bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher‐order structure and conformational change in biopharmaceuticals
Authors: Orphanou Charlotte , Gervais David
Published: April 2018

The higher order structure (HOS) of protein biopharmaceuticals is critical for biological and pharmacological function. Slight changes in HOS can impact product efficacy and quality, and therefore must be characterised. The technology and techniques available for HOS characterisation has advanced in recent years. Although methods such as the low‐resolution technique circular dichroism (CD) and the labour‐intensive but high‐resolution technique X‐ray crystallography may still be routinely used to assess HOS, other techniques, such as mass spectrometry (MS) with hydrogen‐deuterium exchange (HDX) and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) are becoming more commonplace. Post‐translational modifications (PTMs) may have a large impact on HOS, potentially resulting in undesirable biopharmaceutical variant formation, as well as aggregation. In addition to PTMs, factors such as pH, temperature, stabilising agents and polymers have the potential to induce alterations in protein HOS. A proposed HOS assessment strategy is presented in this review to ensure the robustness of biopharmaceuticals during full process development. Where changes in HOS do occur, there may be a risk of immunogenic response in patients, so regulatory authorities now require comprehensive characterisation, risk assessment and understanding of biopharmaceuticals during development, manufacture and storage. This enables quality controls to be put in place to mitigate or avoid conditions where conformational changes are known to occur, and ensures that the quality, safety and efficacy of biopharmaceutical proteins are not compromised. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of Creative Personality onEEGAlpha Oscillation: Based on the Social and General Creativity Comparative Study
Authors: Wang Yali , Gu Chuanhua , Lu Jiamei
Published: April 2018

The neural mechanism underlying creativity has been identified and confirmed by numerous studies. This current exploratory study compared the neural basis between social creativity and general creativity and explored the effect of creative personality on their neural basis by employing multiple regression analysis. TheEEGactivities of 34 participants were recorded during social or general creative tasks. The results indicated that a stronger alpha event‐related synchronization (ERS) was presented during the social creative task than during the general creative task. High creative personality individuals were found to exhibit higher event‐related desynchronization (ERD) only for the upper alpha band. Additionally, high creative personality individuals revealed no significant task differences regarding the alphaERS. However, low creative personality individuals exhibited a stronger alphaERSfor social creative tasks than they did for general creative tasks. The current investigation could lead to new approaches for examining the brain correlates of creativity from different domains and their correlations with respect to creative personality.
Creative Occupational Therapist: It's About the Client Using Focus Groups to Explore Creativity in Occupational Therapy
Authors: Oven Alenka , Lobe Bojana
Published: April 2018

Although creativity is an important aspect of occupational therapy theory and practice, there have been few studies that would explore this concept in the context of the occupational therapy process. This was the first qualitative study of creativity in occupational therapy in Slovenia. It was conducted as part of a larger mixed‐methods study and included 22 experienced occupational therapists who participated in four focus groups. The focus of the study was on the exploration of different factors that could contribute to creativity and creative strategies in occupational therapy, in either a positive or a negative way. Since occupational therapy promotes a client‐centered therapy approach, the role of the client as the motivating factor was of particular interest to our study. Six factors that can influence the creativity of occupational therapists emerged from the qualitative analysis (Strauss & Corbin, 1990). While the client was identified as the key factor, the potential of other factors was also recognized. This qualitative study increased the understanding of the concept of creativity and creative behavior in occupational therapy, and also provided empirical material that formed the basis for the development of a questionnaire on creativity in occupational therapy.
Gut Microbiota as a Modulator of Paneth Cells During Parenteral Nutrition in Mice
Authors: Wang Jiwei , Tian Feng , Wang Peng , Zheng Huijun , Zhang Ying , Tian Hao , Zhang Li , Gao Xuejin , Wang Xinying
Published: April 2018

Background

Parenteral nutrition (PN) leads to decreased production of Paneth cell–derived antimicrobial peptides and is accompanied by dysbiosis of the gut. The role of gut microbiota in regulating Paneth cell function during PN is unknown.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice received either an antibiotic cocktail (Abx) or nothing (Normal) in their drinking water for 2 weeks before being fed either standard laboratory chow (Abx‐Chow and Normal‐Chow) or a continuous infusion of PN solution (Abx‐PN and Normal‐PN) for 7 days. In a separate experiment, the intestinal contents of mice having received 7 days of Chow or PN were transferred by gavage to germ‐free (GF) mice.

Results

Antibiotic treatment decreased the protein levels of lysozyme and RegIIIγ and the mRNA level of α‐defensin 5, with no further effect by PN compared with chow. However, these measurements were higher in Abx‐PN mice than in Normal‐PN mice. When compared with Chow→GF, PN→GF mice demonstrated lower body weight, shorter intestinal length, severe atrophy of the ileum villus, and lower levels of lysozyme and RegIIIγ protein and α‐defensin 5 mRNA. Interleukin (IL)‐22 and IL‐17 mRNA levels declined in the ileum. Principal component analysis revealed major differences between the metabolite compositions of the Chow and PN, as well as the Chow→GF and PN→GF groups that appears to indicate aberrant tryptophan metabolism.

Conclusions

Gut microbiota plays a vital role in PN‐related Paneth cell dysfunction. Dysbiosis during PN might alter the production of microbial metabolites, thereby influencing the production of Paneth cell–derived antimicrobial peptides.
Management of Ready‐to‐Use Parenteral Nutrition in Newborns: Systematic Review
Authors: Mena Karen Daniela Romero , Espitia Olga Lucia Pinzón , Vergara José Alejandro Daza
Published: April 2018

Parenteral support has increased the possibility of neonatal recovery. However, complications associated with its use have been documented. One commercial method developed to decrease the complications of this type of support is the ready‐to‐use parenteral nutrition (PN), a 3‐chamber bag that provides a complete nutrient mix. This systematic review seeks, through the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses methodology, to establish the benefits in newborns. Seven databases and gray literature were used. The search was limited to publications from 2007–2017 and to articles written in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria and studies with low quality evaluated with the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidelines, which were without information about the study or analytical methods, were excluded. A total of 24,193 articles were obtained, which were initially evaluated by title and abstract according to the inclusion criteria. A total of 24,167 articles were discarded, obtaining 27 eligible for follow‐up evaluation. After a detailed evaluation of the full text, 13 articles were selected. It was found that ready‐to‐use PN has the potential benefit to reduce the risks for infections, provide an adequate supply of nutrients, generate growth within the expected range, provide ease of use, decrease prescription errors, and potentially reduce costs. It is necessary to evaluate the short‐ and long‐term impact of its use.
High‐resolution capillary zone electrophoresis for transferrin glycoform analysis associated with congenital disorders of glycosylation
Authors: Tobler Micha , Caslavska Jitka , Burda Patricie , Thormann Wolfgang
Published: April 2018

High‐resolution capillary zone electrophoresis is used to assess the transferrin profile in serum of patients with eight different congenital disorders of glycosylation that represent type I, type II, and mixed type I/II disorders. Capillary zone electrophoresis data are compared to patterns obtained by gel isoelectric focusing. The high‐resolution capillary zone electrophoresis method is shown to represent an effective tool to assess the diversity of transferrin patterns. Hypoglycosylated disialo‐, monosialo‐, and asialo‐transferrin in type I cases can be distinguished from the corresponding underdesialylated transferrin glycoforms present in type II disorders. The latter can be separated from and detected ahead of their corresponding hypoglycosylated forms of type I patients. Both types of glycoforms are detected in sera of mixed type I/II patients. The assay has the potential to be used as screening method for congenital disorders of glycosylation. It can be run with a few microliters of serum when microvials are used.
Effects of electrolysis on magnetic abrasive finishing of AA6063‐T1 tube internal surface using combination machining tool
Authors: Muhamad M.R. , Jamaludin M.F. , Karim M.S. Ab , Yusof F. , Zou Y.
Published: April 2018

In this research, we studied the effects of electrolysis in the magnetic abrasive finishing of an AA6063‐T1 tube internal surface. The finishing surface‘s hairline morphology was removed in a short time by physical characteristic transformation of the finishing surface in which the aluminum oxide film was formed during the electrolysis. Next, magnetic abrasive finishing was used to eliminate the oxidation layer and polish the surface to a mirror‐finishing standard. The two‐step process effectively improved the surface roughness in a shorter time. The morphology changes before and after the finishing process, was studied by surface roughness measurement and scanning electron microscope photographs. Notably, the pit or micro holes formation during the electrolysis on the aluminum oxide film was examined and its effect on the surface roughness was studied. The elements’ residual on the surface was investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyzer before and after the process to confirm the formation and removal of oxidation film on the finishing surface. The lower value for torque measurement in electrolysis combined process compared to the conventional method was due to the porous characteristic of aluminum oxide film.
Tensile behaviours of single‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Wahab A.M. Abdul , Nuh A. , Rasid Z.A. , Abu A. , Tanasta Z. , Hassan M.Z. , Mahmud J.
Published: April 2018

This research is carried out to investigate linear and non‐linear mechanical properties of the single‐walled carbon nanotube. The approach of the analysis is carbon nanotube treated as a space‐frame structure where the carbon nanotube atoms are treated as nodes and the covalent bond between atoms are treated as beam elements. The 3 types of carbon nanotubes i. e. the armchair, chiral and zigzag single‐walled carbon nanotubes have been modelled using the Nanotube Modeler software. These geometric models will then be exported to the ANSYS Parametric Design Language software where the linear and non‐linear analyses on the carbon nanotube structure have been conducted. The linear analysis is to determine the Young's modulus of the carbon nanotube structure. The non‐linear analysis is to determine the ultimate tensile strength of the carbon nanotube structure. The material property (stress‐strain data) of the individual beam is estimated using the Morse potential equation between carbon atoms. This material property is applied to the ANSYS's software where the carbon nanotube structure is assumed to behave in isotropic hardening manner. The Young's modulus and the tensile strength of the carbon nanotube structure are found to be close to past value taken from literature.
Neurological adverse event profile of magnetic resonance imaging–guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy for essential tremor
Authors: Fishman Paul S. , Elias W. Jeffrey , Ghanouni Pejman , Gwinn Ryder , Lipsman Nir , Schwartz Michael , Chang Jin W. , Taira Takaomi , Krishna Vibhor , Rezai Ali , Yamada Kazumichi , Igase Keiji , Cosgrove Rees , Kashima Haruhiko , Kaplitt Michael G. , Tierney Travis S. , Eisenberg Howard M.
Published: April 2018

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging–guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of essential tremor. Although this incisionless technology creates an ablative lesion, it potentially avoids serious complications of open stereotactic surgery.

Objective: To determine the safety profile of magnetic resonance imaging–guided focused ultrasound unilateral thalamotomy for essential tremor, including frequency, and severity of adverse events, including serious adverse events.

Methods: Analysis of safety data for magnetic resonance imaging–guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy (186 patients, five studies).

Results: Procedure‐related serious adverse events were very infrequent (1.6%), without intracerebral hemorrhages or infections. Adverse events were usually transient and were commonly rated as mild (79%) and rarely severe (1%). As previously reported, abnormalities in sensation and balance were the commonest thalamotomy‐related adverse events.

Conclusion: The overall safety profile of magnetic resonance imaging–guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy supports its role as a new option for patients with medically refractory essential tremor. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Detecting tri‐stability of 3D models with complex attractors via meshfree reconstruction of invariant manifolds of saddle points
Authors: Francomano Elisa , Paliaga Marta
Published: April 2018

In mathematical modeling, it is often required the analysis of the vector field topology in order to predict the evolution of the variables involved. When a dynamical system is multistable, the trajectories approach different stable states, depending on the initial conditions. The aim of this work is the detection of the invariant manifolds of the saddle points to analyze the boundaries of the basins of attraction. Once that a sufficient number of separatrix points is found, a moving least squares meshfree method is involved to reconstruct the separatrix manifolds. Numerical results are presented to assess the method referring to tri‐stable models with complex attractors such as limit cycles or limit tori.
Local discontinuous Galerkin methods with explicit Runge‐Kutta time marching for nonlinear carburizing model
Authors: Xia Chenghui , Li Ying , Wang Haijin
Published: April 2018

A fully discrete local discontinuous Galerkin (LDG) method coupled with 3 total variation diminishing Runge‐Kutta time‐marching schemes, for solving a nonlinear carburizing model, will be analyzed and implemented in this paper. On the basis of a suitable numerical flux setting in the LDG method, we obtain the optimal error estimate for the Runge‐Kutta–LDG schemes by energy analysis, under the condition τ ≤ λh2, where h and τ are mesh size and time step, respectively, λ is a positive constant independent of h. Numerical experiments are presented to verify the accuracy and capability of the proposed schemes. For the carburizing diffusion processes of steel and the diffusion simulation for Cu‐Ni system, the numerical results show good agreement with the experimental results.
Stable determination of an inclusion in a layered medium
Authors: Di Cristo Michele , Ren Yong
Published: April 2018

We consider the inverse problem of detecting an inclusion in conductor through electrostatic measurements taken on the boundary. We analyze in particular the stability issue showing that the solution depends from the available data with a rate of continuity of logarithmic type.
A Liouville theorem for the compressible Navier‐Stokes equations
Authors: Zhong Xin
Published: April 2018

This paper is concerned with 3‐dimensional steady compressible Navier‐Stokes equations. A Liouville‐type theorem is proved when some suitable conditions are satisfied.
Evaluating Gaps in Care of Malnourished Patients on General Medicine Floors in an Acute Care Setting
Authors: Chambers Rachel , Bryan Joanna , Jannat‐Khah Deanna , Russo Emily , Merriman Louise , Gupta Renuka
Published: April 2018

Background

As described in detail in the literature, patients identified with malnutrition are at increased risk for poor clinical outcomes. Despite this knowledge, malnourished patients do not always receive optimal nutrition management while admitted into a hospital because of what we describe as gaps in care throughout their admission. We hypothesized that the 3 main gaps in care were poor dietitian–doctor communication, excessive time spent nil per os (NPO) for procedures and testing, and/or inaccurate or incomplete dietary discharge instructions. The objectives of this study were to determine and to characterize gaps in nutrition care after a malnutrition diagnosis.

Methods

This retrospective study involved postdischarge chart reviews of malnourished adult medicine patients admitted to an acute care facility from September 1, 2014, to November 30, 2014 (n = 242).

Results

Of the malnourished patients, 76% had at least 1 gap in care. The most prevalent gap (68%) involved discharge diet instructions, most often because of the omission of the dietitian recommendation for oral supplementation. Thirty‐five percent of malnourished patients had a gap in care because of procedures or testing extending the period held NPO, and 13% had a gap in care because of poor communication, thus delaying orders and/or interventions.

Conclusions

This is the first study to evaluate gaps in care of patients diagnosed with malnutrition. Identification of these gaps allows us the opportunity to develop strategies for this vulnerable population to improve areas such as discharge documentation and time spent NPO to provide the best and safest nutrition care.
Optimal trajectory control for a two‐link rigid‐flexible manipulator with ODE‐PDE model
Authors: Cao Fangfei , Liu Jinkun
Published: April 2018

In this paper, the optimal trajectory control problem for a two‐link rigid‐flexible manipulator is considered. Since the two‐link rigid‐flexible system is a distributed system, an ordinary differential equation and partial differential equation (ODE‐PDE) dynamic model of the manipulator is established by Hamilton's principle. Based on the ODE‐PDE model, an optimal trajectory controller is proposed in this paper, which includes 2 stages. In the first stage, the optimal trajectory is created by using the differential evolution algorithm. Energy consumption and deflection of the flexible link are chosen as performance indexes. Cubic spline interpolation is applied to obtain the continuous trajectory. In the second stage, the aim is to regulate 2 joints to follow the optimal trajectory and simultaneously suppress vibration of the flexible link. To achieve it, boundary control laws are designed and the stability analysis is given. In simulations, the effectiveness of the optimal controller is verified by MATLAB.
Trajectories of dispensed prescription opioids among beneficiaries enrolled in a Medicaid controlled substance “lock‐in” program
Authors: Naumann Rebecca B. , Marshall Stephen W. , Gottfredson Nisha C. , Lund Jennifer L. , Ringwalt Christopher L. , Skinner Asheley C.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

“Lock‐in” programs (LIPs) are used by health insurers to address potential substance (eg, opioid) misuse among beneficiaries. We sought to (1) examine heterogeneity in trajectories of dispensed opioids (in average daily morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs)) over time: prior to, during, and following release from a LIP, and (2) assess associations between trajectory patterns and beneficiary characteristics.

Methods

Medicaid claims were linked to Prescription Drug Monitoring Program records for a cohort of beneficiaries enrolled in the North Carolina Medicaid LIP (n = 2701). Using latent class growth analyses, we estimated trajectories of average daily MMEs of opioids dispensed to beneficiaries across specific time periods of interest.

Results

Five trajectory patterns appeared to sufficiently describe underlying heterogeneity. Starting values and slopes varied across the 5 trajectory groups, which followed these overall patterns: (1) start at a high level of MMEs, end at a high level of MMEs (13.1% of cohort); (2) start medium, end medium (13.2%); (3) start medium, end low (21.5%); (4) start low, end medium (22.6%); and (5) start low, end low (29.6%). We observed strong associations between patterns and beneficiaries' demographics, substance use‐related characteristics, comorbid conditions, and healthcare utilization.

Conclusions

In its current form, the Medicaid LIP appeared to have limited impact on beneficiaries' opioid trajectories. However, strong associations between trajectory patterns and beneficiary characteristics provide insight into potential LIP design modifications that might improve program impact (eg, LIP integration of substance use disorder assessment and referral to treatment, assessment and support for alternate pain therapies).
Study of processing parameters in fused deposition modeling based on mechanical properties of acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene filament
Authors: Huang Bai , Meng Shuna , He Hui , Jia Yunchao , Xu Yingbin , Huang Huankun
Published: April 2018

Four processing parameters, layer thickness, printing speed, raster angle, and building orientation were investigated in terms of their effects on mechanical properties, surface quality, and microstructure of acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS) samples in fused deposition modeling (FDM) by orthogonal experiments. The results show that both the building orientation and the printing layer thickness have a great influence on the mechanical properties of ABS specimens. When the layer thickness is 0.1 mm, samples printed in horizontal direction have the best mechanical performance. The vertical‐direction‐built parts generally have the worst tensile strength and impact resistance. Moreover, the layer surface quality of the products becomes worse with the increasing of layer thickness and printing speed. The influence of layer thickness on the roughness of FDM samples is still very significant. These researches are of great significance to explore the FDM molding mechanism and optimize processing parameters to meet the performance demands. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:120–128, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Development and stability of a heat‐stable formulation of carbetocin for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage for use in low and middle‐income countries
Authors: Malm Mattias , Madsen Ingbritt , Kjellström Johan
Published: April 2018

Postpartum haemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal death worldwide. Oxytocin, currently the drug of choice for prevention of PPH, requires constant refrigeration. In pursuit of an alternative medicine, Ferring Pharmaceuticals have developed a heat‐stable formulation of carbetocin, an oxytocin analogue. This study aimed to define that formulation, and to investigate its stability under ICH climate zone IV conditions (30°C/75% relative humidity) for at least 3 years and at extreme temperatures, such as 60°C, for shorter periods of time. The development resulted in a heat‐stable carbetocin formulation consisting of 0.1 mg/mL carbetocin in sodium succinate buffer, mannitol, and methionine. The optimum pH was determined to be pH 5.45 (5.25–5.65). The generated stability data of this formulation show that ≥95% purity of the peptide was maintained for a minimum of 3 years at 30°C, 6 months at 40°C, 3 months at 50°C and 1 month at 60°C. In addition, the heat‐stable carbetocin formulation was not sensitive to freezing or light. The reported highly stable peptide formulation facilitates the distribution in low and middle‐income countries, where maintaining cold chain distribution is difficult.

Ferring Pharmaceuticals, the World Health Organization, and MSD for Mothers have established a collaboration to develop this heat‐stable formulation of carbetocin for the prevention of post‐partum hemorrhage in women after vaginal childbirth, with the aim of making the medicine available in the public sector of developing countries that have a high burden of maternal mortality.
Laryngomalacia presenting as severe uncontrolled asthma
Authors: Tamura Kanami , Shirai Toshihiro , Matsubara Aya
Published: April 2018

Key message

Congenital laryngomalacia is the most common cause of stridor in infants and usually resolves without therapy by 12–18 months of age. However, a recent study found that laryngomalacia may leave structural and functional traces with increased risk of later respiratory symptoms, suggesting that late‐onset laryngomalacia may represent long‐term consequences of milder or even undiagnosed forms. Unusual cases demonstrated that inspiratory stridor developed subsequent to upper respiratory tract infections. The lack of airway hyperresponsiveness in adulthood also raised questions regarding the diagnosis of childhood asthma. Laryngomalacia should be distinguished from severe asthma.
Robot‐assisted aortic valve surgery: State of the art and challenges for the future
Authors: Balkhy Husam H. , Lewis Clifton T.P. , Kitahara Hiroto
Published: April 2018

Robotic cardiac surgery was FDA‐approved in 2002 and since then several different procedures have been performed to facilitate a truly minimally invasive approach. The use of robotics in aortic valve surgery, however, is still in its infancy. In this article, we report our clinical experience and chronological development with robot‐assisted aortic valve surgery. This includes a description of how robotic assistance was gradually integrated during right mini‐thoracotomy aortic valve replacement, a series of cases in which the robot was docked for parts of the procedure, a single case of a totally endoscopic robot‐assisted aortic valve replacement with a stentless valve, and three cases of aortic valve papillary fibroelastoma resections. All of these were performed safely with early postoperative recovery and excellent clinical results. Additionally, we review the latest literature describing robot‐assisted aortic valve surgery. Finally, we describe current issues, and challenges for robot‐assisted aortic valve surgery.
Adaptive tracking for MIMO nonlinear systems with Unknown fast time‐varying parameters
Authors: Wu Zhongle , Chen Jian , Wu Chengshuai , Zhang Kaixiang
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we consider a class of MIMO nonlinear systems with fast time‐varying parametric uncertainties. First, the tracking problem of general nonlinearly time‐varyingly parameterized systems is solved. Then, a Lyapunov‐based singularity free adaptive controller is proposed for the considered system. Specifically, an estimation approach with a proportional plus integral adaptation scheme is utilized to update the estimations of the unknown parameters under a mild assumption that the signs of the leading minors of the input gain matrix are known. The asymptotic stability is achieved with full state feedback. Furthermore, we design an output feedback controller by utilizing a standard high‐gain observer and achieve uniformly ultimately bounded convergence. Simulation examples illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Long‐term trends in biological indicators and water quality in rivers and streams of New York State (1972–2012)
Authors: Smith A.J. , Duffy B.T. , Onion A. , Heitzman D.L. , Lojpersberger J.L. , Mosher E.A. , Novak M.A.
Published: April 2018

Government‐operated water quality monitoring programmes and their long‐term datasets are crucial to documenting improvements in water resource condition in response to changes in pollutant regulation. We present trends in the biological assessment of water quality (benthic macroinvertebrates) and water chemistry, to determine how these indicators of water quality have responded to shifts in pollutants and regulation in streams and rivers of NY between 1972 and 2012. Change in the results of NYS's multimetric index of biological integrity, the Biological Assessment Profile (BAP) score, was compared between four, 10‐year periods at 30 large river and 138 wadeable stream sites. Water Chemistry trends were analysed through calculation of Weighted Regression on Time, Discharge, and Season from 11 long‐term, large river locations from across NYS. Overall, results suggest small, incremental improvements in biological indicators and a shift from point source dominated pollution to nonpoint sources. From 1972 to 2012, 33% of large river sites sampled improved and 13% declined in biological assessment of water quality, 58% of wadeable stream sites sampled showed no change. Macroinvertebrate community models suggest that impact sources are now dominated by nonpoint nutrient sources. Trends in water chemistry concentrations suggest that ammonia, chloride, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, and total phosphorus had the strongest correlations with time. Total phosphorus and total Kjeldahl nitrogen decreased at base flow and increased during high flows, whereas ammonia decreased across a range of discharges, indicating the shift to nonpoint sources of nutrients and supporting the trends observed in biological indicators.
Using data from multiple studies to develop a child growth correlation matrix
Authors: Anderson Craig , Xiao Luo , Checkley William
Published: April 2018

In many countries, the monitoring of child growth does not occur in a regular manner, and instead, we may have to rely on sporadic observations that are subject to substantial measurement error. In these countries, it can be difficult to identify patterns of poor growth, and faltering children may miss out on essential health interventions. The contribution of this paper is to provide a framework for pooling together multiple datasets, thus allowing us to overcome the issue of sparse data and provide improved estimates of growth. We use data from multiple longitudinal growth studies to construct a common correlation matrix that can be used in estimation and prediction of child growth. We propose a novel 2‐stage approach: In stage 1, we construct a raw matrix via a set of univariate meta‐analyses, and in stage 2, we smooth this raw matrix to obtain a more realistic correlation matrix. The methodology is illustrated using data from 16 child growth studies from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Healthy Birth Growth and Development knowledge integration project and identifies strong correlation for both height and weight between the ages of 4 and 12 years. We use a case study to provide an example of how this matrix can be used to help compute growth measures.
Structural and Spectroscopic Properties of 2‐Bromoacetylnaphthalene: Experimental and Computational (DFT) Analysis
Authors: Bakić Marina Tranfić , Nuskol Marko , Mikac Lara
Published: April 2018

Acetylnaphthalene derivatives are often used as precursors in organic syntheses, among other in design of fluorescent sensors, where carbonyl group acts as potential binding site and naphthalene as signaling fluorescent moiety. Nevertheless, available structural and spectral data concerning the title compound is scarce. Herein the relationship between structure and spectral properties of 2‐(bromoacetyl)naphthalene was studied. The detailed insight into its structural characteristics was obtained by geometry optimization, potential energy surface scans, and natural bond orbital population analysis, using Hartree‐Fock and density functional calculations (DFT). Experimental 1H and 13C NMR, infrared (IR), Raman, ultraviolet (UV), and fluorescence spectra were examined in detail, and compared to corresponding theoretically obtained spectra. Computational studies complemented the experimental ones, provided additional information, helped elucidate the origin of spectral details, and eased the interpretation of spectra. The obtained structural and spectral data contribute to better understanding of reactivity of this type of compounds.
Carrier Transport and Photoresponse in GeSe/MoS2 Heterojunction p–n Diodes
Authors: Tan Dezhi , Wang Xiaofan , Zhang Wenjin , Lim Hong En , Shinokita Keisuke , Miyauchi Yuhei , Maruyama Mina , Okada Susumu , Matsuda Kazunari
Published: April 2018

Simple stacking of thin van der Waals 2D materials with different physical properties enables one to create heterojunctions (HJs) with novel functionalities and new potential applications. Here, a 2D material p–n HJ of GeSe/MoS2 is fabricated and its vertical and horizontal carrier transport and photoresponse properties are studied. Substantial rectification with a very high contrast (>104) through the potential barrier in the vertical‐direction tunneling of HJs is observed. The negative differential transconductance with high peak‐to‐valley ratio (>105) due to the series resistance change of GeSe, MoS2, and HJs at different gate voltages is observed. Moreover, strong and broad‐band photoresponse via the photoconductive effect are also demonstrated. The explored multifunctional properties of the GeSe/MoS2 HJs are expected to be important for understanding the carrier transport and photoresponse of 2D‐material HJs for achieving their use in various new applications in the electronics and optoelectronics fields.
Polymer Nanosheet Containing Star‐Like Copolymers: A Novel Scalable Controlled Release System
Authors: Cao Peng‐Fei , de Leon Al , Rong Lihan , Yin Ke‐Zhen , Abenojar Eric C. , Su Zhe , Tiu Brylee David B. , Exner Agata A. , Baer Eric , Advincula Rigoberto C.
Published: April 2018

Poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)‐based nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles and liposomes, have exhibited great potential as controlled release systems, but the difficulties in large‐scale fabrication limit their practical applications. Among the various methods being developed to fabricate polymer nanosheets (PNSs) for different applications, such as Langmuir–Blodgett technique and layer‐by‐layer assembly, are very effort consuming, and only a few PNSs can be obtained. In this paper, poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐based PNSs with adjustable thickness are obtained in large quantity by simple water exposure of multilayer polymer films, which are fabricated via a layer multiplying coextrusion method. The PNS is also demonstrated as a novel controlled guest release system, in which release kinetics are adjustable by the nanosheet thickness, pH values of the media, and the presence of protecting layers. Theoretical simulations, including Korsmeyer–Peppas model and Finite‐element analysis, are also employed to discern the observed guest‐release mechanisms.
Superior Performance of a Lithium–Sulfur Battery Enabled by a Dimethyl Trisulfide Containing Electrolyte
Authors: Chen Shuru , Wang Daiwei , Zhao Yuming , Wang Donghai
Published: April 2018

The lithium–sulfur (Li‐S) battery offers a high theoretical energy density of ≈2600 Wh kg−1 and low cost, positioning it as a promising candidate for next‐generation battery technology. However, problems including disastrous Li polysulfides dissolution and irreversible Li2S deposition have severely retarded the development of Li‐S batteries. To solve these issues, a functional dimethyl disulfide (DMDS)‐containing electrolyte was recently reported that promotes an alternate electrochemical reaction pathway for sulfur cathodes by the formation of dimethyl polysulfides and Li organosulfides as intermediates and reduction products, leading to significantly boosted Li‐S cell capacity with improved cycling reversibility and stability. Here, dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), a primary discharge–charge intermediate in the DMDS‐containing electrolyte, which is also a commercially available reagent, is further investigated as a cosolvent in functional electrolytes for Li‐S batteries. Due to the higher theoretical capacity of DMTS and its better reactivity with Li2S than DMDS, a 25 vol% DMTS‐containing electrolyte enables Li‐S batteries with even higher cell capacity and improved cycling performance than using previous optimal 50 vol% DMDS‐containing electrolyte.
System architecting and design space characterization
Authors: Raz Ali K. , Kenley C. Robert , DeLaurentis Daniel A.
Published: April 2018

This article provides a process for system architecting that incorporates a holistic approach for architecture design space characterization by integrating decision alternatives in functional, physical, and allocational design spaces and accounting for interactions. System architects are faced with numerous decisions for system form, functions, and operations when defining a system architecture. Systems designers are tasked with selecting design options which provide the necessary functionality in support of the architecture. Since modern systems, especially system‐of‐systems, are composed of interacting and interwoven functions and elements, it is imperative to holistically evaluate variations in the system architecture and system design, and discover interactions among and between architecture decisions and design decisions. In this article, this design space characterization is made an integral part of the system architecting process and a set‐theoretic framework is developed for managing an extensive design space. The design space characterization problem is formulated as identification of the significant decisions variables and quantification of their impact on the system objectives. A Design of Experiments framework—utilizing Analysis of Variation (ANOVA) and Range Tests—is presented to holistically characterize system architecture design space including the interactions between system form, function, operations, and design decisions.
Hardcore Actualism and Possible Non-Existence
Authors: Kimpton-Nye Samuel ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2018

According to hardcore actualism (HA), all modal truths are grounded in the concrete constituents of the actual world. In this paper, I discuss some problems faced by HA when it comes to accounting for certain alleged possibilities of non-existence. I focus particular attention on Leech (2017)’s dilemma for HA, according to which HA must either sacrifice extensional correctness or admit mere possibilia. I propose a solution to Leech’s dilemma, which relies on a distinction between weak and strong possibility. It remains the case, however, that HA cannot capture certain iterated de re possibilities of non-existence and that it is committed to a stock of necessary existents. But I still think that the virtues of the view outweigh these costs.
Think Globally, Act Locally: Teaching Climate Change Through Digital Inquiry
Authors: Castek Jill , Dwyer Bernadette
Published: April 2018

In the 21st century, our students increasingly communicate, connect, collaborate, and interact with diverse cultures and traditions around the world, so they need to develop global literacy. This department column highlights research and research‐to‐practice at the international level to bring global best teaching practices to the forefront. Topics include international literacy instruction, international professional development, global literacy initiatives, global partnership and collaborative projects between schools and educators, best practices in literacy globally, and advocacy.
Nanotherapeutics for multiple myeloma
Authors: Zheleznyak Alexander , Shokeen Monica , Achilefu Samuel
Published: April 2018

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an age‐related hematological malignancy with an estimated 30,000 new cases and 13,000 deaths per year. A disease of antibody‐secreting malignant plasma B‐cells that grow primarily in the bone marrow (BM), MM causes debilitating fractures, anemia, renal failure, and hypercalcemia. In addition to the abnormal genetic profile of MM cells, the permissive BM microenvironment (BMM) supports MM pathogenesis. Although advances in treatment options have significantly enhanced survival in MM patients, transient perfusion of small‐molecule drugs in the BM does not provide sufficient residence to enhance MM cell–drug interaction, thus allowing some myeloma cells to escape the first line of treatment. As such, there remains a crucial need to develop advanced drug delivery systems that can navigate the complex BMM and effectively reach the myeloma cells. The high vascular density and spongy nature of bone structure suggest that nanoparticles (NPs) can serve as smart drug‐delivery systems capable of extravasation and retention in various BM compartments to exert a durable therapeutic effect. In this focus article, we first summarize the pathophysiology of MM, emphasizing how the BM niche presents serious challenges for effective treatment of MM with small‐molecule drugs. We then pivot to current efforts to develop NP‐based drug carriers and intrinsically therapeutic nanotherapeutics. The article concludes with a brief perspective on the opportunities and challenges in developing and translating nanotherapeutics to improve the treatment outcomes of MM patients.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Near horizon symmetry and entropy formula for Kerr-Newman (A)dS black holes
Authors: Setare Mohammad Reza , Adami Hamed
Published: April 2018

Abstract

In this paper we provide the first non-trivial evidence for universality of the entropy formula 4πJ
0
+
J
0
−
beyond pure Einstein gravity in 4-dimensions. We consider the Einstein-Maxwell theory in the presence of cosmological constant, then write near horizon metric of the Kerr-Newman (A)dS black hole in the Gaussian null coordinate system. We consider near horizon fall-off conditions for metric and U(1) gauge field. We find asymptotic combined symmetry generator, consists of diffeomorphism and U(1) gauge transformation, so that it preserves fall-off conditions. Consequently, we find supertranslation, supperrotation and multiple-charge modes and then we show that the entropy formula is held for the Kerr-Newman (A)dS black hole. Supperrotation modes suffer from a problem. By introducing new combined symmetry generator, we cure that problem.
Chlorhexidine Antiseptic Irrigation Eradicates Staphylococcus epidermidis From Biofilm: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Schmidt Kenneth , Estes Chris , McLaren Alex , Spangehl Mark J.
Published: April 2018

Background

Antiseptic and antibacterial solutions used for intraoperative irrigation are intended to kill bacteria and thereby decrease the incidence of surgical site infections. It is unknown if the concentrations and exposure times of irrigation solutions commonly used for prophylaxis in clean cases (povidone-iodine 0.35% for 3 minutes) are effective against bacteria in biofilm that are present in implant infections. Currently, povidone-iodine (0.35%), chlorhexidine (0.05%), sodium hypochlorite (0.125%), and triple antibacterial solution are all being used off-label for wound irrigation after surgical débridement for orthopaedic infections.

Questions/purposes

Do commonly used antibacterials and antiseptics kill bacteria in established biofilm at clinically relevant concentrations and exposure times?

Methods

Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC#35984) biofilms were exposed to chlorhexidine (0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%), povidone-iodine (0.35%, 1.0%, 3.5%, and 10%), sodium hypochlorite (0.125%, 0.25%, and 0.5%,), and triple antibacterial solution (bacitracin 50,000 U/L, gentamicin 80 mg/L, and polymyxin 500,000 U/L) for 1, 5, and 10 minutes in triplicate. Surviving bacteria were detected by 21-day subculture. Failure to eradicate all bacteria in any of the three replicates was considered to be “not effective” for that respective solution, concentration, and exposure time.

Results

Chlorhexidine 0.05% and 0.1% at all three exposure times, povidone-iodine 10% at all three exposure times, and povidone-iodine 3.5% at 10 minutes only were effective at eradicating S epidermidis from biofilm. All concentrations and all exposure times of sodium hypochlorite and triple antibacterial solution were not effective.

Conclusions

Chlorhexidine is capable of eradicating S epidermidis from biofilm in vitro in clinically relevant concentrations and exposure times. Povidone-iodine at commonly used concentrations and exposure times, sodium hypochlorite, and triple antibacterial solutions are not.

Clinical Relevance

This in vitro study suggests that chlorhexidine may be a more effective irrigation solution for S epidermidis in biofilm than other commonly used solutions, such as povidone-iodine, Dakin’s solution, and triple antibiotic solution. Clinical outcomes should be studied to determine the most effective antiseptic agent, concentration, and exposure time when intraoperative irrigation is used in the presence of biofilm.
What Is the Relationship of Fear Avoidance to Physical Function and Pain Intensity in Injured Athletes?
Authors: Fischerauer Stefan F. , Talaei-Khoei Mojtaba , Bexkens Rens , Ring David C. , Oh Luke S. , Vranceanu Ana-Maria
Published: April 2018

Background

Fear avoidance can play a prominent role in maladaptive responses to an injury. In injured athletes, such pain-related fear or fear avoidance behavior may have a substantial influence on the recovery process. Specifically, it may explain why some are able to reach their preinjury abilities, whereas others are unable to return to sport.

Questions/purposes

(1) Is fear avoidance in athletes associated with decreased physical function after injury? (2) To what degree is fear avoidance associated with athletes’ pain intensity?

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, we recruited injured athletes—defined as patients with sports-related injury, weekly engagement in sport activities, participation in competitive events as part of a team or club, self-identification as an athlete, and a desire to return to sport after recovery—from an orthopaedic sports medicine center at a major urban university hospital. Of 130 approached patients, 102 (84% men; mean ± SD age 25 ± 8.5 years) met the inclusion criteria. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Athlete Fear Avoidance Questionnaire, which assesses injury-related fear and avoidance behavior specifically in an athletic population, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and two Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures: Physical Function Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) and Pain Intensity CAT.

Results

After controlling for age, injury region (upper versus lower extremity), catastrophic thinking, and emotional distress, we found that an increase in athletes’ fear avoidance was associated with a decrease in physical function (b = -0.32; p = 0.002). The model explained 30% of the variation in physical function with 7.3% explained uniquely by fear avoidance. After controlling for initial appointment/followup, surgery for the current condition, multiple pain conditions, history of prior sport-related injury/surgery, pain medication prescription, catastrophic thinking, and emotional distress, athletes' fear avoidance was not associated with pain (b = -0.14; p = 0.249). The model explained 40% of the variation in pain intensity and pain catastrophizing (b = 0.30; p = 0.001) uniquely explained 7.1% of this variation.

Conclusions

In injured athletes, fear avoidance is independently associated with decreased physical function, whereas pain catastrophizing is associated with high pain intensity. Both level of an athlete’s fear avoidance and catastrophic thinking about pain should be accounted for in clinical interventions aimed at helping athletes improve recovery and return to sport.

Level of Evidence

Level II, prognostic study.