bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nas tramas do discurso: sociabilidade comunicação cultura poder
Authors: De Oliveira Luciana , Vieira Vanrochris Helbert
Published: December 2015

O objetivo principal deste artigo é criar uma conexão de natureza teórico-conceitual entre as teorias da comunicação que se baseiam no modelo interacional e algumas teorias contemporâneas do discurso, a fim de adensar a visão de contexto tão cara à abordagem interacional. Partindo da sociabilidade, tal como a define Georg Simmel, buscamos rediscutir como os conceitos de cultura e de poder perpassam a composição da vida social com suas ordens discursivas. Encontramos no conceito de definição de situação de William Thomas e sua inserção das disputas de poder nas dinâmicas micro-interacionais a passagem para o campo do discurso. Considerando, a um só tempo, a interação comunicacional e as linhas de força dos discursos, construímos o aporte para pensar como as práticas culturais configuram a sociabilidade contemporânea.
Epizootiological investigation of a Q fever outbreak and implications for future control strategies
Authors: Anderson Alicia D. , Szymanski Tahnee J. , Emery Michelle P. , Kohrs Paul H. , Bjork Adam C. , Marsden-Haug Nicola , Nett Randall J. , Woodhall Dana M. , Self Joshua S. , Fitzpatrick Kelly A. , Priestley Rachael A. , Kersh Gilbert J.
Published: December 2015

Objective—To describe the epizootiological investigation of an outbreak of Q fever (Coxiella burnetii infection).

Design—Epidemiological study.

Animals—17 goat herds in Washington, Montana, and Oregon.

Procedures—In April 2011, an abortion storm at a commercial goat farm in Washington was determined to be caused by C burnetii. A joint epidemiological investigation by public health and veterinary professionals was subsequently performed to assess the extent of the outbreak by performing a trace-forward of goats sold from the index farm, to determine risk factors associated with infection, and to implement control measures. A herd management plan was developed to control the outbreak and reduce risk of human exposure. Quarantine and temporary holds preventing the sale or movement of goats allowed time for trace-forward investigation, education of farmers regarding disease risk, and testing to determine the scope of the outbreak.

Results—17 farms were affected; 21 human Q fever cases were identified. Bacterial shedding in feces, vaginal fluid, or milk was confirmed in 156 of 629 (25%) goats tested by PCR assay. Seroprevalence of antibodies against C burnetii in goats, determined by ELISA, was 12%. The risk for C burnetii infection in goats was highest among females, those on farms associated with human Q fever, and those on Washington farms. A protective effect was observed for goats at farms where the primary form of goat carcass disposal was burial.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—This outbreak illustrated the importance of a joint investigation for zoonotic pathogens and the need to expand and strengthen relationships between medical, public health, and veterinary partners. Heightened awareness and enhanced veterinary diagnostic capabilities for C burnetii are needed to identify and control outbreaks expediently.
Potential for iatrogenic coil embolization of the caudal cerebellar artery during treatment of internal carotid artery bifurcation in two horses with guttural pouch mycosis
Authors: Bonilla Alvaro G. , Scansen Brian A. , Hurcombe Samuel D. , Mudge Margaret C.
Published: December 2015

Case Description—2 horses were examined for chronic nasal discharge secondary to unilateral guttural pouch mycosis.

Clinical Findings—Initial endoscopic examination of both horses confirmed the presence of a fungal plaque on the dorsomedial aspect of the medial compartment of the guttural pouch (auditory tube diverticulum) involving the internal carotid artery (ICA). No signs of hemorrhage or neurologic deficits were present at admission.

Treatment and Outcome—Transarterial stainless steel coil embolization of the affected ICA was performed under general anesthesia, with fluoroscopic guidance. During treatment, an aberrant branch of the ICA, or a proposed bifid ICA, that anastomosed with the caudal cerebellar artery was identified. Occlusion of the distal (noncardiac) side of the aberrant branch was performed in both horses because of potential mycotic involvement at that level. Following treatment, resolution of the mycotic infection was observed in both horses; however, 1 horse developed neurologic signs compatible with unilateral caudal cerebellar artery ischemia on recovery from anesthesia; these signs resolved over the following 2 months.

Clinical Relevance—Findings highlighted variability of the anatomy of the ICA in 2 horses that was identified during treatment for guttural pouch mycosis and identified caudal cerebellar artery infarction as a potential complication of treatment. Because of the size and pathway of both arterial branches, we suggest that the term bifurcation of the ICA is more appropriate than aberrant branching, as has been previously described in the literature. The information in this report may be of value to clinicians performing procedures involving the vasculature of the head and neck in horses.
Unusual Pulmonary Arterial Filling Defect caused by Systemic to Pulmonary Shunt in the Setting of Chronic Lung Disease Demonstrated by Dynamic 4D CTA
Authors: Ansari Gilani Kianoush , Gilkeson Robert Chip , Hsiao Edward , Rajiah Prabhakar
Published: December 2015

Even though pulmonary embolism is by far the most common cause of filling defect in the pulmonary arterial system, other less common etiologies should be considered especially in the setting of atypical clinical scenario or unusual imaging findings. Unusual pattern of filling defect in the pulmonary artery in the setting of chronic inflammatory/fibrotic parenchymal lung disease should raise the concern for systemic to pulmonary artery shunt. This diagnosis is typically made by conventional angiography. Dynamic 4D CT angiography however can be a safe, noninvasive and effective alternative tool for making such a diagnosis. It has the added value of multiplanar reconstruction capabilities and providing detailed anatomy which can be vital for interventional radiologists when planning their approach for possible intervention. We present 2 cases of such shunts, and illustrate the demonstration of these shunts by using dynamic 4D CT angiography.
Aberrant systemic arterial supply to normal lung arising from the proper hepatic artery discovered during transarterial chemoembolization
Authors: Walsworth Matthew K , Yap Felix Y , McWilliams Justin P
Published: December 2015

We report a rare case of dual arterial supply to an otherwise normal lung discovered incidentally during initial angiography performed with the intent of chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition to normal hepatic arterial supply, the proper hepatic artery provided systemic arterial supply to the lower lobe of the left lung.  Subsequent chest computed tomography angiography demonstrated a normal tracheobronchial tree and normal pulmonary arterial supply to the lung.  Although other anatomic variants have been reported, there are no other reported cases of systemic arterial supply from the proper hepatic artery to the lung. Identifying systemic arterial supply to the lung during angiography is important while performing transcatheter chemoembolization or radioembolization in the liver in order to minimize non-target embolization of the lung.
Vers l'institutionnalisation de l'enseignement autonomisant – La technologie, soutien et obstacle à l'innovation
Authors: Chateau Anne , Bailly Sophie , Ciekanski Maud
Published: December 2015

Un projet de plateforme numérique pour l'apprentissage des langues destiné aux étudiants et aux enseignants du secteur Lansad (langues pour spécialistes d'autres disciplines) est en cours de développement à l'université de Lorraine (UL) (Chateau & Bailly, 2013). Ce projet a pour objectif l'essaimage de plusieurs dispositifs utilisant le potentiel d'outils numériques pour favoriser l'autonomisation d'apprenants (Bailly et al., 2008 ; Chateau & Zumbihl, 2012 ; Carette, Guély & Pereiro, 2011).Les retours positifs d'enseignants et d'apprenants ayant bénéficié de ces apports technologiques ont naturellement impulsé une volonté de sortir de la phase expérimentale pour passer à une institutionnalisation progressive, à travers un projet de plateforme numérique, institutionnalisation qui se révèle problématique. À travers les réponses à deux questionnaires adressés aux enseignants de langues de toute l'université nous identifierons les freins et les réticences constatés au cours du travail de développement de la plateforme. Il est souvent dit que l'innovation technique n'engendre pas nécessairement d'innovation pédagogique. Nous tenterons de mieux comprendre la nature des rapports entre ces deux types d'innovation.
Quantification of precipitation and temperature uncertainties simulated by CMIP3 and CMIP5 models
Authors: Woldemeskel F. M. , Sharma A. , Sivakumar B. , Mehrotra R.
Published: December 2015

Assessment of climate change impacts on water resources is extremely challenging, due to the inherent uncertainties in climate projections using global climate models (GCMs). Three main sources of uncertainties can be identified in GCMs, i.e., model structure, emission scenario, and natural variability. The recently released fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) includes a number of advances relative to its predecessor (CMIP3), in terms of the spatial resolution of models, list of variables, and concept of specifying future radiative forcing, among others. The question, however, is do these modifications indeed reduce the uncertainty in the projected climate at global and/or regional scales? We address this question by quantifying and comparing uncertainty in precipitation and temperature from 6 CMIP3 and 13 CMIP5 models. Uncertainty is quantified using the square root of error variance, which specifies uncertainty as a function of time and space, and decomposes the total uncertainty into its three constituents. The results indicate a visible reduction in the uncertainty of CMIP5 precipitation relative to CMIP3 but no significant change for temperature. For precipitation, the GCM uncertainty is found to be larger in regions of the world that receive heavy rainfall, as well as mountainous and coastal areas. For temperature, however, uncertainty is larger in extratropical cold regions and lower elevation areas.
An ensemble constrained variational analysis of atmospheric forcing data and its application to evaluate clouds in CAM5
Authors: Tang Shuaiqi , Zhang Minghua , Xie Shaocheng
Published: December 2015

Large‐scale atmospheric forcing data can greatly impact the simulations of atmospheric process models (e.g., large eddy simulations, cloud‐resolving models, and single column models (SCMs)) that are used to develop physical parameterizations in global climate models. This study introduces an ensemble variationally constrained objective analysis of atmospheric large‐scale forcing data and its application to evaluate the cloud biases in the Community Atmospheric Model (CAM5). Sensitivities of the variational objective analysis to background data, error covariance matrix, and constraint variables are presented to quantify the uncertainties in the large‐scale forcing data and state variables. Application of the ensemble forcing in the CAM5 SCM during March 2000 intensive operational period at the Southern Great Plains (SGP) of the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program shows that the systematic biases in the model simulations (i.e., excessive high clouds and insufficient low clouds) cannot be explained by the uncertainty of large‐scale forcing data, which points to the deficiencies of physical parameterizations. These biases are found to also exist in the global simulation of CAM5 when it is compared with satellite data over the surrounding SGP site for annual and seasonal means.
Ethanol/water mixture pervaporation performance of b‐oriented silicalite‐1 membranes made by gel‐free secondary growth
Authors: Elyassi Bahman , Jeon Mi Young , Tsapatsis Michael , Narasimharao Katabathini , Basahel Sulaiman Nasir , Al‐Thabaiti Shaeel
Published: December 2015

b‐oriented silicalite‐1 membranes on porous silica supports were synthesized using gel‐free secondary growth. The porous silica supports were made by pressing crushed quartz fibers followed by sintering and polishing, and further modified by slip‐coating three layers of Stöber silica particles (1000, 350, and 50 nm). The b‐oriented seed layers were prepared by rubbing silicalite‐1 particles (2 μm × 0.8 μm × 3 μm along a‐, b‐, and c‐axis, respectively) after depositing a polymeric layer on the support. After silicalite‐1 seed deposition, a final coating of spherical silica particles was applied. Well‐intergrown, μm‐thick, b‐oriented membranes were obtained, which, after calcination, exhibited ethanol permselectivity in ethanol/water mixture pervaporation. At 60°C and for ∼5 wt % ethanol/water mixtures, the best membrane exhibited overall pervaporation separation factor of 85 (corresponding to membrane intrinsic selectivity of 7.7) and total flux of 2.1 kg/(m2·h). This performance is comparable to the best performing MFI membranes reported in the literature. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 556–563, 2016
Low‐temperature plasma processing for the enhancement of surface properties and dyeability of wool fabric
Authors: Mendhe Pankaj , Arolkar Gauree , Shukla Sanjeev , Deshmukh Rajendra
Published: December 2015

In the present investigation, wool fabric was treated with a low‐temperature air plasma. The plasma discharge power and treatment time were varied. The effect of plasma treatment on various fabric properties such as wettability, wickability, dyeability, crease recovery angle, breaking strength, and elongation at break was investigated. Surface morphology was studied using SEM micrographs. The fabric became substantially hydrophilic even with a short duration of air plasma treatment of 30 s with improvement in dye uptake and in the rate of dyeing when dyed at a lower temperature. Under these treatment conditions, aging was almost nil in a dry environment, even after 45 days, whereas some aging was observed in a humid (75% relative humidity) environment. A 20% increase in the breaking strength and 24% increase in the elongation at break were observed with reduction in wrinkle recovery angle to 133–144° from 169° for untreated fabric. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43097.
Preparation of hybrid composite microspheres containing nanosilicon via microsuspension polymerization
Authors: Liu Fandong , Wang Zhoulu , Zhou Yingjie , Liu Xiang
Published: December 2015

Hybrid composite microspheres with nano‐Si as the core and poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) as a shell are successfully prepared by a two‐step polymerization technique, which includes dispersion polymerization of styrene and 3‐methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane in ethanol for surface modification of nano‐Si followed by microsuspension polymerization of styrene and acrylonitrile in an aqueous phase for encapsulating nano‐Si into an SAN copolymer matrix. The structure and surface properties of modified nano‐Si are investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and contact angle. The hybrid composite microspheres are systematically characterized by energy dispersive spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). According to the FTIR spectra and the contact angle experiments, it was determined that a hydrophobic polymer layer was formed on the surface of nano‐Si. TEM showed that nano‐Si was homogeneously dispersed in SAN particles when the loading capacity of nano‐Si in the hybrid composite microspheres was less than 20 wt %. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that there were large amounts of nano‐Si absorbed on the surface of the hybrid composite microspheres, and the mean particle size became much larger when the loading amounts of nano‐Si reached 25 wt %. From this, it can be inferred that nano‐Si overflows from the inner core to the outside surface in the emulsification process and acts as an inorganic dispersant. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43101.
Efficacy of La3+ entrapped chitosan bio‐polymeric matrix for the recovery of oil from oil‐in‐water emulsion
Authors: Elanchezhiyan S. SD. , Sivasurian N. , Meenakshi Sankaran
Published: December 2015

On the basis of the present study, the details of the recovery of cutting oil from oil‐in‐water emulsion using the modified forms of biopolymer chitosan viz., chitosan beads (CB), carboxylated chitosan beads (CCB), and lanthanum incorporated carboxylated chitosan beads (La‐CCB). Various oil sorption experiments were conducted using an extractive gravimetric method by optimizing various parameters such as contact time, pH, sorbent dosage, and initial oil concentration for maximum sorption. It was found that the oil removal percentage was comparatively less in the case of CB and CCB when compared with La‐CCB, which showed 85% of oil removal at acidic condition. The obtained adsorption equilibrium data was explained with Freundlich, Langmuir, D–R, and Tempkin isotherms to find the best fit for the sorption process. Thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG0, ΔH0, and ΔS0 were calculated in order to understand the nature of sorption process. The surface morphology and sorption of oil on the beads were confirmed by FTIR, SEM with EDAX, XRD, TGA, and DSC analysis. This work provides a potential platform for the expansion of oil removal technology. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43218.
Polyurethane/organic vermiculite composites with enhanced mechanical properties
Authors: Zhang Tailiang , Zhang Fangjie , Dai Shanshan , Li Zefeng , Wang Baogang , Quan Hongping , Huang Zhiyu
Published: December 2015

In this article, a series of polyurethane (PU)/organic vermiculite (OVMT) composites are prepared by intercalating polymerization. 1,4‐cyclohexane diisocyanate (CHDI) as hard segment of PU is designed to improve the decomposition temperature of composites. Vermiculite (VMT) is modified by method of cation exchange with octadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (OTAB); the resulting product OVMT with the function of physical cross‐linking disperses well in soft segment of PU polycarbonate polyol (PCDL), which improves the mechanical properties of composites obviously. This modification further enlarged the interlayer of OVMT and improved the properties of composites. The structure and properties of OVMT and PU/OVMT composites are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope, and tensile strength test. The results showed that the layer spacing of OVMT increased 1.41 nm compared with that of VMT (the value of layer spacing of VMT is 0.96 nm) and further enlarged to 2.92 nm by the loading of PCDL. The tensile strength and the strain at break of PUCPB/OVMT (3.0%) composites reached 26.8 MPa and 443%, respectively. The temperature resistance of PUCPB/OVMT (3.0%) composites is above 300°C, which is more suitable for the steam channeling plugging of heavy oil. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43219.
Structural biology of tumor necrosis factor demonstrated for undergraduates instruction by computer simulation
Authors: Roy Urmi
Published: December 2015

This work presents a three‐dimensional (3D) modeling exercise for undergraduate students in chemistry and health sciences disciplines, focusing on a protein‐group linked to immune system regulation. Specifically, the exercise involves molecular modeling and structural analysis of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) proteins, both wild type and mutant. The structure of the tumor necrosis factor type 1 receptor (TNF‐R1) is also briefly explored. TNF and TNF‐R1 play major roles in maintaining human immune‐system homeostasis. Upon binding with TNFR‐1, the TNF can activate the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB), eventually resulting in apoptosis or cell death. These essential features of the clinically relevant TNF family is explored within the frame work of a readily adaptable tutorial. © 2015 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 44:246–255, 2016.
The physics of categorization
Authors: Tamir Boaz , Neuman Yair
Published: December 2015

In the context of cognition, categorization is the process through which several elements (i.e., words) are grouped into a single set which by naming becomes an abstraction of its elements. For example, tiger, kitty, and max can be categorized as Cats. In this article, we aim to show how the physical, biological and cognitive dimensions are related in the process of categorization or abstraction through the physics of computation. Drawing on Landauer's principle, we show that the price paid in terms of entropy is higher when grouping elements of low ranking (high probability) than when grouping elements of high ranking (low probability). Therefore, the logic of the cognitive process of abstraction is explained through constraints imposed by memory on the computation of categories. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 269–274, 2016
Clear cell hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosed by bile duct brushing cytology
Authors: Fu Li‐Ying , Mitchell Kisha A. , Cai Guoiping
Published: December 2015

Clear cell hepatocellular carcinoma (CCHCC) is an uncommon morphologic variant of HCC and rarely invades into the main bile ducts. Here we describe a case of CCHCC that was diagnosed by bile duct brushing cytology. Liquid‐based preparation of brushing specimen showed clusters of atypical epithelial cells with abundant clear cytoplasm, round nuclei, and occasional intranuclear inclusions. The tumor cells were positive for HepPar‐1 and arginase 1, suggestive of their hepatic origin. The overall morphologic and immunophenotypic features were consistent with CCHCC. The cytological diagnosis was confirmed by histopathologic examination of the resected tumor. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:147–151. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wnt signaling in the heart fields: Variations on a common theme
Authors: Ruiz‐Villalba Adrián , Hoppler Stefan , van den Hoff Maurice J.B.
Published: December 2015

Wnt signaling plays an essential role in development and differentiation. Heart development is initiated with the induction of precardiac mesoderm requiring the tightly and spatially controlled regulation of canonical and noncanonical Wnt signaling pathways. The role of Wnt signaling in subsequent development of the heart fields is to a large extent unclear. We will discuss the role of Wnt signaling in the development of the arterial and venous pole of the heart, highlighting the dual roles of Wnt signaling with respect to its time‐ and dosage‐dependent effects and the balance between the canonical and noncanonical signaling. Canonical signaling appears to be involved in retaining the cardiac precursors in a proliferative and precursor state, whereas noncanonical signaling promotes their differentiation. Thereafter, both canonical and noncanonical signaling regulate specific steps in differentiation of the cardiac compartments. Because heart development is a contiguous, rather than a sequential, process, analyses tend only to show a single timeframe of development. The repetitive alternating and reciprocal effect of canonical and noncanonical signaling is lost when studied in homogenates. Without the simultaneous in vivo visualization of the different Wnt signaling pathways, the mechanism of Wnt signaling in heart development remains elusive. Developmental Dynamics 245:294–306, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Portal inflammation is independently associated with fibrosis and metabolic syndrome in pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Mann Jake P. , Vito Rita De , Mosca Antonella , Alisi Anna , Armstrong Matthew J. , Raponi Massimiliano , Baumann Ulrich , Nobili Valerio
Published: December 2015

Pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) histology demonstrates variable amounts of portal inflammation, which may be associated with more severe liver disease and fibrosis. We assessed the relationship between portal inflammation, hepatic fibrosis, and the metabolic syndrome in pediatric NAFLD. Children with biopsy‐proven NAFLD were eligible for inclusion. Histology was assessed using Kleiner fibrosis stage and the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network system for portal inflammation. Patients were divided by histology into type 1, type 2, and overlap NAFLD. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with fibrosis and portal inflammation. The 430 Caucasian children were divided into 52 with type 1, 95 with type 2, and 283 with overlap NAFLD. Those with type 2 had a more severe metabolic phenotype, with higher body mass index z score (2.0 versus 1.6, P < 0.0001), waist circumference centile (96th versus 90th, P < 0.0001), and triglycerides (84 versus 77 mg/dL, P = 0.01) and lower high‐density lipoprotein (46 versus 60 mg/dL, P = 0.004) than those with type 1. Similarly, those with overlap NAFLD had a more severe phenotype. Stage 2‐3 fibrosis was present in 69/283 (24%) with overlap NAFLD. Portal inflammation was associated with stage 2‐3 fibrosis on multivariable analysis (95% confidence interval 1.4‐5.2, odds ratio = 3.7). Waist circumference centile was associated with portal inflammation (95% confidence interval 1.2‐3.4, odds ratio = 2.0). Conclusion: Portal inflammation is associated with more advanced pediatric NAFLD and features of the metabolic syndrome. (Hepatology 2016;63:745–753)
Persistence of seropositivity among persons vaccinated for hepatitis A during infancy by maternal antibody status: 15‐year follow‐up
Authors: Spradling Philip R. , Bulkow Lisa R. , Negus Susan E. , Homan Chriss , Bruce Michael G. , McMahon Brian J.
Published: December 2015

The effect of passively transferred maternal antibody to hepatitis A virus (anti‐HAV) on the duration of seropositivity after hepatitis A vaccination during infancy and early childhood is unclear. We obtained levels of anti‐HAV at intervals through age 15‐16 years among three groups of Alaskan Native children who initiated a two‐dose inactivated hepatitis A vaccination series at ages 6 months (group 1), 12 months (group 2), and 15 months (group 3), each group randomized according to maternal anti‐HAV status. Seropositivity (anti‐HAV ≥20 mIU/mL) 30 years after the second vaccine dose among the three groups was predicted using a random effects model. One hundred eighty‐three children participated in the study; follow‐up did not differ significantly by vaccine group or maternal anti‐HAV status. Although the frequency of seropositivity among all participants through age 10 years was high (100% among groups 2 and 3 and >90% among group 1), there was a decrease thereafter through age 15‐16 years among group 1 children, who initiated vaccination at age 6 months (50%‐75%), and among maternal anti‐HAV‐positive children in groups 2 and 3 (67%‐87%), who initiated vaccination at ages 12 months and 15 months, respectively. Nonetheless, the model indicated that anti‐HAV seropositivity should persist for ≥30 years after vaccination in 64% of all participants; among those seropositive at age 15‐16 years, 84% were predicted to remain so for ≥30 years. Conclusion: Most children vaccinated during early childhood available for sampling maintained seropositivity through age 15‐16 years; however, seropositivity was less frequent among those starting vaccination at age 6 months and among maternal antibody‐positive participants who started vaccination at age 12 months or 15 months; overall, our findings support current vaccine recommendations and continued follow‐up of this cohort. (Hepatology 2016;63:703–711)
Sarcopenia is associated with significant liver fibrosis independently of obesity and insulin resistance in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Nationwide surveys (KNHANES 2008‐2011)
Authors: Lee Yong‐ho , Kim Seung Up , Song Kijun , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Lee Byung‐Wan , Kang Eun Seok , Cha Bong‐Soo , Han Kwang‐Hyub
Published: December 2015

Sarcopenia is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study investigated whether sarcopenia is associated with significant liver fibrosis in subjects with NAFLD. Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2008‐2011 database were analyzed. NALFD was defined by NAFLD liver fat score, comprehensive NAFLD score, or hepatic steatosis index. Degree of liver fibrosis was assessed by NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), FIB‐4, and Forns index. Significant liver fibrosis was defined as FIB‐4 ≥2.67 and the highest quartile values of NFS and Forns index. Sarcopenia index (= total appendicular skeletal muscle mass [kg]/body mass index (kg/m2]) was calculated using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Using the NAFLD liver fat score, NAFLD was identified in 2761 (28.5%) of 9676 subjects. Of subjects with NAFLD, sarcopenia was identified in 337 (12.2%). Sarcopenia was significantly associated with significant liver fibrosis assessed in fibrosis prediction models (all P < 0.05). In subgroups stratified according to body mass index and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, a significant association between sarcopenia and significant liver fibrosis by NFS was consistently present (odds ratio = 1.76‐2.68 depending on the subgroup, all P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated an independent association between SI and significant liver fibrosis by NFS after adjusting for other confounders (odds ratio = 0.52‐0.67, all P < 0.01). Other NAFLD (comprehensive NAFLD score, hepatic steatosis index) and fibrosis prediction models (FIB‐4 and Forns index) produced similar results. Conclusion: Sarcopenia is associated with significant liver fibrosis in subjects with NAFLD, and the association is independent of obesity and insulin resistance. (Hepatology 2016;63:776–786)
Retinoid regulation of antiviral innate immunity in hepatocytes
Authors: Cho Noell E. , Bang Bo‐Ram , Gurung Purnima , Li Meng , Clemens Dahn L. , Underhill T. Michael , James Laura P. , Chase Jenifer R. , Saito Takeshi
Published: December 2015

Persistent infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the leading causes of end‐stage liver disease (ESLD), such as decompensated cirrhosis and liver cancer. Of particular note, nearly half of HCV‐infected people in the United States are reported to be heavy drinkers. This particular group of patients is known to rapidly progress to the ESLD. Although accelerated disease progression among alcohol abusers infected with HCV is clinically well recognized, the molecular pathophysiology behind this manifestation has not been well elucidated. Hepatocytes metabolize ethanol (EtOH) primarily through two steps of oxidative catabolism in which alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) play central roles. The ADH‐ALDH pathway also governs the metabolism of retinol (vitamin A) to its transcriptionally active metabolite, retinoic acid (RA). In this study, we defined that the ADH‐ALDH pathway serves as a potent antiviral host factor in hepatocytes, which regulates the expression of interferon (IFN)‐stimulated genes (ISGs) by biogenesis of RA. ISGs constitute over 300 antiviral effectors, which cooperatively govern intracellular antiviral innate immunity. Our study revealed that intracellular RA levels greatly influence ISG expression under basal conditions. Moreover, RA augments ISG induction in response to viral infection or exposure to IFN in a gene‐specific manner. Lastly, our results demonstrated that EtOH attenuates the antiviral function of the ADH‐ALDH pathway, which suggests the possibility that EtOH‐retinol metabolic competition is one of the molecular mechanisms for the synergism between HCV and alcohol abuse in liver disease progression. Conclusions: RA plays a critical role in the regulation of intracellular antiviral innate immunity in hepatocytes. (Hepatology 2016;63:1783‐1795)
Preparation of silk fibroin carriers for controlled release
Authors: Liu Qiang , Liu Haifeng , Fan Yubo
Published: December 2015

Silk fibroin provides a new option for controlled release systems as a result of its excellent biodegradability, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties. As the core material, silk fibroin can be designed and widely used in drug/gene delivery, regenerative medicine, and other biomedical fields. This review focuses on the preparation methods, loading molecules, and applications of silk fibroin‐based controlled release systems including microspheres, microcapsules, films, microparticles, microneedles, liposomes, and hydrogels. These systems provide numerous advantages such as high encapsulation efficiency, avoiding loss of bioactivity and maintaining desirable range without peaks and valleys in comparison to the traditional administration approaches. Microsc. Res. Tech. 80:312–320, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Numerical stability for modelling of dynamic two‐phase interaction
Authors: Mieremet M.M.J. , Stolle D.F. , Ceccato F. , Vuik C.
Published: December 2015

Dynamic two‐phase interaction of soil can be modelled by a displacement‐based, two‐phase formulation. The finite element method together with a semi‐implicit Euler–Cromer time‐stepping scheme renders a discrete equation that can be solved by recursion. By experience, it is found that the CFL stability condition for undrained wave propagation is not sufficient for the considered two‐phase formulation to be numerically stable at low values of permeability. Because the stability analysis of the two‐phase formulation is onerous, an analysis is performed on a simplified two‐phase formulation that is derived by assuming an incompressible pore fluid. The deformation of saturated porous media is now captured in a single, second‐order partial differential equation, where the energy dissipation associated with the flow of the fluid relative to the soil skeleton is represented by a damping term. The paper focuses on the different options to discretize the damping term and its effect on the stability criterion. Based on the eigenvalue analyses of a single element, it is observed that in addition to the CFL stability condition, the influence of the permeability must be included. This paper introduces a permeability‐dependent stability criterion. The findings are illustrated and validated with an example for the dynamic response of a sand deposit. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of adiposity on cellular adhesion: The Multi‐Ethnic Study of atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Christoph Mary J. , Allison Matthew A. , Pankow James S. , Decker Paul A. , Kirsch Phillip S. , Tsai Michael Y. , Sale Michele M. , de Andrade Mariza , Sicotte Hugues , Tang Weihong , Hanson Naomi Q. , Berardi Cecilia , Wassel Christina L. , Larson Nicholas B. , Bielinski Suzette J.
Published: December 2015

Objective

At the cellular level, how excess adiposity promotes atherogenesis is not fully understood. One pathway involves secretion of adipokines that stimulate endothelial dysfunction through increased expression of adhesion molecules. However, the relationship of adiposity to adhesion molecules that promote atherosclerosis is largely unknown.

Methods

Linear regression models were used to assess the sex‐specific associations of soluble cellular adhesion molecules (sP‐ and sL‐selectin, sICAM‐1, sVCAM‐1, and sHGF) and adiposity in 5,974 adults examined as part of the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Adiposity measures included body mass index (BMI), waist‐to‐hip‐ratio (WHR), and computed tomography measures of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT).

Results

The mean age was 64 years and 52% were female. In multivariable models adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, sHGF was positively associated with BMI, WHR, and VAT in both males and females, and sP‐selectin with WHR and VAT in males. sVCAM‐1 was inversely associated with VAT in females only.

Conclusions

Our results showed the relation of adiposity to soluble cellular adhesion proteins was similar across adiposity measures and for both sexes. However, the relationship between adiposity and sVCAM‐1 and P‐selectin may be modified by sex and the measure used to assess adiposity.
Protein source in a high‐protein diet modulates reductions in insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in fa/fa Zucker rats
Authors: Wojcik Jennifer L. , Devassy Jessay G. , Wu Yinghong , Zahradka Peter , Taylor Carla G. , Aukema Harold M.
Published: December 2015

Objective

High‐protein diets are being promoted to reduce insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in metabolic syndrome. Therefore, the effect of protein source in high‐protein diets on reducing insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis was examined.

Methods

Fa/fa Zucker rats were provided normal‐protein (15% of energy) casein, high‐protein (35% of energy) casein, high‐protein soy, or high‐protein mixed diets with animal and plant proteins.

Results

The high‐protein mixed diet reduced area under the curve for insulin during glucose tolerance testing, fasting serum insulin and free fatty acid concentrations, homeostatic model assessment index, insulin to glucose ratio, and pancreatic islet cell area. The high‐protein mixed and the high‐protein soy diets reduced hepatic lipid concentrations, liver to body weight ratio, and hepatic steatosis rating. These improvements were observed despite no differences in body weight, feed intake, or adiposity among high‐protein diet groups. The high‐protein casein diet had minimal benefits.

Conclusions

A high‐protein mixed diet was the most effective for modulating reductions in insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis independent of weight loss, indicating that the source of protein within a high‐protein diet is critical for the management of these metabolic syndrome parameters.
Using synchronous distance education to deliver a weight loss intervention: A randomized trial
Authors: Dunn Carolyn , Olabode‐Dada Olusola , Whetstone Lauren , Thomas Cathy , Aggarwal Surabhi , Nordby Kelly , Thompson Samuel , Johnson Madison , Allison Christine
Published: December 2015

Objective

To implement a randomized trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a weight loss program delivered using synchronous distance education compared with a wait‐list control group with 6‐month follow‐up.

Methods

Adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 were randomized to the intervention (n = 42) or wait‐list control group (n = 38). The intervention group participated in a synchronous, online, 15‐week weight loss program; weight loss was the primary outcome. Secondary measures included height, BMI, and confidence in ability to be physically active and eat healthy. Assessments occurred at three and four time points in the intervention and control group, respectively.

Results

Participants who completed the program lost significantly more weight (1.8 kg) than those in the wait‐list control group (0.25 kg) at week 15 [F(1,61) = 6.19, P = 0.02] and had a greater reduction in BMI (0.71 vs. 0.14 kg/m2), [F(1,61) = 7.45, P = 0.01]. There were no significant differences between the intervention and the wait‐list control groups for change in confidence in ability to be physically active or eat healthy. Weight loss was maintained at 6 months.

Conclusions

Use of synchronous distance education is a promising approach for weight loss. The results of this study will help to inform future research that employs Web‐based interventions.
Lifetime indirect cost of childhood overweight and obesity: A decision analytic model
Authors: Sonntag Diana , Ali Shehzad , De Bock Freia
Published: December 2015

Objective

To estimate the indirect lifetime cost of childhood overweight and obesity for Germany.

Methods

The lifetime cohort model consisted of two parts: (a) Model I used data from the German Interview and Examination Survey for Children on prevalence of BMI categories during childhood to evaluate BMI trajectories before the age of 18; and (b) Model II estimated lifetime excess indirect cost based on the history of childhood BMI. Indirect costs were defined as the opportunity cost of lost productivity due to mortality and morbidity and were identified through a systematic literature review.

Results

Our analysis showed that the majority of children with overweight and obesity remained in the same BMI category during their adult life, resulting in significant indirect lifetime costs. We estimated that overweight and obesity during childhood resulted in an excess lifetime cost per person of €4,209 (men) and €2,445 (women). For the current prevalent German population, the excess lifetime cost was €145 billion.

Conclusions

Our study showed that childhood obesity results in significant economic burden on the society. Therefore, cost‐effective strategies targeted at reducing the prevalence of obesity during the early years of life can significantly reduce both healthcare and nonhealthcare costs over the lifetime.
Associations between obesity and cognition in the pre‐school years
Authors: Martin Anne , Booth Josephine N. , Young David , Revie Matthew , Boyter Anne C. , Johnston Blair , Tomporowski Phillip D. , Reilly John J.
Published: December 2015

Objective

To test the hypothesis that obesity is associated with impaired cognitive outcomes in the pre‐school years.

Methods

Associations were examined between weight status at age 3‐5 years and cognitive performance at age 5 years. Cognitive outcome measures were tests of pattern construction (visuospatial skills), naming vocabulary (expressive language skills), and picture similarity (reasoning skills). The sample was the UK Millennium Cohort Study (n = 12,349 participants).

Results

Boys with obesity at 3 years had significantly lower performance in pattern construction at age 5 years compared to those of a healthy weight, even after controlling for confounders (β = −0.029, P = 0.03). Controlling for confounders, boys who developed obesity between the ages of 3 and 5 years had lower scores in pattern construction (β = −0.03, P = 0.03). “Growing out” of obesity had a positive association with picture similarity performance in girls (β = 0.03, P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Obesity in the pre‐school years was associated with poorer outcomes for some cognitive measures in this study. Stronger relationships between obesity and cognition or educational attainment may emerge later in childhood.
Differential methylation in inflammation and type 2 diabetes genes in siblings born before and after maternal bariatric surgery
Authors: Berglind Daniel , Müller Patrick , Willmer Mikaela , Sinha Indranil , Tynelius Per , Näslund Erik , Dahlman‐Wright Karin , Rasmussen Finn
Published: December 2015

Objective

Siblings born before (BMS) and after (AMS) maternal biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) show differences in the methylome. The objective was to use a sibling‐pair design to examine the effects from interpregnancy weight loss as a consequence of maternal bariatric surgery, other than BPD, on the methylome comparing BMS and AMS.

Methods

Women with at least one child born before and one after bariatric surgery were identified in Swedish national registers. Whole blood samples from BMS (N = 31) and AMS (N = 31) siblings were collected for epigenetic methylation analysis while maternal information was collected from antenatal medical records.

Results

In total 3,074 genes, with corresponding 23,449 CpG methylation sites, were differently methylated and associated with an overrepresentation of differently methylated CpG sites in genes involved with insulin receptor signaling, type 2 diabetes signaling, and leptin signaling in obesity, while the most significant differently methylated genes were HLA‐DQA1, HLA‐DQB1, and TSPAN18, when comparing BMS and AMS siblings.

Conclusions

These results suggest that maternal bariatric surgery, with subsequent weight loss between pregnancies, is associated with alterations in the methylome of genes involved in insulin receptor signaling, type 2 diabetes signaling, and leptin signaling in obesity in a comparison of BMS and AMS siblings.
Fetal epicardial fat thickness in diabetic and non‐diabetic pregnancies: A retrospective cross‐sectional study
Authors: Jackson Daniel , Deschamps David , Myers Dean , Fields David , Knudtson Eric , Gunatilake Ravindu
Published: December 2015

Objective

To evaluate fetal epicardial fat thickness (EFT) in diabetic and control pregnancies.

Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional study was performed in which fetal EFT was measured in the second trimester in 28 diabetics and 28 non‐diabetic patients. Maternal BMI, estimated fetal weight, birth weight, fetal abdominal circumference, and subcutaneous fat thickness were also collected. Statistical analysis was carried out by means of chi‐square, Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, Student's T test, and linear regression as appropriate.

Results

EFT was significantly higher in diabetic (1.43 mm) vs. control fetuses (1.16 mm), P = 0.02. This relationship remained significant when controlling for covariates.

Conclusions

EFT was higher in fetuses of diabetic mothers vs. fetuses from controls. If confirmed in prospective studies, this may represent a novel marker for altered fetal metabolism due to maternal diabetes.
A comparison of line‐transect distance sampling methods for estimating gopher tortoise population densities
Authors: Castellón Traci D. , Rothermel Betsie B. , Nomani Saif Z.
Published: December 2015

Line‐transect distance sampling (LTDS) is increasingly used to estimate gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) densities. The process requires detecting tortoise burrows, and then determining occupancy. We compared 3 LTDS approaches that differ in how burrow detection and occupancy data are integrated, and 2 search strategies. Surveys were conducted at Avon Park Air Force Range in South‐central Florida, USA, from April through October 2009. These include 1) LTDS using data from occupied burrows only; 2) LTDS with burrows treated as “clusters” of size 1 or 0 depending on occupancy; 3) LTDS to estimate burrow densities, with occupancy modeling to estimate occupancy rates; and 4) 2 search strategies: standard versus expanded searches. The LTDS method produced reliable burrow density estimates, and tortoise densities were estimated most precisely and with least effort using data from occupied burrows only. However, any method could be biased if burrow occupancy is uncertain. Indeed, in the Florida scrub and pine flatwoods habitats, video‐camera scoping was hindered by groundwater or obstructions, resulting in undetermined occupancy for 45% of burrows. Improving scope technologies and surveying during the dry season has improved subsequent results for xeric habitats; however, research is needed to improve detectability of tortoises in mesic habitats with flooded burrows. If occupancy is uncertain, we recommend collecting data on all burrows, irrespective of occupancy, so that burrow densities can be estimated even if occupancy cannot. We do not recommend expanding the search area with sigmoid search paths adjacent to transects owing to potential violations of assumptions, nor use of occupancy modeling, because model requirements may lead to unacceptable exclusion of data. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
ME-plot: A QC package for bisulfite sequencing reads
Authors: Kim Bong-Hyun
Published: December 2015

Summary:Bisulfite sequencing is the gold standard method for analyzing methylomes. However, the effect of quality control in bisulfite sequencing has not been studied extensively. We developed a package ME-Plot to detect the errors in bisulfite sequencing mapping data and produce higher quality methylation calls by trimming low quality portions of the reads. Our simulation results on both randomly generated reads where methylation status is known and real world data indicate that ME-plot can detect errors in methylation mapping procedures and suggest post-processing steps to reduce the errors. ME-Plot requires SAM/BAM files for its analysis.Availability:The python package is available at the following URL.https://github.com/joshuabhk/methylsuite