bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geochemistry of silicate melt inclusions in middle and southern Okinawa Trough rocks: Implications for petrogenesis and variable subducted sediment component injection
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Zeng Zhigang , Yang Huixin , Yin Xuebo , Wang Xiaoyuan , Chen Shuai , Ma Yao , Guo Kun
Published: May 2018

Silicate melt inclusions (SMIs) in olivine, clinopyroxene, and orthopyroxene in basalt and trachyandesite of the middle Okinawa Trough (MOT) and in basaltic andesites of the southern Okinawa Trough (SOT) were investigated in detail to understand the evolution of magma and geochemical characteristics of the basaltic magma source. Both the SMIs and host bulk rocks are more heavily enriched with Pb and large ion lithophile elements than with high field strength elements and rare earth elements. The major element compositions of SMIs in the MOT trachyandesite show a scattered variation trend of medium‐K to shoshonitic series and suggest that a K‐rich magma source may exist in the Okinawa Trough. Two groups with distinct element distribution patterns observed in SMIs of the MOT trachyandesite may represent magmas with different evolutionary histories. Compared with fractional crystallization and partial melting processes, magma mixing may serve as a reasonable process for the production of trachyandesite in the MOT. Fractional crystallization has played an important role in basaltic magma evolution in the MOT and SOT. Simulations conducted using MELTS show that the fractional crystallization evolution trends observed correspond well to the presence of a magma chamber at 300 MPa with an H2O content level of 0.2 wt% in the MOT and to the presence of a magma chamber at 300 MPa with an H2O content level of 0.4 wt% in the SOT. Ratios of incompatible trace elements (e.g., Th/Ce, Th/Sm, Ba/Th, and Th/Nb); positive Pb anomalies; negative Nb, Ta, and Ti anomalies; and the existence of organic hydrocarbons (CnHm) in the SMIs can be attributed to the involvement of subducted sediment from the subducting slab. Modelling results suggest that more primitive magma represented by SMIs from the MOT has formed through the melting of less than 6% of a metasomatized depleted mantle with contributions of 1.2% sediment melt and 0.8% sediment fluid. In contrast, more primitive magma from the SOT formed through the melting of 4–10% of the depleted mantle with contributions of 3% sediment melt and 1% sediment fluid. The different features of the SMIs together with different tectonic settings of the MOT and SOT have formed in response to the westward subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate.
The roles of extracellular vesicle microRNAs in the central nervous system
Authors: Blandford Stephanie N. , Galloway Dylan A. , Moore Craig S.
Published: May 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, highly conserved non‐coding RNA molecules that post‐transcriptionally regulate protein expression and most biological processes. Mature miRNAs are recruited to the RNA‐induced silencing complex (RISC) and target mRNAs via complementary base‐pairing, thus resulting in translational inhibition and/or transcript degradation. Here, we present evidence implicating miRNAs within extracellular vesicles (EVs), including microvesicles and exosomes, as mediators of central nervous system (CNS) development, homeostasis, and injury. EVs are extracellular vesicles that are secreted by all cells and represent a novel method of intercellular communication. In glial cells, the transfer of miRNAs via EVs can alter the function of recipient cells and significantly impacts cellular mechanisms involved in both injury and repair. This review discusses the value of information to be gained by studying miRNAs within EVs in the context of CNS diseases and their potential use in the development of novel disease biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.
Chest width, waist circumference, and thigh circumference are predictors of dementia
Authors: Liao Pei‐Ju , Lin Tzu‐Yu , Ting Ming‐Kuo , Peng Tsung‐I , Chiou Wen‐Ko , Chen Li‐Hsuan , Hsu Kuang‐Hung
Published: May 2018

Objective

Few studies have investigated the relationship between specific body measures and dementia.

Methods

Three‐dimensional anthropometric body surface scanning data containing 38 body measures were collected from 6831 participants from the health examination department of a medical center in Taiwan during 2000 to 2008, and 236 dementia cases were identified during the 10‐year follow‐up. A multiple Cox regression analysis was performed.

Results

Specific body measures, namely chest width (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.83–0.98), and right thigh circumference (HR = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.90–0.96), were protective predictors to dementia occurrence. Waist circumference (HR = 1.03; 95% CI = 1.02–1.05) was a risk factor in dementia occurrence. Among the combinations, dementia risk was higher in participants with a larger waist circumference and a smaller right thigh circumference, with the highest HR of 2.49 (95% CI = 1.54–4.03).

Conclusion

The body measures provide clues for future applications and scientific merits in both clinical and preventive medicine.
MEASUREMENT ISSUES IN HOME‐VISITING RESEARCH WITHIN TRIBAL COMMUNITIES: CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES
Authors: Whitesell Nancy Rumbaugh , Bolan Marc , Chomos Julianna C , Heath Debra , Miles Jon , Salvador Melina , Whitmore Corrie , Barlow Allison
Published: May 2018

In this article, Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) grantees share strategies they have developed and adopted to address the most common barriers to effective measurement (and thus to effective evaluation) encountered in the course of implementation and evaluation of their home‐visiting programs. We identify key challenges in measuring outcomes in Tribal MIECHV Programs and provide practical examples of various strategies used to address these challenges within diverse American Indian and Alaska Native cultural and contextual settings. Notably, high‐quality community engagement is a consistent thread throughout these strategies and fundamental to successful measurement in these communities. These strategies and practices reflect the experiences and innovative solutions of practitioners working on the ground to deliver and evaluate intervention programs to tribal communities. They may serve as models for getting high‐quality data to inform intervention while working within the constraints and requirements of program funding. The utility of these practical solutions extends beyond the Tribal MIECHV grantees and offers the potential to inform a broad array of intervention evaluation efforts in tribal and other community contexts.
Molecular dynamics simulations using the drude polarizable force field on GPUs with OpenMM: Implementation, validation, and benchmarks
Authors: Huang Jing , Lemkul Justin A. , Eastman Peter K. , MacKerell Alexander D.
Published: May 2018

Presented is the implementation of the Drude force field in the open‐source OpenMM simulation package allowing for access to graphical processing unit (GPU) hardware. In the Drude model, electronic degrees of freedom are represented by negatively charged particles attached to their parent atoms via harmonic springs, such that extra computational overhead comes from these additional particles and virtual sites representing lone pairs on electronegative atoms, as well as the associated thermostat and integration algorithms. This leads to an approximately fourfold increase in computational demand over additive force fields. However, by making the Drude model accessible to consumer‐grade desktop GPU hardware it will be possible to perform simulations of one microsecond or more in less than a month, indicating that the barrier to employ polarizable models has largely been removed such that polarizable simulations with the classical Drude model are readily accessible and practical.
The unexpected impact of expressive writing on posttraumatic stress and growth in Chinese American breast cancer survivors
Authors: Gallagher Matthew W. , Long Laura J. , Tsai William , Stanton Annette L. , Lu Qian
Published: May 2018

Objective

The present study examined the impact of expressive writing on reducing posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSS) and facilitating posttraumatic growth (PTG) in Chinese American breast cancer survivors.

Method

Ninety‐six women who had completed primary treatments for breast cancer were randomly assigned to a cancer experience facts condition, an emotional disclosure condition, or a self‐regulation condition and wrote on three occasions over 3 weeks. Participants completed outcome assessments at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after the last writing session.

Results

Surprisingly, results indicated that there was generally a small increase in PTSS (ESsg = .16) and a small decrease in PTG (ESsg = −.16) from baseline to the 6‐month follow‐up. Effect size comparisons and latent growth curve models also indicated that the cancer facts condition was generally associated with superior outcomes for both PTSS and PTG.

Conclusions

These findings speak to the importance of examining whether interventions are equally efficacious in different cultures.
Process evaluation of a community outpatient program treating substance use disorders
Authors: Sorensen James L. , Llamas Jasmin D.
Published: May 2018

Addiction treatment can improve its impact by providing evidence‐based care for the variety of problems that accompany substance use disorders. We conducted a retrospective evaluation of a new treatment program in California that aimed at providing multifaceted services through affiliated licensed and certified outpatient providers. The process evaluation used a logic model, focusing on program inputs, activities, and outputs, to understand the services received by the initial 18 clients who entered treatment. Results indicated that clients received a variety of services: On average, clients contracted for 118 treatment sessions and received 143 sessions. Among the many types of services provided, the most frequently received were integrative healthcare (averaging 42 sessions), group therapy (32 sessions), and individual therapy (32 sessions). This logic‐model process evaluation indicated that a range of services were provided. The comprehensive approach may have promise for extending addiction treatment beyond its usual boundaries.
Effects of unsupportive social interactions, stigma, and symptoms on patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: McManimen Stephanie L. , McClellan Damani , Stoothoff Jamie , Jason Leonard A.
Published: May 2018

Prior research has found a heightened risk of suicide in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). It is possible that a number of factors including stigma, unsupportive social interactions, and severe symptoms could lead to the development of depression, suicidal ideation, and heightened risk of suicide in this patient population. Prior studies have indicated that patients often report the legitimacy of their illness being questioned by family, friends, and even their physicians. This study aimed to determine whether stigma experienced, social support, symptomology, and functioning may be associated with depression and endorsement of suicidal ideation (SI) in patients with a self‐reported diagnosis of ME or CFS. Findings indicated that participants that endorsed both SI and depression, in contrast to those that did not, experienced more frequent unsupportive social interactions in the form of blame for their illness, minimization of its severity, and social distancing from others. In addition, 7.1% of patients with ME and CFS endorsed SI but do not meet the criteria for clinical depression These findings highlight the importance of stigma and unsupportive social interactions as risk factors for suicidal thoughts or actions among patients with ME and CFS. Community psychologists have an important role to play in helping educate health care professionals and the public to these types of risk factors for patients marginalized by ME and CFS.
High prevalence and correlates of human herpesvirus‐6A in nevocytic nevus and seborrheic diseases: Implication from a pilot study of skin patient tissues in Shanghai
Authors: Ding Ling , Mo Xiaohui , Zhang Liming , Zhou Feng , Zhu Caixia , Wang Yuyan , Cai Cankun , Liu Yeqiang , Wei Fang , Cai Qiliang
Published: May 2018

Skin disorders vary greatly in symptom and severity, and the causes of these disorders are largely unknown. Human herpesvirus (HHV) has been shown to cause many diseases. However, the prevalence and correlation of each HHV infection with different skin disorders remains obscure. To reveal the potential link of a certain type of skin disease with herpesvirus infection, a total of 272 patient tissues with inflammatory or neoplastic skin diseases including 7 subtypes in Shanghai, China, were investigated. We found that the overall prevalence of HHV‐6A in inflammatory or neoplastic skin tissues is the most common (40.3%), followed by Epstein‐Barr virus (17.6%), Kaposi’s sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV; 9.2%), HHV‐6B (4.4%), human cytomegalovirus (1.1%), and varicella‐zoster virus (0.7%); albeit the co‐infection of HHV‐6A, Epstein‐Barr virus, and KSHV presents to a less extent and none of HSV‐1, HSV‐2, or HHV‐7 were detected. Moreover, HHV‐6A infection is highly associated with nevocytic nevus and seborrheic dermatitis/keratosis diseases, which mainly occur in the head and the neck or the lower limb. Despite no significant difference among the HHV infections in different age groups of skin patient tissues, the distribution of KSHV infection was exclusively and significantly higher (~3.7‐fold) in male skin patients.
Examining the behavioral and structural characteristics of team leadership in extreme environments
Authors: Burke C. Shawn , Shuffler Marissa L. , Wiese Christopher W.
Published: May 2018

Despite the growing interest in extreme teams, there is currently a lack of understanding concerning leadership within such teams, as the literature has predominantly focused on team leadership within the context of traditional organizations. The current study investigates team leadership within the context of teams operating in extreme environments, with a specific focus on teams operating in isolated, confined environments. We seek to identify team leadership functions as well as a subset of structural characteristics associated with team leadership in extreme environments (i.e., formality of leadership, locus of leadership, and leadership distribution). We leverage a historiometric approach to capitalize on real historical examples of extreme teams that are rich with critical information regarding actual team leadership functions occurring in extreme settings. Results suggest that team leadership functions such as team problem solving, supporting social climate, structure and planning, and sensemaking are among the most prevalent. Results also indicated that the degree to which leadership is distributed throughout the team as well as the formality of leadership varies across action and transition phases of the team's task cycle.
Oral prebiotics and the influence of environmental conditions in vitro
Authors: Slomka Vera , Herrero Esteban Rodriguez , Boon Nico , Bernaerts Kristel , Trivedi Harsh M. , Daep Carlo , Quirynen Marc , Teughels Wim
Published: May 2018

Background

Only recently the concept of prebiotics has been introduced in oral health. Few potential oral prebiotics have already been identified in dual species competition assays, showing a stimulatory effect on beneficial bacteria and by this suppressing the outgrowth of pathogenic species. This study aimed to validate the effect of previously identified potential prebiotic substrates on multispecies cultures by shifting the biofilm composition towards a more beneficial species dominated microbiota.

Methods

A chemostat culture containing 14 model oral bacterial species was used to grow biofilms for 24 hours which subsequently were treated with prebiotic solutions three times a day for 3 consecutive days. Further the influence of environmental factors such as pH, nutrient availability, oxygen concentration and prebiotic dose on the efficacy of the prebiotic substances was investigated.

Results

Three potential prebiotic substrates N‐acetyl‐D‐mannosamine, succinic acid and Met‐Pro were able to bring the beneficial proportion to > 95%. While the pH of the prebiotic solution did not have an influence on the prebiotic effect, the interplay of nutrient availability, oxygen concentration and prebiotic treatment resulted in significant changes of the microbial composition identifying N‐acetyl‐D‐mannosamine as the most promising oral prebiotic substrate. Showing a clear dose dependent effect, concentrations of N‐acetyl‐D‐mannosamine of 1.0 and 1.5 M resulted in a biofilm composition of 97% beneficial species.

Conclusion

Introducing the prebiotic concept in oral health might reveal a valid approach for treatment and prevention of oral diseases and promote oral health.
Bone heat generated using conventional implant drills versus piezosurgery unit during apical cortical plate perforation
Authors: Lajolo Carlo , Valente Nicola Alberto , Romandini William Giuseppe , Petruzzi Massimo , Verdugo Fernando , D'Addona Antonio
Published: May 2018

Background

The apical portion of the implant osteotomy receives less irrigation and cooling during surgical preparation. High bone temperature, above the critical 10°C threshold, may impair osseointegration, particularly around dense cortical bone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the apical cortical plate temperature increase with two different devices and pressure loads in a porcine rib ex vivo model.

Methods

A total of 24 implant sites were prepared on porcine ribs, divided into 4 groups of 6 samples each, according to the device used (conventional drill system or piezosurgery) and pressure load applied (1,000 g or 1,500 g). A rubber dam was used to isolate the apical cortical plate from the cooling effect of irrigation. Temperature variation measurements were taken using an infrared thermometer.

Results

The piezosurgery unit was two times more likely to increase the osteotomy temperature by 10°C (OR = 2; 95% CI 1.136, 3.522; P < 0.05). The average temperature increase was 0.07°C (SD = 0.10) for group 1 (drill system 1,000 g); 0.22°C (SD = 0.26) for group 2 (drill system 1,500 g); 9.18°C (SD = 4.51) for group 3 (piezosurgery 1,000 g); and 8.17°C (SD = 6.12) for group 4 (piezosurgery 1,500 g). The piezosurgery site preparation had significantly higher temperature increase than did the conventional drill site preparation (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in temperature change between the two pressure loads applied (P = 0.78). Temperature increases exceeded the critical 10°C threshold in half of the samples prepared with the piezoelectric device.

Conclusions

Bone overheating using a piezosurgery unit is a potential risk during implant site preparation. The piezosurgical device resulted in significantly higher temperatures than did conventional drilling at the apical cortical portion of the osteotomy. The temperature increase was often higher than the critical 10°C threshold.
Rho‐kinase inhibitor Y‐27632 downregulates LPS‐induced IL‐6 and IL‐8 production via blocking p38 MAPK and NF‐κB pathways in human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Kang Wenyan , Shang Lingling , Wang Ting , Liu Hongrui , Ge Shaohua
Published: May 2018

Background

Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plays a major role in the initiation and progression of chronic periodontitis. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) interact with bacteria or bacterial products and trigger inflammatory signaling pathways that destroy periodontal tissues. RhoA regulates cytokine production in various cell types. This study investigated the role of Rho‐kinase inhibitor Y‐27632 in LPS‐induced nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) and p‐38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, and inflammatory cytokine production in HGFs.

Methods

Effects of Y‐27632, SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor), and BAY11‐7082 (NF‐κB inhibitor) were assessed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated HGFs. Cytotoxicity assays were used to determine the effect of the drugs on HGF viability. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction were applied to evaluate the levels of interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, and Toll‐like receptors (TLRs). NF‐κB and p38 MAPK pathway activation was detected by western blot and immunocytochemistry.

Results

P. gingivalis LPS at 5 μg/mL, 10 μM Y‐27632, 10 μM SB203580, and 5 μM BAY11‐7082 exhibited no toxicity in HGFs. LPS activated NF‐κB and p38 MAPK by increasing degradation of IκBα and phosphorylation of IκBα, p65, and p38, and facilitating p65 translocation from the cytoplasm to nuclei. The activation of NF‐κB and p38 MAPK induced overproduction of IL‐6 and IL‐8 at both mRNA and protein levels. However, Y‐27632 attenuated LPS‐induced NF‐κB and p38 MAPK activation and inflammatory cytokine production.

Conclusions

Rho‐kinase inhibitor Y‐27632 downregulates LPS‐induced IL‐6 and IL‐8 production by blocking NF‐κB and p38 MAPK activation in HGFs.
Periodontitis and prevalence of elevated aminotransferases in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos
Authors: Akinkugbe Aderonke A. , Barritt A. Sidney , Cai Jianwen , Offenbacher Steven , Thyagarajan Bharat , Khambaty Tasneem , Singer Richard , Kallwitz Eric , Heiss Gerardo , Slade Gary D.
Published: May 2018

Background

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prevalence is greater among Hispanics/Latinos than other racial/ethnic groups and prevalence is further reported to vary among Hispanic/Latino background groups. Experimental animal and human studies demonstrate associations between periodontitis and NAFLD, not yet reported among Hispanics/Latinos. This study examined periodontitis as a novel risk factor that may contribute to the burden of NAFLD among Hispanics/Latinos.

Methods

Data came from 11,914 participants of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. Periodontitis was defined as the extent (none, < 30%, ≥30%) of periodontal sites with clinical attachment level (CAL) of ≥3 mm or probing pocket depth (PD) of ≥4 mm. Elevated serum transaminases indicative of suspected NAFLD were defined as having alanine aminotransferase levels (ALT) > 40 IU/L or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) > 37 IU/L for men and ALT > 31 IU/L or AST > 31 IU/L for women. Survey‐logistic regression models estimated prevalence odds ratios (POR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between periodontitis and suspected NAFLD.

Results

The overall age‐standardized percentage of study participants with < 30% of sites with CAL ≥3 mm or PD ≥4 mm was 53.5% and 58.6%, respectively, while participants with ≥30% sites with CAL ≥3 mm or PD ≥4 mm comprised 16% and 5.72%, respectively. The overall age‐standardized prevalence (95% CI) of suspected NAFLD was 18.1% (17.1‐19.0). For the entire cohort, we observed a dose‐response (i.e. graded) association between PD ≥4 mm and the prevalence odds of suspected NAFLD, whereby participants with < 30% affected had a crude POR = 1.19 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.38) while participants with ≥30% affected had a crude POR = 1.39 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.90). These crude estimates were attenuated toward the null and rendered non‐significant upon covariate adjustment. No differences were found by Hispanic/Latino background group.

Conclusion

Previously reported associations between periodontitis and NAFLD were marginal to null in this study of a diverse group of Hispanics/Latinos.
Gingival crevicular fluid and salivary resistin and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha levels in obese children with gingivitis
Authors: Doğusal Gülçin , Afacan Beral , Bozkurt Emir , Sönmez Işıl
Published: May 2018

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the levels of resistin and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva of obese children with gingivitis.

Methods

One‐hundred and thirty children (65 obese and 65 normal weight; age range 8 to 12 years) were recruited for the study. The children were classified into four subgroups based on their body mass and periodontal status; 1) obese children with gingivitis (OG, n = 33); 2) obese children with healthy periodontium (OH, n = 32); 3) normal weight children with gingivitis (NWG, n = 32); 4) normal weight children with healthy periodontium (NWH, n = 33). Body mass index (BMI) percentile, probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PI) were recorded. Resistin and TNF‐α were analyzed in GCF and saliva samples by ELISA.

Results

Obese children had higher BMI percentiles than normal weight children (p < 0.0001). PPD, GI, PI, GCF volume, GCF, and salivary resistin and TNF‐α levels were similar between obese and normal weight children (P > 0.05). OG and NWG subgroups had significantly higher GI, PI, GCF volume, GCF resistin total amounts, and salivary resistin concentrations but lower GCF resistin and TNF‐α concentrations than OH and NWH (P < 0.0001 for all). GCF resistin total amounts were positively correlated with GI, PI, and GCF TNF‐α total amounts (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluated the levels of resistin in GCF and saliva of children. Obesity is not associated with GCF and salivary resistin and TNF‐α levels in children in the presence of gingival inflammation.
Comparing the effect of strontium‐functionalized and fluoride‐modified surfaces on early osseointegration
Authors: Offermanns Vincent , Steinmassl Otto , Andersen Ole Z. , Jeppesen Christian S. , Sørensen Søren , Talasz Heribert , Lindner Herbert H. , Foss Morten , Kloss Frank
Published: May 2018

Background

Studies have shown that medical devices comprising strontium contribute to bone healing and osseointegration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo performance of surface‐functionalized implants (Ti‐Sr‐O) showing predictable release characteristics of strontium and compare it to performance a commercially available fluoride‐modified surface.

Methods

Ti‐Sr‐O functionalized, fluoride‐modified,  Grade 4 titanium implants were inserted in the femoral condyle of adult male New Zealand white rabbits. Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) was utilized to monitor strontium blood serum levels. Two weeks after insertion, histomorphometric evaluation was performed with respect to bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC%) and bone formation (BF%) using defined regions of interest.

Results

Mean values for BIC% showed a comparable degree of osseointegration for Ti‐Sr‐O and the fluoride‐modified surface, while BF% revealed a significant difference in increased BF with Ti‐Sr‐O. AAS measurements did not indicate any influence of the Ti‐Sr‐O modified implants on the strontium blood serum concentrations.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, it was shown that the Ti‐Sr‐O coating, with sustained release characteristics of strontium, enhanced bone apposition and, thus, could find practical applications, e.g., within the field of medical implantology.
You're welcome? Hong Kong's attitude towards the Individual Visit Scheme
Authors: Wassler Philipp , Schuckert Markus , Hung Kam , Petrick James F.
Published: May 2018

This paper used a mixed‐method approach, combining cluster analysis and member‐checking interviews to understand Hong Kong residents' attitudes towards the Individual Visit Scheme policy for mainland Chinese tourists. Three distinct clusters were identified, which grew significantly more positive with advancing age and higher income levels of the respondents. Interviews showed that these two factors substantially position residents' attitude towards the Individual Visit Scheme through social exchange and social representations. Younger, lower income Hong Kongers tended to rely largely on social representations, such as values and preconceptions, whereas older and higher income earning residents were found to build more widely upon more rational social exchange principles.
The impact of volunteer tourism on local communities: A managerial perspective
Authors: Hernandez‐Maskivker Gilda , Lapointe Dominic , Aquino Rayssa
Published: May 2018

Volunteer tourism, as a potential tool for community development and sustainability, has been gaining the attention of researchers for the past decade. However, little empirical research exists about the impact of this activity on the host communities from the managerial point of view. The research, based on a qualitative study of managers' opinions from volunteer tourism organizations' leading programs worldwide, not only emphasizes the impacts of voluntourism but also suggests moving from a top‐down style of volunteering to a cocreation process. Contradictions emerge from the discourses of managers regarding the positive, negative, and long‐term impacts of voluntourism, and managerial implications are suggested.
Influence of Branching of Polythiophenes on the Microporosity
Authors: Mulunda Mikael Monga , Zhang Zidan , Nies Eric , van Goethem Cédric , Vankelecom Ivo F. J. , Koeckelberghs Guy
Published: May 2018

A chain growth polymerization of a branched polythiophene (BT) using a Pd(Ruphos) catalyst, as a promising route to synthesize microporous conjugated polymers with well‐defined structures is reported. From N2 adsorptions/desorption isotherm measurements, a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of 40.7 m2 g−1 is calculated for the BT, significantly higher than that of the linear poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) (25.7 m2 g−1). The same trend is confirmed by simulations of the two polymer structures, from which a geometric surface area (SAgeo) of 140 ± 15.8 m2 g−1 is calculated for the BT, much more higher than for the P3HT with a SAgeo of 6.7 ± 7.1 m2 g−1. Moreover, the BT is soluble in common organic solvent and is readily processed in membrane with a CO2/N2 selectivity up to 24.
Small molecule inhibitors of mammalian thioredoxin reductase as potential anticancer agents: An update
Authors: Zhang Junmin , Zhang Baoxin , Li Xinming , Han Xiao , Liu Ruijuan , Fang Jianguo
Published: May 2018

Mammalian thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) enzymes are homodimeric flavin proteins sharing a unique yet essential selenocysteine residue at their C‐terminus. TrxRs, together with their endogenous substrate thioredoxins, play a crucial role in regulating diverse cellular redox events. A wealth of evidence from both clinic observations and bench studies supports that overactivation/dysfunction of TrxRs has a close link to the onset and development of various diseases, such as cancer and neurodegeneration. Thus, an increasing interest has been attracted to find small molecule modulators of TrxRs during the past years. Herein, we briefly discussed the relevance of targeting TrxRs inhibition for cancer treatment, and presented the small molecule inhibitors of mammalian TrxRs published in the nonpatent literatures from 2011 to 2016. The mechanisms of inhibition by different classes of molecules were summarized, and some inhibitors with promising anticancer activity were further discussed. We expect this work would be a comprehensive reference in the medicinal chemistry, and have a broad audience across multiple disciplines.
Interstitial microdeletion of the 1p34.3p34.2 region
Authors: Jacher Joseph E. , Innis Jeffrey W.
Published: May 2018

Background

Interstitial microdeletions of chromosome 1p34.3p34.2 are rare, but are continuing to be identified by the use of chromosome microarray. There have been fewer than 10 individuals identified who have deletions of the 1p34.3p34.2 region; all of these previously described individuals have deletions of the AGO1, AGO3, GRIK3, SLC2A1, or RIMS3 genes. Haploinsufficiency of these genes has been associated with neurodevelopmental delays.

Methods

Chromosome microarray, quantitative PCR, and fluorescence in situ hybridization were performed with DNA extracted from peripheral blood.

Results

Chromosome microarray identified a 2.3 Mb 1p34.3p34.2 one copy deletion in our patient with global developmental delay, mild intellectual disability, delayed bone age, bilateral vesicoureteral reflux, vocal cord paralysis, right aberrant subclavian artery, kyphoscoliosis, bilateral metatarsus adductus, and valgus knee deformity. This deletion was confirmed by quantitative PCR and does not include the AGO1, AGO3, GRIK3, SLC2A1, or RIMS3 genes. Subsequent FISH testing of the parents was negative.

Conclusion

Haploinsufficiency of the 1p34.3p34.2 region, including the SNIP1 gene and excluding the five genes listed above, is responsible for the neurocognitive delays and other symptoms as identified in our patient.
Global stability for the fractional Navier‐Stokes equations in the Fourier‐Herz space
Authors: Chen Jing , Song Changming
Published: May 2018

We consider global stability for the fractional incompressible Navier‐Stokes equations in a 3‐D critical Fourier‐Herz space. By introducing a weighted norm space and using Fourier localization technique, the stability of mild solutions with small initialperturbation is established. With the Friedrichs method, the stability of weak solutions is proved under arbitrary large initialperturbation.
Recovery of Riesz transform of functions in Sobolev space by wavelet multilevel sampling
Authors: Li Youfa , Yang Honglei , Shang Jing , Yang Shouzhi
Published: May 2018

The explicit formula of the Riesz transform of the box spline B2(x, y) : = B2(x)B2(y) is given, where B2 is the cardinal B‐spline of order 2. By using the wavelet multilevel method, a sampling recovery scheme derived from B2 is established to recover the Riesz transform of the functions in Sobolev space
with s > 1. For any fixed level, our recovery is involved with a finite sum series. Since the Riesz transforms of some functions are continuous but
has numerical singularity at some points, it is necessary to eliminate the numerical singularity. We first establish the shift‐perturbation error estimate of the multilevel sampling approximation, derived from B2, to the functions in
. By the perturbed approximation system, we give a method to eliminate the numerical singularity. Numerical simulations are conducted to test the recovery efficiency.
Spatial decay bounds in a channel flow of 2‐D Boussinesq fluid with variable thermal diffusivity
Authors: Li Yuanfei , Lin Changhao
Published: May 2018

In this paper, the authors investigate the flow of an incompressible Boussinesq fluid in a semi‐infinite plane channel. An explicit spatial decay estimate in terms of the distance from finite end of the channel is obtained from an integro‐differential inequality for an energy integral. To make the result explicit, an upper bound for total energy is also obtained. The results of this paper may be thought of as a version of Saint‐Venant principle.
Modelling the suppression of autoimmunity after pathogen infection
Authors: Oliveira Bruno M. P. M. , Trinchet Ricard , Otero Espinar María Victoria , Pinto Alberto , Burroughs Nigel
Published: May 2018

We study a mathematical model of immune response by T cells where the regulatory T cells (Treg) inhibit interleukin 2 (IL‐2) secretion. We model the suppression of the autoimmune line of T cells after a different line of T cells responded to a pathogen infection. In this paper, we show that if the population of the pathogen responding line of T cells becomes large enough, the competition for IL‐2 and the increase in the death rates may lead to a depletion in the concentration of autoimmune T cells. Provided this lasts for a sufficiently long time, the concentration of autoimmune T cells can be brought down to values inside the basin of attraction of the controlled state, and autoimmunity can be suppressed.
General non‐isospectral integrable coupling of AKNS equations associated with
Authors: Yu Jing , Yuan Wenbo , Han Jingwei
Published: May 2018

By means of the real Lie algebra
and compatible condition of spectral problems, a general non‐isospectral AKNS equations is constructed. Furthermore, by enlarging spectral problems, the corresponding non‐isospectral integrable coupling of AKNS equations associated with
is also obtained in this paper.
Global strong solutions for 3D viscous incompressible heat conducting Navier‐Stokes flows with the general external force
Authors: Wang Wan , Yu Haibo , Zhang Peixin
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we consider the initial boundary value problem for the nonhomogeneous heat–conducting fluids with non‐negative density and the general external force. We prove that there exists a unique global strong solution to the 3D viscous nonhomogeneous heat–conducting Navier‐Stokes flows if
is suitably small.
Two‐compartment age‐structured model of solitarious and gregarious locust population dynamics
Authors: Akimenko Vitalii V. , Piou Cyril
Published: May 2018

We study a nonlinear age‐structured model of locust population dynamics with variable time of egg incubation that describes the phase shifting and behavior of desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. The model is based on the 2‐compartment system of transport equations with nonlinear density‐dependent fertility rates with time delay in boundary conditions. It describes the dynamics of the density of 2 phases of locust's population—solitarious and gregarious. Such system is studied both theoretically and numerically. The analysis of asymptotical stability of the trivial and nontrivial equilibria of the autonomous system allows to understand the conditions and the particularities of bidirectional phase shifts between solitarious and gregarious S gregaria. We found that the parameter of maturation age was very important in the 2‐phase dynamics. We extrapolate that a rapid change in environmental conditions that may trigger the maturation process of dormant solitarious population may also decrease, overall, the maturation age and hence destabilize the solitarious subpopulation from a near zero population size towards much larger populations and hence initiate quickly good conditions for gregarization. We also observed that the most realistic population dynamics of locusts was when the attraction point of a stable solitarious population size was above the gregarization threshold. This means that solitarious populations may last through time only near a zero size, but as soon as environmental conditions become favorable to population increase, the gregarization may happen. This outlines the intrinsic character of outbreaking dynamics that a species such as desert locust displays.
Existence of nontrivial solutions for fractional Schrödinger‐Poisson system with sign‐changing potentials
Authors: Che Guofeng , Chen Haibo , Shi Hongxia , Wang Zewei
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we consider the following fractional Schrödinger‐Poisson system

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma4951:mma4951-math-0002
where 0 < t ≤ α < 1,
, and 4α+2t ≥3 and the functions V(x), K(x) and f(x) have finite limits as |x|→∞. By imposing some suitable conditions on the decay rate of the functions, we prove that the above system has two nontrivial solutions. One of them is positive and the other one is sign‐changing. Recent results from the literature are generally improved and extended.
Helium CT: Monte Carlo simulation results for an ideal source and detector with comparison to proton CT
Authors: Piersimoni Pierluigi , Faddegon Bruce A. , Méndez José Ramos , Schulte Reinhard W. , Volz Lennart , Seco Joao
Published: May 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the accuracy of relative stopping power and spatial resolution of images reconstructed with simulated helium CT (HeCT) in comparison to proton CT (pCT).

Methods

A Monte Carlo (MC) study with the TOPAS tool was performed to compare the accuracy of relative stopping power (RSP) reconstruction and spatial resolution of low‐fluence HeCT to pCT, both using 200 MeV/u particles. An ideal setup consisting of a flat beam source and a totally absorbing energy‐range detector was implemented to estimate the theoretically best achievable RSP accuracy for the calibration and reconstruction methods currently used for pCT. The phantoms imaged included a cylindrical water phantom with inserts of different materials, sizes, and positions, a Catphan phantom with a module containing high‐contrast line pairs (CTP528) and a module with cylindrical inserts of different RSP (CTP404), as well as a voxelized 10‐year‐old female phantom. Dose to the cylindrical water phantom was also calculated. The RSP accuracy was studied for all phantoms except the CTP528 module. The latter was used for the estimation of the spatial resolution, evaluated as the modulation transfer function (MTF) at 10%.

Results

An overall error under 0.5% was achieved for HeCT for the water phantoms with the different inserts, in all cases better than that for pCT, in some cases by a factor 3. The inserts in the CTP404 module were reconstructed with an average RSP accuracy of 0.3% for HeCT and 0.2% for pCT. Anatomic structures (brain, bones, air cavities, etc.) in the digitized head phantom were well recognizable and no artifacts were visible with both HeCT and pCT. The three main tissue materials (soft tissue, brain, and cranium) were well identifiable in the reconstructed RSP‐volume distribution with both imaging modalities. Using 360 projection angles, the spatial resolution was 4 lp/cm for HeCT and 3 lp/cm for pCT. Generally, spatial resolution increased with the number of projection angles and was always higher for HeCT than for pCT for the same number of projections. When HeCT and pCT scan were performed to deliver the same dose in the phantom, the resolution for HeCT was higher than pCT.

Conclusion

MC simulations were used to compare HeCT and pCT image reconstruction. HeCT images had similar or better RSP accuracy and higher spatial resolution compared to pCT. Further investigation of the potential of helium ion imaging is warranted.
Characterizing intra‐axonal water diffusion with direction‐averaged triple diffusion encoding MRI
Authors: Jensen Jens H. , Helpern Joseph A.
Published: May 2018

For large diffusion weightings, the direction‐averaged diffusion MRI (dMRI) signal from white matter is typically dominated by the contribution of water confined to axons. This fact can be exploited to characterize intra‐axonal diffusion properties, which may be valuable for interpreting the biophysical meaning of diffusion changes associated with pathology. However, using just the classic Stejskal‐Tanner pulse sequence, it has proven challenging to obtain reliable estimates for both the intrinsic intra‐axonal diffusivity and the intra‐axonal water fraction. Here we propose to apply a modification of the Stejskal‐Tanner sequence designed for achieving such estimates. The key feature of the sequence is the addition of a set of extra diffusion encoding gradients that are orthogonal to the direction of the primary gradients, which corresponds to a specific type of triple diffusion encoding (TDE) MRI sequence. Given direction‐averaged dMRI data for this TDE sequence, it is shown how the intra‐axonal diffusivity and the intra‐axonal water fraction can be determined by applying simple, analytic formulae. The method is illustrated with numerical simulations, which suggest that it should be accurate for b‐values of about 4000 s/mm2 or higher.
Evaluation of compliance with isotretinoin PPP recommendations and exploration of reasons for non‐compliance: Survey among French‐speaking health care professionals and patients in Belgium
Authors: Lelubre Mélanie , Hamdani Jamila , Senterre Christelle , Amighi Karim , Peres Marion , Schneider Marie‐Paule , Bugnon Olivier , De Vriese Carine
Published: May 2018

Purpose

To evaluate awareness of and compliance in Belgium by French‐speaking health care professionals and patients with the isotretinoin safety recommendations regarding its teratogenic risk.

Method

Survey using online questionnaires, delivered from December 2014 to March 2015 for patients, pharmacists, dermatologists, and GPs and delivered again from September 2015 to October 2015 for GPs.

Results

Questionnaires were completed by 24 dermatologists, 24 GPs, 58 pharmacists, and 33 female patients. The pregnancy prevention programme was poorly known by health care professionals (23.6%) and patients (15.2%). Health care professionals informed women of childbearing age in depth about the teratogenic risk (98.3% of pharmacists and 100.0% of GPs and dermatologists) and the importance of an effective contraceptive method (87.9% and 100.0%, respectively). Patients were less informed about the pregnancy test (25.9% and 14.6%) and the need to use a second contraceptive method (29.3% and 27.1%). The low compliance with the last 2 recommendations was due to a lack of adoption by health care professionals regarding the need for these recommendations if female patients have an effective contraceptive method and the pregnancy risk is discussed in detail with them.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of the pregnancy prevention programme recommendations should be reconsidered by an expert committee. Justifications should be added to effective recommendations to increase their adoption by health care professionals and patients.
Trends in the long‐term use of benzodiazepine anxiolytics and hypnotics: A national register study for 2006 to 2014
Authors: Kurko Terhi , Saastamoinen Leena K. , Tuulio‐Henriksson Annamari , Taiminen Tero , Tiihonen Jari , Airaksinen Marja , Hietala Jarmo
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Long‐term benzodiazepine (BZD) treatment continues to be a debated topic. Because individual BZDs have different clinical profiles, we assessed the nationwide trends of long‐term BZD use at active substance level during years 2006 to 2014.

Methods

This study covered all reimbursed BZD purchases (n = 408 572‐521 823 annually) for adults recorded in the Finnish Prescription Register. We assessed long‐term use (annual cumulative purchase of ≥180 defined daily doses) in general, and at active substance level with the most commonly used BZD anxiolytics (oxazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, and clonazepam for nonepilepsy indications) and hypnotics (zopiclone, zolpidem, and temazepam) included. The persistence rates for each substance were assessed separately.

Results

The prevalence of long‐term BZD use among Finnish adults declined significantly from 5.3% to 3.6%, during years 2006 to 2014. Despite this decline, there was a significant increase in the long‐term use of clonazepam for nonepilepsy indications and zolpidem (28.0% and 17.5%, respectively). Long‐term use was common in the aged population, as well as among the users of hypnotics or clonazepam. Persistent use of 9 consecutive calendar years varied between 7.5% for incident alprazolam users and 21.0% for incident clonazepam users.

Conclusions

We found a declining trend in long‐term BZD use, but the decline was not uniform between the substances—the long‐term use of clonazepam and zolpidem even increased. Follow‐up research is needed to assess whether the decline in BZD use is accompanied by an increased use of other types of anxiolytic or hypnotic drugs or other forms of treatment.