bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laboratory and theoretical evaluation of impact of packing density, particle shape, and uniformity coefficient on erodibility of coarse‐grained soil particles
Authors: Choo Hyunwook , Zhao Qian , Burns Susan E. , Sturm Terry W. , Hong Seung Ho
Published: January 2020

Sedimentation – including erosion, transport, and deposition of coarse‐grained particles – is a primary and growing environmental, engineering, and agricultural issue around the world. Soil erosion occurs when the hydrodynamic force induced by flowing water exceeds the geotechnical resistance of soils, as measured by critical shear stress for initiation of soil‐particle motion. Even though various quantitative methods have been suggested with respect to different types of soil, the most widely accepted formula to estimate critical shear stress for coarse‐grained soil is a direct function of the median grain size of the soil particles; however, the erosion resistance of soils also varies with other geotechnical properties, such as packing density, particle shape, and uniformity coefficient. Thus, in this study, a combined rolling–lift model for particle detachment was derived based on theoretical analysis. A series of experimental flume tests were conducted with specimens prepared with standard soil types, as well as laboratory‐prepared mixtures of coarse‐grained soil to validate the theoretical model and determine the effect of other geotechnical properties on the erosion characteristics of coarse grains, coupled with the effect of median particle size. The results indicated that the median grain size is the primary variable determining the resistance of coarse grains, but the critical shear stress also varies with the packing density of the soil matrix. In addition, angular particles show more erosion resistance than rounded particles, and the erosion potential of a soil decreased when the grain is well graded (higher value of uniformity coefficient). Additionally, regression analysis was performed to quantify the effect of each parameter on the critical shear stress of coarse grains. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A national rockfall dataset as a tool for analysing the spatial and temporal rockfall occurrence in Germany
Authors: Rupp Stefan , Damm Bodo
Published: January 2020

This study presents an evaluation of a comprehensive dataset with information on about 700 recorded rockfall events in Germany for the first time. The focus is on the analysis of monthly distributions of three rockfall clusters in German low mountain ranges and of three elevation classes to provide an overview of the characteristic seasonal occurrence of rockfalls in Germany. Each rockfall distribution is correlated with records of meteorological station clusters which are representative for the long‐term climate conditions of the particular rockfall cluster and elevation class, respectively. The stored parameters in the dataset (year of occurrence, rock volumes, slope angles, affected objects) are evaluated to complete the extensive and differentiated overview of rockfalls in Germany. The analyses of the distributions of the three rockfall clusters show a distinct event concentration in the winter months. Differences are apparent between the monthly distributions of the elevation classes in which clear peaks are partially visible. Freeze–thaw cycles are considered to be the major trigger of winter rockfalls in Germany. Overall, the presented results may serve as a basis for further studies in the German low mountain ranges. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimized extraction and quality evaluation of Niger seed oil via microwave‐pulsed electric field pretreatments
Authors: Mohseni Nazanin Maryam. , Mirzaei Habibollah , Moghimi Masoumeh
Published: January 2020

In this study, oil extraction from Niger seeds was evaluated with different microwave irradiation times (0–200 s) and pulsed electric fields (PEF) intensities (0–5 kV/cm) as pretreatments. Then, oil extraction was completed with a screw press at different rotation speeds (11–57 rpm). Quality parameters including extraction efficiency, acidity and peroxide values (PVs), chlorophyll, and phenolic contents along with fatty acid profiles and tocopherol levels of the extracted oils were determined as responses. With enhancements in microwave time, PEF intensity and press rotation, the chlorophyll contents, acidity/PVs, and total phenolics of oils increased similar to oil extraction efficiency although it was reduced later. The optimized conditions selected by response surface methodology were determined as 156.23 s, 1.18 kV/cm, and 20 rpm for microwave time, PEF intensity and press speed, respectively. Fatty acid analysis revealed that linoleic acid was the most predominant fatty acid in the extracted oil. Application of the mentioned pretreatments may lead to a reduction in unsaturated fatty acids and escalation of saturated ones (p < .05). High‐performance liquid chromatography results indicated that α‐tocopherols are the most common tocopherols in Niger seed oil and microwave‐PEF pretreatments may lead to 2.79% increase in tocopherols content.
Activity of the south Tibetan detachment system: Constraints from leucogranite ages in the eastern Himalayas
Authors: Zhang Lin‐Kui , Li Guang‐Ming , Cao Hua‐Wen , Zhang Zhi , Dong Sui‐Liang , Liang Wei , Fu Jian‐Gang , Huang Yong , Xia Xiang‐Biao , Dai Zuo‐Wen , Pei Qiu‐Ming , Zhang Shou‐Ting
Published: January 2020

Himalayan leucogranites are widely distributed in the North Himalayan gneiss dome (NHGD) and at the top of the Greater Himalayan Crystalline Complex (GHC) and are generally controlled by detachment faults. The ages of these prekinematic, synkinematic, and postkinematic leucogranites can be used to limit the activity of detachment structures (such as the South Tibetan Detachment System, STDS). Research on the STDS activity time in the eastern Himalayas is relatively sparse. In this study, the zircon and monazite U–Th–Pb geochronology of synkinematic and postkinematic leucogranites, which are affected by the STDS and NHGD, in four areas (Lhozhag, Kuju, Xiaozhan, and Cuonadong) in Shannan City, Tibet, China, was measured. The results show that the oldest synkinematic two‐mica granite from Lhozhag, which is affected by the STDS, is 24–25 Ma, so the time of STDS activity is at or slightly earlier than 25 Ma. The youngest synkinematic leucogranite is the garnet‐bearing muscovite granite in Cuonadong at 18.4 Ma. The oldest undeformed postkinematic leucogranite (not affected by the STDS) is the muscovite granite in Xiaozhan at 17.4 Ma. Therefore, the end of STDS activity can be limited to 18.4–17.4 Ma. The STDS includes three forms: detachment fault in the NHGD (northern extension of the STDS), the inner STDS between the GHC and Tethyan Himalayan Sequence, and the outer STDS at the bottoms of synformal klippes. In this paper, the active time limits of the above three kinds of detachment zones are comprehensively summarized. Based on this work, the northward extension (ductile deformation) time of the STDS in the region is considered to be 28–17 Ma. The exhumation of the GHC is mainly controlled by in‐sequence shearing: first, the South Tibet Thrust system (predecessor of the STDS) at the top of the GHC thrust southward at 45–28 Ma, then the High Himalayan Discontinuity fault in the middle of the GHC forms south‐vergent ductile thrusts at 28–17 Ma, and finally, the Main Central Thrust at the bottom of the GHC thrust southward at 17–9 Ma.
Serial Transient Elastography Examinations to Monitor Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Hye Won , Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Kwok Raymond , Choi Kai Chow , Chan Carmen Ka‐Man , Shu Sally She‐Ting , Leung Julie Ka‐Yu , Chim Angel Mei‐Ling , Luk Andrea On‐Yan , Ma Ronald Ching‐Wan , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen , Chan Juliana Chung‐Ngor , Kong Alice Pik‐Shan , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun
Published: January 2020

Background and Aims

Type 2 diabetes is an important risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and advanced fibrosis. Current international guidelines recommend the use of noninvasive tests as initial assessments for NAFLD, but the role of noninvasive tests as monitoring tools has not been established. We aimed to study the role of transient elastography as a monitoring tool in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Approach and Results

We recruited patients with type 2 diabetes without viral hepatitis or excessive alcohol intake from a complication screening facility in Hong Kong in 2013‐2014 and repeated the assessments in 2016‐2018. The primary endpoint was an increase of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) to ≥10 kPa. The secondary endpoint was the change in the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). A total of 611 patients with type 2 diabetes and a valid LSM (mean age, 57.7 ± 10.9 years; 342 men [56.0%]) were included in this study (568 also had a valid CAP). Overall, there was moderate correlation between the baseline and follow‐up LSM (r = 0.689, P < 0.001). Among 487 patients with a baseline LSM <10 kPa, 21 (4.3%) had a follow‐up LSM ≥10 kPa. Baseline body mass index, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and ∆ALT were independent factors associated with LSM increase. Among 124 patients with a baseline LSM ≥10 kPa, 70 (56.5%) had a follow‐up LSM <10 kPa. Among 198 patients with a CAP <248 dB/m at baseline, 103 (52.0%) had a CAP increased to ≥248 dB/m.

Conclusions

The prevalence and incidence of NAFLD in patients with type 2 diabetes are high. Although advanced fibrosis is common in this population, few patients progress to advanced fibrosis in 3 years. Future studies should define the optimal surveillance interval in patients with diabetes.
Stochastic hybrid decision‐making based on interval type 2 fuzzy sets for measuring the innovation capacities of financial institutions
Authors: Jun Qi , Dinçer Hasan , Yüksel Serhat
Published: January 2020

This study aims to construct a hybrid decision‐making approach to the stochastic evaluation for the innovation capacity of financial institutions. For this purpose, interval type 2 fuzzy DEMATEL‐ANP is used for weighting the criteria and dimensions. Additionally, TOPSIS and VIKOR methods based on interval type 2 fuzzy sets are considered to rank the alternatives. The novelty of the study is to propose a set of criteria and dimensions of innovation capacity with the supported literature. Another novelty is to propose an extended method of DEMATEL‐ANP by using interval type 2 fuzzy sets as well as an integrated method of interval type 2 fuzzy stochastic decision‐making with the Monte Carlo simulation. The results indicate that organizational dimension of innovation capacities has the highest importance between the set of criteria and the state‐owned banks have been more appropriate than both the private and foreign banks for generating the innovation capacities in the financial institutions. However, the analysis illustrates that stochastic decision‐making models could provide more extensive results than the conventional methods including the expert priorities. This study could be also extended by using different multicriteria decision‐making methods such as MOORA and ELECTRE and also, the cross‐country analysis could be applied for the future studies.
Putative promoters within gene bodies control exon expression via TET1‐mediated H3K36 methylation
Authors: Ma Ling , Muhammad Tahir , Wang Hongyang , Du Guangyuan , Sakhawat Ali , Wei Yazi , Ali Khan Aamir , Cong Xianling , Huang Yinghui
Published: January 2020

Hypermethylation of gene promoter has been indicated for the contribution of gene silencing, and DNA demethylating drugs, such as 5‐aza‐2'‐deoxycytidine (DAC), has been used clinically for cancer treatment. However, the reason why a proportion of genes with hypermethylated promoter exhibit high expression levels remains unclear and this drug is not much successful as expected in use. Furthermore, CpG islands (CGIs) are found to be located in not only promotors, but also in gene bodies. By RNA‐seq and reduced representation bisulfite sequencing, we found the mismatch between the level of promoter methylation and gene expression. By chromatin Immunoprecipitation‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction and luciferase reporter assay, we identified putative promoters in gene body, and proved the activities of putative promoters were affected by the methylation level of the CGI nearby. DAC can reverse the DNA hypermethylation at promoter CGIs effectively but not the CGIs in gene body. We also found that TET1 could demethylate CGIs both in promoter and gene body. Furthermore, we revealed a novel mechanism that H3K36me3 could affect the activity of putative promoter, and 5hmC recruited MeCP2 and CREB1 as a coactivator to SETD2 promoter, to enhance its gene expression and result in increased H3K36me3 in gene body. Our results concluded that putative promoters existed in the gene bodies, and TET1 could influence the transcriptional activity of putative promoters by intragenic demethylation.
Regulation of TRPC5 currents by intracellular ATP: Single channel studies
Authors: Dattilo Michael , Penington Nicholas J. , Williams Keith
Published: January 2020

TRPC5 channels are nonselective cation channels activated by G‐protein‐coupled receptors. It was previously found that recombinant TRPC5 currents are inhibited by intracellular ATP, when studied by whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of ATP inhibition at the single‐channel level using patches from HEK‐293 cells transiently transfected with TRPC5 and the M1 muscarinic receptor. In inside‐out patches, application of ATP to the intracellular face of the membrane reduced TRPC5 channel activity at both positive and negative potentials without affecting the unitary current amplitude or open dwell time of the channel. The effect of ATP was rapidly reversible. These results suggest that ATP may bind to the channel protein and affect the ability of the channel to open or to remain in an open, nondesensitized state. The activity of TRPC5 channels may be influenced by cellular metabolism via changes in ATP levels.
Reversing the Effects of 0.5% Bupivacaine Using Phentolamine Mesylate: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Michaud Pierre‐Luc , Nowe Erin , Smith Brillant Martha
Published: January 2020

Phentolamine mesylate is the only commercially available dental local anesthetic reversal agent. It has been proven safe and effective for reversing most local anesthetics used in dentistry but was never tested with bupivacaine. The aim of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of 0.4‐mg phentolamine mesylate in reversing an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) with 0.5% bupivacaine, 1:200,000 epinephrine. Sixty‐six participants were recruited and were administered an IANB with bupivacaine. After confirmation of anesthesia, they were randomized into 1 of 2 groups (phentolamine mesylate or control). Participants in the phentolamine mesylate group received a second injection with 1.7‐mL OraVerse (0.4‐mg phentolamine mesylate), while participants in the control group received a second injection with 1.7‐mL sterile saline water. Participants were trained to self‐assess sensation (lower lip and tongue) and function (drinking, speaking, and smiling), which they did every 20 minutes, and they recorded the time when sensation/function returned to normal. Comparative analysis was completed using independent sample t‐tests, univariate linear regressions, and Pearson chi‐square. Forty‐three participants were randomized, and 34 completed the study (phentolamine mesylate, n = 15; control, n = 19). There was a statistically significant difference between the 2 treatment groups for return of normal sensation to the lower lip (mean difference of 2 hours and 17 minutes; P = .027) and the tongue (mean difference of 1 hour and 35 minutes; P = .046) in favor of the phentolamine mesylate group. The results indicate that phentolamine mesylate hastens the return to normal sensation of an IANB with bupivacaine.
Vibration and β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate treatment suppresses intramuscular fat infiltration and adipogenic differentiation in sarcopenic mice
Authors: Wang Jinyu , Cui Can , Chim Yu Ning , Yao Hao , Shi Liu , Xu Jiankun , Wang Jiali , Wong Ronald Man Yeung , Leung Kwok‐Sui , Chow Simon Kwoon‐Ho , Cheung Wing Hoi
Published: January 2020

Background

Sarcopenia is an aging‐induced deterioration of skeletal muscle mass and function. Low‐magnitude high‐frequency vibration (LMHFV) was shown to improve muscle functions and β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate (HMB) to increase muscle mass and strength. Muscle‐derived stem cells (MDSCs) are progenitor cells important for muscle regeneration. We hypothesized that LMHFV and HMB could retard sarcopenia by reducing fat infiltration through inhibiting adipogenesis in MDSCs.

Methods

Senescence‐accelerated mouse P8 male mice were randomized into control (CTL), HMB, LMHFV (VIB), and combined (COM) groups. Interventions started at age of month 7 and assessed at 1, 2, and 3 months post‐intervention by densitometry, histology, and functional tests. In vitro, MDSCs isolated from gastrocnemius of senescence‐accelerated mouse P8 mice were characterized, randomized into CTL, VIB, HMB, and COM groups, and assessed by oil red O staining, mRNA, and protein expression.

Results

At 2 months post‐intervention, percentage lean mass of HMB, VIB, and COM groups were significantly higher than CTL group. Twitch, tetanic, and specific tetanic forces of COM group were higher, while specific twitch force of both VIB and COM groups were higher. Grip strength of HMB, VIB, and COM groups were higher. Histologically, both VIB and COM groups presented lower oil red O area than CTL group. Type I muscle fibre in CTL group was higher than HMB, VIB, and COM groups. MDSC were detected in situ by immunofluorescence stain with stem cell antigen‐1 signals confirmed with higher β‐catenin expression in the COM group. The observations were also confirmed in vitro, MDSCs in the HMB, VIB, and COM groups presented lower adipogenesis vs. the CTL group. β‐Catenin mRNA and protein expressions were lower in the CTL group while their relationship was further validated through β‐catenin knock‐down approach.

Conclusions

Our results showed that combined LMHFV and HMB interventions enhanced muscle strength and decreased percentage fat mass and intramuscular fat infiltration as compared with either treatment alone. Additive effect of LMHFV and HMB was demonstrated in β‐catenin expression than either treatment in MDSCs and altered cell fate from adipogenesis to myogenesis, leading to inhibition of intramuscular lipid accumulation. Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway was found to be the predominant regulatory mechanism through which LMHFV and HMB combined treatment suppressed MDSCs adipogenesis.
Maternal lithium chloride exposure alters the neuroendocrine‐cytokine axis in neonatal albino rats
Authors: Mohammed Dena A. -E. , Ahmed Rasha R. , Ahmed R. G.
Published: January 2020

The aim of this work was to clarify whether maternal lithium chloride (LiCl) exposure disrupts the neonatal neuroendocrine‐cytokine axis. Pregnant Wistar rats were orally administrated 50 mg LiCl/kg b.wt. from gestational day (GD) 1 to postpartum day 28. Maternal administration of LiCl induced a hypothyroid state in both dams and their neonates compared to the control dams and neonates at lactation days (LDs) 14, 21 and 28, where the levels of serum free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxin (FT4) were decreased and the level of serum thyrotropin (TSH) level was increased. A noticeable depression in maternal body weight gain, neonatal body weight and neonatal serum growth hormone (GH) was observed on all examined postnatal days (PNDs; 14, 21 and 28). A single abortion case was recorded at GD 17, and three dead neonates were noted at birth in the LiCl‐treated group. Maternal administration of LiCl disturbed the levels of neonatal serum tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β), interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β), interferon‐gamma (INF‐γ), leptin, adiponectin and resistin at all tested PNDs compared to the control group. This administration produced a stimulatory action on the level of neonatal cerebral serotonin (5‐HT) at PND 14 and on the level of neonatal cerebral norepinephrine (NE) at PNDs 21 and 28. However, this administration produced an inhibitory action on the level of neonatal cerebral dopamine (DA) at all examined PNDs and on the level of neonatal cerebral NE at PND 14 and the level of neonatal cerebral 5‐HT at PNDs 21 and 28 compared to the corresponding control group. Thus, maternal LiCl exposure‐induced hypothyroidism disrupts the neonatal neuroendocrine‐cytokine system, which delay cerebral development.
Being there on time: Reinforcer effects on timing and locating
Authors: Cowie Sarah , Davison Michael
Published: January 2020

In research on timing, reinforcers often are assumed to influence discrimination of elapsed time. We asked whether changes in choice used to measure timing arise because of joint control by elapsed time and reinforcers, rather than from the direct modification of control by elapsed time by reinforcers. Pigeons worked on a concurrent‐choice task in which 1 response was 9 times more likely to produce a reinforcer, reversing between locations when 19 s had elapsed since the marker event. Across conditions, we manipulated the percentage of reinforcers arranged before the probability reversal from 5 to 95%. These changes in reinforcer percentages altered control by location‐based elements of the contingency, but not by time‐based elements. Choice was well described by a model that assumes that control by the contingency is weakened by generalization across the time and location of reinforcers, and that these generalizations become more likely at later times since a marker. These findings add to a growing body of research that suggests that reinforcers share the same function as other environmental events in determining how the environment controls behavior.
On clique‐inverse graphs of graphs with bounded clique number
Authors: Alcón Liliana , Gravier Sylvain , Sales Claudia L. , Protti Fabio , Ravenna Gabriela
Published: January 2020

The clique graph K(G) of G is the intersection graph of the family of maximal cliques of G. For a family of graphs, the family of clique‐inverse graphs of , denoted by , is defined as . Let be the family of Kp‐free graphs, that is, graphs with clique number at most p − 1, for an integer constant p ≥ 2. Deciding whether a graph H is a clique‐inverse graph of can be done in polynomial time; in addition, for can be characterized by a finite family of forbidden induced subgraphs. In Protti and Szwarcfiter, the authors propose to extend such characterizations to higher values of p. Then a natural question arises: Is there a characterization of by means of a finite family of forbidden induced subgraphs, for any p ≥ 2? In this note we give a positive answer to this question. We present upper bounds for the order, the clique number, and the stability number of every forbidden induced subgraph for in terms of p.
Does Gender Equality Matter for Regional Growth and Income Inequality? An Empirical Analysis for the Indian States
Authors: Nandan Amit , Mallick Hrushikesh
Published: January 2020

This study aims to address two key research issues: (i) whether gender equality promotes economic growth across Indian states and (ii) whether interstate differences in gender equality can explain per capita income disparities among the Indian states. Controlling for the relevant key factors such as components of government developmental expenditures, private investment, human capital formation and institutional quality in a regional growth model, our empirical findings confirm that gender equality leads to economic growth and that interstate differences in gender equality lead to disparities in per capita income among the Indian states. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Freedom deprivation in prisons of Serbia
Authors: Jovanić Goran , Petrović Vera , Macanović Nebojša
Published: January 2020

The subject of this research is the deprivation of freedom at two time points. A total of 490 convicts from open, semi‐open, and closed prisons participated in the research. Freedom deprivation intensity was determined by using the freedom deprivation scale (α = .93). The results of the research indicate that almost all the participants reported freedom deprivation. The prison type had an impact on freedom deprivation intensity, whereas an influence of the ward type on deprivation was not demonstrated. Freedom deprivation intensity was consistent from the turn of the century to the present day.
Papillary renal cell carcinoma in two young adults with glycogen storage disease type Ia
Authors: Perry Ariane , Douillard Claire , Jonca Frederic , Glowacki Francois , Leroy Xavier , Caveriviere Paul , Hubert Aurélie , Labrune Philippe
Published: January 2020

Glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD Ia) is a rare metabolic disease due to glucose‐6‐phosphatase deficiency. Chronic kidney disease is a frequent complication that may manifest itself by glomerular lesions and tubular dysfunction from the second decade of life. We report two young GSDIa patients with malignant renal tumor. The first patient was a 25‐year‐old man. He had chronic metabolic imbalance without kidney involvement. The tumor, a type 2 papillary renal carcinoma, was accidentally discovered during follow‐up. The second patient was a 27‐year‐old woman with chronic metabolic imbalance and chronic kidney involvement. The tumor, a grade 2 papillary carcinoma, was accidentally discovered during follow‐up. These two observations are, to date, the first to be reported. We suggest that annual monitoring of kidney imaging in GSDI patients should be systematic to detect renal cancer, from the second decade of life.
Rational design and improvement of the dimerization‐disrupting peptide selectivity between ROCK‐I and ROCK‐II kinase isoforms in cerebrovascular diseases
Authors: Gu Zhengtian , Yan Tingting , Yan Fuling
Published: January 2020

Human rho‐associated coiled‐coil forming kinases (ROCKs) ROCK‐I and ROCK‐II have been documented as attractive therapeutic targets for cerebrovascular diseases. Although ROCK‐I and ROCK‐II share a high degree of structural conservation and are both present in classic rho/ROCK signaling pathway, their downstream substrates and pathological functions may be quite different. Selective targeting of the two kinase isoforms with traditional small‐molecule inhibitors is a great challenge due to their surprisingly high homology in kinase domain (~90%) and the full identity in kinase active site (100%). Here, instead of developing small‐molecule drugs to selectively target the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) site of two isoforms, we attempt to design peptide agents to selectively disrupt the homo‐dimerization event of ROCK kinases through their dimerization domains which have a relatively low conservation (~60%). Three helical peptides H1, H2, and H3 are split from the kinase dimerization domain, from which the isolated H2 peptide is found to have the best capability to rebind at the dimerization interface. A simulated annealing (SA) iteration method is used to improve the H2 peptide selectivity between ROCK‐I and ROCK‐II. The method accepts moderate degradation in peptide affinity in order to maximize the affinity difference between peptide binding to the two isoforms. Consequently, hundreds of parallel SA runs yielded six promising peptide candidates with ROCK‐I over ROCK‐II (I over II [IoII]) calculated selectivity and four promising peptide candidates with ROCK‐II over ROCK‐I (II over I [IIoI]) calculated selectivity. Subsequent anisotropy assays confirm that the selectivity values range between 13.2‐fold and 83.9‐fold for IoII peptides, and between 5.8‐fold and 21.2‐fold for IIoI peptides, which are considerably increased relative to wild‐type H2 peptide (2.6‐fold for IoII and 2.0‐fold for IIoI). The molecular origin of the designed peptide selectivity is also analyzed at structural level; it is revealed that the peptide residues can be classified into conserved, non‐conserved, and others, in which the non‐conserved residues play a crucial role in defining peptide selectivity, while conserved residues confer stability to kinase‐peptide binding.
Comparison of medication adherence and satisfaction between entecavir and tenofovir alafenamide therapy in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Tamaki Nobuharu , Kurosaki Masayuki , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Itakura Jun , Inada Kento , Kirino Sakura , Yamashita Koji , Osawa Leona , Sekiguchi Shuhei , Hayakawa Yuka , Wang Wan , Okada Mao , Higuchi Mayu , Takaura Kenta , Maeyashiki Chiaki , Kaneko Shun , Yasui Yutaka , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Takahashi Yuka , Izumi Namiki
Published: January 2020

Adherence to nucleotide/nucleoside analog therapy is important in improving prognosis in chronic hepatitis B. We aimed to compare medical adherence and satisfaction with entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) and to assess the effect of switching from ETV to TAF. Patients taking ETV (n = 114) and TAF (n = 35), and who switched from ETV to TAF (n = 15) were included. Medication adherence and satisfaction were assessed using a questionnaire. There was no significant difference in adherence between the ETV and TAF groups, but the medication satisfaction rates (0‐10, prefer‐dislike) were 1.72 ± 2.2 and 0.69 ± 1.5, respectively (P = .01; significantly higher in the TAF group). In patients who switched from ETV to TAF, medication adherence significantly improved (P = .04) as follows: never forgetting, from 40% to 87%; forgetting once every 2 to 3 months, from 33% to 7%; forgetting once every 2 months, from 20% to 7%, and forgetting once every 4 weeks, from 7% to 0%. Similarly, the medication satisfaction rate significantly improved from 4.53 ± 3.2 to 1.27 ± 2.4 after switching (P = .008). In conclusion, switching from ETV to TAF can be a useful approach to improve medication adherence and satisfaction.
Fast calculation of steady‐state charge distribution in high voltage power cables
Authors: Jörgens Christoph , Clemens Markus
Published: January 2020

Modern high voltage direct current (HVDC) power cables consist of nonlinear electric field and temperature depending insulation materials, eg, polyethylene (PE) or mass‐impregnated paper (MI). Within the insulation material, slowly time varying electric fields are the result of accumulated space charges. Due to the long operation time of power cables, the stationary charge distribution and the resulting additional field stresses inside the insulation material need to be taken into account, to ensure a stable operation of the cable system. The long accumulation time of charges in comparison to fast charge dynamics usually requires extended computation times within transient electro‐quasistatic simulation models. An alternative approach to calculate the final steady‐state charge distribution arises from the simultaneous solution of both, the stationary current and the electrostatic potential problem, which are nonlinearly coupled by Ohm's law. Each of the two potential equations are discretized using the finite difference method. Utilizing a nonlinear fixed point iteration for the electric potential, the steady‐state solution of the charge distribution is computed until convergence is obtained. During this pseudo time stepping process, oscillations may occur that yield incorrect results of the charge distribution. These oscillations are eliminated utilizing underrelaxation strategies. Numerical tests on a cylindrical and a plane parallel problem, using both approaches for the calculation of the steady‐state charge distribution, show a faster computation with the nonlinear fixed point iteration, reducing the computation time by at least one order of magnitude.
Looking at ourselves: Lessons about the operations management field learned from our top journals
Authors: Babbar Sunil , Koufteros Xenophon , Bendoly Elliot , Behara Ravi , Metters Richard , Boyer Kenneth
Published: January 2020

We focus here on questions regarding the craft of producing operations management (OM) research manuscripts. Are the journals we publish in too siloed, with regard to participating authors and institutions? Likewise, are the OM departments we work in too intellectually siloed by virtue of journal choice—are there too many like minds? In light of who publishes in our journals and who we coauthor with, is our field “global enough” or is North America weighing too heavily? We also strive to answer a question faced by many OM departments: should highly published faculty be hired from other schools? How do such highly published authors influence those around them? We arrive at partial answers to these questions by exploring an extensive history of publication data from four journals: Journal of Operations Management, Production and Operations Management, Manufacturing and Service Operations Management, and Management Science.
Comparison of posterior‐stabilized, cruciate‐retaining, and medial‐stabilized knee implant motion during gait
Authors: Gray Hans A. , Guan Shanyuanye , Young Tony J. , Dowsey Michelle M. , Choong Peter F. , Pandy Marcus G.
Published: January 2020

Accurate knowledge of knee joint motion is needed to evaluate the effects of implant design on functional performance and component wear. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to measure and compare 6‐degree‐of‐freedom (6‐DOF) kinematics and femoral condylar motion of posterior‐stabilized (PS), cruciate‐retaining (CR), and medial‐stabilized (MS) knee implant designs for one cycle of walking. A mobile biplane X‐ray imaging system was used to accurately measure 6‐DOF tibiofemoral motion as patients implanted with PS (n = 23), CR (n = 25), or MS (n = 26) knees walked over ground at their self‐selected speeds. Knee flexion angle did not differ significantly between the three designs. Relative movements of the femoral and tibial components were generally similar for PS and CR with significant differences observed only for anterior tibial drawer. Knee kinematic profiles measured for MS were appreciably different: external rotation and abduction of the tibia were increased while peak‐to‐peak anterior drawer was significantly reduced for MS compared with PS and CR. Anterior‐posterior drawer and medial‐lateral shift of the tibia were strongly coupled to internal‐external rotation for MS, as was anterior‐posterior translation of the contact center in the lateral compartment. MS exhibited the least amount of paradoxical anterior translation of the femur relative to the tibia during knee flexion. The joint center of rotation in the transverse plane was located in the lateral compartment for PS and CR and in the medial compartment for MS. Substantial differences were evident in 6‐DOF knee kinematics between the healthy knee and all three prosthetic designs. Overall, knee kinematic profiles observed for MS resemble those of the healthy joint more closely than PS and CR.
Real‐Time Energy Exposure Is Associated With Increased Oxidative Stress Among Feeding‐Tolerant Critically Ill Patients: Results From the FEDOX Trial
Authors: McKeever Liam , Peterson Sarah J. , Cienfuegos Sofia , Rizzie Jaime , Lateef Omar , Freels Sally , Braunschweig Carol A.
Published: January 2020

Background

Prospective randomized controlled trials (PRCTs) that found harm in patients receiving higher levels of energy exposure have been largely ignored, in part because of the lack of a known mechanism of harm.

Objective

The current 7‐day pilot study is a PRCT and post hoc analysis designed to explore the relationship between energy exposure and oxidative stress (as plasma total F2‐isoprostanes) in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

Methods

Thirty‐five participants were randomized to receive either 100% or 40% of their estimated energy needs. Our intent‐to‐treat model found no differences in F2‐isoprostanes between groups. A post hoc analysis revealed that on days when participants were in the highest tertile of daily kcal/kg, the real‐time energy flow rate within 2 hours of the blood draw was predictive of increased oxidative stress. On these days, participants in the second or third vs the first tertile of real‐time energy flow rate experienced a 41.8% (P= .006) or 26.5% (P= .001) increase in F2‐isoprostane levels, respectively. This was confirmed through a within‐group subanalysis restricted to participants with measurements on both sides of the median of real‐time energy flow rate that found a 28.2% F2‐isoprostane increase on days in the upper vs lower median of flow rate (P= .002).

Conclusion

The benefits of feeding may be more nuanced than previously suspected. Our findings imply a potential mechanism of harm in meeting the current recommendations for nutrition support in the critically ill that warrants further investigation.
Strontium ranelate improves alveolar bone healing in estrogen‐deficient rats
Authors: Miranda Tamires Szeremeske , Napimoga Marcelo Henrique , De Franco Leonardo , Marins Letícia Macedo , Malta Fernando de Souza , Pontes Louise Antonialice , Morelli Fernando Mendes , Duarte Poliana Mendes
Published: January 2020

Background

This study evaluated the impact of strontium ranelate on tooth‐extraction wound healing in estrogen‐deficient and estrogen‐sufficient rats.

Methods

Ninety‐six Wistar rats (90 days of age) were allocated into one of the following groups: sham‐surgery+water (estrogen‐sufficient); ovariectomy+water (estrogen‐deficient), sham‐surgery+strontium ranelate (625 mg/kg/d) (strontium/estrogen‐sufficient); ovariectomy+strontium ranelate (625 mg/kg/d) (strontium/estrogen‐deficient). Water or strontium ranelate were administrated from the 14th day post‐ovariectomy/sham surgery until euthanasia. Maxillary first molars were extracted at 21 days after sham/ovariectomy surgery. Rats were euthanized at 10, 20, and 30 days post‐extractions. The following parameters were analyzed inside tooth‐extraction wound: proportion of newly formed bone (bone healing/BH), number of cells stained for tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and immunohistochemical staining for five bone metabolism‐related markers (osteocalcin [OCN], osteopontin [OPN], bone sialoprotein [BSP], osteoprotegerin [OPG] and receptor activator of NF‐КB ligand [RANKL]).

Results

The estrogen‐deficient group presented lower BH than all other groups at 20 and 30 days post‐extraction (P < 0.05). The number of TRAP‐stained cells was higher in the estrogen‐deficient group than in estrogen‐sufficient group at 30 days post‐extraction (P < 0.05). The strontium /estrogen‐sufficient group exhibited stronger staining for OCN, when compared to the estrogen‐sufficient and estrogen‐deficient groups (P < 0.05). Both strontium ranelate‐treated groups presented higher staining of OPN and BSP than both untreated groups (P < 0.05). The strontium/estrogen‐sufficient group demonstrated stronger staining for OPG than the estrogen‐deficient group (P < 0.05). The estrogen‐sufficient group and both groups treated with strontium ranelate showed lower expression of RANKL than the estrogen‐deficient group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Strontium ranelate benefited BH and the expression of bone markers in tooth‐extraction wound in estrogen‐deficient rats whereas its benefits in estrogen‐sufficient rats were modest.
Synthesis of Poly(trimethylene carbonate) Oligomers by Ring‐Opening Polymerization in Bulk
Authors: Li Xiang , Mignard Nathalie , Taha Mohamed , Fernández‐de‐Alba Carlos , Chen Jianding , Zhang Shengmiao , Fort Laure , Becquart Frédéric
Published: January 2020

Telechelic poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) oligomers are synthesized and carefully characterized with molar masses between 300 and 5000 g mol−1 in bulk by ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) with 1,3‐dioxan‐2‐one (trimethylene carbonate or TMC) as monomer and 1,4‐butanediol (BDO) as co‐initiator. 1,5,7‐Triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene (TBD) organic catalyst and tin(II) bis(2‐ethylhexanoate) (Sn(Oct)2) organometallic initiator are chosen comparatively. Due to the bi‐functionality of BDO and relatively low TMC/BDO feed ratios, it is proved that PTMC chains are elaborated from one or both the BDO alcohol functions, producing two coexisting kinds of PTMC chains with BDO unit at the chain end or in the backbone. Additionally, PTMC chains bear permanent and fast exchange reactions at 100 °C, leading to both a dynamic redistribution of chains and their extension with BDO unit numbers mainly from 0‐4 but up to 6. Longer reaction times and lower TMC/BDO molar ratios bring about more predominant exchange reactions and MALDI‐TOF allows to detail the structures evolutions deeply. Better average molar masses control and narrower distributions are obtained with TBD as compared to Sn(Oct)2. PTMC molar masses can be predicted simply by the TMC/BDO feed ratio with TBD. Kinetically, TBD is the most efficient. The glass transition temperature Tg is found to respect Flory–Fox model.
A social identity perspective of social media's impact on satisfaction with life
Authors: Dutot Vincent
Published: January 2020

Social media platforms have become an (almost) obligatory part of our lives and activities. However, many disadvantages have emerged such as an increase in dependency on social media owing to addictions known as the dark side of social media. The current research seeks to understand the impact of specific aspects of this dark side, viz. social media addiction, fear of missing out, and narcissism, on self‐esteem, and their links with an individual's satisfaction with life (SwL). The results of a quantitative survey (n = 260) show the salient impact of these aspects on self‐esteem as well as the preponderant role of collective self‐esteem in SwL. Academic and managerial implications are discussed.
Simulations of realistic granular soils in oedometer tests using physics engine
Authors: He Hantao , Zheng Junxing
Published: January 2020

Discrete element method (DEM) has become a preeminent numerical tool for investigating the mechanical behavior of granular soils. However, traditional DEM uses sphere clusters to approximate realistic particles, which is computationally demanding when simulating many particles. This paper demonstrates the potential of using a physics engine technique to simulate realistic particles. The physics engines are originally developed for video games for simulating physical and mechanical processes that occur in the real world to produce realistic game experiences. The simulation accuracy and efficiency of physics engines have been significantly improved in the last two decades allowing them to be used as a scientific tool in many disciplines. This paper introduces modeling methodologies of physics engine including realistic particle representation and the contact model. Then, oedometer tests are simulated using realistic particles scanned by X‐ray computed tomography (X‐ray CT). The simulation results agree well with experimental results. This paper demonstrates that physics engines can output contact parameters for geotechnical analysis and force chains for visualization.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Iron Deficiency in Adults With Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Gettle Lucy S. , Harden Adrienne , Bridges Meagan , Albon Dana
Published: January 2020

Background

Iron deficiency is common in cystic fibrosis (CF), but previous prevalence studies often reported results confounded by acute exacerbations. This single‐center retrospective study aimed to identify the prevalence of iron deficiency in a stable adult CF population, identify the risk factors associated with iron deficiency, and compare common laboratory indicators of iron status.

Methods

Medical charts of 105 patients aged 18–67 were reviewed to determine the prevalence of anemia. Of these patients, a subgroup of 67 were included in analyses of iron deficiency, defined as serum ferritin < 12 ng/mL and/or percent transferrin saturation (TSAT) < 16%. Data on sex, age, body mass index, anemia status, vitamin deficiencies, presence of comorbidities, colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and use of acid blockers and CF transmembrane conductance regulator modulators were collected to evaluate relationship of iron deficiency with these clinical factors. κ agreements between serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, and TSAT were compared.

Results

In this stable CF population, the prevalence of iron deficiency was 41.8% (n = 67), and the prevalence of anemia was 33.3% (n = 105). Iron deficiency was associated with presence of anemia (P < .001), vitamin A deficiency (P = .012), and moderate (P = .047) and severe lung disease (P = .045) compared with mild lung disease. Transferrin agreed poorly with other iron status indicators.

Conclusion

Iron deficiency is common in CF, although prevalence rates can vary widely depending on the laboratory parameters used. CF centers should consider routine screening for iron deficiency.
Asymmetric Synthesis of 4,4‐(Difluoro)glutamic Acid via Chiral Ni(II)‐Complexes of Dehydroalanine Schiff Bases. Effect of the Chiral Ligands Structure on the Stereochemical Outcome
Authors: Tokairin Yoshinori , Shigeno Yuhei , Han Jianlin , Röschenthaler Gerd‐Volker , Konno Hiroyuki , Moriwaki Hiroki , Soloshonok Vadim A.
Published: January 2020

Four differently substituted chiral Ni(II)‐complexes of dehydroalanine Schiff base were prepared and reacted with BrCF2COOEt/Cu under the standard reaction conditions. The observed diastereoselectivity was found to depend on the degree and pattern of chlorine substitution for hydrogen in the structure of the dehydroalanine complexes. The unsubstituted complex gave the ratio of diastereomers (S)(2S)/(S)(2R) of 66/34. On the other hand, introduction of chlorine atoms in the strategic positions on the chiral ligands allowed to achieve a practically attractive diastereoselectivity of (∼98.5/1.5). Diastereomerically pure major product was disassembled to prepare 9‐fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) derivative of (S)‐4,4‐difluoroglutamic acid.
HPV16 is sufficient to induce squamous cell carcinoma specifically in the tongue base in transgenic mice
Authors: Mestre Verónica F , Medeiros‐Fonseca Beatriz , Estêvão Diogo , Casaca Fátima , Silva Sandra , Félix Ana , Silva Fernanda , Colaço Bruno , Seixas Fernanda , Bastos Margarida MSM , Lopes Carlos , Medeiros Rui , Oliveira Paula A , Gil da Costa Rui M
Published: January 2020

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) occur specifically in the tonsils and the tongue base, but the reasons for this specificity remain unknown. We studied the distribution of oral and pharyngeal lesions in HPV16‐transgenic mice where the expression of all the HPV16 early genes is targeted to keratinising squamous epithelia by the cytokeratin 14 (Krt14) gene promoter. At 30 weeks of age, 100% of mice developed low‐ and high‐grade intraepithelial dysplasia at multiple sites. Twenty per cent of animals developed invasive cancers that remarkably were restricted to the tongue base, in association with the circumvallate papilla. The lesions maintained expression of CK14 (KRT14) and the HPV16 E6 and E7 oncogenes, and displayed deregulated cell proliferation and up‐regulation of p16INK4A. Malignant lesions were poorly differentiated and destroyed the tongue musculature. We hypothesised that the tongue base area might contain a transformation zone similar to those observed in the cervix and anus, explaining why HPV‐positive cancers target that area specifically. Immunohistochemistry for two transformation zone markers, CK7 (KRT7) and p63 (TP63), revealed a squamocolumnar junction in the terminal duct of von Ebner's gland, composed of CK7+ luminal cells and p63+ basal cells. Dysplastic and invasive lesions retained diffuse p63 expression but only scattered positivity for CK7. Site‐specific HPV‐induced carcinogenesis in the tongue base may be explained by the presence of a transformation zone in the circumvallate papilla. This mouse model reproduces key morphological and molecular features of HPV‐positive HNSCC, providing a unique in vivo tool for basic and translational research. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.