bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Weight Change During Carboplatin Therapy in Dogs With Appendicular Osteosarcoma
Authors: Story A.L. , Boston S.E. , Kilkenny J.J. , Singh A. , Woods J.P. , Culp W.T.N. , Skorupski K.A. , Lu X.
Published: May 2017

Background

The prevalence of cancer cachexia in veterinary medicine has not been studied widely, and as of yet, no definitive diagnostic criteria effectively assess this syndrome in veterinary patients.

Objectives

(1) To determine the patterns of weight change in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma treated with amputation and single‐agent carboplatin during the course of adjuvant chemotherapy; and (2) to determine whether postoperative weight change is a negative prognostic indicator for survival time in dogs with osteosarcoma.

Animals

Eighty‐eight dogs diagnosed with appendicular osteosarcoma. Animals were accrued from 3 veterinary teaching hospitals.

Methods

Retrospective, multi‐institutional study. Dogs diagnosed with appendicular osteosarcoma and treated with limb amputation followed by a minimum of 4 doses of single‐agent carboplatin were included. Data analyzed in each patient included signalment, tumor site, preoperative serum alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), and body weight (kg) at each carboplatin treatment.

Results

A slight increase in weight occurred over the course of chemotherapy, but this change was not statistically significant. Weight change did not have a significant effect on survival. Institution, patient sex, and serum ALP activity did not have a significant effect on survival.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Weight change was not a prognostic factor in these dogs, and weight loss alone may not be a suitable method of determining cancer cachexia in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma.
Cardiopulmonary and sedative effects of intravenous or epidural methadone in conscious dogs
Authors: Vieira B. H. B. , Nishimura L. T. , Carvalho L. L. , Auckburally A. , Mattos‐Junior E.
Published: May 2017

Cardiopulmonary and sedative effects of intravenous or epidural methadone were compared. Six beagles were randomly assigned to group MIV (methadone 0.5 mg/kg IV + NaCl 0.9% epidurally) or MEP (methadone 0.5 mg/kg epidurally + NaCl 0.9% IV). Cardiopulmonary, blood gas and sedation were assessed at time (T) 0, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240 and 480 min after drug administration. Compared to T0, heart rate decreased at T15–T120 in MIV (p < .001) and T15–T240 in MEP (p < .05); mean arterial pressure was reduced at T15–T60 in MEP (p < .01); respiratory rate was higher at T15 and T30 in both groups (p < .05); pH was lower at T15–T120 in MIV (p < .01) and T15, T30 and T120 in MEP (p < .05); PaCO2 was higher at T15–T60 in MIV (p < .01) and T15, T30 and T120 in MEP (p < .01); sedation scores were higher at T15 and T30 in MIV and T15–T60 in MEP (p < .05). At T120 and T240, sedation score was higher in group MEP compared with group MIV (p < .01) In conclusion, cardiopulmonary and sedative effects of identical methadone doses are similar when administered IV or epidurally to conscious healthy dogs.
Arboreality in acacia rats (Thallomys paedulcus; Rodentia, Muridae): gaits and gait metrics
Authors: Karantanis N.‐E. , Rychlik L. , Herrel A. , Youlatos D.
Published: May 2017

The acacia rat Thallomys paedulcus is a small arboreal rodent, extensively dependent on Acacia sp. trees. In order to understand the arboreal locomotor adaptations of the species, we examined their gaits in arboreal locomotion (i.e. diagonality, duty factor, duty factor index, velocity, and stride length and frequency). For these purposes, we filmed 12 captive specimens on simulated arboreal substrates of variable sizes (2 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 25 mm) and inclinations (0° and 45°). Acacia rats employed slow, symmetrical gaits with lower diagonality on the smaller substrates, which were progressively substituted by faster, asymmetrical half‐bounding gaits on larger substrates. In general, inclination had no impact on gait metrics, except that ascents were slower than horizontal locomotion. Velocity increase was regulated primarily due to an increase in stride frequency, a pattern encountered in many small mammals, although stride length contributed significantly as well. These locomotor adaptations serve as a behavioural mechanism to cope with the challenges of the arboreal milieu. They appear to provide stability and enable safe negotiation of arboreal substrates, ultimately leading to the successful exploitation of Acacia trees in their natural habitat.
Phytoplankton composition and biomass in tropical soda Lake Shala: seasonal changes in response to environmental drivers
Authors: Ogato Tadesse , Kifle Demeke
Published: May 2017

Although soda lakes are valuable, sensitive aquatic resources where phytoplankton play a decisive role for the entire ecological functions, they are among the least‐studied ecosystems. Seasonal variations in phytoplankton composition, abundance and biomass in relation to some environmental parameters of the little known, deep, large, volcanic and saline–alkaline Lake Shala were investigated over an annual cycle. The lake phytoplankton community consisted of relatively diverse taxa (23) belonging to Bacillariophyceae, Cryptophyta, Cyanoprokaryota and Dinophyta. Bacillariophyceae and Cryptophyta were the dominant groups throughout the annual cycle, accounting for about 57% and 22% of the total number of species, and 28% and 69% of the total abundance of the phytoplankton community, respectively. Cryptomonas spp. were most abundant throughout nearly all months, contributing about 59%–95% of total phytoplankton abundance, followed by Thalassiosira sp. (1%–35%). The chlorophyll‐a concentration, as a proxy for algal biomass, was generally low (mean 17 μg L−1), exhibiting only small seasonal variation. The strong, inverse relation of chlorophyll‐a with water transparency (r = −0.69; n = 11) and the persistent dominance of species adapted to low‐light conditions and mixing suggest the overriding importance of these factors in controlling the lake's phytoplankton. The results of the present study generally suggest the phytoplankton composition and biomass in Lake Shala exhibited muted seasonal changes, despite the environmental perturbations, probably because of the lake's high buffering capacity against allochthonous impacts because of its voluminous nature.
Widespread hybridization within mound‐building wood ants in Southern Finland results in cytonuclear mismatches and potential for sex‐specific hybrid breakdown
Authors: Beresford J. , Elias M. , Pluckrose L. , Sundström L. , Butlin R. K. , Pamilo P. , Kulmuni J.
Published: May 2017

Hybridization and gene flow between diverging lineages are increasingly recognized as common evolutionary processes, and their consequences can vary from hybrid breakdown to adaptive introgression. We have previously found a population of wood ant hybrids between Formica aquilonia and F. polyctena that shows antagonistic effects of hybridization: females with introgressed alleles show hybrid vigour, whereas males with the same alleles show hybrid breakdown. Here, we investigate whether hybridization is a general phenomenon in this species pair and analyse 647 worker samples from 16 localities in Finland using microsatellite markers and a 1200‐bp mitochondrial sequence. Our results show that 27 sampled nests contained parental‐like gene pools (six putative F. polyctena and 21 putative F. aquilonia) and all remaining nests (69), from nine localities, contained hybrids of varying degrees. Patterns of genetic variation suggest these hybrids arise from several hybridization events or, instead, have backcrossed to the parental gene pools to varying extents. In contrast to expectations, the mitochondrial haplotypes of the parental species were not randomly distributed among the hybrids. Instead, nests that were closer to parental‐like F. aquilonia for nuclear markers preferentially had F. polyctena's mitochondria and vice versa. This systematic pattern suggests there may be underlying selection favouring cytonuclear mismatch and hybridization. We also found a new hybrid locality with strong genetic differences between the sexes similar to those predicted under antagonistic selection on male and female hybrids. Further studies are needed to determine the selective forces that act on male and female genomes in these newly discovered hybrids.
Contribution of cardiometabolic risk factors to estimated glomerular filtration rate decline in Indigenous Australians with and without albuminuria ‐ the eGFR Follow‐up Study
Authors: Barr Elizabeth LM , Barzi Federica , Hughes Jaquelyne T , Jerums George , O'Dea Kerin , Brown Alex DH , Ekinci Elif I , Jones Graham RD , Lawton Paul D , Sinha Ashim , MacIsaac Richard J , Cass Alan , Maple‐Brown Louise J
Published: May 2017

Aim

We assessed associations between cardiometabolic risk factors and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline according to baseline albuminuria to identify potential treatment targets in Indigenous Australians.

Methods

The eGFR Follow‐up Study is a longitudinal cohort of 520 Indigenous Australians. Linear regression was used to estimate associations between baseline cardiometabolic risk factors and annual Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration eGFR change (mL/min per 1.73m2/year), among those classified with baseline normoalbuminuria (urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (uACR) <3 mg/mmol; n = 297), microalbuminuria (uACR 3–30 mg/mmol; n = 114) and macroalbuminuria (uACR ≥30 mg/mmol; n = 109).

Results

After a median of 3 years follow‐up, progressive declines of the age‐ and sex‐adjusted mean eGFR were observed across albuminuria categories (−2.0 [−2.6 to –1.4], −2.5 [−3.7 to −1.3] and −6.3 [−7.8 to −4.9] mL/min per 1.72m2/year). Although a borderline association was observed between greater baseline haemoglobin A1c and eGFR decline in those with macroalbuminuria (P = 0.059), relationships were not significant in those with microalbuminuria (P = 0.187) or normoalbuminuria (P = 0.23). Greater baseline blood pressure, C‐reactive protein, waist‐to‐hip ratio and lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol showed non‐significant trends with greater eGFR decline in the presence of albuminuria.

Conclusion

Over a 3 year period, marked eGFR decline was observed with greater baseline albuminuria. Cardiometabolic risk factors were not strong predictors for eGFR decline in Indigenous Australians without albuminuria. Longer follow‐up may elucidate the role of these predictors and other mechanisms in chronic kidney disease progression in this population.
Tree grown from many layers: An Indigenous perspective of collective identity
Authors: Mokaraka‐Harris Jovan J. , Thompson‐Fawcett Michelle , Ergler Christina R.
Published: May 2017

We provide a perspective based on a gradual and spontaneous organic landscape perception of how and where Indigenous identity emerges and is nurtured. We interweave our work into Evelyn Stokes’ call for distinctive New Zealand geographies that embrace our locational and contextual specificities, but we attempt to do this outside of any colonial tainting by Eurocentric framings (so far as that is possible) using a Kaupapa Māori approach. We elaborate Indigenous‐derived perspectives on understanding intimate and enduring bonds between place, space, landscape and identity – as framed by Māori researchers engaging in the co‐production of knowledge with local Indigenous communities.
Racial differences in the pain management of children recovering from anesthesia
Authors: Nafiu Olubukola O. , Chimbira Wilson T. , Stewart Margaret , Gibbons Kathleen , Porter L. Kareen , Reynolds Paul I.
Published: May 2017

Background

When pain management has been studied in settings such as pediatric emergency departments, racial disparities have been clearly identified. To our knowledge, this has not been studied in the pediatric perioperative setting. We sought to determine whether there are differences based on race in the administration of analgesia to children suffering from pain in the postanesthesia care unit.

Methods

This is a prospective, observational, study of 771 children aged 4‐17 years who underwent elective outpatient surgery. Racial differences in probability of receiving analgesia for pain in the recovery room were assessed using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results

A total of 294 children (38.2%) received at least one class of analgesia (opioid or nonopioid); while 210 (27.2%) received intravenous (i.v.) opioid analgesia in the recovery room. Overall postanesthesia care unit analgesia utilization was similar between white and minority children (white children 36.8% vs minority children 43.4%, OR 1.3; 95% CI=0.92‐1.89; P=.134). We found no significant difference by racial/ethnic group in the likelihood of a child receiving i.v. opioid for severe postoperative pain (white children 76.0% vs 85.7%, OR 1.89; 95% CI=0.37‐9.67; P=.437). However, minority children were more likely to receive i.v. opioid analgesia than their white peers (white children 24.5% vs minority children 34.2%, OR 1.5; 95% CI=1.04‐2.2; P=.03). On multivariable analysis, minority children had a 63% higher adjusted odds of receiving i.v. opioids in the recovery room (OR=1.63; 95% CI, 1.05‐2.62; P=.03).

Conclusions

Receipt of analgesia for acute postoperative pain was not significantly associated with a child's race. Minority children were more likely to receive i.v. opioids for the management of mild pain.
Financial Hedging and Optimal Procurement Policies under Correlated Price and Demand
Authors: Goel Ankur , Tanrisever Fehmi
Published: May 2017

We consider a firm that procures an input commodity to produce an output commodity to sell to the end retailer. The retailer's demand for the output commodity is negatively correlated with the price of the output commodity. The firm can sell the output commodity to the retailer through a spot, forward or an index‐based contract. Input and output commodity prices are also correlated and follow a joint stochastic price process. The firm maximizes shareholder value by jointly determining optimal procurement and hedging policies. We show that partial hedging dominates both perfect hedging and no‐hedging when input price, output price, and demand are correlated. We characterize the optimal financial hedging and procurement policies as a function of the term structure of the commodity prices, the correlation between the input and output prices, and the firm's operating characteristics. In addition, our analysis illustrates that hedging is most beneficial when output price volatility is high and input price volatility is low. Our model is tested on futures price data for corn and ethanol from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.
The Consequences of Collective Discontent: A New Measure of Zeitgeist Predicts Voting for Extreme Parties
Authors: van der Bles Anne Marthe , Postmes Tom , LeKander‐Kanis Babet , Otjes Simon
Published: May 2017

In recent years, extreme right‐wing and left‐wing political parties and actors have gained popularity in many Western countries. What motivates people to vote for extreme right‐ or left‐wing parties? In previous research, we showed that a collectively shared sense of doom and gloom about society can exist among citizens who, individually, experience high well‐being. Previous research developed an operationalization of this collective societal discontent as an aspect of Zeitgeist, which can be compared to personal experiences (van der Bles, Postmes, & Meijer, ). In the present research, we investigated whether this Zeitgeist of societal discontent predicts voting for extreme parties. We conducted a field study during the 2015 Dutch provincial elections (N = 407). Results showed that collective societal discontent (Zeitgeist) predicted voting for extreme parties but that personal discontent did not. Results also showed that pessimistic Zeitgeist was associated with lower education levels and tabloid‐style media consumption. These findings advance our understanding of the discontents that fuel extreme voting outcomes: Global and abstract (negative) beliefs about society are more consequential than concrete personal experiences.
Effects of indole‐3‐butyric acid on growth, pigments and UV‐screening compounds in Nostoc linckia
Authors: Mansouri Hakimeh , Talebizadeh Rahil
Published: May 2017

In the present research, the effect of indole‐3‐butyric acid (IBA) on the growth, and the production of some primary and secondary metabolites was studied in Nostoc linckia. In this respect, algae cultures were supplied with 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μM IBA for 14 days. IBA at concentrations of 10 and 100 μM induced algal growth expressed as fresh weight in N. linckia. Treatment with IBA at all concentrations stimulated heterocyst formation. In addition, low concentrations of IBA (0.01, 0.1, and 1 μM) had a stimulatory effect on chlorophyll a and carotenoids accumulation. In contrast, higher concentrations of IBA induced the accumulation of phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, and phycoerythrin in the treated algae. In this case, IBA at the concentration of 10 μM was more effective. A significant decrease in protein content was observed in the algae treated by 0.01 μM IBA. All concentrations of IBA caused a decrease in sugar content, but lower concentrations were more effective. IBA application in all of the concentrations except 100 μM increased oligosaccharide‐linked mycosporine‐like amino acids (OS‐MAAs) content. Lower concentrations had a more significant effect on increasing OS‐MAAs content. However the concentrations of 10 and 100 μM IBA decreased scytonemin content. These results indicated the stimulatory impact of IBA on weight, heterocyst formation, and photosynthetic pigments in N. linckia.
An inventory of continental U.S. terrestrial candidate ecological restoration areas based on landscape context
Authors: Wickham James , Riitters Kurt , Vogt Peter , Costanza Jennifer , Neale Anne
Published: May 2017

Landscape context is an important factor in restoration ecology, but the use of landscape context for site prioritization has not been as fully developed. We used morphological image processing to identify candidate ecological restoration areas based on their proximity to existing natural vegetation. We identified 1,102,720 candidate ecological restoration areas across the continental United States. Candidate ecological restoration areas were concentrated in the Great Plains and eastern United States. We populated the database of candidate ecological restoration areas with 17 attributes related to site content and context, including factors such as soil fertility and roads (site content), and number and area of potentially conjoined vegetated regions (site context) to facilitate its use for site prioritization. We demonstrate the utility of the database in the state of North Carolina, U.S.A. for a restoration objective related to restoration of water quality (mandated by the U.S. Clean Water Act), wetlands, and forest. The database will be made publicly available on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's EnviroAtlas website (http://enviroatlas.epa.gov) for stakeholders interested in ecological restoration.
The Universal King? Memory, Globalization, and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Authors: Jijon Isabel
Published: May 2017

This article examines how Martin Luther King, Jr. is remembered and represented by journalists in Ghana, South Africa, and Mexico, looking at coverage of “critical discourse moments” from King's life and legacy (1963–2016). I argue that representations of King vary in terms of local resonance—how well foreign figures or events align with local myths, values, and expectations—and global salience—the perceived world historical importance of a past figure or event. I then propose a new typology of global memory reception.
Multi‐gene phylogeny of the Hemileuca maia complex (Saturniidae) across North America suggests complex phylogeography and rapid ecological diversification
Authors: RUBINOFF DANIEL , SAN JOSE MICHAEL , PEIGLER RICHARD S.
Published: May 2017

The Hemileuca maia species complex occurs across the North American continent and consists of six named taxa, and several others that were recently synonymized. Taxa exhibit a wide span of adult flight periods, dramatic shifts in host‐plant use and occur in a range of habitats, all of which would suggest unrecognized diversity. We used one mitochondrial and three nuclear genes to generate 3900 bp per individual, including samples from every ecotype in the species group across the United States from New England to central Florida to California. We assessed phylogenetic relationships using both maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic methods. Results suggest very low levels of divergence across most of the continent and low levels of genetic structure – even between some recognized species that maintain clear ecological difference in sympatry. Our results suggest that meaningful and localized ecological divergence may occur in the absence of easily recognizable genetic divergence, due to either ongoing gene flow or the recent diversification in the group.
Synthetic OCP heterodimers are photoactive and recapitulate the fusion of two primitive carotenoproteins in the evolution of cyanobacterial photoprotection
Authors: Lechno‐Yossef Sigal , Melnicki Matthew R. , Bao Han , Montgomery Beronda L. , Kerfeld Cheryl A.
Published: May 2017

The orange carotenoid protein (OCP) governs photoprotection in the majority of cyanobacteria. It is structurally and functionally modular, comprised of a C‐terminal regulatory domain (CTD), an N‐terminal effector domain (NTD) and a ketocarotenoid; the chromophore spans the two domains in the ground state and translocates fully into the NTD upon illumination. Using both the canonical OCP1 from Fremyella diplosiphon and the presumably more primitive OCP2 paralog from the same organism, we show that an NTD‐CTD heterodimer forms when the domains are expressed as separate polypeptides. The carotenoid is required for the heterodimeric association, assembling an orange complex which is stable in the dark. Both OCP1 and OCP2 heterodimers are photoactive, undergoing light‐driven heterodimer dissociation, but differ in their ability to reassociate in darkness, setting the stage for bioengineering photoprotection in cyanobacteria as well as for developing new photoswitches for biotechnology. Additionally, we reveal that homodimeric CTD can bind carotenoid in the absence of NTD, and name this truncated variant the C‐terminal domain‐like carotenoid protein (CCP). This finding supports the hypothesis that the OCP evolved from an ancient fusion event between genes for two different carotenoid‐binding proteins ancestral to the NTD and CTD. We suggest that the CCP and its homologs constitute a new family of carotenoproteins within the NTF2‐like superfamily found across all kingdoms of life.
Endocytic activity of HIV‐1 Vpu: Phosphoserine‐dependent interactions with clathrin adaptors
Authors: Stoneham Charlotte A. , Singh Rajendra , Jia Xiaofei , Xiong Yong , Guatelli John
Published: May 2017

HIV‐1 Vpu modulates cellular transmembrane proteins to optimize viral replication and provide immune‐evasion, triggering ubiquitin‐mediated degradation of some targets but also modulating endosomal trafficking to deplete them from the plasma membrane. Interactions between Vpu and the heterotetrameric clathrin adaptor protein (AP) complexes AP‐1 and AP‐2 have been described, yet the molecular basis and functional roles of such interactions are incompletely defined. To investigate the trafficking signals encoded by Vpu, we fused the cytoplasmic domain (CD) of Vpu to the extracellular and transmembrane domains of the CD8 α‐chain. CD8‐VpuCD was rapidly endocytosed in a clathrin‐ and AP‐2‐dependent manner. Multiple determinants within the Vpu CD contributed to endocytic activity, including phosphoserines of the β‐TrCP binding site and a leucine‐based ExxxLV motif. Using recombinant proteins, we confirmed ExxxLV‐dependent binding of the Vpu CD to the α/σ2 subunit hemicomplex of AP‐2 and showed that this is enhanced by serine‐phosphorylation. Remarkably, the Vpu CD also bound directly to the medium (μ) subunits of AP‐2 and AP‐1; this interaction was dependent on serine‐phosphorylation of Vpu and on basic residues in the μ subunits. We propose that the flexibility with which Vpu binds AP complexes broadens the range of cellular targets that it can misdirect to the virus' advantage.
Global production sharing: Exploring Australia's competitive edge
Authors: Athukorala Prema‐chandra , Talgaswatta Tala , Majeed Omer
Published: May 2017

Cross‐border dispersion of production processes within vertically integrated global industries (“global production sharing”) has been an increasingly important structural feature of economic globalisation in the recent decades. This paper examines patterns and determinants of global production sharing with an emphasis on how Australian manufacturing fits into global production networks (GPNs). Though Australia is a minor player inGPNs, there is evidence that Australian manufacturing has a distinct competitive edge in specialised, skill‐intensive tasks in several industries such as aircraft, medical devices, machine tools, measuring and scientific equipment and photographic equipment. Specialisation in high‐value‐to‐weight components and final goods withinGPNs, which are suitable for air transport, helps Australian manufacturing to overcome the “tyranny of distance” in world trade. Being predominantly “relationship specific,” AustralianGPNexports are not significantly susceptible to real exchange rate appreciation.
Long‐term safety from transmission of porcine endogenous retrovirus after pig‐to‐non‐human primate corneal transplantation
Authors: Choi Hyuk Jin , Kim Jiyeon , Kim Jae Young , Lee Hyun Ju , Wee Won Ryang , Kim Mee Kum , Hwang Eung Soo
Published: May 2017

Background

The risk of xenozoonosis mainly by porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) has been considered as one of the main hurdles in xenotransplantation and therefore should be elucidated prior to the clinical use of porcine corneal grafts. Accordingly, an investigation was performed to analyze the infectivity of PERVs from porcine keratocytes to human cells, and the long‐term risk of transmission of PERVs was determined using pig‐to‐non‐human primate (NHP) corneal transplantation models.

Methods

The infectivity of PERVs from the SNU miniature pig keratocytes was investigated by coculture with a human embryonic kidney cell line. Twenty‐two rhesus macaques underwent xenocorneal transplantation as follows: (i) group 1 (n=4): anterior lamellar keratoplasty (LKP) with freshly preserved porcine corneas, (ii) group 2 (n=5): anterior LKP with decellularized porcine corneas followed by penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) with allografts, (iii) group 3 (n=3): PKP under steroid‐based immunosuppression, (iv) group 4 (n=4): PKP under anti‐CD154 antibody‐based immunosuppression, (v) group 5 (n=4): deep anterior LKP with freshly preserved porcine corneas under anti‐CD40 antibody‐based immunosuppression, and (vi) group 6 (n=2): PKP under anti‐CD40 antibody‐based immunosuppression. Postoperative blood samples were serially collected, and tissue samples were obtained from thirteen different organs at the end of each experiment. The existence of PERV DNA and RNA was investigated using PCR and RT‐PCR.

Results

Using two independent in vitro infectivity tests, neither PERV pol nor pig mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase II was detected after 41 and 92 days of coculture, respectively. After xenocorneal transplantation, a total of 257 serial peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples, 34 serial plasma samples, and 282 tissue samples were obtained from the NHP recipients up to 1176 days post‐transplantation. No PERV transmission was evident in any samples.

Conclusions

Within the limits of this study, there is no evidence to support any risk of PERV transmission from porcine corneal tissues to NHP recipients, despite the existence of PERV‐expressing cells in porcine corneas.
Aerobic capacity mediates susceptibility for the transition from steatosis to steatohepatitis
Authors: Morris E. Matthew , McCoin Colin S. , Allen Julie A. , Gastecki Michelle L. , Koch Lauren G. , Britton Steven L. , Fletcher Justin A. , Fu Xiarong , Ding Wen‐Xing , Burgess Shawn C. , Rector R. Scott , Thyfault John P.
Published: May 2017

Key points

Low intrinsic aerobic capacity is associated with increased all‐cause and liver‐related mortality in humans.

Low intrinsic aerobic capacity in the low capacity runner (LCR) rat increases susceptibility to acute and chronic high‐fat/high‐sucrose diet‐induced steatosis, without observed increases in liver inflammation.

Addition of excess cholesterol to a high‐fat/high‐sucrose diet produced greater steatosis in LCR and high capacity runner (HCR) rats. However, the LCR rat demonstrated greater susceptibility to increased liver inflammatory and apoptotic markers compared to the HCR rat.

The progressive non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease observed in the LCR rats following western diet feeding was associated with further declines in liver fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial respiratory capacity compared to HCR rats.

Low aerobic capacity increases risk for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver‐related disease mortality, but mechanisms mediating these effects remain unknown. We recently reported that rats bred for low aerobic capacity (low capacity runner; LCR) displayed susceptibility to high fat diet‐induced steatosis in association with reduced hepatic mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and respiratory capacity compared to high aerobic capacity (high capacity runner; HCR) rats. Here we tested the impact of aerobic capacity on susceptibility for progressive liver disease following a 16‐week ‘western diet’ (WD) high in fat (45% kcal), cholesterol (1% w/w) and sucrose (15% kcal). Unlike previously with a diet high in fat and sucrose alone, the inclusion of cholesterol in the WD induced hepatomegaly and steatosis in both HCR and LCR rats, while producing greater cholesterol ester accumulation in LCR compared to HCR rats. Importantly, WD‐fed low‐fitness LCR rats displayed greater inflammatory cell infiltration, serum alanine transaminase, expression of hepatic inflammatory markers (F4/80, MCP‐1, TLR4, TLR2 and IL‐1β) and effector caspase (caspase 3 and 7) activation compared to HCR rats. Further, LCR rats had greater WD‐induced decreases in complete FAO and mitochondrial respiratory capacity. Intrinsic aerobic capacity had no impact on WD‐induced hepatic steatosis; however, rats bred for low aerobic capacity developed greater hepatic inflammation, which was associated with reduced hepatic mitochondrial FAO and respiratory capacity and increased accumulation of cholesterol esters. These results confirm epidemiological reports that aerobic capacity impacts progression of liver disease and suggest that these effects are mediated through alterations in hepatic mitochondrial function.
Improvement in Microscratch Resistance of Graphite by Surface Modification for Molding Applications
Authors: Amanov Auezhan , Urmanov Bakhtiyor , Kim Ki-Chol , Pyun Young-Sik
Published: May 2017

This paper deals with the improvement in surface properties and microscratch resistance of graphites by means of an ultrasonic nanocrystalline surface modification (UNSM) technique. The surface roughness and surface hardness of the untreated and UNSM-treated graphites were investigated using an atomic force microscopy (AFM) and a microhardness tester, respectively. The scratch resistance was assessed using a microscratch tester at a progressive load. Moreover, a Raman spectroscopy was employed to characterize the microstructure of graphites before and after UNSM treatment. The scratch test results revealed that the resistance to scratch of both UNSM-treated graphites was found to be better in comparison with the untreated graphites. The increase in scratch resistance of both UNSM-treated graphites may be mainly attributed to the reduced surface roughness and increased surface hardness by UNSM treatment. The graphite produced by Poco exhibited a higher resistance to scratch compared to that of the graphite produced by Mersen. The objective of this study is to extend the service life of three-dimensional (3D) cover glass moldings made of graphite by the application of UNSM treatment through the understanding the effects of surface roughness and surface hardness on the scratch defect generation behavior during glass molding process.
Prandtl Number Effect on the Laminar Convective Heat Transfer From a Rotating Disk
Authors: Helcig Christian , aus der Wiesche Stefan , Shevchuk Igor V.
Published: May 2017

Convective heat transfer in rotating disk systems is of great importance in many engineering applications. Despite the high practical relevance, there have been only a small number of experimental investigations regarding the influence of the Prandtl number larger than unity. Ever since Dorfman's pioneering work more than 50 years ago, various analytical works about the heat transfer of a rotating disk have been published. However, this study is a novelty because measurements of the laminar convective heat transfer over a free rotating disk for a wide range of Prandtl number up to Pr=5000 are presented. The accuracy of the employed experimental apparatus was assessed by heat transfer measurements in air, for which reliable literature data are widely available. Natural convection effects and temperature-dependent physical properties have been taken into consideration using the property-ratio method. The experimental results are in excellent agreement with analytical self-similar solutions and the theoretical correlation of Lin and Lin. The applicability of frequently used heat transfer correlations is assessed by the means of the new experimental data.
Study of Nonequilibrium Size and Concentration Effects on the Heat and Mass Diffusion of Indistinguishable Particles Using Steepest-Entropy-Ascent Quantum Thermodynamics
Authors: Li Guanchen , von Spakovsky Michael R.
Published: May 2017

Conventional first-principle approaches for studying nonequilibrium processes depend on the mechanics of individual particles or quantum states and as a result require many details of the mechanical features of the system to arrive at a macroscopic property. In contrast, thermodynamics, which has been successful in the stable equilibrium realm, provides an approach for determining macroscopic properties without the mechanical details. Nonetheless, this phenomenological approach is not generally applicable to a nonequilibrium process except in the near-equilibrium realm and under the local equilibrium and continuum assumptions, both of which limit its ability to describe nonequilibrium phenomena. Furthermore, predicting the thermodynamic features of a nonequilibrium process (of entropy generation) across all scales is difficult. To address these drawbacks, steepest-entropy-ascent quantum thermodynamics (SEAQT) can be used. It provides a first-principle thermodynamic-ensemble based approach applicable to the entire nonequilibrium realm even that far-from-equilibrium and does so with a single kinematics and dynamics, which crosses all temporal and spatial scales. Based on prior developments by the authors, SEAQT is used here to study the heat and mass diffusion of indistinguishable particles. The study focuses on the thermodynamic features of far-from-equilibrium state evolution, which is separated from the specific mechanics of individual particle interactions. Results for nonequilibrium size (volume) and concentration effects on the evolutionary state trajectory are presented for the case of high temperature and low particle concentration, which, however, do not impact the generality of the theory and will in future studies be relaxed.
Assessment of Thermal Fatigue Predictions of Pipes With Spectral Methods
Authors: Costa Garrido Oriol , El Shawish Samir , Cizelj Leon
Published: May 2017

Large sets of fluid temperature histories and a recently proposed thermal fatigue assessment procedure are employed in this paper to deliver more accurate statistics of predicted lives of pipes and their uncertainties under turbulent fluid mixing circumstances. The wide variety of synthetic fluid temperatures, generated with an improved spectral method, results in a set of estimated distributions of fatigue lives through linear one-dimensional (1D) heat diffusion, thermal stress estimates, and fatigue assessment codified rules. The results of the fatigue analysis indicate that, in order to avoid the inherent uncertainties due to comparatively short fluid temperature histories to the estimated fatigue lives, a conservative safe design against thermal fatigue could be attempted with the lower bounds of the predicted life distributions, such as the 5% probability life (5% of samples fail). The impact of the convection heat transfer coefficient on the predictions is also studied in a sensitivity analysis. This represents a detailed attempt to correlate the uncertainties in the physical fluid mixing conditions and heat transfer to the estimated fatigue life using spectral methods.
Nonrigidly Foldability Analysis of Kresling Cylindrical Origami
Authors: Jianguo Cai , Yangqing Liu , Ruijun Ma , Jian Feng , Ya Zhou
Published: May 2017

Rigid origami is seen as a fundamental model in many self-folding machines. A key issue in designing origami is the rigid/nonrigid foldability. The kinematic and foldability of Kresling origami, which is based on an origami pattern of the vertex with six creases, are studied in this paper. The movement of the single-vertex is first discussed. Based on the quaternion method, the loop-closure equation of the vertex with six creases is obtained. Then, the multitransformable behavior of the single vertex is investigated. Furthermore, the rigid foldability of origami patterns with multivertex is investigated with an improved dual quaternion method, which is based on studying the folding angle and the coordinates of all vertices. It can be found that the Kresling cylinder is not rigidly foldable.
The application of XANES for the examination of silver, gold, mercury, and sulfur on the daguerreotype surface
Authors: Kozachuk M.S. , Martin R.R. , Sham T.K. , Robinson M. , Nelson A.J.
Published: May 2017

X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy was used to study a freshly prepared reference daguerreotype surface as the first step in devising improved methods for the conservation of these important historic artifacts. The results are consistent with the formation of alloy image particles. Interdiffusion of gold and silver has led to the development of a silver–gold alloy; the composition varies with depth. The amount of gold appeared to be elevated in the highlighted regions of the image, whereas shadow regions have lower levels of gold on the surface. The apparent increase in gold within the highlighted region may be due to the larger surface area presented by an array of small image particles. The mercury used to develop the daguerreian image showed no evidence of oxidation while a mercury–silver alloy was detected. Sulfur-based contaminants are also detected. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Large-scale hollow nanoparticle identification by X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Tang Yuanhong , Wang Zhiqiang , Wang Dongniu , Wang Jian , Sham Tsun-Kong
Published: May 2017

Large-scale SiO2 hollow nanoparticles were synthesized by a sol-gel method. The composition, morphology, and chemical bonding information of SiO2 hollow nanoparticles were studied by X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM). XANES at the Si L-edge and K-edge reveal the characteristics of hollow nanoparticles, which are essentially amorphous SiO2 with a slightly longer Si–O bond than SiO2 nanoparticles on average and deficiencies in oxygen. Individual SiO2 hollow spheres were also examined using STXM, which provides spectromicroscopic information, as well as the absolute thickness, of the sample.
Dendrimer and dendrimer–conjugate protein complexes and protein coronas
Authors: Chen Junjie , Banaszak Holl Mark M.
Published: May 2017

Dendrimers and dendrimer conjugates are widely employed for biological applications such as bio-imaging and drug delivery. Understanding the interaction between dendrimers and their biological environment is key to evaluating the efficacy and safety of these materials. Proteins can form an adsorbed layer, termed a “protein corona”, on dendrimers in either a non-specific or specific fashion. A tight-binding, non-exchangeable corona is defined as a “hard” corona, whereas a loosely bound, highly exchangeable corona is called a “soft” corona. Recent research indicates that small molecules conjugated to the polymer surface can induce protein structural change, leading to tighter protein–dendrimer binding and further protein aggregation. This “triggered” corona formation on dendrimer and dendrimer conjugates is reviewed and discussed along with the existing hard or soft corona model. This review describes the triggered corona model to further the understanding of protein corona formation.
Effect of temperature on DNA condensation at single molecule level
Authors: Zhang Min , Gu Lingyun , Fan Yangtao , Liu Yanhui , Zhou Xun
Published: May 2017

DNA condensation by multivalent cations has been extensively studied using single molecule experiment methods. To detect temperature effect on DNA condensation at the single molecule level, a strong correlation model was developed to investigate the behavior of DNA with self-interactions under constant tension. The simulation results are in line with the single molecule experiment that the kinetics of DNA condensation take on discontinuous and stepwise manner regardless of the toroid or rod-like conformation. By incorporating the temperature dependence of DNA persistence length into the strong correlation model, the temperature effect on DNA condensation is identified. The results indicate that condensed DNA conformations at single molecule level become more compact with increasing temperature.
Simultaneous dipole and quadrupole moment contribution in the Bogoliubov spectrum: Application of the non-integral Gross–Pitaevskii equation
Authors: Andreev Pavel A.
Published: May 2017

We present the Gross–Pitaevskii equation for Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs) possessing the electric dipole and the electric quadrupole moments in a non-integral form. These equations are coupled with the Maxwell equations. The model under consideration includes the dipole–dipole, the dipole–quadrupole, and the quadrupole–quadrupole interactions in terms of the electric field created by the dipoles and quadrupoles. We apply this model to obtain the Bogoliubov spectrum for three-dimensional BECs with a repulsive short-range interaction. We obtain an extra term in the Bogoliubov spectrum in comparison with the dipolar BECs. We show that the quadrupole–quadrupole interaction gives a positive contribution in the Bogoliubov spectrum. Hence, this spectrum is stable.
Two-dimensional Morphological Characteristics of the Distal Radius on Axial Magnetic Resonance Image and the Effects on Distal Screw Length
Authors: Park Ho Youn , Roh Youn Tae , Min Dong Uk , Song Seok Whan , Sur Yoo Joon
Published: May 2017

Background: Detection of dorsal cortical penetration of distal locking screws is difficult owing to the irregular shape of the dorsal surface of the distal radius. This study was designed to analyze two-dimensional morphological characteristics of the distal radius on axial magnetic resonance image, and to suggest a guideline for evaluation of screw length in distal radius fractures on the fluoroscopic or plain X-ray true lateral image.

Methods: Anteroposterior length and lateral width of the distal radius, distance between the highest and the lowest point of the dorsal cortex (deceptive length), and widths of the first to second (hazard zone) and the third to fifth extensor compartments (safe zone) at the Lister tubercle level were measured on 104 axial magnetic resonance images by two hand surgeons.

Results: The mean length and width of the distal radius at the Lister tubercle level were 22.96 mm and 30.42 mm, respectively. The mean hazard zone and safe zone widths were 8.72 mm and 19.43 mm, respectively. The mean deceptive length was 4.07 mm and the deceptive length did not have a relationship with height, sex, and age of subjects.

Conclusions: We suggest that 4 mm be used as a reference value for the evaluation screw length at the safe zone. If the vertical distance between a distal screw tip and the peak of the Lister tubercle is lesser than 4 mm on a fluoroscopic or plain X-ray true lateral image, dorsal cortical penetration should be suspected. When dorsal cortical penetration at the hazard zone is suspected, both oblique or pro-supination views should be checked.
The Outcome of Treatment of Flexor Sheath (seed) Ganglia by a Percutaneous Partial Pulley Release
Authors: Lavalette David , Giddins Grey
Published: May 2017

Background: The aims of this study were to assess the safety and efficacy of a technique of partial percutaneous pulley release.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken treating adults with seed ganglia with a percutaneous pulley release. The patients were reviewed independently after a mean of 6 (range 6–36) months.

Results: We treated 24 patients over a 3 year period. There were 14 women and ten men. The mean age was 39 (range 17-65) years. We were able to assess 21 patients with long term follow up. There was complete resolution in 14 (2/3) and partial resolution in four. The remaining three patients had persisting symptoms and requested open surgical excision. Apart from local tenderness and failure of resolution there were no complications of percutaneous pulley release.

Conclusions: Bursting or aspiration of flexor sheath ganglia appears to be the best primary treatment. If the ganglion recurs, this study suggests a percutaneous release is safe and will resolve the symptoms in most patients.
Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Reuse in a Developing Country Context: Evidence at the Firm Level from Ecuador
Authors: Zapata Oscar
Published: May 2017

Wastewater reuse constitutes an alternative supply source of water. It not only increases the amount of water available but also reduces water pollution. The benefits and costs of this practice, and the public perception of reuse are the focus of several studies. However, the evidence on industrial wastewater reuse at the firm level remains scant. This paper is aimed at filling this gap by presenting evidence on the determinants of both wastewater treatment and reuse practices in a developing country context. I use firm level data from the Survey on Firms’ Environmental Practices of Ecuador. My results show that wastewater management in general, and reuse in particular, are still limited practices in the industrial sector of the country. My results suggest that firm’s decisions to treat and reuse depends on long-term firm’s characteristics, such as annual investment, the nature of the production process and local conditions, as well as the scale of production and water consumption. Volumes of wastewater treated and reused depend positively on the amount of water used in the production process and the firm’s annual level of investment or expenditure. The cost of the practice only affects the volume treated. The results suggest that targeting water-intensive industry sectors and the costs of wastewater treatment can play an important role for a more sustainable use of water in the industrial sector of Ecuador.