bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing forward and backward chaining in teaching Olympic weightlifting
Authors: Moore James W. , Quintero Laura M.
Published: October 2018

The popularity of Olympic‐style weightlifting in fitness routines is growing, but participating in these exercises with improper technique places lifters at increased risk for injury. Fitness training professionals have developed multiple teaching strategies, but have not subjected these strategies to systematic evaluation, particularly with novice lifters. Two strategies recommended by professional training organizations are akin to forward and backward chaining, which have been shown effective at teaching other novel, complex behaviors. The present study compared these forward‐ and backward‐chaining‐like strategies to teach novice lifters “the clean” and “the snatch,” two Olympic weightlifting movements frequently incorporated into high‐intensity training programs. Participants performed lifts taught with forward chaining more accurately than lifts taught with backward chaining.
Selecting structural innovations in DSGE models
Authors: Ferroni Filippo , Grassi Stefano , León‐Ledesma Miguel A.
Published: October 2018

Dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models are typically estimated assuming the existence of certain structural shocks that drive macroeconomic fluctuations. We analyze the consequences of estimating shocks that are “nonexistent” and propose a method to select the economic shocks driving macroeconomic uncertainty. Forcing these nonexisting shocks in estimation produces a downward bias in the estimated internal persistence of the model. We show how these distortions can be reduced by using priors for standard deviations whose support includes zero. The method allows us to accurately select shocks and estimate model parameters with high precision. We revisit the empirical evidence on an industry standard medium‐scale DSGE model and find that government and price markup shocks are innovations that do not generate statistically significant dynamics.
The cyclicality of R&D investment revisited
Authors: van Ophem Hans , van Giersbergen Noud , van Garderen Kees Jan , Bun Maurice
Published: October 2018

In Fabrizio and Tsolmon (Review of Economics and Statistics, 2014, 96(4), 662–675) and Barlevy (American Economic Review, 2007, 97(4), 1131–1164) it was concluded that R&D investments are procyclical. Fabrizio and Tsolmon utilized a model based on Barlevy, but it differed in some respects and allowed for more heterogeneity. However, we doubt whether their implied trends are intended. Fabrizio and Tsolmon also set missing values for R&D equal to zero, leading to unrealistic jumps in investment and its first differences. We reconcile and replicate both the Fabrizio and Tsolmon and Barlevy papers by considering extensions that encompass both models. Furthermore, we treat missing values more appropriately and consider some alternative specifications to check the robustness of the results. Procyclicality is confirmed, but we find much less heterogeneity than Fabrizio and Tsolmon did. In particular, obsolescence and patent effectiveness are no longer important but external financing is.
Comparative analysis of bone regeneration behavior using recombinant human BMP‐2 versus plasmid DNA of BMP‐2
Authors: Kolk Andreas , Boskov Marko , Haidari Selgai , Tischer Thomas , van Griensven Martijn , Bissinger Oliver , Plank Christian
Published: October 2018

Bone regeneration and the osteoinductive capacity of implants are challenging issues in clinical medicine. Currently, recombinant growth factors and nonviral gene transfer are the most frequently investigated methods for bone growth enhancement, although the more favorable method remains unclear. There is a lack of knowledge in literature about the in vivo comparison of these methods for bone regeneration. BMP‐2, which is the most commonly used growth factor for osteogenesis, was applied at its most efficient dose as a recombinant growth factor (rhBMP‐2) and as a growth‐factor‐encoding copolymer protected gene vector (pBMP‐2) in a critical size bone defect (CSD) model to determine the most suitable method for bone regeneration. CSDs were induced bilaterally in 32 Sprague–Dawley rats. RhBMP‐2 (62.5 μg) or pBMP‐2 (2.5 μg) was embedded in poly(d,l‐)lactide‐coated titanium discs. Survival times were set at 14, 28, 56, and 112 days. After euthanasia, samples were analyzed via micro‐computed tomography, polychrome sequential fluorescent labeling, and immunohistochemistry. Whereas defects in both groups were bridged with new bone after 56 days, rhBMP‐2 initially induced ectopic new bone formation that was later remodeled in an unorganized hypodense manner. In contrast, pBMP‐2 led to slower but steady bone regeneration with physiological tissue morphology, as confirmed by high osteoblast activity shown by osteocalcin staining. CD68 and TRAP staining verified high osteoclast activity for the rhBMP‐2 group. pBMP‐2 successfully induced locally controlled physiological bone regeneration, whereas rhBMP‐2 triggered rapid and ectopic but insufficient bone formation. Thus, nonviral gene transfer appears to be more favorable for clinical applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 163–173, 2019.
Particulate and ion forms of cobalt–chromium challenged preosteoblasts promote osteoclastogenesis and osteolysis in a murine model of prosthesis failure
Authors: Yang Shuye , Zhang Kai , Jiang Jianhao , James Bonface , Yang Shang‐You
Published: October 2018

This study investigated the interactive behavior of the particulate and ion forms of cobalt–chromium (Co–Cr) alloy challenged preosteoblasts during the process of prosthetic implant loosening. Preosteoblasts were challenged with Co–Cr particles or Co(II) ions for 72 h, followed by the proliferation and PCR assays. For in vivo test, a titanium pin was implanted into proximal tibia of SCID mice to mimic knee replacement. Co–Cr particles or Co(II) ion challenged preosteoblasts (5 × 105) were intra‐articularly injected into the implanted knee. The animals were sacrificed 5 weeks post‐op, and the prosthetic knees were harvested for biomechanical pin‐pullout testing, histological evaluations, and microCT assessment. In vitro study suggested that Co–Cr particles and Co(II) ions significantly suppressed the proliferation of preosteoblasts in a dose‐dependent manner. RT‐PCR data on the challenged cells indicated overexpression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL) and inhibited osteoprotegerin (OPG) gene expression. Introduction of the differently challenged preosteoblasts to the pin‐implant mouse model resulted in reduced implant interfacial shear strength, thicker peri‐implant soft‐tissue formation, more TRAP+ cells, lower bone mineral density, and bone volume fraction. In conclusion, both Co–Cr particles and Co(II) ions interfered with the growth, maturation, and functions of preosteoblasts, and provides evidence that the metal ions as well play an important role in effecting preosteoblasts in the pathogenesis of aseptic loosening. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 187–194, 2019.
Novel monofunctional and bifunctional boronic acid‐functionalized squarylium dyes as precolumn and on‐column labels for protein analysis by capillary electrophoresis with laser‐induced fluorescence
Authors: Sebaiy Mahmoud M. , El‐Shanawany Abdullah A. , Baraka Mohamed M. , Abdel‐Aziz Lobna M.
Published: October 2018

This article presents a continuous capillary electrophoresis with laser‐induced fluorescence (CE‐LIF) following spectral studies of the noncovalent interactions between novel Squarylium Boronic Acid 4 (SQ‐BA4) & Squarylium Diboronic Acid 2 (SQ‐DBA2) squarylium dyes and human serum albumin (HSA). Two protocols were used wherein the on‐column‐labeling protocol was found to be more sensitive than the precolumn one by showing a better enhancement in the peak area of the HSA–dye complex besides lower limits of detection (LODs) for HSA. Also, stability studies were conducted with or without HSA using precolumn‐labeling mode over one week exhibiting the superiority of SQ‐BA4 to SQ‐DBA2. Then, a mixture containing three model proteins, HSA, β‐lactoglobulin B, and transferrin, was labeled on‐column with both dyes and completely resolved by CE‐LIF after optimization of several parameters. Both dyes provided lower LODs for HSA than those of β‐lactoglobulin B and transferrin with higher sensitivities. In addition, the SQ‐BA4 dye showed again greater sensitivities with all the three proteins than SQ‐DBA2.
Pharmacokinetics of Increased Nelfinavir Plasma Concentrations in Women During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Authors: Eke Ahizechukwu C. , McCormack Shelley A. , Best Brookie M. , Stek Alice M. , Wang Jiajia , Kreitchmann Regis , Shapiro David , Smith Elizabeth , Mofenson Lynne M. , Capparelli Edmund V. , Mirochnick Mark ,   IMPAACT P1026s Protocol Team
Published: October 2018

This study aims to evaluate the safety, acceptability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of an increased dose of nelfinavir (NFV) during the third trimester of pregnancy. The study was registered as part of the International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials network (IMPAACT‐P1026s), an ongoing multicenter prospective cohort study of antiretroviral PK during pregnancy (NCT00042289). NFV intensive PK evaluations were performed at steady state during the third trimester of pregnancy and 2–3 weeks postpartum. Plasma concentrations of NFV and its active metabolite, hydroxyl‐tert‐butylamide (M8) were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. A total of 18 women are included in the analysis. NFV area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) with the increased dose during the third trimester was nearly identical to the standard dose postpartum, with a geometric mean ratio for third trimester to postpartum AUC of 0.98 (90%CI 0.71–1.35). Despite the increased dose, M8 AUC was lower during the third trimester compared to postpartum (0.53, IQR [0.38–0.75]), as was the M8/NFV AUC ratio (0.51, IQR [0.42–0.63]). NFV AUC0–12 was above target in 15 of 18 (83%) of participants during the third trimester compared to 14 of 16 (88%) postpartum. No major safety concerns were noted. Increasing the NFV dose to 1875 mg twice daily during the third trimester achieved similar concentrations postpartum compared to standard dosing (1250 mg twice daily). Increased NFV dose regimens may still have some benefit to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive pregnant women living in countries where novel protease inhibitors are currently unavailable or in individuals who are intolerant to ritonavir‐boosted HIV medications.
Interval type‐2 fuzzy logic with Karmen‐Mendel algorithm for sequential ionic liquid dissolution–solid acid saccharification
Authors: Lee Kiat Moon , Zanil Mohd Fauzi
Published: October 2018

Background

Acquiring a good model is important for representing a real system especially in complex chemical processes. In this work, type‐2 fuzzy logic with the Karmen‐Mendel algorithm is proposed to model sequential ionic liquid dissolution–solid acid saccharification. The fuzzy calculation framework was regressed using a gradient descent technique to find the best fit model for a given data set with the target to achieve minimum integral square error (ISE) between predicted and experiment data.

Results

The regression results for both ionic liquid dissolution and solid acid saccharification were ISE 107.62 at a computational time of 907.35 s, and ISE 69.65 at 672.90 s, respectively. The high R‐squared value of 0.98829 (ionic liquid dissolution) and 0.92585 (solid acid saccharification) indicated the good fit of the models. An optimum reducing sugars yield of 99.0% at dissolution conditions: 1.5 h, 155 °C and 1.5% substrate loading; and saccharification conditions: 1.5 h, 120 °C and 6% catalyst loading, was achieved.

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated the good fit of a model for the sequential ionic liquid dissolution–solid acid saccharification process. The model developed has the potential to be used in predicting sugars production in the sequential ionic liquid dissolution–solid acid saccharification. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Water‐soluble glutathione‐CdS QDs with exceptional antimicrobial properties synthesized via green route for fluorescence sensing of fluoroquinolones
Authors: Malik Rupal , Pinnaka Anil Kumar , Kaur Manpreet , Kumar Vinod , Tikoo Kulbhushan , Singh Sandeeep , Kaushik Anupama , Singhal Sonal
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Continual emergence of quinolones in the environment has raised concerns and the repercussions are almost unimaginable. Along with this an increase of antibiotic resistance in microbes has encouraged the pharmaceutical and food industry to create new antimicrobial agents. Nano‐range materials with exceptional antimicrobial properties synthesized via green routes for fluorescence sensing of fluoroquinolones have rarely been reported.

RESULTS

A facile, eco‐friendly and green approach was utilized for the synthesis of water soluble glutathione (GSH) functionalized CdS quantum dots (QDs) for the selective detection of fluoroquinolones. The prepared QDs exhibited a strong emission peak at 460 nm and the addition of fluoroquinolones caused enhancement and significant blue shift (∼ 50 nm) in the intensity, revealing sensitive and selective detection of fluoroquinolones. The limit of detection was found to be 2.2 µmol L‐1. Also, antimicrobial activities of the QDs were assessed against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and the QDs were found to be effective against the Gram positive bacteria especially Bacillus species in comparison with the Gram negative bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study offers a green route to synthesize water soluble and stable QDs for sensing with exceptional antimicrobial properties. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Short‐ and long‐term retrogradation of potato starches with varying amylose content
Authors: Dobosz Anna , Sikora Marek , Krystyjan Magdalena , Tomasik Piotr , Lach Radosław , Borczak Barbara , Berski Wiktor , Lukasiewicz Marcin
Published: October 2018

Background

Gels of potato starches with varying amylose content were prepared and the degree of pasting and the course of retrogradation were studied. The average molar masses of granular and pasted starches were estimated. Determination of the degree of pasting involved use of optical microscopy and the study of pasting characteristics. The studies of susceptibility to retrogradation considered mechanical spectra, hardness, syneresis, resistant starch content, and X‐ray measurements.

Results

Heating of the starch suspensions at 95 °C resulted in almost complete deterioration of granules. Changes in storage modulus (G') exceeded these of loss modulus (G”). Values of G' and G”, hardness and syneresis increased with the period of the sample storage and, simultaneously, the relevant tangent of the phase shift angle (tg (G”/G')) decreased. A tendency was observed for the resistant starch (RS) content to increase on prolonged storage of gels. The patterns of diffractograms for the pasted and lyophilized samples only differed slightly.

Conclusion

The pastes of all the studied potato starches were characterized by a similar degree of pasting. The most essential changes in the physicochemical properties of the gels were observed between the 30th and 90th days of storage. The susceptibility of potato starch gels to retrogradation, especially within the first 2 h, was controlled, mainly by the amylose content. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Interdependence of international tourism demand for Mediterranean countries: Impact of demand shocks
Authors: Kožić Ivan , Sorić Petar , Sever Ivan
Published: October 2018

Interdependence of tourism demand is an underexplored topic in tourism economics literature. Besides the traditional procedure of cross elasticities calculation, shock analysis could be used to investigate the interconnections of tourism flows. This paper conducts an econometric analysis of international tourism demand for 10 most developed Mediterranean destinations: Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Spain, Tunisia, and Turkey. In particular, a vector autoregression model is estimated for each pair of 10 countries. Impulse response functions are applied to investigate how a shock in tourism demand for one country impacts the tourism demand for its substitutes and complements.
The impact of localized innovations on the stock returns of tourism companies
Authors: Napierała Tomasz , Szutowski Dawid
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to determine the role of source of innovation, its degree of novelty, and their interaction in shaping tourism companies' stock returns in different geographical contexts. The research employed the buy‐and‐hold method. It included 378 innovation announcements released in the years 2011–2016 for 111 tourism companies operating in European Union countries. Findings suggest that abnormal returns for the companies listed in the innovation leading countries were significantly smaller than those for the moderate innovators group. The study proposes a novel, geographical perspective to the analysis of the effects of innovation on stock returns in tourism.
Facile preparation of superhydrophobic structures on Al alloys surfaces with superior corrosion resistance
Authors: Li Xuewu , Zhang Lin , Shi Tian , Zhang Chuanwei , Zhang Lai‐Chang
Published: October 2018

Corrosion failure is an intractable problem that restricts the application of Al alloys. As a new technique for functional implementation, the superhydrophobic fabrication can provide an effective method to solve metallic corrosion. This work has developed a simple and low‐cost method to endow 5A05 Al alloy with superior superhydrophobicity and corrosion resistance. The micro‐nano structures have been prepared by a facile one‐step immersion process. Furthermore, the superhydrophobic and anticorrosion behaviors of as‐prepared structures have been investigated by wetting and electrochemical tests. The results show that the modified immersed surface possesses excellent superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 158.6° and a sliding angle of 5.6°. Meanwhile, owing to the trapped air in rough structures, the solid‐air‐liquid interfaces can help to resist seawater penetration into the superhydrophobic surface and its corrosion resistance has been greatly enhanced. This work will be positive in extending the application areas of Al alloys especially for oceaneering fields.
Influence of Zr and Be on microstructure and electrochemical behavior of AZ63 anode
Authors: Jafari Hassan , Mohammad Hassanizadeh Behrouz
Published: October 2018

In this study, the effect of Zr and Be on the microstructure and electrochemical properties of a common magnesium alloy anode, AZ63, used in cathodic protection, was investigated. The AZ63, as well as Zr (0.25, 0.50, 0.70, and 0.90 wt%) and Be (0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 wt%) bearing AZ63 anodes, were prepared. The microstructure and electrochemical characteristics of the cast anodes were characterized. The results showed that the addition of Zr refines the grain size of the AZ63 anode; and above 0.5 wt% Zr, forms Al2Zr and β‐Mg17Al12. In contrast, grain coarsening was observed with increasing Be content. Moreover, the addition of 0.1 wt% Be to the anode resulted in the spheroidization of the β‐phase. Also, it was shown that AZ63‐0.5 wt% Zr provides the lowest corrosion rate among the experimented anodes, and the higher the Be content, the lower the corrosion rate of the anode. Higher content of both Be and Zr alloying elements resulted in improved efficiency of the anode for 20% and 13%, respectively. The results of this study indicate higher impact of Be on the efficiency increment of the AZ63 anode.
Curing Reaction of Benzoxazine Under High Pressure and the Effect on Thermal Resistance of Polybenzoxazine
Authors: Zeng Ka , Huang Jiayue , Ren Junwen , Ran Qichao
Published: October 2018

Two benzoxazine monomers, bisphenol A/aniline type benzoxazine (BA‐a) and bisphenol A/tert‐butylamine type benzoxazine (BA‐tb), are prepared with high purity. Their curing behaviors and cure kinetics are studied by high pressure differential scanning calorimetry (HP DSC) at normal pressure and high pressure, respectively. Meanwhile, the apparent activation energy (E
a) is calculated by Kissinger and Ozawa methods. The results show that the curing reaction temperature and E
a of BA‐a are little influenced by high pressure, but for BA‐tb, its curing reaction temperature and E
a increase greatly. FTIR is used to analyze the difference in the hydrogen bonds in cross‐linking structures of cured BA‐a and BA‐tb. Also, molecular simulations are used to figure out the effect of the high pressure on chemical structures. It is found that the content of hydrogen bonds in polybenzoxazines cured at high pressure increases, resulting in the decrease of cross‐linking densities. Moreover, DSC and thermogravimetric analysis tests are carried out to study the thermal resistance of these polybenzoxazines, and the results indicate that their glass transition temperatures (T
gs) and thermal stability decrease after curing at high pressure.
The Past 40 Years of Macromolecular Sciences: Reflections on Challenges in Synthetic Polymer and Material Science
Authors: Binder Wolfgang H.
Published: October 2018

Technology and science are often successful in discontinuities (“disruptive innovations” or “leapfrogging”), in turn allowing true, big societal development by entire changes in technology rather than by minuscule stepwise improvements. Examples are the emergence of modern computer science by inventing the field‐effect transistor rather than further fine‐tuning the “Röhrentransistor”; the development of (organic) light‐emitting diodes in advance of the “Gasglühstrumpf”; CRISPR/Cas exceeding any previous genetic method or Ziegler–Natta polymerization enabling stereoregular polypropylene (PP) and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) in advance of free‐radical polymerization. Where may the frogs in polymer science in the future “jump” to? Contemplating past achievements in (synthetic) polymer science, such as living polymerization, “click” chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, the potentially “leaping” areas of self‐healing and (bio)degradable materials, amyloids, and biomaterials are reflected upon.
Customized Dietary Intervention Avoids Unintentional Weight Loss and Modulates Circulating miRNAs Footprint in Huntington's Disease
Authors: Aganzo Miguel , Montojo María‐Teresa , López de Las Hazas María‐Carmen , Martínez‐Descals Asunción , Ricote‐Vila Marta , Sanz Raúl , González‐Peralta Irene , Martín‐Hernández Roberto , de Dios Olaya , Garcés Carmen , Galdón Alba , Lorenzo Óscar , Tomás‐Zapico Cristina , Dávalos Alberto , Vázquez Clotilde , González Nieves
Published: October 2018

Scope

Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disorder of genetic origin, with no definitive treatment. Unintentional weight loss (UWL) is a clinical feature of symptomatic HD subjects. To prevent UWL, a customized HD diet is designed and its impact on plasma miRNA HD footprint and neurological parameters is examined.

Methods and results

Eleven participants are included, BMI ≤ 18 kg m–2 or UWL of 5% in 6 months or 10% in a year. Diet design is based on nutritional surveys and interviews of participants and caregivers and on published literature review. Twelve‐month dietary intervention, with follow‐up every 3 months, induces high diet adherence, which manages to curb UWL in all participants (73% gained weight). Noticeable increases in fat mass and leptin levels are obtained. The results also show significant decrease in the expression of 19 miRNAs, which are previously reported to be upregulated in HD‐patients versus healthy controls: revealing hsa‐miR‐338‐3p, hsa‐miR‐128‐3p, hsa‐miR‐23a‐3p, and hsa‐miR‐24‐3p as potential HD‐biomarkers. The diminished expression of hsa‐miR‐100‐5p reflects the general maintenance of the functional status. Cognitive status is improved in six of 11 participants, while only three present better motor‐score values.

Conclusion

A customized HD‐diet prevents UWL and modified miRNAs HD‐footprint. The normalization of miRNA values suggests its potentially use as HD‐biomarkers.
A retrospective analysis of postrehabilitation outcomes following total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Crawford Jennifer J. , Harenberg Sebastian , Bishop Scott , Hayes Terra , Zelada Lilyans , Fraser James
Published: October 2018

Background and purpose

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most frequently performed orthopaedic procedures in Canada. Despite the frequency at which TKAs are performed, few studies have examined the association between postoperative outcomes and long‐term functional outcomes following group‐based rehabilitation in Canada. The primary objective of the present study was to examine changes in flexion and extension from intake to discharge from rehabilitation in patients in Saskatchewan, Canada. A secondary objective was to explore the demographic and medical predictors of range of motion in TKA patients, and treatment duration.

Methods

A retrospective chart review from an outpatient rehabilitation clinical database was conducted between September 2014 and December 2016, and assessed demographic and medical variables.

Results

A total of 672 patient charts were included in the study. Significant improvements (p < 0.001) were noted from intake to discharge from rehabilitation for flexion and extension. Right‐side TKA, flexion at intake and the length of treatment predicted flexion at discharge from rehabilitation (R2 = 0.23). Gender, right side TKA, extension at intake and the length of treatment predicted extension at discharge from rehabilitation (R2 = 0.23). Lastly, age, flexion at intake and extension at intake predicted length of treatment in the rehabilitation programme (R2 = 0.21).

Conclusions

Patients who participated in rehabilitation following TKA experienced improvements in flexion and extension. Those with decreased flexion and extension after TKA may be less likely to experience a desirable range of motion, indicating a need for more intensive targeted rehabilitation in this group, and adjustments in hospital and community care.
An exact bidirectional A⋆ approach for solving resource‐constrained shortest path problems
Authors: Thomas Barrett W. , Calogiuri Tobia , Hewitt Mike
Published: October 2018

Bidirectional dynamic programming is an algorithm that searches for paths in a network from both the starting and the ending nodes that optimize a given objective function. In recent years, bidirectional dynamic programming has been shown to be an effective means for solving resource‐bounded shortest path problems. While many researchers have observed that bidirectional A⋆ approaches perform poor computationally, we exploit the presence of resource constraints to overcome the source of these computational challenges. Our main contribution in this paper is an exact bidirectional A⋆ algorithm for resource‐constrained shortest path problems (RCSPPs) that is capable of solving large‐sized instances that challenge the state‐of‐the‐art in the literature. We also analyze, both computationally and theoretically, the sensitivity of the algorithm's performance to its inputs.
Dynamic programming approaches for the traveling salesman problem with drone
Authors: Bouman Paul , Agatz Niels , Schmidt Marie
Published: October 2018

A promising new delivery model involves the use of a delivery truck that collaborates with a drone to make deliveries. Effectively combining a truck and a drone gives rise to a new planning problem that is known as the traveling salesman problem with drone (TSP‐D). This paper presents exact solution approaches for the TSP‐D based on dynamic programming and provides an experimental comparison of these approaches. Our numerical experiments show that our approach can solve larger problems than the mathematical programming approaches that have been presented in the literature thus far. Moreover, we show that restrictions on the number of locations the truck can visit while the drone is away can help significantly reduce the solution times while having relatively little impact on the overall solution quality.
Weight Cycling Increases Longevity Compared with Sustained Obesity in Mice
Authors: Smith Daniel L. , Yang Yongbin , Nagy Tim R. , Patki Amit , Vasselli Joseph R. , Zhang Yiying , Dickinson Stephanie L. , Allison David B.
Published: October 2018

Objective:

Despite the known health benefits of weight loss among persons with obesity, observational studies have reported that cycles of weight loss and regain, or weight cycling, are associated with increased mortality. To study whether weight loss must be sustained to achieve health and longevity benefits, we performed a randomized controlled feeding study of weight cycling in mice.

Methods:

In early adult life, obese mice were randomized to ad libitum feeding to sustain obesity, calorie restriction to achieve a “normal” or intermediate body weight, or weight cycling (repeated episodes of calorie restriction and ad libitum refeeding). Body weight, body composition, and food intake were followed longitudinally until death. A subsample of mice was collected from each group for determination of adipose cell size, serum analytes, and gene expression.

Results:

Weight loss significantly reduced adipose mass and adipocyte size in both sexes, whereas weight cycling animals regained body fat and cell size during refeeding. Sustained weight loss resulted in a dose‐dependent decrease in mortality compared with ad libitum feeding.

Conclusions

Weight cycling significantly increased life‐span relative to remaining with obesity and had a similar benefit to sustained modest weight loss.
Reduction in Comorbid Conditions Over 5 Years Following Bariatric Surgery in Medicaid and Commercially Insured Patients
Authors: Takemoto Erin , Wolfe Bruce M. , Nagel Corey L. , Boone‐Heinonen Janne
Published: October 2018

Objective

This study sought to determine changes in the prevalence of comorbid disease following bariatric surgery in Medicaid patients compared with commercially insured patients.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery, an observational cohort study of adults undergoing bariatric surgery at one of six geographically diverse centers in the United States. A total of 1,201 patients who underwent Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass with 5 years of follow‐up were identified. Poisson mixed models were used to estimate relative risks (RRs) and compare changes in common comorbidities between insurance groups within 0‐1 and 1‐5 years post surgery. Propensity scores were used to achieve balance in the baseline comorbidity burden between Medicaid and commercial patients.

Results

In the first year, risk of all six comorbidities decreased substantially over time in both groups, ranging from a 32% to a 69% decrease from baseline. After 1 year post surgery, the risk of disease was stable in both groups (RRs ranged from 1.0 to 1.1). After propensity score weighting, the RRs in the first year were more similar in magnitude, while the RRs in the 1‐ to 5‐year period were unchanged.

Conclusions

These results suggest that Medicaid patients experience a medium‐term reduction in comorbid disease after bariatric surgery.
Resistance Training and Protein Supplementation Increase Strength After Bariatric Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Oppert Jean‐Michel , Bellicha Alice , Roda Celina , Bouillot Jean‐Luc , Torcivia Adriana , Clement Karine , Poitou Christine , Ciangura Cecile
Published: October 2018

Objective

Physical activity and dietary regimens to optimize health outcomes after bariatric surgery are not well known. This study aimed to determine whether resistance training with dietary protein supplementation is effective in maintaining body composition and physical fitness after obesity surgery.

Methods

Seventy‐six women with obesity undergoing Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass were randomly assigned at the time of surgery to receive either usual care (controls [CON], n = 22), usual care and additional (whey) protein intake (PRO, n = 31), or usual care, additional protein intake, and supervised strength training for 18 weeks (PRO+EX, n = 23). The primary outcome was pre‐ to 6‐month postsurgery change in lean body mass (by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry). Secondary outcomes included changes in muscle strength (by one‐repetition maximum testing).

Results

Loss over time in lean body mass did not differ between groups (CON: mean,−8.8 kg; 95% CI: −10.1 to −7.5 kg; PRO: mean, −8.2 kg; 95% CI: −9.3 to −7.1 kg; PRO+EX: mean, −7.7 kg; 95% CI: −9.0 to −6.5 kg; P = 0.899). The increase in relative lower‐limb muscle strength was higher in the PRO+EX group (+0.6 [0.3 to 0.8]) versus +0.1 (−0.1 to 0.4) and +0.2 (0.0 to 0.4) kg/kg body mass in CON and PRO groups, respectively (P = 0.021).

Conclusions

Loss in muscle strength observed after bariatric surgery can be overcome by resistance training with additional protein intake.
Nutrient‐Based Warning Labels May Help in the Pursuit of Healthy Diets
Authors: Khandpur Neha , Swinburn Boyd , Monteiro Carlos A.
Published: October 2018

In this commentary we argue that the newest paradigm of front‐of‐package labels, represented by the characteristics found in the Chilean warning label, has the greatest potential to promote healthy diets compared with the Keyhole symbol, the multiple traffic light label, the Health Star Ratings system, and the 5‐Color Nutrition label. Warning labels: (1) are consistent in the information they communicate; (2) discourage the purchase and consumption of noncore foods that characterize unhealthy diets; (3) are more likely to reinforce other regulatory measures; and (4) are more likely to encourage reformulation and are less likely to be used as a marketing tool by the food industry. Ongoing empirical evaluation of the impact of warning labels on consumer behavior and product reformulation is essential.
Associations Among Dietary Fat Oxidation Responses to Overfeeding and Weight Gain in Obesity‐Prone and Resistant Adults
Authors: Rynders Corey A. , Pereira Rocio I. , Bergouignan Audrey , Kealey Elizabeth H. , Bessesen Daniel H.
Published: October 2018

Objective

This study tested the hypothesis that 3 days of overfeeding (OF) decreases dietary fat oxidation and predicts longitudinal weight change in adults classified as obesity prone (OP) and obesity resistant (OR) based on self‐identification and personal and family weight history. Changes in diurnal profiles of plasma metabolites and hormones were measured to probe mechanisms.

Methods

Adults identified as OP (n = 22; BMI: 23.9  ±  2.4 kg/m2) and OR (n = 30; BMI: 20.5  ±  2.2 kg/m2) completed 3 days of eucaloric (EU) feeding and 3 days of OF. On day 3, the 24‐hour total and dietary fat oxidation was measured using room calorimetry and an oral 14C tracer. Plasma glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations were frequently sampled over 24 hours. Body composition was measured annually for 4.0  ±  1.4 years in a subsample (n = 19 OP and 23 OR).

Results

Dietary fat oxidation over 24 hours was not altered by OF versus EU (P = 0.54). Weight gain in OP correlated with lower nocturnal NEFA concentrations during OF (r  = −0.60; P = 0.006) and impaired fuel selection over 24 hours (metabolic inflexibility, wake respiratory quotient‐sleep respiratory quotient) (r = −0.48; P  = 0.04).

Conclusions

Short‐term OF did not alter dietary fat oxidation. Lower nocturnal NEFA availability and metabolic inflexibility to overfeeding may be factors contributing to weight gain.
Weight‐Loss Outcomes from a Pilot Study of African Dance in Older African Americans
Authors: Stillman Chelsea M. , Donahue Patrick T. , Williams Mihloti F. , Callas Mariah , Lwanga Charles , Brown Chrisala , Wollam Mariegold E. , Jedrziewski M. Kathy , Kang Chaeryon , Erickson Kirk I.
Published: October 2018

Objective

Obesity is a risk factor for both cognitive and physical impairment in late adulthood. Though the rates of obesity are high in many groups, older African Americans are disproportionately affected. A randomized pilot intervention of African Dance was conducted with 28 African American older adults with obesity (mean age = 68.4 ± 5.1 years; mean BMI = 33.4 ± 6.2). The goal of the study was to evaluate the physiological outcomes of a culturally sensitive exercise intervention and specifically changes in weight.

Methods

Participants were randomly assigned to an African Dance (experimental) or Culture Education (control) group. They attended their assigned class for 1 hour per session, 3 days per week, for 6 months.

Results

There was a significant group × time interaction on weight (P  = 0.005) such that the African Dance group lost weight (mean = 4.0 ± 6.0 lb) while the Culture Education group gained weight (mean = 2.6 ± 3.9 lb).

Conclusions

These results suggest that a culturally sensitive form of physical activity, African Dance, may be effective for promoting weight loss in a population at increased risk for obesity and cognitive decline.
Gene Coexpression Networks in Whole Blood Implicate Multiple Interrelated Molecular Pathways in Obesity in People with Asthma
Authors: Croteau‐Chonka Damien C. , Chen Zhanghua , Barnes Kathleen C. , Barraza‐Villarreal Albino , Celedón Juan C. , Gauderman W. James , Gilliland Frank D. , Krishnan Jerry A. , Liu Andrew H. , London Stephanie J. , Martinez Fernando D. , Millstein Joshua , Naureckas Edward T. , Nicolae Dan L. , White Steven R. , Ober Carole , Weiss Scott T. , Raby Benjamin A.
Published: October 2018

Objective

Asthmatic children who develop obesity through adolescence have poorer disease outcomes compared with those who do not. This study aimed to characterize the biology of childhood asthma complicated by adult obesity.

Methods

Gene expression networks are powerful statistical tools for characterizing human disease that leverage the putative coregulatory relationships of genes to infer relevant biological pathways. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis of gene expression data was performed in whole blood from 514 adult asthmatic subjects. Then, module preservation and association replication analyses were performed in 418 subjects from two independent asthma cohorts (one pediatric and one adult).

Results

A multivariate model was identified in which three gene coexpression network modules were associated with incident obesity in the discovery cohort (each P < 0.05). Two module memberships were enriched for genes in pathways related to platelets, integrins, extracellular matrix, smooth muscle, NF‐κB signaling, and Hedgehog signaling. The network structures of each of the obesity modules were significantly preserved in both replication cohorts (permutation P = 9.999E‐05). The corresponding module gene sets were significantly enriched for differential expression in subjects with obesity in both replication cohorts (each P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The gene coexpression network profiles thus implicate multiple interrelated pathways in the biology of an important endotype of asthma with obesity.
Comparing complex perspectives on obesity drivers: action‐driven communities and evidence‐oriented experts
Authors: McGlashan J. , Hayward J. , Brown A. , Owen B. , Millar L. , Johnstone M. , Creighton D. , Allender S.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The Foresight obesity map represents an expert‐developed systems map describing the complex drivers of obesity. Recently, community‐led causal loop diagrams have been developed to support community‐based obesity prevention interventions. This paper presents a quantitative comparison between the Foresight obesity systems map and a community‐developed map of the drivers of obesity.

Methods

Variables from a community‐developed map were coded against the thematic clusters defined in the Foresight map to allow comparison of their sizes and strength of adjoining causal relationships. Central variables were identified using techniques from network analysis. These properties were compared to understand the similarities and differences between the systems as defined by the two groups.

Results

The community map focused on environmental influences, such as built physical activity environment (18% of variables) and social psychology (38%). The Foresight map's largest cluster was physiology (23%), a minimal focus in the community map (2%). Network analysis highlighted media and available time within both maps, but variables related to school and sporting club environments were unique to the community map.

Conclusion

Community stakeholders focus on modifiable social and environmental drivers of obesity. Capturing local perspectives is critical when using systems maps to guide community‐based obesity prevention.
When meditators avoid counting during time production things get interesting
Authors: Glicksohn Joseph , Berkovich‐Ohana Aviva
Published: October 2018

Time production (TP) with or without chronometric counting both instantiates and reflects the working of an internal clock, as originally posited by Treisman. We exploit the fact that a number of experienced meditators, who had previously participated in a study wherein TP was assessed, and who had employed chronometric counting then, would be coming back to the lab to participate in a second study. We specifically requested that they should not employ chronometric counting this time, thus allowing us to contrast TP with and without counting. We report a qualitative difference between TP implemented by counting and TP without counting: The first is a linear function of target duration (T), while the second is not, and entails a discontinuity in the function. Requesting meditators not to engage in chronometric counting, and thereby forcing them to rely instead on other cues (sensory, bodily, etc.), might well be an appropriate context in which to observe such a discontinuity in TP.
Consequences of the loss of catalytic triads in chloroplast CLPPR protease core complexes in vivo
Authors: Liao Jui‐Yun Rei , Friso Giulia , Kim Jitae , van Wijk Klaas J.
Published: October 2018

The essential chloroplast CLP protease system consists of a tetradecameric proteolytic core with catalytic P (P1, 3–6) and non‐catalytic R (R1–4) subunits, CLP chaperones and adaptors. The chloroplast CLP complex has a total of ten catalytic sites,but it is not known how many of these catalytic sites can be inactivated before plants lose viability. Here we show that CLPP3 and the catalytically inactive variant CLPP3S164A fully complement the developmental arrest of the clpp3‐1 null mutant, even under environmental stress. In contrast, whereas the inactive variant CLPP5S193A assembled into the CLP core, it cannot rescue the embryo lethal phenotype of the clpp5‐1 null mutant. This shows that CLPP3 makes a unique structural contribution but its catalytic site is dispensable, whereas the catalytic activity of CLPP5 is essential. Mass spectrometry of affinity‐purified CLP cores of the complemented lines showed highly enriched CLP cores. Other chloroplast proteins were co‐purified with the CLP cores and are candidate substrates. A strong overlap of co‐purified proteins between the CLP core complexes with active and inactive subunits indicates that CLP cores with reduced number of catalytic sites do not over‐accumulate substrates, suggesting that the bottle‐neck for degradation is likely substrate recognition and unfolding by CLP adaptors and chaperones, upstream of the CLP core.
Understanding CeO2‐Based Nanostructures through Advanced Electron Microscopy in 2D and 3D
Authors: Zhang Yang , Bals Sara , Van Tendeloo Gustaaf
Published: October 2018

Engineering morphology and size of CeO2‐based nanostructures on a (sub)nanometer scale will greatly influence their performance; this is because of their high oxygen storage capacity and unique redox properties, which allow faster switching of the oxidation state between Ce4+ and Ce3+. Although tremendous research has been carried out on the shape‐controlled synthesis of CeO2, the characterization of these nanostructures at the atomic scale remains a major challenge and the origin of debate. The rapid developments of aberration‐corrected transmission electron microscopy (AC‐TEM) have pushed the resolution below 1 Å, both in TEM and in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) mode. At present, not only morphology and structure, but also composition and electronic structure can be analyzed at an atomic scale, even in 3D. This review summarizes recent significant achievements using TEM/STEM and associated spectroscopic techniques to study CeO2‐based nanostructures and related catalytic phenomena. Recent results have shed light on the understanding of the different mechanisms. The potential and limitations, including future needs of various techniques, are discussed with recommendations to facilitate further developments of new and highly efficient CeO2‐based nanostructures.
Antibacterial effects of gold nanoparticles functionalized with the extracted peptide from Vespa orientalis wasp venom
Authors: Jalaei Jafar , Layeghi‐Ghalehsoukhteh Somayeh , Hosseini Arsalan , Fazeli Mehdi
Published: October 2018

The development of novel antimicrobial strategies is necessary because of the escalation of multidrug‐resistant pathogens. Recently, antimicrobial peptides and their combination with nanoparticles were regarded as a promising tool to target drug‐resistant pathogens. Herein, we evaluated antimicrobial efficacy of a peptide extracted from Vespa orientalis wasp venom and also its conjugation with gold nanoparticles. Nanoparticle conjugation measurement was done by evaluating the absorbance changes of the surface plasmon resonance band of gold nanoparticles at 555 nm. A significant increase in the antibacterial activity against gram negative and positive bacteria was obtained when the extracted peptide conjugated with gold nanoparticles. Finally, the results show that this new peptide‐AuNps has the high practical potential for antibacterial activity and may provide an alternative therapy for bacterial infection.
(In,Er)2O3 Alloys and Photoluminescence of Er3+ at Indirect Excitation via the Crystalline Host
Authors: Kalusniak Sascha , Orphal Laura , Schäfer Peter , Kuznetsov Alexander S. , Benson Oliver , Sadofev Sergey
Published: October 2018

(In1−xErx)2O3 ternary alloys are grown on A‐plane sapphire wafers by plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy. The layers crystallize in the cubic bixbyite structure with axis aligned parallel to the substrate normal. The d‐spacing of the {111} lattice planes linearly increases with increasing the Er molar fraction in accordance with Vegard's law. Incorporation of Er in the In2O3 matrix is accompanied by the widening of the optical gap and linear increase of the peak absorption coefficient reaching 380 cm−1 at the telecommunication wavelength of 1.54 µm. The samples exhibit Er3+‐related emission at indirect excitation via the crystalline host at room temperature.
Brillouin Scattering From Langmuir–Blodgett Films Doped With CdS and CuS Nanoclusters
Authors: Adichtchev Sergey V. , Surovtsev Nikolay V. , Duda Tatyana A. , Milekhin Alexander G.
Published: October 2018

Brillouin scattering by anisotropic Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films is studied here. The films are composed of behenic acid doped with CdS and CuS nanocrystals distributed in the matrix of the behenic acid. The sound velocities along and perpendicular to the film surface are determined. The influence of nanocrystals on the LB film anisotropy and sound velocities is discussed.