bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of electron beam deflection techniques used during the cladding process on the wear and corrosion behaviour of cobalt‐based protective coatings on austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Hegelmann E. , Hengst P. , Hollmann P. , Thronicke J. , Buchwalder A. , Zenker R.
Published: November 2019

The present work aims to improve the wear resistance of the austenitic stainless steel X6CrNiMoTi17‐12‐2. In view of the potential use of this alloy, however, corrosion resistance should be maintained where possible. An electron beam surface treatment (cladding) was performed, and the cobalt‐based alloy Stellite® 12 was used as the wear‐resistant material. The presented results show the effects of several electron beam oscillation figures during the cladding process with regard to layer bonding, microstructure formation and hardness. The surface hardness achieved was 576±18 HV 0.3, almost three times higher than that of the base material (203±3 HV 0.3). The scratch energy density – which represents the resistance to abrasive wear – could be increased by a factor of 1.5. Under abrasive‐adhesive stress loading conditions, the determined wear volume decreased by a factor of almost 5. Based on the corrosion investigations carried out, it was possible to prove that in comparison to the base material, the tendency towards pitting corrosion could be almost completely suppressed.
Association Between Toll‐Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) and Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 2 (TREM2) Genetic Variants and Clinical Progression of Huntington's Disease
Authors: Vuono Romina , Kouli Antonina , Legault Emilie M. , Chagnon Lauriane , Allinson Kieren S. , La Spada Alberto ,   REGISTRY Investigators of the European Huntington's Disease Network, Biunno Ida , Barker Roger A. , Drouin‐Ouellet Janelle
Published: November 2019

Background

Although Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by a single dominant gene, it is clear that there are genetic modifiers that may influence the age of onset and disease progression.

Objectives

We sought to investigate whether new inflammation‐related genetic variants may contribute to the onset and progression of HD.

Methods

We first used postmortem brain material from patients at different stages of HD to look at the protein expression of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2). We then genotyped the TREM2 R47H gene variant and 3 TLR4 single nucleotide polymorphisms in a large cohort of HD patients from the European Huntington's Disease Network REGISTRY.

Results

We found an increase in the number of cells expressing TREM2 and TLR4 in postmortem brain samples from patients dying with HD. We also found that the TREM2 R47H gene variant was associated with changes in cognitive decline in the large cohort of HD patients, whereas 2 of 3 TLR4 single nucleotide polymorphisms assessed were associated with changes in motor progression in this same group.

Conclusions

These findings identify TREM2 and TLR4 as potential genetic modifiers for HD and suggest that inflammation influences disease progression in this condition. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Retracted: MiR‐191‐5p inhibits lung adenocarcinoma by repressing SATB1 to inhibit Wnt pathway
Authors: Zhou Lai‐yong , Zhang Fu‐wei , Tong Jian , Liu Fang
Published: November 2019

Background

To investigate the function of miR‐191‐5p in lung adenocarcinoma and its possible mechanism.

Methods

QRT‐PCR was adopted for the detection of the expression levels of miR‐191‐5p and SATB1 (HGNC: 10541). The effects of miR‐191‐5p and SATB1 on cell proliferation and migration were examined through the CCK‐8 and Transwell assays. Subsequently, the binding relationships between miR‐191‐5p and SATB1 were confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. Finally, the potential mechanisms of action of miR‐191‐5p were explored through a serious of in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Results

Lung adenocarcinoma patients had a notably lower expression level of miR‐191‐5p than controls, patients with metastasis had a lower level than those without metastasis, and the level in patients with lung adenocarcinoma in stage III‐IV was lower than that in patients with lung adenocarcinoma in stage I‐II. Overexpression of miR‐191‐5p repressed the migration and proliferation of lung cancer A549/H1650 cells. According to the reporter gene assay, miR‐191‐5p could bind to SATB1. Besides, SATB1 was significantly overexpressed in cancer tissues of patients with lung adenocarcinoma, and SATB1 overexpression accelerated the migration and proliferation of A549/H1650 cells and reversed inhibition on cell migration and proliferation by miR‐191‐5p.

Conclusion

Overexpression of miR‐191‐5p is capable of blocking the migration and proliferation of lung cancer cells, and its mechanism may be through targeting SATB1 thus downregulating Wnt signaling.
Stem‐cell–based therapies to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Kubiak Carrie A. , Grochmal Joey , Kung Theodore A. , Cederna Paul S. , Midha Rajiv , Kemp Stephen W.P.
Published: November 2019

Peripheral nerve injury remains a major cause of morbidity in trauma patients. Despite advances in microsurgical techniques and improved understanding of nerve regeneration, obtaining satisfactory outcomes after peripheral nerve injury remains a difficult clinical problem. There is a growing body of evidence in preclinical animal studies demonstrating the supportive role of stem cells in peripheral nerve regeneration after injury. The characteristics of both mesoderm‐derived and ectoderm‐derived stem cell types and their role in peripheral nerve regeneration are discussed, specifically focusing on the presentation of both foundational laboratory studies and translational applications. The current state of clinical translation is presented, with an emphasis on both ethical considerations of using stems cells in humans and current governmental regulatory policies. Current advancements in cell‐based therapies represent a promising future with regard to supporting nerve regeneration and achieving significant functional recovery after debilitating nerve injuries.
Quantifying the Monetary Value of Alaska National Forests to Commercial Pacific Salmon Fisheries
Authors: Johnson Adelaide C. , Bellmore J. Ryan , Haught Stormy , Medel Ronald
Published: November 2019

Forested landscapes support a diversity of ecological processes and organisms having direct value to society. Assessments placing monetary value on forest processes and organisms can help inform management actions affecting these ecosystem services. The temperate rain forest ecoregion along the west coast of North America is home to five species of Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. that support subsistence, personal-use, sport, and commercial fisheries. This study aimed to quantify the number and monetary value of commercially caught Pacific salmon originating from Alaska's Tongass and Chugach national forests, two adjacent national forests containing some of the world's largest remaining tracts of intact temperate rain forest. The proportion of commercially harvested wild Pacific salmon originating from streams and lakes within national forest boundaries was estimated by subtracting hatchery salmon and salmon originating outside national forest areas from the total commercial catch. The Tongass and Chugach national forests were major contributors to the overall number and value of commercially caught Pacific salmon in southeastern and southcentral Alaska. From 2007 to 2016 these national forests contributed an average of 48 million Pacific salmon annually to commercial fisheries, with a dockside value averaging US$88 million (inflation adjusted to the base year 2017). These “forest fish” represented 25% of Alaska's commercial Pacific salmon catch for this time period and 16% of the total commercial value. These findings emphasize the importance of Alaska's forest rivers and lakes for sustaining Pacific salmon and can contribute to discussions about alternative land management strategies that might impact Pacific salmon populations and associated commercial salmon fisheries.
Comparison of dynamic features of pelvic floor muscle contraction between men with and without incontinence after prostatectomy and men with no history of prostate cancer
Authors: Stafford Ryan E. , Coughlin Geoff , Hodges Paul W.
Published: November 2019

Aim

To compare features of pelvic floor muscle function between men with and without incontinence after prostatectomy and men with no history of prostate cancer.

Methods

The study included men with incontinence postprostatectomy (PPI; n = 20), continent men postprostatectomy (PPC; n = 23) and a control group (CC; n = 20). Transperineal ultrasound imaging recorded motion associated with contraction of the striated urethral sphincter (SUS), puborectalis (PR) and bulbocavernosus (BC) muscles during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), submaximal efforts, evoked coughing and bearing down. Anatomical landmark displacements were compared between groups and receiver operating characteristics were calculated to determine the threshold displacements that best differentiated PPI and PPC.

Results

PPC demonstrated greater SUS, PR, and BC displacement than PPI during MVC (All: P < .01). During cough, PPC had less bladder neck descent (PR lengthening), and greater BC shortening (P = .003) than both PPI and CC. PPC also achieved greater SUS displacement (P = .025) than PPI during cough. The best discrimination between PPI and PPC was achieved when men exceeded threshold displacement for both SUS (≥4.1 mm) and PR (≥2.4 mm) during MVC. The urethral length was not different between PPC and PPI.

Conclusions

Men who were continent postprostatectomy achieved greater shortening of the SUS, PR, and BC muscles than incontinent men during voluntary contractions and demonstrated better PR and BC function than control participants during coughing. The capacity to shorten the SUS ≥4.1 mm and the PR ≥2.4 mm best distinguished between PPI and PPC and might be a useful clinical target for conservative treatment programs.
How do nurse managers describe clinical nurses' work arrangements? A qualitative study
Authors: Gan Ivan
Published: November 2019

Aim

The researcher sought to understand how nurse managers describe nurses in alternative work arrangements.

Design

The researcher conducted this study using grounded theory.

Method

Semi‐structured interviews. A theoretical sample of 26 baccalaureate‐prepared nurse managers located across the United States participated in the study.

Results

A typology of five work arrangements provides descriptors that contribute toward greater conceptual clarity on nurses' work arrangements. The data reveal that the typology is fluid because nurses can easily switch across work arrangements. Because the rise in alternative work arrangements means that nurses can leave permanent positions—or explore different work arrangements—when circumstances permit or necessitate, nurses who do not receive continued mentoring will likely bring their deficiencies in skill and/or knowledge to facilities where they find future employment. Hence, inadequate mentoring at the unit level has practical consequences for the quality of patient care at the institutional level.
The Future of Positioning Technology Unfolds
Authors: Jordan Scott
Published: November 2019

Over the span of forty years, the field of precision positioning has vaulted forward in broadly beneficial ways. For example, submicron‐resolution linear encoders, once available only in the costliest stages, are now affordably integrated into mechanisms as large as gantries and as small as matchbook‐sized nanopositioners. New motor concepts abound, ranging from the familiar DC servo, stepper and linear motors to include novel technologies like high‐speed, ultra‐stable resonant piezomotors and diminutive stick‐slip stages with nanoscale positionability over many millimeters of travel.
Visual Perception System Guides Robots
Authors: Vaitulevičius Linas , Breyer Andreas
Published: November 2019

The perception abilities of industry robots and service robots alike need to be improved in order to enable man‐machine collaboration in the smart factory and reach higher autonomy of unmanned service vehicles. However, integration of intelligent computer vision solutions into robots still poses challenges, despite major developments such as the miniaturization of vision components. Therefore, the task is to develop an easy‐to‐integrate robot vision system that not only provides “eyes” to see anywhere, but also has a “brain” to create visual perception.
Preparation of carboxyl‐functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane by a structural transformation reaction from soluble rod‐like polysilsesquioxane
Authors: Kozuma Tomoya , Kaneko Yoshiro
Published: November 2019

Carboxyl‐functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (SQ; POSS‐COOH) was successfully prepared by a structural transformation reaction, that is, a process of heating and concentrating soluble carboxyl‐functionalized rod‐like polySQ (PolySQ‐COOH) using the aqueous superacid trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (HOTf) as the catalyst and solvent. The obtained POSS‐COOH was a mixture of a cage‐like decamer (T10‐POSS), which was the main product, and an octamer (T8‐POSS) and a dodecamer (T12‐POSS), which were the minor products. The product obtained by heating and concentrating PolySQ‐COOH using aqueous hydrochloric acid (HCl) as the catalyst and solvent was soluble polySQ rather than POSS. For comparison, heating and concentrating POSS‐COOH in aqueous HOTf and HCl were performed, which yielded POSS‐COOH and PolySQ‐COOH, respectively. Based on these results, the process of heating and concentrating each starting material (PolySQ‐COOH and POSS‐COOH) in aqueous HOTf afforded POSS‐COOH, and a similar process in aqueous HCl yielded PolySQ‐COOH. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2511–2518
The Dopant Local Effect on the Stability of an Oxygen Vacancy and the Reliability of a Conductive Filament in Rutile Titanium Dioxide
Authors: Li Lei , Li Wenshi , Zhu Canyan , Mao Ling-Feng
Published: November 2019

Metal doping has long been recognized as a general strategy to modify electronic properties of semiconductors. The purpose here is to understand the behavior of oxygen vacancy when existing together with a metal dopant in rutile TiO2through first‐principles calculation. For the coexistence of an oxygen vacancy and an Ag/Hf dopant, the dopant local effect determines that the formation energy of the oxygen vacancy depends on distances from it to the Ag/Hf dopant. Increased formation energy of an oxygen vacancy adjacent to an Ag dopant is attributed to the fact that the holes produced because of lower valence of Ag than Ti are filled by electrons left by the oxygen vacancy. The same valence of Hf as Ti results in that the electrostatic repulsive force pushes the Hf dopant outward from nearby oxygen vacancy, which lowers the formation energy of the oxygen vacancy. Furthermore, oxygen vacancies coexisting with an Ag/Hf dopant are of interest for investigating the effect of metal doping on the reliability of conductive filaments. The Hf dopant adjacent to the oxygen vacancies greatly enhances the strength of a conductive filament. The built‐in electric fields from localized electrons are considered as the seed action of metal doping in resistive switching devices.
Structure‐activity relationship in the case of intramolecular ortho‐cyclization of aromatic nitroso oxides: Inverted steric effect of substituent in the 2‐R‐C6H4NOO transformation
Authors: Yusupova Alfia R. , Chainikova Ekaterina M. , Safiullin Rustam L. , Khursan Sergey L.
Published: November 2019

A systematic theoretical study at the M06L/6‐311+G(d, p) level of theory was carried out to calculate the activation barriers ΔH≠ for the intramolecular ortho‐cyclization of aromatic nitroso oxides 2‐R‐C6H4NOO and to reveal the effect of substituent nature and position in the benzene ring on the nitroso oxides reactivity. A set of 24 substituents with widely differing spatial and electronic properties (inductive, resonant, steric effects of R) was studied. The para‐substituent was shown to have little effect on the ΔH≠ value. The full set of effects of the R substituent contributes to the reactivity of ArNOO for 3‐substituted aromatic nitroso oxides. In the case of 5‐substituted ArNOO the Hammett‐type relationship was obtain to describe inductive and resonant effects of R on the ortho‐cyclization reactivity. The ortho‐cyclization for 2‐substituted nitroso oxides is a nontrivial example of the existence of an “inverted” steric effect, when an increase in substituent size accelerates intramolecular transformation. The substituent in position 6 also exhibits an “inverted” steric effect, but it is noticeably weaker than that for 2‐R‐C6H4NOO.
Robust distributedH∞filtering over an uncertain sensor network with multiple fading measurements and varying sensor delays
Authors: Hedayati Mohammad , Rahmani Mehdi
Published: November 2019

In this paper, the problem of robust distributedH∞filtering is investigated for state‐delayed discrete‐time linear systems over a sensor network with multiple fading measurements, random time‐varying communication delays, and norm‐bounded uncertainties in all matrices of the system. The diagonal matrices, whose elements are individual independent random variables, are utilized to describe the multiple fading measurements. Furthermore, the Bernoulli‐distributed white sequences are introduced to model the random occurrence of time‐varying communication delays. In the proposed filtering approach, the stability of the estimation error system is first shown by the Lyapunov stability theory and theH∞performance is then achieved using a linear matrix inequality method. Finally, two numerical examples are given to show the effectiveness and performance of the proposed approach.
A new approach to stabilization of high‐order nonlinear systems with an asymmetric output constraint
Authors: Chen Chih‐Chiang , Chen Guan‐Shiun
Published: November 2019

This paper is concerned with the problem of state feedback stabilization for a class of high‐order nonlinear systems with an asymmetric output constraint. A novel asymmetric barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) is first proposed by deliberating the characteristics of the system nonlinearities. Then, the presented BLF, together with a skillful manipulation of sign functions, is utilized to delicately revamp the technique of adding a power integrator, thereby developing a systematic approach that guides us in constructing a continuous state feedback stabilizer and preventing the violation of a pre‐specified asymmetric output constraint during operation. The novelty of this paper is attributed to the development of a unified method that is able to simultaneously tackle the problem of stabilization for high‐order nonlinear systems with and without output constraints in a constructive fashion, without changing the controller structure. An illustrative example is presented to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed approach.
Design and Excellent HER Performance of a Novel 3D Mo–Doped Ni3S2/Ni Foam Composite
Authors: Chen Guoli , Chen Xiaoshuang , Song Kun , Zhao Nan , Wang Wenbo , Yin Guangming , Liu Yongzhi
Published: November 2019

A new method was applied to facilitate Mo doping in Ni3S2, which successfully fabricated Mo‐doped Ni3S2/Ni foam composite. The results of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) manifest that Mo element was triumphantly introduced into Ni3S2. The Mo‐doped Ni3S2/Ni foam composite possesses three‐dimensional (3D) hierarchical structure with column type characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The diameter of the column is ∼300 nm. Each of these columns is made up of many nanopetals. The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) test results exhibit that the products have outstanding HER performance. The Tafel slope of the optimal Mo‐doped Ni3S2/Ni foam composite is 131.7 mV dec−1. The overpotentials are 97.1 mV and 392.1 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm−2 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively. Moreover, the products show good stability.
Combinatorial Delivery of miRNA‐Nanoparticle Conjugates in Human Adipose Stem Cells for Amplified Osteogenesis
Authors: Abu‐Laban Mohammad , Hamal Prakash , Arrizabalaga Julien H. , Forghani Anoosha , Dikkumbura Asela S. , Kumal Raju R. , Haber Louis H. , Hayes Daniel J.
Published: November 2019

It is becoming more apparent in tissue engineering applications that fine temporal control of multiple therapeutics is desirable to modulate progenitor cell fate and function. Herein, the independent temporal control of the co‐delivery of miR‐148b and miR‐21 mimic plasmonic nanoparticle conjugates to induce osteogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells (hASCs), in a de novo fashion, is described. By applying a thermally labile retro‐Diels–Alder caging and linkage chemistry, these miRNAs can be triggered to de‐cage serially with discrete control of activation times. The method relies on illumination of the nanoparticles at their resonant wavelengths to generate sufficient local heating and trigger the untethering of the Diels–Alder cycloadduct. Characterization of the photothermal release using fluorophore‐tagged miRNA mimics in vitro is carried out with fluorescence measurements, second harmonic generation, and confocal imaging. Osteogenesis of hASCs from the sequential co‐delivery of miR‐21 and miR‐148b mimics is assessed using xylenol orange and alizarin red staining of deposited minerals, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction for gene expression of osteogenic markers. The results demonstrate that sequential miRNA mimic activation results in upregulation of osteogenic markers and mineralization relative to miR‐148b alone, and co‐activation of miR‐148b and miR‐21 at the same time.
Switchable Adhesion of Micropillar Adhesive on Rough Surfaces
Authors: Tan Di , Wang Xin , Liu Quan , Shi Kui , Yang Baisong , Liu Sheng , Wu Zhong‐Shuai , Xue Longjian
Published: November 2019

Switchable structured adhesion on rough surfaces is highly desired for a wide range of applications. Combing the advantages of gecko seta and creeper root, a switchable fibrillar adhesive composed of polyurethane (PU) as the backing layer and graphene/shape memory polymer (GSMP) as the pillar array is developed. The photothermal effect of graphene (under UV irradiation) changes GSMP micropillars into the viscoelastic state, allowing easy and intimate contact on surfaces with a wide range of roughness. By controlling the phase state of GSMP via UV irradiation during detachment, the GSMP micropillar array can be switched between the robust‐adhesion state (UV off) and low‐adhesion state (UV on). The state of GSMP micropillars determines the adhesion force capacity and the stress distribution at the detaching interface, and therefore the adhesion performance. The PU‐GSMP adhesive achieves large adhesion strength (278 kPa), high switching ratio (29), and fast switching (10 s) at the same time. The results suggest a design principle for bioinspired structured adhesives, especially for reversible adhesion on surfaces with a wide range of roughness.
Influence of Chemical Inhomogeneities on Local Phase Stabilities and Material Properties in Cast Martensitic Stainless Steel
Authors: van gen Hassend Frederic , Weber Sebastian
Published: November 2019

Cr–Mo‐alloyed cast martensitic stainless steels are suitable tool materials for a wide field of applications. Local inhomogeneities in the chemical composition, however, affect their local and global properties such as the hardenability and the corrosion resistance. Herein, the influence of microsegregations on phase stabilities and properties is investigated by means of property distribution maps (PDM) which are determined via thermodynamic and empirical calculations based on measured local chemical composition data. The results show that the enrichment of Cr and Mo in interdendritic regions benefits the local corrosion resistance but increases the solvus temperature of M23C6 carbides from 1040 to 1150 °C and depresses the martensite start temperature (Ms) to temperatures below 50 °C locally. As predicted from the PDM, high‐temperature austenitization at 1150 °C combined with a cryogenic treatment at −80 °C ensures a martensitic microstructure with relatively high hardness (592 ± 12 HV10) and significantly higher critical pitting potential compared with specimens austenitizized at 1050 °C, which proves PDM to be a powerful tool for the optimization of heat treatment parameters. However, local transformation of austenite into δ‐ferrite during austenitization at 1150 °C must be considered.
Effect of load reduction mechanisms on loads and blade bearing movements of wind turbines
Authors: Stammler Matthias , Thomas Philipp , Reuter Andreas , Schwack Fabian , Poll Gerhard
Published: November 2019

The power control of wind turbines is usually realized via a change in the pitch angle of the rotor blades. Pitching facilitates the exact control of the turbines and the reliable deceleration of the rotor when required. Pitch movements can moreover be used for load control. One of these methods is called individual pitch control (IPC). IPC controls the blades individually and brings about a significant reduction in the fatigue loads and extreme loads placed on the structural components, while at the same time reducing the yield of the turbine only slightly. The lower loads reduce material costs, and thus, the cost of energy (CoE) is reduced, despite the slight reduction in yield. The method is nevertheless not used everywhere since the additional movement cycles put the rotor blade bearings in particular under stress. Special attention must be paid to small amplitude oscillating movements, which carry a high risk of inducing surface damage in the rolling contacts of the blade bearings. This paper uses a cycle analysis of the IWT7.5‐164 reference turbine to illustrate the differences in the movement patterns of wind turbine blade bearings with and without IPC. Moreover, model calculations with single contacts are used to show which of the movement patterns carries a risk of inducing surface damage. The use of IPC leads to the expected load reduction at the blade root. In current literature, IPC is usually assumed to have a negative influence on the life expectancy of blade bearings, but the findings of this study contradict this. The summed blade bearing movement is increased, although the number of very small pitch angles occurring is reduced. This reduction reduces the risk of wear in the blade bearings.
Bounds on slow roll and the de Sitter Swampland
Authors: Garg Sumit K. , Krishnan Chethan
Published: November 2019

Abstract

The recently introduced swampland criterion for de Sitter [17] can be viewed as a (hierarchically large) bound on the smallness of the slow roll parameter 𝜖V. This leads us to consider the other slow roll parameter ηV more closely, and we are lead to conjecture that the bound is not necessarily on 𝜖V, but on slow roll itself. A natural refinement of the de Sitter swampland conjecture is therefore that slow roll is violated at $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(1) in Planck units in any UV complete theory. A corollary is that 𝜖V need not necesarily be $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(1), if $$ {\eta}_V\lesssim -\mathcal{O}(1) $$

η
V

≲
−
O

1

holds. We consider various tachyonic tree level constructions of de Sitter in IIA/IIB string theory (as well as closely related models of inflation), which superficially violate [17], and show that they are consistent with this refined version of the bound. The phrasing in terms of slow roll makes it plausible why both versions of the conjecture run into trouble when the number of e-folds during inflation is high. We speculate that one way to evade the bound could be to have a large number of fields, like in N -flation.
Macronutrient intake and frailty: the Rotterdam Study
Authors: Verspoor Eline , Voortman Trudy , van Rooij Frank J. A. , Rivadeneira Fernando , Franco Oscar H. , Kiefte-de Jong Jessica C. , Schoufour Josje D.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To investigate the longitudinal association between the macronutrient composition of the diet and frailty.

Methods

Data were obtained from 5205 Dutch middle-aged and older adults participating in the Rotterdam Study. Frailty was measured using a frailty index based on the accumulation of 38 health-related deficits, score between 0 and 100, and a higher score indicating more frailty. Frailty was assessed at baseline and 11 years later (range of 23 years). Macronutrient intake was assessed using food-frequency questionnaires. The association between macronutrients and frailty over time was evaluated using multivariable linear regression, adjusted for the frailty index at baseline, energy intake, and other relevant confounders. All analyses were performed in strata of BMI.

Results

Median frailty index score was 13.8 points (IQR 9.6; 19.1) at baseline and increased by a median of 2.3 points (IQR − 2.0; 7.6) after 11 years. Overall, we found no significant associations between intake of carbohydrates or fat and frailty over time. We did observe a significant positive association between an iso-energetic intake of 10 g protein and frailty over time (β 0.31 (95% CI 0.06; 0.55)) which was mainly driven by animal protein (β 0.31 (95% CI 0.07; 0.56)). It did not depend on whether it was substituted fat or carbohydrates.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a reduction in the intake of animal protein may improve the overall health status over time in a relatively healthy population. More research is needed on the optimal macronutrient composition of the diet and frailty in more vulnerable populations.
MnTnBuOE-2-PyP treatment protects from radioactive iodine (I-131) treatment-related side effects in thyroid cancer
Authors: Patel Anery , Kosmacek Elizabeth A. , Fisher Kurt W. , Goldner Whitney , Oberley-Deegan Rebecca E.
Published: November 2019

Treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer often involves administration of radioactive iodine (I-131) for remnant ablation or adjuvant therapy. However, there is morbidity associated with I-131 therapy, which can result in both acute and chronic complications. Currently, there are no approved radioprotectors that can be used in conjunction with I-131 to reduce complications in thyroid cancer therapy. It is well known that the damaging effects of ionizing radiation are mediated, in part, by the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). A potent scavenger of ROS, Mn(III)meso-tetrakis(N–n-butoxyethylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin (MnTnBuOE-2-PyP), has radioprotective and anti-tumor effects in various cancer models including head and neck, prostate, and brain tumors exposed to external beam radiation therapy. Female C57BL/6 mice were administered I-131 orally at doses of 0.0085–0.01 mCi/g (3.145 × 105 to 3.7 × 105 Bq) of body weight with or without MnTnBuOE-2-PyP. We measured acute external inflammation, blood cell counts, and collected thyroid tissue and salivary glands for histological examination. We found oral administration of I-131 caused an acute decrease in platelets and white blood cells, caused facial swelling, and loss of thyroid and salivary tissues. However, when MnTnBuOE-2-PyP was given during and after I-131 administration, blood cell counts remained in the normal range, less facial inflammation was observed, and the salivary glands were protected from radiation-induced killing. These data indicate that MnTnBuOE-2-PyP may be a potent radioprotector of salivary glands in thyroid cancer patients receiving I-131 therapy.
Cerebral arterial pulsatility is associated with features of small vessel disease in patients with acute stroke and TIA: a 4D flow MRI study
Authors: Birnefeld Johan , Wåhlin Anders , Eklund Anders , Malm Jan
Published: November 2019

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is a major cause of stroke and cognitive impairment. However, the underlying mechanisms behind SVD are still poorly understood. High cerebral arterial pulsatility has been suggested as a possible cause of SVD. In population studies, arterial pulsatility has been linked to white matter hyperintensities (WMH), cerebral atrophy, and cognitive impairment, all features of SVD. In stroke, pulsatility data are scarce and contradictory. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between arterial pulsatility and SVD in stroke patients. With a cross-sectional design, 89 patients with acute ischemic stroke or TIA were examined with MRI. A neuropsychological assessment was performed 1 year later. Using 4D flow MRI, pulsatile indices (PI) were calculated for the internal carotid artery (ICA) and middle cerebral artery (M1, M3). Flow volume pulsatility (FVP), a measure corresponding to the cyclic expansion of the arterial tree, was calculated for the same locations. These parameters were assessed for associations with WMH volume, brain volume and cognitive function. ICA-FVP was associated with WMH volume (β = 1.67, 95% CI: [0.1, 3.24], p = 0.037). M1-PI and M1-FVP were associated with decreasing cognitive function (β = − 4.4, 95% CI: [− 7.7, − 1.1], p = 0.009 and β = − 13.15, 95% CI: [− 24.26, − 2.04], p = 0.02 respectively). In summary, this supports an association between arterial pulsatility and SVD in stroke patients, and provides a potential target for further research and preventative treatment. FVP may become a useful biomarker for assessing pulsatile stress with PCMRI and 4D flow MRI.
The Carrot or the Stick: Self-Regulation for Gender-Diverse Boards via Codes of Good Governance
Authors: Mensi-Klarbach Heike , Leixnering Stephan , Schiffinger Michael
Published: November 2019

Scholars have emphasized the potential of self-regulation, realized through ‘codes of good governance’, to improve gender diversity on boards. Yet, unconvinced of the effectiveness of this self-regulation, many regulators have implemented mandatory quota laws. Our study sheds light on this dilemma. Seeking to broaden our conceptual knowledge of how such ‘codes’ work in the specific case of gender diversity on boards, we ask: Under which conditions is self-regulation via voluntary principles of good governance effective? Expanding recent institutional-theory perspectives from the literature of women on boards, we show that, in the case of Austria, self-regulation via code recommendations is ineffective unless supported by additional forces. The primary reason for this, we argue, is that nominators do not expect benefits from gender-diverse boards. Furthermore, non-compliant companies face little pressure to change due to the small number of companies that have already adopted respective code recommendations. We identify two potential alternatives to boost the effectiveness of voluntary self-regulation for gender-diverse boards: First, the introduction of concrete targets for female representation and the public monitoring of fulfillment; and, second, the establishment of a credible threat that mandatory quotas will be imposed if diversity goals are not achieved. Drawing on longitudinal data from 2006 to 2016 on listed and state-owned companies in Austria, we give an empirical account of the conditions that assure effective self-regulation. Arguing that codes suffer from what we call ‘opportunity bias’, we conclude that political goals (such as gender equality) based on ethical rather than instrumental considerations are unlikely to be effectively implemented solely by codes of good governance.
Lying, Misleading, and Dishonesty
Authors: Barber Alex
Published: November 2019

An important moral category—dishonest speech—has been overlooked in theoretical ethics despite its importance in legal, political, and everyday social exchanges. Discussion in this area has instead been fixated on a binary debate over the contrast between lying and ‘merely misleading’ (that is, attempting to deceive someone without uttering a literal falsehood). Some see lying as a distinctive wrong; others see it as morally equivalent to deliberately omitting relevant truths, falsely insinuating, or any other species of attempted verbal deception. Parties to this debate have missed the relevance to their disagreement of the notion of communicative dishonesty. Communicative dishonesty need not take the form of a lie, yet its wrongness does not reduce to the wrongness of seeking to deceive. This paper therefore proposes a major shift of attention away from the lying/misleading debate and towards the topic of communicative dishonesty (or ‘dishonesty’ for short). Dishonesty is not a simple notion to define, however. It presupposes a difficult distinction between what is and is not expressed in a given utterance. This differs from the more familiar distinction between what is and is not said, the distinction at the heart of the lying/misleading debate. This paper uses an idea central to speech act theory to characterize dishonesty in terms of the utterer’s communicative intentions, and applies the resulting definition to a variety of contexts.
A method to estimate the environmental impacts from genetic change in pig production systems
Authors: Ottosen Mathias , Mackenzie Stephen G. , Wallace Michael , Kyriazakis Ilias
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The environmental impacts (EIs) of the global pig production sector are expected to increase with increasing global pork demand. Although the pig breeding industry has made significant progress over the last decades in reducing its EI, previous work has been unable to differentiate between the improvements made through management improvements from those caused by genetic change. Our study investigates the effect of altering genetic components of individual traits on the EI of pig systems.

Methods

An LCA model, with a functional unit of 1 kg live weight pig, was built simulating an intensive pig production system; inputs of feed and outputs of manure were adjusted according to genetic performance traits. Feed intake was simulated with an animal energy requirement model. A correlation matrix of the genetic variance and correlations of traits was pooled from data on commercial pig populations in the literature. Three sensitivity analyses were applied: one-at-a-time sensitivity analysis (OAT) used the genetic standard deviations, clusters-of-traits sensitivity analysis (COT) used the genetic standard deviations and clustering based on correlations, and the sensitivity index (SI) applied the full correlation matrix. Five EI categories were considered: global warming potential, terrestrial acidification potential, freshwater eutrophication potential, land use, and fossil resource scarcity.

Results and discussion

The different EI categories showed similar behaviour for each trait in the sensitivity analyses. OAT showed up to 18% change in EI relative to baseline for energy maintenance and around 3% change in EI relative to baseline for most other traits. COT grouped traits into a grower/finisher cluster (up to 17% change relative to baseline), a reproductive cluster (up to 7% change relative to baseline), and a sow robustness cluster (up to 2% change relative to baseline), all clusters including negative correlations between traits. By including genetic correlations, the SI went from being influenced by maintenance, and finisher and gilt growth rate into solely being dominated by maintenancen and protein-to-lipid ratio responsible for above 0.8 and 0.35 of the variance in EI respectively.

Conclusions

We developed a novel methodology for evaluating EIs of changes in correlated genetic traits in pigs. We found it was essential to include correlations in the sensitivity analysis, since the local and global sensitivity analyses were not affected to the same extend by the same traits. Further, we found that finisher growth rate, body protein-to-lipid ratio, and energy maintenance could be important in reducing EI, but mortalities and sow robustness had little effect.
The effect of using torniquets on fracture healing disorders: A study in wistar strain rats ( Rattus norvegicus )
Authors: Junus Huwae Thomas Erwin Christian , Ratnawati Retty , Sujuti Hidayat , Putra Bernard Satrya Surya , Putera Marvin Anthony , Hidayat Mohamad
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACT

Background:

Fracture is a discontinuity of bone tissue, growth plates and/or cartilage which generally caused by trauma. Fracture healing is influenced by many things, including patient condition, age, comorbidity, lifestyle, medication and management. The use of tourniquets in medical cases reached 20.000 cases per day around the world. In Norway between 2005 and 2006, the use of tourniquets on orthopedic surgery reached 63.484 cases. The goal of using a tourniquet is to obtain a blood-free operation field to achieve maximum operating results. However, deflation of tourniquets can lead to reperfusion mechanisms that cause injuries resulting from the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). This study aims to measure the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the osteoblast count after tourniquet application in murine mode.

Methods:

Thirty-two male Wistar strain rats were divided into two groups and tibial fracture with consequence casting was performed. The rats were divided into two groups, one control group (n = 16) and one treatment group (n = 16). Both groups' rats’ right tibia was fractured and immobilized with a long-leg cast. The tourniquet (4.5 oz orthodontic rubber) was applied to the treatment group for two hours. The evaluation of the osteoblast count and the malondialdehyde (MDA) level was done on day 14. The quantitative osteoblast count was done under light microscopy within 10 high power fields in 4000x magnification. The MDA level was measured by using Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) assay. Data analysis was done by using independent t-test.

Results:

There was elevated MDA levels (0,126 in group 1 compared to 8763 in group 2) with p < 0,001 and a significant decrease in the number of osteoblasts seen histologically in group 2 (9,00) compared to group 1 (14,438) with p < 0,05.

Conclusions:

The use of tourniquets can increase MDA levels due to oxidative stress arising from ischemic-reperfusion injury, as well as decreasing the number of osteoblasts.

Highlights:
Onodi Cell Mucocele-Associated Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Tzamalis Argyrios , Diafas Asterios , Riga Paraskevi , Konstantinidis Iordanis , Ziakas Nikolaos
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

To present a rare case report of Onodi cell-associated optic neuropathy, conducting a review of the literature.

Methods:

A 36-year-old male presented with an 18-h history of acute deterioration of vision in his left eye (LE). Ophthalmic examination and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) were consistent with an Onodi cell-associated compressive optic neuropathy.

Results:

Despite immediate, successful surgical decompression, severe optic nerve atrophy and permanent visual loss occurred during early postoperative period. The reported case gives rise to different hypotheses regarding pathophysiology that may lead to irreversible blindness. A systematic review of the respective literature is provided attempting to compare different approaches in the management of Onodi cell-associated compressive optic neuropathy and assess their efficacy in the final visual outcome. Poor initial visual acuity (VA) may represent a bad prognostic factor. Moreover, age and gender do not seem to significantly influence the outcome.

Conclusion:

This report and associated literature review highlight the importance of the radiologic characteristics and early diagnosis in the final visual outcome of the Onodi cell-associated optic neuropathy. High level of suspicion is crucial for early diagnosis of mucoceles, which must be treated promptly by surgical and medical means to enhance visual recovery.
Reliability Assessment of Wafer Level Package using Artificial Neural Network Regression Model
Authors: Chou P. H. , Chiang K.N. , Liang Steven Y.
Published: November 2019

For electronic packaging structure, there are many design parameters that will affect its reliability performance, using experimental way to obtain the reliability result will take a considerable amount of time. Therefore, how to shorten the design time becomes a critical issue for new electronic packaging structure development. This research will combine artificial intelligence (AI) and simulation technology to assess the long-term reliability of wafer level packaging (WLP). A simulation technology using finite element method (FEM) with appropriate mechanics theories has been validated by multiple experiments will replace the experiment to create reliability results for different WLP structures. After a big WLP structure-reliability database created, this study will apply artificial neural network (ANN) theory to analyze this database and obtains a regression model for structure-reliability relationship of WLP. Once the regression model is established and validated, the WLP geometry, such as pad size, die and buffer layer thickness, and solder volume, etc. can be simply entered, and then the WLP reliability results can be immediately obtained through the ANN regression model.
Performance of twoLupinus albusL. cultivars in response to three soil pH levels
Authors: Arief Omnia M. , Pang Jiayin , Shaltout Kamal H. , Lambers Hans
Published: November 2019

Soil alkalinity imposes important limitations to lupin productivity; however, little attention has been paid to investigate the effects of soil alkalinity on plant growth and development. Many lupins are sensitive to alkaline soils, butLupinus albusmaterial from Egypt was found to have tolerance to limed soils. The aim of this study was to compare the growth response of two cultivars ofL.albusL. – an Egyptian cultivar, P27734, and an Australian cultivar, Kiev Mutant, to different soil pH levels and to understand the physiological mechanisms underlying agronomic alkalinity tolerance of P27734. Plants were grown under three pH levels (5.1, 6.7, and 7.8) in a temperature-controlled glasshouse. For both cultivars, the greatest dry mass production and carboxylate exudation from roots were observed at alkaline pH. The better performance of the Egyptian cultivar at high pH was entirely accounted for by its greater seed weight. From a physiological perspective, the Australian cultivar was as alkaline-tolerant as the Egyptian cultivar. These findings highlight the agronomic importance of seed weight for sowing, and both cultivars can be used in alkaline soils.
A revised palynozonation for the Middle–Upper Triassic (Anisian–Rhaetian) Series of the Norwegian Arctic
Authors: Paterson Niall William , Mangerud Gunn
Published: November 2019

The Barents Sea region of Arctic Norway preserves a thick succession of marine and deltaic Triassic strata that yield an abundant and diverse association of terrestrial and marine palynomorphs. Despite being the principal means for dating and correlation across this vast region, the Upper Triassic palynozonal resolution has remained relatively low. This is problematic due to the thickness of the Upper Triassic Series and since this corresponds to the longest of the three Triassic epochs. This paper presents a refined Middle–Upper Triassic palynozonation for the region, based on a detailed investigation of multiple localities ranging from the Svalbard Archipelago to the southern Barents Sea. The zonation comprises eleven spore-pollen zones: theCarnisporites spiniger,Triadispora obscuraandProtodiploxypinus decuszones (Anisian), theEchinitosporites iliacoidesZone (Ladinian), theSemiretisporis hochulii,Podosporites vigraniae,Leschikisporis aduncus, andProtodiploxypinusspp. zones (Carnian), theClassopollis torosus, andQuadraeculina anellaeformiszones (Norian), and theRicciisporitesspp. Zone (Rhaetian). Additionally, two new dinoflagellate cyst zones are defined: theRhaetogonyaulax arctica(upper Carnian – lower Norian) andRhaetogonyaulax rhaetica(lower Norian) zones. Three new age-significant palynomorph taxa are described:Kyrtomisporis moerkisp. nov.,Podosporites vigraniaesp. nov. andSemiretisporis hochuliisp. nov. The revised palynozonation is compared with previous palynozonal schemes for the Greater Barents Sea region, and its relationship to Triassic palaeoclimate, palaeoenvironments and sequence stratigraphy is discussed.