bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiomyogenic differentiation of human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells transduced with Tbx20‐encoding lentiviral vectors
Authors: Neshati Vajiheh , Mollazadeh Samaneh , Fazly Bazzaz Bibi Sedigheh , de Vries Antoine AF , Mojarrad Majid , Naderi‐Meshkin Hojjat , Neshati Zeinab , Kerachian Mohammad Amin
Published: April 2018

Ischemic heart disease often results in myocardial infarction and is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Improvement in the function of infarcted myocardium is a main purpose of cardiac regenerative medicine. One possible way to reach this goal is via stem cell therapy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types but display limited cardiomyogenic differentiation potential. Members of the T‐box family of transcription factors including Tbx20 play important roles in heart development and cardiomyocyte homeostasis. Therefore, in the current study, we investigated the potential of Tbx20 to enhance the cardiomyogenic differentiation of human adipose‐derived MSCs (ADMSCs). Human ADMSCs were transduced with a bicistronic lentiviral vector encoding Tbx20 (murine) and the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) and analyzed 7 and 14 days post transduction. Transduction of human ADMSCs with this lentiviral vector increased the expression of the cardiomyogenic differentiation markers ACTN1, TNNI3, ACTC1, NKX2.5, TBX20 (human), and GATA4 as revealed by RT‐qPCR. Consistently, immunocytological results showed elevated expression of α‐actinin and cardiac troponin I in these cells in comparison to the cells transduced with control lentiviral particles coding for eGFP alone. Accordingly, forced expression of Tbx20 exerts cardiomyogenic effects on human ADMSCs by increasing the expression of cardiomyogenic differentiation markers at the RNA and protein level.
Histopathological lesions and toxicity in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L. 1758) induced by copper nanoparticles
Authors: Forouhar Vajargah Mohammad , Mohamadi Yalsuyi Ahmad , Hedayati Aliakbar , Faggio Caterina
Published: April 2018

Different types of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have been suggested for various applications such as water treatment and construction of agricultural pesticides; however, there are concerns about the potential toxicity of these compounds for the nontarget organism especially aquatic organisms. The aims of this study were assessing toxicity and histopathological effects of copper oxide NPs (NPs‐CuO) on common carp (Cyprinus carpio) as a model organism. For this purpose 150 common carp with an average weight 7 ± 1 g were exposed to 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, 100, 150, and 200 mg/l of CuO‐NPs (10 treatment with three replicates) for 96 hrs. After 24, 48, 72, and 96 hrs exposures, mortality rates recorded and gill samples were collected. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in carp survival between control and treatment groups (p < 0.05); regression between fish mortality rate and NPs‐CuO concentration was also revealed (p < 0.01). The LC50 96h of NPs‐CuO for common carp was estimated as 124.9 mg/l in this study. Various tissue damages were observed in gill of treatments; such as, hypertrophy, hyperplasia, lamellar fusions, erythrocyte infiltration, epithelial lifting; also, there was significant correlation between intensity of tissue lesions and concentration of NPs‐CuO (p < 0.01). The findings of the present study demonstrate that sublethal concentration of NPs‐CuO can lead to serious tissue lesions. Whats more, concentrations above 30 ml/l of NPs‐CuO can lead to some clinical signs; such as skin darkening and death with open mouth as well as definite fish death.
When white collar criminals turn to fatal violence: The impact of narcissism and psychopathy
Authors: Alalehto Tage , Azarian Reza
Published: April 2018

The present article takes as its point of departure Perri's view, according to whom the impact of personality traits such as psychopathy and narcissism has unduly been omitted in research on white collar criminality. However, this article argues that although such factors have an important role to play in some cases when white collar criminals turn violent in order to prevent the detection of their felonies, they constitute neither the necessary nor the sufficient conditions for white collar criminals to commit murders. This means on the one hand that, although potentially increasing the risk for violence, these traits are not by themselves sufficient as the triggers of violent acts and can function so only under certain social‐contextual circumstances. However, such personality traits are not by themselves necessary, as there can be empirical cases of fraud detection murder committed by white collar criminals lacking them. This position is supported by both a logical analysis of Perri's main arguments and by empirical evidence, consisting of a few real‐life cases of Scandinavian white collar criminals who have “turned red.”
Spontaneous transformation of a concealed to manifest posteroseptal accessory pathway requiring epicardial ablation
Authors: Lee Adam , Lindemann James , Davison Oscar , Wright Daniel , Denman Russell
Published: April 2018

Concealed accessory pathways (APs) are considered benign as they can only sustain orthodromic atrioventricular re‐entrant tachycardia (ORT). We describe a unique case of a concealed posteroseptal AP where longitudinal surveillance following repeated failed ablation attempts due to abnormal coronary sinus (CS) anatomy revealed spontaneous development of manifest pre‐excitation. The pathway was ultimately ablated via the percutaneous epicardial approach. The potential for development of Wolff‐Parkinson‐White (WPW) syndrome in patients with concealed APs has implications for ongoing surveillance in these patients.
Comparison of the efficacy between impedance‐guided and contact force‐guided atrial fibrillation ablation using an automated annotation system
Authors: Park Hyoung‐Seob , Kim In‐Cheol , Cho Yun‐Kyeong , Yoon Hyuck‐Jun , Kim Hyungseop , Nam Chang‐Wook , Han Seongwook , Hur Seung‐Ho , Kim Yoon‐Nyun , Kim Kwon‐Bae
Published: April 2018

Background

This study compared the efficacy of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) between impedance (IMP)‐guided and contact force (CF)‐guided annotation using the automated annotation system (VisiTag™).

Methods

Fifty patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for AF were randomized to the IMP‐guided or CF‐guided groups. The annotation criteria for VisiTag™ were a 10 second minimum ablation time and 2 mm maximum catheter movement range. A minimum CF of 10 g was added to the criteria in the CF‐guided group. In the IMP‐guided group, a minimum IMP drop of over 5 Ω was added to the criteria.

Results

The rates of successful PVI after an initial ablation line were higher in the CF‐guided group (80% vs 48%, P = .018). Although average CF was similar between two groups, the average force‐time integral (FTI) was significantly higher in the CF‐guided group (298.3 ± 65. 2 g·s vs 255.1 ± 38.3 g·s, P = .007). The atrial arrhythmia‐free survival at 1 year demonstrated no difference between the two groups (84.0% in the IMP‐guided group vs 80.0% in the CF‐guided group, P = .737). If the use of any antiarrhythmic drug beyond the blanking period was considered as a failure, the clinical success rate at 1 year was 52.0% for the CF‐guided group vs 56.0% for the IMP‐guided group (P = .813).

Conclusions

Atrial fibrillation ablation using an automated annotation system guided by CF improved the success rate of PVI after the initial circumferential ablation. An IMP‐guided annotation combined with catheter stability criteria showed similar clinical outcomes as compared to the CF‐guided annotation.
Multifoci effects of injustice on counterproductive work behaviors and the moderating roles of symbolization and victim sensitivity
Authors: Lavelle James J. , Harris Christopher M. , Rupp Deborah E. , Herda David N. , Young Randall F. , Hargrove M. Blake , Thornton‐Lugo Meghan Ann , McMahan Gary C.
Published: April 2018

Past research suggests that employees, in response to workplace experiences, selectively engage in targeted counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs). Taking a retributive justice and target similarity perspective, we predict that employee perceptions of unfairness from the organization uniquely predict CWB specifically targeted at the organization whereas employee perceptions of supervisory unfairness uniquely predict CWB specifically targeted at the supervisor. We further hypothesized that moral identity‐symbolization would strengthen these target‐similar relationships. Finally, drawing from the sensitivity to mean intentions model, we hypothesized that victim sensitivity would not only strengthen these target‐similar relationships but also lead to cross‐foci effects of multifoci fairness perceptions on targets of CWB. Results from 3 field studies of full‐time employees provided support for most of our hypothesized relationships.
Large‐scale patterns and possible mechanisms of 10–20‐day intra‐seasonal oscillation of the observed rainfall in Vietnam
Authors: Truong Nguyen Minh , Tuan Bui Minh
Published: April 2018

The present study investigates 10–20‐day intra‐seasonal oscillation (10–20‐day ISO) of the 29‐year daily observed rainfall in north, central, and south Vietnam in rainy seasons. The 10–20‐day band‐pass Lanczos filter is applied to the time series of the regional daily rainfall, daily reanalysis fields, and outgoing long‐wave radiation. The 10–20‐day ISO in north Vietnam is governed by the alternate occurrence of moisture flux divergence (convergence), which may regulate local lagged conditionally unstable (stable) anomalies. In south Vietnam, the dry (wet) phase is determined by moisture flux divergence (convergence) associated with anticyclonic (cyclonic) gyres that are destroyed later by lagged unstable (stable) anomalies that evolve within the gyres. In both cases, the alternate occurrence of the conditionally unstable and stable anomalies reverses moisture flux and circulations not only over the regions but also in the tropical Indian Ocean in the form of equatorial Rossby waves. The wet phase in central Vietnam is uniquely caused by moisture flux convergence, instead of local unstable condition, which is associated with southwards propagation of cold dry air masses (or cold surges) from the Eurasian continent. Topography also plays an important role in modulating the 10–20‐day ISO, especially in central Vietnam as it helps block northeasterly winds associated with cold air masses.
Adjustment of measurement errors to reconcile precipitation distribution in the high‐altitude Indus basin
Authors: Dahri Zakir Hussain , Moors Eddy , Ludwig Fulco , Ahmad Shakil , Khan Asif , Ali Irfan , Kabat Pavel
Published: April 2018

Precipitation in the high‐altitude Indus basin governs its renewable water resources affecting water, energy and food securities. However, reliable estimates of precipitation climatology and associated hydrological implications are seriously constrained by the quality of observed data. As such, quantitative and spatio‐temporal distributions of precipitation estimated by previous studies in the study area are highly contrasting and uncertain. Generally, scarcity and biased distribution of observed data at the higher altitudes and measurement errors in precipitation observations are the primary causes of such uncertainties. In this study, we integrated precipitation data of 307 observatories with the net snow accumulations estimated through mass balance studies at 21 major glacier zones. Precipitation observations are adjusted for measurement errors using the guidelines and standard methods developed under the WMO's international precipitation measurement intercomparisons, while net snow accumulations are adjusted for ablation losses using standard ablation gradients. The results showed more significant increases in precipitation of individual stations located at higher altitudes during winter months, which are consistent with previous studies. Spatial interpolation of unadjusted precipitation observations and net snow accumulations at monthly scale indicated significant improvements in the quantitative and spatio‐temporal distribution of precipitation over the unadjusted case and previous studies. Adjustment of river flows revealed only a marginal contribution of net glacier mass balance to river flows. The adjusted precipitation estimates are more consistent with the corresponding adjusted river flows. The study recognized that the higher river flows than the corresponding precipitation estimates by the previous studies are mainly due to underestimated precipitation. The results can be useful for water balance studies and bias correction of gridded precipitation products for the study area.
Influence Factors on Contrast Agent Venous Intravasation During Transvaginal 4‐Dimensional Hysterosalpingo‐Contrast Sonography
Authors: Wang Weiqun , Zhou Qiulan , Zhou Xingxing , Chen Zhiyi , Zhang Hui
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To explore the risk factors on contrast agent venous intravasation during transvaginal 4‐dimensional hysterosalpingo‐contrast sonography (TVS 4D‐HyCoSy).

Methods

The TVS 4D‐HyCoSy imaging data were collected from 276 female infertile patients. The correlation between endometrial thickness, days after menstruation, intrauterine intervention history, fallopian tubal patency degree, and contrast agent venous intravasation, respectively, was analyzed.

Results

In our study, the incidence of contrast agent venous intravasation was 13.04%. Endometrial thickness and days after menstruation were significantly associated with venous intravasation (P < .05). However, there was no significance for intrauterine intervention history and fallopian tube patency degree.

Conclusions

Contrast agent intravasation during TVS 4D‐HyCoSy is not infrequent. Performing TVS 4D‐HyCoSy according to endometrial thickness and menstrual period could reduce intravasation incidence to some extent.
Ultrasound Appearances of Pediatric Testicular Yolk Sac Tumors: Twenty‐one Cases in a Single Institution
Authors: Song Qing‐Da
Published: April 2018

Testicular yolk sac tumors are rare, and analyses of relevant ultrasound (US) findings are limited. We retrospectively reviewed the US features of 21 pathologically verified cases (patients aged 10–64 months). Neoplasms were unilateral and solitary, occupying part (focal) or all (diffuse) of the testis. Focal lesions (14 cases) were usually solid and ovoid, with a homogeneous echo texture or multiple random anechoic spaces, and hypervascular. Diffuse neoplasms had heterogeneous echo textures; most were hypervascular. On spectral Doppler US imaging, 11 cases had a mean peak systolic velocity of 12.9 cm/s and a mean resistive index of 0.54. Ultrasound is a useful tool for imaging pediatric testes when a yolk sac tumor is suspected.
Pipes or chimneys? For carbon cycling in small boreal lakes, precipitation matters most
Authors: de Wit Heleen A. , Couture Raoul‐Marie , Jackson‐Blake Leah , Futter Martyn N. , Valinia Salar , Austnes Kari , Guerrero Jose‐Luis , Lin Yan
Published: April 2018

Are small lakes passive pipes transporting terrigenous organic carbon (dissolved organic carbon [DOC]), or chimneys for CO2 release in the landscape? Using a unique combination of 30‐yr measurements, sediment dating and modeling of a small humic lake and its catchment in southeast Norway, we calculated lateral DOC fluxes and in‐lake retention. Concentrations and fluxes rose significantly, driven by declining sulfur deposition and increased precipitation. In‐lake retention (% of inputs) declined because of higher discharge and lower residence times. DOC removal rates were not sensitive to residence time. Modeled in‐lake DOC removal was driven primarily by microbial metabolism and, secondarily, by flocculation, suggesting that the likely fate of lake‐retained DOC is CO2 evasion to the atmosphere. Precipitation was the overriding landscape control on DOC fluxes and retention. In a wetter climate, small northern lakes will, on balance, function more as pipes than chimneys, with increasing lateral DOC fluxes but little change in CO2 production.
Living Donation Versus Donation After Circulatory Death Liver Transplantation for Low Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease Recipients
Authors: Kling Catherine E. , Perkins James D. , Reyes Jorge D. , Montenovo Martin I.
Published: April 2018

In this era of organ scarcity, living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is an alternative to using deceased donors, and in Western countries, it is more often used for recipients with low Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores. We sought to compare the patient survival and graft survival between recipients of liver transplantation from living donors and donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors in patients with low MELD scores. This is a retrospective cohort analysis of adult liver transplant recipients with a laboratory MELD of ≤20 who underwent transplantation between January 1, 2003 and March 31, 2016. Recipients were categorized by donor graft type (DCD or LDLT), and recipient and donor characteristics were compared. Ten‐year patient and graft survival curves were calculated using Kaplan‐Meier analyses, and a mixed‐effects model was performed to determine the contributions of recipient, donor, and center variables on patient and graft survival. There were 36,705 liver transplants performed: 32,255 (87.9%) from DBD donors, 2166 (5.9%) from DCD donors, and 2284 (6.2%) from living donors. In the mixed‐effects model, DCD status was associated with a higher risk of graft failure (relative risk [RR], 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16‐1.38) but not worse patient survival (RR, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.96‐1.67). Lower DCD center experience was associated with a 1.21 higher risk of patient death (95% CI, 1.17‐1.25) and a 1.13 higher risk of graft failure (95% CI, 1.12‐1.15). LDLT center experience was also predictive of patient survival (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.03) and graft failure (RR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.05‐1.06). In conclusion, for liver transplant recipients with low laboratory MELD, LDLT offers better graft survival and a tendency to better patient survival than DCD donors.
Eversion Bile Duct Anastomosis: A Safe Alternative for Bile Duct Size Discrepancy in Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation
Authors: Leal‐Leyte Pilar , McKenna Greg J. , Ruiz Richard M. , Anthony Tiffany L. , Saracino Giovanna , Testa Giuliano , Klintmalm Goran B. , T. W. Kim Peter
Published: April 2018

Bile duct size discrepancy in liver transplantation may increase the risk of biliary complications (BCs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and outcomes of the eversion bile duct anastomosis technique in deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) with duct‐to‐duct anastomosis. A total of 210 patients who received a DDLT with duct‐to‐duct anastomosis from 2012 to 2017 were divided into 2 groups: those who had eversion bile duct anastomosis (n = 70) and those who had standard bile duct anastomosis (n = 140). BC rates were compared between the 2 groups. There was no difference in the cumulative incidence of biliary strictures (P = 0.20) and leaks (P = 0.17) between the 2 groups. The BC rate in the eversion group was 14.3% and 11.4% in the standard anastomosis group. All the BCs in the eversion group were managed with endoscopic stenting. A severe size mismatch (≥3:1 ratio) was associated with a significantly higher incidence of biliary strictures (44.4%) compared with a 2:1 ratio (8.2%; P = 0.002). In conclusion, the use of the eversion technique is a safe alternative for bile duct discrepancy in DDLT. However, severe bile duct size mismatch may be a risk factor for biliary strictures with such a technique.
Fish Distributions and Habitat Associations in Manistee River, Michigan, Tributaries: Implications for Arctic Grayling Restoration
Authors: Goble Cameron W. , Auer Nancy A. , Huckins Casey J. , Danhoff Brian M. , Holtgren J. Marty , Ogren Stephanie A.
Published: April 2018

Restoration and enhancement of North American native freshwater fishes have for several decades been the subject of growing interest among fisheries biologists, natural resource managers, non-governmental organizations, and the sportfishing public. The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians (LRBOI) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), along with universities and public interest groups, are re-examining the potential for re-introduction of the Arctic Grayling Thymallus arcticus, a species that has been extirpated in Michigan since the 1930s. The Manistee River, Michigan, flows through the LRBOI's reservation and once supported the last known native Arctic Grayling population in the state's Lower Peninsula. The objectives of this study were to (1) identify potential biotic limitations, such as competition and/or predation from other fish species, that may interfere with Arctic Grayling re-introduction in the Manistee River watershed; and (2) describe how instream habitat features currently relate to populations of potentially interacting species. Field surveys conducted during June–August 2012 in eight Manistee River tributaries identified suitable abiotic habitat for Arctic Grayling in 20 of 22 sampling reaches. However, high densities of Brown Trout Salmo trutta (a nonnative salmonid) may have influenced some of the habitat associations observed for Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis and Slimy Sculpin Cottus cognatus, two species that currently and historically co-occurred in Arctic Grayling habitats. These two species were the most abundant in river reaches with Brown Trout densities less than 0.10 fish/m2. Based on habitat conditions and Brown Trout densities, there appear to be four distinct tributary regions for which management strategies could be developed to enhance the success of Arctic Grayling re-introduction efforts. Re-introduction of Arctic Grayling in the Manistee River watershed would support LRBOI and MDNR goals for native species restoration and would provide a unique and historic angling opportunity that has been absent in Michigan for nearly 100 years.
International Continence Society best practice statement for use of sacral neuromodulation
Authors: Goldman Howard B. , Lloyd Jessica C. , Noblett Karen L. , Carey Marcus P. , Castaño Botero Juan Carlos , Gajewski Jerzy B. , Lehur Paul A. , Hassouna Magdy M. , Matzel Klaus E. , Paquette Ian M. , de Wachter Stefan , Ehlert Michael J. , Chartier‐Kastler Emmanuel , Siegel Steven W.
Published: April 2018

Aims

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is an accepted therapy for a variety of conditions. However, despite over 20 years of experience, it remains a specialized procedure with a number of subtleties. Here we present the recommendations issued from the International Continence Society (ICS) SNM Consensus Panel.

Methods

Under the auspices of the ICS, eight urologists, three colorectal surgeons and two urogynecologists, covering a wide breadth of geographic and specialty interest representation, met in January 2017 to discuss best practices for neuromodulation. Suggestions for statements were submitted in advance and specific topics were assigned to committee members, who prepared and presented supporting data to the group, at which time each topic was discussed in depth. Best practice statements were formulated based on available data. This document was then circulated to multiple external reviewers after which final edits were made and approved by the group.

Results

The present recommendations, based on the most relevant data available in the literature, as well as expert opinion, address a variety of specific and at times problematic issues associated with SNM. These include the use of SNM for a variety of underlying conditions, need for pre‐procedural testing, use of staged versus single‐stage procedures, screening for success during the trial phase, ideal anesthesia, device implantation, post‐procedural management, trouble‐shooting loss of device function, and future directions for research.

Conclusions

These guidelines undoubtedly constitute a reference document, which will help urologists, gynecologists, and colorectal surgeons optimize their use of SNM for refractory urinary urgency and frequency, UUI, NOR, and FI.
Accumulating Data to Optimally Predict Obesity Treatment (ADOPT) Core Measures: Environmental Domain
Authors: Saelens Brian E. , Arteaga S. Sonia , Berrigan David , Ballard Rachel M. , Gorin Amy A. , Powell‐Wiley Tiffany M. , Pratt Charlotte , Reedy Jill , Zenk Shannon N.
Published: April 2018

Background

There is growing interest in how environment is related to adults' weight and activity and eating behaviors. However, little is known about whether environmental factors are related to the individual variability seen in adults' intentional weight loss or maintenance outcomes.

Objectives

The environmental domain subgroup of the Accumulating Data to Optimally Predict obesity Treatment (ADOPT) Core Measures Project sought to identify a parsimonious set of objective and perceived neighborhood and social environment constructs and corresponding measures to include in the assessment of response to adult weight‐loss treatment.

Significance

Starting with the home address, the environmental domain subgroup recommended for inclusion in future weight‐loss or maintenance studies constructs and measures related to walkability, perceived land use mix, food outlet accessibility (perceived and objective), perceived food availability, socioeconomics, and crime‐related safety (perceived and objective) to characterize the home neighborhood environment. The subgroup also recommended constructs and measures related to social norms (perceived and objective) and perceived support to characterize an individual's social environment. The 12 neighborhood and social environment constructs and corresponding measures provide a succinct and comprehensive set to allow for more systematic examination of the impact of environment on adults' weight loss and maintenance.
Curing mechanism, heat resistance, and anticorrosion properties of a furan/methyl phenyl silicone coating
Authors: Zhang Lei , Shi Zhen , Hu Weihong , Zhang Xin , Zhu Huibin , Zhao Guizhe , Wang Zhi
Published: April 2018

A coating composed by methyl phenyl silicone resin (PSi) and furan resin (FR) was prepared, and its curing mechanism, heat resistance, and anticorrosion properties were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, electrochemical test, and chemical resistance test. Aldol condensation reaction between FR and PSi occurred at below 200°C, and PSi underwent self‐multidehydrogenation at above 200°C. These curing reactions gave excellent thermal stability and anticorrosion properties. Compared with pure PSi, the blended containing lower than 20 wt% FR had better thermal properties, manifested as over 390°C of 5 wt% weight loss temperature and over 40% of char yield at 800°C. The adhesion property of cured blended system on the metal surface reached the first level which exceeded that of pure PSi coating (the third level). Furthermore, the corrosion resistances of coating in acid, alkali, and salt environments were all improved compared with those of monomeric polymer coating. The impedance of blended coating in 3.5% NaCl solution decreased with increasing FR content, which was 1.8 × 106 Ω cm2 when the FR content was 40%, being higher than that of pure PSi coating (7.12 × 105 Ω cm2). This was mainly due to the formation of a cross‐linked network structure based on Si―O―C bond and the enhanced adhesion of cured blended coating. In addition, the surface roughness of cured blended coating was below 2.0 μm, which may have a positive effect on drag reduction in real applications.
Structural improvement of laminated thermoplastic polyurethane/low‐melting polyester/kevlar composites
Authors: Lin Mei‐Chen , Lou Ching‐Wen , Lin Jan‐Yi , Lin Ting An , Lin Jia‐Horng
Published: April 2018

Laminated composites are subject to delamination. This study aims to address this drawback and obtain structurally stable, lightweight, thin laminated composites through a novel manufacturing method that involves blending thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), low‐melting polyester (LMPET), and Kevlar. Nonwoven LMPET/Kevlar fabrics are first processed through a nonwoven technique and then combined twice with TPU sheets through the sheet extrusion method. The mechanical properties, thermal behavior, and combustion resistance of the laminated TPU/LMPET/Kevlar composites are then evaluated. Results show that LMPET fibers strengthen adhesion between TPU and nonwoven laminates, and the addition of a small amount of TPU increases the peeling strength of the laminated TPU/LMPET/Kevlar composites by 1.9‐fold. The distribution of Kevlar fibers enhances the tensile properties and flame resistance of the laminated composites. Specifically, the tensile strength of the laminated TPU/LMPET/Kevlar composites reaches 18.85 MPa, and their combustion rate is significantly reduced. The proposed manufacturing design efficiently reduces delamination, thus extending the application range of laminated TPU/LMPET/Kevlar composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E550–E558, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Degradation modeling and classification of mixed populations using segmental continuous hidden Markov models
Authors: Chen Zhen , Xia Tangbin , Li Yaping , Pan Ershun
Published: April 2018

With the market demands, the classification for highly reliable products becomes more and more significant. The degradation data can provide information about the degradation states and can be used to classify products to various classes according to the reliability attribute. In this paper, a temporal probabilistic approach, named segmental continuous hidden Markov model (SCHMM), is proposed to tackle the problem of degradation modeling and classification for mixed populations. Separate SCHMMs are built for each class of the mixed populations. The SCHMMs can directly depict the correspondence between actual degradation and the hidden states. A novel method called self‐training algorithm for the preprocessing of the original data from the mixed populations is proposed. Furthermore, the unknown parameters of the SCHMMs are estimated by the maximum likelihood method with the complete degradation data. The root mean square error of the estimated degradation value compared with the actual physical degradation value, as well as Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion, is used for the evolution of the fitting accuracy and the selection of model topologies and discretization methods. Then the maximum posterior probability‐based classification criteria are developed. Degradation tests are designed for the data collection. To obtain the optimal classification policies, a cost function that consists of the degradation test cost and misclassification cost is constructed. A numerical example is used to illustrate the proposed method and demonstrate its advantages by comparing with other classification methods.
Computational Investigation of the Influence of π‐Bridge Conjugation Order of Thiophene and Thiazole Units in Triphenylamine Based Dyes in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Mandal Sudip , Vedarajan Raman , Matsumi Noriyoshi , Ramanujam Kothandaraman
Published: April 2018

In this study, ten triphenylamine based dyes were investigated by varying the π‐bridge size with a different order of thiophene and thiazole units to understand their potential use in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Geometry optimization, the energy levels and electron density of the highest occupied molecular orbital and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, and UV‐visible absorption spectra were calculated using density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT) methods. The electron injection driving force, dye regeneration driving force, natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis of dye‐(TiO2)8 cluster and dye reorganization energy were calculated to predict the most suitable dyes for DSSC application. Dye 4 ((Z)‐2‐cyano‐3‐(2′‐((E)‐4‐(diphenylamino)styryl)‐[2, 5′‐bithiazol]‐4‐yl)acrylic acid) followed by Dye 6 ((Z)‐2‐cyano‐3‐(5‐(2‐((E)‐4‐(diphenylamino)styryl)thiazol‐5‐yl)thiophen‐3‐yl)acrylic acid) having two linker moieties were identified as the potential candidates.
Alkali‐Metal Promoted Chemo‐ and Regioselective Cycloisomerization Reactions to (Z)‐3‐Alkylideneisoindolin‐1‐ones: Unusual Positive Role of H2O
Authors: Tan Jie , Tong Yao , Chen Zhiyuan
Published: April 2018

An alkali‐metal promoted cycloisomerization reaction of 2‐alkynylbenzamides is described for the synthesis of useful (Z)‐3‐alkylideneisoindolin‐1‐one derivatives in modest to good yields and excellent chemo‐ and regioselectivity. Superstoichiometric amounts of water was found to be crucial for this reaction, and no transition‐metal salts are necessary. This synthetically green protocol proceeds efficiently with 100% atom economy and tolerates a diverse number of functional groups.
Shear assessment of a reinforced concrete bridge deck slab according to level‐of‐approximation approach
Authors: Shu Jiangpeng
Published: April 2018

Reinforced concrete (RC) slabs without shear reinforcement are commonly used for existing bridge structures. For such structures, shear and punching can be the governing failure modes at the ultimate limit state if subjected to large concentrated loads. The aim of this study is to examine a structured approach for the analyses of the RC bridge deck slabs, which make up a considerable proportion of the currently used bridge decks. The method used for analyses is the levels‐of‐approximation introduced in fib Model Code for Concrete Structures 2010. The different levels include simplified calculation method, linear finite element analysis as well as non‐linear finite element analysis. The differences between analysis methods at different levels of analyses were discussed regarding one‐way shear and punching shear behavior of the slab.
Stress alleviation strategy in cancer treatment: Insights from a mathematical model
Authors: Mpekris Fotios , Voutouri Chrysovalantis , Papageorgis Panagiotis , Stylianopoulos Triantafyllos
Published: April 2018

Tumors generate mechanical forces during growth and progression, which are able to compress blood and lymphatic vessels, reducing perfusion rates and creating hypoxia. Tumor vessels—while nourishing the tumor—are usually leaky and tortuous, which further decreases perfusion. Consequently, vessel leakiness together with vessel compression causes a uniformly elevated interstitial fluid pressure that hinder drug delivery and compromise therapeutic outcomes. To enhance treatment efficacy, stress alleviation and vascular normalization strategies have been developed to improve tumor perfusion and drug delivery. Stress alleviation strategy aim to decrease solid stress levels and reopen compressed blood vessels leading to improve perfusion and drug delivery. On the other hand, vascular normalization strategy aims to restore the abnormalities in tumor vasculature by decreasing vessel leakiness and thus enhance drug efficacy. Here, we employed a mathematical model to study the stress alleviation strategy using published experimental data and performing new experiments in mice bearing breast tumors. Specifically, we accounted for variations in tumor hydraulic conductivity, elastic modulus and swelling related to changes in extracellular matrix components induced by the anti‐fibrotic and stress alleviating drug, tranilast. We showed that alleviation of mechanical stresses in tumors reduces the tumor interstitial fluid pressure to normal levels and increases the functionality of the tumor vasculature resulted in improved drug delivery and treatment outcome. Finally, we used model predictions to show that vascular normalization can be combined with stress alleviation to further improve therapeutic outcomes.
Comparison of ice/water classification in Fram Strait from C- and L-band SAR imagery
Authors: Aldenhoff Wiebke , Heuzé Céline , Eriksson Leif E.B.
Published: April 2018

In this paper an algorithm for ice/water classification of C- and L-band dual polarization synthetic aperture radar data is presented. A comparison of the two different frequencies is made in order to investigate the potential to improve classification results with multi-frequency data. The algorithm is based on backscatter intensities in co- and cross-polarization and autocorrelation as a texture feature. The mapping between image features and ice/water classification is made with a neural network. Accurate ice/water maps for both frequencies are produced by the algorithm and the results of two frequencies generally agree very well. Differences are found in the marginal ice zone, where the time difference between acquisitions causes motion of the ice pack. C-band reliably reproduces the outline of the ice edge, while L-band has its strengths for thin ice/calm water areas within the icepack. The classification shows good agreement with ice/water maps derived from met.no ice-charts and radiometer data from AMSR-2. Variations are found in the marginal ice zone where the generalization of the ice charts and lower accuracy of ice concentration from radiometer data introduce deviations. Usage of high-resolution dual frequency data could be beneficial for improving ice cover information for navigation and modelling.
EPISTEMIC AKRASIA AND EPISTEMIC REASONS
Authors: Daoust Marc-Kevin
Published: April 2018

It seems that epistemically rational agents should avoid incoherent combinations of beliefs and should respond correctly to their epistemic reasons. However, some situations seem to indicate that such requirements cannot be simultaneously satisfied. In such contexts, assuming that there is no unsolvable dilemma of epistemic rationality, either (i) it could be rational that one's higher-order attitudes do not align with one's first-order attitudes or (ii) requirements such as responding correctly to epistemic reasons that agents have are not genuine rationality requirements. This result doesn't square well with plausible theoretical assumptions concerning epistemic rationality. So, how do we solve this puzzle? In this paper, I will suggest that an agent can always reason from infallible higher-order reasons. This provides a partial solution to the above puzzle.
Sociodemographic characteristics and frequency of consuming home-cooked meals and meals from out-of-home sources: cross-sectional analysis of a population-based cohort study
Authors: Mills Susanna , Adams Jean , Wrieden Wendy , White Martin , Brown Heather
Published: April 2018

Objective

To identify sociodemographic characteristics associated with frequency of consuming home-cooked meals and meals from out-of-home sources.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis of a population-based cohort study. Frequency of consuming home-cooked meals, ready meals, takeaways and meals out were derived from a participant questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics regarding sex, age, ethnicity, working overtime and socio-economic status (SES; measured by household income, educational attainment, occupational status and employment status) were self-reported. Sociodemographic differences in higherv.lower meal consumption frequency were explored using logistic regression, adjusted for other key sociodemographic variables.

Setting

Cambridgeshire, UK.

Subjects

Fenland Study participants (n11 326), aged 29–64 years at baseline.

Results

Eating home-cooked meals more frequently was associated with being female, older, of higher SES (measured by greater educational attainment and household income) and not working overtime. Being male was associated with a higher frequency of consumption for all out-of-home meal types. Consuming takeaways more frequently was associated with lower SES (measured by lower educational attainment and household income), whereas eating out more frequently was associated with higher SES (measured by greater educational attainment and household income) and working overtime.

Conclusions

Sociodemographic characteristics associated with frequency of eating meals from different out-of-home sources varied according to meal source. Findings may be used to target public health policies and interventions for promoting healthier diets and dietary-related health towards people consuming home-cooked meals less frequently, such as men, those with lower educational attainment and household income, and overtime workers.
Shared effects of DISC1 disruption and elevated WNT signaling in human cerebral organoids
Authors: Srikanth Priya , Lagomarsino Valentina N. , Muratore Christina R. , Ryu Steven C. , He Amy , Taylor Walter M. , Zhou Constance , Arellano Marlise , Young-Pearse Tracy L.
Published: April 2018

The development of three-dimensional culture methods has allowed for the study of developing cortical morphology in human cells. This provides a new tool to study the neurodevelopmental consequences of disease-associated mutations. Here, we study the effects of isogenic DISC1 mutation in cerebral organoids. DISC1 has been implicated in psychiatric disease based on genetic studies, including its interruption by a balanced translocation that increases the risk of major mental illness. Isogenic wild-type and DISC1-disrupted human-induced pluripotent stem cells were used to generate cerebral organoids, which were then examined for morphology and gene expression. We show that DISC1-mutant cerebral organoids display disorganized structural morphology and impaired proliferation, which is phenocopied by WNT agonism and rescued by WNT antagonism. Furthermore, there are many shared changes in gene expression with DISC1 disruption and WNT agonism, including in neural progenitor and cell fate markers, regulators of neuronal migration, and interneuron markers. These shared gene expression changes suggest mechanisms for the observed morphologic dysregulation with DISC1 disruption and points to new avenues for future studies. The shared changes in three-dimensional cerebral organoid morphology and gene expression with DISC1 interruption and WNT agonism further strengthens the link between DISC1 mutation, abnormalities in WNT signaling, and neuropsychiatric disease.
Desynchronization of diurnal rhythms in bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder
Authors: Carr Oliver , Saunders Kate E. A. , Bilderbeck Amy C. , Tsanas Athanasios , Palmius Niclas , Geddes John R. , Foster Russell , De Vos Maarten , Goodwin Guy M.
Published: April 2018

It has long been proposed that diurnal rhythms are disturbed in bipolar disorder (BD). Such changes are obvious in episodes of mania or depression. However, detailed study of patients between episodes has been rare and comparison with other psychiatric disorders rarer still. Our hypothesis was that evidence for desynchronization of diurnal rhythms would be evident in BD and that we could test the specificity of any effect by studying borderline personality disorder (BPD). Individuals with BD (n = 36), BPD (n = 22) and healthy volunteers (HC, n = 25) wore a portable heart rate and actigraphy device and used a smart-phone to record self-assessed mood scores 10 times per day for 1 week. Average diurnal patterns of heart rate (HR), activity and sleep were compared within and across groups. Desynchronization in the phase of diurnal rhythms of HR compared with activity were found in BPD (+3 h) and BD (+1 h), but not in HC. A clear diurnal pattern for positive mood was found in all subject groups. The coherence between negative and irritable mood and HR showed a four-cycle per day component in BD and BPD, which was not present in HC. The findings highlight marked de-synchronisation of measured diurnal function in both BD but particularly BPD and suggest an increased association with negative and irritable mood at ultradian frequencies. These findings enhance our understanding of the underlying physiological changes associated with BPD and BD, and suggest objective markers for monitoring and potential treatment targets. Improved mood stabilisation is a translational objective for management of both patient groups.
Ghrelin is a persistent biomarker for chronic stress exposure in adolescent rats and humans
Authors: Yousufzai Muhammad I. ul Akbar , Harmatz Elia S. , Shah Mohsin , Malik Muhammad O. , Goosens Ki A.
Published: April 2018

Prolonged stressor exposure in adolescence enhances the risk of developing stress-sensitive mental illnesses, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for many years following exposure cessation, but the biological underpinnings of this long-term vulnerability are unknown. We show that severe stressor exposure increased circulating levels of the hormone acyl-ghrelin in adolescent rats for at least 130 days and in adolescent humans for at least 4.5 years. Using a rodent model of longitudinal PTSD vulnerability in which rodents with a history of stressor exposure during adolescence display enhanced fear in response to fear conditioning administered weeks after stressor exposure ends, we show that systemic delivery of a ghrelin receptor antagonist for 4 weeks surrounding stressor exposure (2 weeks during and 2 weeks following) prevented stress-enhanced fear memory. These data suggest that protracted exposure to elevated acyl-ghrelin levels mediates a persistent vulnerability to stress-enhanced fear after stressor exposure ends.
Pharmaceutical concentration using organic solvent forward osmosis for solvent recovery
Authors: Cui Yue , Chung Tai-Shung
Published: April 2018

The organic solvent forward osmosis (OSFO) process can simultaneously concentrate the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and recover the organic solvents. Here we demonstrate and evaluate an OSFO process for solvent recovery. In this demonstration, OSFO was conducted in different solvents with different draw solutes. The OSFO process shows rejections >98% when recovering organic solvents from different feed solutions, even when the feed concentration is as high as 20 wt%. More importantly, all systems exhibit relatively low ratios of reverse solute flux to solvent flux, indicating that the adverse effects of using hazardous draw solutions could be minimized. Nevertheless, the use of non-hazardous draw solutes such as citric acid is highly recommended to remove any potential risk, and it has been demonstrated. Herein, the OSFO process is a promising technology for solvent recovery as it possesses a reasonable solvent flux, low reverse solute flux and requires no external pressure.
Treating cat allergy with monoclonal IgG antibodies that bind allergen and prevent IgE engagement
Authors: Orengo J. M. , Radin A. R. , Kamat V. , Badithe A. , Ben L. H. , Bennett B. L. , Zhong S. , Birchard D. , Limnander A. , Rafique A. , Bautista J. , Kostic A. , Newell D. , Duan X. , Franklin M. C. , Olson W. , Huang T. , Gandhi N. A. , Lipsich L. , Stahl N. , Papadopoulos N. J. , Murphy A. J. , Yancopoulos G. D.
Published: April 2018

Acute allergic symptoms are caused by allergen-induced crosslinking of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) bound to Fc-epsilon receptors on effector cells. Desensitization with allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) has been used for over a century, but the dominant protective mechanism remains unclear. One consistent observation is increased allergen-specific IgG, thought to competitively block allergen binding to IgE. Here we show that the blocking potency of the IgG response to Cat-SIT is heterogeneous. Next, using two potent, pre-selected allergen-blocking monoclonal IgG antibodies against the immunodominant cat allergen Fel d 1, we demonstrate that increasing the IgG/IgE ratio reduces the allergic response in mice and in cat-allergic patients: a single dose of blocking IgG reduces clinical symptoms in response to nasal provocation (ANCOVA, p = 0.0003), with a magnitude observed at day 8 similar to that reported with years of conventional SIT. This study suggests that simply augmenting the blocking IgG/IgE ratio may reverse allergy.