bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive real‐time anomaly detection in cloud infrastructures
Authors: Agrawal Bikash , Wiktorski Tomasz , Rong Chunming
Published: August 2017

Cloud computing has become increasingly popular, which has led many individuals and organizations towards cloud storage systems. This move is motivated by benefits such as shared storage, computation, and transparent service among a massive number of users. However, cloud‐computing systems require the maintenance of complex and large‐scale systems with practically unavoidable runtime problems caused by hardware and software faults. Large systems are very complex due to heterogeneity, dynamicity, scalability, hidden complexity, and time limitations. Automatic anomaly detection is a critical technique for managing such complex cloud resources. This paper proposes a scalable model for automatic anomaly detection on a large system like a cloud. The anomaly detection process is capable of issuing a correct early warning of unusual behavior in dynamic environments after learning the system characteristic of normal operation. To detect unusual activity in the cloud, we need to monitor the data center and collect cloud performance logs. In this paper, we propose an adaptive anomaly detection mechanism, which investigates principal components of the performance metrics. It transforms the performance metrics into a low‐rank matrix and calculates the orthogonal distance using the Robust PCA algorithm. The proposed model updates itself recursively, while learning and adjusting the new threshold value, to minimize reconstruction errors. This paper also investigates robust principal component analysis in distributed environments using Apache Spark as the underlying framework. It specifically addresses cases in which normal operation might exhibit multiple hidden modes. The accuracy and sensitivity of the model were tested on Amazon CloudWatch datasets, and Yahoo! datasets. The model achieved an accuracy of 88.54%.
Efficient and scalable execution of smart city parallel applications
Authors: Mastroianni Carlo , Cesario Eugenio , Giordano Andrea
Published: August 2017

Recent research efforts in the field of urban computing aim to develop innovative services for citizens through the application of ubiquitous and pervasive computing paradigms in urban spaces. Smart city applications need to cope with a large number of involved users and devices. Since data and objects are strictly related to the territory on which they are defined and used, it is preferable, when possible, to perform computation locally through the adoption of dispersed computing nodes such as CPU‐equipped sensors. In this context, the computation related to smart city applications can be profitably and efficiently parallelized by partitioning the territory into regions and assigning the computation related to each single region to a local node. Nevertheless, the adoption of parallel computing models poses several communication and synchronization issues, especially when the number of nodes is large and the time constraints of applications are compelling. This paper presents and analyzes a parallel computing model for smart city applications in which each node needs to exchange information only with a subset of neighbor nodes, allowing the synchronization overhead to be significantly reduced. As sample application, we consider the analysis and prediction of internet traffic generated by vehicle and pedestrian devices moving on a smart avenue equipped with distributed computing nodes. This work offers a detailed performance evaluation in a number of scenarios, including uniform and nonuniform user distribution and different types of user mobility behavior. The results show that the presented computation model offers notable advantages in terms of computation efficiency and speedup, with respect to a classical all–to‐all synchronization paradigm, in which the nodes need to coordinate with a central entity.
An efficient approach of improving privacy and security in online social networks
Authors: Almasoud Suliman K. , Almogren Ahmad , Hassan Mohammad Mehedi , Alrassan Iehab
Published: August 2017

Online social networks (OSNs) have become popular and widely used by many people nowadays. As those OSNs increase, the virtual social interactions have resulted in increasing privacy and security concern. Many approaches have been proposed in order to provide users with “better” privacy protection, but none of those approaches have “fully succeeded,” due to their conflict with service providers' economic benefits or due to the suggestion of changing the OSNs architecture. In this paper, we propose a new model that would improve privacy and security in OSNs by preventing users from revealing private and or confidential information online as possible. We endeavor to create a balance between privacy and security improvement versus the service provider business model.
Introducing Metallosalens into Biological Studies: The Renaissance of Traditional Coordination Complexes
Authors: Yin Hao‐Yan , Tang Juan , Zhang Jun‐Long
Published: August 2017

Metal complexes attract great attention in the context of biological applications because of their attractive structures and intriguing physicochemical properties. Combinations of the core structures of salen ligands and various metal ions provide many possibilities for incorporation of diverse biological functionalities unachievable with conventional small‐molecule organic compounds. The past decade has witnessed remarkable progress in the field of metallosalens; here we present a microreview of recent advances in their biological applications. This microreview is divided into four categories: DNA binding, fluorescent imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and potential drugs. Each approach is described with representative examples. The fundamental principles of the relationship between structures and biological behaviors of metallosalens are featured, from the perspective of current opportunities and challenges in applying metallosalens in biology.
Expanding the Scope of Biomolecule Monitoring with Ratiometric Signaling from Rare‐Earth Upconverting Phosphors
Authors: Oakland Chloë , Andrews Michael B. , Burgess Letitia , Jones Alex , Hay Sam , Harvey Peter , Natrajan Louise S.
Published: August 2017

Upconversion (UC) is a powerful mulitphoton mechanism that converts low‐energy photons into higher energy emission. One of the most investigated UC systems is upconverting phosphors (UCPs). Here, a new, one‐pot synthetic procedure was used to prepare water dispersible, visibly emissive, rare‐earth doped UCPs that were capped with the functional groups oleic acid (OA), 6‐aminohexanoic acid (AHA), and 6‐maleimidohexanoic acid (MHA). These synthesized UCPs were characterized by UC luminescence, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and powder X‐ray diffraction (pXRD). This study expands upon our previous proof‐of‐principle work in demonstrating the use of UCPs (both synthesized and commercial) to detect on the level and function of biological analytes, from enzymes to key disease biomarkers (PETNR, glucose oxidase, vitamin B12, and cytochrome c). By tailoring the absorption profile of the biomolecule cofactors to the UCP emission, a wide‐range of analytes can be utilized. We also demonstrate the ability of our system to reversibly monitor the addition of enzyme substrates via repeat oxidation and reduction of pentaerythritol tetranitrate reductase (PETNR).
Continuous Carbon Hollow Shell with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Embedded as an Anode Material with Excellent Lithium Storage Capability
Authors: Mao Yuting , Wang Qin , Wu Xi , Xie Huiqi , Ma Xiaomei , Chen Min
Published: August 2017

Continuous carbon hollow shells with embedded ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized from colloidal polystyrene/ZnO as templates and glucose oligomer as the carbon source followed by calcination. The resulting uniform ZnO/C hollow spheres display a relatively high reversible capacity of 994 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g−1 and 812 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 1 A g−1, which is superior to most reported ZnO‐based anode materials. The excellent electrochemical performance of the ZnO/C hollow spheres may arise from the following aspects: the shortened pathway of Li ions and electrolyte attributed to the unique hollow shell structures, improved electronic conductivity, firm encapsulation of ZnO nanoparticles, and high specific surface area of the products, which together facilitate the ZnO nanoparticles to undergo the alloying reaction completely.
Misreporting and econometric modelling of zeros in survey data on social bads: An application to cannabis consumption
Authors: Greene William , Harris Mark N. , Srivastava Preety , Zhao Xueyan
Published: August 2017

When modelling “social bads,” such as illegal drug consumption, researchers are often faced with a dependent variable characterised by a large number of zero observations. Building on the recent literature on hurdle and double‐hurdle models, we propose a double‐inflated modelling framework, where the zero observations are allowed to come from the following: nonparticipants; participant misreporters (who have larger loss functions associated with a truthful response); and infrequent consumers. Due to our empirical application, the model is derived for the case of an ordered discrete‐dependent variable. However, it is similarly possible to augment other such zero‐inflated models (e.g., zero‐inflated count models, and double‐hurdle models for continuous variables). The model is then applied to a consumer choice problem of cannabis consumption. We estimate that 17% of the reported zeros in the cannabis survey are from individuals who misreport their participation, 11% from infrequent users, and only 72% from true nonparticipants.
A functional characteristic of cysteine‐rich protein 61: Modulation of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells in liver inflammation
Authors: Zhang Haiyan , Lian Min , Zhang Jun , Bian Zhaolian , Tang Ruqi , Miao Qi , Peng Yanshen , Fang Jingyuan , You Zhengrui , Invernizzi Pietro , Wang Qixia , Gershwin M. Eric , Ma Xiong
Published: August 2017

There is increasing awareness of the immunologic roles of liver mononuclear populations, including myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). We took advantage of a large well‐defined cohort of 148 patients with liver inflammation and 45 healthy controls to focus on the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of MDSCs. We investigated the frequency, phenotype, and functional capacities of MDSCs by using peripheral blood MDSCs in a cohort of 55 patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), 40 with autoimmune hepatitis, 39 with chronic hepatitis B, 14 with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and 45 healthy controls. This was followed by a liver‐targeted determination in 27 patients with PBC, 27 with autoimmune hepatitis, 20 with chronic hepatitis B, 14 with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and 6 controls. We then focused on mechanisms of this expansion with PBC as an example, using both ursodeoxycholic acid‐naive and treated patients. HLA‐DR−/lowCD33+CD11b+CD14+CD15− monocytic MDSCs were elevated in diseases characterized by liver inflammation compared to healthy controls. Using PBC as a focus, there was a significant correlation between levels of circulating MDSCs and disease‐related biochemical markers (alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin). We found higher amounts of MDSCs in patients with PBC who were responsive to ursodeoxycholic acid. MDSCs from PBC were found to manifest a potent immunosuppressive function. There was a significant correlation in the accumulation of hepatic MDSCs in the inflamed lesions of PBC with histologic changes, such as fibrosis. We also found that cysteine‐rich protein 61 (CCN1), a highly expressed protein in impaired cholangiocytes and hepatocytes, contributes to MDSC expansion and MDSC inducible nitric oxide synthase‐associated immune suppression. Conclusion: CCN1 modulates expansion and a suppressive function of MDSCs. Our data highlight the potential functions of CCN1 on MDSCs and suggest therapeutic implications in inflammatory liver diseases. (Hepatology HEPATOLOGY 2018;67:232‐246).
Rainfall–runoff responses on Arctic hillslopes underlain by continuous permafrost, North Slope, Alaska, USA
Authors: Rushlow Caitlin R. , Godsey Sarah E.
Published: August 2017

The Arctic hydrologic cycle is intensifying, as evidenced by increased rates of precipitation, evapotranspiration, and riverine discharge. However, the controls on water fluxes from terrestrial to aquatic systems in upland Arctic landscapes are poorly understood. Upland landscapes account for one third of the Arctic land surface and are often drained by zero‐order geomorphic flowpath features called water tracks. Previous work in the region attributed rapid runoff response at larger stream orders to water tracks, but models suggest water tracks are hydrologically disconnected from the surrounding hillslope. To better understand the role of water tracks in upland landscapes, we investigated the surface and subsurface hydrologic responses of 6 water tracks and their hillslope watersheds to natural patterns of rainfall, soil thaw, and drainage. Between storms, both water track discharge and the water table in the hillslope watersheds exhibited diel fluctuations that, when lagged by 5 hr, were temporally correlated with peak evapotranspiration rate. Water track soils remained saturated for more of the summer season than soils in their surrounding hillslope watersheds. When rainfall occurred, the subsurface response was nearly instantaneous, but the water tracks took significantly longer than the hillslopes to respond to rainfall, and longer than the responses previously observed in nearby larger order Arctic streams. There was also evidence for antecedent soil water storage conditions controlling the magnitude of runoff response. Based on these observations, we used a broken stick model to test the hypothesis that runoff production in response to individual storms was primarily controlled by rainfall amount and antecedent water storage conditions near the water track outlet. We found that the relative importance of the two factors varied by site, and that water tracks with similar watershed geometries and at similar landscape positions had similar rainfall–runoff model relationships. Thus, the response of terrestrial water fluxes in the upland Arctic to climate change depends on the non‐linear interactions between rainfall patterns and subsurface water storage capacity on hillslopes. Predicting these interactions across the landscape remains an important challenge.
Retracted: Genetic deletion of GIT2 prolongs functional recovery and suppresses chondrocyte differentiation in rats with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Li Hui , Guan Shi‐Bing , Lu Yi , Wang Fei , Liu Yu‐Hong , Liu Qi‐Yun
Published: August 2017

The current study was conducted for investigating the mechanism by which GIT2 gene deletion affects the functional recovery and chondrocyte differentiation in rats with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Thirty‐two rats were randomly divided into normal, model, GIT2 gene knockout (GIT2‐KO), and model + GIT2‐KO groups. Hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining was performed for the observation of synovial tissues. Immunohistochemistry examinations were conducted to determine type II collagen expression as well as identify chondrocyte differentiation. qRT‐PCR and Western blotting techniques were adopted in order to expressions of interleukin‐1β (1L‐1β), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), Aggrecan, and Sry‐related HMG box 9 (Sox9). A tape measure and Vernier caliper were used to measure the degree of swelling. Compared with synovial tissues in the model group, those in the model + GIT2‐KO group, were thicker and comprised of a mass of inflammatory cells (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the type II collagen expressions of the cartilage tissues of the rats decreased in the model + GIT2‐KO group (P < 0.05). In terms of the degree of swelling in cartilage tissues, the model group displayed a lesser degree of swelling than in that of the model + GIT2‐KO group (P < 0.05). When compared with the model + GIT2‐KO group, the mRNA expressions of 1L‐1β, TNF‐α, Aggrecan, Sox9 and the relevant protein expressions were lower in the model group (all P < 0.05). GIT2 gene deletion might weaken chondrocyte differentiation in rats with RA, as a result acting to ultimately prolong the functional recovery of RA.
Histidine protects human lens epithelial cells against H2O2‐induced oxidative stress injury through the NF‐кB pathway
Authors: Bai Jie , Yu Nannan , Mu Hua , Dong Li , Zhang Xiaomei
Published: August 2017

Histidine, an amino acid that is essential to humans, exerts favorable cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro, but the effect of histidine on human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) and its regulatory mechanism have not previously been reported. The oxidative stress induced by H2O2 plays an important role in the pathology of cataract. We know that HLECs are important for maintaining the transparency and integrity of the lens. In the present study, we investigated the possible molecular mechanisms underlying the cytoprotective effects of histidine against H2O2‐induced oxidative stress in HLECs. The results showed that histidine reduced H2O2‐induced cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, protected HLECs from H2O2‐induced oxidative damage, increased the expression levels of dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), and decreased the expression level of malondialdehyde (MDA), and the protective effect of histidine depended on the NF‐кB pathway. Together, these data suggest that histidine could be helpful in inhibiting oxidative stress in the lens and thus attenuating cataract formation.
CHARMM‐GUI Martini Maker for modeling and simulation of complex bacterial membranes with lipopolysaccharides
Authors: Hsu Pin‐Chia , Bruininks Bart M. H. , Jefferies Damien , Cesar Telles de Souza Paulo , Lee Jumin , Patel Dhilon S. , Marrink Siewert J. , Qi Yifei , Khalid Syma , Im Wonpil
Published: August 2017

A complex cell envelope, composed of a mixture of lipid types including lipopolysaccharides, protects bacteria from the external environment. Clearly, the proteins embedded within the various components of the cell envelope have an intricate relationship with their local environment. Therefore, to obtain meaningful results, molecular simulations need to mimic as far as possible this chemically heterogeneous system. However, setting up such systems for computational studies is far from trivial, and consequently the vast majority of simulations of outer membrane proteins still rely on oversimplified phospholipid membrane models. This work presents an update of CHARMM‐GUI Martini Maker for coarse‐grained modeling and simulation of complex bacterial membranes with lipopolysaccharides. The qualities of the outer membrane systems generated by Martini Maker are validated by simulating them in bilayer, vesicle, nanodisc, and micelle environments (with and without outer membrane proteins) using the Martini force field. We expect this new feature in Martini Maker to be a useful tool for modeling large, complicated bacterial outer membrane systems in a user‐friendly manner. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bifunctional role of ephrin A1‐Eph system in stimulating cell proliferation and protecting cells from cell death through the attenuation of ER stress and inflammatory responses in bovine mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Kang Minkyung , Jeong Wooyoung , Bae Hyocheol , Lim Whasun , Bazer Fuller W. , Song Gwonhwa
Published: August 2017

Structural and functional development of the mammary gland is constant in the mammary gland life cycle. Eph receptors and their ligands, ephrins, control events through cell‐to‐cell interactions during embryonic development, and adult tissue homeostasis; however, little information on participation of ephrin A1, a representative ligand of the Eph receptor, in the development and function of normal mammary glands is known. In this study, we demonstrated functional effects of the ephrin A1‐Eph system and mechanisms of its action on bovine mammary epithelial (MAC‐T) cells. The in vitro cultured MAC‐T cells expressed the ephrin A1 ligand and EphA1, A2, A4, A7, and A8 among the eight members of the Eph A family. Our results revealed that ephrin A1 induced MAC‐T cell cycle progression and stimulated cell proliferation with abundant expression of nucleic PCNA and cyclin D1 proteins. Additionally, ephrin A1 induced activation of intracellular signaling molecules involved in PI3 K/AKT and MAPK signaling, and the proliferation‐stimulating effect of ephrin A1 was mediated by activation of these pathways. Furthermore, ephrin A1 influenced expression and activation of various ER stress‐related proteins and protected MAC‐T cells from stress‐induced cell death. Finally, ephrin A1 alleviated LPS‐induced cell death through down‐regulation of inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the Eph A‐ephrin A1 system is a positive factor in the increase and maintenance of epithelial cells in mammary glands of cows; the signaling system contributes to development, remodeling, and functionality of normal mammary glands and could overcome mastitis in cows and other mammals.
Iodixanol versus iopromide in cancer patients: Evidence from a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Terrenato Irene , Sperati Francesca , Musicco Felice , Pozzi Anna F. , di Turi Annunziata , Caterino Mauro , de Lutio di Castelguidone Elisabetta , Setola Sergio V. , Bellomi Massimo , Neumaier Carlo E. , Conti Laura , Cigliana Giovanni , Merola Roberta , Antenucci Anna , Orlandi Giulia , Giordano Antonio , Barba Maddalena , Canitano Stefano
Published: August 2017

To assess the safety profile of iso‐osmolar contrast medium (CM) versus low osmolar CM in cancer patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >60 ml/min. In this multicenter, blind trial of patients seeking a chest‐abdomen‐pelvis contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) with iodated CM, participants were centrally randomized to iodixanol or iopromide. Contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) at 24 and/or 72 hr were our primary outcomes. We further considered irreversible CIN, average eGFR percentage variation (%Δ), and adverse events (AEs). Overall, 607 patients were enrolled. Among them, 497 eligible patients were randomized to iodixanol (N: 247) or iopromide (N: 250). No differences emerged by descriptive characteristics. Seven and 3 CIN at 24 hr (p = 0.34) and 8 and 2 CIN at 72 hr (p = 0.11) occurred in the iopromide and iodixanol group, respectively. Within the subgroup of individual patients who developed CIN (N: 17), the event rate was higher in the iopromide arm (p = 0.045). No cases of permanent CIN or significant differences in terms of AEs or GFR %Δ were observed. Our results suggest a more favorable safety profile of iodixanol versus iopromide. Adequately sized trials with similar design are warranted to confirm our findings and clarify the underlying biological mechanisms.
Evaluation of two start‐up strategies to obtain nitrogen removal via nitrite and examination of the nitrous oxide emissions for different nitritation levels during the treatment of slaughterhouse wastewater
Authors: Dobbeleers Thomas , Caluwé Michel , Daens Dominque , Geuens Luc , Dries Jan
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the use of a novel start‐up strategy to obtain nitrogen removal via nitrite using real‐time aeration control, in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR1), for the treatment of slaughterhouse wastewater. In addition, another SBR (SBR2) was operated with the same objective, but with a start‐up from seed sludge. Furthermore, analysis of the nitrous oxide (N2O) production and emission was conducted for different nitritation levels.

RESULTS

Through the absence of an inoculum in SBR1, the nitrifying population could be regulated from the beginning. Beceause of this, nitrite oxidising bacteria could be prevented. This was proved by the nitritation degree (ND) which was already above 80% from day 28, although it took 59 days to achieve sufficient nitrogen removal efficiency (> 80%). In contrast for SBR2, it took 90–110 days to achieve full nitritation, however the nitrogen removal efficiency was above 90% at all times. The maximum N2O emission resulted to be 0.12% of the nitrogen load.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested the importance of seeding sludge for the achievement of full nitritation. Moreover, a strong positive relationship between the ND and N2O emission was observed. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Spatial Monitoring of Desertification Extent in Western Iraq using Landsat Images and GIS
Authors: Ajaj Qayssar Mahmood , Pradhan Biswajeet , Noori Abbas Mohammed , Jebur Mustafa Neamah
Published: August 2017

Desertification refers to land degradation in arid, semi‐arid, and dry sub‐humid areas caused by various factors, including climatic variations and human activities. In recent decades, sandstorms have increased significantly in Western Iraq, which primarily increased desert lands. Proper management is required to control and to monitor the phenomena, as well as to calculate the desertified areas caused by desertification. The study area covered 50,861.854 km2 in Western Iraq. Landsat‐5 TM, Landsat‐7 ETM+, and Landsat‐8 OLI data for 1990, 2002, and 2014 were used. Maximum likelihood algorithm was used to classify the images. Change detection results were discussed in two terms: short‐term (1990–2002) and (2002–2014) and long‐term (1990–2014) analysis. Change detection analysis from 1990 to 2014 showed that desert area increased to 2286.7308 km2, becoming a new source of dust storms. Hazard occurrence probability was studied on September and October 2014. The desertification amount decreased from 1990 to 2002 and increased significantly from 2002 to 2014. Sandstorms have recently been considered a hazardous phenomenon affecting the human population, the vegetation, and the ecosystem in Iraq. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Technical Note: A novel quality assurance test to identify gantry angle inaccuracies in respiratory‐gated VMAT treatments
Authors: Hubley Emily , Briscoe Michael , Ploquin Nicolas , Pierce Greg
Published: August 2017

Purpose

During respiratory‐gated volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT), the radiation beam is turned off each time the target exits the gating window. At the same time, the gantry slows, stops, and rewinds before the beam is turned back on. A quality assurance (QA) test was developed to detect inaccuracies in the gantry angle position between beam‐off and beam‐on events during respiratory‐gated VMAT.

Methods

Strips of Gafchromic™ EBT3 film were taped to the surface of a Capthan® 504 phantom mounted at isocenter. A homogeneous dose was delivered to the films through a 2 cm × 10 cm slit in the jaws using a respiratory‐gated VMAT arc without the multileaf collimator. A periodic breathing cycle was used. Errors in gated delivery ranging from 0.5 to 5° were simulated by delivering nongated arcs with the same field size with over‐ and underlapping sections of 0.5–5°. The simulated errors were used to define QA levels to analyze the gated delivery.

Results

The QA test was capable of detecting errors as small as 0.5°. The test was delivered to three Varian TrueBeam™ linacs, and no gantry angle inaccuracies greater than or equal to 0.5° were detected on any of the films.

Conclusions

A QA test capable of detecting gantry angle inaccuracies at beam‐off and subsequent beam‐on as small as 0.5° was developed and implemented for Varian TrueBeam™ linacs.
T2 mapping with magnetization‐prepared 3D TSE based on a modified BIR‐4 T2 preparation
Authors: Weidlich Dominik , Schlaeger Sarah , Kooijman Hendrik , Börnert Peter , Kirschke Jan S. , Rummeny Ernst J. , Haase Axel , Karampinos Dimitrios C.
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this work was to investigate the performance of the modified BIR‐4 T2 preparation for T2 mapping and propose a method to remove T2 quantification errors in the presence of large B1 and B0 offsets.

The theoretical investigation of the magnetization evolution during the T2 preparation in the presence of B1 and B0 offsets showed deviations from a mono‐exponential T2 decay (two parameter fit). A three parameter fit was used to improve T2 accuracy. Furthermore, a two parameter fit with an additional saturation preparation scan was proposed to improve T2 accuracy and precision. These three fitting methods were compared based on simulations, phantom measurements and an in vivo healthy volunteer study of the neck musculature using a 3D TSE readout.

The results based upon the pure two parameter fit overestimated T2 in regions with high B0 offsets (up to 40% in phantoms). The three parameter fit T2 values were robust to B0 offsets but with higher standard deviation (up to 40% in simulations). The two parameter fit with the saturation preparation yielded high robustness towards B0 offsets with a noise performance comparable to that of the two parameter fit. In the volunteer study the T2 values obtained by the pure two parameter fit showed a dependence on the field inhomogeneities, whereas the T2 values from the proposed fitting approach were shown to be insensitive to B0 offsets.

The proposed method enabled accurate and precise T2 mapping in the presence of large B1 and B0 offsets.
Identification of some Bioactive Metabolites in a Fractionated Methanol Extract from Ipomoea aquatica (Aerial Parts) through TLC, HPLC, UPLC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS and LC‐SPE‐NMR Fingerprints Analyses
Authors: Hefny Gad Mahmoud , Tuenter Emmy , El‐Sawi Nagwa , Younes Sabry , El‐Ghadban El‐Mewafy , Demeyer Kristiaan , Pieters Luc , Vander Heyden Yvan , Mangelings Debby
Published: August 2017

Introduction

The plant species Ipomoea aquatica contains various bioactive constituents, e.g. phenols and flavonoids, which have several medical uses. All previous studies were executed in Asia; however, no reports are available from Africa, and the secondary metabolites of this plant species from Africa are still unknown.

Objective

The present study aims finding suitable conditions to identify the bioactive compounds from different fractions.

Methodology

Chromatographic fingerprint profiles of different fractions were developed using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and then these conditions were transferred to thin‐layer chromatography (TLC). Subsequently, the chemical structure of some bioactive compounds was elucidated using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time of flight‐tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐QTOF‐MS) and liquid chromatography‐solid phase extraction‐nuclear magnetic resonance (LC‐SPE‐NMR) spectroscopy.

Results

The HPLC fingerprints, developed on two coupled Chromolith RP‐18e columns, using a gradient mobile phase (methanol/water/trifluoroacetic acid, 5:95:0.05, v/v/v), showed more peaks than the TLC profile. The TLC fingerprint allows the identification of the types of chemical constituents, e.g. flavonoids. Two flavonoids (nicotiflorin and ramnazin‐3‐O‐rutinoside) and two phenolic compounds (dihydroxybenzoic acid pentoside and di‐pentoside) were tentatively identified by QTOF‐MS, while NMR confirmed the structure of rutin and nicotiflorin.

Conclusion

The HPLC and TLC results showed that HPLC fingerprints give more and better separated peaks, but TLC helped in determining the class of the active compounds in some fractions. Bioactive constituents were identified as well using MS and NMR analyses. Two flavonoids and two phenolic compounds were tentatively identified in this species for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of the gradient film properties in silica moisture barriers synthesized in a roll‐to‐roll atmospheric pressure plasma enhanced CVD reactor
Authors: Meshkova Anna S. , Liu Yaoge , Elam Fiona M. , Starostin Sergey A. , van de Sanden Mauritius C. M. , de Vries Hindrik W.
Published: August 2017

Silica‐like films for moisture barriers were deposited on a polymeric substrate in an Atmospheric Pressure PECVD reactor using a N2/O2/TEOS gas mixture. Statically deposited silica films were characterized by spatially resolved ATR FTIR and revealed a clear gradient in the silanol concentration. Silanol is an impurity in the silica network, resulting in pore formation, thus a higher silanol content leads to a decrease in the film density. Hence the spatial non‐uniformity in the static profile results in a density gradient in the thickness of web‐rolled films. The gradual transition from a lower to a higher density film appeared to be an essential requirement for maintaining the film integrity on the polymer. Hence, the porous layer acts as an adhesion promotion layer for the dense top layer. These optimal layer properties are achieved in a continuous single processing step.
Targeted metabolic profiling rapidly differentiates Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus at species and strain level
Authors: Li Haorong , Zhu Jiangjiang
Published: August 2017

Rationale

Pathogenic foodborne bacteria have been associated with severe infectious disease in humans and animals worldwide. Rapid detection and screening of these foodborne pathogens are critical for our food safety. This study aimed at detecting Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, two important foodborne bacteria, at the species and strain/serovar level using a mass spectrometry (MS)‐based targeted metabolic profiling approach.

Methods

Ten E. coli strains (8 out of 10 were foodborne outbreak isolates) and four S. aureus strains were tested at two growth time points. A high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS)‐based targeted metabolomics approach was applied for metabolic profile based bacteria detection. A total of 108 metabolites from multiple metabolic pathways were confidently detected from these bacteria.

Results

Our study demonstrated that with only 4 h of enrichment in the same medium, the metabolic profiles from E. coli and S. aureus showed significant difference. Furthermore, seven out of ten E. coli strains and all four tested S. aureus strains showed strain/serovar‐level differentiation at the 4‐h time point, which indicated great potential for strain level stratification in future food screening using our MS‐based targeted metabolic profiling approach.

Conclusions

A targeted metabolomics method was developed to demonstrate the utility of HPLC/MS/MS‐based metabolic profiling in rapidly (4 h) differentiating E. coli and S. aureus bacteria, two of the most notorious foodborne bacteria, at both the species and strain/serovar levels. The results indicated that our approach has great potential in the future for fast and specific detection of foodborne pathogenic bacteria based on their metabolic diversity.
Hollow Co3O4 Nanocages Decorated Graphene Aerogels Derived from Carbon Wrapped Nano‐Co for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Chen Zhao‐Yang , Li Ya‐Nan , Wang Min‐Qiang , Xu Mao‐wen , Bao Shu‐Juan
Published: August 2017

An oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalyst with high performance, low cost and good durability is extremely desirable for promoting the commercial application of fuel cells. Much efforts have been made to explore efficient and nonprecious catalysts to replace the platinum‐based catalyst. Particularly, cobalt oxide (Co3O4 or CoO) decorated carbon materials has been demonstrated as promising ORR electrocatalysts. In this paper, we report a kind of tiny hollow nano‐Co3O4 anchored 3D graphene aerogels (3DG) in the first time, which derived from direct oxidation carbon wrapped Co/3DG through Kirkendall effect. Due to its unique structure, the hollow Co3O4/3DG shows excellent ORR catalytic activity with almost four‐electron reduction pathway, high methanol tolerance and long‐term durability in alkaline media.
Effect of structural features and loading parameters on bond in reinforced concrete under repeated load
Authors: Sun Yang , Gu Zhen‐xue , Li Ang , Shao Guo‐jian
Published: August 2017

Some reinforced concrete structures are subjected to repeated loads during their service lives, and the effect of repeated loads is stronger and more complex than static loads. This paper reports the results of the tests performed on cylindrical reinforced concrete specimens under uniaxial repeated loads. The effect of structural parameters (e.g., stirrup configuration, bond length, confinement method, and concrete cover) and loading parameters (e.g., amplitude, peak load, loading rate, and initial load cycles) on the bond properties of the reinforced concrete under repeated loads was studied in detail. In addition, the degradation mechanisms and failure modes of the specimens’ bond stress were analyzed. It is found that the use of stirrups, increase of bond length, and concrete cover, as well as confinement can effectively curb the widening and expansion of cracks in concrete and significantly improve ductility and repeated load bearing capability. As the rigidity of confinement material increased, the enhancement effect of confinement on bond stress increases. Compared to the role of confinement (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced polymer), increasing the concrete cover can more effectively improve the bond stress. The rebar's subsequent residual bond stress declines as the number of early‐stage load cycle increases.
Prediction of violent crime on discharge from secure psychiatric hospitals: A clinical prediction rule (FoVOx)
Authors: Wolf A. , Fanshawe T.R. , Sariaslan A. , Cornish R. , Larsson H. , Fazel S.
Published: August 2017

Background

Current approaches to assess violence risk in secure hospitals are resource intensive, limited by accuracy and authorship bias and may have reached a performance ceiling. This study seeks to develop scalable predictive models for violent offending following discharge from secure psychiatric hospitals.

Methods

We identified all patients discharged from secure hospitals in Sweden between January 1, 1992 and December 31, 2013. Using multiple Cox regression, pre-specified criminal, sociodemographic, and clinical risk factors were included in a model that was tested for discrimination and calibration in the prediction of violent crime at 12 and 24 months post-discharge. Risk cut-offs were pre-specified at 5% (low vs. medium) and 20% (medium vs. high).

Results

We identified 2248 patients with 2933 discharges into community settings. We developed a 12-item model with good measures of calibration and discrimination (area under the curve = 0.77 at 12 and 24 months). At 24 months post-discharge, using the 5% cut-off, sensitivity was 96% and specificity was 21%. Positive and negative predictive values were 19% and 97%, respectively. Using the 20% cut-off, sensitivity was 55%, specificity 83% and the positive and negative predictive values were 37% and 91%, respectively. The model was used to develop a free online tool (FoVOx).

Interpretation

We have developed a prediction score in a Swedish cohort of patients discharged from secure hospitals that can assist in clinical decision-making. Scalable predictive models for violence risk are possible in specific patient groups and can free up clinical time for treatment and management. Further evaluation in other countries is needed.

Funding

Wellcome Trust (202836/Z/16/Z) and the Swedish Research Council. The funding sources had no involvement in writing of the manuscript or decision to submit or in data collection, analysis or interpretation or any aspect pertinent to the study.
Usefulness of supraclavicular flap in reconstruction following resection of oral cancer
Authors: Padiyar B. Vageesh , Azeem Mohiyuddin S.M. , Sagayaraj A. , Merchant Shuaib
Published: August 2017

Objective

To evaluate the usefulness of supraclavicular artery flap in reconstruction of defects following resection of buccal mucosa cancer.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients who presented to R.L Jalappa Hospital and Research centre and diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma of buccal mucosa staged T2 and above were included in our study. All patients underwent wide excision of tumour and neck dissection. Six patients underwent hemi‐mandibulectomy while 4 patients underwent marginal mandibulectomy depending on extent of the tumour along with neck dissection. The defect following surgery was reconstructed using the supraclavicular artery flap and were followed up for minimum 6 months during which they were assessed for the functional and aesthetic outcome using a scoring system. The details of the scoring system comprised of 7 attributes. Each attribute was given a score of 10 if the patients experienced that attribute, while a score of 0 was given if the patient did not experience that particular attribute.

Results

Seven (28%) patients had complete necrosis of the flap. One patient had a local recurrence 2 months following surgery and was lost to follow up. The remaining 17 patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months and a scoring system was adopted to evaluate the functional and aesthetic outcome of the supraclavicular flap. We observed that 14 patients had an excellent outcome score (58%), 3 patients had a good outcome score (13%), while 7 patients (28%) had flap necrosis.

Conclusions

We find the supraclavicular flap to be safe, technically simple, sensate, thin, pliable and reliable regional fasciocutaneous flap in reconstructing intra oral defects. Preserving the external jugular vein and sacrificing supraclavicular nerves give good outcome.
Exact Minimum Codegree Threshold for K−4-Factors
Authors: HAN JIE , LO ALLAN , TREGLOWN ANDREW , ZHAO YI
Published: August 2017

Given hypergraphs F and H, an F-factor in H is a set of vertex-disjoint copies of F which cover all the vertices in H. Let K−4 denote the 3-uniform hypergraph with four vertices and three edges. We show that for sufficiently large n ∈ 4ℕ, every 3-uniform hypergraph H on n vertices with minimum codegree at least n/2−1 contains a K−4-factor. Our bound on the minimum codegree here is best possible. It resolves a conjecture of Lo and Markström [15] for large hypergraphs, who earlier proved an asymptotically exact version of this result. Our proof makes use of the absorbing method as well as a result of Keevash and Mycroft [11] concerning almost perfect matchings in hypergraphs.
‘You started something … then I continued by myself’: a qualitative study of physical activity maintenance
Authors: Wahlich Charlotte , Beighton Carole , Victor Christina , Normansell Rebecca , Cook Derek , Kerry Sally , Iliffe Steve , Ussher Michael , Whincup Peter , Fox-Rushby Julia , Limb Elizabeth , Furness Cheryl , Harris Tess
Published: August 2017

Background

Most mid-life and older adults are not achieving recommended physical activity (PA) targets and effective interventions are needed to increase and maintain PA long-term for health benefits. The Pedometer And Consultation Evaluation (PACE-UP) trial, a three-armed primary care pedometer-based walking intervention in those aged 45–75 years, demonstrated increased PA levels at 12 months. A three-year follow-up was conducted to evaluate long-term PA maintenance, including a qualitative component.

Aim

To examine facilitators and barriers to PA maintenance in mid-life and older adults previously involved in a PA trial.

Method

Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 60 PACE-UP participants across all study arms. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded independently by researchers, prior to thematic analysis.

Findings

Two-thirds of participants felt since the PACE-UP trial they had an awareness of PA, with the pedometer reported as ‘kick-starting’ regular activity, and then helped them to maintain regular activity. PA facilitators included: maintaining good health, self-motivation, social support and good weather. Lack of time was the most frequently cited barrier. Other barriers were often the inverse of the facilitators; for example, poor health and bad weather. Participants described the type of ‘top-up’ intervention they would find beneficial to aid PA maintenance (eg, text messages, online resources and walking groups).

Conclusion

A challenge for future PA interventions is to transform barriers into facilitators; for example, educating trial participants about the value of PA for many chronic health conditions to change this from inhibiting to promoting PA. Participants provided ideas for encouraging PA maintenance which could be incorporated into future interventions.
Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards e-cigarettes among e-cigarette users and stop smoking advisors in South East England: a qualitative study
Authors: Tamimi Nancy
Published: August 2017

Aim

To explore how e-cigarettes are perceived by a group of e-cigarette users and a group of Stop Smoking Advisors (SSAs), what are the risks and benefits they associate with e-cigarettes and how do these understandings shape participants’ attitude towards e-cigarettes?

Method

Face-to-face and phone interviews were conducted with 15 e-cigarette users and 13 SSAs in South East England between 2014 and 2015. Transcribed data were analysed inductively through thematic analysis.

Findings

E-cigarettes were used as a therapeutic aid to stop or cut down smoking and as a smoking substitute. A prominent theme is the uncertainty e-cigarettes have generated. This included ambiguity of e-cigarettes’ status and efficacy, and ambiguity of e-cigarettes’ physical and social risks. Different attitudes towards e-cigarettes were identified.

Conclusion

E-cigarettes’ benefits and risks should be continuously evaluated, put into perspective and circulated to avoid ambiguity. Stop smoking services need to recognise the benefits that can be gained by using e-cigarettes as a harm reduction tool.
The Role of Social-Identity Beliefs in the Trends of Foreign Policy of Iran
Authors: SHAHIDANI MEHDI HEDAYATI , PENKOVTSEV ROMAN VLADIMIROVICH
Published: August 2017

Values and elements of popular culture play an important role in shaping and implementing the foreign policy of Iran. In this paper, using content analysis and after explaining the characteristics of Iranian identity, the author seeks to investigate the implications of Iranian social beliefs on foreign policy. In other words, the author sets out to explore whether the perceptions and attitudes of Iranian identity at different historical periods have been the basis according to which Iranian politicians have followed the same model or not? For this purpose, three major components, the influence in the regional area, xenophobia, and conspiracy theorythat are complementary in nature, have been selected. Research findings illustrate that the long history of societies like Iran has been the raison d'etre for the recurrence of social beliefs and values in various political eras of such societies.
Rationale Abklärung von Lebererkrankungen
Authors: von Köckritz Leona , De Gottardi Andrea
Published: August 2017

Zusammenfassung. Im klinischen Alltag werden häufig erhöhte Leberwerte beobachtet. In der Regel erfordern sie weitere Abklärungen bezüglich der möglichen Ätiologie und des Schweregrad einer akuten oder chronischen Lebererkrankung. Die Abklärung sollte dabei neben einer gezielten Anamnese und sorgfältigen klinischen Untersuchung, auch die Bestimmung von laborchemischen Markern für Cholestase und Leberfunktionsstörungen (wie Alkalische Phosphatase, gamma-Glutamyltransferase, Bilirubin, Albumin und Gerinnungsfaktoren) umfassen. Die Bestimmung weiterer Parameter wie Ferritin und Transferrinsättigung, Autoimmunantikörper, Virusserologien, alpha-1 Antitrypsin und Coerulolasmin können weitere Hinweise für die kausalen Zusammenhänge der Leberfunktionsstörung liefern. Bei Patienten mit Lebererkrankungen ist eine sonografische Beurteilung der Leber obligat. Ergänzend zur Sonografie werden heute weitere nicht-invasive Methoden wie Fibroscan, Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Elastometrie und Magnet-Resonanz-Elastografie zur Beurteilung der Leberfibrose eingesetzt. In ausgewählten Fällen ist eine Leberbiopsie notwendig, um den Grad der Fibrose und die Ätiologie der Lebererkrankung zu eruieren. Mithilfe eines Fallbeispiels, diskutieren die Autoren im Folgenden die rationale Anwendung diagnostischer Tests und deren korrekte Interpretation und schlagen eine Orientierungshilfe zur rationalen Abklärung von Patienten mit Lebererkrankungen vor.