bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fuelwood extraction intensity drives compensatory regrowth in African savanna communal lands
Authors: Mograbi Penelope J. , Witkowski Ed T.F. , Erasmus Barend F.N. , Asner Gregory P. , Fisher Jolene T. , Mathieu Renaud , Wessels Konrad J.
Published: October 2018

Woody biomass remains the primary energy source for domestic use in the developing world, raising concerns about woodland sustainability. Yet woodland regenerative capacity and the adaptive response of harvesters to localised fuelwood shortages are often underestimated or unaccounted for in fuelwood supply–demand models. Here, we explore the rates and patterns of height‐specific woody vegetation structural dynamics in three communal lands in a semiarid savanna in South Africa. Using repeat, airborne light detection and ranging, we measured height‐specific change in woody vegetation structure, and the relative influence of geology, fire, and ease of access to fuelwood. Monitoring 634,284 trees canopies over 4 years revealed high compensatory growth, particularly in the high wood extraction communal land: 34.1% of trees increased in height >1 m. Vegetation structural patterns were associated with ease of access to the communal land but were mediated by wood extraction intensity. In these communal lands, vegetation structural dynamics show rapid woody thickening as a response to repeat harvesting. However, loss of height in vegetation structure did not follow a gradient of wood extraction intensity. We propose a conceptual framework to better understand change in vegetation structural metrics and the paradoxical phenomenon of high growth in high wood extraction scenarios. We also show coadaptive responses of humans and woody vegetation to fuelwood harvesting in human–environment systems through patterns of regrowth response relative to ease of access to fuelwood resources.
Age‐dependent variations of scalp thickness in the area designated for a cochlear implant receiver stimulator
Authors: Ungar Omer J. , Amit Uri , Cavel Oren , Oron Yahav , Handzel Ophir
Published: October 2018

Objective

The integrity of the scalp overlying a cochlear implant receiver stimulator (RS) is critical for the long‐term survival of the implant. Exposure or extrusion of the device will likely result in the need for its removal. There is a global trend of acceleration of population aging, thus raising the prevalence of cochlear implantation (CI) in the elderly. The aim of this study was to define age‐dependent changes in scalp thickness and discuss the implication of that anatomical characteristic for CI in the geriatric population.

Methods

Scalp thickness over the location of the RS in the temporo‐parietal area was measured directly with a needle in patients of various ages.

Results

Two‐hundred thirty‐six temporo‐parietal scalps were measured in patients aged 18 to 85 years. A strong inverse correlation was found between age and scalp thickness (rs = ‐0.723, P < .001). Scalp thickness decreased with age from a mean of 8 mm in the third decade of life to 5 mm in the ninth decade of life.

Conclusion

The human scalp thins with age and most likely undergoes a reduction in its strength. As a consequence, implantable hearing devices that are shielded by the scalp can be at increased risk of exposure and extrusion in the aging recipient. This needs to be taken into account when considering an implantation procedure, the surgical approach and patient instructions on need for and venues for continuing care over time.

Level of Evidence

2B
Cast adrift: Physiology and dispersal of benthic Sargassum spinuligerum in surface rafts
Authors: van Hees Daniel H. , Olsen Ylva S. , Mattio Lydiane , Ruiz‐Montoya Leonardo , Wernberg Thomas , Kendrick Gary A.
Published: October 2018

Connectivity of populations through the transfer of individuals is one of the key processes for maintaining ecosystem stability and resilience of coastal ecosystems. During reproduction, dislodged seaweeds of the genus Sargassum form large pelagic surface rafts that can persist for several weeks, and potentially act as a dispersal vector. In surface rafts, seaweeds are rapidly exposed to increased light, elevated temperatures, and altered hydrodynamic conditions. Acclimation to surface conditions is necessary for survival during the rafting phase, but there is limited knowledge of seaweed physiology in rafts. To understand the mechanisms for acclimation, we created rafts of floating Sargassum spinuligerum for 2 weeks and compared these experimental fronds to those attached to the seafloor. We measured nutrients, photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic pigments, and phlorotannins to investigate their role in the persistence of mature Sargassum at the ocean surface as indicated by photosynthetic rates and reproductive status. We also studied potential surface movement of the rafted seaweed over 3‐weeks of particle tracking using an existing oceanographic model. Photosynthesis and reproductive status were similar between benthic and rafted seaweeds, indicating no change to overall metabolic processes during rafting. While phlorotannin concentrations and photosynthetic pigments were unchanged, photoprotective xanthophyll pigments were more abundant in rafted individuals, suggesting acclimation to surface light conditions. Our results suggest that, in the short term, S. spinuligerum employ chemical strategies to acclimate and maintain physiological processes in the rafting environment and potentially fix more carbon, allowing these rafts to act as dispersal vectors among populations over tens of kilometers apart.
Divergent developmental patterns of induced morphological defenses in rotifers and Daphnia: Ecological and evolutionary context
Authors: Riessen Howard P. , Gilbert John J.
Published: October 2018

Induced morphological defenses commonly develop in some loricate rotifers as greatly increased spine development and in many species of the cladoceran genus Daphnia as an alteration in the shape and size of its head, producing helmets, crests, and neck spines. This restructuring of the shape of these animals during development, which reduces their vulnerability to a variety of planktonic predators, involves a series of developmental challenges and potential evolutionary constraints for each specific type of defense. In this review, we examine these challenges and the divergent developmental patterns that evolved in rotifers and Daphnia in response to the particular forms of predation pressure they face in their lake and pond environments. These patterns involve differences in the sensitivity of various developmental stages to predator kairomones, the timing of when the defense is present during postembryonic development, the ability to reverse the induced defense if the predator disappears from the community, and the effect of water temperature on the induction process. The type of developmental pattern associated with each induced defense appears to have been shaped by natural selection to effectively protect the animal, at minimal cost, from the specific kind of predation pressure to which it is commonly subjected.
Comparison of treatment options for small to medium congenital melanocytic nevi: A retrospective review of 119 cases
Authors: Lim Jung Min , Oh Yeongjoo , Lee Si‐Hyung , Cho Mi Yeon , Chung Kee Yang , Roh Mi Ryung
Published: October 2018

Objectives

For small to medium sized congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN), the treatment of choice is staged surgical excision. Ablative lasers or pigment‐specific lasers have also been recommended for lesions difficult for surgical removal or to avoid surgery. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the results of several treatment options for CMN to find out the optimal treatment method.

Methods

Patients with small to medium sized CMN were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment options were categorized into four groups: (i) Excision only; (ii) Excision followed by scar laser; (iii) Excision followed by pigment‐specific laser; and (iv) Laser only. Treatment response was assessed by investigator's global assessment (IGA) score on a seven‐point scale.

Results

A total of 119 cases were included. Lesions were most commonly located on the face (59/119, 49.6%), measured 2 ∼ 10 cm in size (72/119, 60.5%), and treated with excision only (50/119, 42.0%). Among treatment options, excision followed by scar laser showed the highest IGA score of 6.38. Options including surgical methods showed higher IGA scores compared to laser‐only treatment (P < 0.01). Staged excisions and single excisions showed no difference in IGA scores. Patient satisfaction scores increased after scar laser treatment of the staged excision scar.

Conclusions

For the treatment of small to medium sized CMN, treatment strategies including surgical methods are cosmetically superior to laser‐only treatment. Also, the combination of surgical excision with scar laser has the potential for better clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:62–67, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recurrent and De Novo Autoimmune Hepatitis
Authors: Stirnimann Guido , Ebadi Maryam , Czaja Albert J. , Montano‐Loza Aldo J.
Published: October 2018

Clinical indications for liver transplantation (LT) in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are identical to those of patients with other chronic liver diseases that end in acute or semiacute liver failure, decompensated cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma. Recurrent disease after LT has been reported in 10%‐50% of patients with AIH, and the frequency of detection is influenced in part by the use of protocol or clinically indicated liver biopsy. De novo AIH connotes the development of AIH in patients transplanted for liver diseases other than AIH, and it has been reported in 5%‐10% of pediatric and 1%‐2% of adult recipients. Recurrent disease can negatively impact on graft and patient survival, and retransplantation has been required in 8%‐23%. De novo AIH is within the spectrum of graft dysfunction that includes plasma cell–rich rejection, and it can also progress to cirrhosis and graft failure. Treatment for recurrent or de novo disease is based on the conventional regimens for AIH, and corticosteroid therapy alone or combined with azathioprine is standard. Better control of disease activity prior to LT has been associated with less recurrence, and maintenance corticosteroid treatment after LT can reduce its frequency. In conclusion, recurrent AIH is far more frequent than de novo AIH. Both may have negative impacts on graft and patient survival, and early detection and treatment are key objectives. Future investigations must codify the diagnostic criteria for each graft dysfunction, seek diagnostic biomarkers, and evaluate treatments that improve outcomes without increasing the risk of pre‐ and post‐LT infections.
State legislature, grants support Nebraska BH workforce growth
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2018

Program officials at a Nebraska‐based education center and university are observing strong trends in its behavioral health workforce courtesy of innovative programs for students and professionals and the support of the state legislature.
Mathematical modeling of the semi‐Markovian random walk processes with jumps and delaying screen by means of a fractional order differential equation
Authors: Bandaliyev Rovshan A. , Nasirova Tamilla I. , Omarova Konul K.
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we investigate the semi‐Markovian random walk processes with jumps and delaying screen in zero. The Laplace transform on time, Laplace‐ Stieltjes transform on phase of the conditional distribution of semi‐Markovian random walk processes with jumps is found. We get a mathematical modeling of the semi‐Markov random walk processes with a delaying screen in zero, given in general form by means of integral equation. In this paper, the residence time of the system is given by the gamma distribution with the parameters α and β resulting in a fractional order integral equation. The purpose of this paper is to reduce the fractional order integral equation to a fractional order differential equation. Finally, we find the exact solution of fractional order differential equation.
Viscosity vanishing limit of the nonlinear pipe magnetohydrodynamic flow with diffusion
Authors: Wu Zhonglin , Wang Shu
Published: October 2018

We establish viscosity vanishing limit of the nonlinear pipe magnetohydrodynamic flow by the mathematical validity of the Prandtl boundary layer theory with fixed diffusion. The convergence is verified under various Sobolev norms, including the L∞(H1) norm.
New predictor‐corrector scheme for solving nonlinear differential equations with Caputo‐Fabrizio operator
Authors: Toh Yoke Teng , Phang Chang , Loh Jian Rong
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we develop a new, simple, and accurate scheme to obtain approximate solution for nonlinear differential equation in the sense of Caputo‐Fabrizio operator. To derive this new predictor‐corrector scheme, which suits on Caputo‐Fabrizio operator, firstly, we obtain the corresponding initial value problem for the differential equation in the Caputo‐Fabrizio sense. Hence, by fractional Euler method and fractional trapeziodal rule, we obtain the predictor formula as well as corrector formula. Error analysis for this new method is derived. To test the validity and simplicity of this method, some illustrative examples for nonlinear differential equations are solved.
Spectral analysis of an impulsive quantum difference operator
Authors: Bohner Martin , Cebesoy Serifenur
Published: October 2018

This paper studies spectral analysis and symmetries of quantum difference equations of second order together with an impulsive condition. By determining a transfer matrix, we investigate the locations of the eigenvalues and spectral singularities of an operator corresponding to the q‐difference equation.
Spatiotemporal sensitivity of systems modeled by cellular automata
Authors: Fujarewicz Krzysztof , Łakomiec Krzysztof
Published: October 2018

Cellular automata are frequently used to model dynamics of spatial systems. This work shows how a so‐called structural adjoint sensitivity analysis may be applied to such systems. It is assumed that the cellular automaton has a continuous state, a spatiotemporal input, and is characterized by one scalar objective function specified, for example, in a given optimization or parameter optimization problem. With this analysis, it is possible to calculate efficiently a gradient of the objective function in a space of the spatiotemporal input of the automata. As an example, a model of tumor growth with an introduced spatiotemporal irradiation signal is analysed.
Technical Note: Model‐based magnification/minification correction of patient size surrogates extracted from CT localizers
Authors: Burton Christiane Sarah , Malkus Annie , Ranallo Frank , Szczykutowicz Timothy P.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Patient size‐specific dose estimate (SSDE) calculations require knowledge of a patient’s size. Errors in patient size propagate through SSDE calculations. AAPM Reports 204 and 220 recommend that a magnification correction be applied to patient size surrogates extracted from CT localizer radiographs. This technical note presents a novel approach for such a magnification correction.

Methods

In our model‐based magnification correction, we assume that the patient’s cross sections are elliptical with minor and major axes defined using the anterior–posterior (AP) and lateral (LAT) patient dimensions. We parameterize the problem by modeling a line emanating from the source, grazing the patient (i.e., the ellipse), and then terminating onto the detector plane. We model tangent lines on each side of the ellipse on both the LAT and AP CT localizer radiographs. We also account for vertical mispositioning with table offset. We compared our correction model to the actual AP and LAT dimensions to the vendor‐supplied CT localizer images that only received a geometric magnification correction, and to other methods described in the literature. We compare our model to the others using direct size to size comparisons as well as SSDE conversion factor.

Results

Our model‐based method provides consistent accurate results (less than 1.8% error for absolute size and 1.2% error for SSDE for all measurement conditions) for all positions and patient sizes. Existing literature‐based methods had maximum errors for absolute size and SSDE of 7.5% and 5.2%, and for the vendor, they were 30.9% and 17.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

We presented a new model‐based geometric size correction method that outperforms a simple geometric correction as well as other methods presented in the literature. By modeling the patient cross section and beam geometry using information all derived from the DICOM header and CT localizer views, we demonstrated SSDE correction factor improvements from 17.0% (vendor correction) to 1.2% (model base). These changes correspond directly into changes in SSDE itself and also represent clinically realistic patient sizes and mispositioning amounts.
Translation of Carbon‐13 EPI for hyperpolarized MR molecular imaging of prostate and brain cancer patients
Authors: Gordon Jeremy W. , Chen Hsin‐Yu , Autry Adam , Park Ilwoo , Van Criekinge Mark , Mammoli Daniele , Milshteyn Eugene , Bok Robert , Xu Duan , Li Yan , Aggarwal Rahul , Chang Susan , Slater James B. , Ferrone Marcus , Nelson Sarah , Kurhanewicz John , Larson Peder E.Z. , Vigneron Daniel B.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To develop and translate a metabolite‐specific imaging sequence using a symmetric echo planar readout for clinical hyperpolarized (HP) Carbon‐13 (13C) applications.

Methods

Initial data were acquired from patients with prostate cancer (N = 3) and high‐grade brain tumors (N = 3) on a 3T scanner. Samples of [1‐13C]pyruvate were polarized for at least 2 h using a 5T SPINlab system operating at 0.8 K. Following injection of the HP substrate, pyruvate, lactate, and bicarbonate (for brain studies) were sequentially excited with a singleband spectral‐spatial RF pulse and signal was rapidly encoded with a single‐shot echo planar readout on a slice‐by‐slice basis. Data were acquired dynamically with a temporal resolution of 2 s for prostate studies and 3 s for brain studies.

Results

High pyruvate signal was seen throughout the prostate and brain, with conversion to lactate being shown across studies, whereas bicarbonate production was also detected in the brain. No Nyquist ghost artifacts or obvious geometric distortion from the echo planar readout were observed. The average error in center frequency was 1.2 ± 17.0 and 4.5 ± 1.4 Hz for prostate and brain studies, respectively, below the threshold for spatial shift because of bulk off‐resonance.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the feasibility of symmetric EPI to acquire HP 13C metabolite maps in a clinical setting. As an advance over prior single‐slice dynamic or single time point volumetric spectroscopic imaging approaches, this metabolite‐specific EPI acquisition provided robust whole‐organ coverage for brain and prostate studies while retaining high SNR, spatial resolution, and dynamic temporal resolution.
May perioperative ultrasound‐guided pelvic floor muscle training promote early recovery of urinary continence after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy?
Authors: Yoshida Mikako , Matsunaga Akiko , Igawa Yasuhiko , Fujimura Tetsuya , Shinoda Yusuke , Aizawa Naoki , Sato Yusuke , Kume Haruki , Homma Yukio , Haga Nobuhiko , Sanada Hiromi
Published: October 2018

Aims

The efficacy of perioperative pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for continence recovery after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) remains unclear. Visualization of the bladder neck and urethra using transperineal ultrasound (US) may promote self‐recognition of urethral closure during PFM contraction. This study aimed to examine whether transperineal US‐guided PFMT promotes early recovery of post‐RARP incontinence.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 116 men undergoing RARP. All men were offered to undergo transperineal US‐guided PFMT, and 36 men agreed. The protocol consisted of biofeedback PFMT using transperineal US before RARP and 1‐month after RARP with verbal instruction of PFMT immediately after urethral catheter removal. The remaining 80 patients received verbal instruction for PFMT alone. Continence recovery was defined as the number of days requiring a small pad (20 g) per day by self‐report.

Results

No differences were observed in demographic or peri‐operative parameters between the two groups except the longer operative time in the US‐guided PFMT group. The mean time until continence recovery was significantly shorter in the US‐guided PFMT group (75.6 ± 100.0 days) than in the verbal‐PFMT group (121.8 ± 132.0 days, P = 0.037). Continence recovery rates within 30 days were 52.8% (19/36) and 35.4% (28/80) in the US‐guided PFMT and verbal‐PFMT groups, respectively (P = 0.081). US‐guided PFMT was associated with better postoperative continence status (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.550 [0.336‐0.900], P = 0.017).

Conclusions

The results showed that transperineal US‐guided PFMT perioperatively was associated with early recovery of urinary continence after RARP.
The drug‐resistant pudendal neuralgia management: A systematic review
Authors: Tricard Thibault , Munier Pierre , Story Fleur , Lang Hervé , Saussine Christian
Published: October 2018

Aims

Pudendal neuralgia (PN) due to pudendal nerve entrapment is a well‐known disease in medical community but both diagnostic and treatment may be delayed for patients. The goal of this study was to achieve a systematic review of the published treatments of PN in order to help physician to take their decision to treat PN.

Methods

A Systematic review based on MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed to identify articles related to PN. Studies involving ≥ 10 patients presenting PN according to Nantes's criteria who were managed with an intervention for their pain were reviewed. Data were extracted manually for qualitative analysis.

Results

Fifteen studies involving 672 patients (mean age 53.2 +/−5.1, SD 95%) were included. Nine different types of treatments were evaluated. Effectiveness of the treatments was heterogeneously assessed. Pain improvement was achieved in 41% to 100%, 13.4% to 100%, 60% to 100%, 12.2% to 100% in immediate, 3‐month, 6‐month, and 1‐year post procedure, respectively. Complications reported were all grade ≤ II of Dindo‐Clavien classification's. Given the heterogeneity of the outcomes measures and the lack of homogeneous prospective studies, no recommendation could be established to choose in between treatments. Methodological quality of the studies was heterogeneous.

Conclusion

Many treatments seems available for drug‐resistant PN. Given the heterogeneity of the outcomes measures and the lack of homogeneous prospective studies, no recommendation could be established to determine the best management strategy. Further studies about PN management are needed and should have common endpoint and follow‐up.
An ideal e‐health system for pelvic floor muscle training adherence: Systematic review
Authors: Latorre Gustavo F. S. , de Fraga Rogério , Seleme Maura R. , Mueller Cláudia V. , Berghmans Bary
Published: October 2018

Background

Nowadays, Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) is a first line, level 1 evidence‐based treatment for urinary incontinence (UI), but adherence to PFMT is often problematic. Today, there are several mobile applications (mApps) for PFMT, but many lack specific strategies for enhancing adherence.

Aims

To review available mApps for improvement of adherence to PFMT, and to introduce a new App so called iPelvis.

Methods

Review study all available mApps for PFMT and relevant literature regarding adherence by electronic search through the databases Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL, LILACS, PEDro, and Scielo. Based on these results, development of a mApp, called “iPelvis” for Apple™ and Android™ systems, implementing relevant strategies to improve adherence.

Results

Based on the current adherence literature we were able to identify 12 variables helping to create the optimal mApp for PFMT. None of the identified 61 mApps found for Android™ and 16 for Apple™ has all these 12 variables. iPelvis mApp and websites were constructed taking into consideration those 12 variables and its construct is now being subject to ongoing validation studies.

Conclusion

MApps for PFMT are an essential part of first‐line, efficient interventions of UI and have potentials to improve adherence, in case these respect the principles of PFMT, motor learning and adherence to PFMT. iPelvis has been constructed respecting all essential variables related to adherence to PFMT and may enhance the effects of UI treatment.
Proton MRS of cervical cancer at 7 T
Authors: Arteaga de Castro C.S. , Hoogendam J.P. , van Kalleveen I.M.L. , Raaijmakers A.J.E. , Zweemer R.P. , Verheijen R.H.M. , Luijten P.R. , Veldhuis W.B. , Klomp D.W.J.
Published: October 2018

The differentiation grade of cervical cancer is histologically assessed by examining biopsies or surgical specimens.

MRS is a highly sensitive technique that images tissue metabolism and can be used to increase the specificity of tissue characterization in a non‐invasive manner. We aim to explore the feasibility of using in vivo 1H‐MRS at 7 T in women with cervical cancer to study tissue fatty acid composition.

10 women with histologically proven Stage IB1‐IIB cervical cancer were scanned with a whole‐body 7 T MR system with a multi‐transmit system and an internal receive only monopole antenna. A STEAM sequence was used to obtain 1H‐MRS data. Fatty acid resonances were fitted with Lorentzian curves and the 2.1 ppm/1.3 ppm ratios were calculated.

1H‐MRS data showed fatty acid signals resonating at 2.1 ppm, 1.9 ppm, 1.5 ppm, 1.3 ppm and 0.9 ppm. Mean 2.1/1.3 ppm ratios were 0.019 ± 0.01, 0.021 ± 0.006, 0.12 ± 0.089 and 0.39 ± 0.27 for normal, Grade I, Grade II and Grade III groups respectively. Poorly differentiated tumor tissue (Grade III) showed elevated fatty acid ratios when compared with the well differentiated tumor (Grade I) or normal tissue.

1H‐MRS in cervical cancer at 7 T is feasible and individual fatty acid signals were detected. In addition, poorly differentiated tumors show more fatty acid unsaturation. The 2.1 ppm/1.3 ppm ratio has potential for tumor characterization in a non‐invasive manner for uterine cervical cancer.
A POD‐selective inverse distance weighting method for fast parametrized shape morphing
Authors: Ballarin Francesco , D'Amario Alessandro , Perotto Simona , Rozza Gianluigi
Published: October 2018

Efficient shape morphing techniques play a crucial role in the approximation of partial differential equations defined in parametrized domains, such as for fluid‐structure interaction or shape optimization problems. In this paper, we focus on inverse distance weighting (IDW) interpolation techniques, where a reference domain is morphed into a deformed one via the displacement of a set of control points. We aim at reducing the computational burden characterizing a standard IDW approach without significantly compromising the accuracy. To this aim, first we propose an improvement of IDW based on a geometric criterion that automatically selects a subset of the original set of control points. Then, we combine this new approach with a dimensionality reduction technique based on a proper orthogonal decomposition of the set of admissible displacements. This choice further reduces computational costs. We verify the performances of the new IDW techniques on several tests by investigating the trade‐off reached in terms of accuracy and efficiency.
In situ fabrication of graphene oxide supported nano silica for the preparation of rubber composites with high mechanical strength and thermal conductivity
Authors: Dong Huanhuan , Jia Zhixin , Luo Yuanfang , Zhong Bangchao , Jia Demin
Published: October 2018

Graphene oxide (GO) supported nano silica (SiO2), SiO2‐GO, was synthesized via in situ hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) on GO surface. It was proved that SiO2 nanoparticles with an average particle diameter of ca. 30 nm were covalently grafted through Si—O—C bonds and evenly distributed on the surface of GO sheets. Subsequently, SiO2—GO was incorporated into styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) latex to prepare elastomer composite (SBR/SiO2‐GO). As expected, because of the unique architecture of SiO2‐GO, the irreversible agglomeration of SiO2 or GO was eliminated and the nanohybrid was uniformly dispersed in the rubber composites. In addition, the interfacial interaction between SiO2‐GO and rubber was also significantly improved. Consequently, SBR/SiO2‐GO composites showed much higher mechanical strength than SBR composites containing equal amount of GO or physical mixture of SiO2/GO. For example, when the filler content is 6 phr, the tensile strength of SBR/SiO2‐GO composites is further increased by 21% and 94% compared to those of SBR/GO and SBR/SiO2/GO composites, respectively. Moreover, SiO2‐GO nano hybrid can also endow rubber composites with better thermal conductivity than the physical mixture of SiO2 and GO. Potentially, this unique hybrid architecture synthesized in this work may provide a new method for the preparation of high‐performance elastomer composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1633–E1641, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Thermal transitions and stability of melt mixed TiO2/Poly(L‐lactic acid) nanocomposites
Authors: Athanasoulia Ioanna‐Georgia I. , Tarantili Petroula A.
Published: October 2018

Poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) nanocomposites containing 5, 10, and 20 wt% titanium dioxide (TiO2), were prepared by mixing in a co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder. By X‐ray diffraction, a transformation of less ordered (α’‐form) to better organized crystalline (α‐form) structure of PLLA was observed with increasing TiO2content. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests revealed that cold crystallization was facilitated, as shown by the decrease of cold crystallization temperature (Tcc). The main melting peak of PLLA phase in nanocomposites, shifted towards higher temperatures and a shoulder appeared in the lower temperature flank of the curve, revealing a second peak for 20/80 w/w TiO2/PLLA nanocomposites. The effect of TiO2on the isothermal crystallization of PLLA, in the temperature rangeTic: 100–120°C, was also investigated by DSC. At lower temperatures (Tic: 100 and 110°C), the effect of TiO2nanoparticles is an increase of the crystallization rate, leading to lower time for the completion of crystallization, in comparison with that of pure PLLA. The inverse effect was observed at higher crystallization temperatures (Tic: 115 and 120°C). The kinetic analysis of the crystallization behavior of the examined nanocomposites fits the Avrami equation quite well and gives values for exponent (n) varying between 2 and 3, suggesting a spherulitic crystalline morphology. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:704–713, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Gas barrier and wetting properties of whey protein isolate‐based emulsion films
Authors: Galus Sabina , Kadzińska Justyna
Published: October 2018

The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of rapeseed oil concentration (1–3% w/w) on the water vapor, oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability, water vapor sorption and surface properties of whey protein isolate emulsion‐based films. The water contact angle as affected by oil content, film side and time was analyzed. The effect of temperature (5 and 25°C) on the water vapor permeability (WVP), water vapor sorption kinetics and diffusion coefficient was also studied. The results showed that the incorporation of a lipid phase to whey protein film‐forming solutions was able to decrease the WVP, water hydrophilicity (increasing water contact angle) and water transfer of whey protein films. However, the films containing oil were more permeable to oxygen and carbon dioxide. Significantly higher values of WVP and diffusion coefficient were obtained at 5°C than at 25°C, indicating that storage temperature should be taken into account when designing the composition of edible films and coatings for food applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E375–E383, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Retracted: Radix Paeoniae Alba increases serum estrogen level and up‐regulates estrogen receptor expression in uterus and vagina of immature/ovariectomized mice
Authors: Xu Ying , Li Xin , Chen Ting , Qu Ya‐kun , Zheng Hong‐xia , Zhang Zi‐jia , Zhao Yuan , Lin Na
Published: October 2018

Radix Paeoniae Alba (RPA) is widely used in clinical treatment for gynecological diseases, particularly abnormal menstruation, menstrual pain, and breast tenderness; however, no scientific evidence base links RPA to estrogen replacement therapy. In this study, we characterize estrogenic activity of RPA using immature and ovariectomized (OVX) mice together with in vitro studies focus on estrogen receptor (ER) pathway for molecular mechanism. RPA treatments demonstrated significant estrogenic activity, as indicated by promoting the development of uterus and vagina in immature mice, reversing the atrophy of uterus and vagina in OVX mice, up‐regulating the expressions of ERα and ERβ at protein and mRNA level in reproductive tissues. Meanwhile, RPA significantly increased serum estradiol and clearly decreased serum luteinizing hormone and follicle‐stimulating hormone of immature/OVX mice. Moreover, RPA could induce ER positive MCF‐7 cell from S‐phase to G2 stage and induce proliferation and no influence on ER negative MDA‐MB‐231 cell. RPA could bind with ERα and ERβ and significantly stimulate ERα/β‐estrogen response element (ERE) luciferase reporter gene expression. All activities were inhibited by the ER antagonist ICI 182,780. This study illustrates RPA exerts estrogenic effects by stimulating biosynthesis of estrogen in circulation, up‐regulating ERs in target tissues, and mimicking the estrogen through ER‐ERE‐dependent pathway.
(+)‐Isobicyclogermacrenal and spathulenol from Aristolochia yunnanensis alleviate cardiac fibrosis by inhibiting transforming growth factor β/small mother against decapentaplegic signaling pathway
Authors: Lou Lan‐Lan , Li Wei , Zhou Bin‐Hua , Chen Lin , Weng Han‐Zhuang , Zou Yi‐Hong , Tang Gui‐Hua , Bu Xian‐Zhang , Yin Sheng
Published: October 2018

Cardiac fibrosis contributes to both systolic and diastolic dysfunction in many cardiac pathophysiologic conditions. Antifibrotic therapies are likely to be a crucial strategy in curbing many fibrosis‐related cardiac diseases. In our previous study, an ethyl acetate extract of a traditional Chinese medicine Aristolochia yunnanensis Franch. was found to have a therapeutic effect on myocardial fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. However, the exact chemicals and their mechanisms responsible for the activity of the crude extract have not been illustrated yet. In the current study, 10 sesquiterpenoids (1–10) were isolated from the active extract, and their antifibrotic effects were systematically evaluated in transforming growth factor β 1 (TGFβ1)‐stimulated cardiac fibroblasts and NIH3T3 fibrosis models. (+)‐Isobicyclogermacrenal (1) and spathulenol (2) were identified as the main active components, being more potent than the well‐known natural antifibrotic agent oxymatrine. Compounds 1 and 2 could inhibit the TGFβ1‐induced cardiac fibroblasts proliferation and suppress the expression of the fibrosis biomarkers fibronectin and α‐smooth muscle actin via down‐regulation of their mRNA levels. The mechanism study revealed that 1 and 2 could inhibit the phosphorylation of TGFβ type I receptor, leading to the decrease of the phosphorylation levels of downstream Smad2/3, then consequently blocking the nuclear translocation of Smad2/3 in the TGFβ/Smad signaling pathway. These findings suggest that 1 and 2 may serve as promising natural leads for the development of anticardiac fibrosis drugs.
Histone acetylation increases in response to ferulic, gallic, and sinapic acids acting synergistically in vitro to inhibit Candida albicans yeast‐to‐hyphae transition
Authors: Câmara Cristiane Rodrigues S. , Shi Qinyin , Pedersen Matthew , Zbasnik Richard , Nickerson Kenneth W. , Schlegel Vicki
Published: October 2018

Novel treatments are needed to prevent candidiasis/candidemia infection due to the emergence of Candida species resistant to current antifungals. Considering the yeast‐to‐hyphae switch is a critical factor to Candida albicans virulence, phenols common in plant sources have been reported to demonstrating their ability to prevent dimorphism. Therefore, phenols present in many agricultural waste stress (ferulic (FA) and gallic (GA) acid) were initially screened in isolation for their yeast‐to‐hyphae inhibitory properties at times 3, 6, and 24 hr. Both FA and GA inhibited 50% of hyphae formation inhibitory concentration (IC50) but at a concentration of 8.0 ± 0.09 and 90.6 ± 1.05 mM, respectively, at 24 hr. However, the inhibitory effect of FA increased by 1.9–2.6 fold when combined with different GA concentrations. GA and FA values decreased even lower when sinapic acid (SA) was added as a third component. As evidenced by concave isobolograms and combination indexes less than 1, both GA:F A and GA:FA:SA combinations acted synergistically to inhibit 50% hyphae formation at 24 hr. Lastly, acetylation of histone H3 lysine 56 acetylation (H3K56) was higher in response to the triple phenolic cocktail (using the IC50 24 hr inhibitory concentration level) comparable with the nontreated samples, indicating that the phenols inhibited hyphal growth in part by targeting H3K56 acetylation.
Forms of the thermodynamic energy equation for moist air
Authors: Staniforth Andrew , White Andy
Published: October 2018

The thermodynamic energy equation is derived in a self‐consistent manner for a mixture of dry air, water vapour and non‐precipitating liquid water. Gaseous components are assumed to be ideal gases, liquid water incompressible, and the mixture to be in thermodynamic equilibrium. Latent energy is treated as a component of internal energy. Various algebraically equivalent, but superficially different, forms are obtained and contrasted. Contrary to suggestions of an earlier study, a widely used form of the thermodynamic energy equation is shown to be legitimate. It neglects only the minute fractional volume occupied by liquid water, but is otherwise exact.
A combination of max‐type and distance based schemes for simultaneous monitoring of time between events and event magnitudes
Authors: Sanusi Ridwan A. , Mukherjee Amitava
Published: October 2018

Traditionally, two isolated sequential stopping rules are employed for monitoring the time of occurrence of an event (T) and the magnitude of an event (X). Recently, several researchers recommend monitoring T and X together using some unified approach. A unified approach based on combinations of two statistics, one for monitoring T and the other for X, is often more efficient. Likewise, a new approach of simultaneous monitoring of location and scale parameters of a process, combining a max and a distance based statistics, is recently introduced in literature. Motivated by such emerging concepts, we design a new scheme combining a Max‐type and a Distance‐type schemes, referred to as the MT scheme, to monitor T and X simultaneously and efficiently. It retains the advantages of both the Max‐type and the Distance‐type schemes for joint inference. The proposed scheme is very competent in detecting a shift in the process distribution of T or X or both. Moreover, it is computationally simpler. It has nice exact expressions for design parameters. Therefore, it is easier to implement. It has a distinct advantage over its traditional counterparts in detecting moderate to large shifts. Finally, we illustrate the implementation of the proposed scheme with a real dataset of damage caused by outbreak of fire disaster.
Mass spectrometric discrimination of phospholipid patterns in cisplatin‐resistant and ‐sensitive cancer cells
Authors: Cadoni Enzo , Vanhara Petr , Valletta Elisa , Pinna Elisabetta , Vascellari Sarah , Caddeo Graziano , Isaia Francesco , Pani Alessandra , Havel Josef , Pivetta Tiziana
Published: October 2018

Rationale

Development of therapy‐resistant cancer is a major problem in clinical oncology, and there is an urgent need for novel markers identifying development of the resistant phenotype. Lipidomics represents a promising approach to discriminate lipid profiles of malignant phenotype cells. Alterations in phospholipid distribution or chemical composition have been reported in various pathologies including cancer. Here we were curious whether quantitative differences in phospholipid composition between cisplatin‐resistant and ‐sensitive model cancer cell lines could be revealed by mass spectrometric means.

Methods

The phospholipid contents of cell membranes of the cancer cell lines CCRF‐CEM and A2780, both responsive and resistant to cisplatin, were analyzed by solid‐phase extraction (SPE) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS)). Extracts were obtained by disruption of cells with a dounce tissue grinder set followed by centrifugation. To minimize the enzymatic activity, phospholipids were extracted from cell extracts by SPE immediately after the cell lysis and analyzed by MS. Both supernatant and pellet fractions of cell extracts were analyzed.

Results

A phospholipid profile specific for cell lines and their phenotypes was revealed. We have documented by quantitative analysis that phosphocholines PC P‐34:0, PC 34:1, PC 20:2_16:0, LPC 18:1 and LPC 16:0 PLs were present in the 200–400 μM concentration range in CCRF‐CEM cisplatin‐responsive cells, but absent in their cisplatin‐resistant cells. Similarly, PC 34:1, LPC 18:1 and LPC 16:0 were increased in cisplatin‐responsive A2780 cells, and PC 20:2_16:0 was downregulated in cisplatin‐resistant A2780 cells.

Conclusions

In this work we showed that the ESI‐MS analysis of the lipid content of the therapy‐resistant and ‐sensitive cells can clearly distinguish the phenotypic pattern and determine the potential tumor response to cytotoxic therapy. Lipid entities revealed by mass spectrometry and associated with development of therapy resistance can thus support molecular diagnosis and provide a potential complementary cancer biomarker.
The Health Effects Of Marijuana
Authors: Meerkamper Eric , Goldfarb Danielle
Published: October 2018

Accurately measuring Canadians’ baseline awareness of marijuana's health effects.
A word on the 2018 Global Market Research Report
Authors: Palacio Xabier
Published: October 2018

An industry in flux
Shared random parameter models: A legacy of the biostatistics program at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Authors: Albert Paul S.
Published: October 2018

Shared random parameter models (SRPMs) were first introduced by researchers at the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Biostatistics Branch for analyzing longitudinal data with informative dropout (Wu and Carroll, 1987; Wu and Bailey, 1988; Follmann and Wu, 1995; Albert and Follmann, 2000; Albert et al, 2002). This work was all focused on characterizing the longitudinal data process in the presence of an informative missing data mechanism that is treated as a nuisance. Shared random parameter modeling approaches have also been developed from the perspective of characterizing the relationship between longitudinal data and a subsequent outcome that may be an event time, a dichotomous measurement, or another longitudinal outcome. This article will review the early contributions of the NHLBI biostatisticians on SRPMs for analyzing longitudinal data with dropout and demonstrate how these ideas have, more recently, been applied in these other areas of biostatistics. Rather than focus on technical details or specific analyses, this article presents a conceptual framework for SRPMs within a historical context.
Flexible Fire‐Resistant Photothermal Paper Comprising Ultralong Hydroxyapatite Nanowires and Carbon Nanotubes for Solar Energy‐Driven Water Purification
Authors: Xiong Zhi‐Chao , Zhu Ying‐Jie , Qin Dong‐Dong , Chen Fei‐Fei , Yang Ri‐Long
Published: October 2018

Efficient utilization of abundant solar energy for clean water generation is considered a sustainable and environment friendly approach to mitigate the global water crisis. For this purpose, this study reports a flexible fire‐resistant photothermal paper by combining carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and fire‐resistant inorganic paper based on ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires (HNs) for efficient solar energy‐driven water steam generation and water purification. Benefiting from the structural characteristics of the HN/CNT photothermal paper, the black CNT surface layer exhibits a high light absorbability and photothermal conversion capability, the HN‐based inorganic paper acts as a thermal insulator with a high temperature stability, low thermal conductivity, and interconnected porous structure. By combining these advantages, high water evaporation efficiencies of 83.2% at 1 kW m−2 and 92.8% at 10 kW m−2 are achieved. In addition, the HN/CNT photothermal paper has a stable water evaporation capability during recycling and long‐time usage. The promising potential of the HN/CNT photothermal paper for efficient production of drinkable water from both actual seawater and simulative wastewater samples containing heavy metal ions, dyes, and bacteria is also demonstrated. The highly flexible HN/CNT photothermal paper is promising for application in highly efficient solar energy‐driven seawater desalination and wastewater purification.
Framework for empirical examination and modeling structural dependencies among inhibitors that impact SPI implementation initiatives in software SMEs
Authors: Sharma Pooja , Sangal Amrit Lal
Published: October 2018

Context

Since last more than one‐decade software process improvement, widely known as SPI has received the attention of the software engineering community.

Objective

The objective of the paper is to empirically examine and develop a framework to model structural dependences among inhibitors that impact SPI initiatives in software SMEs.

Methods

Authors used mixed method approach (empirical analysis and interpretive structural modeling, ISM) to evaluate, model, and analyze the association between SPI inhibitors in software SMEs.

Results

The results from empirical analysis and ISM show that lack of management commitment, lack of resources, and lack of communication and information sharing are the key SPI inhibitors. The association of various inhibitors with SPI implementation is found statistically significant with effect size (0.42 < Ø < 0.75, P < 0.05). Also, Spearman's coefficient of correlation for rankings of SPI inhibitors is found to be moderate to high, ie, 0.601 (P = 0.01 < 0.05) for SLR and interviews; 0.794 (P = 0.00) for SLR and empirical analysis; and 0.711 (P = 0.002 < 0.01) for interviews and empirical analysis.

Conclusions

Analysis of SPI inhibitors through the proposed triangulation approach and development of software process improvement inhibitors model highlights the importance of structural dependencies among the inhibitors.