, 2016
Dynamics of Agrarian Systems and Land Use Change in North Vietnam
Authors: Hanh Han Quang , Azadi Hossein , Dogot Thomas , Ton Vu Dinh , Lebailly Philippe
Published: September 2016

During the period of socio‐economic transformation initiated in the late 1980s by the political reform (Doi Moi) in Vietnam, the agrarian systems evolved considerably. In the region around the capital, where the process of industrialization, urbanization, and international integration has been accelerating, a number of questions about the sustainability of those agrarian systems have been raised. By diagnosing and analysing the dynamics of the agricultural systems in Vietnam from 1980 to 2010, this study aims to provide decision‐makers with some sectorial and territorial policy options that are able to authorize the sustainable development of agriculture and rural society in the new socio‐economic context. By applying a systematic approach, including the historical and adaptive approaches, this study shows how well farmers in the Hai Duong province have adapted to socio‐economic and institutional changes, notably by transforming part of their paddy farms into other agricultural land use purposes, such as fish ponds, animal buildings, vegetable fields, and fruit orchards. These rapid changes, however, do not move in a direction that improves the sustainability of agrarian systems. The results revealed that farm holders are now facing many technical and economic contradictions, whereas issues that arise from the land no longer are only related to agricultural purposes. Competition for different functions of land use are now emerging, along with the fragmentation of plots, an imperfect land market, and rising property values ​​are all emerging. The prospect of the sustainability of agricultural systems was also analysed under different scenarios, highlighting the complexity of policy options. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Portopulmonary hypertension: Still an appropriate consideration for liver transplantation?
Authors: Verma Suman , Hand Fiona , Armstrong Matthew J. , de Vos Marie , Thorburn Douglas , Pan Terry , Klinck John , Westbrook Rachel H. , Auzinger Georg , Bathgate Andrew , Masson Steven , Holt Andrew , Houlihan Diarmaid D. , Ferguson James W.
Published: September 2016

Liver transplantation (LT) in patients with portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) has historically resulted in unpredictable and often poor outcomes. The United Kingdom experience for the period 1992‐2012 is reported in this article. A retrospective analysis of patients, preoperatively fulfilling the PoPH European Respiratory Society Task Force on Pulmonary‐Hepatic Vascular Disorders diagnostic criteria was conducted across all UK LT centers. Data collection included comorbidities, use of preoperative and postoperative pharmacotherapy, patient survival, and cause of death. To enable survival stratification, PoPH was classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on mean pulmonary pressure of <35 mm Hg, 35‐49 mm Hg, and ≥50 mm Hg, respectively. Of 127 patients reported to have PoPH, just 28 fulfilled the diagnostic criteria (14 mild, 9 moderate, 5 severe). Twenty (71.4%) patients were male with median age and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease of 50 years (range, 23‐62 years) and 18 (range, 6‐43), respectively. Twelve (42.9%) patients died within 5 years of LT. The majority of deaths (10 of 12; 83%) occurred within the first 6 months after LT, aetiologies of which included right heart failure (n = 3), progressive PoPH (n = 2), and sepsis (n = 2). Of those receiving preoperative pharmacotherapy (n = 8), 5 are currently alive and were classified as mild to moderate PoPH. Both severe PoPH patients optimized preoperatively with pharmacotherapy died within a year of LT. Development of effective vasodilatory therapies in the setting of pulmonary arterial hypertension has led to a dramatic improvement in patient survival. The available data indicate that in this era of pharmacotherapy, PoPH in isolation no longer represents a valid consideration to transplant. Liver Transplantation 22 1637–1642 2016 AASLD.
On the Lê–Milnor fibration for real analytic maps
Authors: Menegon Neto Aurélio , Seade José
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we study the topology of real analytic map‐germs with isolated critical value , with . We compare the topology of f with the topology of the compositions , where are the projections , for . As a main result, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for f to have a Lê–Milnor fibration in the tube.
Simultaneous Prediction of four ATP‐binding Cassette Transporters’ Substrates Using Multi‐label QSAR
Authors: Aniceto Natália , Freitas Alex A. , Bender Andreas , Ghafourian Taravat
Published: September 2016

Efflux by the ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters affects the pharmacokinetic profile of drugs and it has been implicated in drug‐drug interactions as well as its major role in multi‐drug resistance in cancer. It is therefore important for the pharmaceutical industry to be able to understand what phenomena rule ABC substrate recognition. Considering a high degree of substrate overlap between various members of ABC transporter family, it is advantageous to employ a multi‐label classification approach where predictions made for one transporter can be used for modeling of the other ABC transporters. Here, we present decision tree‐based QSAR classification models able to simultaneously predict substrates and non‐substrates for BCRP1, P‐gp/MDR1 and MRP1 and MRP2, using a dataset of 1493 compounds. To this end, two multi‐label classification QSAR modelling approaches were adopted: Binary Relevance (BR) and Classifier Chain (CC). Even though both multi‐label models yielded similar predictive performances in terms of overall accuracies (close to 70 %), the CC model overcame the problem of skewed performance towards identifying substrates compared with non‐substrates, which is a common problem in the literature. The models were thoroughly validated by using external testing, applicability domain and activity cliffs characterization. In conclusion, a multi‐label classification approach is an appropriate alternative for the prediction of ABC efflux.
Blowup of smooth solution for non‐isentropic magnetohydrodynamic equations without heat conductivity
Authors: Duan Qin
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we establish a blow‐up criterion for the three‐dimentional viscous, compressible magnetohydrodynamic flows. It is shown that for the Cauchy problem and the initial‐boundary‐value problem with initial density allowed to vanish, the strong or smooth solution for the three‐dimentional magnetohydrodynamic flows exists globally if the density, temperature, and magnetic field is bounded from above. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Echo intensity and muscle thickness as predictors Of athleticism and isometric strength in middle‐school boys
Authors: Stock Matt S. , Mota Jacob A. , Hernandez Jennah M. , Thompson Brennan J.
Published: September 2016

Introduction

We examined correlations among echo intensity and muscle thickness versus measures of athleticism and isometric strength in healthy children.

Methods

B‐mode ultrasonography was used to examine the vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) in 28 boys (mean age = 12 years). Tests of athleticism included jump height and peak velocity, sprint speed, and agility. Peak torque and the rate of torque development (RTD) at 100 and 200 ms from torque onset were assessed.

Results

Several significant correlations existed after controlling for age and mass. RF thickness showed the strongest correlations with the dependent variables. Both RTD time intervals, but not peak torque, correlated with VL thickness. Peak torque was greatly influenced by age and mass. Echo intensity and muscle thickness correlated highly with agility performance.

Conclusions

VL and RF echo intensity and muscle thickness may help predict athleticism, and to a lesser extent, RTD, in boys. Muscle Nerve 55: 685–692, 2017
Improvement of severe baseline lower urinary tract symptoms following robotic‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy
Authors: Jazayeri Seyed Behzad , Sebrow Dov , Lavery Hugh , Hobbs Adele , Levinson Adam , Samadi David B.
Published: September 2016

Aims

This study was designed to assess lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) following robotic‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

Methods

In a single surgeon series, 938 patients underwent robotic prostatectomy and completed International Prostate Symptom Score surveys at baseline and 6‐month follow‐up. Patients preoperative LUTS were categorized as mild, moderate, or severe according to the original International Prostate Symptom Score validation. Patient demographics, in addition to clinical and pathologic outcomes were obtained from an Institutional Review Board‐approved database.

Results

Preoperatively, 55.8% of patients presented with mild, 36.4% with moderate, and 7.8% with severe LUTS. Increased prostate size trended with increased LUTS severity (P < 0.001). Patients who had severe preoperative LUTS witnessed a 57% reduction in International Prostate Symptom Score (from 24.1 to 10.7, P < 0.001). Men with moderate preoperative LUTS also witnessed a significant decrease in postoperative LUTS (from 12.1 to 8.3, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The majority of patients with moderate or severe LUTS improved significantly following robotic prostatectomy, with the largest improvements seen in the severe group. Prostate cancer patients with severe LUTS should be counseled on the beneficial role of robotic prostatectomy in an effort to improve their voiding dysfunction and as a viable cancer treatment.
Safety and efficacy of new oral anticoagulants and low‐molecular‐weight heparins compared with aspirin in patients undergoing total knee and hip replacements
Authors: Nielen Johannes T. H. , Dagnelie Pieter C. , Emans Pieter J. , Veldhorst‐Janssen Nicole , Lalmohamed Arief , van Staa Tjeerd‐Pieter , Boonen Annelies E. R. C. H. , van den Bemt Bart J. F. , de Vries Frank
Published: September 2016

Background

There has been much debate recently on the best type of thromboprophylaxis following elective total joint replacement surgery.

Objective

This study aims to compare rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE), gastro‐intestinal (GI) bleeding and mortality events, with use of new oral anticoagulants (NOAC) or low‐molecular‐weight heparins (LMWHs) compared with aspirin in patients undergoing total joint replacement.

Methods

A population‐based retrospective cohort study was performed using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Patients ≥18 years of age who had undergone total knee (n = 3261) or hip replacement (THR (n = 4016)) between 2008 and 2012 were included. Within this population, three cohorts were selected, based on their first prescription within the 35‐day period after surgery: use of NOACs only, LMWHs only and aspirin only. Incidence rates were calculated, and Cox proportional hazard models were fitted to estimate the risk of VTE, GI bleeding and all‐cause mortality with the use of NOACs and LMWHs compared with aspirin use after total knee replacement and THR. We statistically adjusted our analyses for lifestyle factors, comorbidities and concomitant drug use.

Results

Total knee replacement and THR patients currently on LMWHs had higher risk of VTE (HR = 17.2 (6.9–43.0) and HR = 39.5 (18.0–87.0), respectively), GI bleeding (HR = 20.9 (1.9–232.3) and HR = 2.0 (0.2–17.2), respectively) and all‐cause mortality (HR = 4.3 (1.7–12.4) and HR = 4.0 (2.4–6.7), respectively). NOAC use was associated with an increased risk of GI bleeding in patients undergoing THR surgery.

Conclusions

In contrast to previous studies, we found an increased risk of VTE, GI bleeding and all‐cause mortality with the use of LMWHs compared with aspirin. Risk of GI bleeding was increased with the use of NOACs compared with aspirin use after THR surgery. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A randomized trial of lottery‐based incentives and reminders to improve warfarin adherence: the Warfarin Incentives (WIN2) Trial
Authors: Kimmel Stephen E. , Troxel Andrea B. , French Benjamin , Loewenstein George , Doshi Jalpa A. , Hecht Todd E. H. , Laskin Mitchell , Brensinger Colleen M. , Meussner Chris , Volpp Kevin
Published: September 2016

Background

Previous research has suggested that daily lottery incentives could improve medication adherence. Such daily incentives include implicit reminders. However, the comparative effectiveness of reminders alone versus daily incentives has not been tested.

Methods

A total of 270 patients on warfarin were enrolled in a four‐arm, multi‐center, randomized controlled trial comparing a daily lottery‐based incentive, a daily reminder, and a combination of the two against a control group (usual care).

Results

Participants in the reminder group had the lowest percentage of time out of target international normalized ratio (INR) range, the primary outcome, with an adjusted odds of an out‐of‐range INR 36% lower than among those in the control group, 95%CI [7%, 55%]. No other group had a statistically significant improvement in anticoagulation control relative to the control group or to each other. The only group that had significant improvement in incorrect adherence was the lottery group (incorrect adherence: 12.1% compared with 23.7% in the control group, difference of −7.4% 95%CI [−14%, −0.3%]). However, there was no relationship between changes in adherence and anticoagulation control in the lottery group.

Conclusions

Automated reminders led to the largest improvements in anticoagulation control, although without impacting measured adherence. Lottery‐based reminders improved measured adherence but did not lead to improved anticoagulation control. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Das kleinste Endoskop der Welt per 3D‐Druck
Authors: Giessen Harald , Gissibl Timo , Thiele Simon , Herkommer Alois
Published: September 2016

Wer schon einmal eine Darm‐ oder Magenspiegelung über sich ergehen lassen musste, kann ein Lied davon singen: Heutige Endoskope sind nach wie vor recht groß und beeinträchtigen die Patienten sehr, sofern sie nicht narkotisiert werden. Wie viel angenehmer wäre es doch, wenn man Endoskope hätte, die nur wenig dicker als ein Haar wären. Unserer Gruppe an der Universität Stuttgart ist es gelungen, in einem einfachen 3D‐Druckverfahren 100 μm kleine Optiken direkt auf Glasfasern herzustellen.
Verschränkung als Einbahnstraße
Authors: Wollmann Sabine
Published: September 2016

Das erstmals 1935 von Albert Einstein, Boris Podolsky und Nathan Rosen beschriebene Phänomen der Verschränkung liegt fundamentalen Quantenkommunikationsprotokollen wie der Teleportation zu Grunde. Hierin sind zwei oder mehr Quantenpartner über eine “spukhafte Fernwirkung”, wie Einstein sagte, miteinander verbunden. Diese Art der Verschränkung ist symmetrisch. Theoretisch gibt es aber auch die Möglichkeit, dass nur ein Partner den anderen steuert, aber nicht umgekehrt. Unserer Gruppe an der Universität von Brisbane ist kürzlich der experimentelle Beweis hierfür gelungen.
Im Schatten eines Schattens
Authors: Schlichting H. Joachim
Published: September 2016

Wenn man bei niedrig stehender Sonne in den Schatten eines hinter einem stehenden Baumes tritt, kann man eine interessante Beobachtung machen: Unser Kopfschatten wird schmaler. Ursache ist ein verblüffendes Zusammenspiel von Kern‐ und Übergangsschatten.
Das Unsichtbare sichtbar machen: Smartphones als Wärmebildkamera
Authors: Molz Alexander , Kuhn Jochen , Wilhelm Thomas
Published: September 2016

Durch den externen Sensor FLIR One in Verbindung mit der gleichnamigen App können Smartphones auch als Wärmebildkamera eingesetzt werden. Dadurch werden Dinge sichtbar, die dem menschlichen Auge ansonsten verborgen bleiben.
Competing fragmentation processes of β‐substituted propanoate ions upon collision‐induced dissociation
Authors: LeBlanc Luc M. , Powers Sean W. , Grossert J. Stuart , White Robert L.
Published: September 2016

Rationale

When subjected to collisional activation, gas‐phase carboxylate ions typically undergo decarboxylation. However, alternative fragmentation processes dominate when the carboxylate group is located within certain structural motifs. In this work, the fragmentation processes of β‐substituted carboxylate ions are characterized to improve correlations between reactivity and structure.

Methods

Mass spectra were collected using both ion trap and triple quadrupole mass spectrometers operating in the negative ion mode; collision‐induced dissociation (CID) of ions was used to study the relationship between product ions and the structures of their precursor ions. Quantum mechanical computations were performed on a full range of reaction geometries at the MP2/6‐311++G(2d,p)//B3LYP/6‐31++G(2d,p) level of theory.

Results

For a series of β‐substituted carboxylate ions, a product ion corresponding to the anion of the β‐substituent was obtained upon CID. Detailed computations indicated that decarboxylative elimination and at least one other fragmentation mechanism had feasible energetics for the formation of substituent anions differing in their gas‐phase basicities. Predicted energetics for anti‐ and synperiplanar alignments in the transition structures for decarboxylative elimination correlated with the positions of crossover points in breakdown curves acquired for conformationally constrained ions.

Conclusions

The feasibility of more than one mechanism was established for the fragmentation of β‐substituted propanoates. The contribution of each mechanistic pathway to the formation of the substituent anion was influenced by structural variations and conformational constraints, but mostly depended on the nature of the substituent. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnesium isotopic homogeneity of San Carlos olivine: a potential standard for Mg isotopic analysis by multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Hu Yan , Harrington Melissa D. , Sun Yang , Yang Zhe , Konter Jasper , Teng Fang‐Zhen
Published: September 2016

Rationale

Previous analyses on San Carlos olivine from Arizona (USA) have shown inter‐laboratory δ26Mg differences of up to 0.67‰, while mantle olivine samples worldwide are homogeneous at a current analytical uncertainty of ~0.1‰. The differing measurements on San Carlos olivine may be attributable to analytical artifacts or sample heterogeneity. The latter must be ruled out before using it as a standard for Mg isotopic analysis.

Methods

To examine sample homogeneity, two different batches of San Carlos olivine from a lherzolite and four batches from a harzburgite have been analyzed together with coexisting harzburgitic pyroxene. In addition, the effect of acid purity on resin performance and the reusability of AG50W‐X8 resin for Mg separation have been evaluated by processing another batch of lherzolitic San Carlos olivine and Hawaiian seawater through both new and used resins cleaned with different acids.

Results

Six different batches of olivine grains from two San Carlos peridotite xenoliths show homogeneous δ26Mg values to within 0.03‰, and all the mineral phases in the harzburgite are in Mg isotope equilibrium. Furthermore, there is no resolvable δ26Mg shift in either lherzolitic San Carlos olivine or Hawaiian seawater by using either new or used resins that were cleaned with single‐distilled or double‐distilled acids.

Conclusions

The new data are consistent with the narrow δ26Mg range of mantle olivine worldwide, while they stand in contrast to the wide range measured on the same San Carlos olivine powder in different laboratories. Therefore, previous inter‐laboratory discrepancies reflect analytical artifacts instead of sample heterogeneity, and San Carlos olivine is a suitable standard for Mg isotopic analysis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implementing informative priors for heterogeneity in meta‐analysis using meta‐regression and pseudo data
Authors: Rhodes Kirsty M. , Turner Rebecca M. , White Ian R. , Jackson Dan , Spiegelhalter David J. , Higgins Julian P. T.
Published: September 2016

Many meta‐analyses combine results from only a small number of studies, a situation in which the between‐study variance is imprecisely estimated when standard methods are applied. Bayesian meta‐analysis allows incorporation of external evidence on heterogeneity, providing the potential for more robust inference on the effect size of interest. We present a method for performing Bayesian meta‐analysis using data augmentation, in which we represent an informative conjugate prior for between‐study variance by pseudo data and use meta‐regression for estimation. To assist in this, we derive predictive inverse‐gamma distributions for the between‐study variance expected in future meta‐analyses. These may serve as priors for heterogeneity in new meta‐analyses. In a simulation study, we compare approximate Bayesian methods using meta‐regression and pseudo data against fully Bayesian approaches based on importance sampling techniques and Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). We compare the frequentist properties of these Bayesian methods with those of the commonly used frequentist DerSimonian and Laird procedure. The method is implemented in standard statistical software and provides a less complex alternative to standard MCMC approaches. An importance sampling approach produces almost identical results to standard MCMC approaches, and results obtained through meta‐regression and pseudo data are very similar. On average, data augmentation provides closer results to MCMC, if implemented using restricted maximum likelihood estimation rather than DerSimonian and Laird or maximum likelihood estimation. The methods are applied to real datasets, and an extension to network meta‐analysis is described. The proposed method facilitates Bayesian meta‐analysis in a way that is accessible to applied researchers. © 2016 The Authors. Statistics in Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A simple and robust method for multivariate meta‐analysis of diagnostic test accuracy
Authors: Chen Yong , Liu Yulun , Chu Haitao , Ting Lee Mei‐Ling , Schmid Christopher H.
Published: September 2016

Meta‐analysis of diagnostic test accuracy often involves mixture of case–control and cohort studies. The existing bivariate random‐effects models, which jointly model bivariate accuracy indices (e.g., sensitivity and specificity), do not differentiate cohort studies from case–control studies and thus do not utilize the prevalence information contained in the cohort studies. The recently proposed trivariate generalized linear mixed‐effects models are only applicable to cohort studies, and more importantly, they assume a common correlation structure across studies and trivariate normality on disease prevalence, test sensitivity, and specificity after transformation by some pre‐specified link functions. In practice, very few studies provide justifications of these assumptions, and sometimes these assumptions are violated. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of the commonly used random‐effects model under violations of these assumptions and propose a simple and robust method to fully utilize the information contained in case–control and cohort studies. The proposed method avoids making the aforementioned assumptions and can provide valid joint inferences for any functions of overall summary measures of diagnostic accuracy. Through simulation studies, we find that the proposed method is more robust to model misspecifications than the existing methods. We apply the proposed method to a meta‐analysis of diagnostic test accuracy for the detection of recurrent ovarian carcinoma. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aggregation‐Induced Emission: Lighting up Cells, Revealing Life!
Authors: Wang Yi‐Feng , Zhang Tingbin , Liang Xing‐Jie
Published: September 2016

Understanding metabolism and dynamic biological events in cells, as well as physiological functions and pathological changes in organisms, is the major goal of biological investigations. It will improve our capability to diagnose and treat diseases, and will enhance personalized medicine. Fluorescence imaging is a powerful tool that plays an essential role in acquiring the comprehensive knowledge necessary to help reach this goal. Fluorescent molecules are crucial factors for obtaining high quality images. In contrast to conventional fluorogens with aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) effect, molecules that show aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) effect open up new avenues for fluorescence imaging. So far, a large variety of AIE probes have been developed and applied to bioimaging because of their outstanding characteristics, such as high fluorescence efficiency, excellent photostability and high signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). In this review, recent advances in AIE‐based probes for biomedical imaging of intracellular microenvironments, natural macromolecules, subcellular organelles, intracellular processes, living tissues, and diagnosis and therapeutic evaluation of diseases in vivo are summarized. It is hoped that this review generates great research enthusiasm for AIE‐based bioimaging, in order to promote the development of promising AIE probes and guide us to a better understanding of the biological essence of life.
Effect of Melt Rate on Surface Quality and Solidification Structure of Mn18Cr18N Hollow Ingot during Electroslag Remelting Process
Authors: Chen Xu , Jiang Zhouhua , Liu Fubin , Yu Jia , Chen Kui
Published: September 2016

A new method for manufacturing Mn18Cr18N steel applied to retaining ring has been developed based on hollow ESR ingot. The ESR hollow ingot not only keep away from upsetting and punching, provide hollow billet for forging directly, but also meet the need of high quality of the raw material. ESR hollow ingot of Mn18Cr18N steel has been produced successfully in our lab. Melt rate is the most important technological parameter of electroslag remelting (ESR) process, which influences ingot quality and production efficiency. To further investigate the influence of surface quality on melt rate, the experimental results comparing to the simulations results have been implemented in this paper. A mathematical model to describe the temperature distribution and the solidification structure of ESR hollow ingot of Mn18Cr18N steel has been established. The change of metal pool profile, pool cylinder part height, and grain growth angles during hollow ESR process are calculated based on the coupled technology of CAFE method and the moving boundary method, which are consistent with the experimental results. The experiment of hollow ESR Mn18Cr18N steel at the most suitable melt rate obtained by numerical simulation results has been carried out to reveal the law of cylinder part height of metal pool changing with the withdrawal speed. The optimal technological parameters applied in the experiment of hollow ESR process can reasonably control the surface quality of Mn18Cr18N hollow ingot.
Strengthening corbels using post‐installed threaded rods
Authors: Urban Tadeusz , Krawczyk Łukasz
Published: September 2016

The paper presents the results of experimental research into the use of post‐installed threaded rods as additional reinforcement. An increase in load‐carrying capacity of up to 64% was obtained for strengthened corbels compared with unstrengthened corbels (reference corbels). Calculations were performed of the load‐carrying capacity of corbels using a model developed on the basis of the literature and the obtained results were compared with results calculated according to the EN‐1992‐1‐1. Strain diagrams for primary reinforcement, stirrups, and the compressed surface of concrete are presented, alongside with a description of the development of cracking and photographs of the corbels after failure. In the second section, publications about the calculation of the load‐carrying capacity of corbels and on different reinforcement methods are quoted.
Structural performance of ultra‐high‐performance fiber‐reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Kahanji Charles , Ali Faris , Nadjai Ali
Published: September 2016

Ultra‐high‐performance fiber‐reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) is a relatively new construction material. In comparison with conventional high‐strength concrete, UHPFRC does not usually contain coarse aggregates larger than 6–7 mm in size. This paper presents the outcomes of an experimental study of UHPFRC beams subjected to four‐point loading. The effect of two parameters was studied, namely, the fiber content and the temperature of the curing water. Eight UHPFRC beams were tested, comprising six beams reinforced with rebars and two beams without rebars. Three fiber contents were investigated in this study (1, 2, and 4% in volume). The study investigated two curing temperatures of water, 20 and 90°C. The results presented in this paper include deflections, toughness energy, and moment capacity and also includes a comparison with calculations according to EC2 provisions. A minor difference was observed in the deformation and flexural behavior of beams with fiber contents of 1 and 2% (in volume). However, beams with 4% (in volume) fibers exhibited a higher flexural capacity. Only flexural failure was observed and no shear‐related failure was recorded. Beams with 1% (in volume) fibers for both curing regimes had the highest peak load toughness energy. Beams reinforced with rebars and cured at 20°C had a significantly higher bending resistance.
An estimate of the climate change significance of the decline in the Northern Hemisphere's uptake of carbon dioxide in biomass
Authors: Curran James C. , Curran Samuel A.
Published: September 2016

The declining ability of the Northern Hemisphere biosphere to sequester carbon from the atmosphere is shown to be having an impact on the current rate of increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations equivalent to adding the annual man‐made emissions from China. If this trend continues, then global emissions will have to decline even faster than previously thought.
Mesoscale to microscale wind farm flow modeling and evaluation
Authors: Sanz Rodrigo Javier , Chávez Arroyo Roberto Aurelio , Moriarty Patrick , Churchfield Matthew , Kosović Branko , Réthoré Pierre‐Elouan , Hansen Kurt Schaldemose , Hahmann Andrea , Mirocha Jeffrey D. , Rife Daran
Published: September 2016

The increasing size of wind turbines, with rotors already spanning more than 150 m diameter and hub heights above 100 m, requires proper modeling of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) from the surface to the free atmosphere. Furthermore, large wind farm arrays create their own boundary layer structure with unique physics. This poses significant challenges to traditional wind engineering models that rely on surface‐layer theories and engineering wind farm models to simulate the flow in and around wind farms. However, adopting an ABL approach offers the opportunity to better integrate wind farm design tools and meteorological models. The challenge is how to build the bridge between atmospheric and wind engineering model communities and how to establish a comprehensive evaluation process that identifies relevant physical phenomena for wind energy applications with modeling and experimental requirements. A framework for model verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification is established to guide this process by a systematic evaluation of the modeling system at increasing levels of complexity. In terms of atmospheric physics, ‘building the bridge’ means developing models for the so‐called ‘terra incognita,’ a term used to designate the turbulent scales that transition from mesoscale to microscale. This range of scales within atmospheric research deals with the transition from parameterized to resolved turbulence and the improvement of surface boundary‐layer parameterizations. The coupling of meteorological and wind engineering flow models and the definition of a formal model evaluation methodology, is a strong area of research for the next generation of wind conditions assessment and wind farm and wind turbine design tools. Some fundamental challenges are identified in order to guide future research in this area. WIREs Energy Environ 2017, 6:e214. doi: 10.1002/wene.214

This article is categorized under:

Wind Power > Climate and Environment

Energy and Climate > Climate and Environment

Energy Policy and Planning > Climate and Environment
Histone deacetylase inhibition is cytotoxic to oligodendrocyte precursor cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Dincman Toros A. , Beare Jason E. , Ohri Sujata Saraswat , Gallo Vittorio , Hetman Michal , Whittemore Scott R.
Published: September 2016

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition mediated by small molecule HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) has demonstrated divergent effects including toxicity towards transformed cell lines, neuroprotection in neurological disease models, and inhibition of oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) differentiation to mature oligodendrocytes (OL). However, it remains unknown if transient HDAC inhibition may promote OPC survival. Using mouse cortical OPC primary cultures, we investigated the effects of the FDA approved pan‐HDACi suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) on OPC survival. Initial studies showed differences in the HDAC expression pattern of multiple HDAC isoforms in OPCs relative to their terminally differentiated progeny cells, OLs and astrocytes. Treatment of OPCs with SAHA for up to 72 h using a maximum concentration either at or lower than those necessary for cytotoxicity in most transformed cell lines resulted in over 67% reduction in viability relative to vehicle‐treated OPCs. This was at least partly due to increased apoptosis as SAHA‐treated cells displayed activated caspase 3 and were protected by the general caspase inhibitor Q‐VD‐OPH. Additionally, SAHA treatment of whole mice at postnatal day 5 induced apoptosis of cortical OPCs. These results suggest that SAHA negatively impacts OPC survival and may be detrimental to the myelinating brain and spinal cord. Such toxicity may be relevant in a clinical context as SAHA is currently involved in numerous clinical trials and is in consideration for use in the treatment of psychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions.
Evaluation of a ketamine‐based anesthesia package for use in emergency cesarean delivery or emergency laparotomy when no anesthetist is available
Authors: Burke Thomas F. , Nelson Brett D. , Kandler Taylor , Altawil Zaid , Rogo Khama , Imbamba Javan , Odenyo Stella , Pinder Leeya , Lozo Svjetlana , Guha Moytrayee , Eckardt Melody J.
Published: September 2016

Objective

To assess the safety of a ketamine‐based rescue anesthesia package to support emergency cesarean delivery and emergency laparotomy when no anesthetist was available.

Methods

A prospective case‐series study was conducted at seven sub‐county hospitals in western Kenya between December 10, 2013, and January 20, 2016. Non‐anesthetist clinicians underwent 5 days of training in the Every Second Matters–Ketamine (ESM‐Ketamine) program. A database captured preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative details of all surgeries in which ESM‐Ketamine was used. The primary outcome measure was the ability of ESM‐Ketamine to safely support emergency operative procedures.

Results

Non‐anesthetist providers trained on ESM‐Ketamine supported 83 emergency cesarean deliveries and 26 emergency laparotomies. Ketamine was administered by 10 nurse‐midwives and six clinical officers. Brief oxygen desaturations (< 92% for < 30 s) were recorded among 5 (4.6%) of the 109 patients. Hallucinations occurred among 9 (8.3%) patients. No serious adverse events related to the use of ESM‐Ketamine were recorded.

Conclusion

The ESM‐Ketamine package can be safely used by trained non‐anesthetist providers to support emergency cesarean delivery and emergency laparotomy when no anesthetist is available.
Modern Challenges to Islamic Law
Authors: Ali Shaheen Sardar
Published: September 2016

The diversity of interpretation within Islamic legal traditions can be challenging for those working within this field of study. Using a distinctly contextual approach, this book addresses such challenges by combining theoretical perspectives on Islamic law with insight into how local understandings impact on the application of law in Muslim daily life. Engaging with topics as diverse as Islamic constitutionalism, Islamic finance, human rights and internet fatawa, Shaheen Sardar Ali provides an invaluable resource for scholars, students and practitioners alike by exploring exactly constitutes Islamic law in the contemporary world. Useful examples, case studies, a glossary of terms and the author's personal reflections accompany traditional academic critique, and together offer the reader a unique and discerning discussion of Islamic law in practice.
Hydrodynamic Control of Wave Energy Devices
Authors: Korde Umesh A. , Ringwood John
Published: September 2016

With this self-contained and comprehensive text, students and researchers will gain a detailed understanding of the fundamental aspects of the hydrodynamic control of wave energy converters. Such control is necessary to maximise energy capture for a given device configuration and plays a major role in efforts to make wave energy economic. Covering a wide range of disciplines, the reader is taken from the mathematical and technical fundamentals, through the main pillars of wave energy hydrodynamic control, right through to state-of-the-art algorithms for hydrodynamic control. The various operating principles of wave energy converters are exposed and the unique aspects of the hydrodynamic control problem highlighted, with a variety of potential solutions discussed. Supporting material on wave forecasting and the interaction of the hydrodynamic control problem with other aspects of wave energy device optimisation, such as device geometry optimisation and optimal device array layout, is also provided.
Bubble and Foam Chemistry
Authors: Pugh Robert J.
Published: September 2016

This indispensable guide will equip the reader with a thorough understanding of the field of foaming chemistry. Assuming only basic theoretical background knowledge, the book provides a straightforward introduction to the principles and properties of foams and foaming surfactants. It discusses the key ideas that underpin why foaming occurs, how it can be avoided and how different degrees of antifoaming can be achieved, and covers the latest test methods, including laboratory and industrial developed techniques. Detailing a variety of different kinds of foams, from wet detergents and food foams, to polymeric, material and metal foams, it connects theory to real-world applications and recent developments in foam research. Combining academic and industrial viewpoints, this book is the definitive stand-alone resource for researchers, students and industrialists working on foam technology, colloidal systems in the field of chemical engineering, fluid mechanics, physical chemistry, and applied physics.
Understanding Video Game Music
Authors: Summers Tim , Hannigan James
Published: September 2016

Understanding Video Game Music develops a musicology of video game music by providing methods and concepts for understanding music in this medium. From the practicalities of investigating the video game as a musical source to the critical perspectives on game music - using examples including Final Fantasy VII, Monkey Island 2, SSX Tricky and Silent Hill - these explorations not only illuminate aspects of game music, but also provide conceptual ideas valuable for future analysis. Music is not a redundant echo of other textual levels of the game, but central to the experience of interacting with video games. As the author likes to describe it, this book is about music for racing a rally car, music for evading zombies, music for dancing, music for solving puzzles, music for saving the Earth from aliens, music for managing a city, music for being a hero; in short, it is about music for playing.
Democracy Protests
Authors: Brancati Dawn
Published: September 2016

Why do democracy protests emerge in some countries at certain times, but not in others? Why do governments accommodate these protests, undertaking sweeping reforms in some cases, and in others find ways to suppress protests? In Democracy Protests, Brancati highlights the role of economic crises in triggering protests. She argues that crises increase discontent with governments, and authoritarianism in particular, and also increase support for opposition candidates who are more likely to organize protests, especially during election periods. Economic crises are also shown to create chances for opportunists to capitalize on anti-regime sentiment and mobilize support against governments. However, if crises are severe and protests concomitantly large, governments are likely to be compelled to make accommodations with protestors, regardless of their likelihood of retaining office. Brancati's argument rests on a rich statistical analysis of the causes and consequences of democracy protests around the globe between 1989 and 2011, combined with qualitative case studies.
The Demographic Transformations of Citizenship
Authors: Askola Heli
Published: September 2016

The Demographic Transformations of Citizenship examines how attempts by contemporary states to govern demographic anxieties are shaping ideas about citizenship both as a boundary-maintaining mechanism and as an ideal of equal membership. These anxieties, while most often centred upon immigration, also stem from other demographic changes unfolding in contemporary states - most notably, the long-standing trend towards lower birth rates and consequent population ageing. With attention to such topics as control over borders, national identity, gender roles, family life and changing stages of life, Askola examines the impact of demographic changes, including but not limited to immigration. Drawing from a variety of disciplines, including law, demography, and sociology, this book discusses how efforts to manage demographic anxieties are profoundly altering ideas about citizenship and belonging.