bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance improvement of electrolytic air dehumidification systems with high‐water‐uptake polymer electrolyte membranes
Authors: Li Dujuan , Qi Ronghui , Zhang Li‐Zhi
Published: March 2019

Electrolytic dehumidification with polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) is innovative as it enables portable, accurate, and efficient air dehumidification. However, during operation, the dehydration of the PEM results in a severe decrease in its dehumidification performance. In this study, for the purposes of improving the water retention, we developed two types of composite PEMs, Nafion Membrane 212 (N212)–SiO2 and Nafion–SiO2. The hydration parameters (λ; H2O–SO3H) of N212–SiO2 and Nafion–SiO2 were increased by 20–61 and 40–92%, respectively, compared to that of Nafion 212. System experimental results show that in air with a 45% relative humidity, the dehumidification rates of N212–SiO2 and Nafion–SiO2 elements improved by 17 and 8%, respectively, and the respective increases in energy efficiency were 22 and 16%. In addition, the effect of the PEM water content on the dehumidification performance was more pronounced than those of other influencing factors such as the proton conduction resistance. The use of high‐water‐uptake PEMs positively helped optimize the electrolytic dehumidification, especially under low air humidities. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47676.
Identifying areas of aquatic plant richness in a Mediterranean hotspot to improve the conservation of freshwater ecosystems
Authors: Rodríguez‐Merino Argantonio , Fernández‐Zamudio Rocío , García‐Murillo Pablo
Published: March 2019

Identifying priority conservation areas is essential for minimizing the loss of biodiversity. Aquatic plants are of particular interest because their contribution to biodiversity is poorly understood and they play a central role in aquatic inland ecosystems. This study thus aimed to identify the areas on the Iberian Peninsula that contain the most aquatic plant species. It also explored the effectiveness of the Natura 2000 network in conserving aquatic plants.

To describe macroecological patterns of aquatic plant richness, species distribution models based on bioclimatic factors were generated using maximum entropy modelling. The results were used to identify high‐richness areas of potential conservation interest. Employing gap analysis, the overlap between these areas and the Natura 2000 network was examined to evaluate the effectiveness of the network.

The species studied had been recorded in just 34.98% (2172/6209) of the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid cells examined, meaning that 65.02% of the cells contained no species records. The gap analysis indicated that at least 2.27% of the cells represented areas of high conservation potential.

This research underscores the limited effectiveness of the Natura 2000 network in protecting aquatic plants and shows that a high proportion of the aquatic ecosystems studied are subject to severe human pressures. The results of this work provide highly relevant and valuable information on the less‐studied regions of the Iberian Peninsula.

Overall, the findings presented here should greatly inform the development of more objective strategies for conserving zones with a high diversity of aquatic plants. The information acquired should be used in future efforts to identify new priority conservation areas and assess those already in place.
Dutch multicenter experience using the STENTYS Xposition S self‐apposing stent in complex coronary lesions
Authors: Vlieger Selina , Simsek Cihan , Balland Anaïs , Somi Sami , Jessurun Gillian , Amoroso Giovanni , Kauer Floris , van Geuns Robert‐Jan , IJsselmuiden Alexander
Published: March 2019

Objectives

The aim is to assess the experience in the Netherlands using the Xposition S self‐apposing stent in complex coronary lesions in clinical practice.

Background

Treatment of complex coronary lesions could be accompanied with stent sizing difficulties and complications, particularly due to vessel overdilation or stent underexpansion. The self‐apposing feature of the Xposition S stent (STENTYS, Paris, France) supports good strut apposition in complex anatomies and allows for an increase in diameter after implantation.

Methods

In this real‐world registry, data from patients treated with Xposition S in four Dutch clinical sites were prospectively collected and analyzed. Any patient suitable for implantation with Xposition S according to current recommendations was enrolled. Primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 1 year.

Results

Between 2015 and 2018, data from 251 patients were collected. Clinical presentation was an acute coronary syndrome in majority of the patients (76.9%). Main angiographic indications were lesions in aneurysmatic or ectatic vessels (32.3%), thrombus containing lesions (13.1%), and bifurcation/left main stenosis (10.4%). Most of the target lesions (TLs) were classified as AHA/ACC Type C (53.6%). Despite lesion complexity, device was successfully implanted at TL in 96.8%. MACE rate, reported on patients having completed 1‐year follow‐up (n = 203), was 6.6%, with low rate of definite/probable stent thrombosis (1.0%).

Conclusions

In clinical practice of several Dutch sites, STENTYS Xposition S showed good procedural results and low 1‐year clinical events rate, despite complex coronary anatomy.
Effects of ZnO addition on the sintering behavior and mechanical properties of magnesium aluminate spinel ceramics
Authors: Liu Jiangbo , Wang Zhoufu , Wang Xitang , Liu Hao , Ma Yan
Published: March 2019

This article discusses the successful preparation of high‐strength solid solution spinel ceramics via a solid‐state reaction sintering process employing MgAl2O4. The effects of ZnO content on the sintering behavior, bulk density, apparent porosity, phase composition, microstructure, cold modulus of rupture, and modulus of elasticity of the MgAl2O4‐based ceramics are investigated. The results show that the formed MgAl2O4‐based ceramics represent an MgAl2O4–ZnO solid solution, which markedly improves the sinterability, densification, and mechanical properties of the pure MgAl2O4 ceramic and decreases the sintering activation energy.
Peripheral Modifications of meso‐Hydroxyporphyrins: Formation of π‐Electronic Anions and Ion‐Pairing Assemblies
Authors: Sasano Yoshifumi , Haketa Yohei , Tanaka Hiroki , Yasuda Nobuhiro , Hisaki Ichiro , Maeda Hiromitsu
Published: March 2019

Phenyl groups were introduced at the β‐positions proximal to the meso‐hydroxy moiety in hydroxyporphyrin NiII complexes by oxidized BINAP PdII complexes. Ion‐pairing assemblies of deprotonated π‐electronic anions, anionic site of which was stabilized by the introduced phenyl moieties with a bulky cation, were formed. They showed charge‐by‐charge assemblies, assembly modes of which were modulated by the anionic building units.
Enabling data security in data using vertical split with parallel feature selection using meta heuristic algorithms
Authors: Senthamil Selvi R. , Valarmathi M.L.
Published: March 2019

Big data is the emerging trend in modern science that deals with datasets larger and more complex that cannot be dealt by the traditional data processing techniques. This seems to be the core of current technology and business. In practice, many criteria should be considered in the implementation of this technique. The way of the search space for finding potential subsets of features and prediction performance of classifiers are major important issue. To solve this issue, feature selection methods are introduced in the recent work. In the feature selection algorithm, Non‐deterministic Polynomial (NP) Hard, and searching the space has been becomes more difficult task. To solve this problem, this work provides a new approach toward feature selection based on Vertical Split Group FireFly (VSGFF) algorithm. FF algorithm gets its inspiration from social aspects of real fireflies. At the same time, VSGFF is proposed with the principle of multiple clusters to avoid privacy problem. Finally, Naïve Bayes (NB), K Nearest Neighbor (KNN), and Multi‐Layer Perceptron Neural Network (MLPNN) classification algorithms are proposed for big data classification. Experimental outcomes depicts that proposed technique improves classification accuracy by 4% compared to traditional vertical split firefly algorithm.
How deans can use an executive coach
Authors: Kalt Stefan
Published: March 2019

Sitting down at his new desk, Larry reflected anxiously on the scope of his new role. He was now dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. In the past, he had sometimes joined fellow faculty members and administrators in criticizing solutions to the college's problems offered by the previous dean. Now, he was the one mulling over solutions to these problems.
Interictal epileptogenic zone localization in patients with focal epilepsy using electric source imaging and directed functional connectivity from low‐densityEEG
Authors: Coito Ana , Biethahn Silke , Tepperberg Janina , Carboni Margherita , Roelcke Ulrich , Seeck Margitta , van Mierlo Pieter , Gschwind Markus , Vulliemoz Serge
Published: March 2019

Objective

Electrical source imaging (ESI) is used increasingly to estimate the epileptogenic zone (EZ) in patients with epilepsy. Directed functional connectivity (DFC) coupled toESIhelps to better characterize epileptic networks, but studies on interictal activity have relied on high‐density recordings. We investigated the accuracy ofESIandDFCfor localizing theEZ, based on low‐density clinicalelectroencephalography (EEG).

Methods

We selected patients with the following: (a) focal epilepsy, (b) interictal spikes on standardEEG,(c) either a focal structural lesion concordant with the electroclinical semiology or good postoperative outcome. In 34 patients (20temporal lobe epilepsy [TLE], 14extra‐TLE [ETLE]), we marked interictal spikes and estimated the cortical activity during each spike in 82 cortical regions using a patient‐specific head model and distributed linear inverse solution. DFC between brain regions was computed using Granger‐causal modeling followed by network topologic measures. The concordance with the presumedEZat the sublobar level was computed using the epileptogenic lesion or the resected area in postoperative seizure‐free patients.

Results

ESI, summed outflow, and efficiency were concordant with the presumedEZin 76% of the patients, whereas the clustering coefficient and betweenness centrality were concordant in 70% of patients. There was no significant difference betweenESIand connectivity measures. In all measures, patients withTLEhad a significantly higher (P < 0.05) concordance with the presumed EZ than patients with with ETLE. The brain volume accepted for concordance was significantly larger inTLE.

Significance

ESI and DFC derived from low‐densityEEGcan reliably estimate theEZfrom interictal spikes. Connectivity measures were not superior toESIforEZlocalization during interictal spikes, but the current validation of the localization of connectivity measure is promising for other applications.
The role of forward‐ and backward‐looking information for inflation expectations formation
Authors: Hubert Paul , Mirza Harun
Published: March 2019

Assuming that private forecasters learn inflation dynamics to form their inflation expectations and that they believe a hybrid New Keynesian Phillips curve (NKPC) to capture the true data‐generating process of inflation, we aim at establishing the role of backward‐ and forward‐looking information in the inflation expectation formation process. We find that longer term expectations are crucial in shaping shorter horizon expectations. While the influence of backward‐looking information seems to diminish over time, we do not find evidence of a structural break in the expectation formation process of professional forecasters. Our results further suggest that the weight put on longer term expectations does not solely reflect a mean‐reverting process to trend inflation. Rather, it might also capture beliefs about the central bank's long‐run inflation target and its credibility to achieve inflation stabilization.
Sub‐tephra archaeology and geochemistry at La Arenera, Managua, Nicaragua form a record of human activity before the Asososca Maar eruption of 2130 BP
Authors: Neff Hector , Lange Frederick W. , Kooistra Marty , Caro Carlos , Rankle Chad
Published: March 2019

We recently investigated an occupational surface that lies at the base of a deep deposit of volcanic sand emplaced approximately 2130 years ago in what is now a western suburb of Managua, Nicaragua. LA4, an area of 25 × 18 meters from which overlying sand had been removed by quarrying, was cleaned so that features and artifacts could be point plotted and sediments from the pre‐eruption surface could be sampled. Portable x‐ray fluorescence analysis of surface sediments detected patterns of elemental enrichment that are interpretable as signals of pre‐eruption human activities. The geochemical data combined with feature and artifact distributions support several inferences about how people were using the space on the eve of the 2130 BP volcanic event. A small test excavation confirmed the presence of a shallow but moderately dense primary refuse deposit containing sparse but varied faunal remains, including marine species. The ubiquity of artifact scatters on other exposures of the sub‐tephra surface suggests that the site covers at least 96 hectares, and we speculate that more intact and denser deposits than LA4, possibly including structures and agricultural features, may eventually be encountered.
CASP9 c.‐1339A>G and CASP3 c.‐1191A>G polymorphisms alter susceptibility and clinical aspects of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Costa Ericka Francislaine Dias , Lopes‐Aguiar Leisa , Nogueira Guilherme Silva , Lima Tathiane Regine Penna , Rinck‐Junior José Augusto , Lourenço Gustavo Jacob , Lima Carmen Silvia Passos
Published: March 2019

Background

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that act in intrinsic apoptosis pathway may modulate cancer susceptibility. This study investigated the roles of CASP9 c.‐1339A>G (rs4645978) and CASP3 c.‐1191A>G (rs12108497) SNPs on risk and behavior of head and neck (HN) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods

DNA of 350 patients with HNSCC and 350 controls was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction method for genotyping.

Results

CASP3 c.‐1191AG or GG genotype was more common in patients with HNSCC and oral cavity or oropharynx SCC than in controls; carriers of this genotype were under 2.15 and 2.81‐fold increased risks of the respective tumors. CASP9 c.‐1339AG or GG plus CASP3 c.‐1191AG or GG genotypes were associated with oral cavity or oropharynx SCC early onset.

Conclusion

These findings present, for the first time, preliminary evidence that inherited abnormalities related to CASP9 c.‐1339A>G and CASP3 c.‐1191A>G SNPs are determinants of HNSCC risk and clinical aspects.
Association of the LiveLighter mass media campaign with consumption of sugar‐sweetened beverages: Cohort study
Authors: Morley Belinda , Niven Philippa , Dixon Helen , Swanson Maurice , Szybiak Maria , Shilton Trevor , Pratt Iain S. , Slevin Terry , Wakefield Melanie
Published: March 2019

Issue addressed

Evaluation of the behavioural impact of Western Australia's LiveLighter healthy weight and lifestyle campaign focussed on decreasing consumption of sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSBs) using graphic imagery, as well as monitoring unintended consequences.

Methods

A cohort design with pre‐campaign telephone survey of Western Australian adults aged 25‐49 (Time 1 May/Jun 2013: N = 1504) undertaken and repeated following the campaign (Time 2 Aug/Sep 2013: N = 822).

Results

Post‐campaign awareness was 67% with respondents in low socio‐economic areas most likely to report viewing the campaign frequently. There was evidence of reduced SSB intake from baseline to follow‐up among frequent (4+/week) SSB consumers (22% cf. 16%; P = 0.003) and some evidence among overweight (BMI 25+) weekly SSB consumers (56% cf. 48%; P = 0.013). There was also some evidence consumption of sweet food decreased (3+/week: 53% cf. 48%; P = 0.035) while fruit, vegetable and fast food consumption remained stable. Knowledge of potential health consequences of SSBs increased (70% cf. 82%; P < 0.001) with no change in knowledge of potential health consequences of overweight generally (86% cf. 89%). Importantly, there was no increase in endorsement of overweight stereotypes.

Conclusions

The LiveLighter “Sugary Drinks” campaign positively impacted adults’ knowledge and behaviour with regard to SSB consumption in a pattern specific to the campaign messaging and without adverse impact on weight‐related stereotypes.

So what?

Findings support the use of mass media for healthy lifestyle change. They suggest the public are receptive to undertaking the campaign's simple concrete lifestyle recommendation and provide an indication of the campaign dose required to achieve positive behaviour change.
Abatement of dimethyl sulfide using anoxic biotrickling filter
Authors: Shihab Mohammed Salim , Akmirza Ilker , Mhemid Rasha Khalid , Türker Mustafa , Alp Kadir
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to use a lab‐scale anoxic biotrickling filter (ABTF) for the bioconversion of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) gas to produce less harmful byproducts, i.e. elemental sulfur and/or sulfate. It examined the exploitation of nitrate as an electron acceptor in the oxidation of malodorous DMS‐containing gas in combination with other parameters: gas/liquid (G/L) ratio (40, 60, 80, 100, 150), empty bed residence time (EBRT) (10, 30, 60, 90, 120 s) and inlet loading (IL) (9, 18, 48, 90 g m−3 h−1).

RESULTS

Thermodynamic analysis and half‐reactions showed that at DMS/NO3− molar yield ratios 0.75 and 0.34, elemental sulfur and sulfate were the main metabolic products respectively. Overall, 58% of the sulfur element in DMS was bioconverted to elemental sulfur. Mass balance calculations revealed high denitrification efficiency, i.e. 52.7% of inlet NO3− was converted to N2. The optimal EBRT was found as 30 s (corresponding to removal efficiency (RE) 89%) for inlet concentration 150 mg m−3 and as 60 s (corresponding to RE 78%) for inlet concentration 1500 mg m−3. However, the maximum elimination capacity (EC) was 70.3 g m−3 h−1 at EBRT 60 s and G/L ratio 80. The relative abundance of bacterial communities was dominated by Proteobacteria (56.1%) and Alphaproteobacteria (27.3%) at phylum and class levels respectively.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed that ABTF has a reliable biodegradation capacity in DMS oxidation under anoxic conditions; however, process improvement on mass transfer enhancement for low waste gas concentrations is still required. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Modeling of bidding strategies in a competitive electricity market: A hybrid approach
Authors: Senthilvadivu A , Gayathri K , Asokan K
Published: March 2019

In the paper, an innovative hybrid algorithm is proposed to solve bidding strategy problem in electricity market. The proposed hybrid technique is the combination of the recurrent neural network (RNN), support vector machine (SVM), and the lightning search algorithm (LSA). The main contribution of this paper is to maximize the profits of suppliers and minimize the customer payments; it is very important to create reasonable matching rule for the electricity market. LSA optimizes bidding coefficients of both the suppliers and consumers with the consideration of available power generation limit, power demand, market‐clearing price (MCP), and constraints. RNN is utilized for demand prediction at every hour, and SVM ensures the MCP based on the demand. The proposed bidding strategy ensures the maximum profit of the suppliers and consumers because of the aggregated demand model. The proposed method is tested on The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 30‐bus system and 75‐bus Indian practical system and compared with the existing techniques. The comparison results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed technique and confirm its potential to solve the problem. Also, the proposed model and the strategies are implemented in the MATLAB, and the performance will be studied under various demand environments.
It worked there, so it should work here: Sustaining change while improving product development processes
Authors: Collins Shawn T. , Browning Tyson R.
Published: March 2019

Organizations operate under ongoing pressure to conduct product development (PD) in ways that reduce errors, improve product designs, and increase speed and efficiency. Often, managers are expected to respond to this pressure by implementingprocess improvement programs(PIPs) based on best practices elsewhere (e.g., in another part of their organization or in another industrial context). Successful PIP implementation depends on two criteria: (a) demonstrating (symbolic) success by meeting externally imposed deadlines and producing mandated artifacts and (b) sustaining the expected (substantive) changes in their employees' underlying beliefs and practices. Given the mixed success of PIPs in nonmanufacturing contexts, identifying factors that contribute to both symbolic and substantive implementation is important to both researchers and practitioners. We explore this challenge through an in‐depth field study at a PD company (DevCo) that implemented a PIP across its 11 PD projects. We examine DevCo's change message to implement the PIP, how DevCo's engineers experienced it, factors that impeded implementation, and factors that could improve substantive success. Along with this empirical evidence, we leverage organizational change concepts to facilitate effective PIP implementation in new contexts such as PD. We distill our findings into eight propositions that expand theory about effectively transferring PIPs across contexts.
Black and white box: Take good gross pathology photographs
Authors: García‐Alvarez Ciro , Sánchez‐Tabernero Sara , García‐Lagarto Elena , Saornil Maria A.
Published: March 2019

Macroscopic study of surgical samples sent to the histopathology lab provides the first diagnostic approach. Obtaining quality photographs of these pieces facilitates proper case documentation for publication, sharing, teaching and research.This device has been originally designed for enucleated eyes but it could be used for a wide diversity of human or animal samples including thyroids, pituitary glands, prostates… It can be coupled to any smartphone camera.The Black and White Box is an affordable and easy option for taking gross pathology photographs of high quality. In this work we provide full instructions on how to make it.
Resveratrol alleviate the injury of mice liver induced by cadmium sulfide nanoparticles
Authors: Meng Chun‐Yan , Han Ya‐Feng , Liu Ying‐Li , Gao Hong‐Xia , Ren Yi‐Yi , Qian Qing‐Zeng , Wang Qian , Li Qing‐Zhao
Published: March 2019

Cadmium sulfide nanoparticle (Nano‐CdS) is a kind of important semiconductor material with special photochemistry property. With the Nano‐CdS being widely used, the security problems it caused have been catching more and more attention. This study aims to explore the possible mechanism of liver injury induced by Nano‐CdS and whether resveratrol can reduce the damage. In this study, male BALB/C mice were treated with Nano‐CdS with a diameter of 20 to 30 nm and a length of 80 to 100 nm. It turned out that the mice liver inflammatory cells infiltrated, the liver tissue and the ultrastructure changed; The activities of T‐AOC and GSH were suppressed (n = 6, P < 0.05) and the content of lipid peroxide (MDA) increased (n = 6, P < 0.05). Besides, Nano‐CdS decreased the mRNA expression level of Sirt1 and FoxO1 genes in liver tissue (n = 3, P < 0.05). All the changes in the index were reversed by resveratrol. The mRNA expression level of FoxO3a showed no significant difference between the control group and the Nano‐CdS group. But under the protection of resveratrol, the mRNA expression level of FoxO3a was higher than that in the control and Nano‐CdS groups (n = 3, P < 0.05). Results suggest that Nano‐CdS can cause oxidative damages to liver tissues in mice, in which process that the Sirt1 and FoxO1 genes may participate, and the damage can be reversed by resveratrol which may be a potential cure for oxidative damage to nanomaterials.
Overexpression of CMTM7 inhibits cell growth and migration in liver cancer
Authors: Huang Zi‐Ming , Li Peng‐Ling , Yang Peng , Hou Xiao‐Dan , Yang Yi‐Li , Xu Xin , Xu Feng
Published: March 2019

Chemokine‐like factor (CKLF)‐like, MAL and related proteins for vesicle trafficking and membrane link (MARVEL) transmembrane domain‐containing family proteins (CMTMs) have significant roles in the immune system, in male reproduction, as well as in tumorigenesis. Previous studies have shown that CMTM family member 7 (CMTM7) was broadly expressed in various normal tissues, but not in lung, gastric, esophageal, pancreas, and cervix cancers. To explore its relationship with liver cancer, we examined the expression of CMTM7 in liver cancers and its correlation with clinical and pathological conditions. We found that CMTM7 expression was markedly reduced in liver cancer tissues, and negatively correlated with TNM staging and tumor metastasis. In vitro studies showed that enforced expression of CMTM7 inhibited the cell growth and migration of liver cancer cells. Further analysis revealed that CMTM7 suppressed AKT signaling and induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in the liver cancer cells, likely as the consequent of decreased levels of cyclin D1, cyclin‐dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), and CDK6, and increased p27 expression. Thus, CMTM7 functions as a tumor suppressor in liver cancer through suppressing cell cycle progression.
Chronic laryngitis caused by Mycobacterium Kansasii in a traveler
Authors: Lehman Bethany , Procop Gary W. , Silva Merea Valeria , Harrington Susan M. , Mawhorter Steven D. , Benninger Michael S.
Published: March 2019

Chronic laryngitis commonly presents with dysphonia, and infectious causes include tuberculosis and endemic mycoses. We present a 58‐year‐old female with laryngitis for 5 years, fevers, chills, fatigue, malaise, myalgias, anterior neck pain, and night sweats after multicontinent exposure. Bronchoscopy cultures were negative. Bilateral microflap excision of vocal fold lesions demonstrated thickened epithelium and a deep vocal fold mass. Biopsy showed necrotizing granulomatous inflammation with acid‐fast bacilli. Mycobacterium kansasii was identified. Treatment led to improvement in dysphonia, systemic symptoms, and vocal fold irritation. To our knowledge, this is the first case of isolated nontuberculous mycobacterial vocal fold infection.

Laryngoscope, 129:2534–2536, 2019
The Effects of Different Winter Feeding Regimens on Growth, Survival, and Fatty Acid Composition of Fathead Minnow and Golden Shiners
Authors: Roy Luke A , Rawles Steven D , Kelly Anita M , Stone Nathan , Park Jeonghwan , Webster Carl D
Published: March 2019

Winter mortality is a common problem for Arkansas baitfish farmers that produce Fathead Minnow (FHM) Pimephales promelas and Golden Shiners (GS) Notemigonus crysoleucas. Winter feeding programs are a potential avenue to improve survival and condition and reduce weight loss of baitfish. Methods of winter feeding vary widely among producers, and currently there are no recognized best management practices. The impacts of different winter feeding regimens on FHM and GS survival, growth, and lipid storage were evaluated in temperature-controlled aquarium systems. Fathead Minnow (mean ± SD = 0.88 ± 0.04 g) or GS (0.88 ± 0.02 g) were stocked at ambient water temperature, and the temperature was reduced to 6°C (FHM) or 8°C (GS) to mimic winter conditions. Three feeding regimens were implemented (3 tanks/regimen) that included ad libitum feeding twice per week (2×/week), once per week (1×/week), or once per month (1×/month). Significant differences in weight gain (loss), condition factor (K), and specific growth rate were observed after 13 weeks for FHM. Fish that were fed 2×/week gained nearly 3%, while fish that were fed 1×/week or 1×/month lost weight (2.3% and 10.1%, respectively). There were no significant differences in GS final weight (0.79–0.82 g), survival (65.0–88.3%), or weight gain (−6.84% to −9.50%) among treatments after 12 weeks. The GS from the 2×/week treatment had significantly higher K-values than GS that were fed 1×/week or 1×/month. Fatty acid profiles of both species differed among treatments, showing a decline in saturated fatty acids from initial levels and an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as feeding frequency decreased. Results suggest that fish may lose weight during the winter, but it does not appear to adversely affect survival, and both species alter their fatty acid compositions to optimize n-3 PUFAs during cold water temperatures.
Analysis of Liver Proteome and Identification of Critical Proteins Affecting Milk Fat, Protein, and Lactose Metabolism in Dariy Cattle with iTRAQ
Authors: Xu Lingna , Shi Lijun , Liu Lin , Liang Ruobing , Li Qian , Li Jianguo , Han Bo , Sun Dongxiao
Published: March 2019

In this study, the proteomes of liver tissues are investigated in three periods of the lactation cycle of Holstein cows by using isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) technique to obtain liver proteome and identify functional proteins/genes involved in milk synthesis in dairy cattle. Based on iTRAQ analysis, 3252 proteins are detected in the liver tissues (false discovery rate ≤0.01). Thirty‐two differently expressed proteins (DEPs) are identified during the three periods by p‐value <0.05 and fold change (FC) ≥2 or ≤0.5, and 183 DEPs based on p‐value <0.05 and FC ≥1.5 or ≤0.67. In addition, 905 DEPs are obtained across the three periods by p‐value <0.05 and FC ≥1.2, or ≤0.83, and the subsequent GO and KEGG pathway functional analysis indicate that 73 DEPs are significantly enriched into the metabolic terms and pathways involved in milk synthesis such as citrate cycle, fatty acid, starch and sucrose metabolism, and mTOR and PPAR signaling pathways. Further, 41 out of 73 DEPs are identified near to both the peak locations of the reported quantitative trait locus and significant single nucleotide polymorphisms that associate with milk yield and composition traits. In addition, the 41 DEPs are analyzed with the previous liver transcriptome data that used the same samples as this study, and considered nine proteins/genes—ALDH18A1, APOA4, CYP7A1, HADHB, PRKACA, IDH2, LDHA, LDHB, and MAT2A—to be the promising candidates for milk fat, protein, and lactose synthesis in dairy cattle. This study provides a new vision for identifying the potential critical genes associated with milk synthesis of dairy cattle.
Should PHA practitioners take credit to mitigative safeguards to reduce the impact of an accident when performing qualitative risk analysis?
Authors: Silva Elisio Carvalho
Published: March 2019

Process hazard analysis (PHA) is important tool to identify the hazard and analyze the risk of a scenario. The risk is a function of the severity and frequency of occurring a loss event. Scenarios with high severity have the possibility to cause severe damage to people, environment and property. However, some companies have missed these scenarios because after applying mitigative safeguards, they have reduced the severity. Thus, these companies have lost the opportunity to draw plan to manage scenarios with high consequences, even if they are scenarios with a low frequency of occurrence. This paper aims to discuss how PHA practitioners should proceed when setting mitigative safeguards. Additionally, it proposes some actions to strengthen the process safety after identifying scenarios with high consequences. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog: e12049 2019
Interference effects in $$ t\overline{t} $$ production at the LHC as a window on new physics
Authors: Djouadi Abdelhak , Ellis John , Popov Andrey , Quevillon Jérémie
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Many extensions of the Standard Model (SM) contain (pseudo)scalar bosons with masses in the TeV range. At hadron colliders, such particles would predominantly be produced in gluon fusion and would decay into top quark pair final sates, a signal that interferes with the large QCD background

$$ gg\to t\overline{t} $$

gg
→
t

t
¯

. This phenomenon is of interest for searches for by the LHC experiments. Here, we consider the signal and background interference in this process and study it in various benchmark scenarios, including models with extra singlet (pseudo)scalar resonances, two-Higgs doublet models (2HDM), and the minimal supersymmetric extension of the SM with parameters chosen to obtain the measured light Higgs mass (the hMSSM). We allow for the possible exchanges of beyond the SM vector-like particles as well as scalar quarks. We calculate the possible interference effects including realistic estimates of the attainable detection efficiency and mass resolution. Studies of our benchmark scenarios indicate that searches with an LHC detector could permit the observation of the

$$ t\overline{t} $$

t

t
¯

final states or constrain significantly large regions of the parameter spaces of the benchmark scenarios.
de Sitter branes in a flat bulk of massive gravity
Authors: Kaloper Nemanja , Scargill James H. C.
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We construct de Sitter branes in a flat bulk of massive gravity in 5D. We find two branches of solutions, reminiscent of the normal and self-accelerating branches in DGP, but with rather different properties. Neither branch has a self-accelerating limit: the background geometry requires having a nonvanishing tension. On the other hand, on both branches there are sub-branches where the leading order contributions of the tension to the curvature cancel. In these cases it turns out that larger tensions curve the background less. Further, both branches support a localized 4D massless graviton for a special choice of bulk mass terms. This choice may be protected by enhanced gauge symmetry. Finally, we generalize the solutions to the case of bigravity in a flat 5D bulk.
Simple non-perturbative resummation schemes beyond mean-field: case study for scalar ϕ4 theory in 1+1 dimensions
Authors: Romatschke Paul
Published: March 2019

Abstract

I present a sequence of non-perturbative approximate solutions for scalar ϕ
4 theory for arbitrary interaction strength, which contains, but allows to systematically improve on, the familiar mean-field approximation. This sequence of approximate solutions is apparently well-behaved and numerically simple to calculate since it only requires the evaluation of (nested) one-loop integrals. To test this resummation scheme, the case of ϕ
4 theory in 1+1 dimensions is considered, finding approximate agreement with known results for the vacuum energy and mass gap up to the critical point. Because it can be generalized to other dimensions, fermionic fields and finite temperature, the resummation scheme could potentially become a useful tool for calculating non-perturbative properties approximately in certain quantum field theories.
Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation in Homosexual and Heterosexual Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies
Authors: Barbonetti Arcangelo , D’Andrea Settimio , Cavallo Francesca , Martorella Alessio , Francavilla Sandro , Francavilla Felice
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Comparative studies on differences in sexual function outcomes between homosexual and heterosexual men are sparse and inconclusive.

Aim

To systematically evaluate whether, and to what extent, a statistically significant difference exists in the odds of erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) between homosexual and heterosexual men.

Methods

A thorough search of Medline, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases was carried out to identify case-control studies comparing the prevalence of ED and PE in homosexual and heterosexual men. Methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Odds ratios (ORs) of reporting ED and PE were combined using random effect models. The Cochrane Q and I2 tests were carried out to analyze the between-studies heterogeneity. Funnel plots and trim-and-fill analysis were used to assess publication bias.

Main Outcome Measures

The relationship between sexual orientation and odds of ED and PE was assessed by calculating pooled ORs with a 95% CI.

Results

4 studies included in the quantitative analysis collectively provided information on 1,807 homosexual and 4,055 heterosexual men. The pooled ORs indicated that homosexual orientation was associated with 1.5-fold higher odds of reporting ED (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.03–2.16; P = .04) and 28.0% lower odds of reporting PE in comparison to the heterosexual orientation (OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.52–1.00; P = .05). However, a significant heterogeneity among the studies was observed. Funnel plots revealed a possible publication bias only for the ED analysis, where the trim-and-fill test detected a putative missing study. Nevertheless, even when the pooled estimate was adjusted for publication bias, there was a significantly higher risk of ED in the homosexual group (adjusted OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.10–2.30; P = .01).

Clinical Implications

These findings can drive future studies on sexual needs and concerns of homosexual men, which might not exactly match those of heterosexual individuals.

Strength & Limitations

This is the first meta-analysis exploring the differences in the prevalence of ED and PE between homosexual and heterosexual men. However, the results should be interpreted with caution, because their generalization could be hindered by the non-probabilistic nature of the samples, and a measurement bias could result from the use of different non-standardized indicators of sexual dysfunctions.

Conclusion

Homosexual orientation is associated with higher odds of ED and lower odds of PE compared with heterosexual orientation. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the clinical significance of these findings and whether they reflect differences in patterns of sexual lifestyle.
3416 Building Resilience & Wisdom in Clinical and Translational Researchers: A Mixed-Method Study of a Pilot Curricular Intervention
Authors: Burks Sandra , Johnston Karen , Chiotta-McCollum Nicole , May Natalie , Schorling John , Plews-Ogan Margaret
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: The clinical and translational research workforce is in jeopardy due to investigator attrition and competing demands upon researchers. Resilience and wisdom are measurable traits that can be acquired. The aim of this study was to examine a pilot curricular intervention promoting resilience and wisdom formation in early-career translational researchers. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We conducted a prospective, mixed-methods evaluation of a curricular intervention promoting the development of wisdom and resilience among junior faculty in a career development program. Six 90 minute sessions were delivered between September 2017 and January 2018. Pre- and post- resilience and wisdom were measured using the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale and 3D-Wisdom Scale. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted before and after the intervention RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Five scholars participated. Median resilience and wisdom scores revealed moderate levels of each trait; pre- and post-scores were not significantly different. Four themes emerged from the analysis of interview transcripts: 1. “Success” broadly defined; 2. Adversity threatens success; 3. Community breeds resilience; and 4. Wisdom formation parallels growth towards independence. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: An intervention aimed at developing capacities of resilience and wisdom is feasibly delivered to early career researchers. The relationship between these capacities and the sustainability of a research career warrants additional study.
3508 Ciclopirox Olamine Demonstrates Inhibitory Effects on Esophageal Tumor Cells
Authors: Ryan Randi , Anant Shrikant , Ramamoorthy Prabhu , Subramaniam Dharmalingam , Weir Scott
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Drug repositioning has the potential to accelerate translation of novel cancer chemotherapeutics from bench to bedside. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of ciclopirox olamine (CPX) on esophageal tumor cells. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We tested the effect of CPX on four esophageal cancer cell lines, assessing cell proliferation and viability by hexosaminidase and clonogenicity assay, respectively. We analyzed the effects of CPX on three-dimensional (3D) esophageal tumor cell spheroids. We also analyzed effects on cell cycle by flow cytometry. For mechanism, we performed western blots for proteins involved in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. For in vivo effects, we performed a murine xenograft model with intraperitoneal administration of CPX (100 mg/Kg body weight daily). RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: CPX inhibited growth of all cell lines in a time and concentration-dependent manner. CPX also inhibited growth of esophageal spheroids. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated G0/G1 arrest in cells treated with CPX. Western blot analyses demonstrated decreased expression of cyclinD1, CDK4, CDK6, and transcriptionally active β-catenin, supporting the role of CPX in cell cycle inhibition and decreased β-catenin activity. Finally, treatment of nude mice with CPX significantly decreased tumor xenograft volume. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: CPX demonstrates anti-tumor properties in esophageal cancer cell lines. The current results justify further research into the mechanism of this inhibition. Additionally, given its established safety in humans, CPX is a potential candidate for repositioning as an adjunct treatment for esophageal cancer.
3364 Implementation of Instructional Design through a Learning Management System to Engage Scholars in Novel Methodologies Health Disparities Research Tracks
Authors: De Jesus-Ojeda Lizbelle , San Martin Maria T. , Segarra Barbara , Martinez Karen G. , Rios-Motta Ruth
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: This project presents the implementation of research tracks instructional design using a learning management system (LMS). METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: On January 2018, a Novel Methodologies in Health Disparities Research Symposium was held, with participation of local and national collaborators. The purpose was to identify the most important areas of knowledge, essential skills, available online resources and conferences associated with each research track. The recommendations provided contributed to the instructional design of novel methodologies research tracks aiming to improve health disparity research. The LMS includes general documents, instructional materials and assessment instruments, among others. Scholars are required to comply with 30 contact hours. The content and strategies utilized will be evaluated. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Active scholar participation through the LMS is expected. Evaluation results will reflect the strengths and challenges of the implementation of instructional design. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: This strategy will engage scholars in an active learning experience enhancing their career development as independent researchers to eliminate health disparities.
3311 Trauma Informed Care Needs Assessment of Internal Medicine Residents
Authors: Wen Jenny Xin , Christmas Colleen , Alvanzo Anika
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: In the US, 60-90% of adults have experienced emotional trauma-- defined as an event or series of events (such as abuse, loss, or chronic stressors) that negatively affect health. Trauma exposure is strongly associated with proportional increases in chronic diseases, behavioral health disorders, and risky behaviors. These negative sequelae disproportionately affect ethnic minorities and urban, underserved populations. Physicians and healthcare providers can play important roles in intervention or re-traumatization of victims. However, current standard medical training does not include trauma or Trauma Informed Care (TIC). We aimed to examine the knowledge, attitudes, perceived skills, and behaviors of internal medicine residents regarding managing patients with histories of trauma, as well as residents’ desires for additional training in trauma informed care. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We conducted an online survey of residents enrolled in 4 internal medicine programs in Baltimore, Maryland to assess the following behaviors: recognizing, screening, managing, and referring patients with trauma histories. The questionnaire was based on PREMIS (Physician Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence Survey) and addressed residents’ knowledge, attitudes, self-assessed preparedness, and close personal experiences with trauma. Nonparametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis, Fisher’s exact, and Wilcoxon rank sum) were used for analysis. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Of the 168 residents who responded to the survey (54% response rate), 44% were female, 55% White, 28% Asian, 4% Black and 13.2% unknown/other. Knowledge and preparedness were very limited. 83% percent of respondents underestimated trauma prevalence; 31.7% felt inadequately prepared to appropriately respond to positive disclosures. 59.5% reported they seldom asked about trauma in the past 6 months, and 8.8% never asked. Factors significantly associated with higher frequency of screening patients include greater perceived preparedness to identify, respond to, and refer patients (p =.0001 −.012); familiarity with referral resources (p=.005); comfort in discussing trauma with patients (p =.003); and perceived faculty (p =.001) and workplace support (p =.038). 68.7% had previous training on some trauma-related topics in medical school, and 42.2% did in residency; 91.8% wished for additional training on trauma and trauma informed care. Differences among genders, races, years in training, and program sites were minimal. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Internal medicine residents in Baltimore had very limited knowledge about trauma prevalence and risks for comorbidities. Although most residents feel TIC is relevant to clinical practice, they feel unprepared to identify, respond to, manage, and refer patients with histories of trauma. Our results support the need for integration of trauma and Trauma Informed Care training into graduate medical education for internal medicine residents.