bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ermittlung von Vorspannprofilen bei chemisch vorgespannten Glasscheiben mittels spannungsoptischer Messmethoden
Authors: Feldmann Markus , Di Biase Pietro , Schaaf Benjamin
Published: May 2018

Durch thermisches Vorspannen werden die mechanische Festigkeit und die Temperaturbeständigkeit von Baugläsern um ein Vielfaches erhöht. Eine weitere, bisher nur selten im Bauwesen angewendete Möglichkeit, Gläser vorzuspannen, ist die Methode der sogenannten chemischen Vorspannung. Chemisch vorgespanntes Glas (CVG) weist anders als thermisch vorgespanntes Glas eine wesentlich höhere Druckvorspannung von bis zu 200 MPa auf, was aus konstruktiver Sicht neue Möglichkeiten für den Glasbau schaffen kann. Mit dem bisherigen Verfahren kann zwar produktionstechnisch ein definiertes Vorspannungsprofil erzeugt, eine zuverlässige Reproduzierbarkeit allerdings bislang nicht gewährleistet werden. Im Rahmen des ZIM‐Projektes „Verfahren zur Glashärtung mit definierten und messbaren Vorspannungsprofilen“ wurde eine Messmethode entwickelt, um das Vorspannungsprofil zuverlässig zu erfassen und Aussagen über die Druckzonentiefe treffen zu können.
Transparente Epoxidharze in lastabtragenden Klebungen
Authors: Wünsch Jan , Weller Bernhard
Published: May 2018

Die lastabtragenden Klebungen stellten im Konstruktiven Glasbau einen wesentlichen Forschungsgegenstand der vergangenen Jahre dar. Getrieben von gestalterischen Gesichtspunkten sind dabei die transparenten Klebstoffe von besonderem Interesse. Der vorliegende Beitrag konzentriert sich auf die Klebstoffgruppe der Epoxidharze. In die engere Auswahl kamen acht Epoxidharzklebstoffe, die grundlegend untersucht und analysiert wurden. Die hier vorgestellten Untersuchungen widmen sich neben den mechanischen Eigenschaften der Klebstoffe vor allem dem Haftverhalten von Glas‐Metall‐Verbindungen. Die Anpassung der Verarbeitungsbedingungen dient der zusätzlichen Verbesserung des Eigenschaftsprofils.
Betrachtungen zur Sicherheit des nach EN 14179‐1 heißgelagerten Glases vor Spontanbruch
Authors: Kasper Andreas
Published: May 2018

In Fassaden und allgemein in Nachbarschaft zu Verkehrsflächen kann thermisch vorgespanntes Sicherheitsglas wegen der Gefahr von Spontanbrüchen nicht ohne weiteres verwendet werden. Um die Anwendung zu ermöglichen, wurde in der Vergangenheit in EN 14179‐1:2006 das Produkt „Heißgelagertes Einscheiben‐Sicherheitsglas“ definiert, und nach allem, was heute allgemein bekannt ist, ist dieses Produkt wirklich, wie es der Name sagt, sicher. Nichtsdestoweniger lässt die derzeitige [Juli 2017] Diskussion, z.B. im Zusammenhang mit der Revision der DIN 18008‐2, erkennen, dass dies nicht allgemeiner Konsens ist, denn die geplante Revision wäre einem Verbot von vorgespanntem Glas – egal welcher Art – in Höhen von über vier Metern gleichzusetzen. Auf diesem Hintergrund wurde bei Saint‐Gobain in den letzten Jahren auf F&E‐Ebene auf der Basis realer statistischer Zahlen (Eigenschaften der Einschlüsse, Detektion im Basisglas, Bruchdaten im HST und an Gebäuden) erneut über die tatsächliche Sicherheit des heißgelagerten Glases geforscht. Diese Studien führen zu dem eindeutigen Schluss, dass das Restrisiko, d.h. die Wahrscheinlichkeit eines Fassadenbruchs nach Heißlagerung, derzeit (mit 1 Bruch auf 400 t Glas) ganz erheblich überschätzt wird und vermutlich eher bei 1 Bruch auf 10'000 t Glas liegt. Das bedeutet, dass heißgelagertes Glas bedeutend sicherer ist als bisher angenommen; der Anwendung in Fassaden dürfte nichts entgegenstehen. Der hier vorgelegte Diskussionsbeitrag, in dem diese neuen und teilweise überraschenden Ergebnisse zusammengefasst werden, soll dazu anregen, eine sachliche Diskussion wiederaufzunehmen, um einen neuen Konsens zur adäquaten Anwendung dieses anwendungssicheren Produkts zu finden.
Landtag Hannover – Plenarsaal
Authors: Vetter Marco , Osterkamp Dirk
Published: May 2018

Für das Bauvorhaben – Sanierung des Niedersächsischen Landtags in Hannover – hat Colt International den Auftrag für die Fertigung und Installation von innenliegenden Schall‐Reflexionslamellen erhalten. Hintergrund der Installation ist die Lenkung des Schalls im Plenarsaal in Richtung Decke und die damit verbundene Schallminderung an den Pfosten‐Riegel‐Elementen, welche die Schallwirkung erheblich um bis zu 53 dB (RwP) reduzieren.

Parliament Hanover – plenary hall. Interior glass design enables an unobstructive view into the plenary hall to provide transparency while still reducing the noise from the parliament to the enclosed office and parliament space. Colt designed and installed internal glass louvers as a second skin facade for the curtain wall facades on the inside of the parliament hall to enable noise reduction in combination with a clear and transparent design.
Control of Heterometallic Three‐Dimensional Macrocycles with Aromatic Stacks in Tunable Host Cavities
Authors: Gao Wen‐Xi , Fan Qi‐Jia , Lin Yue‐Jian , Jin Guo‐Xin
Published: May 2018

Using coinage metal (Cu(II), Ag(I)) hinges, two sets of heterometallic molecular capsules with analogous open‐ended cavities were prepared based on the half‐sandwich rhodium fragments. In the case of [Rh4Cu4] cages, up to six‐fold‐stacked host‐guest structures were formed by varying the cavity's dimensions. Moreover, the series of capsules were demonstrated to self‐fine‐tune to form multi‐heteroguest arrays via favourable donor‐acceptor π interactions and Ag‐π interactions, as evidenced from single‐crystal X‐ray analysis.
Absence of a primary role for TTN missense variants in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy: From a clinical and pathological perspective
Authors: Chen Kai , Song Jiangping , Wang Zhen , Rao Man , Chen Liang , Hu Shengshou
Published: May 2018

Background

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inheritable heart disease characterized by fibro‐fatty replacement of the myocardium. TTN missense variants were previously reported as a pathogenic factor for ACM.

Hypothesis

TTN missense variants are commonly identified in ACM, but have limited effect on the phenotype of ACM.

Methods

We sequenced 15 ACM‐related genes in 35 patients who had a heart transplantation and quantified myocardium, and fibrous and adipose tissue in blocks of the explanted heart. Clinical and pathological characteristics were compared between patients with TTN variants and others. Pedigree analysis was performed in 3 families with TTN variants.

Results

TTN variants were detected in 11 patients (all missense, 9 heterozygous and 2 oligogenic form). The TTN truncating variant was absent in the cohort. Patients with TTN variants had late onset age of the disease (31 ±13 years vs 17 ±3 years, P = 0.049) and age of heart transplantation (41 ±14 years vs 24 ±9 years, P = 0.027), larger left ventricle end‐diastolic diameter (62 ±10 mm vs 45 ±10 mm, P = 0.019), smaller right ventricular outflow tract (34 ±14 mm vs 50 ±15 mm, P = 0.046), more myocardium (40.8% ±29.4% vs 13.8% ±11.0%, P = 0.017), and less adipose tissue (43.0% ±30.9% vs 66.9% ±18.5%, P = 0.036) in right ventricle than those with desmosomal variants. There was few difference between patients with TTN variants and those without variants. Pedigrees showed none of the family members with TTN missense variants had a disease phenotype, indicating a very low penetrance.

Conclusions

TTN missense variants was commonly identified in ACM patients in this cohort, but hardly played a primary role in ACM as causative variants.
The short‐ and long‐term outcomes of percutaneous intervention with drug‐eluting stent vs bare‐metal stent in saphenous vein graft disease: An updated meta‐analysis of all randomized clinical trials
Authors: Kheiri Babikir , Osman Mohammed , Abdalla Ahmed , Ahmed Sahar , Bachuwa Ghassan , Hassan Mustafa
Published: May 2018

The use of drug‐eluting stents (DES) vs bare‐metal stents (BMS) in saphenous vein graft (SVG) lesions remains controversial. We conducted a meta‐analysis of all randomized clinical trials comparing the outcomes of DES with BMS in SVG percutaneous coronary interventions. A search of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and Clinicaltrials.gov was performed for all randomized clinical trials. We evaluated the short‐ and long‐term clinical outcomes of the following: all‐cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), definite/probable stent thrombosis, target lesion revascularization (TLR), and target‐vessel revascularization (TVR). From a total of 1582 patients in 6 randomized clinical trials, 797 had DES and 785 had BMS. Patients with DES had lower short‐term MACE, TLR, and TVR in comparison with BMS (odds ratio [OR]: 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35–0.91, P = 0.02; OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.19–0.99, P = 0.05; and OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.22–0.95, P = 0.04, respectively). However, there were no different outcomes for all‐cause mortality (P = 0.63) or stent thrombosis (P = 0.21). With long‐term follow‐up, there were no significant reductions of MACE (P = 0.20), TLR (P = 0.57), TVR (P = 0.07), all‐cause mortality (P = 0.29), and stent thrombosis (P = 0.76). The use of DES in SVG lesions was associated with lower short‐term MACE, TLR, and TVR in comparison with BMS. However, there were no significant differences with long‐term follow‐up.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Asad Zain Ul Abideen , Maiwand Mirwais , Farah Fahmi , Dasari Tarun W.
Published: May 2018

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare cause of heart failure. It is defined as cardiomyopathy that develops in the last month of pregnancy or within 5 months of the postpartum period without an identifiable cause. We conducted a systematic review of literature of prospective studies with a focus on echocardiographic and long‐term clinical outcomes in PPCM. We searched MEDLINE and Embase up to October 1, 2017. Prospective studies (sample size ≥20) reporting all‐cause mortality and follow‐up duration of ≥1 year were included. Of the 956 studies identified, 7 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 445 patients with a mean age of 30 years (range, 27–32 years) were included. The mean follow‐up duration was 41 months (range, 12–61 months). The majority of patients had New York Heart Association class III or IV symptoms at the time of diagnosis. Only 3 studies reported data on ethnicity where the majority of patients were non‐Caucasian. Most of the patients (81%–93%) were on guideline‐directed medical therapy, except 1 study (41%). Left ventricular ejection fraction at baseline ranged from 24% to 35% (mean, 28%) and at follow‐up from 31% to 53% (mean, 44%). Recovery in systolic function was noted in 20% to 82% (mean, 50%) of patients. All‐cause mortality ranged from 0% to 28% (mean, 16%). This systematic review summarizes the evidence to date on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with PPCM. Multicenter registries with long‐term follow‐up will help shed further light on characteristics and outcomes of patients with this rare disease.
Models for plant self‐thinning
Authors: Wade R. K.
Published: May 2018

Plant self‐thinning, which is density‐dependent mortality, has several observed characteristics, including a certain mathematical relationship between growth and density. The original equation that describes self‐thinning is, = mean weight. The basic equation is supported by data from ecology and forestry, but there have been a number of reported slopes that differ from −3/2. This study proposed that change in plant density over time decreases exponentially and that plant growth (weight or volume) increases over time according to one of two models: either exponential growth or sigmoid growth. Exponential growth with a finite time limit, in conjunction with exponential decrease in density, led to the equation logw = C + α/γ × log density, where α/γ < 0,wis total weight, but did not imply any particular value for its slope. Sigmoid growth, in conjunction with exponential decrease in density, led to the equation log (w/(a1 + a2w)) (orv) = C + a1/γ × log density, wherea1/γ < 0,w(orv) is a total, but did not imply any particular value for its slope. For the data examined, exponential density decrease was supported by all data sets. For eight data sets, exponential growth was supported and in 7 of 8, logw = C + β log density was a good fit with α/γ a good predictor of β. For 31 data sets, sigmoid growth was supported, and in 29 of 31, log (w/(a1 + a2w)) (orv) = C + β log density was a good fit witha1/γ a good predictor of β. The numerical value of β can be regarded as an index, and there was some indication that a wide range of values (or lack) is associated with a wide (or narrow) range of environments to which the species is adapted. For the larch data, the initial spatial distribution of trees was aggregated but changed toward a random distribution of individuals over time.
Fe2V4O13 Nanoparticles Based Electrochemical Sensor for the Simultaneous Determination of Guanine and Adenine at Nanomolar Concentration
Authors: Adarakatti Prashanth Shivappa , Mahanthappa Mallappa , H Eranjaneya , Siddaramanna Ashoka
Published: May 2018

A simple strategy has been proposed for the simultaneous quantification of guanine (GU) and adenine (AD) using Fe2V4O13 nanoparticles (Fe2V4O13 NPs) modified carbon paste electrode (Fe2V4O13NPs/CPE) in phosphate buffer solution (PBS). The Fe2V4O13 NPs were prepared by a simple solution combustion method where sucrose was used as a fuel. The electrochemical behavior of GU and AD at the electrochemical interface has been studied by using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse stripping voltammetry (DPSV). The results illustrate that the Fe2V4O13 NPs shows enhanced electrocatalytic activity and voltammetric response towards GU and AD. The proposed sensor showed linearity between the concentration 0.5 and 60 μM with limit of detection (LOD) 32 and 37 nM for GU and AD respectively. The sensitivity towards GU and AD were respectively found to be 1.393 and 1.851 μA/μM. Further, the proposed electrochemical sensor has been successfully employed to determine GU and AD contents in milk powder and calf thymus DNA samples.
A Review Study on the Using of Diethyl Ether in Diesel Engines: Effects on Fuel Properties and Engine Performance
Authors: Sezer İsmet
Published: May 2018

This study was compiled from the results of various researches performed on using diethyl ether as a fuel or fuel additive in diesel engines. Three different techniques are used the reduction of the harmful exhaust emissions of diesel engines. The first technique for the reduction of harmful emissions is improved the combustion by modification of engine design and fuel injection system, but this process is expensive and time consuming. The second technique is the using various exhaust gas devices like catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter. However, the use of these devices affects negatively diesel engine performance. The final technique to reduce emissions and also improve diesel engine performance is the use of various alternative fuels or fuel additives. The major pollutants of diesel engines are oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). It is very difficult to reduce NOx and PM simultaneously in practice. The most researches declare that the best way to reduce is the use of various alternative fuels i. e. natural gas, biogas, biodiesel or using the additives with alternative fuels or conventional diesel fuel. Therefore, it is very important that the results of various studies on alternative fuels or fuel additives are evaluated together to practice applications. Especially, this study focus on the use diethyl ether in diesel engines as fuel or fuel additive in various diesel engine fuels. This review study investigates the effects of diethyl ether addition on the fuel properties and performance characteristics.
Gully head modelling: A Mediterranean badland case study
Authors: Torri Dino , Poesen Jean , Rossi Mauro , Amici Valerio , Spennacchi Daniele , Cremer Cati
Published: May 2018

Predicting the location of gully heads in various environments is an important step towards predicting gully erosion rates. So far, field data collection and modelling of topographic thresholds for gully head development has mainly focused on gullies that formed in forested areas, rangelands, pastures and cropland. Such information for gullies in badlands however is very scarce. Therefore, this paper aims to extend the database on gully head topographical thresholds through data collection in a badland area and to improve the prediction of gully heads forming at sites with a very low erosion resistance value. For this, we chose a badland site located in central Italy that is characterized by biancana forms and both active and dormant gullies. The definition of the conditions under which present‐day gully heads developed allowed a better modelling of the gully head threshold equation, with modification of a previous model and the exemplification of how to use the updated model. The model shows that the resistance to gully head retreat depends on slope gradient and drainage area at gully heads, land use at the moment of gully development (as numerically expressed using parameters derived from the Runoff Curve Number method), surface rock fragment cover, presence of joints, pipes, and factors/processes affecting detachment rate. This study attempted to better understand environmental conditions that control the development of gully heads in badlands through a combination of field data collection of gully heads, an analysis of land use changes over 10 centuries, focusing on the period 1820–2005, and land use management through repeat photography and a critical examination of historical documents. © 2018 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A Long-Term Watershed-Scale Partnership to Restore Bull Trout Across Federal, State, Private, and Historic Tribal Land Near Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Authors: Buktenica M W , Hering D K , Scott N , Lambert C , McKee J , Maletis E , Pellissier J , Tinniswood W , Banish N
Published: May 2018

We review a 28-year project to restore a Bull Trout Salvelinus confluentus population in a small Oregon watershed. Restoration evolved from eradication and exclusion of nonnative fishes within the boundaries of a national park to stream reconstruction and reconnection of a historical stream network across state and private property. Management of the project evolved from unilateral actions by a single federal agency to collaborative actions by multiple federal and state agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and private land owners. The project removed nonnative fish from 24 km of one stream by electrofishing and application of chemical piscicide. As a result, Bull Trout abundance and distribution increased from approximately 150 fish occupying 2 km of stream to over 2,000 fish occupying 19 km. Stream restoration included construction of 4 km of stream channel, planting riparian vegetation, fencing to exclude cattle, transfer of water rights to instream use, and facilities to manage fish passage and water withdrawals for irrigation.
Comparative Characterization of Osteoclasts Derived From Murine Bone Marrow Macrophages and RAW 264.7 Cells Using Quantitative Proteomics
Authors: Ng Andrew YH , Tu Chengjian , Shen Shichen , Xu Ding , Oursler Merry J , Qu Jun , Yang Shuying
Published: May 2018

Osteoclasts are bone‐resorbing cells differentiated from macrophage/monocyte precursors in response to macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF) and receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL). In vitro models are principally based on primary bone marrow macrophages (BMMs), but RAW 264.7 cells are frequently used because they are widely available, easy to culture, and more amenable to genetic manipulation than primary cells. Increasing evidence, however, has shown that the vastly different origins of these two cell types may have important effects on cell behavior. In particular, M‐CSF is a prerequisite for the differentiation of BMMs, by promoting survival and proliferation and priming the cells for RANKL induction. RAW 264.7 cells readily form osteoclasts in the presence of RANKL, but M‐CSF is not required. Based on these key differences, we sought to understand their functional implications and how it might affect osteoclast differentiation and related signaling pathways. Using a robust and high‐throughput proteomics strategy, we quantified the global protein changes in osteoclasts derived from BMMs and RAW 264.7 cells at 1, 3, and 5 days of differentiation. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD009610. Correlation analysis of the proteomes demonstrated low concordance between the two cell types (R2 ≈ 0.13). Bioinformatics analysis indicate that RANKL‐dependent signaling was intact in RAW 264.7 cells, but biological processes known to be dependent on M‐CSF were significantly different, including cell cycle control, cytoskeletal organization, and apoptosis. RAW 264.7 cells exhibited constitutive activation of Erk and Akt that was dependent on the activity of Abelson tyrosine kinase, and the timing of Erk and Akt activation was significantly different between BMMs and RAW 264.7 cells. Our findings provide the first evidence for major discrepancies between BMMs and RAW 264.7 cells, indicating that careful consideration is needed when using the RAW 264.7 cell line for studying M‐CSF‐dependent signaling and functions. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Assessment of Cortical Interruptions in the Finger Joints of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Using HR-pQCT, Radiography, and MRI
Authors: Peters Michiel , van Tubergen Astrid , Scharmga Andrea , Driessen Annemariek , van Rietbergen Bert , Loeffen Daan , Weijers Rene , Geusens Piet , van den Bergh Joop
Published: May 2018

Small cortical interruptions may be the first sign of an erosion, and more interruptions can be found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with healthy subjects. First, we compared the number and size of interruptions in patients with RA with healthy subjects using high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT (HR-pQCT). Second, we investigated the association between structural damage and inflammatory markers on conventional radiography (CR) and MRI with interruptions on HR-pQCT. Third, the added value of HR-pQCT over CR and MRI was investigated. The finger joints of 39 patients with RA and 38 healthy subjects were examined through CR, MRI, and HR-pQCT. CRs were scored using the Sharp/Van der Heijde method. MRI images were analyzed for the presence of erosions, bone marrow edema, and synovitis. HR-pQCT images were analyzed for the number, surface area, and volume of interruptions using a semiautomated algorithm. Descriptives were calculated and associations were tested using generalized estimating equations. Significantly more interruptions and both a larger surface area and the volume of interruptions were detected in the metacarpophalangeal joints of patients with RA compared with healthy subjects (median, 2.0, 1.42 mm2, and 0.48 mm3 versus 1.0, 0.69 mm2, and 0.23 mm3, respectively; all p < 0.01). Findings on CR and MRI were significantly associated with more and larger interruptions on HR-pQCT (prevalence ratios [PRs] ranging from 1.03 to 7.74; all p < 0.01) in all subjects, and were consistent in patients with RA alone. Having RA was significantly associated with more and larger interruptions on HR-pQCT (PRs, 2.33 to 5.39; all p < 0.01), also after adjustment for findings on CR or MRI. More and larger cortical interruptions were found in the finger joints of patients with RA versus healthy subjects, also after adjustment for findings on CR or MRI, implying that HR-pQCT imaging may be of value in addition to CR and MRI for the evaluation of structural damage in patients with RA. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Accelerated Bone Loss in Older Men: Effects on Bone Microarchitecture and Strength
Authors: Cauley Jane A , Burghardt Andrew J , Harrison Stephanie L , Cawthon Peggy M , Schwartz Ann V , Connor Elizabeth Barrett , Ensrud Kristine E , Langsetmo Lisa , Majumdar Sharmila , Orwoll Eric ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Research Group
Published: May 2018

Accelerated bone loss (ABL) shown on routine dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) may be accompanied by microarchitectural changes, increased cortical porosity, and lower bone strength. To test this hypothesis, we performed a cross-sectional study and used high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) scans (Scanco Medical AG, Brüttisellen, Switzerland) to measure estimated bone strength and microarchitecture in the distal radius and distal and diaphyseal tibia. We studied 1628 men who attended the year 14 exam of the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study. We retrospectively characterized areal bone mineral density (aBMD) change from the year 7 to year 14 exam in three categories: “accelerated” loss, ≥10% loss at either the total hip or femoral neck (n = 299, 18.4%); “expected” loss, <10% (n = 1061, 65.2%), and “maintained” BMD, ≥0% (n = 268, 16.5%). The ABL cut-off was a safety alert established for MrOS. We used regression models to calculate adjusted mean HR-pQCT parameters in men with ABL, expected loss, or maintained BMD. Men who experienced ABL were older and had a lower body mass index and aBMD and experienced greater weight loss compared with other men. Total volumetric BMD and trabecular and cortical volumetric BMD were lower in men with ABL compared with the expected or maintained group. Men with ABL had significantly lower trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV), fewer trabeculae, and greater trabecular separation at both the distal radius and tibia than men with expected loss or who maintained aBMD, all p trend <0.001. Men with ABL had lower cortical thickness and lower estimated bone strength, but there was no difference in cortical porosity except at the tibia diaphyseal site. In summary, men with ABL have lower estimated bone strength, poorer trabecular microarchitecture, and thinner cortices than men without ABL but have similar cortical porosity. These impairments may lead to an increased risk of fracture. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Contemporary understanding of the secretory granules in human eosinophils
Authors: Melo Rossana C N , Weller Peter F
Published: May 2018

Eosinophil secretory (specific) granules have a unique morphology and are both a morphologic hallmark of eosinophils and fundamental to eosinophil-mediated responses. Eosinophil mediators with multiple functional activities are presynthesized and stored within these granules, poised for very rapid, stimulus-induced secretion. The structural organization and changes of eosinophil specific granules are revealing in demonstrating the complex and diverse secretory activities of this cell. Here, we review our current knowledge on the architecture, composition, and function of eosinophil specific granules as highly elaborated organelles able to produce vesiculotubular carriers and to interplay with the intracellular vesicular trafficking. We reconsider prior identifications of eosinophil cytoplasmic granules, including “primary,” “secondary,” “microgranules,” and “small granules”; and consonant with advances, we provide a contemporary recognition that human eosinophils contain a single population of specific granules and their developmental precursors and derived secretory vesicles.

Review on the nomenclature, structure, composition and function of eosinophil specific granules as organelles underlying immune responses in human eosinophils.
The Influence of Demographic Factors on What People Want from their Leaders
Authors: Posner Barry Z.
Published: May 2018

In building a relationship with their constituents, leaders need to be mindful of what characteristics those people are looking for in the individuals that they would willingly follow. The current study investigated four leadership characteristics, identified in the literature as essential from the perspective of constituents, to determine if various demographic factors might impact the importance attached to them. While statistically significant differences were found on the basis of gender, age, ethnicity, education, industry, and position, the effect sizes were smaller, concluding that the leadership characteristics of honesty, competence, inspiring, and forward looking have a fairly universal appeal to constituents. Overall, the results support the prominence of these leadership characteristics. Leaders can strengthen their relationship with constituents by paying greater attention to demonstrating how these characteristics apply to them through their behaviors and actions.
Mutation analysis of the PAH gene in phenylketonuria patients from Rio de Janeiro, Southeast Brazil
Authors: Vieira Neto Eduardo , Laranjeira Francisco , Quelhas Dulce , Ribeiro Isaura , Seabra Alexandre , Mineiro Nicole , d. M. Carvalho Lilian , Lacerda Lúcia , G. Ribeiro Márcia
Published: May 2018

Background

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive disease resulting from mutations in the PAH gene. Most of the patients are compound heterozygotes, and genotype is a major factor in determining the phenotypic variability of PKU. More than 1,000 variants have been described in the PAH gene. Rio de Janeiro's population has a predominance of Iberian, followed by African and Amerindian ancestries. It is expected that most PKU variants in this Brazilian state have originated in the Iberian Peninsula. However, rare European, African or pathogenic variants that are characteristic of the admixed population of the state might also be found.

Methods

A total of 102 patients were included in this study. Genomic DNA was isolated from dried blood spots. Sanger sequencing was used for PAH gene variant identification. Deletions and duplications were also screened using MLPA analysis. Haplotypes were also determined.

Results

Nine (8.8%) homozygous and 93 (91.2%) compound heterozygous patients were found. The spectrum included 37 causative mutations. Missense, nonsense, and splicing pathogenic variants corresponded to 63.7%, 2.9%, and 22.6% of the mutant alleles, respectively. Large (1.5%), and small deletions, inframe (5.4%) and with frameshift (3.9%), comprised the remainder. The most frequent pathogenic variants were: p.V388M (12.7%), p.R261Q (11.8%), IVS10‐11G>A (10.3%), IVS2+5G>C (6.4%), p.S349P (6.4%), p.R252W (5.4%), p.I65T (4.4%), p.T323del (4.4%), and p.P281L (3.4%). One novel variant was detected: c.934G>T (p.G312C) [rs763115697].

Conclusion

The three most frequent pathogenic variants in our study (34.8% of the alleles) were also the most common in other Brazilian states, Portugal, and Spain (p.V388M, p.R261Q, IVS10‐11G>A), corroborating that the Iberian Peninsula is the major source of PAH mutations in Rio de Janeiro. Pathogenic variants that have other geographical origins, such IVS2+5G>C, p.G352Vfs*48, and IVS12+1G>A were also detected. Genetic drift and founder effect may have also played a role in the mutation spectrum we observed.
AntiMalarial Mode of Action (AMMA) Database: Data Selection, Verification and Chemical Space Analysis
Authors: Sidorov Pavel , Davioud‐Charvet Elisabeth , Marcou Gilles , Horvath Dragos , Varnek Alexandre
Published: May 2018

This paper presents the effort of collecting and curating a data set of 15461 molecules tested against the malaria parasite, with robust activity and mode of action annotations. The set is compiled from in‐house experimental data and the public ChEMBL database subsets. We illustrate the usefulness of the dataset by building QSAR models for antimalarial activity and QSPR models for modes of actions, as well as by the analysis of the chemical space with the Generative Topographic Mapping method. The GTM models perform well in prediction of both activity and mode of actions, on par with the classical SVM methods. The visualization of obtained maps helps to understand the distribution of molecules corresponding to different modes of action: molecules with similar targets are located close to each other on the map. Therefore, this analysis may suggest new modes of action for non‐annotated or even annotated compounds. In perspective, this can be used as a tool for prediction of both antimalarial activity and target for novel, untested compounds.
Effects of a high‐protein intake on metabolic targets for weight loss in children with obesity: a randomized trial
Authors: Veldhorst M. A. B. , Verbruggen S. C. A. T. , van Harskamp D. , Vermes A. , Schierbeek H. , van Goudoever J. B. , van den Akker E. L. T.
Published: May 2018

Objective

The objective of this research is to study effects of a 4‐week high‐protein (HP) diet on energy intake, resting energy expenditure (REE), protein turnover and body composition in children with obesity.

Methods

In this randomized placebo‐controlled single‐blind crossover study, children with obesity (n = 14; mean age: 10.1 years ± 1.2 standard deviation; body mass index–standard deviation score [BMI‐SDS]: 2.8 ± 0.5) received an ad libitum HP (+50 g protein per day) or normal‐protein (NP) diet for 4 weeks with a washout period of ≥2 weeks. Energy intake, REE, protein turnover, weight, BMI‐SDS and body composition were measured.

Results

No differences were found in energy intake or REE between HP and NP. There was an increased urea production and phenylalanine hydroxylation after HP compared with NP (p < 0.05). There was an increased rise in fat‐free mass after HP compared with NP (∆HP: 0.8 ± 0.8 kg vs. ∆NP: 0.1 ± 0.6 kg, p < 0.05). BMI and BMI‐SDS increased during the study (BMI‐SDS start: 2.8 ± 0.5, end: 2.9 ± 0.5, p < 0.05) without a difference between groups.

Conclusions

A 4‐week HP diet with ad libitum food intake did not affect energy intake and energy expenditure in children with obesity. BMI increased, although that could be partly explained by an increase in fat‐free mass.
Management of severe chronic pain with methadone in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: LeBlanc Zachary , Vance Chris , Payne Jason , Zhang Jie , Hilliard Lee , Lebensburger Jeffrey D. , Howard Thomas H.
Published: May 2018

Vasocclusive pain crises are common among pediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Some patients with repeated pain crises develop chronic pain. We performed a retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients with SCD with chronic pain treated with methadone. We identified a significant reduction in pain hospitalizations following methadone treatment (0.35 ± 0.19 vs. 0.19 ± 0.17 hospitalizations/month, P = 0.016). In addition, we did not observe overt organ toxicity nor symptoms of opioid withdrawal during methadone wean. We suggest that methadone is safe and has some clinical benefit, which should be proven in prospective randomized trials for pediatric patients with SCD and chronic pain.
Enhancing accrual to clinical trials of adolescents and young adults with cancer
Authors: Fern Lorna A. , Taylor Rachel M.
Published: May 2018

Underrepresentation of young people in cancer research is an international phenomenon and may contribute to poorer outcomes. We sought to identify systematically tested interventions and strategies to improve recruitment. The review identified 13 papers. The following four themes emerged: trial availability/regulatory factors; service configuration/place‐of‐care factors; recruitment methods and developmental factors specific to young people. We could not identify any studies that had employed prospective interventions to improve recruitment. Without available research studies in which to garner data on adolescents and young adults, we will always be constrained in our ability to provide evidence based care with resultant limitations on our ability to improve outcomes.
Single‐agent bevacizumab in the treatment of recurrent or refractory pediatric low‐grade glioma: A single institutional experience
Authors: Gorsi Hamza S. , Khanna Paritosh C. , Tumblin Mark , Yeh‐Nayre Lanipua , Milburn Mehrzad , Elster Jennifer D. , Crawford John R.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Bevacizumab‐based therapy has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of refractory or recurrent pediatric low‐grade glioma (LGG); however its efficacy as a single agent is less understood.

Methods

We report our experience with single‐agent bevacizumab for the treatment of recurrent or refractory LGG treated with either standard 2 week dosing (10 mg/kg/dose every 2 weeks) or with a standard 2 week dosing followed by an increased interval dosing (10 mg/kg/dose every 4 weeks).

Results

From 2012 to 2017, 15 patients (five males and 10 females) with recurrent/refractory LGG (nine suprasellar, three thalamic, two brainstem, and one intramedullary spinal cord) were treated with a total of 156 doses of bevacizumab (115 every 2 week dosing, 41 every 4 week dosing, median 10 doses). Patients were refractory to a median of one nonsurgical therapy (range 0–3) prior to treatment with bevacizumab. Twelve of 15 demonstrated radiographic response (three complete, nine partial, and three stable disease). Significant clinical responses including improved visual fields (four), cranial neuropathy (three3), strength (seven), and gait (two) were observed. Bevacizumab was discontinued in 12 patients (resolution, one; disease stability, seven; progression, two; toxicity, one; and other, one) and three patients continue to receive monthly bevacizumab. Eleven patients eventually had radiographic progression (median 5 months, range 0.5–31) without clinical progression, and four of five receiving bevacizumab rechallenge had lpartial response.

Conclusion

Single‐agent bevacizumab is efficacious in the management of recurrent or refractory pediatric LGG with radiographic and clinical responses similar to those reported for bevacizumab‐based therapies.
The Brighton musculoskeletal Patient‐Reported Outcome Measure (BmPROM): An assessment of validity, reliability, and responsiveness
Authors: Bryant Elizabeth , Murtagh Shemane , Finucane Laura , McCrum Carol , Mercer Christopher , Smith Toby , Canby Guy , Rowe David A. , Moore Ann P.
Published: May 2018

Background

In response for the need of a freely available, stand‐alone, validated outcome measure for use within musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy practice, sensitive enough to measure clinical effectiveness, we developed an MSK patient reported outcome measure.

Objectives

This study examined the validity and reliability of the newly developed Brighton musculoskeletal Patient‐Reported Outcome Measure (BmPROM) within physiotherapy outpatient settings.

Methods

Two hundred twenty‐four patients attending physiotherapy outpatient departments in South East England with an MSK condition participated in this study. The BmPROM was assessed for user friendliness (rated feedback, N = 224), reliability (internal consistency and test–retest reliability, n = 42), validity (internal and external construct validity, N = 224), and responsiveness (internal, n = 25).

Results

Exploratory factor analysis indicated that a two‐factor model provides a good fit to the data. Factors were representative of “Functionality” and “Wellbeing”. Correlations observed between the BmPROM and SF‐36 domains provided evidence of convergent validity. Reliability results indicated that both subscales were internally consistent with alphas above the acceptable limits for both “Functionality” (α = .85, 95% CI [.81, .88]) and ‘Wellbeing’ (α = .80, 95% CI [.75, .84]). Test–retest analyses (n = 42) demonstrated a high degree of reliability between “Functionality” (ICC = .84; 95% CI [.72, .91]) and “Wellbeing” scores (ICC = .84; 95% CI [.72, .91]). Further examination of test–retest reliability through the Bland–Altman analysis demonstrated that the difference between “Functionality” and “Wellbeing” test scores did not vary as a function of absolute test score. Large treatment effect sizes were found for both subscales (Functionality d = 1.10; Wellbeing 1.03).

Conclusion

The BmPROM is a reliable and valid outcome measure for use in evaluating physiotherapy treatment of MSK conditions.
A time‐course investigation of resistance to the carboxylic acid amide mandipropamid in field populations of Plasmopara viticola treated with anti‐resistance strategies
Authors: Toffolatti Silvia L , Russo Giuseppe , Campia Paola , Bianco Piero A , Borsa Paolo , Coatti Mauro , Torriani Stefano FF , Sierotzki Helge
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Despite anti‐resistance strategies being recommended to reduce selection pressure on insensitive strains, no information is available on fungal population dynamics following their application in real field conditions. In this study, the effects on Plasmopara viticola populations of two identical spray programs, differing only in including or not the carboxylic acid amide (CAA) mandipropamid in mixture and in alternation with an anti‐resistance partner, were compared in terms of downy mildew control efficacy and mandipropamid sensitivity in two commercial vineyards for four seasons.

RESULTS

Both programs effectively and similarly protected grapevine from downy mildew, despite different starting sensitivity levels of the P. viticola populations. In the vineyard where resistant strains were initially present, the frequency of mutations associated with resistance (G1105S/V) fluctuated within seasons in both programs and a shift towards sensitivity occurred after 3 years of the mandipropamid‐free program. Where sensitivity was initially present, no changes occurred in the mandipropamid‐free program and resistant strains were selected in the mandipropamid program in high disease pressure conditions.

CONCLUSION

The anti‐resistance strategy including mandipropamid in mixture showed a good field performance, but did not completely prevent an increase in the frequency of insensitive strains. This supports the need for appropriate planning to determine which mixtures should be used in the field. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Intersubband Transitions in Nonpolar m‐Plane AlGaN/GaN Heterostructures
Authors: Nguyen Trang , Shirazi‐Hosseini‐Dokht MohammadAli , Cao Yang , Diaz Rosa E. , Gardner Geoffrey C. , Manfra Michael J. , Malis Oana
Published: May 2018

Nonpolar AlGaN/GaN heterostructures have the potential to supplant polar heterostructures in infrared optoelectronic devices due to their theoretical advantages stemming from the absence of built‐in polarization fields along nonpolar directions of the nitride wurtzite lattice. However, development of nonpolar m‐plane infrared devices in a broad spectral range has been hampered, so far, by challenges to grow homogeneous high Al‐composition AlGaN on m‐plane GaN. AlxGa1‐xN layers with 0.6< x <0.8 are found to be kinetically unstable under metal‐rich growth conditions by plasma‐assisted molecular‐beam epitaxy. After reviewing recent progress in the field, this paper focuses on the effect of the structure of m‐plane AlxGa1−xN/GaN (x <0.6) superlattices on near‐infrared intersubband absorption. Even at these intermediate Al‐compositions, the effective growth rate of AlGaN is drastically reduced, and the AlGaN‐GaN interface roughness is unexpectedly high. Consequently, accurate determination of layer thicknesses and alloy composition necessitates structural characterization by a combination of scanning transmission electron microscopy and high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction. The energy and linewidth of near‐infrared intersubband transitions are also significantly affected by this unusual growth behavior. The experimental results for intersubband absorption of m‐ and c‐plane superlattices are compared to each other and with numerical calculations, and the main reasons for discrepancies are discussed.
A Facile Method with Low Hydrothermal Temperature to Synthesize TiO2 as Controlled Release Drug Delivery
Authors: Liu Di , Lin Zi‐ting , Tang Hai‐xia , Deng Shi‐ting , Bi Yong‐guang
Published: May 2018

Titania is obtained by taking titanium oxysulfate sulfuric acid complex hydrate as Ti source with a simple, energy saving process. The effect of hydrothermal time and temperature on morphology is investigated. The particle size and morphology are analyzed by X‐Ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, the effect of tetracycline/TiO2 ratio on drug loading capacity and encapsulation rate are studied. Zero‐order kinetics, first‐order kinetic, and Higuichi kinetic models are employed to investigate the drug release kinetics. The morphology of as‐prepared TiO2 treated with hydrothermal temperature of 120 °C for 0.5 h is most regular, presents microsphere shape which is composed of small particles with size of 19.36 nm and shows high drug loading capacity (32.25 ± 0.46%) and high encapsulation rate (47.63 ± 1.41%) due to the large specific surface area of 91.0629 m2 g−1, and it fits well with Higuichi equation with the correlation coefficients of 0.96981, illustrating that TiO2 has sustained release function. Therefore, this paper provides a convenient route to prepare TiO2 with good performance.
The Role of Government Legitimacy and Trust in Managing Refugee Crises: The Case of Kobani
Authors: Demiroz Fatih , Unlu Ali
Published: May 2018

The civil war in Syria caused millions of people to become refugees in neighboring countries and Europe. Government capacity and the availability of resources are crucial for managing a refugee crisis effectively; however, they may not be sufficient in all circumstances. There must be a healthy relationship between the host government and refugees for government agencies to control the refugees and manage their needs. Government legitimacy and trust are crucial for refugee compliance with government policies. This article examines the case of refugees from Kobani in Turkey and provides evidence for understanding the role of government legitimacy in managing a refugee crisis. The data for this article were collected through qualitative interviews and focus groups with government officials and refugees. Two important factors shaped the refugees’ perceptions of the Turkish government. First, ethnic conflict and the political circumstances in Turkey shaped some refugees’ opinions of the Turkish government. Second, some refugees embraced their host community's perceptions of the Turkish government. The findings from this research have important political implications. Countries experiencing ethnic, religious, or racial conflicts are likely to face challenges regarding refugee compliance with government policies.
On the protection of fixed service receivers from the interference generated by non‐GSO satellite systems operating in the 3.7‐4.2  GHz band
Authors: Nobre Isabela Cunha Maia , Fortes Jose Mauro
Published: May 2018

In this work, the current power‐flux density limits in Article 21 of the ITU‐R Radio Regulations for non‐geostationary satellite orbit (GSO) systems operating in the 3.7‐4.2 GHz band are analyzed. These limits aim the protection of fixed service receivers, operating in the same frequency band, from the interference produced by non‐GSO satellite systems. The analysis was motivated by Resolution 157 of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2015, that recognized the need for a revision of Article 21 with a view to enabling non‐GSO systems to operate in these fixed‐satellite service frequency bands while ensuring that existing primary services are protected. In the analysis, 5 different circular Walker Delta type satellite constellation structures, adequately chosen, are considered, and the results show that the current power‐flux density (pfd) limits may impose undue constraints to non‐GSO systems operating in this band. Therefore, a methodology to investigate a more adequate pfd limiting mask is presented and used to generate an alternative mask. An evaluation of the proposed pfd mask shows that it does not impose unnecessary constraints to the non‐GSO satellite systems. This, along with other facts, indicates that the proposed pfd limits are, indeed, much more adequate than the current ones.