bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exact computation of GMM estimators for instrumental variable quantile regression models
Authors: Chen Le‐Yu , Lee Sokbae
Published: March 2018

We show that the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation problem in instrumental variable quantile regression (IVQR) models can be equivalently formulated as a mixed‐integer quadratic programming problem. This enables exact computation of the GMM estimators for the IVQR models. We illustrate the usefulness of our algorithm via Monte Carlo experiments and an application to demand for fish.
Combining of intelligent models through committee machine for estimation of wax deposition
Authors: Gholami Amin , Ansari Hamid Reza , Ahmadi Saeed
Published: March 2018

Deposition of the wax is one of the thorny issues in the petroleum industry, invoking costly problems during the transportation and production of crude oil. Owing to its devastating impacts on oil companies' economy, it is essential to develop a simple and robust strategy for the quantitative estimation of wax deposition. In this paper, support vector regression (SVR) is first proposed to estimate the amount of wax deposition. Subsequently, an artificial neural network (ANN) is developed for wax deposition prediction. Eventually, a sophisticated committee machine (CM) is constructed for combining the results of the SVR and ANN models. Optimal contribution of each model in final prediction of the wax deposit is determined through genetic algorithm in CM. Statistical error analysis shows that the CM model performs better than the individual models performing alone.
Triclosan removal by adsorption using activated carbon derived from waste biomass: Isotherms and kinetic studies
Authors: Mohd Khori Nor Khoriha Eliysa , Hadibarata Tony , Elshikh Mohamed S. , Al‐Ghamdi Abdullah Ahmed , Salmiati  , Yusop Zulkifli
Published: March 2018

Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent that is normally used in many personal care products such as toothpastes, shampoos, deodorants, and cosmetics and is toxic to some aquatic organisms, amphibians, and the male reproductive system. In this study, activated carbon from coconut pulp waste (Cocos nuciefera) is used to remove triclosan from aqueous solutions. Activated carbon was prepared using coconut pulp waste treated with zinc chloride and burned in a horizontal furnace with nitrogen flow at 300°C for 1 hr. The parameters studied were the contact time, adsorbent dosage, agitation, initial triclosan concentration, pH, and temperature. The characterization of the adsorbent was done by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The activated carbon reaches equilibrium in 20 min with a percentage removal of 80.77% and adsorbent capacity (qe) of 2.02 mg/g. From the kinetic study, it was concluded that the adsorbent followed a pseudo‐second‐order type reaction with a correlation coefficient (R2) of .999, and qe = 2.036 mg/g. From the isotherm study, the adsorbent was found to follow the Langmuir isotherm with a higher R2 value of .9249 compared to the Freundlich and Temkin isotherms. This study proved that activated carbon derived from coconut pulp waste can be a promising low‐cost adsorbent to remove dissolved triclosan from water.
Patients’ perspectives on political self‐disclosure, the therapeutic alliance, and the infiltration of politics into the therapy room in the Trump era
Authors: Solomonov Nili , Barber Jacques P.
Published: March 2018

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the 2016 United States presidential election and ensuing political climate on patients’ experiences in psychotherapy. A sample of 604 self‐described Democrat and Republican patients from 50 states participated in the study. Results showed that most therapists disclosed their political stance (explicitly or implicitly) and most patients discussed politics with their therapists. 64% of Clinton supporters and 38% of Trump supporters assumed political similarity with their therapist. Stronger patient‐reported alliance levels were found for patients who (a) perceived political similarity; (b) reported implicit therapist political disclosure; and (c) found in‐session political discussions helpful. Additionally, Clinton (but not Trump) supporters reported significant pre‐post‐election decreases in expression of positive emotions and increases in both expression of negative emotions and engagement in discussions about socio‐political topics. Our findings suggest that the current political climate infiltrates the therapeutic space and affects therapeutic process and content.
Effects of Renal Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Udenafil
Authors: Cho Yong‐Soon , Noh Yook‐Hwan , Lim Hyeong‐Seok , Cho Sang‐Heon , Ghim Jong‐Lyul , Choe Sangmin , Kim Soon‐Bae , Park Jung‐Sik , Lee Sang‐Koo , Yang Won‐Seok , Chang Jai‐Won , Bahng Mi‐Young , Bae Kyun‐Seop
Published: March 2018

Udenafil is a phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction. Although udenafil is not predominantly eliminated by the kidney, renal impairment can alter its secretion/transport pathways. Drug pharmacokinetics and safety must therefore be assessed in subjects with a renal impairment. We investigated the effects of impaired renal function on the pharmacokinetics and safety of a single 100‐mg oral dose of udenafil in a single‐dose, open‐label, parallel‐group study of 31 subjects. Cockcroft‐Gault creatinine clearance was used to stratify these subjects into healthy controls (>80 mL·min−1) and individuals with mild (50 to ≤80 mL·min−1), moderate (30 to ≤50 mL·min−1), and severe (<30 mL·min−1) renal impairment. Pharmacokinetic measurements and safety assessments indicated that the geometric mean of the area under the concentration‐time curve to the last measurement in mildly, moderately, and severely renally impaired subjects was 1.30‐ (90% CI 1.05‐1.60), 1.62‐ (90% CI 1.28‐2.06), and 1.60‐ (90% CI 1.28‐2.01) fold higher, respectively, than the healthy controls. The geometric mean of the maximum observed concentration was 1.41‐ (90% CI 1.05‐1.88), 2.02‐ (90% CI 1.47‐2.79), and 1.65‐ (90% CI: 1.21‐2.24) fold higher, respectively. Significant correlations were observed among the creatinine clearance, oral clearance, and maximum concentration of udenafil (P < .01). All adverse events were mild, and no subject discontinued the study. Udenafil administration was well tolerated in all groups. In view of the clinical relevance of drug exposure, our findings indicate that a dose adjustment of udenafil is warranted in subjects with moderate or severe renal impairment.
Megestrol acetate for cachexia–anorexia syndrome. A systematic review
Authors: Ruiz‐García Vicente , López‐Briz Eduardo , Carbonell‐Sanchis Rafael , Bort‐Martí Sylvia , Gonzálvez‐Perales José Luis
Published: March 2018

In 1993, megestrol acetate (MA) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of anorexia, cachexia, or unexplained weight loss in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The mechanism by which MA increases appetite is unknown, and its effectiveness for anorexia and cachexia in neoplastic, elderly, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients is under investigation. This is an updated version of a Cochrane systematic review first published in 2005 and later updated in 2013 entitled ‘Megestrol acetate for the treatment of anorexia–cachexia syndrome’. MA vs. placebo: in studies where MA was compared with placebo, the overall results showed that MA patients gained weight (mean difference, MD 2.25 kg, 95% CI [1.19, 3.3]) but did not gain quality of life (QOL) (standarized mean difference, SMD 0.5, 95% CI [−0.13, 1.13]), with more adverse events (relative risk, RR 1.46, 95% CI [1.05, 2.04]), but no difference in deaths (RR 1.26, 95% CI [0.70, 2.27]). MA vs. no treatment: MA patients gained weight (MD 1.45 kg, 95% CI [0.15, 2.75]) but did not gain QOL (standardized mean difference 3.89 95% CI [−14, 6.28]). There was no increase in adverse events (RR 0.90, 95% CI [0.39, 2.08]) or deaths (RR 1.01, 95% CI [0.42, 2.45]). MA vs. active drugs: MA patients gained weight (MD 2.5 kg, 95% CI [0.37, 4.64]) but did not gain QOL (MD 0.20 95% CI [−0.02, 0.43]) and did not report an increase in adverse events (RR 1.05 95% CI [0.95, 1.16]) or in deaths (RR 1.53, 95% CI [1.02, 2.29]) Different doses of MA: in studies where lower doses of MA were compared with higher doses of MA, we did not find differences either in weight gain (MD −0.94 kg, 95% CI [−3.33, 1.45]), QOL (MD 0.31 95% CI [−0.19, 0.81]), or adverse events (RR 1.34, 95% CI [0.65, 2.76]). Thus, we cannot reach a conclusion for an optimal dose of MA.
In situ base release for pH maintenance can allow shake flasks to better mimic bioreactor performance for CHO cell culture
Authors: Maralingannavar Vishwanathgouda , Shenoy Bharath R , Hazarika Jahnabi , Unnikrishnan Divya , Prabhu Anuja , Maity Sunit , Gadgil Mugdha
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Shake flasks are widely used for evaluating mammalian cells in suspension. Lack of pH control can contribute to differences in culture performance between them and bioreactors. This study evaluates whether a previously reported in situ base releasing hydrogel (pHmH) to counter pH decrease can enable shake flask cultures to better mimic bioreactor cultures.

RESULTS

Compared with bioreactor culture, fed‐batch cultures of a recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell‐line in shake flasks without pHmH showed a decrease in pH to 6.6, accompanied by 40, 60 and 22% lower peak cell density, lactate accumulation, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) titer, respectively. Use of pHmH allowed shake flasks to maintain pH above 6.8 and reduced this difference to 20, 30, and 15%, respectively, thus enabling culture performance in shake flasks to better mimic the bioreactor. IgG glycosylation profiles were similar in identically fed cultures across all three platforms. Application of pHmH hydrogel during clone screening was evaluated by comparing correlation between titers for five recombinant CHO clones in bioreactors and shake flasks with and without pHmH; a higher correlation was found in shake flasks with pHmH than without.

CONCLUSION

In situ base release through hydrogel can allow identically fed fed‐batch cultures in shake flasks to better mimic cell growth, lactate accumulation and IgG titers in bioreactors, without additional infrastructure. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of warm temperature acclimation‐associated 65‐kDa protein‐2 in Kumgang fat minnow Rhynchocypris kumgangensis
Authors: Kwon Gibeom , Ghil Sungho
Published: March 2018

Warm temperature acclimation‐associated 65‐kDa protein (Wap65) is known to respond to elevated water temperatures and the corresponding gene from several fish species has been cloned. Expression of Wap65 gene is induced by various physiological stresses, such as increase in water temperature, immune response and heavy metal exposure. Two isolated Wap65 genes, Wap65‐1 and Wap65‐2, display distinct tissue distribution and physiological functions despite high sequence homology. In a previous study, we identified the Wap65‐1 gene (kmWap65‐1) from Kumgang fat minnow, Rhynchocypris kumgangensis, a small freshwater fish endemic to Korea. The kmWap65‐1 gene showed sequence homology with teleost Wap65‐1 and mammalian hemopexin, and was highly expressed in response to increased water temperature and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. Here, we isolated kmWap65‐2 from liver tissue of Kumgang fat minnow and compared the expression profiles of both kmWap65 genes following exposure to various physiological stresses, including thermal changes, bacterial challenge, and environmental toxins. Notably, while kmWap65‐1 expression was significantly increased in response to high water temperature, LPS, cadmium, and iron, kmWap65‐2 displayed no alterations in expression at high water temperature. However, kmWap65‐2 expression was upregulated slightly in response to LPS and highly in presence of copper, bisphenol A, and estradiol. Based on the collective findings, we propose that kmWap65‐1 and kmWap65‐2 are multifunctional proteins with distinct functions that could serve as useful biomarkers for assessing physiological stress and associated responses in Kumgang fat minnow.
Ontogeny of the morphology‐performance axis in an amphibious fish (Kryptolebias marmoratus)
Authors: Styga Joseph M. , Houslay Thomas M. , Wilson Alastair J. , Earley Ryan L.
Published: March 2018

Establishing links between morphology and performance is important for understanding the functional, ecological, and evolutionary implications of morphological diversity. Relationships between morphology and performance are expected to be age dependent if, at different points during ontogeny, animals must perform in different capacities to achieve high fitness returns. Few studies have examined how the relationship between form and function changes across ontogeny. Here, we assess this relationship in the amphibious mangrove rivulus (Kryptolebias marmoratus) fish, a species that is both capable of and reliant on “tail‐flip jumping” for terrestrial locomotion. Tail‐flip jumping entails an individual transferring its weight to the caudal region of the body, launching itself from the substrate to navigate to new aquatic or semi‐aquatic habitats. By combining repeated trials of jumping performance in 237 individuals from distinct age classes with a clearing and staining procedure to visualize bones in the caudal region, we test the hypotheses that as age increases (i) average jumping performance (body lengths jumped) will increase, (ii) the amount of variation for each trait will change, and (iii) the patterns of covariation/correlation among traits, which tell us about the integration of form with function, will also change. We find a significant increase in size‐adjusted jumping performance with age, and modification to the correlation structure among traits across ontogeny. However, we also find that significant links between form and function evident in young animals disappear at later ontogenetic stages. Our study suggests that different functional mechanisms may be associated with high performance at different stages of development.
Female orgasm and the emergence of prosocial empathy: An evo‐devo perspective
Authors: Kennedy James , Pavličev Mihaela
Published: March 2018

In human females, direct or indirect stimulation of the clitoris plays a central role in reaching orgasm. A majority of women report that penetrative coitus alone is insufficient for triggering orgasm, puzzling researchers who expect orgasm to be an outcome of procreative intercourse. In the present paper, we turn our attention to the evolutionary role that such unreliability of orgasm at coitus might have played in human evolution. We emphasize that we do not thereby attempt an explanation of its origin, but its potential evolutionary effect. The present proposal suggests that the variable female orgasm, the position of the clitoris remote from the vagina, and the mismatch of the male refractory period with the female capacity for multiple orgasms, may have contributed to the evolution of human prosocial qualities.
Stereocomplementary Synthesis of cis‐ and trans‐2‐(p‐Bromophenyl)‐5‐methylthiazolidin‐4‐ones: Useful Umpolung‐type Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐coupling Partner and Donor
Authors: Sasaki Ryosuke , Nakatsuji Hidefumi , Tanabe Yoo
Published: March 2018

Novel cis‐ and trans‐2‐(p‐bromophenyl)‐5‐methylthiazolidin‐4‐ones, S,N‐containing heterocyclic compounds, were provided in a cis‐stereocomplementary and trans‐stereocomplementary synthetic manner. cis‐Selective cyclo‐condensation proceeded between 2‐sulfanylpropanoic acid (thiolactic acid) and an imine derived from 4‐bromobenzaldehyde and methylamine, whereas Ti(OiPr)4 and Ti(OiBu)4‐promoted trans‐selective cyclo‐condensation proceeded between benzyl 2‐sulfanylpropanoate and the imine. The obtained cis‐ and trans‐2‐(p‐bromophenyl)‐5‐methylthiazolidin‐4‐ones were successfully converted to 2‐(3‐furyl)phenyl derivatives and bis(pinacolato)diborane derivatives utilizing Suzuki–Miyaura and Miyaura–Ishiyama cross‐coupling reactions, respectively, in an umpolung manner.
Identification of regulatory needs for nanomedicines
Authors: Bremer‐Hoffmann Susanne , Halamoda‐Kenzaoui Blanka , Borgos Sven Even
Published: March 2018

The application of nanotechnology in health care is widely accepted as a potential driver of biomedical innovation. By exploiting their unique physicochemical properties, nanomedicines can monitor, repair, and control biological systems in order to address diseases for which currently no or only insufficient diagnostic and therapeutic tools are available. Nevertheless, the opportunities of nanotechnologies in the health sector are accompanied by challenges in the regulation of these products. Sufficient knowledge on their quality, safety, and efficacy must be gained and standardised methods must be made available to support the regulatory decision making and allow a smooth translation towards clinical applications. We have conducted a survey among regulatory authorities with the aim to obtain a general overview on the status and regulatory needs of nanomedicines and to indicate some trends on future requirements. The outcome has demonstrated strong regional differences in the regulation of nanomedicines and confirmed the need for the harmonisation of information requirements on nano‐specific properties. In addition, a number of critical physicochemical properties that have already been proposed in the scientific literature were verified in the survey as relevant for regulatory decision making. Finally, the survey has demonstrated an interest of regulatory agencies in an independent nanomedicine characterisation facility that can support regulators in the evaluation of these systems and at the same time assess the performance of existing and new test methods for their application to the field of nanomedicine.
Animal abuse: Offender and offence characteristics. A descriptive study
Authors: van Wijk Anton , Hardeman Manon , Endenburg Nienke
Published: March 2018

This descriptive study was done to gain insight into the characteristics of animal abusers and animal abuse. On the basis of registrations by police, animal protection services, and the national reporting centre for animal welfare, 90 cases of animal abuse involving 97 offenders were analysed. Information about the offence and the offenders could be retrieved; the group of offenders was heterogeneous as to background and characteristics. Many were in debt, and 25% had 1 or more psychological disorders (e.g., antisocial personality disorders and autism spectrum disorders). Animal abuse often occurred because of frustration, and dogs were the main victims. Most cases of abuse took place in the home of the abuser. By taking the offence of animal abuse as starting point for studying the offenders' characteristics, we gained insight into a broad spectrum of characteristics and backgrounds than would have been found if we had started from a domestic violence perspective or the graduation hypothesis. A larger study is needed to verify findings.
Frontline Science: Microbiota reconstitution restores intestinal integrity after cisplatin therapy
Authors: Perales-Puchalt Alfredo , Perez-Sanz Jairo , Payne Kyle K , Svoronos Nikolaos , Allegrezza Michael J , Chaurio Ricardo A , Anadon Carmen , Calmette Joseph , Biswas Subir , Mine Jessica A , Costich Tara Lee , Nickels Logan , Wickramasinghe Jayamanna , Rutkowski Melanie R , Conejo-Garcia Jose R
Published: March 2018

Due to their cytotoxic activities, many anticancer drugs cause extensive damage to the intestinal mucosa and have antibiotic activities. Here, we show that cisplatin induces significant changes in the repertoire of intestinal commensal bacteria that exacerbate mucosal damage. Restoration of the microbiota through fecal-pellet gavage drives healing of cisplatin-induced intestinal damage. Bacterial translocation to the blood stream is correspondingly abrogated, resulting in a significant reduction in systemic inflammation, as evidenced by decreased serum IL-6 and reduced mobilization of granulocytes. Mechanistically, reversal of dysbiosis in response to fecal gavage results in the production of protective mucins and mobilization of CD11b+ myeloid cells to the intestinal mucosa, which promotes angiogenesis. Administration of Ruminococcus gnavus, a bacterial strain selectively depleted by cisplatin treatment, could only partially restore the integrity of the intestinal mucosa and reduce systemic inflammation, without measurable increases in the accumulation of mucin proteins. Together, our results indicate that reconstitution of the full repertoire of intestinal bacteria altered by cisplatin treatment accelerates healing of the intestinal epithelium and ameliorates systemic inflammation. Therefore, fecal microbiota transplant could paradoxically prevent life-threatening bacteremia in cancer patients treated with chemotherapy.
Cost‐containment in hypofractionated radiation therapy: a literature review
Authors: Hunter Darren , Mauldon Emily , Anderson Nigel
Published: March 2018

Recent technological advances in radiation therapy have allowed for greater accuracy in planning and treatment delivery. The development of hypofractionated radiation treatment regimens is an example, and has the potential to decrease the cost per episode of care, relative to conventional treatments. Our aim was to analyse published literature on the cost‐effectiveness and budgetary implications of hypofractionated radiation therapy. As such, this article will quantify the projected health care cost savings and address the optimal means of treatment delivery, associated patient outcomes, and implications arising from an increased use of hypofractionated regimens.
Prevalence, Evolution, and Risk Factors for Advanced Liver Fibrosis in Adults Undergoing Intestinal Transplantation
Authors: Huard Geneviève , Fiel M. Isabel , Moon Jang , Iyer Kishore , Schiano Thomas D.
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Intestinal failure–associated liver disease (IFALD) occurs commonly in intestinal transplant (ITx) candidates receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). The aim of this study is to establish the prevalence and risk factors for advanced liver fibrosis in adults at the time of ITx.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of all ITx was performed in adults between January 2000 and May 2014. Advanced liver fibrosis was defined as stage 3 or stage 4 fibrosis.

Results

Fifty‐three patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 50.6 ± 10.9 years, and the majority were female (60.4%) and Caucasian (67.9%). The mean body mass index was 21.7 ± 3.8 kg/m2 and the median duration of PN was 402 (interquartile range: 529) days. Advanced liver fibrosis at the time of ITx was found in 13 patients (24.5%). The multivariate analysis revealed that female gender and white race were significant predictors of advanced liver fibrosis. A total bilirubin >3.0 mg/dL for > a month prior to ITx was associated with an odds ratio of 8.9 for advanced fibrosis at the time of ITx but did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.055).

Conclusion

Close to one‐quarter of the ITx recipients had advanced liver fibrosis. In the current era of improved PN management, our data suggests that previously reported risk factors for IFALD, such as extreme short gut syndrome and PN duration, may have a lesser impact on development of liver fibrosis. A prolonged duration of bilirubin elevation may be associated with advanced liver fibrosis in patients with IFALD, but this requires validation in a larger cohort.
Accompanying ions of ammonium sources and nitrate : ammonium ratios in tomato plants
Authors: Ferreira Barreto Rafael , Rodrigues Cruz Flávio José , Aparecido Gaion Lucas , de Mello Prado Renato , Falleiros Carvalho Rogério
Published: March 2018

The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivar Micro‐Tom (MT) is widely used in physiological studies, but the effects of nitrate (
) and ammonium (
) ratios (
:
ratios) and, in particular, the effects of the accompanying ions in
sources are unknown. To determine whether the accompanying ions in
sources influence
toxicity, the effects of
:
ratios on the physiology, electrolyte leakage index, nutrition, and dry weight were studied using hydroponics. The
sources were ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) or ammonium sulfate [(NH4)2SO4], and five
:
ratios were used: 100 : 0, 75 : 25, 50 : 50, 25 : 75, and 0 : 100. The
source was calcium nitrate [Ca(NO3)2], and the nitrogen (N) concentration was 15 mmol L−1. The results indicate that NH4Cl or (NH4)2SO4 can be used in studies on
toxicity because the accompanying ions did not influence the tomato plants. In addition,
:
ratios of 100 : 0 and 75 : 25 resulted in the highest dry weight of tomato plants, whereas ratios of 25 : 75 or 0 : 100 were toxic.
Effect of disparity and viewing ambient illumination on stereoscopic viewing: An eye movement approach
Authors: Li Kena , Liu Yue
Published: March 2018

Researchers have found that factors related to viewing content and viewing environment could influence viewers' stereoscopic viewing experiences. In this paper, the effect of both disparity and viewing ambient illumination condition on stereoscopic viewing was investigated by using an eye movement approach. The eye movement responses to random dot stereograms (RDS) stimuli in stereoscopic viewing were studied by performing a fusion range measurement experiment involving a judgment task. The fusion ranges under two ambient illumination conditions, eye movement responses to RDS stimuli and effects of disparity on eye movement parameters, were analyzed, respectively. The experimental results showed that fusion range under two ambient illumination conditions were different, and changes of eye movement parameters were different among various disparities when ambient illumination conditions varied. As a result, in order to improve viewers' viewing experiences when viewing different 3D contents, the arrangement of viewing ambient illumination conditions and the selection of disparity should be appropriately considered. The findings in this paper provide guidelines to reasonably arrange the viewing ambient illumination condition and efficiently produce healthy disparity in stereoscopic viewing.
Dynamic simulation of bistable electrofluidic device based on a combined design of electrode and wettability patterning
Authors: Zhao Qing , Tang Biao , Bai Pengfei , Zhou Rui , Li Hui , Li Fahong , Groenewold Jan , Zhou Guofu
Published: March 2018

Electrowetting has shown its power in manipulating microfluidics. Of particular interest is a bistable electrowetting system, which enables versatile low power consumption applications. A combined design of electrode and wettability patterning, which includes a unique three‐electrode structure and wettability barrier, was proposed and introduced into as a new electrofluidic display (EFD) architecture. This architecture should be manufacturable in a fairly straightforward way within LCD cell‐making technology. For this architecture, an electrohydrodynamic two phase flow simulation was carried out using the COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software. The results show that this new EFD architecture could achieve a bistable display property. Compared with conventional EFD, the electro‐optical performance (the aspect ratio and response time) of this design has also been greatly improved.
Stiffening of the nucleus pulposus upon axial loading of the intervertebral disc: An experimental in situ study
Authors: Beekmans Steven V. , Emanuel Kaj S. , Smit Theodoor H. , Iannuzzi Davide
Published: March 2018

Mechanical loading is inherently related to the function and degeneration of the intervertebral disc. We present a series of experiments aimed at measuring the effect of a loading/unloading cycle of the intervertebral disc on the mechanical properties of the nucleus pulposus. The study relies on our new minimally invasive microindenter, which allows us to quantify the storage and loss moduli of the nucleus pulposus by inserting an optomechanical probe in an intact (resected) intervertebral disk through the annulus fibrosis via a small needle. Our results indicate that, under the influence of compressive loading, the nucleus pulposus exhibits a more solid‐like behavior.
Non‐Volatile Silicon Photonics Using Nanoscale Flash Memory Technology
Authors: Grajower Meir , Mazurski Noa , Shappir Joseph , Levy Uriel
Published: March 2018

Nonvolatile flash memory technology is widely used in our daily life. Following the recent progress in silicon photonics, there is now an opportunity to embed flash memories also in photonic applications. As of today, chip scale photonic devices, e.g., micro‐resonators, are becoming essential building blocks in modern silicon photonics. However, their properties, such as their resonance frequencies, fluctuate due to fabrication tolerances, significantly limiting their applicability. Here, by integrating the well‐established non‐volatile flash memory technology into silicon photonic circuitry, this major obstacle is tackled and electrical post trimming of such resonators is demonstrated. Specifically, the Metal‐Oxide‐Nitride‐Oxide‐Silicon (MONOS) structure is used to trap charges in the thin silicon nitride layer, located in close proximity to the silicon device layer. This enables accumulating charges in the silicon, modifying the effective index of the optical mode and consequently the resonance frequency. By doing so, a robust and CMOS compatible nonvolatile memory solution is provided, which not only allows for precise trimming of the resonance frequency of the photonic device, but can also be easily manufactured and commercialized. This approach paves the way for efficient utilization of photonic structures such as resonators and interferometers in chip scale silicon photonics and electro optic systems, with a wide range of applications spanning from filters, switches and modulators, to sensors, and even lasers.
Analysis of mutations in EXT1 and EXT2 in Brazilian patients with multiple osteochondromas
Authors: Santos Savana C. L. , Rizzo Isabela M. P. O. , Takata Reinaldo I. , Speck‐Martins Carlos E. , Brum Jaime M. , Sollaci Claudio
Published: March 2018

Background

Multiple osteochondromas is a dysplasia characterized by growth of two or more osteochondromas. It is genetically heterogeneous, caused by pathogenic variants in EXT1 or EXT2 genes in 70%–90% of patients. The EXT1 is more often mutated than EXT2 gene, with a variable prevalence between populations. There are no data about EXT1 and EXT2 pathogenic variants in patients with multiple osteochondromas in Brazilian population. The aim of this survey is to characterize these to determine the genotype profile of this population.

Methods

DNA sequencing (Sanger Method) and MLPA analysis were performed to identify point mutations and deletions/duplications in the sample of 153 patients in 114 families.

Results

Germline variants were identified in 83% of families in which EXT2 variants were detected in 46% and EXT1 in 37% of cases. No variants were detected in 17% of them. We identified 50 different variants, 33 (13 frameshift, 11 nonsense, 5 missense, 2 splice site mutation, and 2 large deletions) in EXT1 and 17 (6 frameshift, 6 splice site mutation, 3 nonsense, 1 missense, and 1 large deletion) in EXT2. Of all 50 variants, 31 (62%) were novel, including 20 out of 33 (60,6%) EXT1 and 11 out of 17 (64.7%) EXT2 alleles. The vast majority of variants (88%) were “loss‐of‐function” and two novel hotspots in EXT2 gene were observed in our study.

Conclusion

The prevalence of variants detected in the EXT2 gene differs from other researches from Latin America, European, and Asian population. This uncommon prevalence could be related with the newly characterized variant hotspot sites detected in EXT2 gene (p.Ala409Profs*26 and p.Ser290*). A high number of novel variants were also identified indicating that Brazilian population has a unique genetic profile. Characterizing this population and establishing its genotype is essential to understand the molecular pathogenesis of this disease in Brazil.
Reduced anatomical clutter in digital breast tomosynthesis with statistical iterative reconstruction
Authors: Garrett John W. , Li Yinsheng , Li Ke , Chen Guang‐Hong
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) has been shown to somewhat alleviate the breast tissue overlapping issues of two‐dimensional (2D) mammography. However, the improvement in current DBT systems over mammography is still limited. Statistical image reconstruction (SIR) methods have the potential to reduce through‐plane artifacts in DBT, and thus may be used to further reduce anatomical clutter. The purpose of this work was to study the impact of SIR on anatomical clutter in the reconstructed DBT image volumes.

Methods

An SIR with a slice‐wise total variation (TV) regularizer was implemented to reconstruct DBT images which were compared with the clinical reconstruction method (filtered backprojection). The artifact spread function (ASF) was measured to quantify the reduction of the through‐plane artifacts level in phantom studies and microcalcifications in clinical cases. The anatomical clutter was quantified by the anatomical noise power spectrum with a power law fitting model: NPSa( f) = α f−β. The β values were measured from the reconstructed image slices when the two reconstruction methods were applied to a cohort of clinical breast exams (N = 101) acquired using Hologic Selenia Dimensions DBT systems.

Results

The full width half maximum (FWHM) of the measured ASF was reduced from 8.7 ± 0.1 mm for clinical reconstruction to 6.5 ± 0.1 mm for SIR which yields a 25% reduction in FWHM in phantom studies and the same amount of ASF reduction was also found in clinical measurements from microcalcifications. The measured β values for the two reconstruction methods were 3.17 ± 0.36 and 2.14 ± 0.39 for the clinical reconstruction method and the SIR method, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P << 0.001). The dependence of β on slice location using either method was negligible.

Conclusions

Statistical image reconstruction enabled a significant reduction of both the through‐plane artifacts level and anatomical clutter in the DBT reconstructions. The β value was found to be β≈2.14 with the SIR method. This value stays in the middle between the β≈1.8 for cone beam CT and β≈3.2 for mammography. In contrast, the measured β value in the clinical reconstructions (β≈3.17) remains close to that of mammography.
Characterization and suppression of stripe artifact in velocity‐selective magnetization‐prepared unenhanced MR angiography
Authors: Shin Taehoon , Qin Qin
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To characterize and suppress stripe artifact associated with velocity‐selective (VS) magnetization for unenhanced MRA.

Methods

Extended phase graph formalism was used to show that the stripe artifact contains multiples of the fundamental frequency that is determined by the area of unipolar VS gradient. Four VS preparation pulses whose excitation profiles are spatially shifted by quarter the fundamental period of the stripes, were applied alternately. For further suppression of the artifact, k‐space data at kz = 0 were averaged over the 4 VS preparations. The proposed schemes were tested in a chicken breast phantom and healthy human subjects.

Results

When the standard VS preparation scheme was used, stripe artifact was shown in all the reconstructed images and appeared as artifactual peaks in k‐space that corresponded to the first and second order harmonics of the fundamental frequency. Alternate application of the 4 phase‐shifted VS preparation pulses suppressed the stripes, but not completely, as evidenced by residual erroneous peaks in k‐space. After the k‐space averaging, the stripe artifact was nearly eliminated.

Conclusion

Stripe artifact in VS‐MRA consists of multiples of the fundamental frequency and can be effectively suppressed through alternate application of phase‐shifted VS preparations along with k‐space averaging.
Influence of Stocking Density on Growth, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Immunity, and Cortisol Levels of Subadult Half-smooth Tongue Sole Cynoglossus semilaevis in a Recirculating Aquaculture System
Authors: Liu Gang , Ye Zhangying , Liu Dezhao , Zhu Songming
Published: March 2018

According to the authors' experience of culturing Half-smooth Tongue Sole Cynoglossus semilaevis, high stocking densities lead to production failure, but few studies have addressed the problem. The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the impact of stocking density on the growth and physiological parameters of subadult (700–1,200 g) Half-smooth Tongue Soles. The experimental design was completely randomized with three replications and one factorial scheme with three stocking densities: low density (LD; 200 fish/tank, 3.51 kg/m2), medium density (MD; 300 fish/tank, 5.30 kg/m2), and high density (HD; 400 fish/tank, 7.06 kg/m2). After 90 d, final mean body weight in the LD group was 1,003.4 g, which was 7.85% higher than that in the HD group. In addition, the activities of digestive enzymes (lipase and amylase) were depressed in the HD group relative to the other groups. Levels of immunology indicators (lysozyme, total superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) were significantly lower in the HD group than in the LD and MD groups. The cortisol concentration was significantly higher in the HD group than in the LD and MD groups. These results show that growth, enzyme activity, and cortisol levels in Half-smooth Tongue Soles are negatively affected when the fish are cultured at high stocking density.
Neonatal hyperglycemia alters the neurochemical profile, dendritic arborization and gene expression in the developing rat hippocampus
Authors: Rao Raghavendra , Nashawaty Motaz , Fatima Saher , Ennis Kathleen , Tkac Ivan
Published: March 2018

Hyperglycemia (blood glucose concentration >150 mg/dL) is common in extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGANs; birth at <28 week gestation). Hyperglycemia increases the risk of brain injury in the neonatal period. The long‐term effects are not well understood. In adult rats, hyperglycemia alters hippocampal energy metabolism. The effects of hyperglycemia on the developing hippocampus were studied in rat pups. In Experiment 1, recurrent hyperglycemia of graded severity (moderate hyperglycemia (moderate‐HG), mean blood glucose 214.6 ± 11.6 mg/dL; severe hyperglycemia (severe‐HG), 338.9 ± 21.7 mg/dL; control, 137.7 ± 2.6 mg/dL) was induced from postnatal day (P) 3 to P12. On P30, the hippocampal neurochemical profile was determined using in vivo 1H MR spectroscopy. Dendritic arborization in the hippocampal CA1 region was determined using microtubule‐associated protein (MAP)‐2 immunohistochemistry. In Experiment 2, continuous hyperglycemia (mean blood glucose 275.3 ± 25.8 mg/dL; control, 142.3 ± 2.6 mg/dL) was induced from P2 to P6 by injecting streptozotocin (STZ) on P2. The mRNA expression of glycogen synthase 1 (Gys1), lactate dehydrogenase (Ldh), glucose transporters 1 (Glut1) and 3 (Glut3) and monocarboxylate transporters 1 (Mct1), 2 (Mct2) and 4 (Mct4) in the hippocampus was determined on P6. In Experiment 1, MRS demonstrated lower lactate concentration and glutamate/glutamine (Glu/Gln) ratio in the severe‐HG group, compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Phosphocreatine/creatine ratio was higher in both hyperglycemia groups (p < 0.05). MAP‐2 histochemistry demonstrated longer apical segment length, indicating abnormal synaptic efficacy in both hyperglycemia groups (p < 0.05). Experiment 2 showed lower Glut1, Gys1 and Mct4 expression and higher Mct1 expression in the hyperglycemia group, relative to the control group (p < 0.05). These results suggest that hyperglycemia alters substrate transport, lactate homeostasis, dendritogenesis and Glu‐Gln cycling in the developing hippocampus. Abnormal neurochemical profile and dendritic structure due to hyperglycemia may partially explain the long‐term hippocampus‐mediated cognitive deficits in human ELGANs.
Copper Supplementation in Premature Infants With Parenteral Nutrition–Associated Cholestasis
Authors: Gupta Kunal , Wang Hongyue , Amin Sanjiv B.
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intermittent parenteral copper supplementation (IPC) on serum copper status and biochemical and hematological measures of copper toxicity and deficiency in premature infants with parenteral nutrition (PN)–associated cholestasis (PNAC). We performed a prospective nested observational study in premature infants with PNAC who received IPC after the development of PNAC. Infants with chromosomal disorders, TORCH (toxoplasmosis, parvovirus, syphilis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes, human immunodeficiency virus) infection, metabolic disorder, and/or surgical abnormality of the hepatobiliary system were excluded. Serum copper concentrations were measured once every 2–4 weeks while receiving PN; 24 premature infants were studied. The mean gestational age (GA) of infants was 28.6 ± 4.7 weeks. On regression analysis, there was no significant association between IPC and serum copper concentration (coefficient 2.72, 95% CI: −27 to 32; P = .84) after controlling for GA, gender, and baseline copper intake before PNAC. There was no significant association of IPC with alanine and aspartate transaminases levels (hepatotoxicity) and platelet count, hematocrit, white blood cell count, and neutrophil count (measures of copper deficiency) after controlling for confounders. GA and postmenstrual age were independently and positively associated with serum copper concentration after controlling for confounders on regression analyses. Thus, IPC in premature infants with PNAC does not influence copper status and is not associated with biochemical and hematological measures of copper deficiency and/or toxicity. Serum copper concentration in premature infants with PNAC receiving IPC is determined by the degree of prematurity and postmenstrual age.
Use of social impact bonds to address social problems: Understanding contractual risks and transaction costs
Authors: Pandey Sheela , Cordes Joseph J. , Pandey Sanjay K. , Winfrey William F.
Published: March 2018

Social impact bonds, a recent innovation in social finance, are designed to harness capital and knowledge from private nonprofit, for‐profit, and public entities to address pressing social problems. Although there is great policy interest in understanding how social impact bonds can be used to tackle social problems, the emergent nature of social impact bonds makes it hard to find relevant data and evidence. To overcome this challenge, we use single‐significant‐case sampling as our research design strategy. We conduct an in‐depth case study of the Social Innovation Financing Youth Recidivism Project in Massachusetts. Our case study is comprised of a qualitative analysis of the multiparty contract and multiyear quantitative benefit–cost analysis to understand transaction costs. We draw upon contract theory to develop an analytical framework for the case analysis and highlight the risks and safeguards for the various parties to the contract, and conduct a formal benefit–cost analysis to map out transaction costs. We conclude with a discussion of study implications and future research.
Exploring a model of servant leadership, empowerment, and commitment in nonprofit organizations
Authors: Allen Stuart , Winston Bruce E. , Tatone Gia R. , Crowson Howard M.
Published: March 2018

This study examined a model of servant leadership's relationship to organizational commitment through structural and psychological empowerment, focusing on leader–follower dyads in a nonprofit organization. Survey data was collected from 128 employees of a nonprofit organization in a northeastern U.S. city. After model re‐specification, a well‐fitting model emerged, indicating that structural empowerment mediates the relationship between servant leadership and organizational commitment. Moreover, the model suggests that structural empowerment's effect on organizational commitment is both direct and indirect—the latter occurring through the meaning dimension of psychological empowerment. This study provides initial support for structural empowerment being a mechanism through which servant leadership impacts organizational commitment in nonprofits. In addition, the role of meaningful work is highlighted as an antecedent to organizational commitment for nonprofit employees. Servant leaders are suggested to create structurally empowering working environments, which support employees' stronger commitment to the organization.
Tracking and debriefing birth data at scale: A mobile phone application to improve obstetric and neonatal care in Bihar, India
Authors: Spindler Hilary , Dyer Jessica , Bagchi Kingshuk , Ranjan Vikash , Christmas Amelia , Cohen Susanna R. , Sterling Mona , Shah Malay Bharat , Das Aritra , Mahapatra Tanmay , Walker Dilys
Published: March 2018

Aim

This analysis assessed changes over time in skill and knowledge related to the use of evidence‐based practices associated with quality of maternal and neonatal care during a nurse midwife mentoring intervention at primary health clinics (PHCs) in Bihar, India.

Design

Nurse midwife mentors (NMMs) entered live birth observation data into a mobile App from 320 PHCs.

Methods

The NMMs completed prompted questions in the App after every live birth witnessed. The App consisted of questions around three main themes, “What went well?”, “What needed improvement?” and “What can be done differently next time?”.

Results

Observational data from 5,799 births was recorded by 120 NMMs in 320 PHCs. Knowledge and skill during normal spontaneous vaginal deliveries and complicated deliveries with either a postpartum haemorrhage or non‐vigorous infant all showed statistically significant improvement (p < .001) over time using a Chi‐squared test for trend with a mean increase of 41% across all indicators.
The nurse′s challenge of caring for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary health care
Authors: Gustafsson Tanja , Nordeman Lena
Published: March 2018

Aim

The aim was to describe asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease nurses′ experiences of caring for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary health care.

Design

Descriptive qualitative research.

Methods

Ten asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease specialized nurses were interviewed. Systematic Text Condensation by Malterud was used to analyse the data.

Results

Two main categories were found: the patient‐nurse relationship and available resources. Several challenges emerged when connecting with patients and the nurses found it difficult to individualize care. They struggled with a lack of time and support from other professionals. Being responsible for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease practice was experienced as positive, but could become overwhelming. The asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease nurses described several challenges and the need for support and resources to provide the best possible care for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.