bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DEPLOYMENT STATUS: A DIRECT OR INDIRECT EFFECT ON MOTHER–CHILD ATTACHMENT WITHIN A CANADIAN MILITARY CONTEXT?
Authors: Tupper Rachel , Bureau Jean‐François , St‐Laurent Diane
Published: June 2018

Research has suggested that military spouses experience increased depressive symptoms and parenting stress during a military member's deployment. A relationship between maternal depressive symptoms, parenting stress, and child attachment security has been found in the general population, as has an indication that social support may provide a buffering effect. While there appears to be an association between the emotional well‐being of military spouses and child emotional well‐being during deployment, data are limited regarding the association between maternal emotional well‐being and child attachment security. The current study explores the association between deployment status and child attachment to the nonmilitary parent (i.e., the mother in this study) in a sample of 68 Canadian military families. Results revealed a significant impact of deployment status on maternal depressive symptoms and on quality of child attachment. The impact of deployment status on attachment was not mediated through the maternal variables, and despite a main effect of social support on the maternal variables, there was no moderating effect. Thus, our results suggest that deployment may affect child attachment independently of maternal well‐being.
Effects of elastic intramedullary nails composed of low Young's modulus Ti‐Nb‐Sn alloy on healing of tibial osteotomies in rabbits
Authors: Kogure Atsushi , Mori Yu , Tanaka Hidetatsu , Kamimura Masayuki , Masahashi Naoya , Hanada Shuji , Itoi Eiji
Published: June 2018

Intramedullary nailing is widely performed for internal fixation of fractures. The applicable elasticity of materials composing intramedullary nails remains unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the elastic property of β‐type titanium alloy nails on fracture healing compared with conventional Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy nails using a rabbit tibial osteotomy model. Two types of intramedullary nails composed of β‐type Ti‐Nb‐Sn alloy (Young's modulus: 37 GPa) or Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy (Young's modulus: 110 GPa) were used for osteotomy fixation in the tibiae of rabbits. At 4, 8, and 16 weeks postoperatively, microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT) and three‐point bending tests were performed. Micro‐CT images showed that the callus volume was significantly larger in the Ti‐Nb‐Sn alloy group at 4 and 8 weeks. The callus bone mineral density did not differ at each time point. In mechanical testing, the maximum load was significantly higher at all time points in the Ti‐Nb‐Sn alloy group. Taken together, the elastic intramedullary nails composed of Ti‐Nb‐Sn alloy improved the mechanical properties of the bone healing site from the early phase to the remodeling phase. Adequate Young's modulus of the Ti‐Nb‐Sn alloy enhanced fracture union and bone strength restoration. The Ti‐Nb‐Sn alloy is a promising biomaterial for fracture fixation devices. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 700–707, 2019.
Comparative analysis for strength serum sodium and potassium in three different methods: Flame photometry, ion‐selective electrode (ISE) and colorimetric enzymatic
Authors: Garcia Rafaela Alvim , Vanelli Chislene Pereira , Pereira Junior Olavo dos Santos , Corrêa José Otávio do Amaral
Published: June 2018

Background

Hydroelectrolytic disorders are common in clinical situations and may be harmful to the patient, especially those involving plasma sodium and potassium dosages. Among the possible methods for the dosages are flame photometry, ion‐selective electrode (ISE) and colorimetric enzymatic method.

Methods

We analyzed 175 samples in the three different methods cited from patients attending the laboratory of the University Hospital of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora. The values obtained were statistically treated using SPSS 19.0 software. The present study aims to evaluate the impact of the use of these different methods in the determination of plasma sodium and potassium.

Results

The averages obtained for sodium and potassium measurements by flame photometry were similar (P > .05) to the means obtained for the two electrolytes by ISE. The averages obtained by the colorimetric enzymatic method presented statistical difference in relation to ISE, both for sodium and potassium. In the correlation analysis, both flame photometry and colorimetric enzymatic showed a strong correlation with the ISE method for both dosages.

Conclusion

At the first time in the same work sodium and potassium were analyzed by three different methods and the results allowed us to conclude that the methods showed a positive and strong correlation, and can be applied in the clinical routine.
Communitarianism and youth empowerment: Motivation for participation in a community‐based substance abuse prevention coalition
Authors: Bermea Autumn M. , Lardier David T. , Forenza Brad , Garcia‐Reid Pauline , Reid Robert J.
Published: June 2018

In recent years, collaborative efforts between universities and community‐based coalitions have helped develop prevention–intervention efforts to decrease the prevalence of drug and alcohol use among youth in low‐income, majority–minority urban areas.  One theory often employed to understand the efficacy of community member involvement is McMillian and Chavis's (1986) sense of community (SOC) model. This model posits how 4 main tenants (i.e., sense of belonging, emotional connection, needs fulfillment, and influence) lead to increased empowerment. The present study examines how individual SOC affected substance abuse coalition members’ (N = 17) motivations for serving on a coalition. Findings explore how all four tenants of McMillian and Chavis's (1986) model influenced community members’ involvement in the coalition, which have implications for prevention, policy, and further research.
Public exposure and attitudes about homelessness
Authors: Tsai Jack , Lee Crystal Y. S. , Shen Jianxun , Southwick Steven M. , Pietrzak Robert H.
Published: June 2018

In this study, we conducted a survey among a large sample of U.S. adults to assess attitudes and beliefs about the causes of homelessness, policies to address homelessness, and programs for homeless individuals. In 2016, we surveyed a national sample of 541 adults from 47 different U.S. states using Amazon Mechanical Turk. Of the total sample, 78% reported that homelessness was a problem in their communities and 60% believed homelessness would increase in the next 5 years. The majority expressed compassion for homeless individuals and endorsed structural, intrinsic, and health factors as causes of homelessness. Most participants (73%–88%) believed the federal government should dedicate more funds and policies for homeless individuals. These attitudes were substantially more likely to be reported by participants who were female, lower income, Democrat, and personally exposed to homelessness. Most Americans care about homelessness as a major problem but there are divergent perspectives on solutions to address homelessness based on gender, income level, and political affiliation.
Stressful life events among homeless people in León (Nicaragua): Quantity, types, timing, and perceived causality
Authors: Vázquez José Juan , Suarez Alexia , Berríos Alberto , Panadero Sonia
Published: June 2018

Nicaragua is one of Latin America's least developed countries and has a lack of data on homeless people, a stigmatized group living in extreme poverty. We conducted structured interviews with homeless people living in the city of León (Nicaragua; n = 41) to obtain data on the quantity, types, timing, and perceived causality of stressful life events (SLEs) experienced during their childhood and adolescence as well as throughout their adult lives. The findings showed that our participants had experienced a high number of extremely severe SLEs at very early ages and most of these SLEs occurred before they first became homeless. In terms of the perceived causal relationship between SLEs and homelessness, the interviewees mainly attributed being homeless to material, affective, or relationship factors, or an excessive consumption of alcohol and/or drugs. Suffering from multiple and serious SLEs, largely due to living in socioeconomically disadvantaged environments, appears to be an important vulnerability factor in both becoming homeless and chronic homelessness.
An Open‐Label Discontinuation Trial of Long‐Term, Off‐Label Antipsychotic Medication in People With Intellectual Disability: Determinants of Success and Failure
Authors: de Kuijper Gerda M. , Hoekstra Pieter J.
Published: June 2018

Although physicians are aware of the risks of prescribing long‐term off‐label antipsychotics in people with intellectual disability, attempts to discontinue often fail. This study aimed to identify potential determinants of successful and failed discontinuation. Long‐term off‐label antipsychotics were tapered in 14 weeks, with 12.5% of baseline dose every 2 weeks. Participants living in facilities offered by intellectual disability service providers, ≥6 years, with an IQ <70 were eligible to discontinue antipsychotic use, as judged by their physicians. The primary outcome was achievement of complete discontinuation at 16 weeks; changes in the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) and its 5 subscales were secondary outcomes. Potential determinants of the success or failure in discontinuing antipsychotics were psychotropic drug use and participants’ living circumstances, medical health conditions, and severity of behavioral symptoms and neurologic side effects. Of 499 eligible clients, 129 were recruited. Reasons for client non‐participation were clinician concerns that discontinuation might increase challenging behaviors and changes in clients’ environment. Of the 129 participants, 61% had completely discontinued antipsychotics at 16 weeks, 46% at 28 weeks, and 40% at 40 weeks. ABC total scores increased in 49% of participants with unsuccessful discontinuation at 16 weeks. Autism, higher dose of antipsychotic drug, higher ABC and akathisia scores, and more‐frequent worsening of health during discontinuation were associated with a lower incidence of complete discontinuation. Thus, in a selected sample of participants whom responsible clinicians had deemed discontinuation of antipsychotics could be attempted, 40% had achieved and maintained discontinuation at end of follow‐up. Physicians should try to address patients’ conditions that may hamper discontinuation.
Would You Like to Round Up and Donate the Difference? Roundup Requests Reduce the Perceived Pain of Donating
Authors: Kelting Katie , Robinson Stefanie , Lutz Richard J.
Published: June 2018

Recently, some companies have begun to ask their customers to “round up” transactions to the next highest dollar and donate the difference to charity. However, little is known about how consumers respond to such an appeal. Across a series of lab experiments and one large field study, we find that consumers respond more favorably to a roundup than to a flat donation request, even when the requested amount is identical. We find evidence that the effect arises because a roundup request reduces consumers’ perceived pain of donating. Three alternative explanations are examined (i.e., objective financial cost, inattention to donation cost, and perceived novelty of the request) but not supported. This research has important implications for both companies and nonprofits seeking to increase charitable donations from consumers.
Shape‐ and Trait‐Congruency: Using Appearance‐based Cues as a Basis for Product Recommendations
Authors: Vallen Beth , Sridhar Karthik , Rubin Dan , Ilyuk Veronika , Block Lauren G. , Argo Jennifer J.
Published: June 2018

This research demonstrates that a consumer's physical appearance—and, more specifically, his or her body size—predictably influences the product(s) that the consumer is recommended. Four studies conducted in both field and lab settings show that agents more frequently recommend round (vs. angular) shaped products to heavier targets, notably for products and categories in which body size is irrelevant (e.g., lamps and perfume). We attribute this to a combination of shape‐congruency and trait‐congruency, whereby individuals choose products for others based on shared dimensions of the person and product.
The influence of salts on the reverse osmosis performance treating simulated boron‐containing low level radioactive wastewater
Authors: Chen Ding , Li Fuzhi , Zhao Xuan , Sun Yuliang
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

With the rapid development of nuclear energy in China, a broad spectrum of low level radioactive wastewater (LLRW) has been generated and must be purified prior to discharging to the environment. Reverse osmosis (RO) has been proved an effective technology in the treatment of high boron‐containing LLRW in nuclear power plants (NPPs). However, there is always a large amount of salts in the LLRW as background compounds. It is important to understand the influences of salts on the rejection of nuclides and boron.

RESULTS

A lab‐scale cross‐flow membrane filtration unit was used. With the increase of ion concentration, the permeate flux decreased by 15% and 25% for BW30XFR and LE, respectively. Nuclides rejection increased by 2–8% and boron rejection increased by 5–10% when raising salts concentration to 2.5 mmol L–1. Divalent ions such as Mg2+ and SO42− had a stronger impact than monovalent ions such as Na+ and Cl− on nuclides and boron rejection.

CONCLUSION

Increasing ion strength promoted the rejection of trace nuclides and boron, but at the cost of membrane flux loss. The results of dealing with simulated wastewater would give us information to better understand how to treat real radioactive wastewater. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The homomorphism threshold of ‐free graphs
Authors: Letzter Shoham , Snyder Richard
Published: June 2018

We determine the structure of ‐free graphs with n vertices and minimum degree larger than : such graphs are homomorphic to the graph obtained from a ‐cycle by adding all chords of length , for some k. This answers a question of Messuti and Schacht. We deduce that the homomorphism threshold of ‐free graphs is 1/5, thus answering a question of Oberkampf and Schacht.
General Route for Synthesizing 2‐Amino‐5‐arylazonicotinate and Pyridazinones via Condensing 3‐Oxo‐2‐arylhydrazonopropanals with Ethyl Cyanoacetate
Authors: Behbehani Haider , Ibrahim Hamada Mohamed , Elnagdi Mohamed Helmy
Published: June 2018

The reaction of 3‐oxo‐2‐arylhydrazonopropanals with ethyl cyanoacetate in acetic acid containing ammonium acetate was found to afford only 2‐amino‐5‐phenylazonicotinate 9 and not 2‐hydroxy‐6‐substituted‐5‐arylazonicotinates 6, as has been demonstrated by the obtained X‐ray data. Also, we found that the reaction 3‐oxo‐2‐arylhydrazonopropanals with ethyl cyanoacetate in ethanol containing triethylamine affords only the pyridazinone 11 and the obtained X‐ray data for this compound conclusively prove this structure.
Synthesis, Spectral Characterization, Cytotoxic, and Antimicrobial Activities of Some Novel Heterocycles Utilizing 1,3‐Diphenylpyrazole‐4‐carboxaldehyde Thiosemicarbazone
Authors: Ramadan Sayed K. , Sallam Hanan A.
Published: June 2018

A new series of heterocycles was synthesized via the reaction of readily obtainable 1,3‐diphenylpyrazole‐4‐carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone with many carbon electrophiles, for example, chloroacetic acid, chloroacetyl chloride, ethyl chloroacetate, dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate, maleic anhydride, 3′‐nitro‐ω‐bromoacetophenone, malonic acid, acetylacetone, ethyl benzoylacetate, arylidene malononitrile, and ethyl cyanoacetate in attempt to construct imidazolidinone, thiazolidinone, thiazole, and pyrimidine derivatives. The behavior of the titled compound towards hydrazine hydrate was investigated, in addition to the ring closure under different conditions. Also, the reactions with 2‐chloroquinoline‐3‐carboxaldehyde and chromone‐3‐carboxaldehyde were discussed. The structures of all products obtained were substantiated from their analytical and spectral data. The antitumor and antimicrobial activities of the synthesized compounds were examined.
Spatial Determinants of Financial Inclusion over Time
Authors: Bozkurt Ibrahim , Karakuş Rıfat , Yildiz Melek
Published: June 2018

This paper investigates the factors generating changes in the financial inclusion levels based on data from 120 countries for 2011 and 2014. After calculating the index of financial inclusion across countries, we find evidences on the presence of spatial dependencies by using the Global Moran's I and local indicators of spatial association analyses. Then, we employ spatial regression and spatial panel data models that control for spatial interdependence. The results show that social, banking and political factors play an important role in the determination of change in financial inclusion. We also find financial inclusion convergence among the countries. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Esterase activity and conformational changes of bovine serum albumin toward interaction with mephedrone: Spectroscopic and computational studies
Authors: Patel Rajan , Maurya Neha , Parray Mehraj ud din , Farooq Nida , Siddique Abrar , Verma Kanak Lata , Dohare Neeraj
Published: June 2018

The present work is a brief overview of the effect of psychostimulant drug mephedrone hydrochloride (4MMC) on a transport protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA). The binding effect of 4MMC on BSA has been investigated by using UV‐visible, steady‐state fluorescence, time‐resolved fluorescence, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, Fourier transform infrared, circular dichroism, and molecular docking method. 4‐Methylmephedrone quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA by static quenching mechanism, which was further confirmed by time‐resolved fluorescence. The absorption spectrum of BSA in the presence of various concentrations of 4MMC reveals the change in the absorption bands of BSA‐4MMC complex. The binding constant between 4MMC and BSA was calculated to be of the order of 104 Lmol−1. The thermodynamic parameters such as molar enthalpy change (∆H), molar Gibbs free energy change (∆G), and molar entropy contribution (∆S) were obtained by the van't Hoff equation. The values obtained suggested that the binding mechanism was entropic driven and the major forces involved are hydrophobic in nature. The fluorescence resonance energy transfer result indicates the high probability of energy transfer from Trp residue of BSA to the 4MMC (r = 2.01 nm). Fourier transform infrared and CD results showed that 4MMC induced secondary structural changes in BSA. The esterase‐like activity of BSA in presence of 4MMC further validated our CD results, confirming the distortion and change in functionality of protein upon binding with 4MMC. Molecular docking analysis showed that 4MMC principally bind at the II site (subdomain IIIA) of BSA.
Restricted spectral accuracy analysis to identify the single correct organic compound elemental‐composition from Orbitrap accurate mass data lists obtained at very high resolution
Authors: Strife Robert J. , Wang Yongdong , Kuehl Don
Published: June 2018

Restricted spectral accuracy is applied to Orbitrap data (240 000 resolution at m/z 400) to more clearly break out the scoring and ranking of allowable elemental compositions (ECs) in a candidate list. The correct EC is usually top ranked and separated from other answers by 10 to 40% within the dimensionless 0 to 100% scale, providing a single, definitive EC. The A + 2 position (where A denotes the monoisotopic line position) is especially advantageous in restricted spectral accuracy. It has enough intensity and more complexity than (A + 1) fine lines and is like a fingerprint. Avoidance of coalescence phenomena and careful ion population control are essential.
Gait analysis related to functional outcome in patients operated for ankle fractures
Authors: van Hoeve Sander , Houben Michael , Verbruggen Jan P. A. M. , Willems Paul , Meijer Kenneth , Poeze Martijn
Published: June 2018

Ankle fractures are among the most common lower limb fractures. Associations between postoperative radiographic results and clinical outcome have been found, but less is known about the relevant ankle biomechanics. This study analyzed ankle kinematics, radiographic findings, and patient‐reported outcome measures (PROM) in patients treated for ankle fractures. The hypothesis was that patients after ankle fracture surgery had less flexion/extension in the ankle compared to healthy subjects and that fracture severity had significant influence on kinematics and patient satisfaction. Thirty‐three patients (n = 33 feet) operated for ankle fractures were recruited. Ankle kinematics were analyzed using the Oxford Foot model, and results were compared with an age‐matched healthy control group (11 patients, 20 feet). In addition, patients were divided by fracture (severity) classification and kinematic results were correlated with PROM and radiographic findings. Patients treated for ankle fracture showed lower walking speed (p < 0.001) when asked to walk in preferred normal speed. When compared at equal speed, significantly less range of motion (ROM) between the hindfoot and tibia in the sagittal plane (flexion/extension) during loading and push‐off phases (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001) was found in patients after ankle fractures compared to healthy subjects. Lowest ROM and poorest PROM results were found for patients with trimalleolar ankle fractures. There was a significant correlation between ROM (flexion/extension) during the push‐off phase and SF‐36 physical functioning (r2 = 0.403, p = 0.027) and SF‐36 general health (r2 = 0.473, p = 0.008). Fracture severity was significantly correlated with flexion/extension ROM in the ankle during both loading and push‐off phases (r2 = −0.382, p = 0.005, and r2 = −0.568, p < 0.001) and was also significantly correlated with PROM. This study found that patients with ankle fractures had significantly altered ankle kinematics compared to healthy subjects. The poorest results were found among patients with trimalleolar fractures. Weak to strong significant correlations were found between fracture severity, ankle kinematics, and PROM. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 37:1658–1666, 2019.
Multi‐objective design optimization of high tibial osteotomy for improvement of biomechanical effect by using finite element analysis
Authors: Koh Yong‐Gon , Son Juhyun , Kim Ho‐Joong , Kwon Sae Kwang , Kwon Oh‐Ryong , Kim Hyo Jeong , Kang Kyoung‐Tak
Published: June 2018

Medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) makes the proximal tibia a highly unstable structure and causes plates and screws to be the potential sources for mechanical failure. However, asymmetrical callus and incomplete bone formations underneath the plates (TomoFix) have been recent concerns in clinical and experimental studies related to HTO due to the high stiffness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical effect of the TomoFix plate system with respect to changes in design using a computational simulation. A parametric three‐dimensional model of HTO was constructed from medical image data. The design parameters for the HTO plate were evaluated to investigate their influence on biomechanical effects, and the most significant factors were determined using Taguchi‐style L27 orthogonal arrays. Multi‐objective optimization was used to identify the wedge micromotion stability without the stress shielding effect that occurs in the bone plate. The initial design showed that the high stiffness of the plate caused stress shielding on the bone and plate. However, the optimal design led to sharing the stress and load with the bone plate to eliminate stress shielding. In addition, the stability required for the plate could be found in the micromotions of the wedge for the optimal design. The optimal condition of design parameters was successfully determined using the Taguchi and multi‐objective optimization method, which was shown to eliminate stress shielding effects. The results showed that an optimal design demonstrated the feasibility of design optimization and improvements in biomechanical stability for HTO. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2956–2965, 2018.
Preparation and application of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers for the isolation of chelerythrine from Macleaya cordata
Authors: Zhong Ming , Wang Yan‐Hong , Wang Lu , Long Rui‐Qing , Chen Chun‐Lin
Published: June 2018

A novel type of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer was prepared for the selective enrichment and isolation of chelerythrine from Macleaya cordata (Willd) R. Br. The magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers were prepared using functional Fe3O4@SiO2 as a magnetic support, chelerythrine as template, methacrylic acid as functional monomer, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross‐linker. Density functional theory at the B3LYP/6‐31G (d, p) level with Gaussian 09 software was applied to calculate the interaction energies of chelerythrine, methacrylic acid and the complexes formed from chelerythrine and methacrylic acid in different ratios. The structural features and morphology of the synthesized polymers were characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and vibration sample magnetometry. Adsorption experiments revealed that the magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers possessed rapid kinetics, high selectivity, and a higher binding capacity (7.96 mg/g) to chelerythrine than magnetic molecularly non‐imprinted polymers (2.36 mg/g). The adsorption process was in good agreement with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order kinetics models. Furthermore, the magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers were successfully employed as adsorbents for the extraction and enrichment of chelerythrine from Macleaya cordata (Willd) R. Br. The results indicated that the magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers were suitable for the selective adsorption of chelerythrine from complex samples such as natural medical plants.
Host Responses to Biomaterials and Anti‐Inflammatory Design—a Brief Review
Authors: Zhou Guoying , Groth Thomas
Published: June 2018

Host responses toward foreign implants that lead to chronic inflammation and fibrosis may result in failure of the biomedical device. To solve these problems, first a better understanding of the biomaterial‐induced host reactions including protein adsorption, leukocyte activation, inflammatory and fibrotic responses to biomaterials is required; second an improved design of biomaterial surfaces is needed that results in an appropriate host response, causing less inflammatory response, and supporting tissue regeneration. Hence, this review provides a brief overview on the host response to implants, as well as in vitro models to study inflammatory and fibrotic responses to biomaterials to predict the clinical outcome of implantation. Moreover, the review highlights anti‐inflammatory strategies to improve the biocompatibility of implants, which contain the modification of physicochemical surface properties of materials as well as the immobilization of anti‐inflammatory reagents and bioactive molecules on biomaterials.
Coupling of Photoinduced Mass Immigration with Polymer Networks to Produce Nanostructured Materials Capable of Reversibly Creating Arbitrary Deformations
Authors: Yin Xianpeng , Dong Hao , Wang Shiqiang , Liang Yun , Zhang Wanlin , Gao Ning , Liu Xiyang , Wang Xiaogong , Li Guangtao
Published: June 2018

Photoresponsive materials have tremendous potential applications in many fields. However, it is still a challenge to realize such materials, especially in isolated micro‐ or nanostructured form, with precisely controlled photomechanics for creating arbitrary deformations in a reversible way. Based on the coupling of photoinduced mass immigration with polymer networks, a general concept is proposed for producing nanostructured materials capable of reversibly creating arbitrary deformations. It is found for these type of materials the molecule alignment in the formation of a polymer network is not necessary to generate large anisotropic strain and stress. Importantly, the photoinduced mass immigration in a polymer network can provide unprecedented freedom in rapid exceptional spatiotemporal control over the molecule alignment profile and thus mechanical response within the network, enabling polymer formation of arbitrary deformations. Moreover, the inscribed molecule alignment profile is erasable and the fabricated materials can serve as a reconfigurable platform to present different mechanical behaviors.
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition is involved in ethanol promoted hepatocellular carcinoma cells metastasis and stemness
Authors: Chen Danlei , Yu Dandan , Wang Xinyi , Liu Yan , He Yongjing , Deng Ruiqing , Jiang Yu , Zhang Fengyun , Liu Yakun , Xu Mei , Li Jiabin , Luo Jia , Wang Siying
Published: June 2018

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with high rate of relapse and metastasis. Ethanol is a well‐known risk factor for HCC; it promotes the progression and aggressiveness of HCC. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In clinic studies, we showed that alcohol consumption is positively correlated with TNM stage and vessel invasion; HCC patients with chronic drinking history had faster progression rate and poorer prognosis compared to non‐drinkers. In experimental models, ethanol exposure enhanced the metastasis, and invasion of HCC cells. Ethanol exposure increased cancer stem cells (CSC) population and enhanced stemness of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, we found that ethanol exposure induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) through activating Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in HCC cells. We further demonstrated thatβ‐catenin siRNA or salinomycin (an inhibitor of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway) partially rescued ethanol‐induced EMT. In conclusion, this study suggested that ethanol exposure promotes the metastasis and stemness of HCC cells by inducing EMT.
From hepatofibrosis to hepatocarcinogenesis: Higher cytochrome P450 2E1 activity is a potential risk factor
Authors: Gao Jie , Wang Zhao , Wang Gao‐Ju , Gao Na , Li Jing , Zhang Yun‐Fei , Zhou Jun , Zhang Hong‐Xin , Wen Qiang , Jin Han , Qiao Hai‐Ling
Published: June 2018

Hepatofibrosis is an important susceptibility factor for hepatocarcinogenesis. However, only a handful of cases of hepatofibrosis will develop into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) is involved in the metabolism and activation of many known environmental toxicants and procarcinogens, this enzyme may play a role in the development of hepatocarcinogenesis subsequent to hepatofibrosis. Herein, we evaluated whether higher CYP2E1 activity is a risk factor for the development of hepatocarcinogenesis from hepatofibrosis. CYP2E1 activity in fibrotic tissues from 72 HCC patients and in normal liver tissues from 59 control subjects was determined along with the severity of hepatofibrosis in hepatocarcinogenesis patients. Similarly, using a rat diethylnitrosamine‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis model, CYP2E1 activity at the hepatofibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis stages was determined, the correlation between CYP2E1 activity at the hepatofibrosis stage and hepatocarcinogenesis was explored, and the impact of inhibition of CYP2E1 activity on hepatocarcinogenesis was studied. The results showed that while CYP2E1 activity in HCC patients with underlying hepatofibrosis was increased, the severity of hepatofibrosis did not correlate with CYP2E1 activity. In the rat hepatocarcinogenesis model, unexpectedly, CYP2E1 activity was found to decrease from hepatofibrosis to hepatocarcinogenesis. Importantly, however, hepatofibrotic rats with higher CYP2E1 activity developed a more severe form of HCC. Moreover, inhibition of CYP2E1 activity could decrease the occurrence and development of HCC in rats. In conclusion, higher CYP2E1 activity may be a risk factor for hepatocarcinogenesis from hepatofibrosis, which raises the possibility of screening patients with hepatofibrosis for CYP2E1 activity to better estimate their risk for hepatocarcinogenesis.
Relationship between computer segmentation performance and computer classification performance in breast CT: A simulation study using RGI segmentation and LDA classification
Authors: Lee Juhun , Nishikawa Robert M. , Reiser Ingrid , Boone John M.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Many computer aided diagnosis (CADx) tools for breast cancer begin by fully or semiautomatically segmenting a given breast lesion and then classifying the lesion's likelihood of malignancy using quantitative features extracted from the image. It is often assumed that better segmentation will result in better classification. However, this has not been thoroughly evaluated. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between computer segmentation performance and computer classification performance.

Method

We used 85 breast lesions (32 benign, 56 malignant) from breast computed tomography (CT) cases of 82 women. We prepared one smooth and one sharp iterative image reconstructions (IIR) and a clinical reconstruction for each of the 82 breast CT scans. For each reconstruction, we created 15 segmentation outcomes by applying 15 different segmentation algorithms. Specifically, we simulated 15 segmentation algorithms by changing parameters in a single segmentation algorithm. We then created 15 classification outcomes by conducting quantitative image feature analysis on the segmented image results. Using a 10‐fold cross‐validation, we evaluated the relationship between segmentation and classification performances.

Result

We found a low positive correlation between segmentation and classification performances for the smooth IIR (median Pearson's rho = 0.18), while a moderate positive correlation (median Pearson's rho = 0.4−0.43) was found between the two performances for the sharp IIR and clinical reconstruction. However, we found large variations in both segmentation and classification performances for the sharp IIR and clinical reconstruction. There were cases where segmentation algorithms resulted in similar segmentation performances, but the corresponding classification performances were different. These results indicate that an improvement in segmentation performance does not guarantee an improvement in the corresponding classification performance.

Conclusion

Computer segmentation is an indirect variable affecting the computer classification. As better segmentation does not guarantee better classification, we should report both segmentation and classification performances when comparing segmentation algorithms.
Modeling the connectivity and intersection of hydraulically loaded cracks with in situ fractures in rock
Authors: Clarke Philip L. , Abedi Reza
Published: June 2018

The interaction of an advancing hydraulically loaded crack and in situ fracture network can yield highly complex patterns. We model the connectivity of cells in a finite element domain and in a fracture network by a simplicial complex data structure. The complete adjacency information between cells is determined by one level down facet and one level up cofacet neighborhood information. Combined with a disjoint set data structure, explicit algorithms are derived to efficiently track network connectivity and load transfer between independent fracture sets. We also propose an approach to regularize the application of hydraulic load to newly intersected in situ cracks to smoothen the transition of pressure on intersected cracks from ambient to hydraulic pressure and to avoid the sudden loading of the entire length of these cracks. Numerical results demonstrate the performance of crack connectivity and load transfer models and the effect of regularization model. The results show that as the angle between an incoming hydraulically loaded crack and an in situ crack increases, the effect of in situ crack shifts from slight realignment to diversion/offsetting of the loaded crack. As the angle difference approaches the normal angle, the loaded crack tends to penetrate through the in situ crack. The proposed schemes are also used for transient simulation of 2D reservoirs with multiple perforations surrounded by in situ cracks with and without a bias in the distribution of their orientation. It was shown that from 2 perforations with angles closer to in situ cracks at low loading rates to all perforations at higher loading rates can result in active hydraulic crack propagation. The h‐adaptive method of asynchronous space‐time discontinuous Galerkin method is used to exactly track complex fracture patterns in these dynamic fracture simulations.
Integer programming formulations for minimum deficiency interval coloring
Authors: Bodur Merve , Luedtke James R.
Published: June 2018

A proper edge‐coloring of a given undirected graph with natural numbers identified with colors is an interval (or consecutive) coloring if the colors of edges incident to each vertex form an interval of consecutive integers. Not all graphs admit such an edge‐coloring and the problem of deciding whether a graph is interval colorable is NP‐complete. For a graph that is not interval colorable, determining a graph invariant called the (minimum) deficiency is a widely used approach. Deficiency is a measure of how close the graph is to have an interval coloring. The majority of the studies in the literature either derive bounds on the deficiency of general graphs or calculate the deficiency of graphs belonging to some special graph classes. In this work, we derive integer programming formulations of the Minimum Deficiency Problem which seeks to find the exact deficiency value of a graph, given a bound on the number of colors that can be used. We further enhance the formulation by introducing a family of valid inequalities. Then, we solve our model via a branch‐and‐cut algorithm. Our computational study on a large set of random graphs illustrates the strength of our formulation and the efficiency of the proposed approach.
A micromechanics‐based inverse study for stochastic order reduction of elastic UD fiber reinforced composites analyses
Authors: Wu L. , Adam L. , Noels L.
Published: June 2018

This research develops a stochastic mean field homogenization process that is used as reduced order model to carry out a statistical multiscale analysis on unidirectional fiber reinforced composites. First, full‐field simulations of unidirectional stochastic volume elements, whose statistical description is obtained from scanning electron microscope images, are conducted to define statistical mesoscale apparent properties. A stochastic Mori‐Tanaka (M‐T) mean field homogenization model is then developed through an inverse stochastic identification process performed on the apparent elastic properties obtained by full‐field simulations. As a result, a random vector of the effective elastic properties of phases and microstructure information of the M‐T model is inferred. In order to conduct stochastic finite element method analyses, a generator of this random vector is then constructed using the copula method, allowing predicting the statistical response of a composite ply under bending. The statistical dependence of the random vector entries is shown to be respected by the generator. Although this work is limited to the elastic response, we believe that the stochastic M‐T model can be extended to nonlinear behaviors to conduct efficient stochastic multiscale simulations.
Numerical study of a conservative weighted compact difference scheme for the symmetric regularized long wave equations
Authors: Li Shuguang
Published: June 2018

In this article, a new weighted and compact conservative difference scheme for the symmetric regularized long wave (SRLW) equations is considered. The new scheme is decoupled and linearized in practical computation, that is, at each time step only two tridiagonal systems of linear algebraic equations need to be solved. It is proved by the discrete energy method that the compact scheme is uniquely solvable, the convergence and stability of the difference scheme are obtained, and its numerical convergence order is in the ‐norm. Numerical experiment results show that the scheme is efficient and reliable.
Fundamental mode exact schemes for unsteady problems
Authors: Vabishchevich Petr N.
Published: June 2018

The problem of increasing the accuracy of an approximate solution is considered for boundary value problems for parabolic equations. For ordinary differential equations (ODEs), nonstandard finite difference schemes are in common use for this problem. They are based on a modification of standard discretizations of time derivatives and, in some cases, allow to obtain the exact solution of problems. For multidimensional problems, we can consider the problem of increasing the accuracy only for the most important components of the approximate solution. In the present work, new unconditionally stable schemes for parabolic problems are constructed, which are exact for the fundamental mode. Such two‐level schemes are designed via a modification of standard schemes with weights using Padé approximations. Numerical results obtained for a model problem demonstrate advantages of the proposed fundamental mode exact schemes.
Modified whale optimization algorithm for fractional‐order multi‐input SSSC‐based controller design
Authors: Sahu Preeti Ranjan , Hota Prakash Kumar , Panda Sidhartha
Published: June 2018

In this paper, the design of a fractional‐order (FO) multi‐input–single‐output (MISO)–type static synchronous series compensator (SSSC) is proposed with a goal to improve the power system stability using modified whale optimization algorithm (MWOA). The proposed MWOA achieves an appropriate balance between exploitation and exploration stages of the original whale optimization algorithm. The performance of MWOA is validated by employing the benchmark test functions and further contrasted with whale optimization algorithm and other heuristic algorithms like gravitational search algorithm, particle swarm optimization, differential evolution, and fast evolutionary programming algorithms to demonstrate its strength. The proposed FO MISO SSSC controller is optimized by the MWOA technique and tested under single‐machine infinite bus system and further extended to a multi‐machine framework. To demonstrate the superiority of MISO‐type SSSC controller, the results obtained from it are compared with particle swarm optimization and differential evolution–based conventional single‐input–single‐output structured SSSC controllers. The comparison of results of MWOA with that of other methods validates its superiority in the present context.
Assessing the possible association of anti‐TNF use with new malignancies: A neglected methodological consideration
Authors: Ozguler Yesim , Yazici Yusuf , Hatemi Gulen , Tascilar Koray , Yazici Hasan
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Whether anti‐TNF agents increase, malignancy risk remains debated. The potential problems with comparing the number of observed malignancies in anti‐TNF treated cohorts to number of expected malignancies in national cancer registries could have been an important issue. National registries give expected number of malignancies per organ involved regardless of if this is a secondary or a higher malignancy while anti‐TNF agents are not or are sparingly used in patients with an existing or history of a malignancy. This results in a biased standardized incidence ratio (SIR). We aimed to formally look at the presence and the magnitude of this bias in published work.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in PUBMED/MEDLINE about anti‐TNF use in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) up to July 2016. The main outcome sought was malignancy incidence in a RA cohort as compared with that in the general population. Randomized controlled trials, meta‐analyses, and articles published in languages other than English were excluded.

Results

The potentially biased SIR was discussed in only 1 of 29 studies we analyzed, while in none of these studies, the authors highlighted this as a limitation. We were able to approximate the pooled SIR for overall malignancy in 12 studies before and after correcting for this bias. It was 0.89 (CI: 0.84‐0.95) before and increased to 1.05 (CI: 0.99‐1.11), when corrected.

Conclusion

Planning and assessment of studies investigating malignancy incidence possibly related to anti‐TNF use in RA, and probably in other diseases, should take into consideration the described bias in SIR calculations.
Relationship between International Normalized Ratio and Outcomes in Modern Trials with Warfarin Controls
Authors: McDowell Tzu‐Yun , Lawrence John , Florian Jeffry , Southworth Mary Ross , Grant Stephen , Stockbridge Norman
Published: June 2018

Introduction

A target international normalized ratio (INR) of 2–3 has been recommended for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and risk factors for thromboembolism. This recommendation is largely based on evidence from observational studies a decade ago. This study utilized collective data from modern trials with warfarin controls to examine the relationship of warfarin anticoagulation, as assessed by INR, on the clinical outcome events of interest.

Methods

Data on warfarin‐treated patients from three clinical studies supporting the approval of dabigatran (Pradaxa), apixaban (Eliquis), and edoxaban (Savaysa) were pooled. Ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and all‐cause death were selected as the outcome events of interest. Multivariate Cox regression modeling was performed to examine the association between time‐dependent INR and each outcome event. Benefit‐risk assessment was evaluated by summing the estimated annual event rate for ischemic stroke and ICH.

Results

A total of 21,883 patients representing 322 ischemic strokes, 288 ICHs, and 657 all‐cause deaths were included in the analysis. The models used suggest that the risk of ischemic stroke is greatly reduced when INR exceeds 2; in contrast, the risk of ICH increases monotonically as INR increases. When combining ischemic stroke and ICH events, the lowest estimated annual event rate was observed between INR of 2 and 2.5; the risk only slightly increased between INR of 1.8 and 3.0. Similarly, a U‐shaped relationship between INR and the risk of all‐cause death was found.

Conclusions

This study using collective warfarin data from recent large prospective trials indicates that INR between 2 and 2.5 provides the best balance between ischemic stroke and ICH, as well as optimal protection against death in patients with AF.
Insights into the optical, magnetic and dielectric properties of some novel polysulfone/NiFe2O4 composite materials
Authors: Pascariu Petronela , Airinei Anton , Asandulesa Mihai , Rotaru Aurelian
Published: June 2018

Novel polysulfone (PSU)/NiFe2O4 nanocomposites with good magneto‐dielectric properties were prepared in a simple and cost‐effective manner. Nickel ferrite nanoparticles exhibit a cubic spinel phase without any impurity phases according to X‐ray diffraction characterization. Transmission electron microscopy images of the nanoparticles showed a tetragonal particle shape with average particle size of 17–30 nm. The thermal stability of PSU proved to remain unaffected by nanoparticle concentration in the composite material. The emission spectra of the PSU/NiFe2O4 nanocomposites present a broad emission band located at 370 nm due to free exciton recombination. The composites exhibit hysteresis loops of a ferrimagnetic nature and good dielectric properties. Coercivity value measured at room temperature is 20.64 and 24.98 Oe and the squareness (Mr/Ms) is 0.290 and 0.225 for both polymer composite samples (4 and 24 vol% Ni ferrite). The formalism of the dielectric loss has been used to estimate the dipolar relaxations expressed by γ‐ and β‐relaxation processes. The presence of Ni ferrite nanoparticles in the PSU matrix increases the activation energy of secondary relaxations, which means a reduction of the molecular mobility in the nanocomposites as compared to PSU. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry