bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Implications of Donor Warm and Cold Ischemia Time in Donor After Circulatory Death Liver Transplantation
Authors: Paterno Flavio , Guarrera James V. , Wima Koffi , Diwan Tayyab , Cuffy Madison C. , Anwar Nadeem , Woodle E. Steve , Shah Shimul
Published: March 2019

The use of donation after circulatory death (DCD) liver allografts has been constrained by limitations in the duration of donor warm ischemia time (DWIT), donor agonal time (DAT), and cold ischemia time (CIT). The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of longer DWIT, DAT, and CIT on graft survival and other outcomes in DCD liver transplants. The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients was queried for adult liver transplants from DCD donors between 2009 and 2015. Donor, recipient, and center variables were included in the analysis. During the study period, 2107 patients underwent liver transplant with DCD allografts. In most patients, DWIT and DAT were <30 minutes. DWIT was <30 minutes in 1804 donors, between 30 and 40 minutes in 248, and >40 minutes in 37. There was no difference in graft survival, duration of posttransplant hospital length of stay, and readmission rate between DCD liver transplants from donors with DWIT <30 minutes and DWIT between 30 and 40 minutes. Similar outcomes were noted for DAT. In the multivariate analysis, DAT and DWIT were not associated with graft loss. The predictors associated with graft loss were donor age, donor sharing, CIT, recipient admission to the intensive care unit, recipient ventilator dependence, Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score, and low‐volume transplant centers. Any CIT cutoff >4 hours was associated with increased risk for graft loss. Longer CIT was also associated with a longer posttransplant hospital stay, higher rate of primary nonfunction, and hyperbilirubinemia. In conclusion, slightly longer DAT and DWIT (up to 40 minutes) were not associated with graft loss, longer posttransplant hospitalization, or hospital readmissions, whereas longer CIT was associated with worse outcomes after DCD liver transplants.
Role of Na2CO3 on an AISI 330 austenitic stainless steels oxidation at 900°C
Authors: Buscail Henri , Issartel Christophe , Riffard Fréderic , Perrier Sébastien , Rabaste Francoise , Poble Olivier , Combe Cécile
Published: March 2019

This study shows the influence of sodium carbonate coatings on the austenitic AISI 330 (Fe–35Ni–19Cr–1.3Si) oxidized during 48 hr at 900°C. The N2‐5 vol% H2 gaseous environment was used to simulate industrial heat treatment conditions. Silica scale formation is promoted by low oxygen‐containing gaseous environments and the high alloy silicon content. On this alloy, an amorphous silica scale is formed after the blank material oxidation. It indicates that silicon is free to diffuse in the alloy and forms a silica scale at the internal interface. On Na2CO3‐coated specimens, no silica scale is formed. Then, sodium combines with silicon to form amorphous glass particles. A comparison has been performed with results obtained on a AISI 330Cb niobium containing alloy in the same oxidizing conditions. It is then concluded that sodium carbonate coatings could only favor silica formation on niobium containing alloy due to a reaction between sodium and niobium.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid Ameliorates High Fructose‐Induced Hyperuricemia and Renal Inflammation in Rats via NLRP3 Inflammasome and TLR4 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Tan Jianyang , Wan Liping , Chen Xiaofang , Li Xiaolei , Hao Xiaoxu , Li Xiaofei , Li Jian , Ding Hong
Published: March 2019

Scope

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a bioactive substance predominantly found in ruminant products, improves insulin resistance and exhibits anti‐inflammatory activity. The chief objective of the study is to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of CLA on high fructose‐induced hyperuricemia and renal inflammation.

Methods and results

Hyperuricemia and renal inflammation are induced in rats by 10% fructose. Hyperuricemia, insulin resistance, and renal inflammation are evaluated. CLA potently ameliorates fructose‐induced hyperuricemia with insulin resistance and significantly reduces the levels of inflammation factors in serum and kidney. It reverses fructose‐induced upregulation of glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9) and urate transporter 1 (URAT1) in the kidney. Moreover, CLA dramatically inhibits the activation of the nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain–like receptor family pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Additionally, CLA suppresses toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) signaling activation to inhibit nuclear factor‐kB (NF‐kB) signaling in the kidney of fructose‐fed rats.

Conclusion

CLA ameliorates hyperuricemia along with insulin resistance and renal inflammatory, which may be associated with the suppression of renal GLUT9 and URAT1 in fructose‐fed rats. Its molecular mechanism may be related to the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome and TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway. Therefore, CLA may be a promising candidate for preventing fructose‐induced hyperuricemia and renal inflammation.
Egg White–Derived Antihypertensive Peptide IRW (Ile‐Arg‐Trp) Reduces Blood Pressure in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats via the ACE2/Ang (1‐7)/Mas Receptor Axis
Authors: Liao Wang , Fan Hongbing , Davidge Sandra T. , Wu Jianping
Published: March 2019

Scope

It is found in the previous study that egg‐white‐derived antihypertensive peptide Ile‐Arg‐Trp (IRW) upregulated angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The objective of this study is to evaluate the contribution of ACE2 activation by IRW to blood‐pressure‐lowering activity in vivo.

Methods and results

Adult male SHRs (13–15 week old) are assigned into four groups: 1) untreated with saline infusion; 2) IRW administration (15 mg per kg body weight) with saline infusion; 3) Mas receptor (MasR) antagonist A779 (48 µg per kg body weight per h) infusion; 4) A779 infusion and IRW. Animals are implanted with telemetry transmitter first, and then an osmotic pump filled with saline or A779 is implanted. A779/saline is infused for 7 days, continued with an additional 7 days of treatments. Results indicate that blocking MasR abolished the blood‐pressure‐lowering effect of IRW. Akt/eNOS signaling in aorta is upregulated by IRW treatment but deactivated by A779 infusion. Circulating levels of interleukin 6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, along with cyclooxygenase 2 in aorta are reduced by IRW but restored by A779 infusion.

Conclusion

IRW reduces blood pressure of SHR via the ACE2/Ang (1‐7)/MasR axis. Mechanisms pertaining to IRW as an ACE2 activator in vivo include enhanced endothelium‐dependent vasorelaxation and reduced vascular inflammation.
Attention‐aware fully convolutional neural network with convolutional long short‐term memory network for ultrasound‐based motion tracking
Authors: Huang Pu , Yu Gang , Lu Hua , Liu Danhua , Xing Ligang , Yin Yong , Kovalchuk Nataliya , Xing Lei , Li Dengwang
Published: March 2019

Purpose

One of the promising options for motion management in radiation therapy (RT) is the use of LINAC‐compatible robotic‐arm‐mounted ultrasound imaging system due to its high soft tissue contrast, real‐time capability, absence of ionizing radiation, and low cost. The purpose of this work is to develop a novel deep learning‐based real‐time motion tracking strategy for ultrasound image‐guided RT.

Methods

The proposed tracker combined the attention‐aware fully convolutional neural network (FCNN) and the convolutional long short‐term memory network (CLSTM) that is end‐to‐end trainable. The glimpse sensor module was built inside the attention‐aware FCNN to discard majority of background by focusing on a region containing the object of interest. FCNN extracted discriminating spatial features of glimpse to facilitate temporal modeling for CLSTM. The saliency mask computed from CLSTM refined the features particular to the tracked landmarks. Moreover, the multitask loss strategy including bounding box loss, localization loss, saliency loss, and adaptive loss weighting term was utilized to facilitate training convergence and avoid over/underfitting. The tracker was tested on the databases provided by MICCAI 2015 challenges, and the ground truth data were obtained with the help of brute force‐based template matching technology.

Results

The mean tracking error of 0.97 ± 0.52 mm and maximum tracking error of 1.94 mm were observed for 85 point landmarks across 39 ultrasound cases compared to the ground truth annotations. The tracking speed per frame per landmark with the GPU implementation ranged from 66 and 101 frames per second, which largely exceeded the ultrasound imaging rate.

Conclusion

The results demonstrated the robustness and accuracy of the proposed deep learning‐based motion estimation, despite the existence of some known shortcomings of ultrasound imaging such as speckle noise. The tracking speed of the system was found to be remarkable, sufficiently fast for real‐time applications in RT environment. The approach provides a valuable tool to guide RT treatment with beam gating or multileaf collimator (MLC) tracking in real time.
An estradiol releasing, proangiogenic hydrogel as a candidate material for use in soft tissue interposition
Authors: Mangır Naşide , Eke Gozde , Hasirci Nesrin , Chapple Christopher R. , Hasirci Vasif , MacNeil Sheila
Published: March 2019

Introduction and Objectives

Soft tissue interposition (STI) using local and/or regional flaps is often necessary in urogenital reconstruction to stimulate wound healing and prevent recurrence. Harvesting STI flaps can cause donor site morbidity and may not be available in some patients. In this study, we designed estradiol (E2) releasing hydrogel that could be used as an alternative to a STI flap and to investigate its ability to stimulate tissue production and angiogenesis.

Materials and Methods

A hydrogel was constructed by crosslinking a solution of estradiol, methacrylated gelatin (15%, w/v), and methacrylated hyaluronic acid (1%, w/v). The release of estradiol was measured using a UV‐spectrophotometer (λmax = 220 nm). Angiogenesis was evaluated by an ex ovo chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay.

Results

Estradiol was gradually released from the hydrogel over 21 days. The hydrogels could be easily manipulated with surgical forceps without any deformation. The hydrogels significantly increased collagen production of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Scanning electron microscopic examination demonstrated that HDFs produced significantly more extracellular matrix (ECM) on estradiol releasing hydrogels compared with the controls. Estradiol releasing hydrogels doubled the number of blood vessels growing toward the hydrogel compared with the controls (vasculogenic index, 59.6 [±6.4] and 25.6 [±4.0], respectively; [P < 0.05]).

Conclusion

We present a proangiogenic, degradable hydrogel that can be used as an off‐the‐shelf available substitute to traditional STI flaps. This is achieved by using estradiol as a potent stimulator of new tissue production and new blood vessel formation.
Urodynamic factors associated with the large capacity bladder and incomplete emptying after prolapse repair (2009‐2015)
Authors: Dobberfuhl Amy D. , Shaffer Robyn K. , Goodman Steven N. , Chen Bertha H.
Published: March 2019

Aims

To identify the clinical and urodynamic factors associated with the large capacity bladder and incomplete bladder emptying after prolapse repair.

Methods

We identified 592 women who underwent anterior and/or apical prolapse repair at our institution from 2009 to 2015. Women were stratified by urodynamic capacity. The primary outcome was incomplete emptying at the longest follow‐up (postvoid residual [PVR] > 200 mL). Data were analyzed in the Statistical Analysis System software.

Results

Two hundred and sixty‐six women (mean age, 61 years) had preoperative urodynamic tracings available for review. After surgery, there were 519 PVRs in 239 women recorded at up to 2949 days (mean, 396) and nine time points (median, 2; IQR, 1‐3). The receiver operator curve for predicted probability of longest follow‐up PVR greater than 200 mL (area under curve = 0.67) identified the 600 mL cutpoint which defined large capacity bladder. Large capacity bladders (capacity, >600 mL [n=79] vs ≤600 mL, [n=160]) had a mean: detrusor pressure at maximum flow (21 vs 22 cm H2O; P = 0.717), maximum flow rate (19 vs 17 mL/s; P = 0.148), significantly elevated PVR (202 vs 73 mL; P < 0.001), and significantly lower voiding efficiency (VE) (74 vs 82%, P < 0.05). Following prolapse repair, elevated PVR was associated with large capacity (PVR 101 vs 49 mL, P < 0.05). Large bladders had a two‐ to three‐fold risk of longest follow‐up PVR greater than 200 mL (14.3%‐20.3% [capacity, >600 mL] vs 4.1%‐7.0% [capacity, ≤600 mL]). VE was similar after surgery regardless of the capacity (87% vs 88%, P = 0.772).

Conclusions

The decision to pursue prolapse repair should be individualized and take into account, the bladder capacity and goals for PVR improvement after surgery.
A retrospective study of the safety of over 100,000 peripherally‐inserted central catheters days for parenteral supportive treatments
Authors: Campagna Sara , Gonella Silvia , Berchialla Paola , Rigo Carla , Morano Giacomo , Zerla Pietro Antonio , Fuzzi Raffaella , Corona Gianvito , Storto Silvana , Dimonte Valerio , Mussa Baudolino
Published: March 2019

The type of central vascular access device providers chosen for providing parenteral supportive treatments has evolved over the past years, going from routinely used centrally inserted catheters to a more recent trend of peripherally‐inserted central catheters (PICCs) when expected treatment duration is less than 6 months. This multicenter retrospective study aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the safety of PICCs in administering parenteral supportive treatments. All adult inpatients and outpatients who had a PICC inserted for the administration of parenteral supportive treatments (i.e., parenteral nutrition, intravenous fluids, blood products, or antibiotics) between September 2007 and December 2014 in four public Italian hospitals were included. The primary outcome was PICC removal because of an adverse event (AE, defined as occlusion, exit‐site infection, or symptomatic thrombosis). Among the 1,250 included patients, 178 PICC‐related removals because of AEs (14.2%; 1.62 AEs per 1,000 PICC days) were reported. Rates of PICC removal because of occlusion, exit‐site infection, and symptomatic thrombosis were 1.08, 0.32, and 0.23 per 1,000 PICC days, respectively. The median dwell‐time between PICC insertion and its removal because of an AE was 67 days (interquartile range 28–180 days). Risk of PICC removal due to AE was higher with open‐system PICCs [hazard ratio = 2.75, 95% confidence interval 1.52–4.96]. In this study, we found preliminary evidence that PICCs can be safely used to administer parenteral supportive treatments lasting up to 6 months. PICCs may be a relevant alternative to centrally inserted catheters for medium‐term parenteral supportive treatments.
Adipose Mitochondrial Respiratory Capacity in Obesity is Impaired Independently of Glycemic Status of Tissue Donors
Authors: Wessels Britta , Honecker Julius , Schöttl Theresa , Stecher Lynne , Klingenspor Martin , Hauner Hans , Skurk Thomas
Published: March 2019

Objective

The study aimed to investigate how obesity and glycemic state affect mitochondrial respiration and ATP–generating pathways in mature human adipocytes.

Methods

Subcutaneous (sc) and visceral (vc) adipocytes were isolated from patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Respiratory chain function was analyzed by high‐resolution respirometry. Adipocyte ATP levels and lactate release were measured separately in the presence of either glycolysis (2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose) or ATP synthase (oligomycin) inhibitors.

Results

A significant negative correlation between oxidative phosphorylation capacity and the BMI of tissue donors found in sc adipocytes (P < 0.05). Furthermore, respirometry revealed an inverse relationship between BMI and the electron transfer system capacity of sc (P < 0.05) but not vc adipocytes. In both depots, the respiratory capacity was not affected by the glycemic state. A positive correlation between BMI and adipocyte lactate release was measured independently of the tissue origin (sc: P = 0.01; vc: P < 0.05). Direct ATP measurements indicated that energy demands of adipocytes were predominantly fulfilled by glycolytic activity.

Conclusions

The study’s data suggest that obesity is the primary driver of impaired adipocyte mitochondrial respiration because the glycemic state did not further deteriorate this situation. The adipocytes’ energy needs are covered primarily by the glycolytic pathway.
A reflection upon methods to explore timing in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Martin Brice , Franck Nicolas , Giersch Anne
Published: March 2019

Phenomenologists have provided a detailed description of the disorders of the subjective experience associated with minimal‐self disorders in patients with schizophrenia. Those patients report a range of distortions of their conscious experiences, including a sense of inner void, confusion between self and others, and, sometimes, a disruption of the sense of time. These reports have been interpreted as distortion of the first‐person perspective and a lack of immersion in the world, associated with a breakdown of the temporal structure of consciousness, and especially a disruption of the sense of time continuity. Further, it has been proposed that these disruptions are based on a difficulty to retain past information and to predict future information, that is, the mechanisms that help to relate events with one another and to reach a sense of time continuity. Experimental psychology results seem to converge to similar conclusions, inasmuch as some results in patients with schizophrenia suggest a deficient ability to predict sequences of events at the millisecond level. Several studies have underlined this convergence. Here we reflect on the limits of both the phenomenological and experimental psychology approaches, and of the convergence of their hypotheses. We think that this reflection is necessary to avoid premature conclusions on the mechanisms underlying the impairments in patients, but also to enrich our understanding of schizophrenia.
Bodily self‐disturbance in schizophrenia‐spectrum populations: Introducing the Benson et al. Body Disturbances Inventory (B‐BODI)
Authors: Benson Taylor L. , Brugger Peter , Park Sohee
Published: March 2019

Anomalous or weakened sense of self was central to early theories of schizophrenia. Recent studies have also documented disturbances in body ownership and increased susceptibility for dissociative experiences, such as the out‐of‐body experience in individuals with schizophrenia, but further research is necessary to clarify components of bodily self‐disturbances in the schizophrenia spectrum, and the stability of these experiences over time. With respect to methodology, self‐disturbances research in schizophrenia tends to rely exclusively on verbal self‐report questionnaires and interviews. Given that individuals with schizophrenia suffer from language and communication difficulties, verbal self‐report measures may be insufficient. To bridge this gap, we have developed a new picture‐based instrument, the Benson et al. Body Disturbances Inventory (B‐BODI), designed to quantify bodily self‐disturbances with respect to the frequency and vividness of these experiences, as well as the degree of distress associated with them. Drawings that depicted different aspects of aberrant bodily self‐experiences were presented with accompanying captions. Participants were asked to indicate the frequency, vividness, and distressfulness of the experience captured by the picture using a 5‐point scale. Individuals with schizophrenia, older healthy controls, and college students participated in two alternative versions of the B‐BODI. Participants were also asked to complete a battery of established questionnaires that probed psychosis proneness and a range of self, body, and perceptual aberrations. The results suggest that the B‐BODI is a useful tool that accurately captures bodily self‐disturbances and has the potential to predict psychosis risk in healthy young individuals. Furthermore, anomalous self‐disturbances seem to be relatively stable across time in individuals with chronic schizophrenia.
Improved efficiency of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 mini‐module via high‐mobility In2O3:W,H transparent conducting oxide layer
Authors: Koida Takashi , Nishinaga Jiro , Ueno Yuko , Higuchi Hirofumi , Takahashi Hideki , Iioka Masayuki , Kamikawa Yukiko , Shibata Hajime , Niki Shigeru
Published: March 2019

Polycrystalline W and H codoped In2O3 (In2O3:W,H) transparent conducting oxide (TCO) layers with high electron mobility were found to enhance both the short‐circuit current density (Jsc) and fill factor (FF) of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) modules with glass/Mo/CIGS/CdS/ZnO/TCO structures. An In2O3:W,H TCO layer was formed by reactive plasma deposition without substrate heating, followed by postannealing at 150°C. A phase transition from amorphous to polycrystalline was confirmed during postannealing, and a layer with micrometer‐scale lateral grain sizes evenly covered the rough ZnO surface generated by the naturally textured CIGS. The crystallized In2O3:W,H film showed high electron mobility (apprixmately 80 cm2 V−1 s−1) at a carrier density of approximately 2 to 3 × 1020 cm−3. Therefore, the In2O3:W,H layer achieved lower sheet resistance and lower free carrier absorption than a ZnO:Al layer, which is commonly used in CIGS modules. The CIGS mini‐module employing the In2O3:W,H layer with a designated area of 3.792 cm2 exhibited a higher efficiency (η) of 20.93% (Voc = 3.081 V [translated value per subcell: 0.770 V], short‐circuit current = 33.21 mA [Jsc = 35.03 mA cm−2], FF = 0.775) with improved Jsc and FF, when compared with a mini‐module employing a ZnO:Al layer. The results indicate that polycrystalline In2O3‐based TCOs with high electron mobility are suitable for CIGS solar cells and modules.
Identification of protein patterns in bovine placenta at early‐mid pregnancy – Pilot studies
Authors: Ner‐Kluza Joanna , Wawrzykowski Jacek , Franczyk Monika , Siberring Jerzy , Kankofer Marta
Published: March 2019

Rationale

Placenta is a crucial tissue for an appropriate development of the fetus and the course of pregnancy. Its composition and structure change dynamically along pregnancy but the full pattern of these changes is not fully described in cows yet. The aim of the present study was to detect qualitative and quantitative protein profiles of bovine placenta during early‐mid pregnancy at the time of placental formation.

Methods

Placental tissues from healthy cows (n = 3) in early pregnancy (3–5 months) were collected at the slaughterhouse. Maternal and fetal parts were manually divided prior to homogenization. Further analysis was done in triplicates on the maternal and fetal parts separately and subjected to one‐dimensional (1D) electrophoretic separation, followed by identification of peptide maps by nanospray liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC/MS/MS). Proteins were identified by use of the MASCOT software with the SwissProt database.

Results

Proteomic analysis showed more than 4000 differentially expressed proteins in maternal and fetal parts of placenta. Each part expressed around 900 proteins, of which ca. 90 were common. The identified proteins were analyzed in accordance to molecular function and their participation in biological processes.

Conclusions

The obtained results provide new insight into the knowledge about biochemical characteristics of placenta (new proteins) and serve for further studies on the possible markers of physiological/pathological pregnancy or function of placenta. Moreover, our data can be a good starting point for further studies on the processes underlying the attachment of placenta.
Managing rivers under changing environmental and societal boundary conditions, Part 1: National trends and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoirs
Authors: Patterson Lauren A. , Doyle Martin W.
Published: March 2019

Most major rivers in the United States are managed by a system of reservoirs; many of which were built more than a half century ago. These reservoirs were designed based on environmental, societal, and regulatory assumptions at the time of construction. Since then, we have learned that climate is not stationary, population growth is being decoupled from energy needs and water demand, and new regulations (such as the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act) affect how river systems are managed. This study explores changing environmental, societal, and regulatory conditions relevant to the design and operation of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoirs across the conterminous United States. Results demonstrate large geographic variability in how these conditions have changed over time. In the south‐western United States, there is an amplified trend towards drier conditions and less reservoir flexibility with warmer temperatures, less precipitation, high sedimentation rates, and large population growth. In the north‐eastern United States, the impacts of increased temperature on reservoirs may be masked by greater precipitation and lower water demand. Environmental, societal, and regulatory changes can reduce the flexibility of reservoir operations and, in some instances, make it challenging for the reservoir to meet its intended purpose as designed decades ago. This study is the first step towards formalizing a process for monitoring broad trends relevant to water resources management for the purpose of moving towards adaptation of infrastructure. An interactive tool was developed for each condition: https://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/reservoir‐national‐trends/.
Early Intravenous Infusion of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Exerts a Tissue Source Age-Dependent Beneficial Effect on Neurovascular Integrity and Neurobehavioral Recovery After Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Vawda Reaz , Badner Anna , Hong James , Mikhail Mirriam , Lakhani Alam , Dragas Rachel , Xhima Kristiana , Barretto Tanya , Librach Clifford L. , Fehlings Michael G.
Published: March 2019

Localized vascular disruption after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) triggers a cascade of secondary events, including inflammation, gliosis, and scarring, that can further impact recovery. In addition to immunomodulatory and neurotrophic properties, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) possess pericytic characteristics. These features make MSCs an ideal candidate for acute cell therapy targeting vascular disruption, which could reduce the severity of secondary injury, enhance tissue preservation and repair, and ultimately promote functional recovery. A moderately severe cervical clip compression/contusion injury was induced at C7-T1 in adult female rats, followed by an intravenous tail vein infusion 1 hour post-SCI of (a) term-birth human umbilical cord perivascular cells (HUCPVCs); (b) first-trimester human umbilical cord perivascular cells (FTM HUCPVCs); (c) adult bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells; or (d) vehicle control. Weekly behavioral testing was performed. Rats were sacrificed at 24 hours or 10 weeks post-SCI and immunohistochemistry and ultrasound imaging were performed. Both term and FTM HUCPVC-infused rats displayed improved (p < .05) grip strength compared with vehicle controls. However, only FTM HUCPVC-infusion led to significant weight gain. All cell infusion treatments resulted in reduced glial scarring (p < .05). Cell infusion also led to increased axonal, myelin, and vascular densities (p < .05). Although post-traumatic cavity volume was reduced with cell infusion, this did not reach significance. Taken together, we demonstrate selective long-term functional recovery alongside histological improvements with HUCPVC infusion in a clinically relevant model of cervical SCI. Our findings highlight the potential of these cells for acute therapeutic intervention after SCI.
Toward an Understanding of Capping Molecules on Pt Nanoparticles for Hydrogenation: the Key Role of Hydroxyl Groups
Authors: Li Yueting , Hou Fang , Sun Xiaoqing , Xiao Zhourong , Zhang Xiangwen , Li Guozhu
Published: March 2019

Preparation of active and stable platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) for hydrogenation is of great importance. Herein, a joint experimental and theoretical study has been conducted to investigate the role of capping molecules on Pt NPs for hydrogenation. Both small biomolecules of adenine, D‐ribose, adenosine, and 2′‐deoxyadenosine and macromolecule of dextran have been studied as capping agents of Pt NPs. Kinetic data are collected and fitted for deep insight and clear comparison of Pt activity. TEM, SEM, XRD, nitrogen adsorption‐desorption were employed to characterize the obtained catalysts. DFT calculations have been carried out to investigate the exact interactions in this system. A volcano plot is obtained between the adsorption energy of 4‐NP on various Pt NPs against reaction rate constant (k), which is in accordance with the Brønsted‐Evans‐Polanyi (BEP) relation. Moreover, active and stable catalyst (Pt/rGO) has been prepared using dextran as capping agent and rGO as support. The hydrogenation of 4‐NP over Pt/rGO can reach 100% conversion in only 2 min. The catalyst can still maintain its activity after solvent removal and long‐time storage.
Construction of High‐Nuclear CuxSy Nanocrystalline Catalyst from High‐Nuclear Copper Cluster
Authors: Chen Xueli , Cui Shizhong , Zhang Yingying , Chen Kongyao , Li Gaojie , Chen Weihua , Mi Liwei
Published: March 2019

A multi‐nuclear copper sulfide CuxSy with micro‐snowflake structure derived from a known four‐core copper cluster C28H36Cl6Cu4N4O5 was fabricated by hydrothermal method in mild condition. The growing process of the snowflake structure experienced from particles, to sheets and flowers, which depended on the reaction time. The prepared materials of high‐nuclear copper sulfide in different shapes were taken as catalysts for methylene blue and rhodamine B degradation. The degradation degree of the methylene blue reached up to 97.7% after 13 minutes and it needed 16 minutes for that of the rhodamine B up to 98.2%, which demonstrated that the snowflakes‐like CuxSy exhibited excellent photo‐catalytic property. Moreover, the high stability of the catalysts was confirmed by cycle experiments and SEM images.
Formation of Branched Ruthenium Nanoparticles for Improved Electrocatalysis of Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Poerwoprajitno Agus R. , Gloag Lucy , Benedetti Tania M. , Cheong Soshan , Watt John , Huber Dale L. , Gooding J. Justin , Tilley Richard D.
Published: March 2019

Branched nanoparticles are one of the most promising nanoparticle catalysts as their branch sizes and surfaces can be tuned to enable both high activity and stability. Understanding how the crystallinity and surface facets of branched nanoparticles affect their catalytic performance is vital for further catalyst development. In this work, a synthesis is developed to form highly branched ruthenium (Ru) nanoparticles with control of crystallinity. It is shown that faceted Ru branched nanoparticles have improved stability and activity in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) compared with polycrystalline Ru nanoparticles. This work achieves a low 180 mV overpotential at 10 mA cm−2 for hours, demonstrating that record‐high stability for Ru nanocrystals can be achieved while retaining high activity for OER. The superior electrocatalytic performance of faceted Ru branched nanoparticles is ascribed to the lower Ru dissolution rate under OER conditions due to low‐index facets on the branch surfaces.
Bifacial Contact Junction Engineering for High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells with Efficiency Exceeding 21%
Authors: Wu Wu‐Qiang , Liao Jin‐Feng , Jiang Yong , Wang Lianzhou , Kuang Dai‐Bin
Published: March 2019

Ordered 1D metal oxide structure is desirable in thin film solar cells owing to its excellent charge collection capability. However, the electron transfer in 1D electron transporting layer (ETL)‐based devices is still limited to a submicrometer‐long pathway that is vertical to the substrate. Here, an innovative closely packed rutile TiO2 nanowire (CRTNW) network parallel to the facet of fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate is reported, which can serve as a 1D nanoscale electron transport pathway for efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The PSC constructed using newly prepared CRTNW ETL achieves an impressive power conversion efficiency of 21.10%, which can be attributed to the facilitated electron extraction induced by the favorable junctions formed at FTO/ETL and ETL/perovskite interfaces and also the suppressed charge recombination originating from improved perovskite morphology with large grains, flat surface, and good surface coverage. The bifacial contact junctions engineering also enables large‐area device fabrication. The PSC with 1 cm2 aperture yields an efficiency of 19.50% under one sun illumination. This work highlights the significance of controlling the orientation and packing density of the ordered 1D oxide nanostructured thin films for highly efficient optoelectronic devices in a large‐scale manner.
Public perceptions of climate change: a case study with school teachers and undergraduate students in Brazil
Authors: Fernandino Gerson , Elliff Carla Isobel , de Oliveira Sousa João Henrique , Frutuoso Gabriela Amado , Gama Guilherme Santiago , Albuquerque Isabela Santos
Published: March 2019

The scientific consensus on the subject of climate change has not eliminated the existence of climate change denial. In this study we investigate how two distinct demographics perceive climate change. Questionnaires were employed to assess whether, following lectures on the subject, participants maintained their original position or reconsidered their stance on climate change. Most participants’ beliefs were in accordance with scientific findings. No participant denied that global warming is a reality. After being presented with an up‐to‐date scientific overview of the subject, the majority of participants disagreed that mass media communications regarding climate change constituted a reliable source of information. The demographics evaluated in this study are potential opinion‐makers and it is therefore of paramount importance to evaluate their level of knowledge about such a serious and urgent issue.
Determination of the shear viscosity of the sclera
Authors: Frolova Ksenia P. , Vilchevskaya Elena N. , Bauer Svetlana M. , Müller Wolfgang H.
Published: March 2019

At present information about viscous properties of the eye's sclera is scarce, the main reason being that direct measurements cause technical problems. Nevertheless, coefficients of the sclera viscosity are of paramount interest for biomechanics and ophthalmologists. This paper investigates a method for determining the shear viscosity of the sclera based on a comparison of results from mathematical modeling with estimated experimental data from measurements of the IntraOcular Pressure (IOP) over a long time after an intravitreal injection (injection into the vitreous body of the eyeball) into enucleated eyes. In order to model the IOP behavior we consider a viscoelastic spherical layer subjected to a centrally symmetric load as follows. The excess pressure is considered, hence, the external pressure is absent and a displacement of the inner boundary is specified in order to take the intravitreal injection volume into account. We assume that during the experiment the volume of the eyeball remains constant and that the material of the sclera obeys linear transversely isotropic elasticity. The function for the IOP, which is based on fitted experimental data presented in the literature, decreases up to a limit value. As a result, we obtain a value for the shear viscosity of the sclera corresponding to the best adjustment between experimental data and theoretical prediction.
Patterns of animal–enrichment interaction in captive brown bears
Authors: Soriano Ana I. , Vinyoles Dolors , Maté Carme
Published: March 2019

We studied the behavioral responses of three brown bears (Ursus arctos) to different types of enrichment devices to assess the predominant pattern of animal–enrichment interaction (PAI) to each type of enrichment. We assessed the bears' responses to feeding, sensory, and occupational enrichments over nine sessions. Using Pearson's correlation (r) and the coefficient of variation (CV)—we describe four models of PAIs: habituation, increasing, continuous, and fluctuating. The habituation model (r < 0 andp < 0.05; CV (%) > 0) consists of a loss of interest in the device over time and it occurred with the occupational device. The increasing model (r > 0 andp < 0.05; CV (%) > 0) consists of a sustained interest in the device over time and it was not observed for any device of this study. The continuous model (0 > r > 0 andp > 0.05; CV (%) < 100) consists of a consistent and unchanging interaction over time and it occurred with the feeding enrichments used in this study. The fluctuating PAI (0 > r > 0 andp > 0.05; CV (%) ≥ 100) consists of wide oscillations in the degree of interaction over time and we observed this pattern with sensory devices. Review of previous literature supports these classes of PAI, and suggests similar relationships between PAIs and the type of enrichment as we observed in this study.
Simple sinflaton-less α-attractors
Authors: Kallosh Renata , Yamada Yusuke
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We construct the simplest inflationary α-attractor models in supergravity: it has only one scalar, the inflaton. There is no sinflaton since the inflaton belongs to an orthogonal nilpotent superfield where the sinflaton depends on fermion bilinears. When the local supersymmetry is gauge-fixed, these models have only one single real scalar (the inflaton), a graviton and a massive gravitino. The sinflaton, sgoldstino and inflatino are all absent from the physical spectrum in the unitary gauge. The orthogonality condition leads to the simplest Kähler potential for the inflaton, while preserving the Poincaré disk geometry of α-attractors. The models are particularly simple in the framework of the

$$ \overline{D3} $$

D
3

¯

induced geometric inflation.
Dualities for adjoint SQCD in three dimensions and emergent symmetries
Authors: Giacomelli Simone
Published: March 2019

Abstract

In this paper we study dualities for

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 gauge theories in three dimensions with matter in the fundamental and adjoint representation. The duality we propose, analogous to mirror symmetry, is obtained starting from

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 mirror theories and turning on a certain superpotential deformation involving monopole operators. We study the role of emergent symmetries in the dual theory, focusing on the case of models with gauge symmetry U(2) or SU(2). We find that SU(2) adjoint SQCD with one flavor and zero superpotential is dual to SQED with two flavors and three singlets. As a byproduct, we recover several dualities for theories with

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 and

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 supersymmetry, including the duality appetizer of Jafferis and Yin.
Eigenvalue instantons in the spectral form factor of random matrix model
Authors: Okuyama Kazumi
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We study the late time plateau behavior of the spectral form factor in the Gaussian Unitary Ensemble (GUE) random matrix model. The time derivative of the spectral form factor in the plateau regime is not strictly zero, but non-zero due to a nonperturbative correction in the 1/N expansion. We argue that such a non-perturbative correction comes from the eigenvalue instanton of random matrix model and we explicitly compute the instanton correction as a function of time.
Transparentizing black holes to eternal traversable wormholes
Authors: Bak Dongsu , Kim Chanju , Yi Sang-Heon
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We present the gravity description of evaporating black holes that end up with eternal traversable wormholes where every would-be behind horizon degree is available in asymptotic regions. The transition is explicitly realized by a time-dependent bulk solution in the two-dimensional Einstein-dilaton gravity. In this solution, the initial AdS2 black hole is evolved into an eternal traversable wormhole free of any singularity, which may be dubbed as transparentization of black holes to eternal traversable wormholes. The bulk construction completely matches with the boundary description governed by the Schwarzian boundary theory. We also obtain solutions describing eternal traversable wormholes as well as excitations by an additional matter and graviton oscillations on eternal traversable wormholes, which show that the eternal traversable wormhole states are gapped and non-chaotic. Embedding the 2d solution into a 4d traversable wormhole connecting two magnetically charged holes, we discuss 4d scattering of a wave incident upon one end of the traversable wormhole.
Every doctor needs a wife: An old adage worth reexamining
Authors: Winkel Abigail Ford
Published: March 2019

Half of medical school graduates are women, but female doctors experience significant professional tensions. Low numbers of women in leadership roles, high burnout and attrition, and continued harassment suggest a culture that undermines the contributions of women. This manuscript explores research from sociology, business and medicine through a personal lens. Understanding the way gender influences the complex state of women in medicine suggests changes are needed in the architecture of the modern medical workforce. Individuals, mentors and organizations can make changes that would improve the way that the working environment cultivates a diverse workforce to reach its full potential.
Activity of Deep and Superficial Pelvic Floor Muscles in Women in Response to Different Verbal Instructions: A Preliminary Investigation Using a Novel Electromyography Electrode
Authors: Aljuraifani Rafeef , Stafford Ryan E. , Hall Leanne M. , Hodges Paul W.
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Verbal instructions are used clinically to encourage activation of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM). Whether separate layers of PFM activate differently in response to instructions remains unknown.

Aim

To test the hypotheses that (i) instructions that aimed to bias activity of a specific muscle layer would increase activation of the targeted layer to a greater extent than the other layer, (ii) activity of individual PFM layers would differ between instructions, and (iii) PFM activity would be symmetrical for all instructions.

Method

PFM electromyography (EMG) was recorded using custom-designed surface electrodes in 12 women without PFM dysfunction. The electrode included 4 pairs of recording surfaces orientated to measure EMG from deep and superficial PFM on each side. 3 submaximal contractions were performed for 5 seconds in response to 7 verbal instructions. Root-mean-squared EMG amplitude was calculated for 1 second during the period when participants most closely matched the target activation level. A repeated-measures anova was used to test whether PFM EMG differed between instructions and between regions. The EMG increase of individual muscles relative to that of the reference muscle [deep/right PFM] was compared to no change with t-tests for single samples.

Main Outcome Measure

PFM EMG amplitude.

Results

Superficial PFM EMG was greater than deep PFM for all instructions (P = .039). 2 instructions induced the greatest amplitude of EMG for the superficial PFM: “squeeze the muscles around the vaginal opening as if to purse lips of your mouth” and “draw the clitoris in a posterior direction” (P = .036). Asymmetry was found in the deeper PFM in 3 instructions designed to bias the superficial PFM.

Strength & Limitations

This preliminary study recorded activation of deep and superficial PFM layers in females with a custom-designed novel electrode. Some cross-talk of recording between muscle layers is possible but unlikely to impact the major findings.

Conclusion

Verbal instructions used to teach PFM contractions can influence their pattern of activity. This study provides preliminary evidence that, in a selection of verbal instructions, the superficial PFM activates more than the deep PFM, and that the deep PFM can have asymmetrical activation.
A Descriptive Analysis of Sexual Problems in Long-Term Heterosexual Relationships
Authors: Sutherland Siobhan E. , Rehman Uzma S. , Fallis Erin E.
Published: March 2019

Background

Although much research has described individual sexual dysfunctions, few studies to date have examined the types of problems that couples consider most significant in their sexual relationships.

Aim

To clarify the types of relational sexual problems that are most common and most severe in the sexual lives of individuals in long-term romantic relationships.

Methods

A community sample of 117 mixed-sex couples completed this in-lab study. Members of each couple separately completed a demographics questionnaire and a measure of their relational sexual problems, the Sexual Problems Questionnaire (SPQ). Descriptive analyses (eg, examination of means, frequency counts) were conducted to determine the most common and severe sexual problems reported by participants. t-Tests were performed to examine gender differences in mean severity ratings for each SPQ item. Qualitative data were examined by conducting a frequency count on the SPQ items that participants reported to be most important in their sexual relationships. Results of all frequency counts were divided by the total sample size and are reported as percentages.

Main Outcome Measures

Participants reported on the severity of their sexual problems using the 25-item SPQ.

Results

Quantitative analyses revealed that the most common and problematic sexual problems endorsed by both sexes were frequency of sex, sexual initiation, and showing interest. A frequency count of participants’ qualitative reports also revealed that frequency of sex (women = 36%; men = 39%), sexual initiation (women = 33%; men = 32%), and showing interest (women and men = 25%) were the most important sexual issues for most individuals.

Clinical Implication

The most pressing relational sexual problems for couples in long-term romantic relationships are consistent between sexes and pertain to the domain of sexual desire.

Strength & Limitations

The current study used an expanded measure of sexual problems, which allowed participants to report on a broad range of issues in their sexual relationships. The direction of such relational sexual problems (eg, desiring more or less sexual frequency) was not explored.

Conclusion

The key problems in sexual relationships center on the theme of sexual desire, and men and women consider these issues to be problematic to a similar extent.