bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of mortality in patients with Clostridium difficile infection
Authors: Chu Yu‐Ming , Lee Chia‐Long , Chen Hsin‐Yu , Hung Chih‐Sheng
Published: November 2019

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most common health‐care‐associated infections and has become a crucial cause of morbidity and mortality in older patients, but outcomes of CDI vary between patients. The aim of this study is to identify the predictor of mortality in patients with CDI. This is a retrospective study of patients with CDI diagnosed by stool C difficile toxin test between February 1, 2012 and August 31, 2017, in a medical center in Taiwan. The main outcome of the study was in‐hospital mortality. A total of 101 patients were diagnosed with CDI during the study period. The in‐hospital mortality rate was 28.7% (29 patients), and the recurrence rate was 6.9% (7 patients). By using multivariable logistic regression model, acute kidney injury was found to be a strong independent predictor of mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 6.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.07‐21.25, P < .001). Having received chemotherapy in the preceding 3 months was also a significant predictor (OR: 22.54, 95% CI: 1.84‐276.5, P = .015). Probiotic treatment was found to be a negative predictor of mortality (OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.10‐0.95, P = .040). Acute kidney injury and recent chemotherapy could be predictors of in‐hospital mortality in patients with CDI. Probiotic treatment may reduce the mortality of patients with CDI.
Splanchnic vein thromboses associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms: An international, retrospective study on 518 cases
Authors: Sant'Antonio Emanuela , Guglielmelli Paola , Pieri Lisa , Primignani Massimo , Randi Maria Luigia , Santarossa Claudia , Rumi Elisa , Cervantes Francisco , Delaini Federica , Carobbio Alessandra , Betti Silvia , Rossi Elena , Lavi Noa , Harrison Claire N. , Curto‐Garcia Natalia , Gisslinger Heinz , Gisslinger Bettina , Specchia Giorgina , Ricco Alessandra , Vianelli Nicola , Polverelli Nicola , Koren‐Michowitz Maya , Ruggeri Marco , Girodon Francois , Ellis Martin , Iurlo Alessandra , Mannelli Francesco , Mannelli Lara , Sordi Benedetta , Loscocco Giuseppe Gaetano , Cazzola Mario , De Stefano Valerio , Barbui Tiziano , Tefferi Ayalew , Vannucchi Alessandro Maria
Published: November 2019

Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) course can be complicated by thrombosis involving unusual sites as the splanchnic veins (SVT). Their management is challenging, given their composite vascular risk. We performed a retrospective, cohort study in the framework of the International Working Group for MPN Research and Treatment (IWG‐MRT), and AIRC‐Gruppo Italiano Malattie Mieloproliferative (AGIMM). A total of 518 MPN‐SVT cases were collected and compared with 1628 unselected, control MPN population, matched for disease subtype. Those with MPN‐SVT were younger (median 44 years) and enriched in females compared to controls; PV (37.1%) and ET (34.4%) were the most frequent diagnoses. JAK2V617F mutation was highly prevalent (90.2%), and 38.6% of cases had an additional hypercoagulable disorder. SVT recurrence rate was 1.6 per 100 patient‐years. Vitamin K‐antagonists (VKA) halved the incidence of recurrence (OR 0.48), unlike cytoreduction (OR 0.96), and were not associated with overall or gastrointestinal bleeding in multivariable analysis. Esophageal varices were the only independent predictor for major bleeding (OR 17.4). Among MPN‐SVT, risk of subsequent vascular events was skewed towards venous thromboses compared to controls. However, MPN‐SVT clinical course was overall benign: SVT were enriched in PMF with lower IPSS, resulting in significantly longer survival than controls; survival was not affected in PV and slightly reduced in ET. MPN‐U with SVT (n = 55) showed a particularly indolent phenotype, with no signs of disease evolution. In the to‐date largest, contemporary cohort of MPN‐SVT, VKA were confirmed effective in preventing recurrence, unlike cytoreduction, and safe; the major risk factor for bleeding was esophageal varices that therefore represent a major therapeutic target.
Synthesis of Nitrated N‐Alkyl Anilines Using N‐Nitroso Anilines as a Self‐Providing Nitro Group Source
Authors: Zhang Yuxian , Zhang Shuwei , Sun Zheng , Yuan Yu , Jia Xiaodong
Published: November 2019

In the presence of dioxygen, an efficient synthesis of nitrated N‐alkyl anilines was realized using N‐nitroso anilines as the starting material. According to the mechanistic study, the N‐nitroso anilines served as a self‐providing nitro group source to promote the direct nitration of N‐alkylanilines, avoiding the undesired protection of amine group.
The future of adult safeguarding in Australia
Authors: Chesterman John
Published: November 2019

Significant reforms to Australia's adult safeguarding laws and practices are in the process of occurring in the context of increasingly market‐oriented social care provision and rising human rights consciousness. Recent safeguarding developments have included federal regulatory reforms concerning disability and aged care service provision, together with significant reform activity stemming from a national inquiry into elder abuse. Despite this national activity, adult safeguarding continues largely to be an arena of state and territory responsibility. This article examines recent reform developments and asks how safeguarding laws and practices can be reformed to take account of increased federal involvement in social care regulation and the more market‐oriented ways in which social care is being provided. The article argues that while state and territory safeguarding laws and practices are unlikely to become uniform, 10 principles ought to guide continued adult safeguarding reform. These principles seek to balance respect for the autonomy of individuals with society's obligation to support those in need.
Safety and Efficacy of Otaplimastat in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Requiring tPA (SAFE‐TPA): A Multicenter, Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Phase 2 Study
Authors: Kim Jong S. , Lee Kyung Bok , Park Jong‐Ho , Sung Sang Min , Oh Kyungmi , Kim Eung‐Gyu , Chang Dae‐il , Hwang Yang Ha , Lee Eun‐Jae , Kim Won‐Ki , Ju Chung , Kim Byung Su , Ryu Jei‐Man ,   on behalf of the SAFE‐TPA Investigators
Published: November 2019

Objective

Otaplimastat is a neuroprotectant that inhibits matrix metalloprotease pathway, and reduces edema and intracerebral hemorrhage induced by recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) in animal stroke models. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of otaplimastat in patients receiving rtPA.

Methods

This was a phase 2, 2‐part, multicenter trial in stroke patients (19–80 years old) receiving rtPA. Intravenous otaplimastat was administered <30 minutes after rtPA. Stage 1 was a single‐arm, open‐label safety study in 11 patients. Otaplimastat 80 mg was administered twice daily for 3 days. Stage 2 was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study involving 69 patients, assigned (1:1:1) to otaplimastat 40 mg, otaplimastat 80 mg, or a placebo. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of parenchymal hematoma (PH) on day 1. Secondary endpoints included serious adverse events (SAEs), mortality, and modified Rankin scale (mRS) distribution at 90 days (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02787278).

Results

No safety issues were encountered in stage 1. The incidence of PH during stage 2 was comparable: 0 of 22 with the placebo, 0 of 22 with otaplimastat 40 mg, and 1 of 21 with the 80 mg dose. No differences in SAEs (13%, 17%, 14%) or death (8.3%, 4.2%, 4.8%) were observed among the 3 groups. Three adverse events (chills, muscle rigidity, hepatotoxicity) were judged to be related to otaplimastat.

Interpretation

Intravenous otaplimastat adjunctive therapy in patients receiving rtPA is feasible and generally safe. The functional efficacy of otaplimastat needs to be investigated with further large trials. ANN NEUROL 2020;87:233–245
Adsorption of phenolic contaminants from water on activated carbon: An insight into single and multicomponent adsorption isotherms
Authors: Shukla Pradeep R. , Chong Siewhui , Pan Guan‐Ting , Wang Shaobin , Ang Ming , Rudolph Victor
Published: November 2019

The study focuses on the single and multicomponent adsorption of phenolic compounds from solution onto an activated carbon in the concentration range of 50–500 ppm at room temperature. The observed adsorption isotherms were correlated using various predictive and nonpredictive single and multicomponent adsorption isotherm equations. A strong influence of interadsorbate repulsion was evident based on the model proposed using Nitta's adsorption isotherm model.
Molecule‐Membrane Interactions in Biological Cells Studied with Second Harmonic Light Scattering
Authors: Wilhelm Michael J. , Dai Hai‐Lung
Published: November 2019

The nonlinear optical phenomenon second harmonic light scattering (SHS) can be used for detecting molecules at the membrane surfaces of living biological cells. Over the last decade, SHS has been developed for quantitatively monitoring the adsorption and transport of small and medium size molecules (both neutral and ionic) across membranes in living cells. SHS can be operated with both time and spatial resolution and is even capable of isolating molecule‐membrane interactions at specific membrane surfaces in multi‐membrane cells, such as bacteria. In this review, we discuss select examples from our lab employing time‐resolved SHS to study real‐time molecular interactions at the plasma membranes of biological cells. We first demonstrate the utility of this method for determining the transport rates at each membrane/interface in a Gram‐negative bacterial cell. Next, we show how SHS can be used to characterize the molecular mechanism of the century old Gram stain protocol for classifying bacteria. Additionally, we examine how membrane structures and molecular charge and polarity affect adsorption and transport, as well as how antimicrobial compounds alter bacteria membrane permeability. Finally, we discuss adaptation of SHS as an imaging modality to quantify molecular adsorption and transport in sub‐cellular regions of individual living cells.
Wogonin ameliorate complete Freund's adjuvant induced rheumatoid arthritis via targeting NF‐κB/MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Huang Yuntai , Guo Lubo , Chitti Renukaradhya , Sreeharsha Nagaraja , Mishra Anurag , Gubbiyappa Shiva K. , Singh Yogendra
Published: November 2019

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and accelerated autoimmune illness with proliferative and damaging synovitis, resulting in joint death and cartilage and bone erosion. This study focused on the potential therapeutic effect of wogonin on complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced RA in rats and the underlying mechanisms. Arthritis was experimentally caused in rats by subcutaneously injecting 0.1 mL of CFA into the subplantar area of the left hind paw under moderate anesthesia on day zero. The regular oral doses of indomethacin/wogonin began on day zero and proceeded after injection to day 35. Wogonin reduced arthritic score considerably, enhanced body weight, and reduced paw thickness. Wogonin also boosted red blood cell considerably along with hemoglobin and reduced white blood cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Wogonin substantially improved an altered level of oxidative stress markers, antioxidant proteins, and inflammatory cytokines in a dose‐dependent way. Wogonin inhibited p38 phosphorylation triggered by CFA and p65 nuclear translocation.
Evaluating the appropriateness of chemotherapy in a low‐resource cancer centre in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Serra Patrizia , Katabalo Deogratias M. , Masalu Nestory , Amadori Dino , Bugingo Salustia , Foca Flavia , Bravaccini Sara , Donati Caterina , Bucchi Lauro , Masini Carla
Published: November 2019

Background

To evaluate the appropriateness of chemotherapy use at the Oncology Department of the Bugando Medical Centre of Mwanza, Tanzania.

Methods

The study was an observational prevalence‐based study designed to evaluate a single‐chemotherapy cycle during a defined time period for a cross‐section of patients at varying stages of their clinical history. The sample included 103 consecutive subjects who were treated during January‐March 2017 and had at least one previous cycle. Chemotherapy treatment omissions, cycle delays, and dose reductions and their causes were recorded using a standard form that included demographic, anthropometric, and clinical items. The data were analyzed descriptively.

Results

There were 59 males (57.3%) and 44 females (42.7%). Ninety‐four patients were aged ≥18 years. Considering cancer type/site, there were 23 distinct groups of patients. The recorded number of drugs in the chemotherapy regimens varied between one and five. The median cycle number was three (range: 2‐11). Sixty‐eight (66.0%) patients were treated in a standard fashion. For the remaining, cycle delay and dose reduction were the most common cause for nonstandard treatment. Hematologic toxicity was responsible for the greater part of cycle delays, whereas dose reductions were accounted for by a larger spectrum of causes. Overall, toxicity explained 21/35 (60.0%) patients receiving nonstandard treatment. The distribution of toxic events was skewed toward grade 1 and grade 2.

Conclusions

The observed level of appropriateness of chemotherapy was encouraging. The proportion of patients experiencing severe toxic effects was lower than expected.
Large retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy and increased risk of venous thromboembolism in patients receiving first‐line chemotherapy for metastatic germ cell tumors: A study by the global germ cell cancer group (G3)
Authors: Tran Ben , Ruiz‐Morales Jose M. , Gonzalez‐Billalabeitia Enrique , Patrikidou Anna , Amir Eitan , Seidel Christoph , Bokemeyer Carsten , Fankhauser Christian , Hermanns Thomas , Rumyantsev Alexey , Tryakin Alexey , Brito Margarida , Fléchon Aude , Kwan Edmond Michael , Cheng Tina , Castellano Daniel , Garcia del Muro Xavier , Hamid Anis A. , Ottaviano Margaret , Palmieri Giovannella , Kitson Robert , Reid Alison , Heng Daniel Y. C. , Bedard Philippe L.
Published: November 2019

Background

Metastatic germ cell tumor (mGCT) patients receiving chemotherapy have increased risk of life‐threatening venous thromboembolism (VTE). Identifying VTE risk factors may guide thromboprophylaxis in this highly curable population.

Methods

Data were collected from mGCT patients receiving first‐line platinum‐based chemotherapy at 22 centers. Predefined variables included International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG) risk classification, long‐axis diameter of largest retroperitoneal lymph node (RPLN), Khorana score, and use of indwelling vascular access device (VAD). VTE occurring at baseline, during chemotherapy and within 90 days, was analyzed.

Results

Data from 1135 patients were collected. Median age was 31 years (range 10‐74). IGCCCG risk was 64% good, 20% intermediate, and 16% poor. VTE occurred in 150 (13%) patients. RPLN >3.5 cm demonstrated highest discriminatory accuracy for VTE (AUC 0.632, P < .001) and was associated with significantly higher risk of VTE in univariable analysis (22% vs 8%, OR 3.0, P < .001) and multivariable analysis (OR 1.8, P = .02). Other significant risk factors included, Khorana score ≥3 (OR 2.6, P = .008) and VAD use (OR 2.7, P < .001).

Conclusions

Large RPLN and VAD use are independent risk factors for VTE in mGCT patients receiving chemotherapy. VAD use should be minimized in this population and thromboprophylaxis might be considered for large RPLN.
Characterization of Polar and Non‐Polar Compounds of House Edible Bird's Nest (EBN) from Johor, Malaysia
Authors: Hun Lee Ting , Hau Lee Chia , Alia Azmi Nurul , Kavita Supparmaniam , Wong Syieluing , Znati Mansour , Ben Jannet Hichem
Published: November 2019

This work investigated the polar (PC: protein, amino acid and metabolite) and non‐polar (NPC: fatty acid) compounds and bioactivity characteristics of the EBN harvested from the state of Johor in Malaysia. The electrophoretic gels exhibited 15 protein bands (16–173 kD) with unique protein profile. Amino acids analysis by AccQ⋅Tag method revealed 18 types of amino acids in EBN. Metabolite profiling was performed using High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Quadrupole Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometer (HPLC‐QTOF/MS) technique and a total of 54 compounds belonging to different groups were detected and identified. These findings help to uncover the relation of therapeutic activity of EBN. The EBN was further extracted with AcOEt and BuOH. The AcOEt extract was fractionated into three fractions (F1−F3), and the high triglyceride content in F2 was verified by gC‐FID. The three groups of fatty acids discovered in EBN are 48.43 % of poly‐unsaturated (PUFA), 25.35 % of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and 24.74 % of mono‐unsaturated fat (MUFA). This is the first time to report results ofEBN, BuOH, and AcOEt extracts and of fraction F2 (TEBN) on their analysis for their antioxidant activities by DPPH, ABTS and catalase assay and for their paraoxonase and anti‐tyrosinase activities. The results showed that TEBN exhibited the significant bioactivity in all assays. These findings suggest that TEBN is a good source for natural bioactive compounds in promoting body vigor. Current work widened the content of EBN especially on the triglyceride and also marked the content of specific location (Johor, Malaysia) of EBN origin.
Iridium‐Chromium Oxide Nanowires as Highly Performed OER Catalysts in Acidic Media
Authors: Gou Wangyan , Zhang Mingkai , Zou Yong , Zhou Xuemei , Qu Yongquan
Published: November 2019

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) severely restricts the efficiency of electrolyzers due to its sluggish kinetics. In particular, only a few OER electrocatalysts, such as expensive and scarce iridium (Ir)‐based materials, have been developed to function in acidic media. Therefore, the exploration of efficient and stable electrocatalysts with decreased precious metal content for the OER in acid is desired. Herein, chromium (Cr)‐incorporated IrOx solid solution nanowires not only exhibit high catalytic activity with a low overpotential of 250 mV at 10 mA cm−2, but also display robust catalytic performance without a decay in activity throughout 25 h of testing at 10 mA cm−2 in 0.5 M H2SO4. This improved catalytic performance for the Cr‐incorporated IrOx electrocatalysts is ascribed to an abundance of exposed active sites, tuned electronic states, optimized binding energy for intermediates on the catalyst surface and the consequent facile reaction kinetics.
Effect of Liquid Phase Plasma Irradiation on Production by Photocatalytic Water Splitting over SrTiO3 Photocatalysts
Authors: Chung Kyong‐Hwan , Park Young‐Kwon , Kim Hangun , Kim Byung‐Joo , Jung Sang‐Chul
Published: November 2019

A plasma in liquid state was applied as a light source in photocatalysis. The effects of liquid phase plasma irradiation were investigated for hydrogen evolution on the photocatalysts. The photocatalytic activities for hydrogen production from liquid phase plasma and UV light irradiation were compared. SrTiO3 perovskite photocatalysts which prepared by a sol‐gel method with high temperature calcining were introduced in the photocatalytic reaction. The effects of the metal loading on the perovskite photocatalysts were also evaluated in photocatalysis. A small amount of hydrogen was generated in the photo‐decomposition by irradiation of plasma into water without photocatalysts. The rate of hydrogen evolution by photocatalysis using plasma was increased on TiO2 and SrTiO3 perovskite photocatalysts. The photocatalytic activity was improved significantly with the metal loading on SrTiO3 perovskite photocatalysts.
Changing the Product Selectivity for Electrocatalysis of CO2 Reduction Reaction on Plated Cu Electrodes
Authors: Li Hong , Qin Xianxian , Jiang Tianwen , Ma Xian‐Yin , Jiang Kun , Cai Wen‐Bin
Published: November 2019

Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR) on various types of Cu electrodes to useful chemicals and fuels has attracted much attention. Herein, we comparatively investigate the distributions of CO2RR products over electroplated Cu, chemically plated boron‐doped Cu (Cu−B) and electroplated phosphorus‐doped Cu (Cu−P) electrodes. A global Faradaic efficiency of more than 50 % can be reached for the C2+ (ethylene, ethanol and n‐propanol) products on both plated Cu−B and Cu−P electrodes at ∼−1.15 V vs. RHE in 0.1 M KHCO3 electrolyte. Moreover, in situ surface enhanced infrared spectroscopy results together with quantitative analysis of the CO2RR products reveal a more facile conversion/depletion of the *CO intermediate after B‐ and P‐doping, for which Cu−B promotes the C2+ products while Cu−P enhances both C2+ generation and CH4 evolution at faster *CO consumption. The present work suggests the vital role of *CO in the step of C−C bonding formation and highlights that the metalloid doping may alter the reactivity and selectivity of the intermediate.
Modified Biological Treatment of Spent Caustic Effluent from Liquefied Petroleum Gas Plants
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Reza , Heydarinasab Amir , Amoozegar Mohammad Ali
Published: November 2019

Spent sulfidic caustic, which is difficult to treat and to dispose of due to its noxious properties, can be regenerated employing a new method, which is a combination of chemical, physical, and microbiological processes. After simple physical separation, advanced neutralization is applied to clarify and deodorize the caustic, resulting in a quality sufficient for microbial polishing. Based on the analysis results of the waste, this process would be highly economical and safe, as the product may be used in liquefied petroleum gas treatment units, depending on the concentration of the regenerated caustic and inclusion of the original catalyst. With this method, in addition to waste prevention, a considerable amount of caustic and catalyst can be saved.
Influence of Spacing of Multiple Impellers on Power Input in an Industrial‐Scale Aerated Stirred Tank Reactor
Authors: Fitschen Jürgen , Maly Marc , Rosseburg Annika , Wutz Johannes , Wucherpfennig Thomas , Schlüter Michael
Published: November 2019

Despite the fact that aerated stirred tank reactors are widely used in industry and often studied, their design and scale‐up still remains challenging. Especially the specific power input is a crucial and geometry‐dependent scale‐up parameter, usually calculated with the dimensionless power number Po. Within the scope of this study, the power number is measured for different stirrer types and configurations in a laboratory and an industrial‐scale aerated stirred tank reactor. Good agreements to literature are found for the unaerated case for the two‐stage stirrer configurations at different stirrer spacing for both scales. By literature only the aerated case in the laboratory scale can be predicted. Scale‐up of an aerated industrial‐scale reactor is challenging because of a specific influence of the aeration. In case of a three‐stage Rushton configuration, an asymmetrical distribution of the stirrers should be preferred to ensure a high power number as well as good power performance under aerated conditions.
Adverse respiratory outcomes among head and neck cancer survivors in the Utah Cancer Survivors Study
Authors: Kawakita Daisuke , Abdelaziz Sarah , Chen Yuji , Rowe Kerry , Snyder John , Fraser Alison , Smith Ken , Herget Kimberly , Deshmukh Vikrant , Newman Michael , Monroe Marcus , Hashibe Mia
Published: November 2019

Background

The number of head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors has been increasing because of improving survival in the United States. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of respiratory disease diagnoses in HNC survivors in comparison with cancer‐free individuals. A second aim was to investigate risk factors for respiratory disease among HNC survivors.

Methods

Patients with HNC diagnosed from 1996 to 2012 were identified in the Utah Cancer Registry (n = 1901). Up to 5 cancer‐free individuals from the general population (n = 7796) were matched to each HNC survivor by birth year, sex, birth state, and follow‐up time. Electronic medical records and statewide health care facility data were used to identify a disease diagnosis after the cancer diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the risks of respiratory diseases.

Results

The median follow‐up times were 4.5 years for HNC survivors and 7.8 years for the general population cohort. The risks of respiratory infection (hazard ratio [HR], 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40‐1.90), chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and bronchiectasis (HR, 2.65; 95% CI, 2.13‐3.29), and aspiration pneumonitis (HR, 6.21; 95% CI, 3.98‐9.68) were higher among HNC survivors than the general population cohort more than 5 years after the cancer diagnosis. Age at diagnosis, baseline body mass index, sex, baseline smoking status, treatment modality, primary site, and stage were associated with the risk of adverse respiratory outcomes among HNC survivors.

Conclusions

The risk of adverse respiratory outcomes was much higher among HNC survivors than the general population cohort. Multidisciplinary care is needed to prevent the occurrence of adverse respiratory outcomes among HNC survivors.
Increased density and age‐related sharing of synapses at the cone to OFF bipolar cell synapse in the mouse retina
Authors: Simmons Aaron B. , Camerino Michael J. , Clemons Mellisa R. , Sukeena Joshua M. , Bloomsburg Samuel , Borghuis Bart G. , Fuerst Peter G.
Published: November 2019

Neural circuits in the adult nervous system are characterized by stable, cell type‐specific patterns of synaptic connectivity. In many parts of the nervous system these patterns are established during development through initial over‐innervation by multiple pre‐ or postsynaptic targets, followed by a process of refinement that takes place during development and is in many instances activity dependent. Here we report on an identified synapse in the mouse retina, the cone photoreceptor➔type 4 bipolar cell (BC4) synapse, and show that its development is distinctly different from the common motif of over‐innervation followed by refinement. Indeed, the majority of cones are contacted by single BC4 throughout development, but are contacted by multiple BC4s through ongoing dendritic elaboration between 1 and 6 months of age—well into maturity. We demonstrate that cell density drives contact patterns downstream of single cones in Bax null mice and may serve to maintain constancy in both the dendritic and axonal projective field.
A model‐based motion capture marker location refinement approach using inverse kinematics from dynamic trials
Authors: Price Mark A. , LaPrè Andrew K. , Johnson Russell T. , Umberger Brian R. , Sup Frank C.
Published: November 2019

Marker‐based motion capture techniques are commonly used to measure human body kinematics. These techniques require an accurate mapping from physical marker position to model marker position. Traditional methods utilize a manual process to achieve marker positions that result in accurate tracking. In this work, we present an optimization algorithm for model marker placement to minimize marker tracking error during inverse kinematics analysis of dynamic human motion. The algorithm sequentially adjusts model marker locations in 3‐D relative to the underlying rigid segment. Inverse kinematics is performed for a dynamic motion capture trial to calculate the tracking error each time a marker position is changed. The increase or decrease of the tracking error determines the search direction and number of increments for each marker coordinate. A final marker placement for the model is reached when the total search interval size for every coordinate falls below a user‐defined threshold. Individual marker coordinates can be locked in place to prevent the algorithm from overcorrecting for data artifacts such as soft tissue artifact. This approach was used to refine model marker placements for eight able‐bodied subjects performing walking trials at three stride frequencies. Across all subjects and stride frequencies, root mean square (RMS) tracking error decreased by 38.4% and RMS tracking error variance decreased by 53.7% on average. The resulting joint kinematics were in agreement with expected values from the literature. This approach results in realistic kinematics with marker tracking errors well below accepted thresholds while removing variance in the model‐building procedure introduced by individual human tendencies.
Characterization and optimization of color attributes chroma (C*) and lightness (L*) in offset lithography halftone print on packaging boards
Authors: Mahajan Madhura P. , Bandyopadhyay Swati
Published: November 2019

The outcome of a print in production run plays a crucial role in commercial and packaging printing. In the growing packaging industry, colorfulness and saturated prints with high chroma attract the eye of the consumer. The design and layout of a packaging carton comprise of images that consist of halftones in the print process, which demand attractiveness and visibility using bright colors. In this research, an effort has been made to identify and analyze various parameters involved in offset lithography affecting color attributes of prints. This study also focused on the investigation of the best process conditions that would yield optimum color values through multiresponse factors such as chroma and lightness. A general full‐factorial Design of Experiments (DOE) approach was used to evaluate the effect of prepress parameters such as screen ruling and dot shape and press parameters such ink viscosity and paper smoothness. These parameters were then optimized using a customized response surface design. From the experiment, it was observed that viscosity of the ink was a significant factor that majorly controls the color attributes. The surface smoothness of the paperboard was one of the factors influencing the improvement of color reproduction. A smoother surface makes even contact during ink transfer in the offset printing machine and hence reflects color with a higher chroma. The optimum parameters were as follows: 15 Pa s ink viscosity, 0.77 μm paper smoothness, and 200 lines per inch (lpi) screen ruling that resulted in increasing chroma (C*) in the middle and shadow tones in the halftones.
Dynamic wireless spectrum access using GNU Radio and software‐defined radios
Authors: Regula William M. , Gilbert Jordan M. L. , Sheikh Waseem A.
Published: November 2019

This paper presents the design, implementation, and results from a dynamic wireless spectrum access system built using GNU Radio and software‐defined radios (SDRs) as part of an undergraduate senior design project. The project involved designing and implementing a dynamic wireless spectrum access system in which the secondary user (SU) learns the unknown transmission behavior (channel occupancy and time slots) of the primary user (PU) and then opportunistically transmits during time slots and using channels when they are not being used by the PUs. The main design objective was to maximize the throughput of the SU while minimizing the interference to the PU. A transmitted signal energy detection algorithm with an adaptive threshold was employed to set the channel states as occupied or not occupied. Channel state information was used to determine the PU behavior in a deterministic manner such that the unused time slots and channels could be exploited. A channel allocation scheme for the SU is proposed using the PU channel occupancy information to calculate the channel(s) and time slots available to the SU at any given time. Simulation and physical testing of the system validate the proposed algorithms. Students' feedback affirms GNU Radio and SDRs to be an effective platform for introducing abstract mathematical communications theory concepts, such as cognitive radios and dynamic spectrum allocation, in a hands‐on manner.
Dispersal patterns in a medium‐density Irish badger population: Implications for understanding the dynamics of tuberculosis transmission
Authors: Gaughran Aoibheann , MacWhite Teresa , Mullen Enda , Maher Peter , Kelly David J. , Good Margaret , Marples Nicola M.
Published: November 2019

European badgers (Meles meles) are group‐living mustelids implicated in the spread of bovine tuberculosis (TB) to cattle and act as a wildlife reservoir for the disease. In badgers, only a minority of individuals disperse from their natal social group. However, dispersal may be extremely important for the spread of TB, as dispersers could act as hubs for disease transmission. We monitored a population of 139 wild badgers over 7 years in a medium‐density population (1.8 individuals/km2). GPS tracking collars were applied to 80 different individuals. Of these, we identified 25 dispersers, 14 of which were wearing collars as they dispersed. This allowed us to record the process of dispersal in much greater detail than ever before. We show that dispersal is an extremely complex process, and measurements of straight‐line distance between old and new social groups can severely underestimate how far dispersers travel. Assumptions of straight‐line travel can also underestimate direct and indirect interactions and the potential for disease transmission. For example, one female disperser which eventually settled 1.5 km from her natal territory traveled 308 km and passed through 22 different territories during dispersal. Knowledge of badgers' ranging behavior during dispersal is crucial to understanding the dynamics of TB transmission, and for designing appropriate interventions, such as vaccination.
FM‐MAC: A fast‐mobility adaptive MAC protocol for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Hamidi‐Alaoui Zakaria , El Belrhiti El Alaoui Abdelbaki
Published: November 2019

As a subset of the internet of things, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are increasingly composed of mobile nodes (MNs) to meet the emerging needs. However, nodes mobility presents significant challenges to the design of effective communication protocols, especially at the medium access control (MAC) sublayer. Interestingly, the existing mobility support MAC solutions consider only scenarios requiring slow mobility. Nowadays, some WSN applications require employing high‐speed MNs for some specific tasks. Consequently, the mobility impact is sharp as the existing solutions could no longer guarantee the quality‐of‐service requirements. To deal with high‐speed mobility, we propose in this paper a fast‐mobility adaptive MAC (FM‐MAC) protocol. The FM‐MAC protocol adopts the contention‐based access approach and introduces new mechanisms to enhance both mobility and communication management in WSNs. Our proposal consists of four contributions, ie, (1) an improved algorithm for autonomous mobility‐detection, (2) a new intercluster handover mechanism, (3) a priority‐based contention mechanism prioritizing MNs to access the medium, and finally, (4) a multichannel communication strategy intended to enhance the throughput and communication management aspects. Extensive simulations are conducted to compare FM‐MAC protocol with existing well‐known mobility‐aware MAC protocols. Results and discussion disclose that FM‐MAC performs better in both static and mobile scenarios in terms of reliability, latency, and energy saving. As expected, the advantage of FM‐MAC over its counterparts becomes more evident as the mobility speed increases.
Comparative assessment of chemical compositions, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in ten berries grown in China
Authors: Yu Ran , Chen Liang , Xin Xiulan
Published: November 2019

Berries have many biological and physiological functions such as antioxidant, antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory, and become a more popular food in China. Water‐soluble polyphenols are their main functional active substances, and aroma components contribute to the flavour. The contents of total phenol and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ten berries grown in Northeast China were determined. Their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were also investigated. Ribes rubrum L. and Rubus glaucus showed a higher antioxidant capacity. Ribes rubrum L. and Lonicera caerulea have a broader antibacterial spectrum. There is a correlation between the content of hydroxyl compounds in radical antioxidant activity. The metabolic pathways of polyphenols and VOCs are correlated, indicating a rapid evaluation of the biological activity of berries using the determination of volatile components.
Spatial dependence model with feature difference
Authors: Cheung Tommy K. Y. , Cheung Simon K. C.
Published: November 2019

This paper presents a new spatial dependence model with an adjustment of feature difference. The model accounts for the spatial autocorrelation in both the outcome variables and residuals. The feature difference adjustment in the model helps to emphasize feature changes across neighboring units, while suppressing unobserved covariates that are present in the same neighborhood. The prediction at a given unit incorporates components that depend on the differences between the values of its main features and those of its neighboring units. In contrast to conventional spatial regression models, our model does not require a comprehensive list of global covariates necessary to estimate the outcome variable at the unit, as common macro‐level covariates are differenced away in the regression analysis. Using the real estate market data in Hong Kong, we applied Gibbs sampling to determine the posterior distribution of each model parameter. The result of our empirical analysis confirms that the adjustment of feature difference with an inclusion of the spatial error autocorrelation produces better out‐of‐sample prediction performance than other conventional spatial dependence models. In addition, our empirical analysis can identify components with more significant contributions.
Revealing forecaster's preferences: A Bayesian multivariate loss function approach
Authors: Mamatzakis Emmanuel C. , Tsionas Mike G.
Published: November 2019

Revealing the underlying preferences of a forecaster has always been at the core of much controversy. Herein, we build on the multivariate loss function concept and propose a flexible and multivariate family of likelihoods. This allows examining whether a vector of forecast errors, along with control variables, shapes a forecaster's preferences and, therefore, the underlying multivariate, nonseparable, loss function. We estimate the likelihood function using Bayesian exponentially tilted empirical likelihood, which reveals the shape of the parameter and the power of the multivariate loss function. In the empirical section, the reported evidence reveals that the EU Commission forecasts are predominantly asymmetric, leaning towards optimism in the year ahead, while a correction towards pessimism occurs in the current year forecast. There is some variability of this asymmetry across member states, with forecasts, i.e. gross domestic product growth, for large Member States exhibiting more optimism
A green separation mode of synephrine from Citrus aurantium L. (Rutaceae) by nanofiltration technology
Authors: Li Cunyu , Ma Yun , Gu Jiamei , Zhi Xinglei , Li Hemin , Peng Guoping
Published: November 2019

Thermal breakage of alkaloid ingredients was a common problem to which attention should be paid in the application of fruit ingredients separation. In this study, the mathematical models were established to predict the rejection of synephrine from Citrus aurantium L. (Rutaceae). The experiment showed that there was a linear relationship between operation pressure and membrane flux. Meanwhile, under the influence of solution–diffusion effect and the charge effect, the mass transfer coefficient was power functioned with initial concentration. The mathematical model showed that the predicted rejections of synephrine from Citrus aurantium extract were well approximate to real ones, and the lipid‐lowering active ingredient had effectively enriched. The predicted model of nanofiltration separation has a preferable applicability to synephrine and provides references for nanofiltration separation, especially for raw food materials with synephrine.
GABAergic changes in the thalamocortical circuit in Parkinson's disease
Authors: van Nuland Annelies J. M. , den Ouden Hanneke E. M. , Zach Heidemarie , Dirkx Michiel F. M. , van Asten Jack J. A. , Scheenen Tom W. J. , Toni Ivan , Cools Roshan , Helmich Rick C.
Published: November 2019

Parkinson's disease is characterized by bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremor. These symptoms have been related to an increased gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic inhibitory drive from globus pallidus onto the thalamus. However, in vivo empirical evidence for the role of GABA in Parkinson's disease is limited. Some discrepancies in the literature may be explained by the presence or absence of tremor. Specifically, recent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) findings suggest that Parkinson's tremor is associated with reduced, dopamine‐dependent thalamic inhibition. Here, we tested the hypothesis that GABA in the thalamocortical motor circuit is increased in Parkinson's disease, and we explored differences between clinical phenotypes. We included 60 Parkinson patients with dopamine‐resistant tremor (n = 17), dopamine‐responsive tremor (n = 23), or no tremor (n = 20), and healthy controls (n = 22). Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we measured GABA‐to‐total‐creatine ratio in motor cortex, thalamus, and a control region (visual cortex) on two separate days (ON and OFF dopaminergic medication). GABA levels were unaltered by Parkinson's disease, clinical phenotype, or medication. However, motor cortex GABA levels were inversely correlated with disease severity, particularly rigidity and tremor, both ON and OFF medication. We conclude that cortical GABA plays a beneficial rather than a detrimental role in Parkinson's disease, and that GABA depletion may contribute to increased motor symptom expression.
TRPV1 regulates inflammatory process in the tongue of surgically induced xerostomia mouse
Authors: Yoo Min H. , Rhee Yun‐Hee , Jung JaeYun , Lee Sang‐Joon , Moon Jung‐Hwan , Mo Ji‐Hun , Chung Phil‐Sang
Published: November 2019

Background

The aim of study is to investigate the role of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) on xerostomia‐induced inflammatory response in vivo.

Methods

Parotid, submandibular, and lingual gland were removed for xerostomia induction. The expression of inflammatory cytokines, TRPV1, NFkB, and MAPK in xerostomia was evaluated and compared in both TRPV1 wild and knockout mice.

Results

The level of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐17, neutrophil/CD4 T‐cell infiltration, phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and c‐Jun N terminal kinase, TRPV1, and the localization of NFkB were elevated in xerostomia‐induced TRPV1 wild‐type mice. In contrast, inflammatory cytokines and MAPK were decreased in xerostomia‐induced TRPV1 knockout mice. TRPV1 antagonist treatment also reduced tongue ulceration, neutrophil/CD4+ T‐cell expression, IL‐6, and IL‐17 in TRPV1 wild‐type mice.

Conclusion

TRPV1 had a crucial role in modulating inflammation in xerostomia and targeting TRPV1 might be a promising therapeutic strategy for xerostomia.
A Microphysiological System for Studying Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Kostrzewski Tomasz , Maraver Paloma , Ouro‐Gnao Larissa , Levi Ana , Snow Sophie , Miedzik Alina , Rombouts Krista , Hughes David
Published: November 2019

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the most severe form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which to date has no approved drug treatments. There is an urgent need for better understanding of the genetic and molecular pathways that underlie NAFLD/NASH, and currently available preclinical models, be they in vivo or in vitro, do not fully represent key aspects of the human disease state. We have developed a human in vitro co‐culture NASH model using primary human hepatocytes, Kupffer cells and hepatic stellate cells, which are cultured together as microtissues in a perfused three‐dimensional microphysiological system (MPS). The microtissues were cultured in medium containing free fatty acids for at least 2 weeks, to induce a NASH‐like phenotype. The co‐culture microtissues within the MPS display a NASH‐like phenotype, showing key features of the disease including hepatic fat accumulation, the production of an inflammatory milieu, and the expression of profibrotic markers. Addition of lipopolysaccharide resulted in a more pro‐inflammatory milieu. In the model, obeticholic acid ameliorated the NASH phenotype. Microtissues were formed from both wild‐type and patatin‐like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3) I148M mutant hepatic stellate cells. Stellate cells carrying the mutation enhanced the overall disease state of the model and in particular produced a more pro‐inflammatory milieu. Conclusion: The MPS model displays a phenotype akin to advanced NAFLD or NASH and has utility as a tool for exploring mechanisms underlying the disease. Furthermore, we demonstrate that in co‐culture the PNPLA3 I148M mutation alone can cause hepatic stellate cells to enhance the overall NASH disease phenotype.
Comparing public and private emergency departments in China: Early evidence from a national healthcare quality survey
Authors: Jin Kui , Zhang Hui , Seery Sam , Fu Yangyang , Yu Shanshan , Zhang Lili , Sun Feng , Tian Liyuan , Xu Jun , Yue Xue Zhong
Published: November 2019

The number of private healthcare facilities has rapidly increased since the progressive open market policies, which began in the 1980s; however, little is known about the development of private emergency departments (EDs). This cross‐sectional study was part of the National Control Information System (NCIS) project, which collects data annually from hospitals across China. Emergency services data were extracted and included location, infrastructure, human resources, beds, and number of patients; 4529 hospitals across 31 provinces in mainland China were eventually included, consisting of 988 private and 3541 public EDs. Evidence shows that most private EDs are located in central China, where local economies are relatively developed. Most private EDs (91.6%) are found in secondary hospitals but have significantly fewer beds and smaller workforces compared with public EDs. An imbalance of emergency medical resources was observed across China, and this disparity becomes even more profound in rural hospitals. These findings may initiate collaborative, public‐private partnerships in emergency health services provision and suggest there is a need to offer tax breaks to incentivize investors, but further research is required. We may also need to rethink health insurance policies, which could enable more equitable access to private emergency care. Future planning and health policies must be based upon the strongest available evidence, if we are to address imbalanced health services distribution and growing demand.
Linear stability analysis of MHD flow of micropolar fluid with thermal radiation and convective boundary condition: Exact solution
Authors: Lund Liaquat Ali , Omar Zurni , Dero Sumera , Khan Ilyas
Published: November 2019

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of micropolar fluid by including the thermal radiation and convective condition on a shrinking surface in the presence of mass suction effects has been investigated. The momentum, angular momentum and energy equations, and the solutions of these equations are valid for whole Navier stokes, and microrotational and energy equations have been solved exactly. We obtain the solution in the form of an incomplete γ function for the energy equation. The results reveal that dual solutions exist for certain domains of different physical parameters. Furthermore, high suction produces the high effect of drag force, and as a result, coefficient of skin friction increases in the first solution. Stability analysis has been performed and determined that the first solution is more stable.