bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved mechanical properties of highly explosive‐filled polymer composites through graphene nanoplatelets
Authors: He Guansong , Gong Feiyan , Liu Jiahui , Pan Liping , Zhang Jianhu , Liu Shijun
Published: May 2017

The two‐dimensional graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were adopted to improve the mechanical behaviors of polymer bonded explosives (PBX). Five 1,3,5‐triamino‐2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene (TATB)‐based PBX formulations without or with 0.05, 0.15, 0.5, and 1% GNPs by weight were prepared by the water suspension methods. The morphology and distribution of GNPs in PBX were investigated by a field emission‐scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The quasi‐static mechanical analysis of PBX by Brazilian and uniaxial compression tests revealed that the fracture strength and fracture strain were improved obviously with the addition of GNPs. The creep behaviors of neat PBX and modified PBX by GNPs were also investigated at different temperatures and stresses by the three‐point bending mode. The results indicated that, with the incorporation of only a small amount of GNPs, the creep resistance could be significantly improved due to the confinement effect of GNPs. Simultaneously, the creep behaviors were simulated using a six‐element mechanical model. The predicted theoretical results coincided quite well with the experimental data. At last, the effect of GNPs on the long‐term creep performance of PBX was predicted using the time‐temperature superposition principle. The modified PBX by GNPs showed consistently lower creep strain than the neat PBX in the entire time scale. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3924–3934, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Experimental investigation on Linz‐Donawitz slag filled polypropylene composites using teaching‐learning based optimization approach
Authors: Ranjan Pati Pravat , Prasad Satpathy Mantra , Satapathy Alok
Published: May 2017

Linz‐Donawitz (LD) slag is a major solid waste generated in huge quantities during steel making. It comes from slag formers such as burned lime/dolomite and from oxidizing of silica, iron etc. while refining the iron into steel in the LD furnace. This article reports on the erosion wear performance of a new class of hybrid composites prepared by reinforcement of short glass fibers (SGF) in LD slag filled polypropylene (PP) matrix. In this investigation, composites with different LD slag content (0, 7.5, 15, and 22.5 wt%) in a polypropylene matrix base with 20 wt% SGF reinforcement are prepared by injection molding technique. The composites are characterized in regard to their density, porosity, micro‐hardness, and strength properties. Erosion trials (ASTM G 76) are conducted on the composite samples following a well‐planned experimental schedule based on Taguchi design‐of‐experiments. Significant process parameters predominantly influencing the rate of erosion are identified and the LD slag content in the composites is found as most significant among various factors that influence the wear rate. The metaheuristic approach like Teaching‐learning based optimization (TLBO) reveals the minimum erosion wear rate as 11.94 mg/kg at the optimal parametric combination. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3944–3951, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Inhaled Pulmonary Vasodilator Therapy for Management of Right Ventricular Dysfunction after Left Ventricular Assist Device Placement and Cardiac Transplantation
Authors: Sabato Leah A. , Salerno David M. , Moretz Jeremy D. , Jennings Douglas L.
Published: May 2017

Right ventricular failure (RVF) after cardiac transplant (CTX) or implantation of a continuous‐flow left ventricular assist device (CF‐LVAD) is associated with significant postoperative morbidity and mortality. A variety of modalities have been used to treat postoperative RVF, including management of volume status, intravenous inotropes and vasodilators, and right‐sided mechanical support. Inhaled vasodilator agents are a unique treatment option aimed at minimizing systemic absorption by delivering therapy directly to the pulmonary vasculature. Current LVAD and CTX guidelines endorse inhaled vasodilators for managing postoperative RVF; however, no guidance is offered regarding agent selection, dosing, or administration. A review of the current literature confirms that inhaled pulmonary vasodilator agents have been shown to decrease pulmonary artery pressure when used in the perioperative period of CF‐LVAD implant or CTX. However, the literature regarding the potential impact on clinical outcomes (e.g., survival or risk of developing RVF) is lacking with these medications. Based on our assessment of the literature, we suggest that when RVF occurs in the setting of a normal pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), traditional inotropic therapy (e.g., dobutamine) should be used. Conversely, if the PVR is elevated (> 250 dynes/sec/cm5 or 3 Wood units), or the patient has other evidence of a high right ventricular afterload (i.e., a transpulmonary gradient > 12 mm Hg), then an inhaled pulmonary vasodilator would be the preferred initial pharmacologic agent. Drug selection depends largely on the institution's capacity to safely prepare and administer the medication, along with formulary considerations, such as the high costs associated with inhaled iloprost and inhaled nitric oxide.
Structures and kinetics for plant nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases support a domain motion catalytic mechanism
Authors: Summers Emma L. , Cumming Mathew H. , Oulavallickal Tifany , Roberts Nicholas J. , Arcus Vickery L.
Published: May 2017

Extracellular nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (NTPDases) are enzymes that hydrolyze extracellular nucleotides to the respective monophosphate nucleotides. In the past 20 years, NTPDases belonging to mammalian, parasitic and prokaryotic domains of life have been discovered, cloned and characterized. We reveal the first structures of NTPDases from the legume plant species Trifolium repens (7WC) and Vigna unguiculata subsp. cylindrica (DbLNP). Four crystal structures of 7WC and DbLNP were determined at resolutions between 1.9 and 2.6 Å. For 7WC, structures were determined for an ‐apo form (1.89 Å) and with the product AMP (2.15 Å) and adenine and phosphate (1.76 Å) bound. For DbLNP, a structure was solved with phosphate and manganese bound (2.60 Å). Thorough kinetic data and analysis is presented. The structure of 7WC and DbLNP reveals that these NTPDases can adopt two conformations depending on the molecule and co‐factor bound in the active site. A central hinge region creates a “butterfly‐like” motion of the domains that reduces the width of the inter‐domain active site cleft upon molecule binding. This phenomenon has been previously described in Rattus norvegicus and Legionella pneumophila NTPDaseI and Toxoplasma gondii NTPDaseIII suggesting a common catalytic mechanism across the domains of life.
Spin‐driven pyroelectricity in Ni3TeO6 without ferroelectric signatures of the transition at Néel temperature
Authors: Zhao L. , Du C.‐H. , Komarek A. C.
Published: May 2017

Here we report on dielectric studies on Ni3TeO6. We confirm the spin‐driven pyroelectric transition at the Néel temperature (TN) of ∼52.5 K. The measurement of single crystalline and polycrystalline samples excludes a ferroelectric nature of the transition at TN in this compound. The excellent pyroelectric properties without any intrinsic ferroelectric hysteresis make Ni3TeO6 appropriate for applications in future devices.

Pyroelectric measurements on our Ni3TeO6 single crystals. The polarization that appears on cooling through TN can not be inverted by opposite poling fields (applied when cooling from above TN to base temperature).
Wheatgrass‐Derived Polysaccharide Has Antiinflammatory, Anti‐Oxidative and Anti‐Apoptotic Effects on LPS‐Induced Hepatic Injury in Mice
Authors: Nepali Sarmila , Ki Hyeon‐Hui , Lee Ji‐Hyun , Lee Hoon‐Yeon , Kim Dae‐Ki , Lee Young‐Mi
Published: May 2017

Hepatic injury occurs frequently during sepsis, and polysaccharides isolated from plants have been reported to have antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects in various models. However, the effect of wheatgrass‐derived polysaccharide (WGP) has not been previously studied. In the present study, we investigated the effect of WGP on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced hepatic injury in mice. Mice were pre‐treated with WGP (100 or 200 mg/kg daily for 2 days) and then challenged with LPS (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), and sacrificed after 12 h. Wheatgrass‐derived polysaccharide decreased serum aminotransferase levels and histological changes as compared with LPS‐challenged mice. Wheatgrass‐derived polysaccharide also significantly inhibited LPS‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokine up‐regulation and improved the oxidative status of liver tissues. Furthermore, these effects were found to be mediated by the suppression of the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB), due to inhibitions of transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β)‐activated kinase (TAK)‐1 phosphorylation and inhibition of kappa B (IκB)‐α degradation. In addition, WGP inhibited the activations of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Wheatgrass‐derived polysaccharide also attenuated hepatic cell death by modulating caspase‐3 and apoptosis associated mitochondrial proteins, such as, B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) and Bcl‐2‐associated X (Bax). Taken together, WGP possesses antiinflammatory, anti‐oxidant and anti‐apoptotic activity and ameliorates LPS‐induced liver injury in mice. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Madden—Julian Oscillation prediction and teleconnections in the S2S database
Authors: Vitart Frédéric
Published: May 2017

The Madden—Julian Oscillation (MJO) has been diagnosed in the World Weather Research Program (WWRP)/World Climate Research Program (WCRP) Sub‐seasonal to Seasonal prediction project (S2S) database using the Wheeler and Hendon index over the common hindcast period 1999—2010. The S2S models display skill to predict the MJO over a period between two and four weeks. The majority of S2S models tend to produce a weaker MJO than in ERA‐Interim, with a phase speed decreasing with lead time.

All the S2S models produce realistic patterns of MJO teleconnections at 500 hPa, with an increased probability of positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) following an active MJO over the Indian Ocean and of negative NAO following an active MJO over the West Pacific. However, the amplitude of the MJO teleconnection patterns are significantly weaker than in ERA‐Interim over the Euro‐Atlantic sector and are often too strong over the western North Pacific. Models with lower horizontal resolution tend to produce weaker teleconnections. In the lower stratosphere, several S2S models produce teleconnections which are too strong compared to ERA‐Interim. These results suggest that, although the S2S models display significant skill in predicting the MJO propagation beyond two weeks, all the S2S models do not fully exploit the predictability associated with the MJO in the Northern Extratropics, particularly over Europe.
Selecting the selector: Comparison of update rules for discrete global optimization
Authors: Theiler James , Zimmer Beate G.
Published: May 2017

We compare some well‐known Bayesian global optimization methods in four distinct regimes, corresponding to high and low levels of measurement noise and to high and low levels of “quenched noise” (which term we use to describe the roughness of the function we are trying to optimize). We isolate the two stages of this optimization in terms of a “regressor,” which fits a model to the data measured so far, and a “selector,” which identifies the next point to be measured. The focus of this paper is to investigate the choice of selector when the regressor is well matched to the data.
Comparing L1 and L2 Texts and Writers in First‐Year Composition
Authors: Eckstein Grant , Ferris Dana
Published: May 2017

Scholars have at various points discussed the needs of second language (L2) writers enrolled in “mainstream” composition courses where they are mixed with native (L1) English speakers. Other researchers have investigated the experiences of L2 writers in mainstream classes and the perceptions of their instructors about their abilities and needs. Little research, however, has directly compared L1 and L2 students (mostly Generation 1.5) taking composition classes together. For this article, the researchers collected writing samples from 56 L1 and 74 L2 students enrolled in a university (mainstream) first‐year composition course. Using a mixed‐methods design, they analyzed the texts for language error counts as well as measures of lexical and syntactic complexity; they juxtaposed these with insights from survey responses of both groups of writers and in‐depth interviews. They conclude that, although L1 and L2 students have much in common, the L2 students had observed and (self‐)perceived language needs that were significantly different from those of the L1 students. These included differences in linguistic accuracy, lexical diversity, and language‐related anxiety. Implications for pedagogy include recommendations for teaching L2 writers to self‐edit for common patterns of errors and sensitize students to the value of nuanced and purposeful lexical variety in their writing.
Heat, health, and humidity in Australia's monsoon tropics: a critical review of the problematization of ‘heat’ in a changing climate
Authors: Oppermann Elspeth , Brearley Matt , Law Lisa , Smith James A. , Clough Alan , Zander Kerstin
Published: May 2017

Exposure to heat has killed more people in Australia than all other natural hazards combined. As the climate warms, temperatures are projected to rise substantially, increasing the impact of heat stress and heat illness nation‐wide. The relation between heat and health is profoundly complex, however, and is understood differently across multiple sectors. This paper thus provides a critical review of how heat is currently measured and managed in Australia, highlighting how humidity, exposure, and exertion are key elements that are not consistently incorporated into ‘problematizations’ of heat. The presence or absence of these elements produces different spatial and temporal geographies of danger, as well as different governance practices. In particular, the invisibility of humidity as having a significant impact on heat and health shapes whether Australia's tropical monsoon zone is visible as a region at risk or not, and whether prolonged periods of seasonal heat are treated as dangerous. Similarly, different populations and practices become visible depending on whether the human body (its exposure, exertion, cooling, and hydration) is included in accounts of what constitutes ‘heat.’ As a result, the outdoor, manual workforce is visible as a population at risk in some accounts but not others. A brief review of key policy areas including housing, public health and work health and safety is presented to demonstrate how specific problematizations of heat are critical to the identification of, and response to, current and future climatic conditions. This has implications for how populations, places, and practices are constituted in the region. WIREs Clim Change 2017, 8:e468. doi: 10.1002/wcc.468

This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Behavior Change and Responses

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Values‐Based Approach to Vulnerability and Adaptation

Policy and Governance > Governing Climate Change in Communities, Cities, and Regions
Oral nucleic acid therapy using multicompartmental delivery systems
Authors: Attarwala Husain , Han Murui , Kim Jonghan , Amiji Mansoor
Published: May 2017

Nucleic acid‐based therapeutics has the potential for treating numerous diseases by correcting abnormal expression of specific genes. Lack of safe and efficacious delivery strategies poses a major obstacle limiting clinical advancement of nucleic acid therapeutics. Oral route of drug administration has greater delivery challenges, because the administered genes or oligonucleotides have to bypass degrading environment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in addition to overcoming other cellular barriers preventing nucleic acid delivery. For efficient oral nucleic acid delivery, vector should be such that it can protect encapsulated material during transit through the GI tract, facilitate efficient uptake and intracellular trafficking at desired target sites, along with being safe and well tolerated. In this review, we have discussed multicompartmental systems for overcoming extracellular and intracellular barriers to oral delivery of nucleic acids. A nanoparticles‐in‐microsphere oral system‐based multicompartmental system was developed and tested for in vivo gene and small interfering RNA delivery for treating colitis in mice. This system has shown efficient transgene expression or gene silencing when delivered orally along with favorable downstream anti‐inflammatory effects, when tested in a mouse model of intestinal bowel disease. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2018, 10:e1478. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1478

This article is categorized under:

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid‐Based Structures

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Nanotherapeutic systems for local treatment of brain tumors
Authors: Chakroun Rami Walid , Zhang Pengcheng , Lin Ran , Schiapparelli Paula , Quinones‐Hinojosa Alfredo , Cui Honggang
Published: May 2017

Malignant brain tumor, including the most common type glioblastoma, are histologically heterogeneous and invasive tumors known as the most devastating neoplasms with high morbidity and mortality. Despite multimodal treatment including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, the disease inevitably recurs and is fatal. This lack of curative options has motivated researchers to explore new treatment strategies and to develop new drug delivery systems (DDSs); however, the unique anatomical, physiological, and pathological features of brain tumors greatly limit the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapy. In this context, we review the recent progress in the development of nanoparticle‐based DDSs aiming to address the key challenges in transporting sufficient amount of therapeutic agents into the brain tumor areas while minimizing the potential side effects. We first provide an overview of the standard treatments currently used in the clinic for the management of brain cancers, discussing the effectiveness and limitations of each therapy. We then provide an in‐depth review of nanotherapeutic systems that are intended to bypass the blood–brain barrier, overcome multidrug resistance, infiltrate larger tumorous tissue areas, and/or release therapeutic agents in a controlled manner. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2018, 10:e1479. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1479

This article is categorized under:

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Platinum Triangles in the Pt/Al Framework of the Intermetallic REPt6Al3 (RE = Ce–Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb) Series
Authors: Eustermann Fabian , Stegemann Frank , Renner Konstantin , Janka Oliver
Published: May 2017

The compounds of the REPt6Al3 series (RE = Ce–Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb) were obtained by reaction of the elements via arc‐melting. They were characterized by powder and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (NdPt6Al3: wR = 0.0432, 759 F2 values, 33 variables) as well as by magnetic susceptibility measurements. The isostructural compounds crystallize with a new structure type in the trigonal crystal system with space group R3c, twelve formula units in the unit cell, and lattice parameters of a = 752–755 and c = 3882–3945 pm. The crystal structure can be described by different slabs stacked along [001]. One layer features Pt3 triangles, centering the cavities of a flat honeycomb RE layer that are arranged in a ···ABCA′B′C′··· sequence. The other layer consists of condensed hexagonal [Pt6Al6] prisms, centered by Pt atoms, separating the before mentioned slabs. Magnetic measurements revealed that all rare‐earth atoms are in the trivalent oxidation state, however, due to the low lanthanoide content magnetic ordering phenomena were observed only at low temperatures [SmPt6Al3: TC = 5.0(1) K; GdPt6Al3: TC = 7.3(1) K; TbPt6Al3: TN = 3.6(1) K].
Synthesis, Kinetics, and Equilibrium Study of Highly Sensitive Colorimetric Chemosensor for Monitoring of Copper Ions based on Benzo[f]fluorescein Dye Derivatives
Authors: Elmorsi Taha M. , Aysha Tarek S. , Sheier Mahmoud B. , Bedair Ahmed H.
Published: May 2017

The colorimetric chemosensor 2‐((3,5‐dichloro‐2‐hydroxybenzylidene)amino)‐3′,6′‐dihydroxy‐6‐methyl‐4‐(p‐tolyl)spiro[benzo[f]isoindole‐1,9′‐xanthen]‐3(2H)‐one (BFFSH) derived from benzo[f]fluorescein dye was synthesized. NMR and IR spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry were used to confirm the compound. BFFSH shows potential application for detecting metal ions in aqueous solution. It displays a colorimetric selectivity and sensitivity towards the aqueous solution of Cu2+ ions with a detection limit in the nano‐molar range (1.69 nM). In addition, the application of BFFSH was extended for the detection of Cu2+ ions in real water samples (tap and synthetic water) with a high recovery percentage. Additionally, the association constant (Ka) of BFFSH, which binds with Cu2+ ions based on 2:1 stoichiometry was calculated.
International product life cycles, trade and development stages
Authors: Audretsch David , Sanders Mark , Zhang Lu
Published: May 2017

In this paper we first propose a proxy for early stage activity in a country’s exports based on product life cycle theory. Employing a conditional latent class model, we then examine the relationship between this measure and economic growth for 93 countries during the period 1988–2005. We find that the impact of early stage activity differs across three clusters of countries. And we find that GDP levels can predict the cluster and the sign of the coefficient in a non-linear manner. In the richest countries, exporting products that are in an early stage of their product life cycle is associated with higher growth rates. In contrast, we find a cluster of middle income countries with high growth rates that grow faster by exporting more mature products that are in the later stages of their life cycle. Finally, early stage activity has no significant impact on growth in the cluster of the poorest, developing countries. Countries in early stages of development should focus on acquiring market share in mature markets with routine technologies whereas emerging economies face the challenge of at some point switching from copying mature to inventing new products as they approach the global technology frontier. At that frontier they must join the advanced economies who specialise in early stage innovative products to stay ahead of increasing competition from abroad.
Association between circulating oxidized low‐density lipoprotein and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Gao Shen , Liu Jing
Published: May 2017

Atherosclerosis is a chronic, progressive disease which eventually leads to coronary heart disease (CHD), ischemic stroke and other atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Numerous studies have demonstrated an atherogenic role of oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) in the progression of ASCVD. This article briefly reviews the atherogenic mechanism of ox‐LDL, the methods of measuring ox‐LDL in the circulation, effect of medical therapy and life‐style modification on ox‐LDL level, and the association between circulating ox‐LDL and atherosclerosis, including clinical ASCVD events and subclinical atherosclerosis, in observational studies.
Verrucous carcinoma at ileostomy site
Authors: Dhakre Vijay , Nagral Sanjay
Published: May 2017

We describe of a case, a 50 year old male who was operated for carcinoma of the descending colon and diverting loop ileostomy, developed a fungating lesion in mucocutaneous junction of ileostomy after one year which on histology revealed to be a Verrucous carcinoma.
Arrhythmogenic left atrial roof vein
Authors: Fukaya Hidehira , Niwano Shinichi , Nakamura Hironori , Igarashi Tazuru , Fujiishi Tamami , Ishizue Naruya , Satoh Akira , Kishihara Jun , Ako Junya
Published: May 2017

A seventy year‐old male was referred to our hospital to undergo radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for drug‐refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Pre‐operative three‐dimensional computed tomography revealed a unique left atrial (LA) roof vein. Electrophysiological findings showed expansion of the myocardial sleeve and local firing in the LA roof vein. We performed isolation of this arrhythmogenic abnormal vein concomitant with general pulmonary vein isolation in this case, and AF did not recur after the procedure.
Independent and additive interaction between polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor α−308 and lymphotoxin α+252 on risk of hepatocellular carcinoma related to hepatitis B
Authors: Tsai Jung‐Fa , Chen Shinn‐Chern , Lin Zu‐Yau , Dai Chia‐Yen , Huang Jee‐Fu , Yu Min‐Lung , Chuang Wan‐Long
Published: May 2017

This case–control study was aimed to assess the effect of genetic variants of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α−308 and lymphotoxin (LT) α+252 on development of hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Their gene–gene interaction was also investigated. We enrolled 200 pairs of age‐ and sex‐matched patients with cirrhotic HBV‐HCC and unrelated patients with HBV‐cirrhosis alone. Polymorphisms of TNFα−308 and LTα+252 were genotyped. Synergy index was used to calculate interaction between the variant genotypes. The results indicated that the frequency distribution of the variant genotypes (TNFα−308 G/A and LTα+252 G/G) in patients with HCC were significantly higher than those in patients with cirrhosis alone. Multivariate analysis indicated that TNFα−308 G/A (odds ratio [OR], 2.34) and LTα+252 G/G (OR, 2.04) were independent risk factors for HCC. By the clinical characteristics of study population, multivariate analysis demonstrated that independent factors associated with harboring the variant genotypes included cirrhosis with Child‐Pugh C (OR = 6.47 in cases and OR = 11.56 in controls) and thrombocytopenia (OR = 8.86 in cases and OR = 7.74 in controls). Calculation of synergy index (SI) indicated that there are additive interaction between TNFα−308 G/A and LTα+252 G/G on risk of HCC (SI = 1.29). In conclusion: There are independent and additive interactions between TNFα−308 G/A and LTα+252 G/G on risk for HBV‐HCC. They correlated with advanced hepatic fibrosis and severe liver damage, which might contribute to a higher risk for HCC.
The association between adolescent and parental use of non-prescription analgesics for headache and other somatic pain – A cross-sectional study
Authors: Hasseleid Synva Nesheim , Clench-Aas Jocelyne , Raanaas Ruth Kjærsti , Lundqvist Christofer
Published: May 2017

Graphical Abstract
The association between pain characteristics, pain catastrophizing and health care use – Baseline results from the SWEPAIN cohort
Authors: Jöud Anna , Björk Jonas , Gerdle Björn , Grimby-Ekman Anna , Larsson Britt
Published: May 2017

Background and aim

Pain is common and adds to the global burden of disease. However, individuals suffering from pain are a heterogeneous group in terms of pain spreading, intensity and duration. While pain influences overall health care consultation not everyone with pain consult health care. To be able to provide health care matching the patients’ needs increased knowledge about what factors determines the decision to consult health care is essential. The aim of this study was to explore the combined importance of pain spreading, intensity, duration and pain catastrophizing for consulting health care.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study we used population based survey data from southeast Sweden (SWEPAIN) including 7792 individuals’ aged 16–85 reporting pain. We used Modified Poisson regressions to analyse factors of importance related to the decision to consult health care.

Results

High and moderate pain intensity, as compared to low, increases the probability of consulting health care (High PR = 1.7 [95% CI 1.51–1.88], moderate PR = 1.2 [1.15–1.41]). Having widespread pain, as compared to localised pain, increased the probability of consulting health (PR = 1.2 [1.03–1.36). Pain duration was not associated with increased probability of consulting health care (PR = 1.0 CI0.88–1.07). However an interaction (p = 0.05) between pain duration and pain catastrophizing beliefs was seen indicating a combined importance of the two when consulting health care.

Conclusion

Our result suggests that pain intensity, pain spreading and pain catastrophizing independently influence the decision to consult health care while there is an interaction effect between pain duration and pain catastrophizing beliefs where the importance of pain catastrophizing believes differ with pain duration; the importance of pain catastrophizing believes differ with pain duration.

Implications

Treatment and rehabilitation strategies should incorporate this finding in order to meet the individual’s needs focusing on the biopsychosocial model within health care focusing not only on actual pain reliefs but also on for example acceptance and behavioural changes.
Alzheimer's disease drug development pipeline: 2017
Authors: Cummings Jeffrey , Lee Garam , Mortsdorf Travis , Ritter Aaron , Zhong Kate
Published: May 2017

Introduction

There is an urgent need to develop new treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to understand the drug development process for new AD therapies.

Methods

We assessed the agents in the AD pipeline as documented in clinicaltrials.gov for phase I, phase II, and phase III, accessed 1/5/2017.

Results

There are 105 agents in the AD treatment development pipeline, of which 25 agents are in 29 trials in phase I, 52 agents are in 68 trials in phase II, and 28 agents are in 42 trials in phase III. Seventy percent of drugs in the AD pipeline are disease‐modifying therapies (DMTs). Fourteen percent are symptomatic cognitive enhancers, and 13% are symptomatic agents addressing neuropsychiatric and behavioral changes (2% have undisclosed mechanisms). Most trials are sponsored by the biopharmaceutical industry. Trials include patients with preclinical AD (cognitively normal with biomarker evidence of AD), prodromal AD (mild cognitive symptoms and biomarker evidence of AD), and AD dementia. Biomarkers are included in many drug development programs particularly those for DMTs. Thirteen of 46 phase II DMT trials have amyloid imaging as an entry criterion, and 10 of 28 phase III trials incorporate amyloid imaging for diagnosis and entry. A large number of participants are needed for AD clinical trials; in total, 54,073 participants are required for trials spanning preclinical AD to AD dementia. When compared with the 2016 pipeline, there are eight new agents in phase I, 16 in phase II, and five in phase III.

Discussion

The AD drug development pipeline has 105 agents divided among phase I, phase II, and phase III. The trials include a wide range of clinical trial populations, many mechanisms of action, and require a substantial number of clinical trial participants. Biomarkers are increasingly used in patient identification and as outcome measures, particularly in trials of DMTs.
The Eyjafjallajökull AD 2010 eruption and the preservation of medium-sized eruptions in marine surface sediment offshore southern Iceland
Authors: Bonanati Christina , Wehrmann Heidi , Portnyagin Maxim , Hoernle Kaj
Published: May 2017

The recent volcanic eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull 2010 and Grímsvötn 2011 demonstrated the risks that mediumsized explosive Icelandic eruptions pose to the North Atlantic region. Using the Eyjafjallajökull 2010 eruption as a case study, we assess how traceable such eruptions are in the marine sedimentary record at medial distances from the source and investigate which factors have affected the particle transport to the marine sedimentary archive. During R/VPoseidoncruise 457, we recovered 13 box cores at 100–1600 m water depths and distances of 18–180 km southwest, south, and east of Iceland. Volcanic glass shards from the uppermost surface sediment were analyzed for their major element composition by electron microprobe and assigned to their eruptive source by geochemical fingerprinting. The predominantly basaltic particles are mostly derived from the Katla, Grímsvötn-Lakagígar, and Bárðarbunga-Veiðivötn volcanic systems. We also identified rhyolitic particles from the Askja 1875 and Öræfajökull 1362 eruptions. Only three out of almost 900 analyzed glass shards are derived from the recent Eyjafjallajökull 2010 eruption, suggesting that medium-sized eruptions are only poorly preserved in marine sediments located at medial distances southwest to east of Iceland. We conclude that the frequency of past medium-sized eruptions is likely higher than detectable in this archive.
One thousand seven hundred years of interaction between glacial activity and flood frequency in proglacial Lake Muzelle (western French Alps)
Authors: Fouinat Laurent , Sabatier Pierre , Poulenard Jérôme , Etienne David , Crouzet Christian , Develle Anne-Lise , Doyen Elise , Malet Emmanuel , Reyss Jean-Louis , Sagot Clotilde , Bonet Richard , Arnaud Fabien
Published: May 2017

Local glacial fluctuations and flood occurrences were investigated in the sediment sequence of proglacial Lake Muzelle. Based on geochemical analysis and organic matter content established using loss on ignition and reflectance spectroscopy, we identified six periods of increased glacial activity over the last 1700 yr. Each is in accordance with records from reference glaciers in the Alps. A total of 255 graded layers were identified and interpreted as flood deposits. Most of these occurred during glacial advances such as the Little Ice Age period and exhibit thicker deposits characterized by an increase in the fine grain-size fraction. Fine sediment produced by glacial activity is transported to the proglacial lake during heavy rainfall events. The excess of glacial flour during these periods seems to increase the watershed’s tendency to produce flood deposits in the lake sediment, suggesting a strong influence of the glacier on flood reconstruction records. Thus, both flood frequency and intensity, which is estimated based on layer thickness as a proxy, cannot be used in reconstruction of past extreme events because of their variability. There is a need to take into account changes in sediment supply in proglacial areas that could preclude satisfactory interpretation of floods in terms of past climate variability.
Evaluating the impact ofHomo-carnivore competition in European human settlements during the early to middle Pleistocene
Authors: Rodríguez-Gómez Guillermo , Rodríguez Jesús , Martín-González Jesús A. , Mateos Ana
Published: May 2017

Fossil remains and the technological complexes recorded in archaeological sites suggest that the human presence in Europe late in the early and middle Pleistocene was discontinuous. Moreover, competition for meat with other secondary consumers could have delayed the human dispersal through Europe. However, evaluation of the extent competition intensity among secondary consumers suggests this influenced the discontinuity of the human settlement of Europe between 1.1 and 0.2 Ma. Using a mathematical model, we estimate the amount of biomass available in a community for secondary consumers. The amount of available biomass is subsequently distributed among the guild of secondary consumers according to their requirements and prey preferences. Indexes that quantify the competition intensity among secondary consumers to compare the conditions in different paleoecosystems show that the competition intensity late in the early Pleistocene, early in the middle Pleistocene, and late in the middle Pleistocene does not support the view that an increase in competition intensity constrained the expansion of human populations early in the middle Pleistocene. Somewhat paradoxically, the lowest competition intensity is estimated to have occurred early in the middle Pleistocene, most likely because of an increase in the number of large herbivore species and a decrease in the number of secondary consumers. The early Pleistocene paleoecosystems supported higher competition intensity than the middle Pleistocene ecosystems, likely because of the different configuration in the food webs of these two periods (the early and middle Pleistocene).
Double aortic arch presenting with a foreign object in the oesophagus: a case report and imaging diagnosis
Authors: Yang Xiuzhen , Ye Jingjing , Gao Zhan
Published: May 2017

In this article, we report a rare case of double aortic arch. The case presented initially with a foreign object in the oesophagus. The patient was a 2-year-old boy, who was referred with primary symptoms of tussis (15 days) and emesis (2 days). He had a history of ingesting a coin. Routine chest X-ray indicated a rounded, metal foreign object in the upper oesophagus. A half-Yuan coin was removed by gastroduodenoscopy. Echocardiographic imaging suggested that the patient had double aortic arch, which was subsequently diagnosed by CT angiography with three-dimensional reconstruction. The right subclavian artery arose from the right loop of the double aortic arch. The left subclavian artery as well as left and right common carotid arteries had distinct origins from the left aortic arch. Imaging also indicated atresia of the distal left arch. The patient underwent corrective surgery and made a full recovery. Despite the rarity, double aortic arch should be considered when patients present with a foreign object in the oesophagus. Echocardiography and CT angiography can inform the diagnosis.
Bilingual and monolingual children process pragmatic cues differently when learning novel adjectives
Authors: GROBA AGNES , DE HOUWER ANNICK , MEHNERT JAN , ROSSI SONJA , OBRIG HELLMUTH
Published: May 2017

Previous studies have shown bilingually and monolingually developing children to differ in their sensitivity to referential pragmatic deixis in challenging tasks, with bilinguals exhibiting a higher sensitivity. The learning of adjectives is particularly challenging, but has rarely been investigated in bilingual children. In the present study we presented a pragmatic cue supporting the learning of novel adjectives to 32 Spanish–German bilingual and 28 German monolingual 5-year-olds. The children's responses to a descriptive hand gesture highlighting an object's property were measured behaviorally using a forced choice task and neurophysiologically through functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS). While no group differences emerged on the behavioral level, fNIRS revealed a higher activation in bilingual than monolingual children in the vicinity of the posterior part of the right superior temporal sulcus (STS). This result supports the prominent role of the STS in processing pragmatic gestures and suggests heightened pragmatic sensitivity for bilingual children.
Beyond global differences between monolingual and bilingual children on the nonword repetition task: retention skills for phonemes’ identity and serial order
Authors: SCHRAEYEN KIRSTEN , VAN DER ELST WIM , GEUDENS ASTRID , GHESQUIÈRE POL , SANDRA DOMINIEK
Published: May 2017

This study compared NRT-performance in monolingual Dutch and bilingual Turkish–Dutch third-graders using a Dutch Nonword Repetition Task (NRT). Several novel response analyses at the phoneme level were applied to further understand the earlier reported overall accuracy differences in NRT-performance between bilinguals and monolinguals. Analyses in which the retention of phonemes and the retention of their serial order were disentangled revealed that monolinguals outperform bilinguals with respect to the retention of the phonemes themselves. However, both groups did not differ in their retention of the serial order of correctly recalled phonemes. Furthermore, this study confirms that expressive vocabulary skills do affect overall NRT-performance. The results are discussed in light of current short-term memory (STM) models and the role of long-term phonological knowledge in NRT tasks.
PARALLEL MACHINE SCHEDULING WITH JOB DELIVERY COORDINATION
Authors: DONG J. M. , WANG X. S. , WANG L. L. , HU J. L.
Published: May 2017

We analyse a parallel (identical) machine scheduling problem with job delivery to a single customer. For this problem, each job needs to be processed on $m$ parallel machines non-pre-emptively and then transported to a customer by one vehicle with a limited physical capacity. The optimization goal is to minimize the makespan, the time at which all the jobs are processed and delivered and the vehicle returns to the machine. We present an approximation algorithm with a tight worst-case performance ratio of $7/3-1/m$ for the general case, $m\geq 3$.
Does metformin protect against osteoarthritis? An electronic health record cohort study
Authors: Barnett Lauren A. , Jordan Kelvin P. , Edwards John J. , van der Windt Danielle A.
Published: May 2017

Background

Obesity is a major risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA) whilst there is some evidence that diabetes also increases risk. Metformin is a common oral treatment for those with diabetes.

Objective

The aim is to investigate whether metformin reduces the risk of OA.

Methods

This was a cohort study set within the Consultations in Primary Care Archive, with 3217 patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients at 13 general practices with recorded type 2 diabetes in the baseline period (2002–2003) and no prior record of OA were identified. Exposure was a prescription for metformin. Outcome was an OA record during follow up. Cox proportional hazard models with Gamma frailty term were fitted: adjusted for age, gender, deprivation, and comorbidity.

Results

There was no association between prescribed metformin treatment at baseline and OA (adjusted HR: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.91, 1.15). A similar non- significant association was found when allowing exposure status of prescription of metformin to vary over time.
Niche pork: Comparing pig performance and understanding producer benefits, barriers and labeling interest
Authors: Picardy Jamie A. , Pietrosemoli Silvana , Griffin Timothy S. , Peters Christian J.
Published: May 2017

Opportunities for alternative swine production and marketing are emerging across the value chain. Given the developing nature of the differentiated pork industry, measurements of niche performance and success are not yet fully known. For this reason, the objectives of this study were to determine performance metrics across all major life phases for niche pork production and compare such metrics with national averages of conventional commodity pork production. Additionally, this study aimed to quantify producers’ reasoning and barriers to successfully raising niche swine. Niche meat producers in the USA self-identified for this study (n = 176); their swine production had alternative characteristics that included small- to mid-sized farms, farrow-to-finish operations, heritage breeds, housing with bedding and outdoor or pasture access, no use of antibiotics (sub-therapeutic for growth promotion or no antibiotics ever), vegetarian feed, diverse agricultural enterprises and alternative marketing avenues. This study focused on the metric categories regarding reproduction, mortality, culling and growth characteristics. The niche system produced approximately 15% fewer weaned piglets per bred sow per year than the conventional system due to fewer breeding cycles, smaller litters and higher piglet mortality in alternative production. Similarly, niche production finished 12% fewer hogs per bred sow per year than conventional production. Regarding age benchmarks of finishing and breeding, the niche system averaged 18 additional days to finish hogs at a standardized market weight of 124 kg. Likewise, niche production gilts were first bred at 283 days, whereas conventional production breeds gilts at 225 days. All directly comparable metrics were found to be statistically significant with 95% confidence for the one-sample test of means. Regarding farmer attitudes toward niche pork, survey participants shared personal reasons for raising swine and barriers to successful niche production. Choosing niche over commodity swine, participants’ reasons were grouped into three intra-related categories: (1) farm and producer viability, (2) animal and environmental welfare, and (3) consumer preference and taste. Despite these benefits, participants were faced with numerous challenges, which were organized into four intra-related categories: (1) alternative production requirements, restrictions and knowledge; (2) access and affordability of credit and inputs; (3) alternative supply chain for processing, marketing and customers; and (4) non-niche production competition and governmental policies. In sum, the success of these niche pork operations equates to high welfare for the pigs, economic viability for the operation, personal enjoyment for the farmer, customer satisfaction with meat flavor and quality, and responsible environmental practices, inclusive of many components of an alternative food system.
Genome-Wide Significance for PCLO as a Gene for Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Mbarek Hamdi , Milaneschi Yuri , Hottenga Jouke-Jan , Ligthart Lannie , de Geus Eco J. C. , Ehli Erik A. , Willemsen Gonneke , Davies Gareth E. , Smit Jan H. , Boomsma Dorret I. , Penninx Brenda W. J. H.
Published: May 2017

In 2009, the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) for major depressive disorder (MDD) highlighted an association with PCLO locus on chromosome 7, although not reaching genome-wide significance level. In the present study, we revisited the original GWAS after increasing the overall sample size and the number of interrogated SNPs. In an analysis comparing 1,942 cases with lifetime diagnosis of MDD and 4,565 controls, PCLO showed a genome-wide significant association with MDD at SNP (rs2715157, p = 2.91 × 10−8) and gene-based (p = 1.48 × 10−7) level. Our results confirm the potential role of the PCLO gene in MDD, which is worth further replication and functional studies.
Mining Ancient Texts Reveals Clues to Space Weather of Yore
Authors: Hornyak Tim
Published: May 2017

Low-latitude sightings of colorful hues in the sky likely to have been auroras indicate powerful geomagnetic storms buffeted Earth when some old chronicles were written, researchers report.
Regulator of G protein signaling 2 is a key regulator of pancreatic β-cell mass and function
Authors: Dong H , Zhang Y , Wang J , Kim D S , Wu H , Sjögren B , Gao W , Luttrell L , Wang H
Published: May 2017

Pancreatic β-cell death and dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We aimed to examine whether the regulator of G protein signaling protein 2 (RGS2), a multifunctional inhibitor of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, impacts β-cell death and function. Metabolic phenotypes, β-cell secretory function, and glucose and insulin tolerance were measured in RGS2 knockout (RGS2−/−) mice and their wild-type (RGS2+/+) littermate controls. β-Cell death was evaluated in RGS2-knockdown and -overexpressing β cells and RGS2−/− islets by flow cytometry, western blot, ELISA, TUNEL staining, and apoptosis RT2 profiler PCR array analysis. β-Cell mass was evaluated in pancreases from RGS2−/− and RGS2+/+ mice at 1 day, 4 weeks, and 25 weeks of age. Our data show that RGS2−/− islets secreted more insulin than RGS2+/+ islets when challenged with glucose or exendin-4. RGS2-knockdown cells are susceptible to hypoxia induced cell death while RGS2-overexpressing cells are protected from cell death. Depletion of RGS2 in islets alters expression of apoptosis-related genes and RGS2−/− islets are prone to apoptosis compared with RGS2+/+ islets. Ultimately, excessive insulin secretion and increased β-cell apoptosis contributed to a 70% reduction in pancreatic β-cell mass in RGS2−/− mice compared with RGS2+/+ mice at 25 weeks of age. RGS2 has critical roles in maintaining pancreatic β-cell mass via modulating β-cell function and apoptosis. It may serve as a druggable target to help prevent pancreatic β-cell loss in the treatment of diabetes.