bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examination of University Students' Perceptions of Substance Addiction in Terms of Socio-Demographic Variables
Authors: DURAN Resul , DİLBİLİR Yusuf , Bor Neşe Ataman
Published: October 2024

Çalışma, üniversite öğrencilerinin madde bağımlılığı algıları ile kurumsal mücadelelere ve toplumsal duyarlılığa ilişkin görüşlerini belirlemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Araştırmanın veri toplama aşamasına geçmeden ihtiyaç duyulan etik onay
alınmıştır. Nicel yöntem ile yapılan bu çalışmaya, Hakkari Üniversitesinde öğrenim gören 619 öğrenci gönüllü olarak katılmıştır. Araştırmada veriler, araştırmacılar tarafından hazırlanan sosyodemografik form ve Toplumda Madde Bağımlılığı
Algısı Ölçeği kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Çalışmaya katılan öğrencilerin %67,4’ü (n=417) kadındır. Bu öğrencilerin %53,5’i (n=331) ön lisans, %46,5’i (n= 288) lisans programlarında öğrenim görmektedir. Elde edilen bulgulara bakıldığında,
ölçeğin alt boyutlarında; cinsiyet, eğitim düzeyi, sınıf düzeyi, ailenin gelir düzeyi, günlük okumaya ayrılan süre, günlük ekran başında geçirilen süre, madde ve bağımlılıkla ilgili haber kaynağı, sigara ve alkol kullanım durumu
ve devlet tarafından yürütülen süreçle ilgili bilgi sahibi olma durumu gibi değişkenlere göre anlamlı farklılık gözlenmiştir (p<,05). Diğer yandan yaş, kardeş sayısı, baba ve anne eğitim düzeyi, aileyle yaşama durumu, anne babanın
yaşama ve beraberlik durumu, beraber yaşamak istenilen kişi ve en çok vakit geçirilen bireyler gibi değişkenler bakımından ise anlamlı farklılık gözlenmemiştir (p>,05). Araştırmanın sonuçlarına göre, öğrencilerde madde kullanmaya
başlamada ve devam etmede çevre ve toplum etkisinin çok önemli bir faktör olduğu algısı belirlenmiştir. Buna ek olarak öğrencilerin algılarına göre, toplumun madde bağımlılarına yönelik duyarsız olduğu ve kurumsal mücadelenin de
yetersiz olduğu sonucuna varılmıştır.
Examining the Metaphors Developed by Secondary School Syrian Students Living in Turkey About Disaster Management
Authors: HAYKIR Tayfun , TOĞRUL Deniz
Published: October 2024

Doğal afet riskinin yüksek olduğu ülkeler arasında yer alan Türkiye’de geçici korumalı/sığınmacı statüsünde yaşayan ortaokul seviyesindeki Suriyeli öğrencilerin, afet yönetimi hakkında geliştirdikleri metaforların incelenmesinin hedeflendiği
bu çalışmaya 7 ilde (Ankara, Bursa, Erzurum, Konya, Şanlıurfa, Trabzon ve Van) farklı öğrenim düzeylerinde (5., 6., 7. ve 8. sınıf) okuyan Suriye vatandaşı 93 öğrenci katılmıştır. Veriler “Google form” aracılığıyla internet üzerinden
toplanmıştır. Form iki bölümden oluşmaktadır. Birinci bölümde öğrencilere cinsiyet, öğrenim düzeyi, ikamet edilen şehir ve daha önce afet yaşayıp yaşamadıkları soruları sorulmuştur. İkinci bölümde ise “Afet … gibidir, çünkü … .”
ve “Afet yönetimi … gibidir, çünkü… .” soruları sorulmuştur. Gerekçelendirilmeyen veya ilgisiz bulunduğu için araştırmadan çıkarılan formlar sonrasında toplam 65 öğrenci araştırmanın çalışma grubunu oluşturmuştur. Teyit etmek amacıyla
öğrencilerin öğretmenleri ile irtibata geçilerek öğrencinin tam olarak ne söylemek istediği öğrenilmiştir. Toplanan veriler olumlu/olumsuz olma durumlarına, yapılarına ve işlevlerine göre olmak üzere üç farklı sınıflandırmaya tabi
tutulmuştur. Yapılarına ve işlevlerine göre dörder farklı kategori altında incelenen metaforlar, tablolar aracılığıyla gösterilmiştir. Suriyeli öğrencilerin afet yönetimi ile ilgili olumlu ve daha çok afet sonrası yardım alma şeklinde
metaforlar geliştirdikleri sonucu ortaya çıkmıştır. Öneri olarak eğitim programlarının, lisans programlarının ve okullarda uygulanan ders programlarının afet yönetimi ile içeriklerinin zenginleştirilmesi yönünde çeşitli etkinlikler
sunulmuştur.
A Rare Case of Early Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis: Clinical and Diagnostic Insights
Authors: Arsalane G. , A.Ourrai  , R.Abilkassem  , Agdar. O.
Published: October 2024

The Aim of the Study: The aim of this work is to show the different specific clinical and paraclinical aspects of ceroid lipofuscinosis in its early infantile form named Santavuori-Haltia disease through a new case.Given its rarety especially in consanguineous populations for better understanding the clinical presentation,progression and management of the disease.
Introduction: The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses are a group of genetic brain diseases with an autosomal recessive manner characterized by the accumulation of an autofluorescent material in multiple tissues of patients.
Clinically, they are progressive decline of mental and motor capacities, epilepsy and visual loss through retinal degeneration . In this work we report the early infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis or Santavuori-Haltia disease.
Report Case: This is a 12-month-old infant from consanguineous parents who has presented with flexion spasms with eyelid clonia since the age of 1 month. The examination found microcephaly, and the neurological examination showed horizontal nystagmus with the absence of ocular pursuit and the presence of a pyramidal and extrapyramidal syndrome. Brain MRI shows delayed myelination. Skin biopsy confirms diagnosis. The Arg122Trp genetic mutation found is the most common one in this disease.
Conclusion: Santaviori-Haltia disease is a rare and serious disease, the prognosis is severe, it must be mentioned in the face of psychomotor regression and a picture of encephalopathy. Confirmation of the diagnosis is based on histological and molecular biology data.
Effects of Chemotherapy on the Haematological Profile of Cervical Cancer Patients in Douala General and Laquintinie Hospitals
Authors: Asongalem Emmanuel Acha , Ojong Ebot Walter , Clovis Nji Diba , Ngemenya Moses Njutain , Chichom Alain Mefire , Ndeh Forwah Jacques
Published: October 2024

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer and third leading cause of death from cancer among females in developing countries including Cameroon. Chemotherapy is a widely used treatment modality for this cancer, aimed at destroying cancerous cells and preventing their further growth and spread. However, this also destroys healthy blood cells precursors in the bone marrow. Hence evaluating the effects of chemotherapy on haematological parameters in cervical cancer patients is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies and managing potential complications.
Methods: This study was a hospital based prospective study carried out in the Littoral Region of Cameroon. The study participants consisted of 92 diagnosed cervical cancer patients scheduled to undergo chemotherapy who were followed up carefully for a month while receiving their chemotherapeutic treatment. Data were collected through laboratory analysis, medical record review and patient interviews. The R-software was used to analyze data and student’s t-test was used to compare group means before and during chemotherapeutic treatments. The Person’s Chi-square test was used to compare frequencies of haematological disorders before and following one month of chemotherapeutic treatments at 95% confidence interval. A p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 92 cervical cancer patients were recruited in the study, with an average age of 56.0±9.1 years. Majority of the patients had no history of cigarette smoking or alcohol consumption. Prior to receiving chemotherapetic treatment, 17.4% of the participants had leukocytosis, 76% had erythropenia, and only 8.7% had thrombocytosis. After one month of receiving chemotherapeutic treatment, 34.8% of the participants experienced leukopenia, 78.3% had erythropenia and 13% thrombopenia. Anaemia was the most prevalent hematological disorder observed before and during treatment (70% and 83% respectively). There were significant differences in the mean hematological disorders before and during chemotherapy (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Cervical cancer and its chemotherapeutic treatment cause abnormal changes on blood parameters, hence there is need for cautious and adjusted follow-up of Cameroonian cervical cancer patients through surrogate markers such as blood parameters in order to optimize treatment.
Ameliorative Effect of Curcuma longa Ethanolic Extract on the Histology, Hepatic Glycogen Content and Some Biochemical Parameters of the Liver in Streptozotocin-Induced Hyperglycemic Wistar Rats
Authors: Akpaso Mfon I. , Bassey Lydia E. , Anani Sadeyeng E. , Oku Michael E. , Nnenna Williams A. , Umoh Nsikak M. , Eru Eru M. , Takim Elton N. , Uzor Gideon , Isamoh Theresa E. , Agaba Eric A.
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a life threatening disease that requires immediate medical treatment. Numerous medicinal plants have been known for their anti-diabetic effects and Curcuma longa (turmeric) is one of them. This attribute is possible due to the pharmacological properties of its bio-constituents. In this study, the ameliorative potential of ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa was investigated on the liver of hyperglycemic adult Wistar rats. The objectives were to determine its effects on liver histology, hepatic glycogen content and some liver biochemical parameters.
Methods: Forty (40) rats weighing between 120-180g were used for the research. Sixteen (16) rats were used for its acute toxicity study, while twenty-four (24) rats were grouped into four. The groups were labelled A to D and contained six rats each. Group A (normal control) rats were given food pellets and distilled water only. Group B (diabetic control) rats were given 65mg/kg BW of streptozotocin IP. Group C served as the standard group and was given 65mg/kg of streptozotocin IP + 250mg/kg of metformin IP, while Group D (test group) rats were given 65mg/kg BW of streptozotocin IP + 500mg/kg of Curcuma longa extract. Curcuma longa extract was administered through the oral route with the aid of an oral gavage. The administration lasted for twenty-eight (28) days, after which the rats were made to fast overnight with access to only water. The rats were then anaesthetized and whole blood obtained through cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. Liver tissue was obtained for histological and glycogen content analyses.
Results: The results showed severe destruction of hepatocytes with widely spread cytoplasmic vacuolation, loss of hepatic lobules and hepatic inflammation in the diabetic group, whereas it showed prominent nuclei, hepatocytes and distinct sinusoidal spaces in the normal control group. The metformin group showed an intact architecture of the liver tissue with indicating regeneration in the liver, while the Curcuma longa extract group showed a preserved liver cytoarchitecture. There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the fasting blood glucose level and liver enzyme activities in the standard and test groups compared to the diabetic group (p<0.05). There was also improvement in glycogen content of the standard and test groups in comparison with the diabetic group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Curcuma longa possesses hepato-protective properties and a strong anti-diabetic potential, therefore it can be considered as an alternative drug in the management of diabetes mellitus and its complications.
Flexural Behaviour and Environmental Impact of African Fan Palm Reinforced Concrete Beams under Symmetrical Loading Conditions
Authors: Mansal Edward C. , Kankam Charles K. , Biney Evans , Akortia Vincent , Babamu Alidu
Published: October 2024

The paper presents the results of investigation on reinforced beams adopting eco-friendly materials for sustainable concrete. The use of African fan palm is explored to mitigate the environmental impact aimed at reducing carbon emissions associated with the production and use of steel reinforcement.  The beams were tested under a four -point loading system with the ends simply supported. The test comprised twenty-three beams that were reinforced with African fan palm bars whilst two beams were reinforced with mild steel bars to serve as control beams. The study investigated the flexural strength and deformation characteristics of the beams under monotonic loading.  Two concrete strengths of 15.34N/mm2 or 22.37N/mm2 were adopted and proposed optimal tensile ratios for an under reinforced fan palm section. The parameters considered included the tension bars ratio (ρ), concrete compressive strength, span-to-effective-depth ratio and loading conditions. A linear elastic behaviour of both fan palm and steel reinforced concrete beams was observed to the point of first crack load beyond which the beam stiffness continued to reduce until failure.  A comparison of the experimental results with results of theoretical analysis of the beams revealed that a 1.22% increase in the tensile ratio of steel in the control beams increased the cracking moment (Mcr) to 36%, while the fan palm beam of the same size and same concrete strength with a higher tensile ratio of 9.69% exhibited a lower Mcr of 11.86%. This shows a significant effect of reinforcing steel bars on concrete cracking compared to the fan palm. The averages of experimental to theoretical failure loads of fan palm to steel were compared with failure loads of 36.52kN to 20.19kN and 32kN to 19.78kN respectively. These results of the study based on the failure mode, and failure loads, highlights the suitability of using African fan palm as substitute reinforcing material for low rise buildings. Furthermore, the study also proposed minimum and maximum tensile ratio of 0.76% and 5.60% respectively for fan palm reinforced concrete beams based on the Indian Standard and modulus of elasticity of steel.
Rectangular Slot based Beam Focusing Dual-Band Phase Gradient Metasurface
Authors: Min Kyungsu , Kim Sunggeon , Hong Icpyo , Lee Kyungwon , Jung Sunghun , Lee Myungsik , Yook Jonggwan
Published: October 2024

This study proposes method for enhancing the performance of previously developed or produced weapon systems without developing new detection equipment by using Phase Gradient Metasurfaces(PGMS). Metasurface has been studied and utilized a lot to improve the detection performance of inorganic systems, but its utilization is low due to its narrow bandwidth and complex structure. To address some of these limitations, dual-band power focusing PGMS is proposed. Its frequency independent unit cell characteristic enables creating metasurface that concentrates signals in dual-band. The designed PGMS was validated through near-field and far-field measurement, confirming signal concentration at the specified focal length and improved gain in the dual bands.
A Study on the Mast Structure Vibration Limits considering the Operating Time of Naval Ships
Authors: Kim Hyejin , Han Hyungsuk , Jeon Soohong
Published: October 2024

The mast structure of a naval ship has a lot of expensive equipment attached and is easily exposed to strong vibration due to its structural characteristics, so it is necessary to manage vibrations well to prevent equipment failure and increase operating time. Since September 2015, the Navy has been managing the vibration of the ship's mast structure with a separate tolerance standard from the local vibration, but this standard is set at 1/2 of the vibration limits for mast-mounted equipment without any engineering basis. So the establishment of new vibration limits based on the operating conditions of naval ships is required. In this study, the mast structure vibration limits were reviewed considering the actual operating time of naval ships, and the results were compared with the standards of major overseas classification societies and the actual measurements of a ship that had mast structure vibration problems.
Standardization Trends and Military Communication Applications of Core Technologies of 5G NR
Authors: Lee Seongjin , Kim Eunsoo , Kim Kihun , Lee Jongman , Choi Wan
Published: October 2024

5G New Radio(NR) technology, with its focus on high speed, low latency, and connectivity, introduces crucial advancements like MIMO for enhanced reliability and transmission rates, edge computing for reduced latency, and IAB for extended coverage. However, military communication networks face challenges such as limited capacity, unpredictable mobility and communication dead zones. This paper delves into the trends of the above 5G NR technologies outlined by the 3GPP standard, exploring their potential applications within military infrastructure networks. Our aim is to underscore the benefits of harnessing these technologies in military settings. Additionally, through simulation, we forecast the advantages associated with integrating these core 5G NR technologies, thereby paving the way for enhanced military communication capabilities.
A Study on the Efficacy of Four Chemical Decontaminants against High-concentration Surrogates of Bacteria, Toxin, and Virus Biological Agents
Authors: Park Hanwool , Seo Yeonghwan , Lee Hongsuk , Kim Seongjoo
Published: October 2024

If a nation or a terrorist organization produced biological agents, they are likely stored in a form of liquid concentrate. In the present study, four chemical reagents, hydrogen peroxide, sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC), Perasafe, and DF200, were investigated on their potentials as safe, efficient and eco-friendly decontaminants for biological agents. Escherichia coli, α-amylase, and bacteriophage T4 were used as surrogate strains for biological agents. Hydrogen peroxide and DF200 showed drawbacks of a rapid heat evolution upon neutralization and thick foam building up, respectively. Perasafe was effective against E. coli and T4, but it did not inactivate α-amylase while the others were able to inactivate all three types of the surrogates. NaDCC was the most suitable decontaminant for its effectiveness against all three types of surrogates at low concentrations and being able to be neutralized without aforementioned problems.
Characterization of single circulating tumor cells
Authors: Alix‐Panabières Catherine , Pantel Klaus
Published: April 2017

“Liquid biopsy” has been introduced for the analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood of cancer patients, and this new diagnostic approach has received enormous attention. CTCs are derived from primary tumors and metastatic lesions and, therefore, harbor important information on the molecular characteristics relevant to tumor progression and cancer therapy. Analyses of CTCs have paved new diagnostic avenues with obvious clinical implications for personalized medicine. Key areas of clinical applications of CTCs include detection of cancer, prediction of prognosis in patients with curable disease, monitoring systemic therapies, and stratification of patients based on the detection of therapeutic targets or resistance mechanisms. The present Review will focus on the current knowledge derived from single‐cell analysis of CTCs at the DNA, RNA, and protein level and emphasize the unique opportunities for performing functional studies that aim to identify the metastasis‐initiator cells in cancer patients and obtain predictive information for steering cancer therapies.
The relationship between bulk‐mass momentum and short‐period seismic radiation in catastrophic landslides
Authors: Hibert Clément , Ekström Göran , Stark Colin P.
Published: April 2017

The relationship between bulk‐mass dynamic properties of catastrophic landslides and the generation of short‐period seismic waves is investigated, with a particular focus on the momentum of the landslide mass and the envelope of high‐frequency seismograms. Twelve very large landslides that occurred in different geological settings worldwide between 1999 and 2014 are selected for study, based on the existence of detailed descriptions of their force histories, determined from long‐period seismic waves (frequency lower than 0.1 Hz), as well as the availability of nearby high‐quality short‐period seismic recordings. A high average correlation (0.94) is found between the modulus of the landslide momentum and the envelope of the high‐frequency seismograms, band‐passed filtered between 3 and 10 Hz, recorded on nearby stations. The best correlation is seen during the acceleration phase of each landslide. Comparatively poor average correlation (0.57) is found between the modulus of the landslide force and the seismogram envelopes. A possible scaling between the momentum and the amplitude of short‐period radiation is investigated. The maximum amplitudes of short‐period seismograms for the nine best recorded landslides are corrected for local attenuation and correlated with the maximum momentum of the landslides. The nine data points scatter around a best fitting line that defines a nearly linear relationship between momentum and peak short‐period radiation. It is hypothesized that bulk‐mass momentum linearly modulates landslide processes that generate short‐period seismic waves but that the efficiency of short‐period radiation is highly variable between landslides.
Numerics and subgrid‐scale modeling in large eddy simulations of stratocumulus clouds
Authors: Pressel Kyle G. , Mishra Siddhartha , Schneider Tapio , Kaul Colleen M. , Tan Zhihong
Published: April 2017

Stratocumulus clouds are the most common type of boundary layer cloud; their radiative effects strongly modulate climate. Large eddy simulations (LES) of stratocumulus clouds often struggle to maintain fidelity to observations because of the sharp gradients occurring at the entrainment interfacial layer at the cloud top. The challenge posed to LES by stratocumulus clouds is evident in the wide range of solutions found in the LES intercomparison based on the DYCOMS‐II field campaign, where simulated liquid water paths for identical initial and boundary conditions varied by a factor of nearly 12. Here we revisit the DYCOMS‐II RF01 case and show that the wide range of previous LES results can be realized in a single LES code by varying only the numerical treatment of the equations of motion and the nature of subgrid‐scale (SGS) closures. The simulations that maintain the greatest fidelity to DYCOMS‐II observations are identified. The results show that using weighted essentially non‐oscillatory (WENO) numerics for all resolved advective terms and no explicit SGS closure consistently produces the highest‐fidelity simulations. This suggests that the numerical dissipation inherent in WENO schemes functions as a high‐quality, implicit SGS closure for this stratocumulus case. Conversely, using oscillatory centered difference numerical schemes for momentum advection, WENO numerics for scalars, and explicitly modeled SGS fluxes consistently produces the lowest‐fidelity simulations. We attribute this to the production of anomalously large SGS fluxes near the cloud tops through the interaction of numerical error in the momentum field with the scalar SGS model.
Ecohydrological interfaces as hot spots of ecosystem processes
Authors: Krause Stefan , Lewandowski Jörg , Grimm Nancy B. , Hannah David M. , Pinay Gilles , McDonald Karlie , Martí Eugènia , Argerich Alba , Pfister Laurent , Klaus Julian , Battin Tom , Larned Scott T. , Schelker Jacob , Fleckenstein Jan , Schmidt Christian , Rivett Michael O. , Watts Glenn , Sabater Francesc , Sorolla Albert , Turk Valentina
Published: April 2017

The movement of water, matter, organisms, and energy can be altered substantially at ecohydrological interfaces, the dynamic transition zones that often develop within ecotones or boundaries between adjacent ecosystems. Interdisciplinary research over the last two decades has indicated that ecohydrological interfaces are often “hot spots” of ecological, biogeochemical, and hydrological processes and may provide refuge for biota during extreme events. Ecohydrological interfaces can have significant impact on global hydrological and biogeochemical cycles, biodiversity, pollutant removal, and ecosystem resilience to disturbance. The organizational principles (i.e., the drivers and controls) of spatially and temporally variable processes at ecohydrological interfaces are poorly understood and require the integrated analysis of hydrological, biogeochemical, and ecological processes. Our rudimentary understanding of the interactions between different drivers and controls critically limits our ability to predict complex system responses to change. In this paper, we explore similarities and contrasts in the functioning of diverse freshwater ecohydrological interfaces across spatial and temporal scales. We use this comparison to develop an integrated, interdisciplinary framework, including a roadmap for analyzing ecohydrological processes and their interactions in ecosystems. We argue that, in order to fully account for their nonlinear process dynamics, ecohydrological interfaces need to be conceptualized as unique, spatially and temporally dynamic entities, which represents a step change from their current representation as boundary conditions at investigated ecosystems.
A simple model of intraseasonal oscillations
Authors: Fuchs Željka , Raymond David J.
Published: April 2017

The intraseasonal oscillations and in particular the MJO have been and still remain a “holy grail” of today's atmospheric science research. Why does the MJO propagate eastward? What makes it unstable? What is the scaling for the MJO, i.e., why does it prefer long wavelengths or planetary wave numbers 1–3? What is the westward moving component of the intraseasonal oscillation? Though linear WISHE has long been discounted as a plausible model for intraseasonal oscillations and the MJO, the version we have developed explains many of the observed features of those phenomena, in particular, the preference for large zonal scale. In this model version, the moisture budget and the increase of precipitation with tropospheric humidity lead to a “moisture mode.” The destabilization of the large‐scale moisture mode occurs via WISHE only and there is no need to postulate large‐scale radiatively induced instability or negative effective gross moist stability. Our WISHE‐moisture theory leads to a large‐scale unstable eastward propagating mode in n = −1 case and a large‐scale unstable westward propagating mode in n = 1 case. We suggest that the n = −1 case might be connected to the MJO and the observed westward moving disturbance to the observed equatorial Rossby mode.
Evaluating climate and soil effects on regional soil moisture spatial variability using EOFs
Authors: Wang Tiejun , Franz Trenton E. , Li Ruopu , You Jinsheng , Shulski Martha D. , Ray Chittaranjan
Published: April 2017

Soil moisture is an important state variable in terrestrial water cycles; however, only few studies are available on regional soil moisture spatial variability (SMSV), which yielded inconsistent findings about regional controls on SMSV. Here, long‐term soil moisture data were obtained from the Automated Weather Data Network and Soil Climate Analysis Network in three regions with different climate regimes across the continental U.S. Comprehensive data sets were compiled to examine regional controls on SMSV using the method of Empirical Orthogonal Function. One dominant spatial structure (EOF1) of soil moisture was found in the study regions, which explained over 75%, 67%, and 86% of the spatial variance in soil moisture in Nebraska, Utah, and the Southeast U.S., respectively. Despite the significant spatial variability in precipitation and potential evapotranspiration in all the study regions, the results showed that meteorological forcings had limited effects on regional SMSV in those regions with different climatic conditions, which differed from the traditional notion that SMSV is mainly controlled by meteorological forcings at the scale from 50 to 400 km. Instead, local factors related to soil (e.g., sand and clay fractions) were found to have significant correlations with EOF1, although the effects of other local factors (e.g., topography and vegetation) were generally negligible. This study provides strong field evidence that soil can exert much stronger impacts on regional SMSV than previously thought, which can override the effects of meteorological forcings. Future studies are still needed to elaborate on the relative roles of climate and soil in affecting regional SMSV.
Effects of compatibility on foaming behavior of polypropylene/polyolefin elastomer blends prepared using a chemical blowing agent
Authors: Kim Do Young , Kim Gi Hong , Lee Dong Yun , Seo Kwan Ho
Published: May 2017

Polypropylene (PP) exhibits poor foaming property because of its low melt strength arising from its linear chains and relatively narrow molecular weight distribution. To fabricate a PP foam without crosslinking, PP should be blended with polyolefin elastomers (POEs) using chemical blowing agents. In this study, the effects of POE types and contents in a PP matrix were studied by analyzing the melt flow index, morphology, and thermal and dynamic viscoelastic properties. Furthermore, the POE type/content and foaming conditions (i.e., foaming temperature and oven residence time) were optimized by investigating the volume expansion ratio (VER), cross‐sectional morphology, and hardness of the PP/POE foams. We focused on how the foaming behavior and foaming conditions were affected by the compatibility and POE content in the PP/POE blend. The results demonstrated that the optimal VER of ∼9 was obtained at 30 wt % POE and foaming conditions of 220 °C for 9 min. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45201.
Identifying the clinical needs and patterns of health service use of adolescent girls and women with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Tint Ami , Weiss Jonathan A. , Lunsky Yona
Published: May 2017

Girls and women in the general population present with a distinct profile of clinical needs and use more associated health services compared to boys and men; however, research focused on health service use patterns among girls and women with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is limited. In the current study, caregivers of 61 adolescent girls and women with ASD and 223 boys and men with ASD completed an online survey. Descriptive analyses were conducted to better understand the clinical needs and associated service use patterns of girls and women with ASD. Sex/gender comparisons were made of individuals’ clinical needs and service use. Adolescent girls and women with ASD had prevalent co‐occurring mental and physical conditions and parents reported elevated levels of caregiver strain. Multiple service use was common across age groups, particularly among adolescent girls and women with intellectual disability. Overall, few sex/gender differences emerged, although a significantly greater proportion of girls and women accessed psychiatry and emergency department services as compared to boys and men. Though the current study is limited by its use of parent report and small sample size, it suggests that girls and women with ASD may share many of the same high clinical needs and patterns of services use as boys and men with ASD. Areas for future research are discussed to help ensure appropriate support is provided to this understudied population. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1558–1566. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tau peptides and tau mutant protein aggregation inhibition by cationic polyethyleneimine and polyarginine
Authors: Nadimidla Keerthi , Ismail Tania , Kanapathipillai Mathumai
Published: April 2017

Tau protein plays a major role in Alzheimer's disease. The tau protein loses its functionality by self‐aggregation due to the two six‐amino acid sequences VQIVYK and VQIINK of the protein. Hence it is imperative to find therapeutics that could inhibit the self‐aggregation of this tau peptide fragments. Here, we study the inhibitory potential of a cationic polymer polyethyleneimine (PEI) and a cationic polypeptide arginine (Arg) on the aggregation of VQIVYK, and GKVQIINKLDL peptides, and tau mutant protein (P301L), found frequently in taupathy. Various characterization methods are employed including thioflavin S, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering to study the aggregation/inhibition process in vitro. Results show that PEI and Arg significantly inhibit tau peptides and protein aggregation. The study could be applied to understand tau protein aggregation mechanism in the presence of cationic polymers.
Human pluripotent stem cell‐derived epicardial progenitors can differentiate to endocardial‐like endothelial cells
Authors: Bao Xiaoping , Bhute Vijesh J. , Han Tianxiao , Qian Tongcheng , Lian Xiaojun , Palecek Sean P.
Published: April 2017

During heart development, epicardial progenitors contribute various cardiac lineages including smooth muscle cells, cardiac fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. However, their specific contribution to the human endothelium has not yet been resolved, at least in part due to the inability to expand and maintain human primary or pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)‐derived epicardial cells. Here we first generated CDH5‐2A‐eGFP knock‐in hPSC lines and differentiated them into self‐renewing WT1+ epicardial cells, which gave rise to endothelial cells upon VEGF treatment in vitro. In addition, we found that the percentage of endothelial cells correlated with WT1 expression in a WT1‐2A‐eGFP reporter line. The resulting endothelial cells displayed many endocardium‐like endothelial cell properties, including high expression levels of endocardial‐specific markers, nutrient transporters and well‐organized tight junctions. These findings suggest that human epicardial progenitors may have the capacity to form endocardial endothelium during development and have implications for heart regeneration and cardiac tissue engineering.
Designing biomaterials with immunomodulatory properties for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
Authors: Andorko James I. , Jewell Christopher M.
Published: April 2017

Recent research in the vaccine and immunotherapy fields has revealed that biomaterials have the ability to activate immune pathways, even in the absence of other immune‐stimulating signals. Intriguingly, new studies reveal these responses are influenced by the physicochemical properties of the material. Nearly all of this work has been done in the vaccine and immunotherapy fields, but there is tremendous opportunity to apply this same knowledge to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This review discusses recent findings that reveal how material properties—size, shape, chemical functionality—impact immune response, and links these changes to emerging opportunities in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. We begin by discussing what has been learned from studies conducted in the contexts of vaccines and immunotherapies. Next, research is highlighted that elucidates the properties of materials that polarize innate immune cells, including macrophages and dendritic cells, toward either inflammatory or wound healing phenotypes. We also discuss recent studies demonstrating that scaffolds used in tissue engineering applications can influence cells of the adaptive immune system—B and T cell lymphocytes—to promote regenerative tissue microenvironments. Through greater study of the intrinsic immunogenic features of implantable materials and scaffolds, new translational opportunities will arise to better control tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
IgA and IgM protein primarily drive plasma corona‐induced adhesion reduction of PLGA nanoparticles in human blood flow
Authors: Sobczynski Daniel J. , Eniola‐Adefeso Omolola
Published: April 2017

The high abundance of immunoglobulins (Igs) in the plasma protein corona on poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid (PLGA)‐based vascular‐targeted carriers (VTCs) has previously been shown to reduce their adhesion to activated endothelial cells (aECs) in human blood flow. However, the relative role of individual Ig classes (e.g., IgG, IgA, and IgM) in causing adhesion reduction remains largely unknown. Here, we characterized the influence of specific Ig classes in prescribing the binding efficiency of PLGA nano‐sized VTCs in blood flow. Specifically, we evaluated the flow adhesion to aECs of PLGA VTCs with systematic depletion of various Igs in their corona. Adhesion reduction was largely eliminated for PLGA VTCs when all Igs were removed from the corona. Furthermore, re‐addition of IgA or IgM to the Igs‐depleted corona reinstated the low adhesion of PLGA VTCs, as evidenced by ∼40–70% reduction relative to particles with an Igs‐deficient corona. However, re‐addition of a high concentration of IgG to the Igs‐depleted corona did not cause significant adhesion reduction. Overall, the presented results reveal that PLGA VTC adhesion reduction in blood flows is primarily driven by high adsorption of IgA and IgM in the particle corona. Pre‐coating of albumin on PLGA VTCs mitigated the extent of adhesion reduction in plasma for some donors but was largely ineffective in general. Overall, this work may shed light into effective control of protein corona composition, thereby enhancing VTC functionality in vivo for eventual clinical use.
Body composition in men with anorexia nervosa: Longitudinal study
Authors: El Ghoch Marwan , Calugi Simona , Milanese Chiara , Bazzani Paola Vittoria , Dalle Grave Riccardo
Published: April 2017

Objective

To compare body composition patterns before and after complete weight restoration in men with anorexia nervosa.

Method

Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure body composition patterns in 10 men with anorexia nervosa before and after complete weight restoration, and in 10 healthy men matched to age and patients' post‐treatment body mass index (BMI).

Results

Before weight restoration, men with anorexia nervosa displayed lower total body fat mass (FM) and lean mass (LBM) than those in the healthy comparison group, with a greater FM loss from the extremity than the trunk region. After short‐term weight restoration, patients displayed complete normalization in total LBM and FM, but greater deposition of FM in the trunk region.

Conclusion

Short‐term weight restoration can normalize body composition patterns in men with anorexia nervosa, but results in a central adiposity phenotype. The clinical implication of this finding is unknown, but should be explored given the high levels of concern about central adiposity in anorexia nervosa.
How clarification systems can affect virgin olive oil composition and quality at industrial scale
Authors: Gila Abraham , Beltrán Gabriel , Bejaoui Mohamed Aymen , Aguilera María Paz , Jiménez Antonio
Published: April 2017

The effect of two different clarification systems, vertical centrifugal separator (VCS) with minimal water addition, and conical bottom settling tank (CBST), on virgin olive oil (VOO) composition and quality was studied at industrial scale for three crop years. In general, for the studied clarification systems, higher clarification values were reached for horizontal screw solid bowl (HSSB) oils with higher moisture and solid content. VCS showed higher clarification efficiency for HSSB oils with higher moisture and solid content. No notable differences were observed on the quality indices between evaluated clarification systems. Phenolic compounds showed a significant decrease when the HSSB oils were clarified by CBST. In general, a better sensory score was observed when the oils were clarified by VCS.

Practical applications: The VCS with a minimal water addition could result a better option to produce VOO of improved quality, since is an efficient and quick operation that reduces the contact between oil and the remaining water and impurities content during the storage stage. This leads to prolong VOO shelf‐life and conservation of positive sensory notes, due to preservation of the quality indexes and minor components. Besides, this clarification system reduces the water consumption and generated wastewater regarding to conventional vertical centrifugation, and therefore can be considered more environmentally friendly.

Effect of two different clarification systems (vertical centrifugal separator with minimal water addition and conical bottom settling tanks) on the virgin olive oil quality parameters, composition, and sensory characteristics.
Water–Energy Nexus Perspectives in the Context of Photovoltaic‐Powered Decentralized Water Treatment Systems: A Tanzanian Case Study
Authors: Richards Bryce S. , Shen Junjie , Schäfer Andrea I.
Published: May 2017

Water and energy are inextricably linked in today's society. This paper broadly introduces the water–energy nexus before focusing on sub‐Saharan Africa, where residents have the poorest access to both clean drinking water and electricity worldwide. Given that many of the affected people live in remote areas, new solutions are required to improve the quality of life. The potential of decentralized photovoltaic‐powered membrane filtration systems for the provision of potable water is highlighted. In particular, the potential of this technology is investigated for the removal of dissolved trace contaminants such as fluoride, which naturally occurs at extremely high concentrations in the water sources of northern Tanzania. Results from field research demonstrate the importance of matching the best membrane to a particular water source to achieve the highest permeate production that complies with drinking‐water guidelines at the lowest specific energy consumption.
The effect of population‐based mammography screening in Dutch municipalities on breast cancer mortality: 20 years of follow‐up
Authors: Sankatsing Valérie D.V. , van Ravesteyn Nicolien T. , Heijnsdijk Eveline A.M. , Looman Caspar W.N. , van Luijt Paula A. , Fracheboud Jacques , den Heeten Gerard J. , Broeders Mireille J.M. , de Koning Harry J.
Published: April 2017

Long‐term follow‐up data on the effects of screening are scarce, and debate exists on the relative contribution of screening versus treatment to breast cancer mortality reduction. Our aim was therefore to assess the long‐term effect of screening by age and time of implementation. We obtained data on 69,630 breast cancer deaths between 1980 and 2010 by municipality (N = 431) and age of death (40–79) in the Netherlands. Breast cancer mortality trends were analyzed by defining the municipality‐specific calendar year of introduction of screening as Year 0. Additionally, log‐linear Poisson regression was used to estimate the turning point in the trend after Year 0, per municipality, and the annual percentage change (APC) before and after this point. Twenty years after introduction of screening breast cancer mortality was reduced by 30% in women aged 55–74 and by 34% in women aged 75–79, compared to Year 0. A similar and significant decrease was present in municipalities that started early (1987–1992) and late (1995–1997) with screening, despite the difference in availability of effective adjuvant treatment. In the age groups 55–74 and 75–79, the turning point in the trend in breast cancer mortality was estimated in Years 2 and 6 after the introduction of screening, respectively, after which mortality decreased significantly by 1.9% and 2.6% annually. These findings show that the implementation of mammography screening in Dutch municipalities is associated with a significant decline in breast cancer mortality in women aged 55–79, irrespective of time of implementation.
Shorebird stopover habitat decisions in a changing landscape
Authors: Gillespie Caitlyn R. , Fontaine Joseph J.
Published: April 2017

To examine how habitat use by sandpipers (Calidrisspp.; Baird's sandpipers, dunlin, least sandpipers, pectoral sandpipers, semipalmated sandpipers, stilt sandpipers, and white‐rumped sandpipers) varies across a broad suite of environmental conditions, we conducted surveys at wetlands throughout the spring migratory period in 2013 and 2014 in 2 important stopover regions: the Rainwater Basin (RWB) in Nebraska, USA, and the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) in South Dakota, USA. Because providing adequate energetic resources for migratory birds is a high priority for wetland management, we also measured invertebrate abundance at managed wetlands in the RWB to determine how food abundance influences the occupancy and abundance of sandpipers on wetlands throughout the migratory period. To quantify habitat use, we surveyed wetlands every 7–10 days in both regions and visually estimated wetland attributes. Our results indicate that invertebrate abundance predicted occupancy, but not abundance, of sandpipers at wetlands in the RWB. The wetland vegetation characteristics that predict sandpiper occupancy are similar in both regions, but wetlands in the PPR support a higher abundance of sandpipers than wetlands in the RWB. Our results suggest that sandpipers make stopover decisions that balance local and regional wetland conditions. Managers should maintain the cues (i.e., mudflat) and ecological conditions beyond invertebrate abundance that predict sandpiper habitat use to successfully provide resources for sandpipers during migratory stopover if that is a goal of wetland management. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Detecting fasciculations in cranial nerve innervated muscles with ultrasound in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: O'gorman Cullen M. , Weikamp Janneke G. , Baria Michael , Van Den Engel‐hoek Lenie , Kassardjian Charles , Van Alfen Nens , Boon Andrea J.
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Cranial muscle fasciculations may be difficult to detect in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Ultrasound (US) detection of fasciculations in these muscles may have clinical utility.

Methods

Patients with suspected ALS were prospectively enrolled. Nerve conduction studies, needle electromyography (EMG), and US examination of cranial muscles were performed. Controls were examined by US only. Fasciculations were counted and scored for each muscle after 10 or 30 seconds.

Results

There were 84 patients with ALS. Fasciculations were most frequently found in the genioglossus muscle. Overall, detection rates by US and EMG were similar, but US was more likely to detect frequent fasciculations. Fasciculations were rare in controls, seen in 7 of 1,090 (0.6%) muscles. No control had > 5 fasciculations in any muscle.

Discussion

Fasciculations were frequently detected in cranial muscles of patients with ALS. US was found to be a sensitive method, and was not impaired by factors such as anxiety and the inability of the patient to relax. Muscle Nerve 56: 1072–1076, 2017
Altered axonal excitability properties in facial palsy
Authors: Eviston Timothy J. , Chong Lauren S.H. , Kwai Natalie C.G. , Clark Jonathan R. , Krishnan Arun V.
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Axonal excitability measures give insight into the biophysical properties of peripheral nerve axons. In this study we applied these techniques to the study of facial palsy. Methods: Thirty patients with established facial palsy due to unresolved Bell's palsy or herpes zoster (>6 months duration), tumor invasion of the facial nerve, or traumatic facial nerve injury were assessed using facial nerve excitability techniques. Results: Full recordings were obtained in 23 patients (15 unrecovered Bell's palsy or herpes zoster, 5 trauma, 3 tumor‐related). Compared with normal controls, the facial palsy group demonstrated changes in stimulus response properties, threshold electrotonus, refractoriness, superexcitability, and I/V slope. Depolarizing threshold electrotonus distinguished between viral and non‐viral etiologies on subgroup analysis. Discussion: In this cross‐sectional study, established facial palsy demonstrated findings similar to those seen in studies of regenerated axons. The improved understanding of underlying axonal characteristics offered by the technique may guide future treatment. Muscle Nerve 57: 268–272, 2018