bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene expression profiles and bioinformatics analysis of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 promotion of osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Yuan Yashuai , Duan Ruimeng , Wu Baolin , Huang Wei , Zhang Xiuzhi , Qu Mingjia , Liu Tao , Yu Xiaobing
Published: August 2019

Background

Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) promotes osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of IGF‐1 on proliferation, mineralization, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) synthesis, and gene expression of osteoblast differentiation in MC3T3‐E1 osteoblasts cells, and to explore gene expression profiling differential genes.

Methods

MC3T3‐E1 osteoblasts cells were cultured in medium with or without IGF‐1. The ALP assay was employed to determine the osteoblast mineralization, and Alizarin red S to stain for calcium deposits, which were the indicators of mature osteocytes. The living cell number was assessed by the Cell Counting Kit‐8 method. RNA‐seq analysis was applied to identify genes that were differentially expressed in with or without IGF‐1 as well as genes that varied between these two groups. The expression of osteogenic marker genes was determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blot analysis.

Result

The cell number of osteoblasts exposed to IGF‐1 at 200 μg/L significantly increased compared with the control group. The ALP activity in IGF‐1‐treated cells was higher than that in the control group. IGF‐1 can increase ALP synthesis in osteoblasts in vitro. RNA‐seq analysis showed that 677 triggered differentially expressed genes by IGF, of which 383 genes were downregulated and 294 genes were upregulated. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that IGF‐1 caused a significant change in gene expression patterns.

Conclusions

This result suggested that IGF‐1 could probably promote the synthesis of organic matrix and mineralize action of bone. Osteogenic‐related genes (DMP1, PHEX, SOST, BMP2, RUNX2, OPN, and OCN) were significantly upregulated both in GO analysis and in pathway analysis to perform qRT‐PCR. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the Notch pathway was highly upregulated in MC3T3‐E1 cells.
A linearization‐based approach of homotopy analysis method for non‐linear time‐fractional parabolic PDEs
Authors: Odibat Zaid , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: August 2019

In this paper, a novel approach, namely, the linearization‐based approach of homotopy analysis method, to analytically treat non‐linear time‐fractional PDEs is proposed. The presented approach suggests a new optimized structure of the homotopy series solution based on a linear approximation of the non‐linear problem. A comparative study between the proposed approach and standard homotopy analysis approach is illustrated by solving two examples involving non‐linear time‐fractional parabolic PDEs. The performed numerical simulations demonstrate that the linearization‐based approach reduces the computational complexity and improves the performance of the homotopy analysis method.
Fast multi‐component analysis using a joint sparsity constraint for MR fingerprinting
Authors: Nagtegaal Martijn , Koken Peter , Amthor Thomas , Doneva Mariya
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To develop an efficient algorithm for multi‐component analysis of magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) data without making a priori assumptions about the exact number of tissues or their relaxation properties.

Methods

Different tissues or components within a voxel are potentially separable in MRF because of their distinct signal evolutions. The observed signal evolution in each voxel can be described as a linear combination of the signals for each component with a non‐negative weight. An assumption that only a small number of components are present in the measured field of view is usually imposed in the interpretation of multi‐component data. In this work, a joint sparsity constraint is introduced to utilize this additional prior knowledge in the multi‐component analysis of MRF data. A new algorithm combining joint sparsity and non‐negativity constraints is proposed and compared to state‐of‐the‐art multi‐component MRF approaches in simulations and brain MRF scans of 11 healthy volunteers.

Results

Simulations and in vivo measurements show reduced noise in the estimated tissue fraction maps compared to previously proposed methods. Applying the proposed algorithm to the brain data resulted in 4 or 5 components, which could be attributed to different brain structures, consistent with previous multi‐component MRF publications.

Conclusions

The proposed algorithm is faster than previously proposed methods for multi‐component MRF and the simulations suggest improved accuracy and precision of the estimated weights. The results are easier to interpret compared to voxel‐wise methods, which combined with the improved speed is an important step toward clinical evaluation of multi‐component MRF.
“It's my own fault”: Accounts and consequences of falling when living with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Graham Karly , Birt Linda , MacGregor Alexander , Watts Laura , Poland Fiona
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) leads to biomechanical joint changes, which increases the risk of falling. The consequence of falling may be physical injury. However, the psychological consequences, including the fear of falling, can be equally important.

Methods

Participants were recruited from a larger prospective study which explored the incidence of falls in people with RA. Purposive sampling considered age, sex, time since diagnosis and fall history. The recruitment site was a regional hospital. Data were collected from semi‐structured qualitative interviews and, after each fall, brief telephone interviews. Thematic analysis methods were used to investigate the psychological and social impact of falling in people with RA.

Results

Twelve participants were interviewed (aged 64–85, mean 74 years; six had fallen between one and 23 times, and six had no reported falls in last 12 months). Data were supplemented with telephone notes from 287 post‐fall telephone calls. Three themes were developed: (i) the falls imaginary illustrates that the fear of falling is not dependent on experience; (ii) agentic risk management reports on the ways people self‐manage and display resilience when at risk of falling; (iii) the absence of the health professional explores the ways in which people reported being unsupported by healthcare services.

Conclusion

Fear of falling when living with RA is tangible in those who have and have not fallen. This fear may limit opportunities for full participation in life. However, some people display personal resourcefulness, continuing to live purposeful lives. Understanding personal responses to falling will support the development of community interventions specific to this high‐risk group.
Simplified three‐dimensional analysis of horizontally vibrating floating and fixed‐end pile groups
Authors: Luan Lubao , Zheng Changjie , Kouretzis George
Published: August 2019

This note presents an approximate analytical solution for estimating the time‐harmonic impedance of pile groups subjected to horizontal dynamic loads, for different boundary conditions at pile tip (free and fixed). The derived solution considers waves due to pile vibrations propagating in both horizontal and vertical directions, unlike earlier solutions based on the plane‐strain model, which ignores vertically propagating waves. This allows accounting for pile boundary conditions on the soil attenuation function, as well as modeling the response of the pipe group‐soil system near the first natural frequency of the soil layer, where solutions based on the plane‐strain model fail to account for resonance phenomena.
Well siblings of children with chronic illness: A synthesis research study
Authors: Havill Nancy , Fleming Louise K. , Knafl Kathleen
Published: August 2019

Well siblings of chronically ill children experience family disruptions that profoundly affect them. Previous research focusing on well siblings’ experiences has often produced inconsistent findings, likely the result of varying study designs and samples. The purposes of this synthesis research study were twofold: (a) to assess the applicability of existing grounded theory of sibling response to a child's cancer to a wider range of childhood conditions; and (b) to refine the existing theory to reflect the experiences of the broader sample. Data for the synthesis came from a National Institute of Nursing Research‐funded mixed‐methods synthesis examining the intersection of childhood chronic illness and family life. The current analysis was based on well sibling results extracted from 78 research reports published between 2000 and 2014. An existing grounded theory, Creating a Tenuous Balance (CTB), was discovered at the outset of analysis and used as the primary framework for coding and synthesizing results. The focus of most studies was siblings’ responses to 14 chronic conditions, with cancer being the most often studied. Results reflected siblings’ perspectives of their experiences as well as perspectives of parents and the ill child. The analysis substantiated all four patterns of sibling behavior included in CTB, with the patterns of adapting to changes in personal and family life, and handling strong emotions being especially challenging aspects of the sibling experience. Moreover, the results expanded several aspects of CTB. The analysis provided evidence of the applicability of the theory to a varied group of chronic conditions and enabled us to identify important areas for developing interventions to support siblings.
Resilient distributed model predictive control for energy management of interconnected microgrids
Authors: Ananduta Wicak , Maestre José María , Ocampo‐Martinez Carlos , Ishii Hideaki
Published: August 2019

Distributed energy management of interconnected microgrids that is based on model predictive control (MPC) relies on the cooperation of all agents (microgrids). This paper discusses the case in which some of the agents might perform one type of adversarial actions (attacks) and they do not comply with the decisions computed by performing a distributed MPC algorithm. In this regard, these agents could obtain a better performance at the cost of degrading the performance of the network as a whole. A resilient distributed method that can deal with such issues is proposed in this paper. The method consists of two parts. The first part is to ensure that the decisions obtained from the algorithm are robustly feasible against most of the attacks with high confidence. In this part, we formulate the economic dispatch problem, taking into account the attacks as a chance‐constrained problem, and employ a two‐step randomization‐based approach to obtain a feasible solution with a predefined level of confidence. The second part consists in the identification and mitigation of the adversarial agents, which utilizes hypothesis testing with Bayesian inference and requires each agent to solve a mixed‐integer problem to decide the connections with its neighbors. In addition, an analysis of the decisions computed using the stochastic approach and the outcome of the identification and mitigation method is provided. The performance of the proposed approach is also shown through numerical simulations.
Shock absorption properties of synthetic sports surfaces: A review
Authors: Wang Hong , Zheng Weitao , Ma Yong , Tang Youhong
Published: August 2019

Repeated impact loading during running is a risk factor in the etiology of overuse injuries. Shock absorption can reflect the degree of force attenuation when the heel lands first during movement. This study summarizes the major achievements in the existing literature regarding shock absorption from the engineering perspective and then suggests directions for further investigation. Studies have explained the influencing factors related to shock absorption from the synthetic sports surface itself. Some special measurement methods that can be used to assess vertical and horizontal shock absorption simultaneously are discussed. Numerical simulations related to shock absorption are reviewed, including how to acquire a constitutive model of the sports surface and simulate the manner of loading. Future work should aim to build “player movement‐surface structure and material‐player performance” relationship systems, with more accurate measurements of shock absorption properties in the vertical and horizontal directions and numerical models that can truly reflect actual movements. Solving these problems can strengthen the theoretical and practical understanding of the relationship between synthetic sports surfaces and injury, and athletes can develop more expert performance with fewer injuries.
Thermal Stability and Early Degradation Mechanisms of High‐Density Polyethylene, Polyamide 6 (Nylon 6), and Polyethylene Terephthalate
Authors: Sustaita‐Rodríguez José M. , Medellín‐Rodríguez Francisco J. , Olvera‐Mendez Diana C. , Gimenez Alejandro J. , Luna‐Barcenas Gabriel
Published: August 2019

The thermal stability and degradation mechanisms of three semicrystalline polymers (polyethylene terephthalate [PET], high‐density polyethylene [HDPE], and polyamide 6 [nylon 6]) were studied. Thermogravimetric traces were acquired first at heating rates of 1°C/min and 10°C/min, and it was determined that the heating rate significantly affected the thermal decay curves of the three polymers. The results allowed the selection of specific temperatures at which to carry out heating and cooling cycles from room temperature to the molten state. The thermal behaviors of HDPE, nylon 6, and PET each had particular characteristics. HDPE showed the highest thermal resistance, whereas nylon 6 displayed the lowest. PET had the lowest activation energy for degradation, 93.5 kJ/mol, and retained 14 wt% after thermal recycling with no influence of molecular weight. Thermal cycling also revealed gradual morphological changes in HDPE, nylon 6, and PET, and their crystals changed from regular to branched spherulites with variations in the nucleation patterns. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy measurements allowed us to explain the early stages of degradation for each polymer. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:2016–2023, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Home‐based isometric handgrip training on RBP in hypertensive adults—Partial preliminary findings from RCT
Authors: Punia Sonu , Kulandaivelan Sivachidambaram
Published: August 2019

Objective

The aim of this study is to confirm whether 8 weeks of home‐based isometric handgrip (IHG) training would reduce resting blood pressure (RBP) in an adult Indian population.

Methodology

Hypertensive patients (Stage 1 [previously prehypertension] and Stage 2 [previously Stage 1 hypertension]) aged 30–45 years, male and female, were included. Intervention: Two groups were included (active control group and IHG training group at 30% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction). Outcomes of this study were resting pulse rate (PR) and RBP, which were taken at baseline and after 8 weeks. Stratified randomization was done by sex and hypertension grade. The study was a double‐blind intervention (both participants and the assessor were blinded to intervention allotment).

Results

Forty hypertensive individuals were randomly assigned to a control (N = 20) and an 8‐week home‐based IHG training (N = 20) using a stratified random sampling technique. Each training session consisted of 4 × 2 min bouts with a 4‐min rest between bouts for 8 weeks. Resting PR and RBP were taken at baseline and after 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, there was a significant reduction in blood pressure and PR values in the IHG group as compared with those in the control group: systolic blood pressure (mean difference, MD −8.75 mmHg; 95% CI [−6.51, −10.39]); diastolic blood pressure (MD −8.35 mmHg; 95% CI [−6.25, −10.45]); mean arterial pressure (MD −8.13 mmHg; 95% CI [−6.21, −10.05]); and PR (MD −8.90 mmHg; 95% CI [−5.08, −12.72].

Conclusion

On the basis of study findings, home‐based IHG training can be used as an adjunct to control BP in the initial stage of hypertension in an Indian population.
Evaluation of Scymnus nubilus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) as a biological control agent against Aphis spiraecola and Cinara juniperi (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Rosagro Roberto Meseguer , Borges Isabel , Vieira Virgilio , Solé Gemma Pons , Soares António O
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Aphids are a major insect pest of forestry systems. In this study, we evaluate the potential of the ladybeetle Scymnus nubilus Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) as a biological control agent against Aphis spiraecola Patch and Cinara juniperi (De Geer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) infesting Azorean endemic plants reared in forestry nurseries.

RESULTS

Aphis spiraecola, infesting Viburnum treleasei Gand. (Dipsacales: Adroxaceae), was the most abundant aphid; however, a higher proportion of Juniperus brevifolia (Seub.) Antoine (Pinales: Cupressaceae) was infested by C. juniperi. Scymnus nubilus fourth instar larvae were able to complete development on both aphid species. Voracity was significantly higher when S. nubilus was fed on A. spiraecola but biomass consumption was significantly lower. The relative growth rate and conversion efficiency of the fourth instar larvae were similar. Field experiments indicated that S. nubilus can contribute to the decrease in pest population densities. However, the fourth instar larvae proved to be more efficient when released onto A. spiraecola; this outcome can be attributed to the distribution patterns of the aphids on the host plant and to the aphid or host plant morphology. Predator density and sleeve cage effect are apparently critical factors in reaching an efficient control.

CONCLUSION

The obtained results provide the essential preliminary information required to establish future programs of biological control against aphids infesting Azorean endemic plants. Developmental and feeding performances, as well as the immediate impact of the predator when released onto A. spiraecola colonies, indicate that S. nubilus could be a useful candidate for reducing aphid populations. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Watch for potential victims of human trafficking on your campus
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: August 2019

When you think of human trafficking, the images might not necessarily apply to your campus. But human trafficking is the second‐largest criminal industry in the world, and one for which you need to know the warning signs to prevent trafficking on your campus and to identify potential victims.
Evaluation of bioeconomy in the context of strong sustainability
Authors: Liobikiene Genovaite , Balezentis Tomas , Streimikiene Dalia , Chen Xueli
Published: August 2019

The implementation of bioeconomy is important in seeking to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Thus, in recent years, more attention is focused on sustainable bioeconomy. Referring to weak and strong sustainability approaches, many authors stated that bioeconomy is related only to weak sustainability, but this study provides a framework for policy makers that allows the definition and implementation of the bioeconomy based on the strong sustainability approach. Furthermore, researchers evaluating bioeconomy implementation conventionally encompassed the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of the impact of bio‐products; however, they did not consider the strong sustainability approach. Strong sustainability additionally requires not crossing ecological thresholds and, thus, implies consideration of planetary boundaries. Therefore, the inclusion of land footprint and biocapacity measures in the bioeconomy strategy, verifying that the land footprint does not exceed the level of biocapacity, is essential for the creation of a strongly sustainable bioeconomy. This study embarks on the definition of the bioeconomy based on strong sustainability and contributes to the discussion about bioeconomy implementation in the context of sustainable development.
Defective Carbon Nanosheets Derived from Syzygium cumini Leaves for Electrochemical Energy‐Storage
Authors: Deb Nath Narayan Chandra , Shah Syed Shaheen , Qasem Mohammed Ameen Ahmed , Zahir Md. Hasan , Aziz Md. Abdul
Published: August 2019

We prepare defective carbon nanosheets (DCNS) that is obtained by chemical activation of Syzygium cumini leaves and employ them as electrode materials for electrochemical supercapacitors. DCNS exhibits large specific surface area (ca. 1184.4 m2/g), electrical conductivity of ca. 1.23 × 10‐2 S/cm, moderate level of structural defects of ca. 0.72, and sufficient oxygen‐containing functional groups as well. It leads to induce huge electroactive sites, which correspond to high specific capacitance of ca. 222.26 F/g with a better durability. The low‐cost, eco‐friendly, and electroactive carbon materials could play an important role for its applications in energy‐storage devices such as batteries.
Regiocontrolled Synthesis of Fused Heterocyclic Skeletons Containing Pyranocoumarin Backbones
Authors: Balalaie Saeed , Doroudian Yasaman , Zarezadeh Nahid , Tejeneki Hossein Zahedian , Rominger Frank
Published: August 2019

A convenient, highly efficient regioselective strategy for the synthesis of chromeno[3′,4′‐5,6]pyrano[2,3‐b]quinoline is described. The reaction proceed through three‐component reaction of 2‐chloro‐3‐formylquinoline, malononitrile and 4‐hydroxycoumarin in the presence of 10 mole% diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAHP) in aqueous media at room temperature. It is a domino Knoevenagel condensation/ Michael addition and regiocontrolled cyclization reaction.
Choline Chloride/ Urea as Mild Media for the Synthesis of the Chromonyl Amidodiester Fragments and Succinimide Derivatives
Authors: Jamaati Hoda , Balalaie Saeed , Miraki Maryam Kazemi , Rominger Frank , Bijanzadeh Hamid Reza
Published: August 2019

A simple, green protocol has been accomplished for the synthesis of amidoesters 5 a‐k in choline chloride/urea (1:2) through multicomponent reaction of 3‐formyl chromone, Meldrum's acid, isocyanides and primary alcohols via a domino reaction. Carrying out the reaction using trifluoroethanol led to succinimide derivatives 6 a‐d. Easy work‐up, selectivity, and good to excellent yields are the advantages of this protocol.
Synthesis, Anticancer and Antimicrobial Evaluation of New (E)‐N′‐Benzylidene‐2‐(2‐ethylpyridin‐4‐yl)‐4‐methylthiazole‐5‐carbohydrazides
Authors: Muluk Mahesh B. , Dhumal Sambhaji T. , Rehman Naziya N. M. A. , Dixit Prashant P. , Kharat Kiran R. , Haval Kishan P.
Published: August 2019

In search of new anticancer and antimicrobial agents, herein we report the synthesis of new substituted (E)‐N′‐benzylidene‐2‐(2‐ethylpyridin‐4‐yl)‐4‐methyl thiazole‐5‐carbohydrazide derivatives (6 a‐n), starting from ethionamide. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS analyses. All the synthesized compounds have been evaluated for their anticancer activity. Among fourteen synthesized compounds, five carbohydrazide derivatives have displayed more promising anticancer activity against the lung carcinoma A‐549 cells. Also, these compounds were screened for their in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities. The three carbohydrazide derivatives have exhibited good antibacterial and antifungal activities.
BF3⋅Et2O‐Promoted Aerobic Bromination of Heteroarenes with LiBr as the Bromination Sources
Authors: Shao Huibin , Wang Xiaopei , Wang Yanyan , Yue Yuanyuan , Wang Ke , Tang Qinghu , Zhuo Kelei , Liu Jianming
Published: August 2019

Aromatic bromination of heteroarenes has been accomplished by using readily available LiBr with the aid of BF3⋅Et2O under mild aerobic conditions. The broad substrates scope of the reaction is compatible with the optimized condition, and excellent functional‐group is well tolerated in this transformation. The gram‐scale preparation of aromatic bromide exhibits with good reaction efficiency. Meanwhile, the dibromination of heteroarene delivers the polybromo‐aromatic compounds in good yields.
Synthesis and Characterization of Bent‐Core Liquid Crystal / Modified γ‐Al2O3 Nanocomposites
Authors: Karabuğa Hande , Mert Hatice Hande , Karanlık Gürkan , Ocak Hale
Published: August 2019

A new bent‐core liquid crystal (LC) compound CPDB derived from a 4‐chlororesorcinol central core unit with two terephthalate based rod‐like units carrying chiral (S)‐3,7‐dimethyloctyloxy terminal chains has been synthesized and LC / modified γ‐Al2O3 nanocomposites have been prepared in different compositions. The effects of being doped with 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0% modified γ‐Al2O3 nanoparticles on mesomorphic properties of the new bent‐core liquid crystal, which shows an enantiotropic SmA phase, were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and optical polarizing microscopy. The surface of γ‐Al2O3 nanoparticles was modified with a cationic agent, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), used as a compatibilizer for providing interaction of liquid crystal molecule with alumina nanoparticles. The immobilization of CTAB on γ‐Al2O3 nanoparticle surface via physical adsorption in solution was confirmed by TGA and preserved of crystalline structure of aluminium oxide was proved by XRD analysis. The presence and homogeneous distribution of alumina nanoparticles in LC were confirmed by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The modified γ‐Al2O3 nanoparticles in CPDB liquid crystal give rise to a slight increase in the mesomorphic range by preserving mesophase type as observed in pure liquid crystalline compound.
Laminar Graphene Oxide Membranes Towards Selective Ionic and Molecular Separations: Challenges and Progress
Authors: Ali Akbar , Aamir Muhammad , Thebo Khalid Hussain , Akhtar Javeed
Published: August 2019

Resolution of resources and environmental crises requires an efficient separation technologies, consequently, scientists and engineers are working vigorously for ideal separation materials. Laminar graphene oxide (GO) is a two‐dimensional (2D) material offers considerable interest in this field due to its single atomic layer thickness, good stability, chemical inertness, and variety of functional groups. Recently, GO have emerged as a novel membrane material for molecular and ionic separation of gases, solvent, water, and desalination applications. This tutorial review aims to discuss the various approaches used to control the stacking of GO‐based membrane with emphasis of advantages and drawbacks associated with each approach. Further, attention will also be given to describe the recent progress in GO based membranes for ionic and molecular separations. Meanwhile, challenges and opportunities will also be discussed in detail. We hope this review expected to provide a compact source of information that will be of great interest to chemists, material scientists, physicists, and engineers working or planning to work in GO based membranes for separation applications.
Composition and Recyclability Analysis of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Recovered from Computer Power Cables and Commercial Wires
Authors: Gohatre Omdeo Kishorrao , Jaidev K. , Suresh Sunil S. , Biswal Manoranjan , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K.
Published: August 2019

The product‐based recycling of the electrical and electronic devices and their by‐products are limited due to their complex characteristics and dissimilar material characteristics. However, such recycling procedures give clear ideas about the composition and possible recycling options of the materials present in them. Consequently, the present study deals with isolation and recycling of the major polymeric fraction present in the waste computer power supply cables (CPS) and electrical power supply (EPS) wires isolated from the household items. The composition analysis of CPS and EPS indicates that the poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is the major polymeric fraction along with minor content of polyethylene (PE) and polycarbonate (PC). Further, this research compares the mechanical recyclability of the PVC recovered from the CPS and EPS. Among the PVC's analyzed, PVC isolated from the EPS has been indicated superior mechanical properties. Similarly, thermal degradation analysis (TGA) indicated higher thermal stability for the PVC isolated from EPS. Besides, the flammability of the PVC specimens was studied and concluded with the possible mechanism occurring during combustion. Moreover, this study points out that PVC recovered from EPS and CPS can be mechanically recycled for the elimination of the waste. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:213–223, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
The Andean bear alopecia syndrome may be caused by social housing
Authors: Van Horn Russell C. , Sutherland‐Smith Meg , Bracho Sarcos Andrés E. , Thomas Gaylene , Shanks Jacob A. , Owen Megan A.
Published: August 2019

The Andean bear alopecia syndrome is a progressive and chronic condition documented in ex situ populations. Recent advances focus on treating symptoms, not preventing future cases. We therefore explored the epidemiology of this syndrome through an analysis of husbandry and veterinary conditions of 63 Andean bears (26M:37F) housed in North and South American zoos and other ex situ circumstances. We had the most complete information for the North American population and found that 29% of females (n = 24) were affected. No males (n = 26) were affected. An analysis of generalized linear models indicated that three models were competitive in describing the occurrence of the condition (i.e., ΔAICc  ≤ 2): the model including only the individual's sex (χ2 = 13.41, df = 1, p < .001), the model including both individual sex and social housing status (χ2 = 1.36, df = 2, p < .001), and the model including both individual sex and the expression of stereotypical behaviors (χ2 = 13.82, df = 2, p = .001). Stereotypical behaviors were common among both males (50%, n = 26) and females (51.9%, n = 27) whether or not they were affected, but the syndrome was seen only in females who had been socially housed. Therefore, we suggest that the Andean bear alopecia syndrome is a symptomatic response to the long‐term social housing of bears that would otherwise not live socially. To prevent new cases, we recommend that female Andean bears be housed with adult conspecifics only when females choose to cohabitate.
Three-body scattering: ladders and resonances
Authors: Mikhasenko M. , Wunderlich Y. , Jackura A. , Mathieu V. , Pilloni A. , Ketzer B. , Szczepaniak A.P.
Published: August 2019

Abstract

We discuss unitarity constraints on the dynamics of a system of three interacting particles. We show how the short-range interaction that describes three-body resonances can be separated from the long-range exchange processes, in particular the one-pion-exchange process. It is demonstrated that unitarity demands a specific functional form of the amplitude with a clear interpretation: the bare three-particle resonances are dressed by the initial- and final-state interaction, in a way that is consistent with the considered long-range forces. We postulate that the resonance kernel admits a factorization in the energy variables of the initial- and the final-state particles. The factorization assumption leads to an algebraic form for the unitarity equations, which is reminiscent of the well-known two-body-unitarity condition and approaches it in the limit of the narrow-resonance approximation.
Impact of Intermittent Pringle Maneuver on Long‐Term Survival After Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Result from Two Combined Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Lee Kit Fai , Chong Charing C. N. , Cheung Sunny Y. S. , Wong John , Fung Andrew K. Y. , Lok Hon Ting , Lai Paul B. S.
Published: August 2019

Background

Hepatectomy remains an important curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Intermittent Pringle maneuver (IPM) is commonly applied during hepatectomy for control of bleeding. Whether the ischemia/reperfusion injury brought by IPM adversely affects the operative outcomes is controversial. This study aims to examine whether the application of IPM during hepatectomy affects the long‐term outcomes.

Methods

Two randomized controlled trials (RCT) have been carried out previously to evaluate the short‐term outcomes of IPM. The present study represented a post hoc analysis on the HCC patients from the first RCT and all patients from the second RCT, and the long‐term outcomes were evaluated.

Results

There were 88 patients each in the IPM group and the no‐Pringle‐maneuver (NPM) group. The patient demographics, type and extent of liver resection and histopathological findings were comparable between the two groups. The 1‐, 3‐, 5‐year overall survival in the IPM and NPM groups was 92.0%, 82.0%, 72.1% and 93.2%, 68.8%, 58.1%, respectively (P = 0.030). The 1‐, 3‐, 5‐year disease‐free survival in the IPM and NPM groups was 73.6%, 56.2%, 49.7% and 71.6%, 49.4%, 40.3%, respectively (P = 0.366). On multivariable analysis, IPM was a favorable factor for overall survival (P = 0.035). Subgroup analysis showed that a clamp time of 16–30 min (P = 0.024) and cirrhotic patients with IPM (P = 0.009) had better overall survival.

Conclusion

IPM provided a better overall survival after hepatectomy for patients with HCC. Such survival benefit was noted in cirrhotic patients, and the beneficial duration of clamp was 16–30 min.

Trial registration

NCT00730743 and NCT01759901 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Polar cod egg and larval drift patterns in the Svalbard archipelago
Authors: Eriksen Elena , Huserbråten Mats , Gjøsæter Harald , Vikebø Frode , Albretsen Jon
Published: August 2019

Spawning of polar cod (Boreogadus saida) in the vicinity of the Svalbard archipelago has not been directly observed. From the distribution pattern of polar cod 0-group observed during annual monitoring of the Barents Sea, it has, however, been inferred that spawning occurs in Svalbard waters most years. We wanted to investigate the possibility of back-tracking the larvae from these observed distribution areas to the spawning areas from which they originated and applied a coupled ocean–sea ice and particle tracking model to simulate the drift of particles released at suggested spawning sites. The model was run for 1 year (December 2006–September 2007), and the results were compared to observations of polar cod larvae in the autumns of 2007 and 2004–2010. The particles released in the western fjords were mostly retained in the fjords. For the rest of the suggested spawning grounds, the released particles drifted mostly clockwise around the archipelago. Model runs mainly indicated a drift pattern with end points that qualitatively match the main features of the August–September distribution of the polar cod 0-group observed. We conclude that the suggested spawning sites on the southern, northern and eastern sides of Svalbard could have caused a distribution of 0-group polar cod similar to that observed during August–September 2007. From the environmental factors experienced during drift of eggs and larvae and assumptions about habitat suitability for survival and growth, we conclude that spawning in the Svalbard area probably occurs on the southern and eastern sides and later than the area in the southeastern Barents Sea.
Revisiting the Relevance Debate Empirically: Historical Roots and Modern Shoots
Authors: Patel Shivan Sanjay , Pandey Shivendra Kumar , Sharma Dheeraj
Published: August 2019

The present work empirically assesses the effect of the rigor–relevance debate on the relevance of research in marketing across various eras. The paper also ranks different types of relevance according to the importance given by managers. Finally, the current research informs if the top marketing journals are focusing on the relevant relevance category in the modern era. Fifty-seven articles in three leading marketing journals were analyzed for the period 1936–2015. Content analysis and n-way analysis of variance were used to measure the magnitude of managerial relevance in these papers. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to rank the relative importance of different types of relevance. The results support that the relevance across eras changed according to the direction of the ongoing debate on rigor–relevance. Findings indicate that significant gaps exist between the relevance expected by managers and those provided by the journals. The managers prefer “forecasts,” which is instrumental relevance; however, the leading marketing journals focus majorly on conceptual relevance. Out of the eight types of managerial relevance identified, “forecasts” was ranked the highest by managers, followed by “rhetoric devices” and “uncovering causal relationships.” Further, the three leading marketing journals differentiate themselves by focusing on different types of relevance. The results and implications provided are particularly useful for academicians, editors, academic administrators.
Economic impacts of introducing diagnostics for mild cognitive impairment Alzheimer's disease patients
Authors: Wittenberg Raphael , Knapp Martin , Karagiannidou Maria , Dickson John , Schott Jonathan M.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Disease‐modifying treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are likely to be offered only to patients with molecular evidence for Alzheimer pathology and expanded to patients with prodromal AD. We calculated the potential future costs of expanding the number of positron emission tomography (PET) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests in the United Kingdom.

Methods

We conducted a focused literature review and consulted experts to obtain information on the current use of PET and CSF to diagnose prodromal AD, staffing and equipment requirements for these tests, and associated costs.

Results

We estimate annual costs of 100,000 extra amyloid PET scans and 100,000 extra CSF tests at £113 million and £48 million, respectively; these costs are likely to be higher in the first year.

Discussion

The budgetary impacts are not insignificant but are small in comparison to the likely market price of any disease‐modifying treatments or to the probable costs of missed or inaccurate diagnosis.
On the geodesic flow on CAT(0) spaces
Authors: CHARITOS CHARALAMPOS , PAPADOPERAKIS IOANNIS , TSAPOGAS GEORGIOS
Published: August 2019

Under certain assumptions on CAT(0) spaces, we show that the geodesic flow is topologically mixing. In particular, the Bowen–Margulis’ measure finiteness assumption used by Ricks [Flat strips, Bowen–Margulis measures, and mixing of the geodesic flow for rank one CAT(0) spaces. Ergod. Th. & Dynam. Sys. 37 (2017), 939–970] is removed. We also construct examples of CAT(0) spaces that do not admit finite Bowen–Margulis measure.
The Great Second World War Vietnam and Java Famines
Authors: HUFF GREGG
Published: August 2019

This article provides quantitative assessments of the great famines that occurred in Vietnam and Java in 1944–1945, which together claimed the lives of some 3.4 million people. It shows that in both Vietnam and Java, harvest shortfalls, in which weather figured prominently, were so large that insufficient food was available to feed everyone. Nevertheless, in both instances, even with the pressures of war and weather, governments could have acted differently and largely, perhaps even wholly, prevented famine. Although Java's famine had few political repercussions, Vietnam's was instrumental in the August 1945 Viet Minh and communist revolution.
Differences in personality traits in children and adult bilinguals: A pilot study in a bilingual Friulian–Italian context
Authors: Fabbro Anastasia , Crescentini Cristiano , Pascoli Eric , Screm Simona , Cantone Damiano , Fabbro Franco
Published: August 2019

We investigated changes in self-representation depending on language in Friulian–Italian bilinguals. The Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and the Junior-TCI were administered respectively to 24 adults and 25 children, both in Friulian and in Italian, at a distance of two weeks from each other. Variations in TCI were detected: both adults and children scored higher in Self-Directedness (a character trait) when using Italian than Friulian. Similar findings were observed for Novelty-Seeking (a temperament trait) in children and Cooperativeness (another character trait) in adults. Results are discussed considering previous studies on bilingualism and within the frame of the Friulian sociolinguistic context.
SELF-EXCITED OSCILLATIONS IN A COLLAPSIBLE CHANNEL WITH APPLICATIONS TO RETINAL VENOUS PULSATION
Authors: STEWART PETER S. , FOSS ALEXANDER J. E.
Published: August 2019

We consider a theoretical model for the flow of Newtonian fluid through a long flexible-walled channel which is formed from four compliant and rigid compartments arranged alternately in series. We drive the flow using a fixed upstream flux and derive a spatially one-dimensional model using a flow profile assumption. The compliant compartments of the channel are assumed subject to a large external pressure, so the system admits a highly collapsed steady state. Using both a global (linear) stability eigensolver and fully nonlinear simulations, we show that these highly collapsed steady states admit a primary global oscillatory instability similar to observations in a single channel. We also show that in some regions of the parameter space the system admits a secondary mode of instability which can interact with the primary mode and lead to significant changes in the structure of the neutral stability curves. Finally, we apply the predictions of this model to the flow of blood through the central retinal vein and examine the conditions required for the onset of self-excited oscillation. We show that the neutral stability curve of the primary mode of instability discussed above agrees well with canine experimental measurements of the onset of retinal venous pulsation, although there is a large discrepancy in the oscillation frequency.
Evidence of a possible therapeutic role of vitamin D in a cohort of adult Caucasian vitiligo patients
Authors: Colucci Roberta , Conti Rossana , Dragoni Federica , Cammi Allegra , Cianferotti Luisella , Brandi Maria Luisa , Moretti Silvia
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Reduced serum 25(OH)D levels have been largely reported in vitiligo, which is an autoimmune skin disorder characterized by the appearance of achromic macules. Since vitamin D can positively modulate immune function and stimulate melanogenesis in vitro, a possible role of sufficient vitamin D levels in promoting the stability of the disease and repigmentation process might be hypothesized in vitiligo. Hence, we conducted an observational study on medical records related to 101 vitiligo patients, in order to correlate baseline 25(OH)D levels with the baseline vitiligo activity and repigmentation of vitiligo macules on a 6-month follow-up. According to our results, at baseline we found that active vitiligo was significantly associated with 25(OH)D deficiency (≤20 ng/mL) (P = 0.036) or insufficiency (21–29 ng/mL) (P = 0.041), while stable disease was significantly associated with sufficient 25(OH)D levels (30–100 ng/mL) (P = 0.043). After 6 months, vitiligo patients with sufficient 25(OH)D levels (30–100 ng/mL) achieved a significantly higher degree of repigmentation. In conclusion, our study provides a novel evidence of a significant positive association of sufficient 25(OH)D levels with the stability of the disease and a satisfactory repigmentation process in Caucasian adult vitiligo patients and strengthen the need to assess vitamin D status in vitiligo. The correlation between sufficient vitamin D levels and a satisfactory course of the disease opens the way for future randomized controlled trials assessing a possible beneficial role of vitamin D supplementation on vitiligo.
The Other End of the Line
Authors: Pugnaghi Giulia , Schnuerch Robert , Gibbons Henning , Memmert Daniel , Kreitz Carina
Published: August 2019

Abstract. The two hemispheres of the human brain are asymmetrically involved in representing a person’s motivational orientation: Approach motivation is reflected in greater activation of the left hemisphere, whereas avoidance motivation more strongly activates the right hemisphere. Visuospatial bias, as assessed in the line-bisection task, is often used as a simple behavioral measure of relative hemispheric activation. In three experiments, we investigated whether affect-induced approach and avoidance motivation are associated with spatial biases in line-bisection performance. Happy or terrifying pictures (Experiment 1, N = 70), happy or sad music (Experiment 2, N = 50), and joyful or frightening videos (Experiment 3, N = 90) were used to induce negative and positive affect. Mood-induction procedures successfully changed emotional states in the intended direction. However, our analyses revealed no effect of mood on visuospatial biases in the line-bisection task. Additional Bayesian analyses also provided more evidence against the hypothesized effect than in favor of it. Thus, visuospatial bias in line bisection does not seem to be a sensitive measure of approach and avoidance motivation induced by positive and negative affect.
A Community-Based Response to a Suicide Cluster
Authors: Lai Carmen C. S. , Law Yik Wa , Shum Angie K. Y. , Ip Flora W. L. , Yip Paul S. F.
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Background: A 45-month community-based suicide prevention program was launched in response to the emergence of a suicide cluster in 2010 in Hong Kong. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the program, document the implementation and outcomes of the project, and identify factors that contribute to the outcomes. Method: The program was delivered following the five key components of the public health approach: (a) community consensus building; (b) surveillance and monitoring; (c) development of coordinated action strategies; (d) interventions development and implementation at the universal, selective, and indicated levels; and (d) program evaluation. Results: A significant decreasing trend of suicide was found in the study site during the intervention period, whereas no changes were found in the three control sites. Spatial analysis also showed that the suicide cluster subsided after the intervention. Three impacts and one challenge of the program were identified from the qualitative feedback of the program stakeholders. Limitations: More investigations should be made to assess the sustainability of this community-based suicide prevention effort in the long run. Conclusion: A community-based suicide prevention program was successfully implemented to address the suicide cluster. A reduction in the suicide rate was observed after the intervention.
Train Traffic as a Powerful Noise Source for Monitoring Active Faults With Seismic Interferometry
Authors: Brenguier F. , Boué P. , Ben‐Zion Y. , Vernon F. , Johnson C.W. , Mordret A. , Coutant O. , Share P.‐E. , Beaucé E. , Hollis D. , Lecocq T.
Published: August 2019

Laboratory experiments report that detectable seismic velocity changes should occur in the vicinity of fault zones prior to earthquakes. However, operating permanent active seismic sources to monitor natural faults at seismogenic depth is found to be nearly impossible to achieve. We show that seismic noise generated by vehicle traffic, and especially heavy freight trains, can be turned into a powerful repetitive seismic source to continuously probe the Earth's crust at a few kilometers depth. Results of an exploratory seismic experiment in Southern California demonstrate that correlations of train‐generated seismic signals allow daily reconstruction of direct P body waves probing the San Jacinto Fault down to 4‐km depth. This new approach may facilitate monitoring most of the San Andreas Fault system using the railway and highway network of California.