bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of real‐world evidence from healthcare utilization data to evaluate drug safety during pregnancy
Authors: Huybrechts Krista F. , Bateman Brian T. , Hernández‐Díaz Sonia
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Because preapproval clinical trials typically exclude pregnant women, the evidence on drug safety during pregnancy required to inform drug labeling must come from postapproval controlled observational studies. Common designs have included pregnancy registries and case‐control studies. Recently, pregnancy cohorts nested within healthcare utilization databases are increasingly being used. Despite clear advantages, these databases share some important limitations that may threaten the validity of studies emerging from them.

Methods

This paper describes the distinctive methodological aspects of conducting drug safety studies in healthcare utilization databases with special emphasis on design and analytic approaches to minimize biases.

Results

We describe considerations for study design, cohort definition, and follow‐up. We then address issues related to exposure ascertainment based on prescription fills, including the importance of the etiologically relevant window and of properly accounting for preterm births. This is followed by a discussion of advantages and challenges when ascertaining maternal and infant outcomes based on secondary data. We then explore useful approaches to address confounding within the context of pregnancy research and of the potential for selection bias when restricting the cohort to live births. Finally, we consider issues related to external validity and statistical significance. The examples are mainly drawn from a pregnancy cohort nested in the Medicaid Analytic Extract.

Conclusions

The approaches presented provide guidance regarding the important methodological considerations that need to be attended to in order to generate valid, minimally biased risk when using large healthcare utilization databases for drug safety surveillance in pregnancy.
Effect of different size‐modified expandable graphite and ammonium polyphosphate on the flame retardancy, thermal stability, physical, and mechanical properties of rigid polyurethane foam
Authors: Pang Xiu‐Yan , Xin Ya‐Ping , Shi Xiu‐Zhu , Xu Jian‐Zhong
Published: May 2019

In this study, three different sizes of tripolyphosphate‐modified expandable graphite (EGp) are prepared and incorporated into rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) in order to obtain a flame retardant material with low density, good mechanical properties, and hydrophobicity. The influence of particle size on material combustibility, thermal stability, compression strength, pore cell structure, diathermancy, and hydrophobic property is investigated. Synergistic effect between the EGpand ammonium polyphosphate (APP II) is also examined. Results show thelimiting oxygen indexvalue and residue yield increase as the EGpsize increases. On the contrary, the heat release rate and total heat release decrease as the EGPsize increases. In addition, the chemical char formation effect of APP on RPUF is more important than the char formation of the graphite intercalation compounds. EGpand APP show synergistic effect in improving flame retardancy, thermal stability, and hydrophobicity. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1381–1394 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Understanding the reinforcing efficiency of waste eggshell‐derived nano calcium carbonate in natural rubber composites with maleated natural rubber as compatibilizer
Authors: Roy Kumarjyoti , Debnath Subhas Chandra , Raengthon Natthaphon , Potiyaraj Pranut
Published: May 2019

Calcium carbonate nanoparticles were synthesized from eggshell waste using ball mill treatment and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis. Then, waste eggshell‐derived nano calcium carbonate (WESNCC) was used as filler to reinforce natural rubber (NR) composites with and without the presence of maleated natural rubber (MNR) as compatibilizer. MNR‐compatibilized NR/WESNCC composites showed remarkable enhancement in the torque difference, tensile, and thermal properties as compared to either uncompatibilized NR/WESNCC composites or unfilled NR system. Crosslinking degree measurements indicated excellent interfacial interaction between NR matrix and WESNCC in presence of MNR as compatibilizer. A probable mechanism is suggested to explain the interaction between NR matrix and WESNCC in the presence of MNR. This study provides unique way to develop WESNCC‐based rubber composites for future industrial and engineering application. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1428–1436 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Links between the Hip and the Lumbar Spine (Hip Spine Syndrome) as they Relate to Clinical Decision Making for Patients with Lumbopelvic Pain
Authors: Prather Heidi , van Dillen Linda
Published: May 2019

This narrative review focuses on the links between the hip and lumbar spine in the context of lumbopelvic pain. The literature regarding this topic is variable, found in many disciplines of care using different terminology. Collectively these inconsistencies add to the complexity of understanding the current evidence as it pertains to clinical practice. We have chosen to review studies that describe and assess overlapping pain distributions between the lumbar spine and hip, hip osteoarthritis and lumbopelvic pain, improvements in low back pain following hip arthroplasty, association of hip range of motion and lumbopelvic pain, and lumbopelvic motion and hip motion as they relate to low back pain and gender. The links between the hip and lumbar spine may provide the clinician important information to make decisions and recommendations for people presenting with the clinical symptom complex including lumbopelvic pain.
Substrate selection by the proteasome through initiation regions
Authors: Tomita Takuya , Matouschek Andreas
Published: May 2019

Proteins in the cell have to be eliminated once their function is no longer desired or they become damaged. Most regulated protein degradation is achieved by a large enzymatic complex called the proteasome. Many proteasome substrates are targeted for degradation by the covalent attachment of ubiquitin molecules. Ubiquitinated proteins can be bound by the proteasome, but for proteolysis to occur the proteasome needs to find a disordered tail somewhere in the target at which it initiates degradation. The initiation step contributes to the specificity of proteasomal degradation. Here, we review how the proteasome selects initiation sites within its substrates and discuss how the initiation step affects physiological processes.
Selection and analyses of variants of a designed protein suggest importance of hydrophobicity of partially buried sidechains for protein stability at high temperatures
Authors: Han Mingjie , Liao Sanhui , Peng Xiong , Zhou Xiaoqun , Chen Quan , Liu Haiyan
Published: May 2019

Computationally designed proteins of high stability provide specimen in addition to natural proteins for the study of sequence‐structure stability relationships at the very high end of protein stability spectrum. The melting temperature of E_1r26, a protein we previously designed using the A Backbone‐based Amino aCid Usage Survey (ABACUS) sequence design program, is above 110 °C, more than 50 °C higher than that of the natural thioredoxin protein whose backbone (PDB ID 1R26) has been used as the design target. Using an experimental selection approach, we obtained variants of E_1r26 that remain folded but are of reduced stability, including one whose unfolding temperature and denaturing guanidine concentration are similar to those of 1r26. The mutant unfolds with a certain degree of cooperativity. Its structure solved by X‐ray crystallography agrees with that of 1r26 by a root mean square deviation of 1.3 Å, adding supports to the accuracy of the ABACUS method. Analyses of intermediate mutants indicate that the substitution of two partially buried hydrophobic residues (isoleucine and leucine) by polar residues (threonine and serine, respectively) are responsible for the dramatic change in the unfolding temperature. It is suggested that the effects of mutations located in rigid secondary structure regions, but not those in loops, may be well predicted through ABACUS mutation energy analysis. The results also suggest that hydrophobic effects involving intermediately buried sidechains can be critically important for protein stability at high temperatures.
Schisandra chinensis extract ameliorates age‐related muscle wasting and bone loss in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Seok , Takanche Jyoti Shrestha , Kim Ji‐Eun , Jeong Seon‐Hwa , Han Sin‐Hee , Yi Ho‐Keun
Published: May 2019

Exercise and healthy diet consumption support healthy aging. Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) also known as “Baill.” has anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the role of S. chinensis as an antiaging compound has yet to be demonstrated. This study elucidated the antiaging effect of S. chinensis ethanol–hexane extract (C1) and the effect of C1 treatment on muscle and bone following physical exercise in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. RAW 264.7, human diploid fibroblasts (HDFs), C2C12 myoblasts, bone marrow macrophages, and MC3T3‐E1 cells were used for in vitro, and muscle and bone of OVX rats were used for in vivo study to demonstrate the effect of C1. The C1 significantly inhibited the expression of inflammatory molecules, β‐galactosidase activity, and improved antioxidant activity via down‐regulation of reactive oxygen species in RAW 264.7 and aged HDF cells. The C1 with exercise improved muscle regeneration in skeletal muscle of OVX rats by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and autophagy. C1 induced osteoblast differentiation, and C1 + exercise modulated the bone formation and bone resorption in OVX rats. C1 exhibited anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, myogenic, and osteogenic effects. C1 with exercise improved age‐related muscle wasting and bone loss. Therefore, S. chinensis may be a potential prevent agent for age‐related diseases such as sarcopenia and osteoporosis.
Theoretical study on ionic liquids based on DBUH+: Molecular engineering and hydrogen bond evaluation
Authors: Rezaeian Mojtaba , Izadyar Mohammad
Published: May 2019

The new generation of the ionic liquids (ILs) based on 1,8‐diazobicylo [5,4,0] undec‐7‐ene (DBU) are applied as the solvent in organic reactions. In this work, by using a theoretical procedure, the most probable interactions between the ion pairs of DBUH+ based ILs, including 10 functionalized imidazole anions were investigated. For this purpose, the electrostatic potential surfaces were analyzed to detect the most probable interaction sites of DBUH+. On the basis of the obtained results, hydrogen bond formation between the anions and DBUH+ is influenced by the electronic effect of the substituted functional groups. This means that electron donating groups, such as phenyl has a stabilizing effect on the ion pairs, while electron‐withdrawing groups, such as nitro, induces a destabilizing effect. These behaviors are described based on the interaction energy values (ΔEint). To investigate the dispersion interaction effects in ILs formation, M06‐2X‐D3 functional was applied in energy analysis. The solvent reaction field was investigated by the polarizable continuum model in ethanol and chloroform as the solvent. The results showed that ethanol has a greater effect on the interaction energy of the ILs. Finally, to have a comprehensive understanding of the charge transfer effect on the stability of the studied ILs and to characterize the most probable interactions, natural bond orbital and quantum theory of atoms in molecules analyses were applied and the obtained results were analyzed.
Optimal control of a linear system subject to partially specified input noise
Authors: Erreygers Alexander , De Bock Jasper , de Cooman Gert , Van Camp Arthur
Published: May 2019

One of the most basic problems in control theory is that of controlling a discrete‐time linear system subject to uncertain noise with the objective of minimizing the expectation of a quadratic cost. If one assumes the noise to be white, then solving this problem is relatively straightforward. However, white noise is arguably unrealistic: noise is not necessarily independent, and one does not always precisely know its expectation. We first recall the optimal control policy without assuming independence and show that, in this case, computing the optimal control inputs becomes infeasible. In the next step, we assume only the knowledge of lower and upper bounds on the conditional expectation of the noise and prove that this approach leads to tight lower and upper bounds on the optimal control inputs. The analytical expressions that determine these bounds are strikingly similar to the usual expressions for the case of white noise.
Robust nonovershooting tracking control for fractional‐order systems
Authors: Xavier Nithin , Babu Praveen S , Bandyopadhyay Bijnan , Schmid Robert
Published: May 2019

A robust tracking control is proposed for the fractional‐order systems (FOSs) to achieve a tracking response with no overshoot, even in the presence of a class of disturbances. The control proposed makes use of a newly designed integral sliding mode technique for FOSs, which is capable of rejecting the bounded disturbances acting through the input channel. The proposed integral sliding mode control design has two components: a nominal control component and a discontinuous control component. The overshoot in the system response is avoided by the nominal control designed with the use of Moore's eigenstructure assignment algorithm. The sliding mode technique is used for the design of discontinuous part of the control that imparts the desired robustness properties.
Simulation and data‐generation for random‐effects network meta‐analysis of binary outcome
Authors: Seide Svenja E. , Jensen Katrin , Kieser Meinhard
Published: May 2019

The performance of statistical methods is frequently evaluated by means of simulation studies. In case of network meta‐analysis of binary data, however, available data‐generating models (DGMs) are restricted to either inclusion of two‐armed trials or the fixed‐effect model. Based on data‐generation in the pairwise case, we propose a framework for the simulation of random‐effect network meta‐analyses including multiarm trials with binary outcome. The only one of the common DGMs used in the pairwise case, which is directly applicable to a random‐effects network setting uses strongly restrictive assumptions. To overcome these limitations, we modify this approach and derive a related simulation procedure using odds ratios as effect measure. The performance of this procedure is evaluated with synthetic data and in an empirical example.
A flexible and robust method for assessing conditional association and conditional concordance
Authors: Liu Xiangyu , Ning Jing , Cheng Yu , Huang Xuelin , Li Ruosha
Published: May 2019

When analyzing bivariate outcome data, it is often of scientific interest to measure and estimate the association between the bivariate outcomes. In the presence of influential covariates for one or both of the outcomes, conditional association measures can quantify the strength of association without the disturbance of the marginal covariate effects, to provide cleaner and less‐confounded insights into the bivariate association. In this work, we propose estimation and inferential procedures for assessing the conditional Kendall's tau coefficient given the covariates, by adopting the quantile regression and quantile copula framework to handle marginal covariate effects. The proposed method can flexibly accommodate right censoring and be readily applied to bivariate survival data. It also facilitates an estimator of the conditional concordance measure, namely, a conditional
index, where the unconditional
index is commonly used to assess the predictive capacity for survival outcomes. The proposed method is flexible and robust and can be easily implemented using standard software. The method performed satisfactorily in extensive simulation studies with and without censoring. Application of our methods to two real‐life data examples demonstrates their desirable practical utility.
Discovery of and Insights into DNA “Codes” for Tunable Morphologies of Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Satyavolu Nitya Sai Reddy , Loh Kang Yong , Tan Li Huey , Lu Yi
Published: May 2019

The discovery and elucidation of genetic codes has profoundly changed not only biology but also many fields of science and engineering. The fundamental building blocks of life comprises of four simple deoxyribonucleotides and yet their combinations serve as the carrier of genetic information that encodes for proteins that can carry out many biological functions due to their unique functionalities. Inspired by nature, the functionalities of DNA molecules have been used as a capping ligand for controlling morphology of nanomaterials, and such a control is sequence dependent, which translates into distinct physical and chemical properties of resulting nanoparticles. Herein, an overview on the use of DNA as engineered codes for controlling the morphology of metal nanoparticles, such as gold, silver, and Pd‐Au bimetallic nanoparticles is provided. Fundamental insights into rules governing DNA controlled growth mechanisms are also summarized, based on understanding of the affinity of the DNA nucleobases to various metals, the effect of combination of nucleobases, functional modification of DNA, the secondary structures of DNA, and the properties of the seed employed. The resulting physical and chemical properties of these DNA encoded nanomaterials are also reviewed, while perspectives into the future directions of DNA‐mediated nanoparticle synthesis are provided.
Carbon‐Rich Nonprecious Metal Single Atom Electrocatalysts for CO2 Reduction and Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Tingting , Zhao Qidong , Fu Yuanyuan , Lei Chaojun , Yang Bin , Li Zhongjian , Lei Lecheng , Wu Gang , Hou Yang
Published: May 2019

Single atom catalysts (SACs) are considered as the emerging catalysts for boosting electricity‐driven CO2 reduction reaction (CRR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). To replace the rare and expensive noble metal electrocatalysts, developing nonprecious metal SACs (NPMSACs) with superior electrocatalytic activity and stability is of paramount importance for achieving high efficiency in CRR and HER. Herein, a brief overview of recent achievements in the carbon‐rich NPMSACs for both CRR and HER is provided. The synthesis strategies and corresponding electrocatalytic performances of various carbon‐rich NPMSACs are discussed in the order of various metals (Ni, Co, Fe, Zn, and Sn for CRR, as well as Ni, Co, Fe, Mo, and W for HER), with a special attention paid to understand the structure–activity relationships. Finally, the remaining challenges and future perspectives for enhancing CRR and HER performance of NPMSACs are outlined.
Quantification of eight water soluble vitamins in Sutherlandia frutescens species from Botswana using a validated reversed phase HPLC method
Authors: Abibu Moshood A. , Takuwa David T. , Sichilongo Kwenga
Published: May 2019

A simple and rapid‐reversed phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method for the separation and quantification of water‐soluble vitamins; B1, B2, B3, B4, B6, B9, B12 and C from Sutherlandia frutescens (a traditionally used medicinal plant found in Botswana), is presented. Vitamins were extracted using ultrasonic assisted extraction while clean‐up was done by solid‐phase extraction with silica‐based C‐18 cartridges. Eight vitamins were separated and identified using an Agilent 1260 Infinity HPLC system fitted with a diode array detector. Two different types of silica‐based bonded C18 columns of equal length and internal diameter were compared for their separation efficiencies using a methanol/formic acid mobile phase system at flow rates of 0.5 and 1.0 mL/min on a gradient elution programme. The separation of eight water‐soluble vitamins was achieved in 12 min at 266 nm. Analytical performance charactristics were evaluated for percent recovery, precision as percent relative standard deviation, limits of detection, limits of quantification and linearity for each vitamin. The method developed herein was applied to determine some water soluble vitamins in a Sutherlandia frutescens plant from Botswana.
Concurrent HPLC detection of javamide‐I/‐II, caffeine, 3‐ O‐caffeoylquinic acid, 4‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid and 5‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid; their comparative quantification and disparity in ground and instant coffees
Authors: Park Jae B.
Published: May 2019

Recent reports suggest that javamide‐I/‐II found in coffee contain anti‐inflammatory activity greater than 3‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid, 4‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid, 5‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid and caffeine. However, there is little information about javamide‐I/‐II amounts in coffee products, impossible to assess their biological activity. Furthermore, there is no reported high‐performance liquid chromatography method to simultaneously measure javamide‐I/‐II, 3‐, 4‐ and 5‐O‐caffeoylquinic acids, and caffeine. Therefore, a high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed with a photo diode array detector to measure these compounds concurrently in coffee products. A developed high‐performance liquid chromatography method showed a limit of detection (0.005 mg) and linear correlation coefficient of determination higher than 0.99 for javamide‐I/‐II. Also, using this method, great resolution and reproducibility were attained in analyzing coffee products (five ground and seven instant coffees). Javamide‐I/‐II (≤0.25 and ≤1.79 mg/g) were detected in seven and nine coffee products, respectively. However, 3‐, 4‐ and 5‐O‐caffeoylquinic acids (0.7–14.7 mg/g) and caffeine (10–41 mg/g) were detected in all coffee products. These data suggest higher discrepancy of javamide‐I/‐II than caffeine, 3‐, 4‐ and 5‐O‐caffeoylquinic acids in coffee products. Altogether, this high‐performance liquid chromatography method can be used in simultaneously measuring javamide‐I/‐II, caffeine, 3‐, 4‐ and 5‐O‐caffeoylquinic acids, and significant disparity in their quantities, especially javamide‐I/‐II, may be found in ground and instant coffees.
3‐Methyladenine alleviates excessive iodine‐induced cognitive impairment via suppression of autophagy in rat hippocampus
Authors: Zhao Liang , Zhang Bin , Cui Yushan , Hou Changchun , Zeng Qiang , Gao Tongning , Zhang Zushan , Yu Jingwen , Wang Yang , Wang Aiguo , Liu Hongliang
Published: May 2019

Drinking water with high levels of iodine has been identified as the key contributor to iodine excess, but the mechanisms of neurotoxicity induced by excessive iodine remain elusive. The present study aimed to explore the role of autophagy in the neurotoxic effect induced by excessive iodine in vivo. The Morris water maze test results demonstrated that excessive iodine impaired the learning and memory capabilities of rats, which were associated with marked body weight and brain weight abnormalities. In addition, iodine treatment increased malondialdehyde accumulation, decreased superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione (GSH) level, and enhanced levels of autophagy markers in the hippocampus. Notably, inhibition of autophagy with 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) could significantly alleviate excessive iodine‐induced cognitive impairment. These data imply that autophagy is involved in the cognitive impairment elicited by excessive iodine as a pathway of cell death, and inhibition of autophagy via 3‐MA may significantly alleviate the above damage.
Integrating after CEN Excision (ICE) Plasmids: Combining the ease of yeast recombination cloning with the stability of genomic integration
Authors: Flagg Matthew P. , Kao Andy , Hampton Randolph Y.
Published: May 2019

Yeast recombination cloning is a straightforward and powerful method for recombining a plasmid backbone with a specific DNA fragment. However, the utility of yeast recombination cloning is limited by the requirement for the backbone to contain an CEN/ARS element, which allows for the recombined plasmids to propagate. Although yeast CEN/ARS plasmids are often suitable for further studies, we demonstrate here that they can vary considerably in copy number from cell to cell and from colony to colony. Variation in plasmid copy number can pose an unacceptable and often unacknowledged source of phenotypic variation. If expression levels are critical to experimentation, then constructs generated with yeast recombination cloning must be subcloned into integrating plasmids, a step that often abrogates the utility of recombination cloning. Accordingly, we have designed a vector that can be used for yeast recombination cloning but can be converted into the integrating version of the resulting vector without an additional subcloning. We call these “ICE” vectors, for “Integrating after CEN Excision.” The ICE series was created by introducing a “rare‐cutter” NotI‐flanked CEN/ARS element into the multiple cloning sites of the pRS series yeast integration plasmids. Upon recovery from yeast, the CEN/ARS is excised by NotI digest and subsequently religated without need for purification or transfer to new conditions. Excision by this approach takes ~3 hr, allowing this refinement in the same time frame as standard recombination cloning.
Prospects for measurements with strange hadrons at LHCb
Authors: Alves Junior A. A. , Bettler M. O. , Brea Rodríguez A. , Casais Vidal A. , Chobanova V. , Cid Vidal X. , Contu A. , D’Ambrosio G. , Dalseno J. , Dettori F. , Gligorov V. V. , Graziani G. , Guadagnoli D. , Kitahara T. , Lazzeroni C. , Lucio Martínez M. , Moulson M. , Marín Benito C. , Martín Camalich J. , Martínez Santos D. , Prisciandaro J. , Puig Navarro A. , Ramos Pernas M. , Renaudin V. , Sergi A. , Zarebski K. A.
Published: May 2019

Abstract

This report details the capabilities of LHCb and its upgrades towards the study of kaons and hyperons. The analyses performed so far are reviewed, elaborating on the prospects for some key decay channels, while proposing some new measurements in LHCb to expand its strangeness research program.
Holographic complexity for defects distinguishes action from volume
Authors: Chapman Shira , Ge Dongsheng , Policastro Giuseppe
Published: May 2019

Abstract

We explore the two holographic complexity proposals for the case of a 2d boundary CFT with a conformal defect. We focus on a Randall-Sundrum type model of a thin AdS2 brane embedded in AdS3. We find that, using the “complexity=volume” proposal, the presence of the defect generates a logarithmic divergence in the complexity of the full boundary state with a coefficient which is related to the central charge and to the boundary entropy. For the “complexity=action” proposal we find that the logarithmically divergent term in the complexity is not influenced by the presence of the defect. This is the first case in which the results of the two holographic proposals differ so dramatically. We consider also the complexity of the reduced density matrix for subregions enclosing the defect. We explore two bosonic field theory models which include two defects on opposite sides of a periodic domain. We point out that for a compact boson, current free field theory definitions of the complexity would have to be generalized to account for the effect of zero-modes.
Invariance of Unruh and Hawking radiation under matter-induced supertranslations
Authors: Compère Geoffrey , Long Jiang , Riegler Max
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Matter fields are supertranslated upon crossing a shock wave, which leads to entanglement of the quantum vacuum between the two regions on either side of the shock wave. We probe this entanglement for a scalar field in a planar shock wave background by computing the Bogoliubov transformation between the inertial and uniformly accelerated observer. The resulting Bogoliubov coefficients are shown to reproduce the standard Unruh effect without dependence on the form factor of the shock wave. In contrast, excited states lead to observables that depend upon the form factor. In the context of nonspherical gravitational collapse, we comment that the angular dependence of the limiting advanced time leads to similar supertranslation effects that do not affect the Hawking spectrum but do affect scattering amplitudes.
Energy system contribution during competitive cross-country skiing
Authors: Losnegard Thomas
Published: May 2019

Energy system contribution during cross-country (XC) skiing races is dependent on several factors, including the race duration, track profile, and sub-techniques applied, and their subsequent effects on the use of the upper and lower body. This review provides a scientific synopsis of the interactions of energy system contributions from a physiological, technical, and tactical perspective. On average, the aerobic proportion of the total energy expended during XC skiing competitions is comparable to the values for other sports with similar racing times. However, during both sprint (≤ 1.8 km) and distance races (≥ 10 and 15 km, women and men, respectively) a high aerobic turnover interacts with subsequent periods of very high work rates at ~ 120 to 160% of VO2peak during the uphill sections of the race. The repeated intensity fluctuations are possible due to the nature of skiing, which involves intermittent downhills where skiers can recover. Thus, the combination of high and sustained aerobic energy turnover and repeated work rates above VO2peak, interspersed with short recovery periods, distinguishes XC skiing from most other endurance sports. The substantially increased average speed in races over recent decades, frequent competitions in mass starts and sprints, and the greater importance of short periods at high speeds in various sub-techniques, have demanded changes in the physiological, technical, and tactical abilities needed to achieve world-class level within the specific disciplines.
Gender als notwendige Perspektive psychotherapeutischen Handelns
Authors: Schigl Brigitte
Published: May 2019

Der Artikel umreißt Prozesse, in denen Doing Gender in der Psychotherapie wirksam wird und nimmt Therapeut_innen wie Patient_innen in ihren Interaktionen in den Blick. Dabei werden spezifische Situationen und Themen im therapeutischen Prozess, in denen Gender zum Tragen kommt, erörtert und die unterschiedliche Tönung der Interaktionen je nach Zusammensetzung der therapeutischen Dyade beschrieben. Dazu werden qualitative Daten von Psychotherapeut_innen und quantitative Daten aus einer großen Patient_innenbefragung (RISK, Donau Universität Krems) verwendet.
Partitioning of Ti and Kinetic Growth Predictions on the Thermally Grown Chromia Scale of a Polycrystalline Nickel-Based Superalloy
Authors: Pedrazzini S. , Rowlands B. S. , Turk A. , Parr I. M. D. , Hardy M. C. , Bagot P. A. J. , Moody M. P. , Galindo-Nava E. , Stone H. J.
Published: May 2019

Titanium is commonly added to nickel superalloys but has a well-documented detrimental effect on oxidation resistance. The present work constitutes the first atomistic-scale quantitative measurements of grain boundary and bulk compositions in the oxide scale of a current generation polycrystalline nickel superalloy performed through atom probe tomography. Titanium was found to be particularly detrimental to oxide scale growth through grain boundary diffusion.
Effects of climate changes on distribution of Eremanthus erythropappus and E. incanus (Asteraceae) in Brazil
Authors: Rocha Lucas Fernandes , do Carmo Isaias Emilio Paulino , Póvoa Joema Souza Rodrigues , de Carvalho Dulcinéia
Published: May 2019

Phylogeographic patterns of endemic species are critical keys to understand its adaptation to future climate change. Herein, based on chloroplast DNA, we analyzed the genetic diversity of two endemic and endangered tree species from the Brazilian savanna and Atlantic forest (Eremanthus erythropappus and Eremanthus incanus). We also applied the climate-based ecological niche modeling (ENM) to evaluate the impact of the Quaternary climate (last glacial maximum ~ 21 kyr BP (thousand years before present) and Mid-Holocene ~ 6 kyr BP) on the current haplotype distribution. Moreover, we modeled the potential effect of future climate change on the species distribution in 2070 for the most optimistic and pessimistic scenarios. One primer/enzyme combination (SFM/HinfI) revealed polymorphism with very low haplotype diversity, showing only three different haplotypes. The haplotype 1 has very low frequency and it was classified as the oldest, diverging from six mutations from the haplotypes 2 and 3. The E. erythropappus populations are structured and differ genetically according to the areas of occurrence. In general, the populations located in the north region are genetically different from those located in the center-south. No genetic structuring was observed for E. incanus. The ENM revealed a large distribution during the past and a severe decrease in geographic distribution of E. erythropappus and E. incanus from the LGM until present and predicts a drastic decline in suitable areas in the future. This reduction may homogenize the genetic diversity and compromise a relevant role of these species on infiltration of groundwater.
Converter-Interfaced Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Milano Federico , Ortega Manjavacas Álvaro
Published: May 2019

Gain an in-depth understanding of converter-interfaced energy storage systems with this unique text, covering modelling, dynamic behaviour, control, and stability analysis. Providing comprehensive coverage, it demonstrates the technical and economic aspects of energy storage systems, and provides a thorough overview of energy storage technologies. Several different modelling techniques are presented, including power system models, voltage-sourced converter models, and energy storage system models. Using a novel stochastic control approach developed by the authors, you will learn about the impact of energy storage on the dynamic interaction of microgrids with distribution and transmission systems. Compare the numerous real-world simulation data and numerical examples provided with your own models and control strategies. Accompanied online by a wealth of numerical examples and supporting data, this is the ideal text for graduate students, researchers, and industry professionals working in power system dynamics, renewable energy integration, and smart grid development.
Structure of high Reynolds number boundary layers over cube canopies
Authors: Basley Jérémy , Perret Laurent , Mathis Romain
Published: May 2019

The influence of a cube-based canopy on coherent structures of the flow was investigated in a high Reynolds number boundary layer (thickness $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}\sim 30\,000$ wall units). Wind tunnel experiments were conducted considering wall configurations that represent three idealised urban terrains. Stereoscopic particle image velocimetry was employed using a large field of view in a streamwise–spanwise plane ($0.55\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}\times 0.5\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}$) combined to two-point hot-wire measurements. The analysis of the flow within the inertial layer highlights the independence of its characteristics from the wall configuration. The population of coherent structures is in agreement with that of smooth-wall boundary layers, i.e. consisting of large- and very-large-scale motions, sweeps and ejections, as well as smaller-scale vortical structures. The characteristics of vortices appear to be independent of the roughness configuration while their spatial distribution is closely linked to large meandering motions of the boundary layer. The canopy geometry only significantly impacts the wall-normal exchanges within the roughness sublayer. Bi-dimensional spectral analysis demonstrates that wall-normal velocity fluctuations are constrained by the presence of the canopy for the densest investigated configurations. This threshold in plan area density above which large scales from the overlying boundary layer can penetrate the roughness sublayer is consistent with the change of the flow regime reported in the literature and constitutes a major difference with flows over vegetation canopies.
The assembly of triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins: an essential role for the microsomal triacylglycerol transfer protein
Authors: White David A. , Bennett Andrew J. , Billett Michael A. , Salter Andrew M.
Published: May 2019

Raised plasma triacylglycerol is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and an understanding of factors which regulate the synthesis and degradation of lipoproteins which carry triacylglycerol in the blood may lead to novel approaches to the treatment of hypertriacylglycerolaemia. An active microsomal triacylglycerol transfer protein (MTP) is essential for the assembly of particles which transport triacylglycerol through the circulation. After absorption in the intestine, dietary fat and fat-soluble vitamins are incorporated into chylomicrons in the intestinal epithelial cells, and these lipoproteins reach the bloodstream via the lymphatic system. Patients with the rare genetic disorder, abetalipoproteinaemia, in which MTP activity is absent, present clinically with fat-soluble vitamin and essential fatty acid deficiency, indicating a key role for MTP in the movement of fat into the body. The triacylglycerol-rich lipoprotein found in fasting blood, VLDL, is assembled in the liver by an MTP-dependent process similar to chylomicron assembly, and transports triacylglycerol to extra-hepatic tissues such as adipose tissue and heart. In the absence of MTP activity, VLDL are not synthesized and only extremely low levels of triacylglycerol are present in the blood. Dietary components, including fat, cholesterol and ethanol, can modify the expression of the MTP gene and, hence, MTP activity. The present review summarizes current knowledge of the role of MTP in the assembly and secretion of triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins, and the regulation of its activity in both animal and cell systems.
Effects of the bacterial status of rats on the changes in some liver cytochrome P450 (EC1.14.14.1) apoproteins consequent to a glucosinolate-rich diet
Authors: Nugon-Baudon L. , Rabot S. , Flinois J.-P. , Lory S. , Beaune Ph.
Published: May 2019

The aim of the present work was to investigate the influence of the intestinal microflora on the changes in hepatic cytochrome P450 apoproteins induced by dietary glucosinolates. Ten rats harbouring a conventional digestive microflora were offered either a diet containing 390g myrosinase-free rapeseed meal/kg (n5) or a control diet devoid of glucosinolates (n5). A similar trial was performed using germ-free rats. After 4 weeks of exposure to the dietary regimens, animals were slaughtered and their livers removed for preparation of microsomes and analysis of cytochrome P450 (EC1.14.14.1). The glucosinolate-rich diet decreased the concentration of total cytochrome P450 in conventional rats only (-34%). The bacterial status did not modify the concentration of apoproteins CYP1A2 and CYP2B1/B2, but greatly decreased the concentration of the male constitutive isoform CYP2C11 (-53 and -45% respectively in conventional and germ-free rats). Germ-free rats fed on the glucosinolate-rich diet had a greater concentration of CYP3A (+139%) and a lower concentration of CYP2E1 (-32%) than their counterparts fed on the control diet. However, these differences were absent in conventional animals. On the whole, the influence of the intestinal microflora on the changes in hepatic cytochrome P450 due to the consumption of cruciferous vegetables is very complex and obviously involves different mechanisms according to the apoprotein.
Effect on plasma lipids and lipoproteins of replacing partially hydrogenated fish oil with vegetable fat in margarine
Authors: Müller Hanne , Jordal Odd , Seljeflot Ingebjørg , Kierulf Peter , Kirkhus Bente , Ledsaak Oddlaug , Pedersen Jan I.
Published: May 2019

We have compared the effects on lipoproteins and haemostatic variables of two hard margarines with similar functional properties, one traditional margarine containing partially hydrogenated fish oil (PHFO), and one experimental margarine based on vegetable oil (VO). Both were all-purpose cooking margarines with nearly identical functional properties.Transfatty acids from PHFO in the traditional margarine were replaced mostly by saturated, monounsaturated andtransfatty acids of vegetable origin in the new formulation. Both test margarines contained approximately the same amount ofcispolyunsaturated fatty acids. Sixteen female normolipidaemic students consumed each diet with the two test margarines for 14 d in random order (crossover design). The amount of fat was 31 % energy in the PHFO diet and 32 % energy in the VO diet. The test margarines provided approximately 26% energy in both diets. In the PHFO diet 7.8 % of the energy was derived fromtransfatty acids and 9.2 % from saturated fatty acids (12:0, 14:0 and 16:0) while in the VO diet, 1.1 % energy was derived fromtransfatty acids and 13.3% from saturated fatty acids (12:0, 14:0 and 16:0). The natural content of cholesterol in PHFO was deliberately not balanced by addition of cholesterol to the VO diet, thus the PHFO diet contained 215 mg and the VO diet 86 mg cholesterol per 8.5 MJ. LDL-cholesterol concentration was 19 % higher in subjects on the PHFO diet compared with the VO diet (P< 0.01). The ratio LDL-cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol was 12.6 % higher in subjects on the PHFO diet compared with the VO diet (P< 0.01). The level of apolipoprotein (apo)A-I was 6 % lower in subjects on the PHFO diet compared with the VO diet (P< 0.01). The ratio apoB:apoA-I was 10.4 % higher in subjects on the PHFO diet than on the VO diet (P< 0.01). There were no significant differences in total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triacylglycerols, apoB, lipoprotein(a) and haemostatic variables between the diets. Our results demonstrate that PHFO, with its unfavourable effects on plasma lipids, can be replaced by vegetable oils in margarine without appreciable loss of functional properties but with significant improvement in the effects on plasma lipoproteins.
Regulatory signals in messenger RNA: determinants of nutrient–gene interaction and metabolic compartmentation
Authors: Hesketh John E. , Vasconcelos M. Helena , Bermano Giovanna
Published: May 2019

Nutrition has marked influences on gene expression and an understanding of the interaction between nutrients and gene expression is important in order to provide a basis for determining the nutritional requirements on an individual basis. The effects of nutrition can be exerted at many stages between transcription of the genetic sequence and production of a functional protein. This review focuses on the role of post-transcriptional control, particularly mRNA stability, translation and localization, in the interactions of nutrients with gene expression. The effects of both macronutrients and micronutrients on regulation of gene expression by post-transcriptional mechanisms are presented and the post-transcriptional regulation of specific genes of nutritional relevance (glucose transporters, transferrin, selenoenzymes, metallothionein, lipoproteins) is described in detail. The function of the regulatory signals in the untranslated regions of the mRNA is highlighted in relation to control of mRNA stability, translation and localization and the importance of these mRNA regions to regulation by nutrients is illustrated by reference to specific examples. The localization of mRNA by signals in the untranslated regions and its function in the spatial organization of protein synthesis is described; the potential of such mechanisms to play a key part in nutrient channelling and metabolic compartmentation is discussed. It is concluded that nutrients can influence gene expression through control of the regulatory signals in these untranslated regions and that the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by these mechanisms may influence nutritional requirements. It is emphasized that in studies of nutritional control of gene expression it is important not to focus only on regulation through gene promoters but also to consider the possibility of post-transcriptional control.
Effect of breakfast fat content on glucose tolerance and risk factors of atherosclerosis and thrombosis
Authors: Frape David L. , Williams Norman R. , Rajput-Williams Jayshri , Maitland B. W. , Scriven A. J. , Palmer Christopher R. , Fletcher Reginald J.
Published: May 2019

Twenty-four middle-aged healthy men were given a low-fat high-carbohydrate (5.5 g fat; L), or a moderately-fatty, (25.7 g fat; M) breakfast of similar energy contents for 28 d. Other meals were under less control. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was given at 09.00 hours on day 1 before treatment allocation and at 13.30 hours on day 29. There were no significant treatment differences in fasting serum values, either on day 1 or at the termination of treatments on day 29. The following was observed on day 29: (1) the M breakfast led to higher OGTT C-peptide responses and higher areas under the curves (AUC) of OGTT serum glucose and insulin responses compared with the OGTT responses to the L breakfast (P< 0.05); (2) treatment M failed to prevent OGTT glycosuria, eliminated with treatment L; (3) serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) AUC was 59% lower with treatment L than with treatment M, between 09.00 and 13.20 hours (P<0.0001), and lower with treatment L than with treatment M during the OGTT (P= 0.005); (4) serum triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations were similar for both treatments, especially during the morning, but their origins were different during the afternoon OGTT when the Svedberg flotation unit 20–400 lipid fraction was higher with treatment L than with treatment M (P= 0.016); plasma apolipoprotein B-48 level with treatment M was not significantly greater than that with treatment L (P= 0.086); (5) plasma tissue plasminogen-activator activity increased after breakfast with treatment L (P= 0.0008), but not with treatment M (P= 0.80). Waist:hip circumference was positively correlated with serum insulin and glucose AUC and with fasting LDL-cholesterol. Waist:hip circumference and serum TAG and insulin AUC were correlated with factors of thrombus formation; and the OGTT NEFA and glucose AUC were correlated. A small difference in fat intake at breakfast has a large influence on circulating diurnal NEFA concentration, which it is concluded influences adversely glucose tolerance up to 6 h later.
Maternal reports of child illness and the biochemical status of the child: the use of morbidity interviews in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Rousham E. K. , Northrop-Clewes C. A. , Lunn P. G.
Published: May 2019

In a longitudinal study of child growth and nutritional status in Bangladesh, child morbidity was recorded using health interviews with the mother. The aim of the present study was to establish whether maternal reports of child illness were associated with the biochemical health status of the child. Children aged 2–5 years (n 117) took part in the study and their mothers were interviewed every fortnight by Bangladeshi fieldworkers. Maternal reports of diarrhoea were associated with significantly lower plasma albumin concentrations (P < 0·001), poorer intestinal permeability (P < 0·001), higher plasma immunoglobulin A levels (P < 0·005) and higher α-1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) levels (P < 0·05) compared with children reported to be healthy. Children with fever had significantly higher ACT (P < 0·001) and lower albumin (P < 0·05) levels compared with their healthy counterparts. Respiratory infections (RI) were not associated with any significant changes; however, reports of RI with fever were associated with significantly higher levels of ACT than either illness individually (interaction P < 0·05). These highly significant associations between maternal reports of illness and biochemical profiles of child health support the use of health interviews in developing countries.