bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical evaluation of human papillomavirus 16/18 oncoprotein test for cervical cancer screening and HPV positive women triage
Authors: Yu Lulu , Jiang Mingyue , Qu Pengpeng , Wu Zeni , Sun Peisong , Xi Mingrong , Qin Yu , Liu Xin , Liao Guangdong , Lei Xiaoqin , Sun Lixin , Zhang Yongzhen , Li Zhifang , Chen Wen , Qiao You‐Lin
Published: March 2018

HPV‐16 and −18 account for about 80% of cervical cancers. We evaluated the performance of HPV‐16/18 oncoprotein to predict precancer and cancer in corresponding tissue biopsy specimens. 1,008 women attending cervical cancer screening program and 638 women referred to colposcopy with biopsy‐confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) from 4 hospitals were recruited (1,646 in total). All women were tested OncoE6 (AVC), Liquid‐Based Cytology (Hologic) and cobas HPV test (Roche). Colposcopy was performed on women with any abnormal results. The final diagnoses were based on a consensus panel review of the histology. There were 919 normal, 69 CIN1, 53 CIN2, 91 CIN3,474 squamous cell carcinoma(SCC) and 40 adenocarcinoma (ADC) cases, the prevalence of OncoE6 was 1.7%, 10.1%, 13.2%, 44.0%, 80.4% and 65.0%, respectively. The percent positive for cobas was higher than that of OncoE6 in detection of HPV16/18 in entire population (p < 0.001). However, the disparity of positive rate between these two tests became tiny among cervical cancer patients (CIN2: 26.4% vs. 13.2%, CIN3: 73.6% vs. 44.0%, SCC: 84.0% vs. 80.4%, ADC: 67.5% vs. 65.0%). OncoE6 was less sensitive than cobas (73.9% vs. 93.6%, p < 0.001), but more specific (97.1% vs. 75.4%, p < 0.001) for CIN3+ in entire population; OncoE6 yielded a sensitivity of 77.7% and a specificity of 91.0% for CIN3+ among cobas positive women, which can reduce nearly half of the colposcopy referral numbers. OncoE6 can be considered as a useful tool for cervical cancer screening and a potential powerful biomarker for HPV positive triage.
Caveolin‐1, cancer and therapy resistance
Authors: Ketteler Julia , Klein Diana
Published: March 2018

Resistance of solid tumors to chemo‐ and radiotherapy remains a major obstacle in anti‐cancer treatment. Herein, the membrane protein caveolin‐1 (CAV1) came into focus as it is highly expressed in many tumors and high CAV1 levels were correlated with tumor progression, invasion and metastasis, and thus a worse clinical outcome. Increasing evidence further indicates that the heterogeneous tumor microenvironment, also known as the tumor stroma, contributes to therapy resistance resulting in poor clinical outcome. Again, CAV1 seems to play an important role in modulating tumor host interactions by promoting tumor growth, metastasis, therapy resistance and cell survival. However, the mechanisms driving stroma‐mediated tumor growth and radiation resistance remain to be clarified. Understanding these interactions and thus, targeting CAV1 may offer a novel strategy for preventing cancer therapy resistance and improving clinical outcomes. In this review, we will summarize the resistance‐promoting effects of CAV1 in tumors, and emphasize its role in the tumor‐stroma communication as well as the resulting malignant phenotype of epithelial tumors.
Associations between statin use and risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphomas by subtype
Authors: Ye Xibiao , Zhang Geng , Righolt Christiaan , Johnston James B. , Banerji Versha , Gibson Spencer B. , Mahmud Salaheddin M.
Published: March 2018

Non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) are a group of cancers with highly heterogeneous biology and clinical features. Statins are increasingly prescribed to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Early evidence shows a preventive effect of statins for some cancers, but their effect on NHL risk is unclear. We conducted a population‐based nested case–control study involving 5,541 NHL cases and 27,315 controls matched for gender, age, place of residence and length of period of available prescription drug data. We assessed the use of statins prior to diagnosis (excluding the 12 months prior to the index date). We used conditional logistic regression models to estimate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for use of any statin, adjusting for medical conditions, number of family physician visits for 5 years prior to index date, healthcare utilization, income and use of other medications. Over one‐quarter of cases and controls were prescribed statins. Ever‐use of any statin was associated with lower risk of Total NHL (OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.76–0.89) and of certain subtypes including diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas (DLBCL, OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.65–0.92), plasma cell neoplasms (PCN, OR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.63–0.91) and other B‐cell NHL (0.75, 0.59–0.95). Analysis by statin type suggested that the association was limited to high potency statin and lipophilic statin users. No clear duration or dose–response relationships were observed. Our findings provide evidence that statin use can reduce the risk of DLBCL and plasma cell lymphomas, but not other NHL types. Further studies are warranted to verify these associations and to examine the biological mechanisms.
Caspase‐3 regulates the migration, invasion and metastasis of colon cancer cells
Authors: Zhou Min , Liu Xinjian , Li Zonghai , Huang Qian , Li Fang , Li Chuan‐Yuan
Published: March 2018

Caspase‐3 (CASP3) is a major mediator of apoptosis activated during cellular exposure to cytotoxic drugs, radiotherapy or immunotherapy. It is often used as a marker for efficacy of cancer therapy. However, recent reports indicate that caspase‐3 has also non‐apoptotic roles such as promotion of tumor relapse and tumor angiogenesis. Therefore, the roles of caspase‐3 in tumor progression remain to be defined clearly. In our study, we established caspase‐3 knockout (KO) colon cancer cell lines by use of the CRISPR technology. In vitro, caspase‐3 knockout HCT116 cells were significantly less clonogenic in soft agar assays. They were also significantly less invasive and more sensitive to radiation and mitomycin C than control cells. In vivo, CASP3KO cells formed tumors at rates similar to control cells but were significantly more sensitive to radiotherapy. They were also less prone to pulmonary metastasis when inoculated either subcutaneously or intravenously. At the mechanistic level, caspase‐3 gene knockout appeared to cause reduced EMT phenotypes when compared to parental HCT116 cells. Indeed, they showed significantly increased E‐cadherin expression, reduced N‐cadherin, Snail, Slug and ZEB1 expression than control cells. Therefore, therapeutic targeting of caspase‐3 may not only increase the sensitivity of cancer cell to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but also inhibit cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
On the use of the term ‘frequency’ in applied behavior analysis
Authors: Carr James E. , Nosik Melissa R. , Luke Molli M.
Published: March 2018

There exists a terminological problem in applied behavior analysis: the term frequency has been used as a synonym for both rate (the number of responses per time) and count (the number of responses). To guide decisions about the use and meaning of frequency, we surveyed the usage of frequency in contemporary behavior‐analytic journals and textbooks and found that the predominant usage of frequency was as count, not rate. Thus, we encourage behavior analysts to use frequency as a synonym for count.
Dual‐inflammatory cytokines on TiO2 nanotube‐coated surfaces used for regulating macrophage polarization in bone implants
Authors: Gao Lili , Li Mengting , Yin Lu , Zhao Chanjuan , Chen Junhong , Zhou Jie , Duan Ke , Feng Bo
Published: March 2018

Excessive immune responses following the use of implantable, biomaterial‐based medical devices represent a substantial challenge for treatment efficacy and patient well‐being. Specifically, after implantation, pro‐inflammatory M1 macrophages are activated by cytokines such as interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) followed by anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophages polarized by cytokines including interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), leading to healing and long‐term stability of implants. Here, we report the loading of an immunomodulatory cytokine,IL‐4, into TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) followed by hydrogel coating on the TNTs for subsequent release of IL‐4. Finally, IFN‐γ was added onto the gel layer to effect rapid release. The release rates of both cytokines from the samples were monitored using an immersion test in phosphate‐buffered solution. The cytocompatibility of the sample was evaluated using cultures of osteoblasts and macrophages. Macrophage phenotype switching in vitro was examined via cytokine secretion and gene expression analyses. In vitro testing showed that the sample could stimulate macrophage polarization from the M1 to M2 phenotype at the desired period owing to temporal release of IFN‐γ and IL‐4. Another biomaterial containing only IL‐4 in TNTs was also able to modulate the transformation of M1 to M2 although with weaker effect than that containing IFN‐γ and IL‐4. The biomaterial may be useful as an osteoimplant in vivo owing to the inflammation caused by a wound or implantation. This study provided biomaterials capable of facilitating smooth M1 to M2 macrophages switching, which might be helpful to research immune responses of tissues to implants and will likely contribute to the development of bone substitute materials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1878–1886, 2018.
Understanding the three levels of resilience: Implications for countering extremism
Authors: Ryan Saskia , Ioannou Maria , Parmak Merle
Published: March 2018

The huge growth in expenditure on counter‐extremism and counter‐terrorism policy post 9/11 (Dawson & Guinnessy, 2002; Lum, Kennedy, & Sherley, 2006; Silke, 2004) has seen buzzwords such as “resilience” integrated without clear framing or the underpinning of empirical evidence. The issue addressed by the current study is twofold: the framing of resilience within policy is not such that it clearly relates to extremism and, the subsequent lack of understanding that exists on the relationships between the 3 levels of resilience under this framing. The National Resilience Scale (Kimhi, Goroshit, & Eshel, 2013) is applied alongside measures of community and individual resilience to test the hypothesis that all three levels would positively correlate with one another. The hypothesis was supported in study 1, but not study 2, with community resilience negatively correlating with both individual and national resilience. The implications of this conceptual framework are discussed, primarily the impact on contemporary policy, specifically around extremism and terrorism.
Support relationships and teen mothers’ school retention at one‐year postpartum
Authors: Assini‐Meytin Luciana C. , Mitchell Stephanie J. , Lewin Amy
Published: March 2018

Teen mothers face unique barriers to continuing education, making important the identification of key elements in their support systems that facilitate educational attainment. In this longitudinal quasi‐experimental study, we investigate the unique role of different types and sources of support measured at baseline, from family and father of the baby, on teen mothers’ return to school after childbirth. We analyze data of 102 urban, low‐income African American teen mothers, retained over 12 months. Results show that teen mothers who received parental financial support soon after giving birth were over 5 times as likely to be in school or have graduated when their children were a year old. Additionally, remaining in a romantic relationship with the father of the baby was associated with reduced odds of returning to school, but only in the absence of an intervention program designed to support teen parent families . Findings highlight the unique importance of parental financial support, shortly after birth, on teen mothers’ school retention and suggest the relevance of clinical staff in supporting teen mothers in couple relationships to continue their education.
Radioimmunotherapy of solid tumors: Approaches on the verge of clinical application
Authors: Bartholomä Mark D.
Published: March 2018

While radioimmunotherapy (RIT) for the treatment of hematological malignancies such as indolent B‐cell lymphoma has proven quite successful, clinical results of RIT in solid tumors have only been moderate in the past. The reasons were manifold and can be mostly attributed to the different biological properties of solid tumors vs hematological cancers. Furthermore, the slow clearance of the radiolabelled antibody prevents the use of radiation doses necessary to achieve clinical responses. The long biological half‐life of radioimmunoconjugates results in high background levels and is the main reason for radiation related toxicities. In recent years, researchers and clinicians have developed solutions for the successful application of RIT for the treatment of solid tumors. These include compartmental route of administration, neoadjuvant therapies, and pretargeting approaches. In this review, recent developments in RIT for the treatment of solid tumors that address these restrictions as well as future perspectives will be highlighted from a clinical perspective.
Chiral Binaphthylbis(4,4′‐Bipyridin‐1‐Ium)/Cucurbit[8]Uril Supramolecular System and Its Induced Circularly Polarized Luminescence
Authors: Chen Xu‐Man , Chen Yong , Liang Lu , Liu Qiu‐Jun , Liu Yu
Published: March 2018

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) induced by host–guest complexation remains a challenge in supramolecular chemistry. Herein, a couple of CPL–silent enantiomeric guest binaphthylbis(4,4′‐bipyridinium) salts can emit obvious CPL in the presence of cucurbit[8]uril in aqueous media, due to the restriction of molecular rotation limitation effect. Such CPL can be reversibly adjusted by the addition of acid and base. Furthermore, the resultant supramolecular systems can interact with DNA, accompanied by the morphological conversion from branched supramolecular nanowires to exfoliated nanowires, which can enable to the exploration of such supramolecular systems as DNA markers by CPL signals.
A gray model for increasing sequences with nonhomogeneous index trends based on fractional‐order accumulation
Authors: Zeng Liang
Published: March 2018

By comparing the class ratio deviation and restoring error of first‐order accumulation with that of fractional‐order accumulation, a gray model for monotonically increasing sequences can obtain optimal simulation accuracy via selecting a proper cumulative order. In this study, a gray model for increasing sequences with nonhomogeneous index trends based on fractional‐order accumulation is proposed. To reduce the modeling error caused by the background value and to improve the prediction accuracy of the model, an optimized model using the 3/8 Simpson formula is constructed. Finally, the 2 proposed models are used to predict the total energy consumption in China and the monthly sales of new products in an enterprise. Compared with the GM(1,1) model based on fractional‐order accumulation, the proposed model exhibits better simulation and prediction accuracy.
Simultaneous auto‐calibration and gradient delays estimation (SAGE) in non‐Cartesian parallel MRI using low‐rank constraints
Authors: Jiang Wenwen , Larson Peder E.Z. , Lustig Michael
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To correct gradient timing delays in non‐Cartesian MRI while simultaneously recovering corruption‐free auto‐calibration data for parallel imaging, without additional calibration scans.

Methods

The calibration matrix constructed from multi‐channel k‐space data should be inherently low‐rank. This property is used to construct reconstruction kernels or sensitivity maps. Delays between the gradient hardware across different axes and RF receive chain, which are relatively benign in Cartesian MRI (excluding EPI), lead to trajectory deviations and hence data inconsistencies for non‐Cartesian trajectories. These in turn lead to higher rank and corrupted calibration information which hampers the reconstruction. Here, a method named Simultaneous Auto‐calibration and Gradient delays Estimation (SAGE) is proposed that estimates the actual k‐space trajectory while simultaneously recovering the uncorrupted auto‐calibration data. This is done by estimating the gradient delays that result in the lowest rank of the calibration matrix. The Gauss‐Newton method is used to solve the non‐linear problem. The method is validated in simulations using center‐out radial, projection reconstruction and spiral trajectories. Feasibility is demonstrated on phantom and in vivo scans with center‐out radial and projection reconstruction trajectories.

Results

SAGE is able to estimate gradient timing delays with high accuracy at a signal to noise ratio level as low as 5. The method is able to effectively remove artifacts resulting from gradient timing delays and restore image quality in center‐out radial, projection reconstruction, and spiral trajectories.

Conclusion

The low‐rank based method introduced simultaneously estimates gradient timing delays and provides accurate auto‐calibration data for improved image quality, without any additional calibration scans.
Comparison of functional groups in polymer/Ag nanoparticles/electron acceptor composite membranes for olefin/paraffin separation
Authors: Kim Minsu , Kang Sang Wook
Published: March 2018

In this study, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/silver nanoparticle (AgNP)/p‐benzoquinone (p‐BQ) composite membrane for olefin/paraffin separation was investigated. The selectivity and permeance of the membrane were determined to be about 1 and 0.4 GPU, respectively, which are relatively low compared with those of a previously reported poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/AgNP/p‐BQ composite membrane. The structure of the AgNPs surface was modified with the electron acceptor p‐BQ to induce positive charges. The interactions between the olefins and the polarized surface of the AgNPs in the highly permeable PVA matrix were expected to yield excellent separation performance. However, the hydroxyl groups of PVA did not sufficiently stabilize and polarize the AgNPs, compared with those of PEO/AgNP/p‐BQ. The coordinative interactions of the PVA/AgNP/p‐BQ membrane were characterized by Fourier transform infrared measurements. The size distribution of the particles was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1165–1169, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Cover Image, Volume 67, Issue 4
Authors: Schubert Dirk W , von Hanstein Harald , Daenicke Jonas , Werner Siegfried , Horch Raymund E
Published: March 2018

The cover image, by Dirk W Schubert et al., is based on the Research Article Compressive and cyclic loading of silicone breast implants and their effect on shape resilience and reliability of the shell material, DOI: 10.1002/pi.5516.

image
Sense of coherence is a predictor of survival: A prospective study in women treated for breast cancer
Authors: Lindblad Carina , Langius‐Eklöf Ann , Petersson Lena‐Marie , Sackey Helena , Bottai Matteo , Sandelin Kerstin
Published: March 2018

Objective

Sense of coherence (SOC) reflects a person's overall orientation to life. Sense of coherence guides the person in finding and utilizing resources to maintain health and manage stress. Previously, we demonstrated SOC's stability over time among breast cancer (BC) patients, and in the present article, SOC's predictive value for survival is tested.

Methods

A cohort of 487 women underwent surgery for invasive BC and completed preoperatively the SOC‐13 within a multicenter trial. Hazard ratios (HRs) were performed to identify significant independent predictors and their association with increase in SOC.

Results

Over a median follow‐up time of 10 years, patients with a higher SOC had 63% lower risk of BC progression (HR 0.63; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.85, P .03), 80% lower risk of BC mortality (HR 0.80; 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.96, P .00), and 80% lower risk of all‐cause mortality (HR 0.80; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.93, P .00) than patients with a lower SOC. The mortality risk declined by 2.3% for every 1‐unit increase in SOC, both for BC mortality (HR 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96 to 0.99, P .01) and for all‐cause mortality (HR 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96 to 0.99, P .00). The risk of progression declined by 1.4% for every 1‐unit increase in SOC (HR 0.99; 95% CI, 0.97 to 1.00, P .03).

Conclusions

This study provides evidence of SOC's predictive value for disease progression and BC‐caused and all‐cause mortality. Sense of coherence provides a complement when designing individual plans that aims to support patients during their treatment.
AKSZ Constructions for Topological Membranes on G2‐Manifolds
Authors: Kökényesi Zoltán , Sinkovics Annamária , Szabo Richard J.
Published: March 2018

We consider AKSZ constructions of BV actions for closed topological membranes, and their dimensional reductions to topological string sigma‐models. Two inequivalent AKSZ constructions for topological membranes on G2‐manifolds are proposed, in each of which the two existing topological membrane theories appear as different gauge fixed versions. Their dimensional reductions give new AKSZ constructions for the topological A‐model, which on further dimensional reduction gives an AKSZ formulation of supersymmetric quantum mechanics. We show that the two AKSZ membrane models originate through worldvolume dimensional reduction of a single AKSZ threebrane theory, which gives the standard 2‐Courant bracket as the underlying derived bracket. Double dimensional reduction of the twisted topological threebrane theory on a circle yields the standard Courant sigma‐model for string theory with NS–NS flux.
Nanoporous Silicon Composite as Potential System for Sustained Delivery of Florfenicol Drug
Authors: Hernández‐Montelongo Jacobo , Oria Lorena , Cárdenas Ana B. , Benito Noelia , Romero‐Sáez Manuel , Recio‐Sánchez Gonzalo
Published: March 2018

Nanostructured porous silicon (nPSi) is a nanostructured biomaterial which has received considerable attention in biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, high surface area, and the ease to modify its surface chemistry. In the present work, nPSi composite microparticles are evaluated as potential drug delivery system. nPSi layers are formed by electrochemical etching of silicon wafers in hydrofluoric acid solutions. This fabrication process allows modifying the main properties of nPSi layers, including the porosity, average pore size and pore shape, by simply controlling the main parameters in the process, such as the applied current density and the electrolyte composition. nPSi microparticles are prepared from the removal and fracture by ultrasound sonication of nPSi layers. Composites are obtained from oxidized nPSi (nPSi‐Ox) microparticles cascade processed with chitosan (CHI) and β‐cyclodextrin (βCD) biopolymers. Samples are evaluated as drug delivery system using florfenicol (FF) as model drug, due to its economical and sanitary importance in salmon industry. Drug loaded and release kinetic tests are performed in different media: distilled water and simulated seawater. Initial data show that nPSi–βCD composites allow a mayor control in the drug time release kinetic compared to nPSi‐Ox microparticles.
Cl‐Radical Formation in UV Photodissociation of Tetrachlorocyclopropene: A REMPI Study
Authors: SenGupta Sumana , Saha Ankur , Kumar Awadhesh , Naik Prakash D.
Published: March 2018

Cl atoms in both ground [Cl(2P3/2)] and excited spin orbit states [Cl*(2P1/2)] were detected as photodissociation products of tetrachlorocyclopropene (TCCP) at 235 nm by Resonance Enhanced Multiphoton Ionisation – Time of Flight (REMPI‐TOF) technique. From the experimental REMPI‐TOF profile, the anisotropy parameter (β) for both the channels was found to be nearly zero. TOF profiles of both the Cl and Cl* channels could be fitted into single component translational energy distributions, with average energy of 7.7 and 8.6 kcal mol−1 respectively. Time Dependent – Density Functional Theory (TD‐DFT) calculations using mpw1pw91/aug‐cc‐pVTZ level of theory suggested that, near 235 nm, the initially excited nCl—π* state of TCCP may cross over to the nearby dissociative states, from where Cl/Cl* can be formed directly. Otherwise, the excited molecules may relax rapidly to the ground state, where the lowest energy dissociation channel is the C—C bond cleavage (ΔH=30.4 kcal mol−1), as C—Cl bond breaking channels need high energy (ΔH=73.7 kcal mol−1 and 85.5 kcal mol−1). The biradical product of C—C bond breaking may rearrange to tetrachloroallene molecule with four equivalent C—Cl bonds, which can subsequently undergo C—Cl bond dissociation to produce Cl/Cl* atoms.
Petting away pre‐exam stress: The effect of therapy dog sessions on student well‐being
Authors: Ward‐Griffin Emma , Klaiber Patrick , Collins Hanne K. , Owens Rhea L. , Coren Stanley , Chen Frances S.
Published: March 2018

Recently, many universities have implemented programmes in which therapy dogs and their handlers visit college campuses. Despite the immense popularity of therapy dog sessions, few randomized studies have empirically tested the efficacy of such programmes. The present study evaluates the efficacy of such a therapy dog programme in improving the well‐being of university students. This research incorporates two components: (a) a pre/post within‐subjects design, in which 246 participants completed a brief questionnaire immediately before and after a therapy dog session and (b) an experimental design with a delayed‐treatment control group, in which all participants completed baseline measures and follow‐up measures approximately 10 hr later. Only participants in the experimental condition experienced the therapy dog session in between the baseline and follow‐up measures. Analyses of pre/post data revealed that the therapy dog sessions had strong immediate benefits, significantly reducing stress and increasing happiness and energy levels. In addition, participants in the experimental group reported a greater improvement in negative affect, perceived social support, and perceived stress compared with those in the delayed‐treatment control group. Our results suggest that single, drop‐in, therapy dog sessions have large and immediate effects on students' well‐being, but also that the effects after several hours are small.
Modulation of Carbohydrate Digestibility of North Indian Parotta Using Protein and Dietary Fiber Based Functional Ingredients
Authors: Ray Amrita , Prakash Pavan K. , A Jyothi Lakshmi , Dasappa Indrani
Published: March 2018

Diet is the cornerstone in the management of hyperglycemia. Indian diets are predominantly cereal based providing a higher proportion of carbohydrate. Hence whole wheat flour (staple cereal) is substituted with a blend of 20–30% of chickpea flour, psyllium husk, fenugreek seed powder (CPF) for increasing the protein and dietary fiber contents. The effects of CPF on the rheological characteristics of whole wheat flour; physico‐chemical, sensory characteristics, and carbohydrate digestive profile of north Indian parotta (NIP) are studied. The results show an increase in the farinograph water absorption; extensograph resistance to extension; amylograph pasting temperature, peak viscosity, and a decrease in the extensograph extensibility. The overall quality score of NIP increases from 50 to 54, from a maximum score of 60 with an addition of 25% CPF of and decreased to 40 for 30% CPF content. Hence NIP with 25% CPF is selected for determinations of protein, dietary fiber, carbohydrate digestibility, kinetics of starch digestion in comparison with control NIP. The NIP with 25% CPF shows higher protein, dietary fiber, slowly available glucose, resistant starch, and lower rapidly available glucose than the control NIP. The differences in the digestibility profile are found to be statistically significant. The rate of starch hydrolysis and kinetics further confirmed the reduced glucose release of the NIP with 25% CPF. The predicted glycemic index of the NIP with 25% CPF is found to be “low.”
Effects of α‐Amylase, Amyloglucosidase, and Their Mixture on Hierarchical Porosity of Rice Starch
Authors: Lacerda Liziane D. , Leite Daiani C. , Soares Rosane M. D. , da Silveira Nádya P.
Published: March 2018

Porous starch is produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of rice starch at sub‐gelatinization temperatures, applying reaction times of 3, 6, and 12 h, respectively. The effects of α‐amylase (AM), amyloglucosidase (AMG), and their mixture (AM + AMG) on starch are studied by morphology, hierarchical porosity, granular structure, and thermal and surface stability. The reaction time of 6 h is found to be the more appropriate for the three enzymatic treatments studied. The techniques used to characterize the porous starches reveal porosity distribution is present in all samples. It is possible to identify the presence of macropores (scanning electron microscopy), mesopores (porosimetry of nitrogen), and micropores (adsorption capacity). The addition of AM suggests the formation of a higher micropores fraction, whereas the AM + AMG mixture contributes to the development of more mesopores and macropores fractions. The particle size distribution, gelatinization temperatures, and zeta potential modulus results indicate that porous starches prepared in this way, can be useful as a thermoresistant and stable adsorbent in food and chemical applications.
Resolution effects in the hybrid strong/weak coupling model
Authors: Hulcher Zachary , Pablos Daniel , Rajagopal Krishna
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Within the context of a hybrid strong/weak coupling model of jet quenching, we study the consequences of the fact that the plasma produced in a heavy ion collision cannot resolve the substructure of a collimated parton shower propagating through it with arbitrarily fine spatial resolution. We introduce a screening length parameter,Lres, proportional to the inverse of the local temperature in the plasma, estimating a range for the value of the proportionality constant via comparing weakly coupled QCD calculations and holographic calculations appropriate in strongly coupled plasma. We then modify the hybrid model so that when a parton in a jet shower splits, its two offspring are initially treated as unresolved, and are only treated as two separate partons losing energy independently after they are separated by a distanceLres. This modification delays the quenching of partons with intermediate energy, resulting in the survival of more hadrons in the final state withpTin the several GeV range. We analyze the consequences of different choices for the value of the resolution length,Lres, and demonstrate that introducing a nonzeroLresresults in modifications to the jet shapes and jet fragmentations functions, as it makes it more probable for particles carrying a small fraction of the jet energy at larger angles from the jet axis to survive their passage through the quark-gluon plasma. These effects are, however, small in magnitude, something that we confirm via checking for effects on missing-pTobservables.
Gravity dual of two-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = (2, 2)∗ supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory and integrable models
Authors: Nian Jun
Published: March 2018

Abstract

The 2D$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= (2, 2)∗supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory can be obtained from the 2D$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= (4, 4) theory with a twisted mass deformation. In this paper we construct the gravity dual theory of the 2D$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= (2, 2)∗supersymmetric U(N) Yang-Mills theory at the largeNand large ’t Hooft coupling limit using the 5D gauged supergravity. In the UV regime, this construction also provides the gravity dual of the 2D$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= (2,2)∗U(N) topological Yang-Mills-Higgs theory. We propose a triality in the UV regime among integrable model, gauge theory and gravity, and we make some checks of this relation at classical level.
Inelastic black hole scattering from charged scalar amplitudes
Authors: Luna Andrés , Nicholson Isobel , O’Connell Donal , White Chris D.
Published: March 2018

Abstract

We explain how the lowest-order classical gravitational radiation produced during the inelastic scattering of two Schwarzschild black holes in General Relativity can be obtained from a tree scattering amplitude in gauge theory coupled to scalar fields. The gauge calculation is related to gravity through the double copy. We remove unwanted scalar forces which can occur in the double copy by introducing a massless scalar in the gauge theory, which is treated as a ghost in the link to gravity. We hope these methods are a step towards a direct application of the double copy at higher orders in classical perturbation theory, with the potential to greatly streamline gravity calculations for phenomenological applications.
Double-Higgs boson production in the high-energy limit: planar master integrals
Authors: Davies Joshua , Mishima Go , Steinhauser Matthias , Wellmann David
Published: March 2018

Abstract

We consider the virtual corrections to the process gg → HH at NLO in the high energy limit and compute the corresponding planar master integrals in an expansion for small top quark mass. We provide details on the evaluation of the boundary conditions and present analytic results expressed in terms of harmonic polylogarithms.
Opening up the QCD axion window
Authors: Agrawal Prateek , Marques-Tavares Gustavo , Xue Wei
Published: March 2018

Abstract

We present a new mechanism to deplete the energy density of the QCD axion, making decay constants as high as f

a
≃ 1017 GeV viable for generic initial conditions. In our setup, the axion couples to a massless dark photon with a coupling that is moderately stronger than the axion coupling to gluons. Dark photons are produced copiously through a tachyonic instability when the axion field starts oscillating, and an exponential suppression of the axion density can be achieved. For a large part of the parameter space this dark radiation component of the universe can be observable in upcoming CMB experiments. Such dynamical depletion of the axion density ameliorates the isocurvature bound on the scale of inflation. The depletion also amplifies the power spectrum at scales that enter the horizon before particle production begins, potentially leading to axion miniclusters.
Mass-deformed ABJM and black holes in AdS4
Authors: Bobev Nikolay , Min Vincent S. , Pilch Krzysztof
Published: March 2018

Abstract

We find a class of new supersymmetric dyonic black holes in four-dimensional maximal gauged supergravity which are asymptotic to the SU(3) × U(1) invariant AdS4 Warner vacuum. These black holes can be embedded in eleven-dimensional supergravity where they describe the backreaction of M2-branes wrapped on a Riemann surface. The holographic dual description of these supergravity backgrounds is given by a partial topological twist on a Riemann surface of a three-dimensional

$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$

N
=
2

SCFT that is obtained by a mass-deformation of the ABJM theory. We compute explicitly the topologically twisted index of this SCFT and show that it accounts for the entropy of the black holes.
Massive spin-2 scattering and asymptotic superluminality
Authors: Hinterbichler Kurt , Joyce Austin , Rosen Rachel A.
Published: March 2018

Abstract

We place model-independent constraints on theories of massive spin-2 particles by considering the positivity of the phase shift in eikonal scattering. The phase shift is an asymptotic S-matrix observable, related to the time delay/advance experienced by a particle during scattering. Demanding the absence of a time advance leads to constraints on the cubic vertices present in the theory. We find that, in theories with massive spin-2 particles, requiring no time advance means that either: (i) the cubic vertices must appear as a particular linear combination of the Einstein-Hilbert cubic vertex and an h

μν

3
potential term or (ii) new degrees of freedom or strong coupling must enter at parametrically the mass of the massive spin-2 field. These conclusions have implications for a variety of situations. Applied to theories of large-N QCD, this indicates that any spectrum with an isolated massive spin-2 at the bottom must have these particular cubic self-couplings. Applied to de Rham-Gabadadze-Tolley massive gravity, the constraint is in accord with results obtained from a shockwave calculation: of the two free dimensionless parameters in the theory there is a one parameter line consistent with a subluminal phase shift.
3d Abelian dualities with boundaries
Authors: Aitken Kyle , Baumgartner Andrew , Karch Andreas , Robinson Brandon
Published: March 2018

Abstract

We establish the action of three-dimensional bosonization and particle-vortex duality in the presence of a boundary, which supports a non-anomalous two-dimensional theory. We confirm our prescription using a microscopic realization of the duality in terms of a Euclidean lattice.
The Impact of the Implementation of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Program in an Entire Health System: A Natural Experiment in Alberta, Canada
Authors: AlBalawi Zaina , Gramlich Leah , Nelson Gregg , Senior Peter , Youngson Erik , McAlister Finlay A.
Published: March 2018

Background

The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program has been shown to reduce length of stay (LOS) in colorectal surgical patients in randomized trials. The impact outside of trial settings, or in subgroups of patients excluded from trials such as individuals with diabetes, is uncertain. We conducted this study to evaluate the impact of ERAS implementation in Alberta, Canada.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study and interrupted time series analysis using linked administrative data to examine LOS and postoperative outcomes in the 12 months pre‐ and post‐implementation of ERAS in 2013 for all adults undergoing elective colorectal surgery.

Results

Of 2714 patients (mean age 60.4 years, 55% men) with similar demographics and comorbidity profiles in the pre/post‐ERAS time periods, LOS was significantly shorter post‐ERAS (8.5 vs. 9.5 days, p = 0.01; − 0.84 days [95% CI − 0.04 to − 1.64 days] after adjustment for age, sex, Charlson comorbidity score, procedure type, surgical approach, and hospital). However, interrupted time series demonstrated no significant level change (p = 0.30) or change in slope (p = 0.63) with ERAS implementation, consistent with continuation of an underlying secular trend of reductions in LOS over time. There were no significant differences (in multivariate analysis or ITS) in risk of 30‐day death/readmission (14.3% post vs. 13.5% pre‐ERAS, aOR 1.12, 95% CI 0.89–1.40), 30‐day death/ED visit (27.2% post vs. 30.0% pre, aOR 0.93, 95% CI 0.78–1.10), or 30‐day death/readmission/ED visit (27.8% post vs. 30.6% pre, aOR 0.93, 95% CI 0.78–1.10). The 428 patients with diabetes had longer LOS but exhibited no significant difference post‐ versus pre‐ERAS (10.7 vs. 11.6 days, p = 0.53; p = 0.56 for level change and p = 0.66 for slope change on ITS).

Conclusion

Although there was a secular trend toward decreasing LOS over time in Alberta, ERAS implementation was not associated with statistically significant changes in LOS or postoperative outcomes for all colorectal surgery patients or for those with diabetes. Our study highlights the importance of evaluating system changes (for both uptake and outcomes) rather than assuming trial benefits will translate directly into practice. Interventions to improve LOS and postoperative outcomes for patients with diabetes undergoing colorectal surgery are still needed even in the ERAS era.
Attitudes Toward and Uptake of Prenatal Genetic Screening and Testing in Twin Pregnancies
Authors: Reese Kathryn M. , Czerwinski Jennifer , Darilek Sandra , Johnson Anthony , Jones Malorie , Singletary Claire N.
Published: March 2018

The rate of twinning is rising and since the introduction of non‐invasive prenatal testing, interest in and uptake of genetic screening and testing in twin pregnancies has not been investigated. This study aimed to explore the attitudes toward and uptake of current prenatal genetic screening and diagnostic testing options for fetal aneuploidy in twin pregnancies. Women being seen for genetic counseling with twin gestations were recruited for participation in a descriptive study with questionnaire (n = 42) and semi‐structured phone interview (n = 15). Women were significantly more in favor of screening than diagnostic testing (p = 0.049). Sixty‐nine (n = 25) percent elected screening, while one participant had a diagnostic procedure. Women were interested in screening for preparation or reassurance despite having concerns about accuracy and uncertainty. Most women (86%) felt they would make the same decision in a singleton pregnancy. Despite this, 48% cited twin pregnancy as influential to some degree. Information learned from providers, past experiences, and family and friends were also cited as influencing and anchoring factors, suggesting that tailoring prenatal genetic counseling sessions for twins might parallel that of singletons. No significant differences between natural and assisted conception patients were found. Although it did not alter patient decisions, genetic counseling was used as a platform to raise concerns and gather information.
A Commentary on Opportunities for the Genetic Counseling Profession through Genomic Variant Interpretation: Reflections from an Ex‐Lab Rat
Authors: Wain Karen
Published: March 2018

The genetic counseling profession continues to expand and respond to the changing landscape of genomic medicine. “Non‐traditional” genetic counseling roles have become more commonplace and the transferability of the genetic counselor skill set has been widely acknowledged, particularly in genetic laboratory settings. As these expanding roles continue to mature, all genetic counselors can benefit by learning and adopting clinically relevant skills, such as genomic variant interpretation, which can be applied to direct patient care. These skills can enrich our patients’ understanding of their test results, help ensure quality patient care, and could be useful in positioning genetic counselors as critical members in the medical team as we continue to fully transition into the genomic medicine era.
Heat Transfer Coefficient at Cast-Mold Interface During Centrifugal Casting: Calculation of Air Gap
Authors: Bohacek Jan , Kharicha Abdellah , Ludwig Andreas , Wu Menghuai , Karimi-Sibaki Ebrahim
Published: March 2018

During centrifugal casting, the thermal resistance at the cast-mold interface represents a main blockage mechanism for heat transfer. In addition to the refractory coating, an air gap begins to form due to the shrinkage of the casting and the mold expansion, under the continuous influence of strong centrifugal forces. Here, the heat transfer coefficient at the cast-mold interface h has been determined from calculations of the air gap thickness d

a
based on a plane stress model taking into account thermoelastic stresses, centrifugal forces, plastic deformations, and a temperature-dependent Young’s modulus. The numerical approach proposed here is rather novel and tries to offer an alternative to the empirical formulas usually used in numerical simulations for a description of a time-dependent heat transfer coefficient h. Several numerical tests were performed for different coating thicknesses d
C, rotation rates Ω, and temperatures of solidus T
sol. Results demonstrated that the scenario at the interface is unique for each set of parameters, hindering the possibility of employing empirical formulas without a preceding experiment being performed. Initial values of h are simply equivalent to the ratio of the coating thermal conductivity and its thickness (~ 1000 Wm−2 K−1). Later, when the air gap is formed, h drops exponentially to values at least one order of magnitude smaller (~ 100 Wm−2 K−1).
Randomized trial of transcranial alternating current stimulation for treatment of auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia
Authors: Mellin Juliann M. , Alagapan Sankaraleengam , Lustenberger Caroline , Lugo Courtney E. , Alexander Morgan L. , Gilmore John H. , Jarskog L. Fredrik , Fröhlich Flavio
Published: March 2018

Background:

Approximately 30% of patients with schizophrenia experience auditory hallucinations that are refractory to antipsychotic medications. Here, we evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) that we hypothesized would improve auditory hallucination symptoms by enhancing synchronization between the frontal and temporo-parietal areas of the left hemisphere.

Method:

22 participants were randomized to one of three arms and received twice daily, 20 min sessions of sham, 10 Hz 2 mA peak-to-peak tACS, or 2 mA tDCS over the course of 5 consecutive days. Symptom improvement was assessed using the Auditory Hallucination Rating Scale (AHRS) as the primary outcome measure. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) were secondary outcomes.

Results:

Primary and secondary behavioral outcomes were not significantly different between the three arms. However, effect size analyses show that tACS had the greatest effect based on the auditory hallucinations scale for the week of stimulation (1.31 for tACS; 1.06 and 0.17, for sham and tDCS, respectively). Effect size analysis for the secondary outcomes revealed heterogeneous results across measures and stimulation conditions.

Conclusions:

To our knowledge, this is the first clinical trial of tACS for the treatment of symptoms of a psychiatric condition. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to better understand the effect of tACS on auditory hallucinations.
The European Union and Migration: An Interplay of National, Regional, and International Law
Authors: Goldner Lang Iris
Published: March 2018

If global migration law “includes all levels of the law,” then the European Union represents the most developed instance of the interplay of national, regional, and international law. Migration law in the European Union involves the interaction of EU Member States’ national laws, EU regional law, and international law. This complex interchange of different migratory legal regimes is the consequence of diverse, and sometimes conflicting, objectives and interests of the Union and its Member States, and the nature of EU law itself. This essay explores the impact of these three levels of the law on the four migratory regulatory categories—EU citizens, “desirable” third-country nationals, asylum seekers, and all other third-country nationals—and the three objectives associated with these categories. The predominance of one legal regime over another varies depending on the regulatory category of migrants and the objectives associated therewith. While describing the existing legal systems, the essay outlines their attributes and shortcomings, the most prominent being: a clear rift between the rights granted to EU citizens and to third-country nationals; EU Member States’ determination to reserve to their respective national territories a high level of national control over labor migration; and significant deficiencies of the EU asylum law which were brought to the surface by the recent refugee influx into the EU.
ON A NO DEFEAT EVIDENCE PRINCIPLE OF TAL AND COMESAÑA
Authors: Mccutcheon Randall G.
Published: March 2018

We offer a critical evaluation of a recent proposal of E. Tal and J. Comesaña on the topic of when evidence of evidence constitutes evidence. After establishing that attempts of L. Moretti and W. Roche to discredit the proposal miss their mark, we fashion another, which does not.