bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies to improve the explanatory power of a dynamic slope stability model by enhancing land cover parameterisation and model complexity
Authors: Schmaltz Elmar M. , Van Beek L.P.H. , Bogaard Thom A. , Kraushaar Sabine , Steger Stefan , Glade Thomas
Published: December 2018

Despite the importance of land cover on landscape hydrology and slope stability, the representation of land cover dynamics in physically based models and their associated ecohydrological effects on slope stability is rather scarce. In this study, we assess the impact of different levels of complexity in land cover parameterisation on the explanatory power of a dynamic and process‐based spatial slope stability model. Firstly, we present available and collected data sets and account for the stepwise parameterisation of the model. Secondly, we present approaches to simulate land cover: 1) a grassland landscape without forest coverage; 2) spatially static forest conditions, in which we assume limited knowledge about forest composition; 3) more detailed information of forested areas based on the computation of leaf area development and the implementation of vegetation‐related processes; 4) similar to the third approach but with the additional consideration of the spatial expansion and vertical growth of vegetation. Lastly, the model is calibrated based on meteorological data sets and groundwater measurements. The model results are quantitatively validated for two landslide‐triggering events that occurred in Western Austria. Predictive performances are estimated using the Area Under the receiver operating characteristic Curve (AUC). Our findings indicate that the performance of the slope stability model was strongly determined by model complexity and land cover parameterisation. The implementation of leaf area development and land cover dynamics further yield an acceptable predictive performance (AUC ~0.71‐0.75) and a better conservativeness of the predicted unstable areas (FoC ~0.71). The consideration of dynamic land cover expansion provided better performances than the solely consideration of leaf area development. The results of this study highlight that an increase of effort in the land cover parameterisation of a dynamic slope stability model can increase the explanatory power of the model. © 2018 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Impacts of the EU GMO regulatory framework for plant genome editing
Authors: Hundleby Penny A. C. , Harwood Wendy A.
Published: December 2018

New plant breeding technologies, such as genome editing, are enabling new crop varieties to be developed far quicker and with greater precision and scope than achievable using conventional methods. These advances could help farmers address the challenges of climate change, sustainability, and global food security. However, despite their potential, the uptake of these new technologies has been slowed down due to the uncertainty associated with the regulation of genome edited crops. For many European consumers, their view of new breeding technologies is influenced by many factors. Those who have never faced a major food crisis may not sufficiently appreciate the challenges posed by a projected rise of 2 billion in the human population by 2050. In addition, consumers with a regular and plentiful supply of food may not have to consider how their food is produced, or appreciate the challenges EU farmers are already facing to meet future demand. Misleading online articles, questioning the safety and ethics of these “new” biotech foods, can also lead consumers to be reluctant to accept them. Consequently, Europe's mixed view on biotech crops may also be hindering their adoption in countries who have even more to gain from the technology. In this review, we discuss the current data on global and EU GM crop adoption and the potential impact a new wave of crop development may have for agriculture. We reflect on how the EU has viewed GM crops, and we consider the future of both genetic modification (GM) and genome editing (GE) in the EU. We explore lessons learnt from the adoption of GM crops and examine the potential impact the recent decision not to exempt genome edited crops from the EU GMO Directive, will have on EU farmers, scientists, consumers, trading countries, and the rest of the world.
Accessing free quality health care services and premature death
Authors: Habibzadeh Farrokh , Yadollahie Mahboobeh , Simi Ashraf , Saeidimehr Saeid , Nasihatkon Ali‐Asghar , Shamsollahi Mohammad Sadegh , Javidi Hojjatollah , Kucheki Maryam , Hashemiasl Kourosh , Jamali Heidarali , Rafiei Mohammad , Mahmoudi Hamidreza , Kalantari Farhad , Azadi Safdar , Maleki Vahid , Asnaashari Abbas , Hosseinzadeh Mehrdad , Sami Habibollah
Published: December 2018

Background

The type of health insurance may affect the likelihood of mortality of insured people. We conducted this study to determine if accessing free quality health care services could decrease the premature mortality of people in a developing country.

Methods

In a multicenter cross sectional study, “years‐life‐lost” (YLL) due to premature death was evaluated in 202 671 insured people residing in six large regions in Iran. The participants had access to free quality health care services. The number of insured people that died in the six regions during March 20, 2014, to March 20, 2015, as well as their sex, age, and cause of the death, were collected, and the YLL was calculated based on assumptions made in Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 (GBD2010).

Results

The crude mortality rate was 2.3 per 1000, significantly lower than the overall rate of 4.6 per 1000 people in general population of Iran. The average YLL was 47 years per 1000 persons, significantly lower than that in general population of Iran and many industrialized countries. The most common causes of death (and YLL) were cardiovascular diseases and malignancies.

Conclusion

Having access to free quality health care services is associated with a significant decrease in premature death.
Modeling and multiscale characterization of the quantitative imaging based fibrosis index reveals pathophysiological, transcriptome and proteomic correlates of lung fibrosis induced by fractionated irradiation
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Moustafa Mahmoud R. , Cao Liji , Kriegsmann Mark , Winter Martin , Schwager Christian , Jones Bleddyn , Wang Shijun , Bäuerle Tobias , Zhou Ping‐Kun , Schnölzer Martina , Weichert Wilko , Debus Juergen , Abdollahi Amir
Published: December 2018

Pulmonary fibrosis represents a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therapy induced lung fibrosis constitutes a pivotal dose‐limiting side effect of radiotherapy and other anticancer agents. We aimed to develop objective criteria for assessment of fibrosis and discover pathophysiological and molecular correlates of lung fibrosis as a function of fractionated whole thoracic irradiation. Dose–response series of fractionated irradiation was utilized to develop a non‐invasive and quantitative measure for the degree of fibrosis – the fibrosis index (FI). The correlation of FI with histopathology, blood‐gas, transcriptome and proteome responses of the lung tissue was analyzed. Macrophages infiltration and polarization was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Fibrosis development followed a slow kinetic with maximum lung fibrosis levels detected at 24‐week post radiation insult. FI favorably correlated with radiation dose and surrogates of lung fibrosis i.e., enhanced pro‐inflammatory response, tissue remodeling and extracellular matrix deposition. The loss of lung architecture correlated with decreased epithelial marker, loss of microvascular integrity with decreased endothelial and elevated mesenchymal markers. Lung fibrosis was further attributed to a switch of the inflammatory state toward a macrophage/T‐helper cell type 2‐like (M2/Th2) polarized phenotype. Together, the multiscale characterization of FI in radiation‐induced lung fibrosis (RILF) model identified pathophysiological, transcriptional and proteomic correlates of fibrosis. Pathological immune response and endothelial/epithelial to mesenchymal transition were discovered as critical events governing lung tissue remodeling. FI will be instrumental for deciphering the molecular mechanisms governing lung fibrosis and discovery of novel targets for treatment of this devastating disease with an unmet medical need.
Treatment‐resistant PLA2R‐negative membranous nephropathy responsive to low‐density lipoprotein apheresis
Authors: Szymanski James M. , Waldman Meryl , Conry‐Cantilena Cathy , West Kamille Aisha
Published: December 2018

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in nondiabetic adults. The antibody most often implicated is the M‐type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibody, found in >70% of primary membranous nephropathy cases. First‐line therapy is immunosuppressive in nature, but for patients who are treatment‐resistant there is a significant risk of end‐stage renal disease and mortality. Hypercholesterolemia is not only a side effect of nephrotic syndrome, but also its presence may worsen renal function. A recent single‐arm observational study in Japan found that low‐density lipoprotein apheresis (LDL‐A) was able to ameliorate nephrotic syndrome in half of patients who were resistant to medication. We present a case of treatment resistant PLA2R negative membranous nephropathy who had significant improvement following two courses of LDL‐A. To our knowledge, this is the first such reported case in the United States.
microRNA‐148a‐3p inhibited the proliferation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition progression of non‐small‐cell lung cancer via modulating Ras/MAPK/Erk signaling
Authors: Xie Qiong , Yu Zipu , Lu Yuan , Fan Jingya , Ni Yiming , Ma Liang
Published: December 2018

Son of sevenless (SOS) is one of the guanine nucleotide exchange factors that can regulate the mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal regulated kinase signal pathway via controlling the activation of Ras. microRNAs are key regulon of gene expression and would be treated as tumor biomarkers or therapeutic targets. In this study, we find that miR‐148a‐3p acts as a tumor‐suppressor in the development and progression of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). miR‐148a‐3p inhibits NSCLC cells proliferation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition by reducing the expression of SOS2, which refers Ras activating. Our findings demonstrate that the miR‐148a‐3p may play a significant role in NSCLC including the kind of lung cancer with K‐Ras gene mutation, and it exerted the tumor inhibitor function by targeting SOS2. Because of that, miR‐148a‐3p and SOS2 may be an efficient target in developing more useful therapies against NSCLC.
Galectin‐3 exacerbates ox‐LDL‐mediated endothelial injury by inducing inflammation via integrin β1‐RhoA‐JNK signaling activation
Authors: Chen Xiumei , Lin Jianzhong , Hu Tingting , Ren Zhiyun , Li Linnan , Hameed Irbaz , Zhang Xiaoyu , Men Chen , Guo Yan , Xu Di , Zhan Yiyang
Published: December 2018

Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (Ox‐LDL)‐induced endothelial cell injury plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS). Plasma galectin‐3 (Gal‐3) is elevated inside and drives diverse systemic inflammatory disorders, including cardiovascular diseases. However, the exact role of Gal‐3 in ox‐LDL‐mediated endothelial injury remains unclear. This study explores the effects of Gal‐3 on ox‐LDL‐induced endothelial dysfunction and the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this study, Gal‐3, integrin β1, and GTP‐RhoA in the blood and plaques of AS patients were examined by ELISA and western blot respectively. Their levels were found to be obviously upregulated compared with non‐AS control group. CCK8 assay and flow cytometry analysis showed that Gal‐3 significantly decreased cell viability and promoted apoptosis in ox‐LDL‐treated human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). The upregulation of integrinβ1, GTP‐RhoA, p‐JNK, p‐p65, p‐IKKα, and p‐IKKβ induced by ox‐LDL was further enhanced by treatment with Gal‐3. Pretreatment with Gal‐3 increased expression of inﬂammatory factors (interleukin [IL]‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐1β), chemokines(CXCL‐1 and CCL‐2) and adhesion molecules (VCAM‐1 and ICAM‐1). Furthermore, the promotional effects of Gal‐3 on NF‐κB activation and inflammatory factors in ox‐LDL‐treated HUVECs were reversed by the treatments with integrinβ1‐siRNA or the JNK inhibitor. We also found that integrinβ1‐siRNA decreased the protein expression of GTP‐RhoA and p‐JNK, while RhoA inhibitor partially reduced the upregulated expression of p‐JNK induced by Gal‐3. In conclusion, our finding suggests that Gal‐3 exacerbates ox‐LDL‐mediated endothelial injury by inducing inflammation via integrin β1‐RhoA‐JNK signaling activation.
Lipophagy in nonliver tissues and some related diseases: Pathogenic and therapeutic implications
Authors: Zhou Kebing , Yao Pingbo , He Jun , Zhao Hong
Published: December 2018

Lipid autophagy (lipophagy) is defined as a selective autophagy process in which some intracellular lipid droplets are selectively degraded by autophagic lysosomes pathway. The occurrence of lipophagy was first discovered in liver tissues. Additionally, abundant evidence indicated that the occurrence of hepatic lipophagy has been implicated in many liver diseases including fatty liver diseases, nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases, liver fibrosis, and liver cirrhosis. However, recent studies suggested that hepatic lipophagy occurs not only in liver tissue but also in other nonliver tissues and cells. Furthermore, the occurrence of lipophagy plays a crucial role in nonliver tissues and some related diseases. For instance, lipophagy relieves insulin resistance in adipose tissue from obesity patient with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, lipophagy has the ability to remit neurodegenerative diseases by reducing activity‐dependent neurodegeneration in nervous tissue. Lipophagy decreases muscle lipid accumulation and accordingly improves lipid storage myopathy in muscle tissue. Moreover, lipophagy alleviates the malignancy and metastasis of cancer in clear renal cell carcinoma tissue. Lipophagy is also involved in other processes, such as spermatogenesis, osteoblastogenesis, and mucosal ulceration. In conclusion, targeting lipophagy may be a critical regulator and a new therapeutic strategy for nonliver tissues and some related diseases.
The role of microRNAs in embryonic stem cell and induced pluripotent stem cell differentiation in male germ cells
Authors: Mahabadi Javad Amini , Sabzalipoor Hamed , Nikzad Hossein , Seyedhosseini Elahe , Enderami Seyed Ehsan , Gheibi Hayat Seyed Mohammad , Sahebkar Amirhosein
Published: December 2018

New perspectives have been opened by advances in stem cell research for reproductive and regenerative medicine. Several different cell types can be differentiated from stem cells (SCs) under suitable in vitro and in vivo conditions. The differentiation of SCs into male germ cells has been reported by many groups. Due to their unlimited pluripotency and self‐renewal, embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be used as valuable tools for drug delivery, disease modeling, developmental studies, and cell‐based therapies in regenerative medicine. The unique features of SCs are controlled by a dynamic interplay between extrinsic signaling pathways, and regulations at epigenetic, transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. In recent years, significant progress has been made toward better understanding of the functions and expression of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in the maintenance of SC pluripotency. miRNAs are short noncoding molecules, which play a functional role in the regulation of gene expression. In addition, the important regulatory role of miRNAs in differentiation and dedifferentiation has been recently demonstrated. A balance between differentiation and pluripotency is maintained by miRNAs in the embryo and stem cells. This review summarizes the recent findings about the role of miRNAs in the regulation of self‐renewal and pluripotency of iPSCs and ESCs, as well as their impact on cellular reprogramming and stem cell differentiation into male germ cells.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Decitabine in Pediatric Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Zhou Wangda , Parasrampuria Dolly A. , Nemat Sepideh , Nakahara Susumu , Poggesi Italo , Massarella Joseph , Zhang Liping , Appiani Carlos
Published: December 2018

Dacogen, the formulated product of the pharmaceutically active agent decitabine (5 aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine), is approved for treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The current analysis was performed to characterize the pharmacokinetics of decitabine in pediatric patients with AML and evaluate their consistency with the PK in adult patients. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed by pooling decitabine concentration‐time data from 5 adult (AML and MDS) and 2 pediatric (AML) studies. A total of 840 concentration‐time data points obtained from 71 adults and 28 pediatric subjects (1 to 16 years old) were available for analysis. A 2‐compartment linear pharmacokinetic (PK) model with allometric scaling using body surface area accounting for body size adequately described the PK of decitabine. After accounting for body size, decitabine pharmacokinetics were not affected by age, sex, race, dosing regimen, renal function (creatinine clearance), bilirubin, or disease type (AML or MDS) and all PK parameters (including clearance, steady‐state volume of distribution, maximum concentration, time to reach maximal concentration, and terminal half‐life) were comparable between adult and pediatric patients. Simulated concentration‐time profiles using the final population PK model suggested that decitabine exposure at steady state was similar in adults and pediatrics for a 20 mg/m2 decitabine dose administered as a 1‐hour infusion once daily. The current analysis suggests that decitabine PK is similar in pediatric AML patients and a combined adult AML and MDS population.
Fitness consequences of delayed mating on reproductive performance of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe)
Authors: Dhillon Mukesh K. , Tanwar Aditya K. , Hasan Fazil
Published: December 2018

We investigated the effects of mating among different‐aged males and females on reproductive physiology, progeny production, and longevity of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) adults under laboratory conditions. Present studies involved virgin males (M) and females (F) of three different ages namely, on the day of emergence (1D), next day (2D), and further next day (3D), thus comprising of a total of nine mating treatments (1DM × 1DF, 1DM × 2DF, 1DM × 3DF, 2DM × 1DF, 2DM × 2DF, 2DM × 3DF, 3DM × 1DF, 3DM × 2DF, and 3DM × 3DF). The observations were recorded on fecundity, fertility, hatchability, and longevity of male and female adults. We found that mating among old aged males and females significantly reduce fecundity, fertility, and egg hatchability. Further, the fecundity, fertility, and egg hatching were significantly higher when newly emerged females mated with either of the ages of males as compared with other mating treatments. Conversely, the 3‐day‐old females, when mated with either of the ages of males, laid more numbers of unfertilized eggs, thus reduction in egg hatchability. Mating among newly emerged adults significantly reduced the longevity of male and female adults. Kaplan–Meier estimation showed that none of the adults across mating treatments survived more than 6 days. The recovery of spermatophores from the reproductive tract of females from 3DM × 1DF were significantly higher than other mating treatments. However, no association was found between spermatophore recovery and longevity of male and female adults. Findings of present studies will help to devise appropriate techniques to disrupt mating and suppress C. partellus population under field conditions.
Serum liver fibrosis markers discriminate significant liver inflammation in chronic hepatitis B patients with normal or near‐normal alanine aminotransferase
Authors: Liao Yuan , Gong Jiao , Zhou Wenying , Dong Huimin , Liang Jiayin , Luo Minqi , Hu Bo
Published: December 2018

Chronic liver inflammation caused by chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection leads to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recently, the role of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as a predictor of liver inflammation has been questioned. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of noninvasive fibrosis markers including hyaluronic acid (HA), collagen type IV (CIV), N‐terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP), and laminin (LN) in identifying significant liver inflammation in patients with CHB, especially in patients with normal or near‐normal ALT. A total of 242 CHB patients who underwent liver biopsy were enrolled. The serum levels of ALT, aspartate aminotransferase, HA, CIV, PIIINP, and LN were quantified and the relationship between histological staging and serum markers was systematically analyzed. Serum CIV, PIIINP, HA, and LN levels increased significantly along with the increasing severity of liver inflammation. Multivariate analysis showed that CIV and LN were independently associated with significant inflammation. CIV, PIIINP, HA, and LN levels were found to have high diagnostic values for predicting significant inflammation in patients with CHB (area under the curve, AUC = 0.807, 0.795, 0.767, and 0.703, respectively). The combined index for the identification of significant inflammation, including CIV, PIIINP, HA, and LN levels, significantly improved diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.851). Moreover, the combined index also achieved excellent diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.861) in patients with CHB with normal or near‐normal ALT. In conclusion, the combined index may be a strong indicator for discriminating significant liver inflammation, especially in patients with CHB with normal or near‐normal ALT.
Evaluation and improvement of tail behaviour in the cumulative distribution function transform downscaling method
Authors: Lanzante John R. , Nath Mary Jo , Whitlock Carolyn E. , Dixon Keith W. , Adams‐Smith Dennis
Published: December 2018

The cumulative distribution function transform (CDFt) downscaling method has been used widely to provide local‐scale information and bias correction to output from physical climate models. The CDFt approach is one from the category of statistical downscaling methods that operates via transformations between statistical distributions. Although numerous studies have demonstrated that such methods provide value overall, much less effort has focused on their performance with regard to values in the tails of distributions. We evaluate the performance of CDFt‐generated tail values based on four distinct approaches, two native to CDFt and two of our own creation, in the context of a “Perfect Model” setting in which global climate model output is used as a proxy for both observational and model data. We find that the native CDFt approaches can have sub‐optimal performance in the tails, particularly with regard to the maximum value. However, our alternative approaches provide substantial improvement.
Effect of Ginkgo biloba seed exopleura extract and chitosan coating on the postharvest quality of ginkgo seed
Authors: Tian Fang , Chen Weiliang , Fan Gongjian , Li Tingting , Kou Xiaohong , Wu Cai'E , Wu Zhihao
Published: December 2018

Background

The effects of Ginkgo biloba seed exopleura extract (GSEE) and chitosan (CH) coating on the preservation of ginkgo seeds were investigated.

Results

Results showed that CH could alleviate the decay rate, and that CH combined with GSEE (CH–GSEE) treatment further inhibited the development of seed decay due to the additional antifungal activity of GSEE. The nutrient contents, including water, starch and soluble protein, were maintained by both CH–GSEE and CH treatments. CH–GSEE treatment led to better restriction on oxidative stress by decreasing superoxide anion production rate, membrane permeability, malondialdehyde content, respiration rate and ethylene production rate. The antioxidant enzyme activities of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase in ginkgo seeds were maintained by treatment with CH–GSEE at a higher level. These results were consistent with the enhanced visual appearance, qualities and storability of the CH–GSEE‐treated seeds. Principal component analysis provided a global view of the internal relations of the ginkgo seeds with different treatments.

Conclusions

The postharvest qualities of CH–GSEE‐treated seeds were better than those of other treatment groups. Therefore, CH–GSEE is an effective and alternative way for inhibiting decay, maintaining quality and extending the postharvest life of ginkgo seeds. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Alternating temperature in postharvest cooling treatment of ‘Fiano’ and ‘Falanghina’ grapes affects cell wall enzyme rate, berry softening and polyphenols
Authors: Coletta Cosimo , Botondi Rinaldo , Forniti Roberto , Baccelloni Simone , Bellincontro Andrea , Mencarelli Fabio
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

In wine production, temperature control is important and cooling techniques are frequently used to cool down grape must. Grape compound extraction is facilitated by enzymatic cell wall disassembly. Accordingly, our hypothesis is that the use of an alternating temperature could favor enzyme activity and thus berry compound extraction.

RESULTS

White wine grapes (cvs ‘Falanghina’ and ‘Fiano’) were kept at 4 °C or at an alternating temperature (4 and 20 °C with a 6‐h interval) for 24 h. During the cooling treatment, berry skin resistance, berry firmness and native enzymes from the cell wall were analyzed; sugars, total acidity, malic acid and polyphenols were also measured. In ‘Falanghina’, α‐d‐glucosidase, β‐d‐galactosidase and pectinmethylesterase increased in grape berry kept at an alternating temperature, and the berry firmness decreased and the polyphenol content was greater than in the other sample. In ‘Fiano’, polygalacturonase and pectinmethylesterase were responsable for berry softening and, overall, with an alternating temperature, the activity was higher and, consequently, sugars and polyphenol contents were higher.

CONCLUSION

Instead of just cooling wine grape, a 24‐h cycle of low and high temperature on wine grape after harvest could be used to increase cell wall enzyme activity and, consequently, decrease the berry firmness, favouring an increase in sugars and polyphenol contents. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Reproducibility of 2 Liver 2‐Dimensional Shear Wave Elastographic Techniques in the Fasting and Postprandial States
Authors: Simkin Paul , Rattansingh Anand , Liu Kuan , Hudson John M. , Atri Mostafa , Jang Hyun‐Jung , Kim Tae Kyoung , Khalili Korosh
Published: December 2018

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compare the reliability and agreement of 2 methods of 2‐dimensional (2D) shear wave elastography (SWE) on liver stiffness in healthy volunteers. We also assessed effects of the prandial state and operator experience on measurements.

Methods

Two operators, 1 experienced and 1 novice, independently examined 20 healthy volunteers with 2D SWE on 2 ultrasound machines (Aixplorer [SuperSonic Imagine, Aix‐en‐Provence, France] and Aplio 500 [Canon Medical Systems Corporation, Otawara, Japan]). Volunteers were scanned 8 times by the operators using both machines in fasting and postprandial states. Agreement was evaluated by a Bland‐Altman analysis, and the correlation was assessed by the Pearson correlation and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). An analysis of variance was conducted to determine the contribution of the machine, prandial state, and operator experience to the variability.

Results

Agreement assessed by Bland‐Altman plots showed no statistically significant difference in measured liver stiffness between the machines (mean difference, –0.8%; 95% confidence interval, –3.7%, 2.1%), with a critical difference of 1.36 kPa. The correlation was good to excellent for both the crude overall Pearson coefficient and the ICC, both measuring 0.88 (95% confidence interval, 0.82, 0.92). Subclass ICCs for the fasting state, postprandial state, novice operator, and experienced operator were 0.89, 0.88, 0.90, and 0.86, respectively. The 2‐way mixed effect analysis of variance showed that the volunteers accounted for 86.3% of variation in median liver stiffness, with no statistically significant contribution from operator experience, the prandial state, or the machine (P = .108, .067, and .296, respectively).

Conclusions

Our study showed that the 2D SWE techniques had a high degree of reliability and agreement in measurement of liver stiffness in a healthy population. Operator experience and the prandial state did not impart significant variability to stiffness measurements.
Osteitis is associated with dysregulated pro‐osteoblastic activity in patients with nasal polyps
Authors: Wu Dawei , Nocera Angela L. , Mueller Sarina K. , Finn Kristen , Libermann Towia A. , Bleier Benjamin S.
Published: December 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

The overlying inflammatory mucosa plays a crucial role in the initiation of osteitis; however, the molecular mechanism is unclear. The objective of this study was to explore the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway and to correlate the expression of key signaling molecules with the degree of osteitis in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

Study Design

Prospective experimental analysis.

Methods

This was an institutional review board–approved study in which mucosal samples were obtained from sites of osteitis in CRSwNP and compared to nonosteitic healthy controls (n = 10/group). Protein expression of key BMP pathway was quantified by aptamer‐based protein array and confirmed by a set of selected mRNA analyses. Degree of osteitis was assessed using both Kennedy Osteitis Score and Global Osteitis Score (GOS).

Results

Pro‐osteoblastic expression of BMP7 (fold change [FC] = −1.18, P = .017) and BMP9 (FC = −1.32, P = .023), their receptors, BMP receptor type‐1A (BMPR1A) (FC = −2.56, P = .005) and BMP receptor type‐2 (FC = −1.28, P = .022), and two enhancers of BMP signaling pathway, the repulsive guidance molecule domain family member B (FC = −1.13, P = .008) and the chordin‐like protein 1 (FC = −1.18, P = .027), were all significantly downregulated in CRSwNP. Conversely, the pro‐osteoclastic factor, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase type 5 (ACP5) (FC = 2.36, P = .001), was significantly increased in CRSwNP. GOS was inversely correlated with levels of BMP7 (r = −0.684, P =  .005) and BMPR1A (r = −0.864, P =  .005) and positively correlated with levels of ACP5 (r = 0.815, P =  .004). The FCs among the proteins studied significantly and positively correlated with the FCs of their mRNA expression (r = 0.908, P =  .002).

Conclusions

Downregulated pro‐osteoblastic mucosal BMP signaling is strongly and significantly associated with increased osteitis in CRSwNP.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 129:E102–E109, 2019
Evaluating the potential of Bayesian networks for desertification assessment in arid areas of Iran
Authors: Boali Abdolhossein , Bashari Hossein , Jafari Reza
Published: December 2018

Spatiotemporal complexities increase the uncertainty of the results of various desertification assessment models. We integrated the Mediterranean desertification and land‐use (MEDALUS) model with Bayesian networks (BNs) to develop a novel method for desertification assessment in central Iran. We first derived the current desertification status of the study area from empirical observations of actual, current desertification conditions and mapped the obtained status based on the criteria of the MEDALUS model. We then utilized BNs to produce three separate causal models for the soil, groundwater, and wind erosion indicators of the MEDALUS model. We then integrated all the related indicators and indices into a desertification assessment BNs model. After the reevaluation and sensitivity analysis of the model, we compared its results with those of the MEDALUS model. The obtained results highlighted soil condition and wind erosion as the main determinants of desertification in the study area. Considering the ability of BNs to accommodate uncertainty in the assessment process, these models can assist relevant authorities in making informed decisions. They can also be applied as decision support tools for adaptive management in fragile ecosystems of arid areas.
Assessment of cathodic protection applied to above ground reinforced concrete
Authors: Glass Gareth K. , Roberts Adrian C. , Davison Nigel
Published: December 2018

Standard practice allows the use of developing expertise in the assessment of cathodic protection of steel in concrete. This work sets out a theoretical and empirical basis for such an assessment. Assessment may be based on the observation that, at protection current densities typically used in reinforced concrete, the degree of polarization provides an indication of steel corrosion risk. An example is, a steel polarization of 55 mV or more achieved by a protection current of 5 mA m−2 or less is indicative of passive steel reinforcement. Such risk assessment criteria are supported by both theory and practice. Polarization is generally a consequence, not a cause, of steel passivity in concrete. The removal of chloride from, or the generation of hydroxide at the steel surface dominate the restoration of steel passivity. Flexibility over the degree of polarization required in cathodic protection systems may be used to address adverse effects associated with the delivery of protection current.
Electrochemical measurements and corrosion characterization of steel in naphthenic acid solution at high temperature
Authors: Zhou G.F. , Yang W.
Published: December 2018

The corrosion behavior of a low carbon steel in simulated high temperature naphthenic acid environment has been investigated by the measurements of electrolyte conductivity, potentiodynamic polarization, and galvanic corrosion behavior test. The results indicate that the conductivity of naphthenic acid oil solution is in range of 0.003–0.008 μs/cm, which is far lower than that of pure water of 0.05 μs/cm. Besides, the paralleled polarization curve measured at the same condition shows different polarization behavior. The low solution conductivity and/or the difficulty in triggering the corrosion process by electrochemical manner may be responsible for this. Moreover, the galvanic corrosion test shows that the galvanic effect did not occur. Therefore, the naphthenic acid corrosion of steel is difficult to proceed at the manner of electrochemical mechanism but chemical mechanism.
Cutting performance of cemented carbide cutting tool in turning high‐density fiberboard
Authors: Zhu Z. , Cao P. , Guo X. , Qiu X. , Xie S. , Ekevad M.
Published: December 2018

In order to provide a scientific and reliable guidance for wood processing industry, the effects of cutting parameters on cutting forces, cutting temperature and tool wear were studied when turning high‐density fiberboard by use of cemented‐carbide cutting tools. The results showed that cutting forces (normal force and radial force) and cutting temperature are not affected by the cutting parameters in the same way: cutting forces decrease with increasing spindle speed, whereas cutting temperature increase with an increase of the spindle speed. However, there is a positive relation for cutting forces and temperature, to the feed per turn when cutting. The wear of the cemented‐carbide cutting tool is shown by two mechanisms: Mainly adhesive wear but also abrasive wear, showed by loss of carbide‐grains and by cracking and chipping, respectively. This study also indicated that higher‐speed cutting is beneficial for wood‐processing; evident by reduced energy for cutting and higher efficiency in production.
An efficient high‐precision recursive dynamic algorithm for closed‐loop multibody systems
Authors: Hu Jingchen , Wang Tianshu
Published: December 2018

As most closed‐loop multibody systems do not have independent generalized coordinates, their dynamic equations are differential/algebraic equations (DAEs). In order to accurately solve DAEs, a usual method is using generalized α‐class numerical methods to convert DAEs into difference equations by differential discretization and solve them by the Newton iteration method. However, the complexity of this method is O(n2) or more in each iteration, since it requires calculating the complex Jacobian matrix. Therefore, how to improve computational efficiency is an urgent problem. In this paper, we modify this method to make it more efficient. The first change is in the phase of building dynamic equations. We use the spatial vector note and the recursive method to establish dynamic equations (DAEs) of closed‐loop multibody systems, which makes the Jacobian matrix have a special sparse structure. The second change is in the phase of solving difference equations. On the basis of the topology information of the system, we simplify this Jacobian matrix by proper matrix processing and solve the difference equations recursively. After these changes, the algorithm complexity can reach O(n) in each iteration. The algorithm proposed in this paper is not only accurate, which can control well the position/velocity constraint errors, but also efficient. It is suitable for chain systems, tree systems, and closed‐loop systems.
A single institutional review of pediatric Bacillus spp. bloodstream infections demonstrates increased incidence among children with cancer
Authors: Shulman David S. , Mehrotra Preeti , Blonquist Traci M. , Capraro Andrew , Lehmann Leslie E. , Silverman Lewis B. , Surana Neeraj K. , Place Andrew E.
Published: December 2018

Background

Bacillus species are known to cause severe infection in immunocompromised hosts. The incidence of Bacillus bloodstream infections and characteristics of infection among children with cancer or indication for hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) is unknown.

Methods

We performed a retrospective medical record review of all cases of Bacillus bacteremia between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2014, at Boston Children's Hospital. We report average incidences from 2012 to 2014. We performed a detailed review of infections among children with cancer or undergoing HCT and a case–control study to evaluate whether neutropenia at diagnosis caries higher risk of Bacillus infection for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Results

One hundred fourteen children developed Bacillus bacteremia during the study period, with an estimated incidence of 0.27/1,000 patients. Among children treated for cancer or undergoing HCT, there were 37 bloodstream infections (2.0/1,000 patients). Of the 37 oncology/HCT patients, oncologic diagnoses included ALL (18), acute myeloid leukemia (3), myelodysplastic syndrome (1), solid tumors (8), and 7 children were undergoing HCT. The incidence of infection among children with ALL was 34/1,000 patients and all central nervous system (CNS) infections (6) and deaths (3) occurred in this population. Neutropenia at time of diagnosis in children with ALL was not associated with risk of infection (P = 0.17).

Discussion

We report the first hospital‐wide analysis of Bacillus infection and found that immunocompromised children experience a significant proportion of Bacillus infections. Children with ALL have a high incidence of infection and are at higher risk of CNS involvement and death.
Prostate cancer induces C/EBPβ expression in surrounding epithelial cells which relates to tumor aggressiveness and patient outcome
Authors: Adamo Hanibal , Hammarsten Peter , Hägglöf Christina , Dahl Scherdin Tove , Egevad Lars , Stattin Pär , Halin Bergström Sofia , Bergh Anders
Published: December 2018

Background

Implantation of rat prostate cancer cells into the normal rat prostate results in tumor‐stimulating adaptations in the tumor‐bearing organ. Similar changes are seen in prostate cancer patients and they are related to outcome. One gene previously found to be upregulated in the non‐malignant part of tumor‐bearing prostate lobe in rats was the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein‐β (C/EBPβ).

Methods

To explore this further, we examined C/EBPβ expression by quantitative RT‐PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot in normal rat prostate tissue surrounding slow‐growing non‐metastatic Dunning G, rapidly growing poorly metastatic (AT‐1), and rapidly growing highly metastatic (MatLyLu) rat prostate tumors―and also by immunohistochemistry in a tissue microarray (TMA) from prostate cancer patients managed by watchful waiting.

Results

In rats, C/EBPβ mRNA expression was upregulated in the surrounding tumor‐bearing prostate lobe. In tumors and in the surrounding non‐malignant prostate tissue, C/EBPβ was detected by immunohistochemistry in some epithelial cells and in infiltrating macrophages. The magnitude of glandular epithelial C/EBPβ expression in the tumor‐bearing prostates was associated with tumor size, distance to the tumor, and metastatic capacity. In prostate cancer patients, high expression of C/EBPβ in glandular epithelial cells in the surrounding tumor‐bearing tissue was associated with accumulation of M1 macrophages (iNOS+) and favorable outcome. High expression of C/EBPβ in tumor epithelial cells was associated with high Gleason score, high tumor cell proliferation, metastases, and poor outcome.

Conclusions

This study suggest that the expression of C/EBP‐beta, a transcription factor mediating multiple biological effects, is differentially expressed both in the benign parts of the tumor‐bearing prostate and in prostate tumors, and that alterations in this may be related to patient outcome.
Treatment options for alcohol use disorders
Authors: Parsons Graham
Published: December 2018

In part one of our series on the management of alcohol use disorders (AUDs), published in the November issue, we explored the prevalence, harms and identification of AUDs. This second article looks at the pharmacological and psychosocial treatment options across the spectrum of AUDs.
Enhancing Viologen's Electrochromism by Incorporating Thiophene: A Step Toward All‐Organic Flexible Device
Authors: Chaudhary Anjali , Pathak Devesh K. , Mishra Suryakant , Yogi Priyanka , Sagdeo Pankaj R. , Kumar Rajesh
Published: December 2018

An all‐organic electrochromic device seems to be a possibility with ethyl viologen (EV) and poly‐3‐hexylthiophene (P3HT), both being organic materials, showing complementary electrochromic pair for color switching. The EV‐P3HT layer, sandwiched between ITO‐coated glass substrates shows switching between maroon and blue with an applied bias of 1.4 V. Mechanism of the color switching has been examined using UV‐Vis and Raman spectroscopies. The fabricated device shows optical modulation of 80%, switching time of 1 s while maintaining cycle life for a period of more than 600 s. The paradigm reported here inches toward realizing a flexible all‐organic electrochromic device.
A Novel Three‐Dimensional Anti‐Tetrachiral Honeycomb
Authors: Farrugia Pierre‐Sandre , Gatt Ruben , Grima Joseph N.
Published: December 2018

A novel three‐dimensional lattice based on a generalization of the anti‐tetrachiral geometry is presented and investigated using experimental, numerical, and analytical methods. The lattice is built through the use of a novel connectivity that is not only able to transmit the force imposed to other orthogonal directions but also induce a contraction in these other directions when uniaxially compressed. The experimental results for a specific geometry confirmed that the structure behaves auxetically when compressed along the Ox1 direction. The parametric behavior of the structure is investigated using commercially available finite element software with the methodology being validated using experimental results. The results indicate that the structure will have a negative Poisson's ratio in all directions with the magnitude depending on the relative lengths of the ligaments, their thickness, and to a minor extent, their width. An analytical model is also derived and tested against the experimental and numerical results showing good agreement.
An attribute control chart for multivariate Poisson distribution using multiple dependent state repetitive sampling
Authors: Aldosari Mansour Sattam , Aslam Muhammad , Srinivasa Rao Gadde , Jun Chi‐Hyuck
Published: December 2018

In this paper, an attribute control chart for a multivariate Poisson distribution using multiple dependent state repetitive sampling (MDSRS) is presented. The evaluation of the proposed control chart is given through the average run length (ARL). The proposed control chart performs better than the existing control chart based on repetitive sampling and that using multiple dependent state sampling in terms of ARLs. A real example and a simulation study are added to explain the procedure and to demonstrate the power of the proposed control chart.
A reconfiguration control framework for constrained systems with sensor stuck faults
Authors: Famularo Domenico , Franzè Giuseppe , Lucia Walter , Manna Cristina
Published: December 2018

In this paper, a sensor stuck fault‐tolerant control framework for linear time‐invariant plant models subject to input/state constraints and bounded disturbances is presented. A receding horizon control reconfigurable scheme is proposed to contrast undesired effects due to sensors malfunctioning. The main merit of this strategy relies on its intrinsic capability to quickly identify fault occurrences and to take a decision on the adequate control action. This is formally obtained by jointly exploiting set‐theoretic polyhedral ideas and the certainty equivalence concept. A numerical example is provided and the control performance contrasted with a well‐reputed competitor fault‐tolerant control scheme.
Robust learning control for nonlinear systems with nonparametric uncertainties and nonuniform trial lengths
Authors: Shen Dong , Xu Jian‐Xin
Published: December 2018

This paper proposes robust iterative learning control schemes for continuous‐time nonlinear systems with various nonparametric uncertainties under nonuniform trial length circumstances. The nonuniform trial length is described by a random variable, which causes a random data missing problem while designing and analyzing algorithms for the precise tracking problem. Three common types of nonparametric uncertainties are taken into account: norm‐bounded uncertainty, variation‐norm‐bounded uncertainty, and norm‐bounded uncertainty with unknown coefficients. A novel composite energy function is introduced with the help of a newly defined virtual tracking error for the asymptotical convergence of the proposed schemes. Extensions to multiple‐input–multiple‐output cases are also elaborated. Illustrative simulations are provided to verify the theoretical results.
Copper‐Catalyzed Three‐Component Reaction of Oxadiazoles, Elemental Se/S and Aryl Iodides: Synthesis of Chalcogenyl (Se/S)‐Oxadiazoles
Authors: Peterle Marcos M. , Scheide Marcos R. , Silva Lais T. , Saba Sumbal , Rafique Jamal , Braga Antonio L.
Published: December 2018

An efficient copper‐catalyzed three‐component chalcogenation of oxadiazoles with elemental selenium/sulfur and aryl iodide is described herein. This one‐pot C(sp2)‐H bond chalcogenation approach is attractive and practical, since a cheap copper catalyst is employed with minimum catalytic loading, in an open‐to‐air atmosphere. Under optimized conditions, that reaction provides a wide range of structurally diverse organochalcogenyl (Se/S)‐oxadiazoles in good to excellent yields with good functional group tolerance. This practical approach represents a valuable contribution to synthetic and medicinal chemistry, providing an important addition to the current C−Se/S bond formation chemistry scenario.