bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinematic evaluation of penetration and aspiration in laryngeal elevating and descending periods
Authors: Kiyohara Hideyuki , Adachi Kazuo , Kikuchi Yoshikazu , Uchi Ryutaro , Sawatsubashi Motohiro , Nakagawa Takashi
Published: September 2017

Objectives

It is important to evaluate swallowing movements by dividing them into periods of laryngeal closure and release. The purpose of this study was to evaluate penetration–aspiration (PA) according to human pathophysiology and to identify the factors for predicting PA.

Study Design

Case‐control study.

Methods

Eighty‐one patients with complaints of dysphagia caused by various etiologies were enrolled in this study. Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies were conducted, and the spatial and temporal factors were analyzed by computer‐assisted motion analysis.

Results

The initiation of laryngeal vestibule closure in the laryngeal elevating period and its duration in the laryngeal descending period were significant factors for evaluating PA.

Conclusion

A knowledge of the delay of laryngeal vestibule closure in the laryngeal elevating period and its short duration in the laryngeal descending period could make it easier to evaluate the risk of PA.

Level of Evidence

3b. Laryngoscope, 128:806–811, 2018
Open access megajournals: The publisher perspective (Part 1: Motivations)
Authors: Wakeling Simon , Spezi Valérie , Fry Jenny , Creaser Claire , Pinfield Stephen , Willett Peter
Published: September 2017

This paper is the first of two Learned Publishing articles in which we report the results of a series of interviews with senior publishers and editors exploring open access megajournals (OAMJs). Megajournals (of which PLoS One is the best known example) represent a relatively new approach to scholarly communication and can be characterized as large, broad‐scope, open access journals that take an innovative approach to peer review, basing acceptance decisions solely on the technical or scientific soundness of the article. This model is often said to support the broader goals of the open science movement. Based on in‐depth interviews with 31 publishers and editors representing 16 different organizations (10 of which publish a megajournal), this paper reports how the term ‘megajournal’ is understood and publishers’ rationale and motivations for launching (or not launching) an OAMJ. We find that while there is general agreement on the common characteristics of megajournals, there is not yet a consensus on their relative importance. We also find seven motivating factors that were said to drive the launch of an OAMJ and link each of these factors to potential societal and business benefits. These results suggest that the often polarized debate surrounding OAMJs is a consequence of the extent to which observers perceive publishers to be motivated by these societal or business benefits.
The supply chain for academic books: Why is it so complex and how might we drive change?
Authors: Jubb Michael , Fisher Richard
Published: September 2017

Key points

The supply chain for monographs and related types of books is much more complex than that for journals.

Sales per title are falling, while the efforts devoted to marketing individual titles have diminished too.

Readers have a strong preference for physical print rather than e‐books, while libraries’ preference in purchasing is the other way round.

Publishers, intermediaries, and libraries all face additional costs and complexity because they must continue to deal with both print and e‐books.

Current inefficiencies in the supply chain act as a restraint on discoverability, demand, and access to academic books.
Butyrate‐Loaded Chitosan/Hyaluronan Nanoparticles: A Suitable Tool for Sustained Inhibition of ROS Release by Activated Neutrophils
Authors: Sacco Pasquale , Decleva Eva , Tentor Fabio , Menegazzi Renzo , Borgogna Massimiliano , Paoletti Sergio , Kristiansen Kåre Andre , Vårum Kjell Morten , Marsich Eleonora
Published: September 2017

Tissue damage caused by excessive amounts of neutrophil‐derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) occurs in many inflammatory diseases. Butyrate is a short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) with known anti‐inflammatory properties, able to modulate several neutrophil functions. Evidence is provided here that butyrate inhibits neutrophil ROS release in a dose and time‐dependent fashion. Given the short half‐life of butyrate, chitosan/hyaluronan nanoparticles are next designed and developed as controlled release carriers able to provide cells with a long‐lasting supply of this SCFA. Notably, while the inhibition of neutrophil ROS production by free butyrate declines over time, that of butyrate‐loaded chitosan/hyaluronan nanoparticles (B‐NPs) is sustained. Additional valuable features of these nanoparticles are inherent ROS scavenger activity, resistance to cell internalization, and mucoadhesiveness. B‐NPs appear as promising tools to limit ROS‐dependent tissue injury during inflammation. Particularly, by virtue of their mucoadhesiveness, B‐NPs administered by enema can be effective in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.
A finite element model of carbon steel welded joint corrosion under plastic strain
Authors: Lu Y. X. , Jing H. Y. , Han Y. D. , Xu L. Y.
Published: September 2017

A finite element (FE) model is presented in this work that simulates and predicts the mechano‐chemical corrosion behavior of welded joint under different plastic strains. The FE model contains two parts: the stress calculating of welded joint using Abaqus software and the chemical reaction of welded joint using COMSOL Multiphysics® software. The simulating corrosion depth of weld metals center are close to experimental measurements on the welded joint under different plastic strains. Meanwhile, effect of weld reinforcement, strain, and welding material on the mechano‐chemical corrosion behavior of welded joint under different plastic strains was investigated using the FE model.
Monitoring pH in corrosion engineering by means of thermally produced iridium oxide electrodes
Authors: Seguí Femenias Y. , Angst U. , Elsener B.
Published: September 2017

A pH sensor to be used in highly alkaline media under continuous long‐term immersion conditions is crucial in various engineering applications. This work develops the production protocol and posterior conditioning of thermally oxidized iridium (IrOx) electrodes to be used as potentiometric pH sensors embedded in highly alkaline environments such as concrete or cathodically protected steel in soil. The main investigated aspects for the desired applications are the potential‐pH response, its reproducibility, accuracy, and oxygen dependency. The stability during long‐term immersion is also studied in detail. The studied IrOxelectrodes responded to pH changes with slopes between −50 and −68 mV/pH unit, even after continuous immersion in alkaline solutions for almost 2 years. Additionally, the electrodes response did not show oxygen dependency. Our results highlight the importance of sufficient conditioning in alkaline media prior to use. When properly produced, conditioned, and pre‐calibrated the electrodes reproducibly permit measuring the pH with a maximum error of 0.5 pH units over a range of at least pH 9–13.5. Preliminary results show that the studied electrodes are promising sensors for monitoring pH changes in concrete.
Contrast in the East Asian subtropical westerly jet and its association with precipitation in China between early summer and midsummer
Authors: Xuan Shouli , Zhang Qingyun , Sun Shuqing , Shi Chunlin
Published: September 2017

The interannual variations of the East Asian subtropical westerly jet (EASWJ) and its related precipitation and atmospheric circulations during early summer and midsummer were investigated. The possible causes for the contrast between early summer and midsummer were also investigated. The results indicate that, in early summer, the EASWJ is influenced by a teleconnection pattern spanning the middle to high latitude region from the North Atlantic to the East Asian coast. Associated with the eastward pointing wave activity flux (WAF) along this zonal propagated wave train, the height anomaly in the middle to high latitude of East Asia exhibits alternating negative−positive−negative distributions in abnormal southward EASWJ years, resulting in anomalous convergence and increased precipitation in regions south of the Yangtze River (SYR). However, in midsummer, the EASWJ is more closely related to lower latitude circulations. A south‐to‐north propagated WAF, which originates from the South China Sea and tropical western Pacific, is responsible for the maintenance of the anomalous EASWJ and western Pacific subtropical high. Associated with the stronger and westward shifted western Pacific subtropical high and abnormal southward EASWJ, precipitation increases in the Yangtze‐Huaihe River Valley and decreases SYR, and vice versa. Contrast in the EASWJ‐related preceding sea surface temperature (SST) between early summer and midsummer were also investigated. In early summer, the meridional displacement of the EASWJ was significantly influenced by the North Atlantic SST in the preceding March–April period, whereas in midsummer the EASWJ displacement was strongly connected to the tropical Pacific SST in the preceding April–June period.
Pullback attractors of 2D incompressible Navier‐Stokes‐Voight equations with delay
Authors: Cao J. , Qin Y.
Published: September 2017

In this paper, the 2D Navier‐Stokes‐Voight equations with 3 delays in
is considered. By using the Faedo‐Galerkin method, Lions‐Aubin lemma, and Arzelà‐Ascoli theorem, we establish the global well‐posedness of solutions and the existence of pullback attractors in H1.
Green and Chamomile Teas, but not Acarbose, Attenuate Glucose and Fructose Transport via Inhibition of GLUT2 and GLUT5
Authors: Villa‐Rodriguez Jose A. , Aydin Ebru , Gauer Julia S. , Pyner Alison , Williamson Gary , Kerimi Asimina
Published: September 2017

Scope

High glycaemic sugars result in blood‐glucose spikes, while large doses of post‐prandial fructose inundate the liver, causing an imbalance in energy metabolism, both leading to increased risk of metabolic malfunction and type 2 diabetes. Acarbose, used for diabetes management, reduces post‐prandial hyperglycaemia by delaying carbohydrate digestion.

Methods and results

Chamomile and green teas both inhibited digestive enzymes (α‐amylase and maltase) related to intestinal sugar release, as already established for acarbose. However, acarbose had no effect on uptake of sugars using both differentiated human Caco‐2 cell monolayers and Xenopus oocytes expressing human glucose transporter‐2 (GLUT2) and GLUT5. Both teas effectively inhibited transport of fructose and glucose through GLUT2 inhibition, while chamomile tea also inhibited GLUT5. Long term incubation of Caco‐2/TC7 cells with chamomile tea for 16 h or 4 days did not enhance the observed effects, indicating that inhibition is acute. Sucrase activity was directly inhibited by green tea and acarbose, but not chamomile.

Conclusion

These findings show that chamomile and green teas are potential tools to manage absorption and metabolism of sugars with efficacy against high sugar bolus stress inflicted, for example, by high fructose syrups, where the drug acarbose would be ineffective.
Outlier identification in radiation therapy knowledge‐based planning: A study of pelvic cases
Authors: Sheng Yang , Ge Yaorong , Yuan Lulin , Li Taoran , Yin Fang‐Fang , Wu Qingrong Jackie
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to apply statistical metrics to identify outliers and to investigate the impact of outliers on knowledge‐based planning in radiation therapy of pelvic cases. We also aimed to develop a systematic workflow for identifying and analyzing geometric and dosimetric outliers.

Methods

Four groups (G1–G4) of pelvic plans were sampled in this study. These include the following three groups of clinical IMRT cases: G1 (37 prostate cases), G2 (37 prostate plus lymph node cases) and G3 (37 prostate bed cases). Cases in G4 were planned in accordance with dynamic‐arc radiation therapy procedure and include 10 prostate cases in addition to those from G1. The workflow was separated into two parts: 1. identifying geometric outliers, assessing outlier impact, and outlier cleaning; 2. identifying dosimetric outliers, assessing outlier impact, and outlier cleaning. G2 and G3 were used to analyze the effects of geometric outliers (first experiment outlined below) while G1 and G4 were used to analyze the effects of dosimetric outliers (second experiment outlined below).

A baseline model was trained by regarding all G2 cases as inliers. G3 cases were then individually added to the baseline model as geometric outliers. The impact on the model was assessed by comparing leverages of inliers (G2) and outliers (G3). A receiver‐operating‐characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the optimal threshold. The experiment was repeated by training the baseline model with all G3 cases as inliers and perturbing the model with G2 cases as outliers.

A separate baseline model was trained with 32 G1 cases. Each G4 case (dosimetric outlier) was subsequently added to perturb the model. Predictions of dose‐volume histograms (DVHs) were made using these perturbed models for the remaining 5 G1 cases. A Weighted Sum of Absolute Residuals (WSAR) was used to evaluate the impact of the dosimetric outliers.

Results

The leverage of inliers and outliers was significantly different. The Area‐Under‐Curve (AUC) for differentiating G2 (outliers) from G3 (inliers) was 0.98 (threshold: 0.27) for the bladder and 0.81 (threshold: 0.11) for the rectum. For differentiating G3 (outlier) from G2 (inlier), the AUC (threshold) was 0.86 (0.11) for the bladder and 0.71 (0.11) for the rectum. Significant increase in WSAR was observed in the model with 3 dosimetric outliers for the bladder (P < 0.005 with Bonferroni correction), and in the model with only 1 dosimetric outlier for the rectum (P < 0.005).

Conclusions

We established a systematic workflow for identifying and analyzing geometric and dosimetric outliers, and investigated statistical metrics for outlier detection. Results validated the necessity for outlier detection and clean‐up to enhance model quality in clinical practice.
Technical Note: Investigating the impact of field size on patient selection for the 1.5T MR‐Linac
Authors: Chuter Robert W. , Whitehurst Philip , Choudhury Ananya , van Herk Marcel , McWilliam Alan
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The 1.5 T Elekta MR‐Linac, due to the construction of the system will have a maximum radiation field size in the superior‐inferior patient direction of 22 cm at isocentre. The field size may impact on the patient groups which can be treated on the system. This technical note aims to address the question of which treatment sites will be affected by field size limitations on the MR‐Linac.

Methods

Using historical data for 11 595 cases over 2 yr treated at the authors’ institution, the proportion of plans that would fit the MR‐Linac's field size was determined for eleven patient groups. In addition, cervix plans were analyzed to determine the length of the two Clinical Target Volumes (CTVs) and any overlap between them.

Results

With a 1 cm margin to allow for online plan adaption, 80% of all plans would be suitable for the MR‐Linac due to the field size. This percentage increases to 100% for smaller tumor volumes such as prostate and brain. However, for cervix and three dose‐level head and neck plans the percentage becomes 61% and 66%, respectively.

Conclusion

The maximum radiation field size of the MR‐Linac in the superior‐inferior patient direction is 22 cm. With a 1 cm margin approximately 80% of all plans would be suitable for the MR‐Linac with the available field size, decreasing to 61% for larger tumor volumes. For cervix patients this may motivate investigations into treating each CTV with a separate isocentre, allowing for careful control of matching fields.
Finding “hard to find” literature on hard to find groups: A novel technique to search grey literature on refugees and asylum seekers
Authors: Enticott Joanne , Buck Kimberly , Shawyer Frances
Published: September 2017

There is a lack of information on how to execute effective searches of the grey literature on refugee and asylum seeker groups for inclusion in systematic reviews. High‐quality government reports and other grey literature relevant to refugees may not always be identified in conventional literature searches. During the process of conducting a recent systematic review, we developed a novel strategy for systematically searching international refugee and asylum seeker‐related grey literature. The approach targets governmental health departments and statistical agencies, who have considerable access to refugee and asylum seeker populations for research purposes but typically do not publish findings in academic forums. Compared to a conventional grey literature search strategy, our novel technique yielded an eightfold increase in relevant high‐quality grey sources that provided valuable content in informing our review. Incorporating a search of the grey literature into systematic reviews of refugee and asylum seeker research is essential to providing a more complete view of the evidence. Our novel strategy offers a practical and feasible method of conducting systematic grey literature searches that may be adaptable to a range of research questions, contexts, and resource constraints.
In vivo whole‐blood T2 versus HbO2 calibration by modulating blood oxygenation level in the femoral vein through intermittent cuff occlusion
Authors: Langham Michael C. , Rodríguez‐Soto Ana E. , Schwartz Nadav , Wehrli Felix W.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of estimating calibration constants (K and T2o) in vivo for converting whole‐blood T2 to blood hemoglobin oxygen saturation (HbO2) according to the Luz‐Meiboom model,
, where K and T2o are relaxivity and transverse relaxation time of fully saturated blood, respectively.

Methods

A range of HbO2 values was achieved in the superficial femoral vein with intermittent cuff occlusion in seven healthy adults (four males) to establish a calibration curve between blood T2 and HbO2 at 1.5T. HbO2 was derived via MR susceptometry, a technique previously validated, and the transverse relaxation time was quantified with an optimized T2‐prepared balanced steady‐state free precession pulse sequence. To evaluate the accuracy of the in vivo calibration method, T2 and HbO2 were quantified in the superior sagittal sinus in six additional subjects and compared with susceptometry.

Results

Two sets of gender‐specific calibration constants were derived, one for each gender corresponding to hematocrits of 0.47 ± 0.02 for males and 0.38 ± 0.01 for females, yielding K/T2o = 41 Hz/260 ms and 26 Hz/280 ms, respectively. The in vivo calibration returned physiologically plausible superior sagittal sinus SvO2 values (65 ± 5% HbO2), and there was no significant difference between the results from the two methods (average difference −0.3% HbO2).

Conclusion

The results show feasibility of performing in vivo calibration for converting whole‐blood T2 to HbO2. The proposed approach bypasses the involved and cumbersome processes associated with in vitro calibration. Magn Reson Med 79:2290–2296, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Incomplete initial nutation diffusion imaging: An ultrafast, single‐scan approach for diffusion mapping
Authors: Ianuş Andrada , Shemesh Noam
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Diffusion MRI is confounded by the need to acquire at least two images separated by a repetition time, thereby thwarting the detection of rapid dynamic microstructural changes. The issue is exacerbated when diffusivity variations are accompanied by rapid changes in T2. The purpose of the present study is to accelerate diffusion MRI acquisitions such that both reference and diffusion‐weighted images necessary for quantitative diffusivity mapping are acquired in a single‐shot experiment.

Methods

A general methodology termed incomplete initial nutation diffusion imaging (INDI), capturing two diffusion contrasts in a single shot, is presented. This methodology creates a longitudinal magnetization reservoir that facilitates the successive acquisition of two images separated by only a few milliseconds. The theory behind INDI is presented, followed by proof‐of‐concept studies in water phantom, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments at 16.4 and 9.4 T.

Results

Mean diffusivities extracted from INDI were comparable with diffusion tensor imaging and the two‐shot isotropic diffusion encoding in the water phantom. In ex vivo mouse brain tissues, as well as in the in vivo mouse brain, mean diffusivities extracted from conventional isotropic diffusion encoding and INDI were in excellent agreement. Simulations for signal‐to‐noise considerations identified the regimes in which INDI is most beneficial.

Conclusions

The INDI method accelerates diffusion MRI acquisition to single‐shot mode, which can be of great importance for mapping dynamic microstructural properties in vivo without T2 bias. Magn Reson Med 79:2198–2204, 2018. © 2017 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Advancement of the German version of the moral distress scale for acute care nurses—A mixed methods study
Authors: Kleinknecht‐Dolf Michael , Spichiger Elisabeth , Müller Marianne , Bartholomeyczik Sabine , Spirig Rebecca
Published: September 2017

Aim

Moral distress experienced by nurses in acute care hospitals can adversely impact the affected nurses, their patients and their hospitals; therefore, it is advisable for organizations to establish internal monitoring of moral distress. However, until now, no suitable questionnaire has been available for use in German‐speaking contexts. Hence, the aim of this study was to develop and psychometrically test a German‐language version of the Moral Distress Scale.

Design

We chose a sequential explanatory mixed methods design, followed by a second quantitative cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

An American moral distress scale was chosen, translated, culturally adapted, tested in a pilot study and subsequently used in 2011 to conduct an initial web‐based quantitative cross‐sectional survey of nurses in all inpatient units at five hospitals in Switzerland's German‐speaking region. Data were analysed descriptively and via a Rasch analysis. In 2012, four focus group interviews were conducted with 26 nurses and then evaluated using knowledge maps. The results were used to improve the questionnaire. In 2015, using the revised German‐language instrument, a second survey and Rasch analysis were conducted.

Results

The descriptive results of the first survey's participants (n = 2153; response rate: 44%) indicated that moral distress is a salient phenomenon in Switzerland. The data from the focus group interviews and the Rasch analysis produced information valuable for the questionnaire's further development. Alongside the data from the second survey's participants (n = 1965; response rate: 40%), the Rasch analysis confirmed the elimination of previous deficiencies on its psychometrics. A Rasch‐scaled German version of the Moral Distress Scale is now available for use.
Information fusion estimation–based flight control of a nonlinear jumbo jet under wind disturbance
Authors: Zhen Ziyang , Xu Yue , Jiang Ju
Published: September 2017

Wind disturbance has a large impact on the safety and comfort of jumbo jets. An information fusion estimation–based control method, which is based on the linearization‐based design strategy, is proposed for the flight control of a nonlinear jumbo jet to restrain wind disturbance. A complete nonlinear model of the jumbo jet is developed based on the aerodynamic data and parameters of a Boeing jumbo jet. An information fusion control (IFC) scheme based on information fusion estimation is presented for the nonzero‐state tracking problem of the linear system with disturbance. The IFC scheme fuses the information of desired future states, desired control inputs, system dynamic equations, and performance index function. IFC is applied in the automatic flight control system of the jumbo jet to design the longitudinal flight controller and lateral flight controller. Simulation results show the feasibility and effectiveness of the IFC in the flight control of the jumbo jet, as compared with the PID control and the traditional linear quadratic optimal control.
Public caseworkers' strategies coping with accountability demands
Authors: Hwang Kwangseon , Han Yousueng
Published: September 2017

Public employees are required to manage multiple accountability requirements by investing in the relationship with those who demand accountability, making a commitment to the given tasks and anticipating what might happen. The purpose of the study is to explore how social caseworkers manage multiple accountability requirements compared to public managers. The analysis from child welfare caseworkers' interview data highlights a number of ways on how social caseworkers respond to multiple accountabilities. Although most of acts from caseworkers are exposed within the public managers' strategies, talking or discussing with coworkers and supervisors seems the caseworkers' contextual and endemic response. Discussions followed.
Chronic steroid‐response pancytopenia and increased bone density due to thromboxane synthase deficiency
Authors: Sharma Richa , Sierra Potchanant Elizabeth , Schwartz Jennifer E. , Nalepa Grzegorz
Published: September 2017

Diagnosis of bone marrow failure (BMF) disorders is challenging but essential for optimal patient management. Here, we report a young adult from nonconsanguineous parents with progressive pancytopenia since childhood, bone pain, increased bone density, and haphazard ossification replacing hematopoiesis within the bone marrow. Sequencing revealed two novel biallelic variants of unknown significance within the thromboxane A synthase gene, TBXAS1 (c.266T > C; c.989T > C), bioinformatically predicted to disrupt the protein. TBXAS1 mutations result in Ghosal hematodiaphyseal dysplasia (OMIM 231095), the autosomal recessive syndrome associated with abnormal bone structure and BMF. Identification of the genetic defect prompted steroid therapy leading to resolution of symptoms.
Comprehensive Guidance for Antibiotic Dosing in Obese Adults
Authors: Meng Lina , Mui Emily , Holubar Marisa K. , Deresinski Stan C.
Published: September 2017

Physiologic alterations seen in obesity commonly impact the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of antibiotics and may result in suboptimal dosing in this expanding but understudied population. Much of the published clinical and PK evidence to date consists of small patient populations and are retrospective with, not infrequently, heterogeneous results that in some cases are contradictory. In the last 10 years, additional antimicrobial PK/PD and clinical data encompassing prolonged infusion strategies and examination of critically ill populations have emerged to inform antimicrobial dosing in obesity. In this narrative review, we critically review literature on dosing, PK, and possible dosing strategies in obese adults. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library using Medical Subject Headings including anti‐infectives, specific antimicrobial names, obese, pharmacokinetics, and others. We reviewed articles, cross‐referenced select cited references, and when applicable, referenced drug databases and package inserts to develop dosing recommendations. We provide an overall critical review of the available data regarding PK and dosing issues including dosing recommendations in both critically ill and noncritically ill patients with significant obesity. We developed dosing recommendations for 34 antimicrobials based on 121 articles of the 2336 identified by the search strategy. Although 11 of these do not appear to require dose adjustment, obesity‐specific dosing guidance is provided for the remaining 23 antimicrobials. Additional studies are needed to better understand and resolve discrepant published results regarding the PK of antibiotics to establish optimal dosing strategies in obese adults. Alternative dosing strategies, such as extended infusions, should be considered for time‐dependent antibiotics (e.g., β‐lactams) in obese patients to achieve PD targets reliably. Therapeutic drug monitoring across the spectrum of antimicrobials is of increasing importance in this and other populations to ensure optimized dosing.
Self‐assembling amphiphilic block copolymer from renewable δ‐decalactone and δ‐dodecalactone
Authors: Ferrari Raffaele , Agostini Azzurra , Brunel Lucia , Morosi Lavinia , Moscatelli Davide
Published: September 2017

Aliphatic polyesters have many applications in the biomedical field due to their properties and facile degradation. They are commonly synthesized via ring opening polymerization (ROP) with metal‐based catalysts, but as high temperatures are needed and the products contain metal, organocatalysts are now widely adopted to polymerize them at room temperature while also ensuring short reaction times. Here, 1,7,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]‐dec‐5‐ene is used to polymerize less reactive but renewably‐derived lactones, namely δ‐decalactone and δ‐dodecalactone. These monomers were chosen in the attempt of creating renewable and highly lipophilic materials for drug delivery applications as alternatives to the more traditional, but non‐renewable δ‐valerolactone and ɛ‐caprolactone. A combination of ROP and living radical polymerization Reversible Addition‐Fragmentation Chain Transfer is proposed here to synthesize grafted block copolymers. They are able to self‐assemble in water, forming micelles where the lipophilic polyester core is able to entrap a lipophilic drug, thus making the system a good candidate for drug delivery. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3788–3797
Percutaneous thoracic duct intervention to treat plastic bronchitis related to Fontan palliation
Authors: DePopas Eric M. , Veress Livia A. , Ahmed Farres , Rausch Christopher M. , Annam Aparna , Gupta Rajan
Published: September 2017

Plastic bronchitis is a life‐threatening condition of airway obstructive cast formation. This pediatric case series from a high altitude center details the course of three patients after percutaneous thoracic duct interventions for refractory plastic bronchitis, with a follow‐up interval of 3.5 years. In two patients, where cisterna chyli maceration (patients 2) or thoracic duct embolization (patient 3) was performed, a sustained clinical improvement is shown, with no subsequent cast recurrence. In patient 1, cisterna chyli maceration resulted in partial improvement. Herein, a favorable outcome is shown in pediatric patients with percutaneous thoracic duct interventions for plastic bronchitis at altitude.
The role of respiratory tract infections and the microbiome in the development of asthma: A narrative review
Authors: van Meel Evelien R. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Bønnelykke Klaus , de Jongste Johan C. , Duijts Liesbeth
Published: September 2017

Asthma is a common disease in childhood, and might predispose for chronic obstructive respiratory morbidity in adolescence and adulthood. Various early‐life risk factors might influence the risk of wheezing, asthma, and lower lung function in childhood. Cohort studies demonstrated that lower respiratory tract infections in the first years of life are associated with an increased risk of wheezing and asthma, while the association with lung function is less clear. Additionally, the gut and airway microbiome might influence the risk of wheezing and asthma. The interaction between respiratory tract infections and the microbiome complicates studies of their associations with wheezing, asthma, and lung function. Furthermore, the causality behind these observations is still unclear, and several other factors such as genetic susceptibility and the immune system might be of importance. This review is focused on the association of early‐life respiratory tract infections and the microbiome with wheezing, asthma, and lung function, it is possible influencing factors and perspectives for future studies.
Preliminary Study of New Propellants Containing Guanidinium or Triaminoguanidinium Azotetrazolate
Authors: Szala Mateusz , Hara Marcin , Szymańczyk Leszek , Surma Zbigniew
Published: September 2017

Guanidinium and triaminoguanidinium azotetrazolate (GUAZ, TAGAZ) were used as high‐nitrogen compounds for the preparation of new propellants bound with nitrocellulose and plasticized with dibutyl phthalate and 3‐methyl‐3‐nitroxymethyloxetane. The new propellant compositions were tested by using a differential thermal analysis‐thermogravimetric technique, friction sensitivity and impact were ascertained and pyrostatic tests were conducted. Regardless of the amount of TAGAZ and plasticizer type, the propellants exhibit similar maximum pressure of the gases which allow for the replacement of NC in propellants by TAGAZ.
Mechanical Characteristics and Thermal Decomposition Behaviors of Polytetrahydrofuran Binder with Glycerol Propoxylate (Mn=1500) as a Crosslinking Agent
Authors: Kohga Makoto
Published: September 2017

Polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF) is an effective binder ingredient for improving propellant performance, although it is not an energetic material. PTHF becomes sufficiently rubbery for use as a binder when a triol is added as a crosslinking modifier. In this study, glycerol propoxylate (GPO), with a molecular weight of 1500, was used as a crosslinking modifier, and the curing behavior, tensile properties, and thermal decomposition behaviors of the PTHF binder with GPO were investigated. A PTHF (Mn=650)/GPO blend with a PTHF/GPO mole ratio (ξ) less than or equal to 4 and a PTHF (Mn=1400)/GPO blend with ξ≤1 were used as propellant binders. The curing behaviors and mechanical properties of the PTHF/GPO blends were influenced by the molecular weight of PTHF and ξ, while the thermal decomposition behaviors were not affected. It was found that the PTHF/GPO blends had higher initial viscosity, longer pot life, and unique mechanical properties compared to those of the PTHF blends supplemented with GPO (Mn=260).
Pharmacological hypothesis: Nitric oxide‐induced inhibition of ADAM‐17 activity as well as vesicle release can in turn prevent the production of soluble endothelin‐converting enzyme
Authors: Kuruppu Sanjaya , Rajapakse Niwanthi W. , Parkington Helena C. , Smith Ian
Published: September 2017

Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and nitric oxide (NO) are two highly potent vasoactive molecules with opposing effects on the vasculature. Endothelin‐converting enzyme (ECE) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) catalyse the production of ET‐1 and NO, respectively. It is well established that these molecules play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of cardiovascular diseases and have therefore become targets of therapy. Many studies have examined the mechanism(s) by which NO regulates ET‐1 production. Expression and localization of ECE‐1 is a key factor that determines the rate of ET‐1 production. ECE‐1 can either be membrane bound or be released from the cell surface to produce a soluble form. NO has been shown to reduce the expression of both membrane‐bound and soluble ECE‐1. Several studies have examined the mechanism(s) behind NO‐mediated inhibition of ECE expression on the cell membrane. However, the precise mechanism(s) behind NO‐mediated inhibition of soluble ECE production are unknown. We hypothesize that both exogenous and endogenous NO, inhibits the production of soluble ECE‐1 by preventing its release via extracellular vesicles (e.g., exosomes), and/or by inhibiting the activity of A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease‐17 (ADAM17). If this hypothesis is proven correct in future studies, these pathways represent targets for the therapeutic manipulation of soluble ECE‐1 production.
Synthesis and structure–activity relationships of carbohydrazides and 1,3,4‐oxadiazole derivatives bearing an imidazolidine moiety against the yellow fever and dengue vector, Aedes aegypti
Authors: Tok Fatih , Kocyigit‐Kaymakcioglu Bedia , Tabanca Nurhayat , Estep Alden S , Gross Aaron D , Geldenhuys Werner J , Becnel James J , Bloomquist Jeffrey R
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

1,3,4‐Oxadiazole and imidazolidine rings are important heterocyclic compounds exhibiting a variety of biological activities. In this study, novel compounds with oxadiazole and imidazolidine rings were synthesized from 3‐(methylsulfonyl)‐2‐oxoimidazolidine‐1‐carbonyl chloride and screened for insecticidal activities. The proposed structures of the 17 synthesized compounds were confirmed using elemental analysis, infrared (IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR), and mass spectroscopy.

RESULTS

None of the compounds showed larvicidal activity at the tested concentrations against first‐instar Aedes aegypti larvae. However, nine compounds exhibited promising adulticidal activity, with mortality rates of ≥80% at 5 µg per mosquito. Further dose–response bioassays were undertaken to determine median lethal dose (LD50) values. Compounds 1, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2 g, 3b, 3c, 3 g, and 3 h were effective, with typical LD50 values of about 5 − 10 µg per mosquito against female Ae. aegypti. Compounds 2c (bearing a nitro group on the aromatic ring; LD50 = 2.80 ± 0.54 µg per mosquito) and 3 h (double halogen groups at 2,4 position on the phenyl ring; LD50 = 2.80 ± 0.54 µg per mosquito) were the most promising compounds.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary mode of action studies failed to show consistent evidence of either neurotoxic or mitochondria‐directed effects. Further chemical synthesis within this series may lead to the development of new effective insecticides. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
The link between eddy‐driven jet variability and weather regimes in the North Atlantic‐European sector
Authors: Madonna Erica , Li Camille , Grams Christian M. , Woollings Tim
Published: September 2017

This study reconciles two perspectives on wintertime atmospheric variability in the North Atlantic–European sector: the zonal‐mean framework comprising three preferred locations of the eddy‐driven jet (southern, central, northern), and the weather regime framework comprising four classical North Atlantic‐European regimes (Atlantic ridge AR, zonal ZO, European/Scandinavian blocking BL, Greenland anticyclone GA). A k‐means clustering algorithm is used to characterize the two‐dimensional variability of the eddy‐driven jet stream, defined by the lower tropospheric zonal wind in the ERA‐Interim reanalysis. The first three clusters capture the central jet and northern jet, along with a new mixed‐jet configuration; a fourth cluster is needed to recover the southern jet. The mixed cluster represents a split or strongly tilted jet, neither of which is well described in the zonal‐mean framework, and has a persistence of about one week, similar to the other clusters. Connections between the preferred jet locations and weather regimes are corroborated – southern to GA, central to ZO, and northern to AR. In addition, the new mixed cluster is found to be linked to European/Scandinavian blocking, whose relation to the eddy‐driven jet was previously unclear.
Finite element analysis of customized implant in mandibular reconstruction after tumor resection with and without using customized surgical osteotomy guide
Authors: Dahake Sandeep , Kuthe Abhaykumar , Kulkarni Sanket , Mawale Mahesh
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The aim of this work was to compare different 12 cases (3 patients * 4 cases = 12 cases) with varying gaps between implant and bone by analyzing the effect of these gaps on implant and screws using FEM.

Methods

In each patient's case 1 using CSOG and in case 2, 3, and 4 without using CSOG tumor cutting was done. Hence in each patient zero gaps at case 1 and overcutting at case 2, 3, and 4 have obtained at different locations.

Results

FEM results reveal that in each patient's case 4 (maximum gap) was more susceptible to loosening of the screws due to higher strains (37%) and implant failure due to higher stress (28%) concentration under the same loading conditions when compared with case 1 (zero gap).

Conclusions

The study reveals that mandibular reconstruction with implant placement using CSOG can significantly enhance the stability and safety of the implant.
Concise Review: Kidney Generation with Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Morizane Ryuji , Miyoshi Tomoya , Bonventre Joseph V.
Published: September 2017

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide health care problem, resulting in increased cardiovascular mortality and often leading to end-stage kidney disease, where patients require kidney replacement therapies such as hemodialysis or kidney transplantation. Loss of functional nephrons contributes to the progression of CKD, which can be attenuated but not reversed due to inability to generate new nephrons in human adult kidneys. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), by virtue of their unlimited self-renewal and ability to differentiate into cells of all three embryonic germ layers, are attractive sources for kidney regenerative therapies. Recent advances in stem cell biology have identified key signals necessary to maintain stemness of human nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) in vitro, and led to establishment of protocols to generate NPCs and nephron epithelial cells from human fetal kidneys and hPSCs. Effective production of large amounts of human NPCs and kidney organoids will facilitate elucidation of developmental and pathobiological pathways, kidney disease modeling and drug screening as well as kidney regenerative therapies. We summarize the recent studies to induce NPCs and kidney cells from hPSCs, studies of NPC expansion from mouse and human embryonic kidneys, and discuss possible approaches in vivo to regenerate kidneys with cell therapies and the development of bioengineered kidneys.
Contribution to sustainable seismic design of reinforced concrete members through embodied CO2 emissions optimization
Authors: Mergos Panagiotis E.
Published: September 2017

The embodied CO2 emissions of reinforced concrete (RC) structures can be significantly reduced by structural optimization that maximizes structural efficiency. Previous studies dealing with design of RC structures for minimum CO2 emissions do not address seismic design provisions. This is the case despite the fact that in many countries around the world, including most of the top 10 countries in CO2 emissions from cement production, RC structures have to be designed against earthquake hazard. To fill a part of this gap, this study, using exhaustive search, examines optimum designs of RC beam and column members for minimum embodied CO2 emissions according to Eurocode‐8 for all ductility classes and compares them with optimum designs based on material cost. It is shown that seismic designs for minimum CO2 footprint lead to less CO2 emissions but are more expensive than minimum cost designs. Their differences strongly depend on the assumed values of the environmental impact of reinforcing steel and concrete materials. Furthermore, it is concluded that seismic design for high ductility classes can drive to significant reductions in embodied CO2 emissions.
The theoretical principles of the critical shear crack theory for punching shear failures and derivation of consistent closed‐form design expressions
Authors: Muttoni Aurelio , Fernández Ruiz Miguel , Simões João T.
Published: September 2017

The mechanical model of the critical shear crack theory (CSCT) has been used in the past to investigate a number of shear‐related problems, such as punching of slab–column connections with and without transverse reinforcement. In this paper, a discussion on the differences and analogies between slender slabs and squat members (footings) without transverse reinforcement is presented on the basis of the CSCT. This discussion highlights how bending and shear deformations influence the opening of the critical shear crack and eventually its ability to transfer shear forces. On that basis, it is investigated and justified a power‐law expression to characterize the failure criterion of the CSCT. This criterion, in combination with a suitable load–deformation relationship, can be used to derive closed‐form expressions for punching shear design. The accuracy of these expressions is verified against databases of slender slabs (121 specimens) and footings (34 specimens) with consistent agreement.
Synthesis of frequency‐invariant patterns by the fast multitask compressive sensing
Authors: Yang Le , Liu Yanhui , Zhu Chunhui , Liu Lijun , Liu Qing Huo
Published: September 2017

A new method for the synthesis of wideband frequency‐invariant pencil‐beam patterns with nonuniformly spaced linear arrays is proposed. This scheme is designed under the framework of fast multitask compressive sensing. The minimum spacing between antenna elements can be controlled to make sure that the obtained arrays are physically realizable. The results achieved are comparable to those obtained by the state‐of‐the‐art techniques. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Evaluation of a single‐phase 50‐Hz axial rotary transformer for DFIG systems
Authors: Zietsman Nikita L. , Gule Nkosinathi
Published: September 2017

In this paper, a comprehensive analytical design methodology for a single‐phase axial rotary transformer (RT) is presented. The proposed procedure is designed to yield the minimum RT volume or size while at the same time offer adequate efficiency. Furthermore, the proposed methodology is used in the design and evaluation of a 1.2‐kVA single‐phase axial RT. The developed prototype proved that the methodology leads to a significant reduction in size as compared to a prototype designed using standard methods. The measured efficiency of this transformer is found to be 91.4%. The presented design methodology can be easily extended to a three‐phase RT that can be applied in place of slip rings in brushless doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs). This could reduce maintenance downtime in the operation life of the DFIG. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.