bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Worth the Wait? The Effect of Early Term Birth on Maternal and Infant Health
Authors: Buckles Kasey , Guldi Melanie
Published: July 2017

Early term birth is defined as birth at 37 or 38 weeks gestation. While infants born early term are not considered premature, the medical literature suggests that they have an increased risk of serious adverse health outcomes compared to infants born at term (39 or 40 weeks). Despite these known harms, we document a rise in early term births in the United States from 1989 to the mid‐2000s, followed by a decline in recent years. We posit that the recent decline in early term births has been driven by changes in medical practice advocated by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, programs such as the March of Dimes’ “Worth the Wait” campaign, and by Medicaid policy. We first show that this pattern cannot be attributed to changes in the demographic composition of mothers, and provide some evidence that efforts to reduce early term elective deliveries (EEDs) through Medicaid policy were effective. We next exploit county‐level variation in the timing of these changes in medical practice to examine the effect of early term inductions (our proxy for EEDs) on infant and maternal health. We find that early term inductions lower birth weights and increase the risks of precipitous labor, birth injury, and required ventilation. Our results suggest that reductions in early term inductions can explain about one‐third of the overall increase in birth weights between 2010 and 2013 for births at 37 weeks gestation and above.
AT2R deficiency mediated podocyte loss via activation of ectopic hedgehog interacting protein (Hhip) gene expression
Authors: Liao Min‐Chun , Zhao Xin‐Ping , Chang Shiao‐Ying , Lo Chao‐Sheng , Chenier Isabelle , Takano Tomoko , Ingelfinger Julie R , Zhang Shao‐Ling
Published: July 2017

Angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) deficiency in AT2R knockout (KO) mice has been linked to congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract; however, the mechanisms by which this occurs are poorly understood. In this study, we examined whether AT2R deficiency impaired glomerulogenesis and mediated podocyte loss/dysfunction in vivo and in vitro. Nephrin‐cyan fluorescent protein (CFP)‐transgenic (Tg) and Nephrin/AT2RKO mice were used to assess glomerulogenesis, while wild‐type and AT2RKO mice were used to evaluate maturation of podocyte morphology/function. Immortalized mouse podocytes (mPODs) were employed for in vitro studies. AT2R deficiency resulted in diminished glomerulogenesis in E15 embryos, but had no impact on actual nephron number in neonates. Pups lacking AT2R displayed features of renal dysplasia with lower glomerular tuft volume and podocyte numbers. In vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated that loss of AT2R was associated with elevated NADPH oxidase 4 levels, which in turn stimulated ectopic hedgehog interacting protein (Hhip) gene expression in podocytes. Consequently, ectopic Hhip expression activation either triggers caspase‐3 and p53‐related apoptotic processes resulting in podocyte loss, or activates TGFβ1–Smad2/3 cascades and α‐SMA expression to transform differentiated podocytes to undifferentiated podocyte‐derived fibrotic cells. We analyzed HHIP expression in the kidney disease database (Nephroseq) and then validated this using HHIP immunohistochemistry staining of human kidney biopsies (controls versus focal segmental glomerulosclerosis). In conclusion, loss of AT2R is associated with podocyte loss/dysfunction and is mediated, at least in part, via augmented ectopic Hhip expression in podocytes. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature stability of proteins: Analysis of irreversible denaturation using isothermal calorimetry
Authors: Schön Arne , Clarkson Benjamin R. , Jaime Maria , Freire Ernesto
Published: July 2017

The structural stability of proteins has been traditionally studied under conditions in which the folding/unfolding reaction is reversible, since thermodynamic parameters can only be determined under these conditions. Achieving reversibility conditions in temperature stability experiments has often required performing the experiments at acidic pH or other nonphysiological solvent conditions. With the rapid development of protein drugs, the fastest growing segment in the pharmaceutical industry, the need to evaluate protein stability under formulation conditions has acquired renewed urgency. Under formulation conditions and the required high protein concentration (∼100 mg/mL), protein denaturation is irreversible and frequently coupled to aggregation and precipitation. In this article, we examine the thermal denaturation of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) under irreversible conditions and concentrations up to 100 mg/mL using several techniques, especially isothermal calorimetry which has been used to measure the enthalpy and kinetics of the unfolding and aggregation/precipitation at 12°C below the transition temperature measured by DSC. At those temperatures the rate of irreversible protein denaturation and aggregation of HEWL is measured to be on the order of 1 day−1. Isothermal calorimetry appears a suitable technique to identify buffer formulation conditions that maximize the long term stability of protein drugs.
Prevention against renal damage in rats with subtotal nephrectomy by sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696), a dual‐acting angiotensin receptor‐neprilysin inhibitor
Authors: Ushijima Kentaro , Ando Hitoshi , Arakawa Yusuke , Aizawa Kenichi , Suzuki Chisato , Shimada Ken , Tsuruoka Shu‐ichi , Fujimura Akio
Published: July 2017

Although patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk for end‐stage renal disease and cardiovascular events, adequate drug therapies for preventing the deterioration of these conditions are still not established. This study was undertaken to evaluate a preventive effect of an angiotensin receptor‐neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696), which is converted to sacubitril and valsartan in the body, against the progression of renal disease in rats with subtotal nephrectomy, an animal model of human CKD. Mean survival time after subtotal nephrectomy was about 100 days in Wistar rats with vehicle. LCZ696‐(30 mg/kg) and valsartan‐(15 mg/kg) prolonged the survival of these animals, and the effect of LCZ696 on survival was significantly greater than that of valsartan. Renoprotective effects of LCZ696 judged by serum creatinine and urinary protein excretions were larger than those of valsartan. Cardioprotective effects judged by cardiac left ventricular mass, fractional shortening, and fibrosis of LCZ696 and valsartan were not detected under the present condition. Thus, the renoprotective effect of LCZ696 was stronger than that of valsartan in rats with subtotal nephrectomy. This study provides the idea that, compared to valsartan, LCZ696 is more effective for the treatment of human CKD.
Differential Electrochemical Conductance Imaging at the Nanoscale
Authors: López‐Martínez Montserrat , Artés Juan Manuel , Sarasso Veronica , Carminati Marco , Díez‐Pérez Ismael , Sanz Fausto , Gorostiza Pau
Published: July 2017

Electron transfer in proteins is essential in crucial biological processes. Although the fundamental aspects of biological electron transfer are well characterized, currently there are no experimental tools to determine the atomic‐scale electronic pathways in redox proteins, and thus to fully understand their outstanding efficiency and environmental adaptability. This knowledge is also required to design and optimize biomolecular electronic devices. In order to measure the local conductance of an electrode surface immersed in an electrolyte, this study builds upon the current–potential spectroscopic capacity of electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy, by adding an alternating current modulation technique. With this setup, spatially resolved, differential electrochemical conductance images under bipotentiostatic control are recorded. Differential electrochemical conductance imaging allows visualizing the reversible oxidation of an iron electrode in borate buffer and individual azurin proteins immobilized on atomically flat gold surfaces. In particular, this method reveals submolecular regions with high conductance within the protein. The direct observation of nanoscale conduction pathways in redox proteins and complexes enables important advances in biochemistry and bionanotechnology.
Post‐disaster Cooperation Among Aid Agencies
Authors: Heetun Shameem , Phillips Fred , Park Sehee
Published: July 2017

Natural and anthropogenic disasters affect ever‐larger populations. Effective cooperation among aid agencies is key to post‐disaster recovery. Studies in evolutionary game theory suggest two motives for one agency to cooperate with another: the other agency's reputation and the perceived probability of working together again in the future.

This mixed method study collected data from decision makers in 30 aid agencies. The quantitative instrument, itself an evolutionary game, showed cooperation heavily influenced both by reputation and by interaction potential, with probable frequency of future interaction being a better predictor. Qualitative interviews affirmed the importance of both and showed learning, directives and reviews are subsidiary determinants of cooperation.

This study answers—for the population of disaster aid managers—a controversial question in the evolution of cooperation. It offers guidance for agencies allocating training budget between technical skills (e.g. distributing medicines) and cooperation skills, with the aim of quickly aiding disaster victims. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
XIAP inhibitor embelin induces autophagic and apoptotic cell death in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Lee You‐Jin , Park Bong‐Soo , Park Hae‐Ryoun , Yu Su‐Bin , Kang Hae‐Mi , Kim In‐Ryoung
Published: July 2017

Embelin is an active ingredient of traditional herbal remedies for cancer and other diseases. Recently, it has been suggested that autophagy may play an important role in cancer therapy. However, little data are available regarding the role of autophagy in oral cancers. Therefore, we conducted this study to examine whether Embelin modulates autophagy in Ca9‐22. Our results showed that Embelin had anticancer activity against the Ca9‐22 human tongue squamous cell, and we observed that autophagic vacuoles were formed by MDC and AO. We also analyzed Embelin‐treated Ca9‐22 cells for the presence of biochemical markers and found that it directly affected the conversion of LC3‐II, the degradation of p62/SQSTM1, full‐length cleavage formation of ATG5‐ATG12 complex and Beline‐1, and caspase activation. Rescue experiments using an autophagy inhibitor showed Embelin‐induced cell death in Ca9‐22, confirming that autophagy acts as a pro‐death signal. Furthermore, Embelin exhibited anticancer activity against Ca9‐22 via both autophagy and apoptosis. These findings suggest that Embelin may potentially contribute to oral cancer treatment and provide useful information for the development of a new therapeutic agent.
Current concepts on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation outcome registries; Emphases on resource requirements for new registries
Authors: Hussain Fazal , Chaudhri Naeem , Alfraih Feras , Aljurf Mahmoud
Published: July 2017

There is tremendous variability in size, scope, and resource requirements for registries depending on the number of patients and participating sites. The outcome registries are organized systems to collect uniform data using an observational study methodology. Patient registries are used to determine specified outcomes for a population for predetermined scientific, clinical, or policy purposes. Historically, outcome registries established in the development of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have now evolved into myriads of locoregional and international transplant activity and outcome resources. Over time, these registries have contributed immensely in determining trends, patterns, and treatment outcomes in HSCT. There is wider variation in the goals, mission, objectives, and outcomes of the ongoing registries depending on the organizational structure. There is a growing trend toward overarching relationship of these registries to serve as complementary and interoperable resources for high potential collaborative research. In addition to capacity building, standardized, accredited, and optimally operational registries can provide unmatched and unparalleled research data that cannot be obtained otherwise. Moving forward, HSCT data collection, collation, and interpretation should be an integral part of the treatment rather than an option. Quality assurance and continuous quality improvement of the data are pivotal for credibility, measurable/quan- tifiable outcomes, clinically significant impact, and setting new benchmarks.
Philosophers, Sufis, and Caliphs
Authors: Akhtar Ali Humayun
Published: July 2017

What was the relationship between government and religion in Middle Eastern history? In a world of caliphs, sultans, and judges, who exercised political and religious authority? In this book, Ali Humayun Akhtar investigates debates about leadership that involved ruling circles and scholars of jurisprudence and theology. At the heart of this story is a medieval rivalry between three caliphates: the Umayyads of Cordoba, the Fatimids of Cairo, and the Abbasids of Baghdad. In a fascinating revival of Late Antique Hellenism, Aristotelian and Platonic notions of wisdom became a key component of how these caliphs debated their authority as political leaders. By tracing how these political debates impacted the theological and jurisprudential scholars and their own conception of communal guidance, Akhtar offers a new picture of premodern political authority and the connections between Western and Islamic civilizations. It will be of use to students and specialists of the premodern and modern Middle East.
PacBio assembly of aPlasmodium knowlesigenome sequence with Hi-C correction and manual annotation of theSICAvargene family
Authors: LAPP S. A. , GERALDO J. A. , CHIEN J.-T. , AY F. , PAKALA S. B. , BATUGEDARA G. , HUMPHREY J. ,   the MaHPIC consortium, DeBARRY J. D. , Le ROCH K. G. , GALINSKI M. R. , KISSINGER J. C.
Published: July 2017

Plasmodium knowlesihas risen in importance as a zoonotic parasite that has been causing regular episodes of malaria throughout South East Asia. TheP. knowlesigenome sequence generated in 2008 highlighted and confirmed many similarities and differences inPlasmodiumspecies, including a global view of several multigene families, such as the largeSICAvarmultigene family encoding the variant antigens known as the schizont-infected cell agglutination proteins. However, repetitive DNA sequences are the bane of any genome project, and this and otherPlasmodiumgenome projects have not been immune to the gaps, rearrangements and other pitfalls created by these genomic features. Today, long-read PacBio and chromatin conformation technologies are overcoming such obstacles. Here, based on the use of these technologies, we present a highly refinedde novo P. knowlesigenome sequence of the Pk1(A+) clone. This sequence and annotation, referred to as the ‘MaHPIC Pk genome sequence’, includes manual annotation of theSICAvargene family with 136 full-length members categorized as type I or II. This sequence provides a framework that will permit a better understanding of theSICAvarrepertoire, selective pressures acting on this gene family and mechanisms of antigenic variation in this species and other pathogens.
Psychological vulnerability of widowhood: financial strain, social engagement and worry about having no care-giver as mediators and moderators
Authors: MIN JOOHONG , LI YAWEN , XU LING , CHI IRIS
Published: July 2017

This study examined how financial strain, worry about having no care-giver and social engagement modify the association between widowhood and depressive symptoms among older adults in China. Using national representative data from older adults in China in 2006, we ran structural equation models and ordinary least square regressions to investigate the mediating and moderating effects of financial strain, worry about having no care-giver and social engagement on the association between widowhood and depressive symptoms. All three variables significantly mediated the association between widowhood and depressive symptoms. Compared to their married counterparts, widowed older adults showed more worry about having no care-giver, increased financial strain and lower social engagement, which were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Higher level of worry about having no care-giver and lower social engagement significantly exacerbated the adverse effects of widowhood on depressive symptoms in the moderation analyses. Our finding of mediating effects suggests that widowhood is negatively related to psychological wellbeing via financial strain, social engagement and care resources. The results regarding moderating effects suggest that alleviating worry about having no care-giver and increasing social engagement may buffer the deleterious effect of widowhood on psychological wellbeing in later life.
A DECADE OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT IN POLAND
Authors: Lipska Iga , McAuslane Neil , Leufkens Hubert , Hövels Anke
Published: July 2017

Objectives: The objective of this study is to illustrate and provide a better understanding of the role of health technology assessment (HTA) processes in decision making for drug reimbursement in Poland and how this approach could be considered by other countries of limited resources.

Methods: We analyzed the evolution of the HTA system and processes in Poland over the past decade and current developments based on publicly available information.

Results: The role of HTA in drug-reimbursement process in Poland has increased substantially over the recent decade, starting in 2005 with the formation the Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System (AOTMiT). The key success factors in this development were effective capacity building based on the use of international expertise, the implementation of transparent criteria into the drug reimbursement processes, and the selective approach to the adoption of innovative medicines based on the cost-effectiveness threshold among other criteria.

Conclusions: While Poland is regarded as a leader in Central and Eastern Europe, there is room for improvement, especially with regard to the quality of HTA processes and the consistency of HTA guidelines with reimbursement law. In the “pragmatic” HTA model use by AOTMiT, the pharmaceutical company is responsible for the preparation of a reimbursement dossier of good quality in line with HTA guidelines while the assessment team in AOTMiT is responsible for critical review of that dossier. Adoption of this model may be considered by other countries with limited resources to balance differing priorities and ensure transparent and objective access to medicines for patients who need them.
Reflection splitting-induced microstrain broadening
Authors: Leineweber Andreas
Published: July 2017

Crystal structure determination on the basis of powder diffraction data frequently involves the question how the given diffraction data with some appreciably hkl-dependent line broadening should be interpreted. In many cases, such line broadening may either: (i) reasonably well be reconciled with a certain high-symmetry structure model or (ii) with a variant of the former with lower symmetry crystal family, which frequently will give a somewhat better fit in Rietveld refinement. In this work, it is shown mathematically that symmetry reduction induced reflection spitting masked by other line broadening contributions, thus leading to some reflection splitting-induced line broadening, shows a similar hkl dependence as typically adopted for anisotropic microstrain broadening with respect to the high-symmetry structure. This implies that Rietveld refinement on the basis of the low-symmetry model (including typically isotropic line broadening) and on the basis of the high-symmetry model with anisotropic microstrain broadening can both lead to similar qualities of the fit. Hence, the refinement results for both possibilities should be carefully considered in combination with possibly available additional information (e.g. results of first-principles calculations) to arrive at adequate conclusions concerning the true symmetry of the material under investigation.
AN ANALYTICAL APPROACH FOR VARIANCE SWAPS WITH AN ORNSTEIN–UHLENBECK PROCESS
Authors: CAO JIAN-PENG , FANG YAN-BING
Published: July 2017

Pricing variance swaps have become a popular subject recently, and most research of this type come under Heston’s two-factor model. This paper is an extension of some recent research which used the dimension-reduction technique based on the Heston model. A new closed-form pricing formula focusing on a log-return variance swap is presented here, under the assumption that the underlying asset prices can be described by a mean-reverting Gaussian volatility model (Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process). Numerical tests in two respects using the Monte Carlo (MC) simulation are included. Moreover, we discuss a procedure of solving a quadratic differential equation with one variable. Our method can avoid the previously encountered limitations, but requires more time for calculation than other recent analytical discrete models.
Physical properties of the HIV-1 capsid from all-atom molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Perilla Juan R. , Schulten Klaus
Published: July 2017

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection is highly dependent on its capsid. The capsid is a large container, made of ∼1,300 proteins with altogether 4 million atoms. Although the capsid proteins are all identical, they nevertheless arrange themselves into a largely asymmetric structure made of hexamers and pentamers. The large number of degrees of freedom and lack of symmetry pose a challenge to studying the chemical details of the HIV capsid. Simulations of over 64 million atoms for over 1 μs allow us to conduct a comprehensive study of the chemical–physical properties of an empty HIV-1 capsid, including its electrostatics, vibrational and acoustic properties, and the effects of solvent (ions and water) on the capsid. The simulations reveal critical details about the capsid with implications to biological function.
Anterior cingulate is a source of valence-specific information about value and uncertainty
Authors: Monosov Ilya E.
Published: July 2017

Anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is thought to control a wide range of reward, punishment, and uncertainty-related behaviors. However, how it does so is unclear. Here, in a Pavlovian procedure in which monkeys displayed a diverse repertoire of reward-related, punishment-related, and uncertainty-related behaviors, we show that many ACC-neurons represent expected value and uncertainty in a valence-specific manner, signaling value or uncertainty predictions about either rewards or punishments. Other ACC-neurons signal prediction information about rewards and punishments by displaying excitation to both (rather than excitation to one and inhibition to the other). This diversity in valence representations may support the role of ACC in many behavioral states that are either enhanced by reward and punishment (e.g., vigilance) or specific to either reward or punishment (e.g., approach and avoidance). Also, this first demonstration of punishment-uncertainty signals in the brain suggests that ACC could be a target for the treatment of uncertainty-related disorders of mood.
Various effects of magnetite on international simple glass (ISG) dissolution: implications for the long-term durability of nuclear glasses
Authors: Neill Lindsey , Gin Stéphane , Ducasse Thomas , De Echave Trilce , Fournier Maxime , Jollivet Patrick , Gourgiotis Alkiviadis , Wall Nathalie A.
Published: July 2017

Understanding the effect of near-field materials, such as iron corrosion products, on the alteration of vitreous nuclear waste is essential for modeling long-term stability of these waste forms in a geological repository. This work presents experimental results for which monoliths of International Simple Glass—a six oxide borosilicate glass–, with polished and unpolished cut sides, were aged for 70 days under oxic conditions at 90 °C in a solution initially saturated in 29SiO2 at pH 7; then magnetite was added to the leaching environment. Solution and solid analyses were performed to correlate the changes in the surface features and dissolution kinetics. It was found that magnetite primarily influences the mechanically constrained surface of the non-polished sides of the monoliths, with little to no effect on the polished surfaces. This work highlights the importance of the unique chemistry within surface cracks that invokes a drastic change in alteration of glass in environments containing iron corrosion products.
Knockdown of anion exchanger 2 suppressed the growth of ovarian cancer cells via mTOR/p70S6K1 signaling
Authors: Zhang Li-Jun , Lu Renquan , Song Ya-Nan , Zhu Jian-Yong , Xia Wei , Zhang Miao , Shao Zhi-Yi , Huang Yan , Zhou Yuqi , Zhang Hongqin , Guo Lin , Zhang Meiqin , Zhang Hong
Published: July 2017

Anion exchanger 2 (AE2, encoded by SLC4A2) is a sodium-independent chloride/bicarbonate transporter and implicated in the regulation of intracellular pH and membrane potential. Previous studies have linked AE2 to the tumorigenesis of various cancers. Here, AE2 was identified as an up-regulated protein in ovarian cancer tissues compared to adjacent non-tumor lesions based on quantitative proteomics analysis. AE2 mRNA was also overexpressed in human ovarian cancer samples, and that AE2 overexpression correlated with the shortened survival time of ovarian cancer patients. Short-hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of AE2 in A2780 and SK-OV-R3 cells inhibited cell growth and induced cell cycle G1 phase arrest. In nude mice, its stable knockdown inhibited the tumorigenicity of A2780 cells. Gene set enrichment analysis on The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset identified that the cell cycle process and mTOR pathway were correlatively with the AE2 expression. Expression of key regulators of G1/S transition (Cyclin D1 and CDK4), and phosphorylation levels of p70S6K were notably reduced in AE2 knockdown cells. Moreover, experiments with mTOR inhibitor suggested that AE2 may promote cell cycle progression through mTOR/p70S6K1 pathway. Together, our results suggest up-regulated AE2 promotes ovarian cancer tumorigenesis by activating mTOR/p70S6K1 pathway and implicate the potential application of AE2 in cancer therapy.
The healing of alveolar bone defects with novel bio-implants composed of Ad-BMP9-transfected rDFCs and CHA scaffolds
Authors: Nie Li , Yang Xia , Duan Liang , Huang Enyi , Pengfei Zhou , Luo Wenping , Zhang Yan , Zeng Xingqi , Qiu Ye , Cai Ting , Li Conghua
Published: July 2017

Cells, scaffolds, and growth factors play important roles in bone regeneration. Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9), a member of BMP family, could facilitate osteogenesis by regulating growth factors and promoting angiogenesis. Similar to other stem cells, rat dental follicle stem cells (rDFCs), the precursor cells of cementoblasts, osteoblasts and periodontal ligament cells, can self-renew and exhibit multipotential capacity. Coralline hydroxyapatite (CHA) has good biocompatibility and conductivity required for bone tissue engineering. Here, we reported that BMP9 could enhance the osteogenic differentiation of rDFCs in cell culture. Moreover, our results suggested that BMP9 acted through the Smad1/5/8 signaling pathway. We also produced a novel scaffold that encompasses bio-degradable CHA seeded with recombinant adenoviruses expressing BMP9-transfected rDFCs (Ad-BMP9-transfected rDFCs). With this implant, we achieved more alveolar bone regeneration in the alveolar bone defect compared to blank group, CHA group and rDFCs group. Our results provided a novel bio-implants composed of Ad-BMP9-transfected rDFCs and CHA scaffolds and its mechanism is regarding the activation of Smad1/5/8 signaling pathway in BMP9-induced rDFCs osteogenesis.
Detection of the spatial patterns of water storage variation over China in recent 70 years
Authors: Chen Zheng , Jiang Weiguo , Wu Jianjun , Chen Kun , Deng Yue , Jia Kai , Mo Xinyu
Published: July 2017

Terrestrial water storage (TWS) variation is crucial for global hydrological cycles and water resources management under climatic changes. In the previous studies, changes in water storage of some part of China have been studied with GRACE data in recent ten years. However, the spatial pattern of changes in water storage over China may be different in a long period. Here, we aimed to present long-term spatial patterns of TWS over China between 1948 to 2015 by unique Global Land Data Assimilation System Version 2 data and identify possible factors to water storage changes. The results revealed that the inner-annual variations in TWS of China exhibited remarkable downward trends with decreased rate of 0.1 cm/yr. Meanwhile, we found that spatial patterns of TWS in China can be divided into three distinct sub-regions of TWS region with increased, TWS region with decreased, TWS region with insignificant variation. The Northeast had decreased trends (−0.05 cm/yr) due to climate change and anthropogenic activities. Urban expansion is a non-ignorable factor to TWS reduction in Jing-Jin-Ji region (r = 0.61); the west had increased from 1948 to 2015 (0.03 cm/yr) due to precipitation increased and recharge by glacier melt; the south had insignificant trends and TWS varied with precipitation (r = 0.78).
Effect of probiotics on the meat flavour and gut microbiota of chicken
Authors: Wang Yan , Sun Jing , Zhong Hang , Li Nianzhen , Xu Hengyong , Zhu Qing , Liu Yiping
Published: July 2017

To date, no report has demonstrated the use of beneficial microbes for contributing to the flavour characteristics and gut microbiota diversity of chicken. Here, we selected six probiotics obtained from our laboratory and supplemented them in six different combinations to 420 newborn male Qingjiaoma chickens under the same controlled living environment (60 birds, no probiotic supplements). The results showed that chicken supplemented with Bacillus species showed beneficial effects in body weight. Acetate is the major fermentation production in the chicken caecum, and chicken supplemented with Pediococcus pentosaceus had the average higher short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) contents. In chicken caecal microflora, the abundance of Bacteroidetes bacteria was positively correlated with the content of propionate, butyrate, and isobutyrate, whereas an increase in acetate content was positively correlated to the abundance of Firmicutes. Compared to chickens without probiotic supplement, chickens supplemented with P. pentosaceus had more characteristic flavour compounds in the sampled breast meat, especially higher concentrations of (E)-2-heptenal, (E,E)-2,4-nonadienal, and certain C6-C9 unsaturated fatty acids. This resulted in a stronger chicken-fatty or fatty odour which directly improved the flavour. These findings suggest that probiotics can improve chicken meat flavour and increase gut microbiota diversity.
JMJD3 and NF-κB-dependent activation of Notch1 gene is required for keratinocyte migration during skin wound healing
Authors: Na Jungtae , Shin Jee Yoon , Jeong Hayan , Lee Jee Youn , Kim Beom Joon , Kim Won Sun , Yune Tae Young , Ju Bong-Gun
Published: July 2017

It has been shown that epigenetic regulation plays an important role in skin wound healing. We previously found that histone H3K27me3 demethylase JMJD3 regulates inflammation and cell migration in keratinocyte wound healing. In this study, we identified Notch1 as a direct target of JMJD3 and NF-κB in wounded keratinocytes using in vitro cell and in vivo animal models. We found that Notch1 is up-regulated in the wound edge and its expression is dependent on JMJD3 and NF-κB in wounded keratinocytes. We also found that Notch1 activates the expression of RhoU and PLAU gene, which are critical regulators of cell migration. Consistently, depletion or inactivation of Notch1 resulted in decreased filopodia formation, increased focal adhesion and actin stress fiber, leading to reduced keratinocyte migration and skin wound healing. Thus, our findings provide the molecular mechanism involving JMJD3/NF-κB-Notch pathway in keratinocyte wound healing.
Electrochemical behaviour at a liquid-organogel microinterface array of fucoidan extracted from algae
Authors: Felisilda Bren Mark B. , Alvarez de Eulate Eva , Stringer Damien N. , Fitton J. Helen , Arrigan Damien W. M.
Published: July 2017

The electrochemical behaviour of fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide, was investigated, leading to a detection strategy by adsorptive stripping voltammetry.
Effect of elimination on antifouling and pH-responsive properties of carboxybetaine materials
Authors: Yu Wan-Ning , Manik Desi Hanna Natalia , Huang Chun-Jen , Chau Lai-Kwan
Published: July 2017

α- and β-substituted methyl carboxybetaine materials are developed to investigate the occurrence of elimination in the ethylene intercharge arm in a harsh basic solution.
Effect of alkyl branches on the thermal stability of quaternary ammonium cations in organic electrolytes for electrochemical double layer capacitors
Authors: Ahn Yong Nam , Lee Sung Hoon , Lee Goo Soo , Kim Hyunbin
Published: July 2017

The collective effect of the intrinsic properties of small quaternary ammoniums on their thermal stability is systematically investigated.
Differentiating between long and short range disorder in infra-red spectra: on the meaning of “crystallinity” in silica
Authors: Asscher Yotam , Dal Sasso Gregorio , Nodari Luca , Angelini Ivana , Boffa Ballaran Tiziana , Artioli Gilberto
Published: July 2017

Local atomic disorder and crystallinity are structural properties that can be assessed in the crystals of quartz based on particle-size-related scattering processes in transmission infra-red spectroscopy.
Synthesis of 3-acylindoles by oxidative rearrangement of 2-aminochalcones using a hypervalent iodine reagent and cyclization sequence
Authors: Nakamura Akira , Tanaka Satoshi , Imamiya Akira , Takane Reo , Ohta Chiaki , Fujimura Kazuma , Maegawa Tomohiro , Miki Yasuyoshi
Published: July 2017

An efficient one-pot 3-acylindole synthesis by oxidative rearrangement of 2-aminochalcones and sequential cyclization has been developed.
Predicting allosteric mutants that increase activity of a major antibiotic resistance enzyme
Authors: Latallo M. J. , Cortina G. A. , Faham S. , Nakamoto R. K. , Kasson P. M.
Published: July 2017

Allosteric mutations increasingkcatin a beta lactamase act by changing conformational ensembles of active-site residues identified by machine learning.
Analysis and implementation of a finite‐control‐set by using model solution‐based control for three‐phase VSI
Authors: López Héctor , Vázquez Nimrod , Rodriguez Juvenal , Vázquez Eslí , Arau Jaime , Perez‐Pinal Francisco J.
Published: July 2017

The sinusoidal modulation per phase and vector modulation are the most commonly employed pulse‐width modulation techniques in three‐phase inverters. There exist different schemes based on the variable switching frequency technique such as the hysteresis and finite control set based on the model predictive control with constant sampling period. This study proposes an alternative scheme by implementing a finite‐control‐set for a three‐phase voltage‐fed inverter. Here, a model solution‐based control scheme is utilised, which allows the usage of a single controller resulting from the system simplification. It is shown that the proposed scheme exhibits an improved dynamic response under load variations and allows an easy digital implementation, which is the indication of its potential application from a practical point of view. A complete analysis and discussion of the proposed scheme as well as implementation and experimental results are provided to illustrate its effectiveness.
Cytogenotoxicity of Inclusion Complexes of Diazepam with 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Hadžiabdić Jasmina , Kopjar Nevenka , Želježić Davor , Špirtović-Halilović Selma , Završnik Davorka
Published: July 2017

Background Diazepam, as one of the most frequent prescribed drug from 1,4-benzodiazepine group, has certain limitations in pharmaceutical technology due to its poor solubility in water. By forming inclusion complexes with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, diazepam's biopharmaceutical properties can be greatly improved.

Aim Aim of this research was to in vitro evaluate genotoxicity of prepared novel complexes of diazepam and their influence on proliferation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Methods For identification of possible genotoxicity of diazepam inclusion complexes, cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay has been chosen. Evaluated concentrations of two diazepam inclusion complexes were 0.2 µg/mL, 0.5 µg/mL and 1.0 µg/mL in cell culture. For a reference, in vitro cytogenotoxicity evaluation of diazepam alone has been conducted as well.

Results Neither one of the diazepam, complexed nor non-complexed, in given concentrations showed genotoxicity, induced genetic damage or loss of genetic material.

Conclusions Nuclear division index values, as indicators of cytostaticity and cytotoxicity suggested that investigated inclusion diazepam complexes induced accelerated proliferation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro, therefore possibly shortening the duration and dynamics of the cell cycle.
Double symbolic joint entropy in nonlinear dynamic complexity analysis
Authors: Yao Wenpo , Wang Jun
Published: July 2017

Symbolizations, the base of symbolic dynamic analysis, are classified as global static and local dynamic approaches which are combined by joint entropy in our works for nonlinear dynamic complexity analysis. Two global static methods, symbolic transformations of Wessel N. symbolic entropy and base-scale entropy, and two local ones, namely symbolizations of permutation and differential entropy, constitute four double symbolic joint entropies that have accurate complexity detections in chaotic models, logistic and Henon map series. In nonlinear dynamical analysis of different kinds of heart rate variability, heartbeats of healthy young have higher complexity than those of the healthy elderly, and congestive heart failure (CHF) patients are lowest in heartbeats’ joint entropy values. Each individual symbolic entropy is improved by double symbolic joint entropy among which the combination of base-scale and differential symbolizations have best complexity analysis. Test results prove that double symbolic joint entropy is feasible in nonlinear dynamic complexity analysis.
Influence of interface microstructure on the mechanical properties of Ti/Ni multi-layered composites
Authors: Zhang Bing , Zhang Zhijuan , Zhang Xunhui , Yao Su , Shang Xiaodi , Wang Wen , Wang Le , Wang Kuaishe
Published: July 2017

The research was performed to determine the influence of microstructural evolution at interfaces on the subsequent uniaxial tensile properties of Ti/Ni multi-layered composites. The microstructure and chemical composition of the interfaces were examined. The fracture feature of the tensile samples was studied. At longer annealing time, the diffusion regions between Ti and Ni elements from a single side changed to two sides and became thicker. The tensile strength of the annealed composites decreased initially, and then was slightly increased after 60 h. The elongation increased significantly relative to the original rolled samples. Fractography revealed brittle fracture areas produced in the Ti/Ni interfaces. The failure mode in the annealed Ti/Ni composites was a typical ductile mixed brittle fracture.
A Text-Mining Analysis of the Public's Reactions to the Opioid Crisis
Authors: Glowacki Elizabeth M. , Glowacki Joseph B. , Wilcox Gary B.
Published: July 2017

Background

Opioid abuse has become an epidemic in the United States. On August 25, 2016, the former Surgeon General of the United States sent an open letter to care providers asking for their help with combatting this growing health crisis. Social media forums like Twitter allow for open discussions among the public and up-to-date exchanges of information about timely topics like opioids. Therefore, the goal of the current study is to identify the public's reactions to the opioid epidemic by identifying the most popular topics tweeted by users.

Methods

We used a text-miner, algorithmic-driven statistical program to capture 73,235 original tweets and retweets posted within a two-month time span (August 15, 2016 through October 15, 2016). All tweets contained references to “opioids,” “turnthetide,” or similar keywords. We then analyzed the sets of tweets to identify the most prevalent topics.

Results

The most discussed topics had to do with public figures addressing opioid abuse, creating better treatment options for teen addicts, using marijuana as an alternative for managing pain, holding foreign and domestic drug makers accountable for the epidemic, promoting the “Rx for Change” campaign, addressing double-standards in the perceptions and treatment of Black and White opioid users, and advertising opioid recovery programs.

Conclusions

Twitter allows users to find current information, voice their concerns, and share calls for action in response to the opioid epidemic. Monitoring the conversations about opioids that are taking place on social media forums like Twitter can help public health officials and care providers better understand how the public is responding to this health crisis.
Characterization of Posa and Posa-like virus genomes in fecal samples from
humans, pigs, rats, and bats collected from a single location in Vietnam
Authors: Oude Munnink Bas B. , Phan My V.T. ,   The VIZIONS Consortium, Simmonds Peter , Koopmans Marion P.G. , Kellam Paul , van der Hoek Lia , Cotten Matthew
Published: July 2017

Porcine stool-associated RNA virus (posavirus), and Human stool-associated RNA virus (husavirus) are viruses in the order Picornavirales recently described in porcine and human fecal samples. The tentative group (Posa and Posa-like viruses: PPLVs) also includes fish stool-associated RNA virus (fisavirus) as well as members detected in insects (Drosophila subobscura and Anopheles sinensis) and parasites (Ascaris suum). As part of an agnostic deep sequencing survey of animal and human viruses in Vietnam, we detected three husaviruses in human fecal samples, two of which share 97–98% amino acid identity to Dutch husavirus strains and one highly divergent husavirus with only 25% amino acid identity to known husaviruses. In addition, the current study found forty-seven complete posavirus genomes from pigs, ten novel rat stool-associated RNA virus genomes (tentatively named rasavirus), and sixteen novel bat stool-associated RNA virus genomes (tentatively named basavirus). The five expected Picornavirales protein domains (helicase, 3C-protease, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and two Picornavirus capsid domain) were found to be encoded by all PPLV genomes. In addition, a nucleotide composition analysis revealed that the PPLVs shared compositional properties with arthropod viruses and predicted non-mammalian hosts for all PPLV lineages. The study adds seventy-six genomes to the twenty-nine PPLV genomes currently available and greatly extends our sequence knowledge of this group of viruses within the Picornavirales order.
Let’s Get Real About Health Care Reform
Authors: Karpf Michael
Published: July 2017

In light of the ongoing debate about health care policy in the United States, including efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, it will be critically important for the academic community to engage in the dialogue. Developing a viable approach to health care reform requires an understanding of the interaction and interdependence between choice, cost, and coverage in a competitive and functional market-based system. Some institutions have implemented models that indicate the feasibility of providing high-quality, efficient patient care while working within fixed budgets. The academic community must stay engaged in these conversations because of its moral commitment to equitable access to health care for all. Academic medical centers will also have to define and protect their roles in an evolving health care delivery system in the United States.
Transcanalicular Diode Laser-Assisted Revision Surgery for Failed Dacryocystorhinostomy With or Without Distal or Common Canalicular Obstruction
Authors: Yoon Je Moon , Nam Seung Wan , Woo Kyung In , Kim Yoon-Duck
Published: July 2017

Purpose:

To report the outcomes of transcanalicular diode laser-assisted revision surgery for failed dacryocystorhinostomy with/without distal or common canalicular obstruction.

Methods:

The medical records and recorded videos of consecutive transcanalicular diode laser-assisted revision surgeries performed for failed dacryocystorhinostomy between May 2011 and May 2015 were reviewed. Cases of unavailability of video and cases lost to follow up after surgery were excluded from the study. With respect to the level of obstruction, lacrimal drainage systems were divided into Group 1 (obstruction at the level of the ostium) and Group 2 (obstruction at the level of the distal or common canaliculus). Data associated with anatomical and functional success were analyzed.

Results:

Revision dacryocystorhinostomy surgeries were performed on 68 patients during the study period. Transcanalicular diode laser-assisted revision surgeries were performed on 48 eyes of 39 patients. Mean follow-up period after revision surgery was 13.3 ± 12.6 months. Overall, anatomical success rate was 83.3% (40/48) and functional success rate was 68.8% (33/48). Anatomical success rates and functional success rates in the 2 groups showed no significant difference (80.0% [24/30] vs. 86.7% [13/15], p = 0.699; 70.0% [21/30] vs. 66.7% [10/15], p = 1.000, respectively).

Conclusions:

Transcanalicular diode laser-assisted revision surgery may be an alternative technique for failed dacryocystorhinostomy. Distal or common canalicular obstruction did not affect the outcomes of revision surgeries.
Instrument Adaptation, Modification, and Validation for Cultural Beliefs About Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Korean Americans
Authors: Lee Shin-Young , Lee Eunice E. , Aranda Frances
Published: July 2017

Background:

Studies on colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among Korean Americans (KAs) lack culturally sensitive, reliable, and validated belief scales.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to adapt, modify, and validate instruments measuring cultural beliefs (physical space, health temporal orientation, personal control, colon cancer fatalism, and health fatalism) about CRC screening in KAs.

Methods:

In phase I, instrument adaptation and modification (translation from English into Korean, individual interviews using cognitive interviewing, and expert reviews) were used to make existing cultural beliefs instruments culturally appropriate for KAs. In phase II, instrument validation (pilot test and cross-sectional survey) was used to examine the psychometric properties of the instrument among 202 KAs.

Results:

Construct validity and reliability of the final Korean version of the instruments were examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and internal consistency reliability. Exploratory factor analysis using all of the cultural beliefs items resulted in 5 factors accounting for 46.55% of the variance. Factor loadings were greater than 0.40 for most items to be added to the scales reflecting Korean cultural perspectives. Cronbach’s αs for all the cultural beliefs subscales were greater than .70.

Conclusions:

Findings from this study show that KAs have unique cultural beliefs that should be reflected in the instruments used for CRC screening research with this population.

Implications for Practice:

The revised instrument could be useful in accurately measuring cultural beliefs among KAs and in developing culturally sensitive interventions to increase CRC screening behaviors among KAs.