bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the effects of friends on health behaviors of adolescents
Authors: Fletcher Jason M. , Ross Stephen L.
Published: June 2018

This paper estimates the effects of friends' smoking and drinking on own behavior while controlling for correlated unobservables between friends. The effect of friends' behaviors is identified by comparing similar individuals who have similar friendship opportunities and make similar friendship choices, exploiting the idea that friendship choice reveals information about unobservables. We combine this identification strategy with an across‐cohort within school design so that identification arises in our reduced form estimates from across‐grade differences in the clustering of health behaviors. Finally, we use estimated information on correlated unobservables to examine longitudinal data on the onset of health behaviors, where the likelihood of reverse causality should be minimal. We find evidence that this strategy produces somewhat smaller (no more than 16% smaller) friendship effect estimates than the more standard school fixed effect models consistent with at most modest bias from correlated unobservables.
Executory Contracts, Ipso Facto Clauses and Licensing Agreements in Cross‐Border Insolvencies
Authors: Hoffmann Jan Felix
Published: June 2018

Executory contracts raise difficult substantive and procedural questions under insolvency law. This essay tries to point out two prominent phenomena of substantive law concerning the treatment of executory contracts. Ipso facto clauses and licensing agreements will serve as examples in order to find suitable conflict‐of‐law rules in cross‐border insolvencies. So far, there has been no fundamental debate on the application of the lex fori concursus to executory contracts. In recent rulings national courts have, however, refused to apply the lex fori concursus to executory contracts in cross‐border insolvency cases when ipso facto clauses or licensing agreements were involved. This essay pleads against the sole application of the lex fori concursus and critically analyses the concept of the European Insolvency Regulation concerning executory contracts. Copyright © 2018 INSOL International and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pre‐cesarean prophylactic balloon placement in the internal iliac artery to prevent postpartum hemorrhage among women with pernicious placenta previa
Authors: Dai Meng‐jun , Jin Guang‐xin , Lin Jian‐hua , Zhang Yu , Chen Yun‐yan , Zhang Xue‐bin
Published: June 2018

Objective

To evaluate pre‐cesarean prophylactic balloon placement (PBP) in the internal iliac artery among women with pernicious placenta previa.

Methods

The present retrospective study included women with pernicious placenta previa who underwent cesarean delivery at Shanghai Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China, between March 1, 2011, and June 30, 2017. Data were compared between patients who did and did not undergo PBP.

Results

Among 42 patients included, 20 underwent PBP and 22 did not. Mean ± SD estimated blood loss was 2900.00 ± 2352.21 mL in the PBP group, and 4549.77 ± 2366.67 mL in the non‐PBP group (P=0.025). The amount of transfused red blood cells was 8.40 ± 7.14 U and 13.00 ± 7.93 U (P=0.018), respectively. No patients in the PBP group developed postoperative disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, compared with 3 (14%) in the non‐PBP group (P=0.087). In the PBP and non‐PBP groups, the hospital stay duration was 7.40 ± 3.07 and 8.68 ± 2.58 days (P=0.029), and there were 1 and 7 patients who had obstetric hysterectomies (P=0.027), respectively. Two patients experienced PBP‐related adverse events, including thrombosis and re‐bleeding. There were no deaths.

Conclusion

Pre‐cesarean PBP in the internal iliac artery was a safe and effective treatment that could reduce the incidence of both postpartum hemorrhage and hysterectomy among women with pernicious placenta previa.
Effects of exercise and dietary habits on the occurrence of polycystic ovary syndrome over 5 years of follow‐up
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhou Kunyan , Luo Li , Liu Ying , Liu Xiaofang , Xu Liangzhi
Published: June 2018

Objective

To evaluate the effects of recent and previous exercise and dietary habits on the occurrence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

The present study had a population‐based case–control phase and a nested case–control phase. Women aged 12–44 years with and without PCOS were surveyed using the Semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to evaluate the correlation of PCOS with recent (last 7 days) or previous (5 years ago) exercise and dietary habits.

Results

No difference in recent physical activity was found between the PCOS and control groups (case–control phase, n=1854). However, patients with PCOS had previously (5 years ago; nested case–control phase, n=1149) spent less time physical active in relation to transportation (P=0.003), housekeeping (P=0.023), walking (P<0.001), and activities of moderate intensity (P=0.008), and had spent more time sitting (P<0.001). Dietary nutrients and energy intake did not differ between the two groups (P>0.05 for all comparisons).

Conclusions

Previous exercise habits were associated with subsequent PCOS whereas a recently acquired exercise routine was not. Women should avoid long‐term sedentary lifestyle habits and focus on adding to the duration of, or enhancing the intensity of, physical activity.
An energy aware user‐centric cooperative mode switching scheme for 5G networks
Authors: Biswash Sanjay K. , Jayakody Dushantha N.K.
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we propose an user‐centric energy efficient relay‐based cellular mode switching scheme for fifth generation cellular networks. It is a feasible approach to tackle the increased network demands of wireless industry, while improving the quality of experience (QoE). We also introduce a dynamic relay management algorithm, where the network will guarantee the preset QoE measurement parameters. If the source and target mobile nodes are within the proximity area, then the system switches to device‐centric mode. In order to improve the network performance, the system may select relay nodes (RNs). If the performance metrics are less than the threshold value, then the network adds additional RN(s) where necessary. The proposed work offers less signaling overhead as compared to modern cellular state‐of‐art networks such as 4G/LTE. This is a key component related to energy efficient cellular networks. The numerical analysis demonstrates the performance improvement in terms of energy consumption with a high degree of movement probability.
Inhibition of bromodomain‐containing protein 4 ameliorates oxidative stress–mediated apoptosis and cartilage matrix degeneration through activation of NF‐E2–related factor 2‐heme oxygenase‐1 signaling in rat chondrocytes
Authors: An Qin‐de , Li Yun‐yun , Zhang Hong‐xing , Lu Jun , Yu Xiao‐dong , Lin Qiang , Zhang Yin‐gang
Published: June 2018

During the progression of osteoarthritis, dysregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) anabolism, abnormal generation of reactive oxygen species, and proteolytic enzymes have been shown to accelerate the degradation process of cartilage. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the functional role of bromodomain‐containing protein 4 (BRD4) in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)–stimulated chondrocyte injury and delineate the underlying molecular mechanisms. We observed that the expression BRD4 was markedly elevated in rat chondrocytes after H2O2 stimulation. Additionally, inhibition of BRD4 using small interfering RNA or JQ1 (a selective potent chemical inhibitor) led to repression of H2O2‐induced oxidative stress, as revealed by a decrease in the reactive oxygen species production accompanied by a decreased malondialdehyde content, along with increased activities of antioxidant markers superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase on exposure of chondrocytes to H2O2. Meanwhile, depletion of BRD4 led to repress the oxidative stress–induced apoptosis of chondrocytes triggered by H2O2 accompanied by an increase in the expression of anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 and a decrease in the expression of pro‐apoptotic Bax and caspase 3 as well as attenuated caspase 3 activity. Moreover, knockdown of BRD4 or treatment with JQ1 markedly attenuated ECM deposition, reflected in a marked upregulation of proteoglycans collagen type II and aggrecan as well as downregulation of ECM–degrading enzymes matrix metalloproteinase 13 and A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS‐5). More importantly, inhibition of BRD4‐activated NF‐E2–related factor 2 (Nrf2)–heme oxygenase‐1 signaling. Mechanistically, the protective effect of BRD4 inhibition on H2O2‐stimulated apoptosis and cartilage matrix degeneration was markedly abrogated by Nrf2 depletion. Altogether, we concluded that the protective effect of BRD4 inhibition against oxidative stress–mediated apoptosis and cartilage matrix degeneration occurred through Nrf2–heme oxygenase‐1 signaling, implying that BRD4 inhibition may be a more effective therapeutic strategy against osteoarthritis.
Differences between the outcome of recurrent acute pancreatitis and acute pancreatitis
Authors: Mallick Bipadabhanjan , Shrama Dibya J , Siddappa Pradeep , Dhaka Narendra , Malik Sarthak , Sinha Saroj K , Yadav Thakur D , Gupta Vikas , Kochhar Rakesh
Published: June 2018

Background and aim

Overall, a handful of studies are available on the outcomes of recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP), in comparison to the first episode of acute pancreatitis (AP). We aimed to provide a more complete and updated picture of RAP and how it is different from the initial episode of AP.

Methods

Consecutive patients admitted with an episode of AP over 8 years were divided into two groups on the basis of prior episodes: AP and RAP. Primary outcome measures were for surgical necrosectomy and mortality.

Results

Of the 724 patients (age 39.22 ± 13.25 years, 68% male) with an episode of pancreatitis, 632 (87.3%) had presented with a first episode (AP) and 92 (12.7%) with at least one prior episode (RAP). The incidence of severe pancreatitis was significantly less in RAP patients (10.9%) in comparison to AP patients (48.6%). The requirement of surgical intervention and mortality were less in patients with RAP (1.1 and 2.2%, respectively) compared to patients with AP (9.3 and 18%, respectively). The mean number of episodes per RAP patients was 2.97 ± 1.66 (range 2–10), and 64.1% had only two episodes. Regarding the etiology of RAP patients, biliary etiology (32.6%) and alcohol (30.4%) were the two most frequent factors, and no etiology could be identified in 19.6%.

Conclusion

Patients with RAP had milder disease course and lesser mortality when compared to the initial episode of AP. Appropriate evaluation and dealing with etiological factors at the initial episode of AP can prevent a majority of RAP.
Cyclic Enaminone Incorporating 5‐cyanomethylpyrazole‐4‐carbonitrile: Unexpected Formation of Pyrazolo[l,5‐a]pyridine Derivatives
Authors: Ghozlan Said A.S. , Abdelmoniem Doaa M. , Hassaneen Hamdi M. , Abdelmoniem Amr M. , Abdelhamid Ismail A.
Published: June 2018

Novel pyrazolo[l,5‐a]pyridine derivatives containing (3‐oxocyclohex‐1‐enyl) amino group at position 2 were synthesized in good yields using simple and efficient methodology. All new compounds are characterized by the different spectral tools.
Examining Effectiveness and Learning in Rwandan Policymaking: The Varied Outcomes of Learning from Failure in Productive Sector Policies
Authors: Behuria Pritish
Published: June 2018

Rwanda's economic recovery since the genocide is largely associated with the government's effective leadership. This paper questions that narrative, highlighting that failure—rather than consistent effectiveness—is a common feature of productive sector policies in late developing countries and that the Rwandan case is no different. Using three examples where Rwanda's party‐owned investment group (Crystal Ventures Ltd) has been used as a key agent in productive sector policies, the paper finds that outcomes of learning from failure have varied significantly, highlighting some way to go before the government's developmental ambitions are met. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insights into the morphological pattern of erythrocytes' aging: Coupling quantitative AFM data to microcalorimetry and Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Dinarelli S. , Longo G. , Krumova S. , Todinova S. , Danailova A. , Taneva S.G. , Lenzi E. , Mussi V. , Girasole M.
Published: June 2018

Erythrocytes (RBCs) constitute a very interesting class of cells both for their physiological function and for a variety of peculiarities. Due to their exceptionally strong relationship with the environment, the morphology and nanoscale characteristics of these cells can reveal their biochemical status and structural integrity. Among the possible subjects of investigations, the RBCs' ageing is of the utmost importance. This is a fundamental phenomenon that, in physiological conditions, triggers the cell turnover and ensures the blood homeostasis. With these premises, in recent years, we have presented an atomic force microscopy–based methodology to characterize the patterns of RBC ageing from the morphological point of view. In the present work, we used an ageing protocol more similar to the physiological conditions and we used differential scanning calorimetry and atomic force microscopy to probe the cross correlation between important structural and functional proteins. We also assessed the role played by fundamental structural and membrane proteins in the development of the most relevant morphological intermediates observed along the ageing. Furthermore, we coupled the morphological ageing patterns to the (bio)chemical alterations detected by Raman spectroscopy. This allowed identifying the chronology of the ageing morphologies and the metabolic pathways most involved in their development.

As a whole, the present study provides the base to correlate specific molecular alterations to the development of structural anomalies, and these latter to the functional status of blood cells.
Influence of different light conditions and time of sprouting on harmful and beneficial aspects of rutabaga sprouts in comparison to their roots and seeds
Authors: Paśko Paweł , Galanty Agnieszka , Żmudzki Paweł , Gdula‐Argasińska Joanna , Zagrodzki Paweł
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the presence and content of selected phytochemicals, namely glucosinolates, fatty acids and phenolic compounds, in rutabaga (Brassica napusL. var.napobrassica) sprouts grown under various light conditions, in comparison to rutabaga seeds and roots. As rutabaga sprouts are likely to become new functional food, special emphasis was placed on the related risks of progoitrin and erucic acid presence – compounds with proven antinutritive properties.

RESULTS

Time of sprouting significantly decreased progoitrin content, especially after 10 days (by 91.5%) and 12 days (by 97.5%), as compared to 8 days. In addition, sprouts grown under dark conditions showed 27%, 60% and 17% reduction in progoitrin level in 8, 10 and 12 days after sowing, respectively, as compared to sprouts grown under natural conditions. Progoitrin was found to be the predominant glucosinolate in rutabaga seeds (804.07 ± 60.89 mg 100 g−1dry weight (DW)), accompanied by glucoerucin (157.82 ± 21.04 mg 100 g−1DW), also found in the roots (82.20 ± 16.53 mg 100 g−1DW). Among the unsaturated fatty acids in rutabaga sprouts, erucic, linoleic, linolenic and gondoic acids decreased significantly, and only oleic acid increased as germination days progressed. The amount of harmful erucic acid in rutabaga sprouts was found to vary between 1.8% and 7%, depending on the day of seeding or light conditions, as compared to 42.5% in the seeds.

CONCLUSION

The evaluated rutabaga products showed a wide content range of potentially antinutritive compounds, sprouts having the lowest amounts of erucic acid and progoitrin. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Prognostic value of intra‐tumoral CD8+/FoxP3+ lymphocyte ratio in patients with resected colorectal cancer liver metastasis
Authors: Sideras Kostandinos , Galjart Boris , Vasaturo Angela , Pedroza‐Gonzalez Alexander , Biermann Katharina , Mancham Shanta , Nigg Alex L. , Hansen Bettina E. , Stoop Hans A. , Zhou Guoying , Verhoef Cornelis , Sleijfer Stefan , Sprengers Dave , Kwekkeboom Jaap , Bruno Marco J.
Published: June 2018

Background and Objectives

Patients with isolated colorectal‐cancer‐liver‐metastases (CRCLM) frequently undergo metastatectomy. Tumor‐infiltrating‐lymphocytes (TILs) have prognostic potential in the setting of primary colorectal cancer, however, their role in CRCLM is less studied. We aimed to study the spatial distribution and prognostic role of tumor‐infiltrating CD8+ cytotoxic T‐cells and FoxP3+ regulatory T‐cells at the metastatic site of CRCLM patients.

Methods

TILs were isolated from fresh metastatic tissues of 47 patients with CRCLM. Archived paraffin‐embedded tissue, from the same patients, was retrieved. CD8+ and FoxP3+ cells, both in the intra‐tumoral and the peri‐tumoral compartments, were measured by immunohistochemistry on full tissue sections. Proportions of cytotoxic T‐cells (CD8+) and regulatory T‐cells (CD4+CD25+FoxP3+), within CD45+TILs, were measured by flow‐cytometry.

Results

By immunohistochemistry, individual densities of intra‐tumoral or peri‐tumoral CD8+ and FoxP3+ cells were not prognostic of survival. However, the intra‐tumoral, but not the peri‐tumoral, CD8+/FoxP3+ ratio was an independent predictor of survival (HR 0.43, 95%CI 0.19‐0.95, P = 0.032). By flow cytometry, the intra‐tumoral CD8+/regulatory T‐cell ratio was also an independent predictor of survival (HR 0.45, 95%CI 0.20‐0.99, P = 0.044).

Conclusions

The ratio of cytotoxic (CD8+) to regulatory (FoxP3+) T‐cells, in the intra‐tumoral compartment, but not in the peri‐tumoral compartment, can predict survival after resection of CRCLM.
Repeat staging laparoscopy for gastric cancer after preoperative therapy
Authors: Thiels Cornelius A. , Ikoma Naruhiko , Fournier Keith , Das Prajnan , Blum Mariela , Estrella Jeannelyn S. , Minsky Bruce D. , Ajani Jaffer , Mansfield Paul , Badgwell Brian D.
Published: June 2018

Background and Objectives

Staging laparoscopy is recommended before preoperative therapy in patients with locoregional gastric cancer, but yield of repeated diagnostic laparoscopy at the time of resection is unknown.

Methods

Retrospective review of a prospective database of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma (1994‐2016) who had negative staging laparoscopy followed by preoperative therapy and subsequent attempted resection. Primary outcome was positive exploration (peritoneal or unresectable disease) at the time of resection. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with positive exploration.

Results

Of the 451 patients with attempted resection, 54 (12.0%) had positive explorations, including 48 with peritoneal disease. Patients with positive explorations were more likely to be female and have poorly differentiated tumors, linitis features, and signet‐ring morphology. There was no significant difference by exploration results in age, race, clinical stage, or delayed definitive surgery. Positive explorations were independently associated with poor differentiation (OR 4.6, 95%CI 1.4‐15.3; P = 0.01) and linitis (OR 4.2, 95%CI 1.9‐9.2; P < 0.001). Positive explorations were seen in 14.0% of patients with poor differentiation, 36.6% of patients with linitis, and 5.8% of patients with neither linitis nor poor differentiation.

Conclusion

Despite negative pretreatment laparoscopy, post‐treatment repeat laparoscopy may prevent non‐therapeutic laparotomies. At a minimum, we recommend selective repeat laparoscopy for patients with linitis features.
Clinical effect of enoxaparin on international normalized ratio following hepato‐pancreatico‐biliary and gastroesophageal resection
Authors: Kelecy Matthew W. , Shutt Travis , Rostas Jack , Martin Robert C. G.
Published: June 2018

Background and Objectives

Enoxaparin inactivates factor Xa via a complex formed after binding to circulating anti‐thrombin III. This mechanism is reported not to alter hemostatic measures such as clotting time, PT, or PTT. To date, no clinical trials have shown a causal relationship between the clinical/pharmacological effects of enoxaparin on international normalized ratio (INR). The aim of our study is to show the clinical effect of enoxaparin on INR.

Methods

Patients (N = 350) were reviewed from our prospective IRB approved databases undergoing gastroesophageal or hepatobiliary surgeries. INR levels were recorded for 6 days: pre‐operative to 5 days after surgery.

Results

Patients (N = 289) received enoxaparin daily starting post‐operative day 1, while 61 patients who did not receive enoxaparin were used as controls. The mean post‐operative INR in both the 30 and 40 mg groups were both significantly higher than the mean post‐operative INR of the control group (P = 0.015 and P = 0.00075, respectively); however postoperative hemoglobin levels were not significantly lower in the enoxaparin versus control.

Conclusion

This is the first clinical evidence of the effect of enoxaparin on INR in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries for malignancies. We demonstrate an increase in the INR for patients who received enoxaparin for post‐operative VTE prophylaxis.
Reconstruction with constrained scapular prosthesis after total scapulectomy for scapular malignant tumor
Authors: Wang Baichuan , Wu Qiang , Zhang Zhicai , Liu Jianxiang , Shao Zengwu
Published: June 2018

Background

Surgical reconstruction after total scapulectomy presents a great challenge. Currently, the constrained scapular prosthesis reconstruction is considered as the most effective and promising method. However, the mid‐ to long‐term functional outcomes and complications of this procedure are unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed eight patients with scapular malignant tumors treated by total scapulectomy and constrained scapular prosthesis reconstruction between 2011 and 2013. The results of functional improvement were evaluated using MSTS‐93 score at the final follow‐up. We also analyzed tumor recurrence, metastases, and complications associated with the reconstruction procedure.

Results

Three patients died of pulmonary metastasis, and five patients were alive at the final follow‐up. For the five surviving patients, the mean follow‐up period was 61.8 months (range, 51‐72 months). Each patient recovered satisfactory contour of the shoulder. The mean MSTS‐93 functional score of the upper extremity was 23.5 (range, 20‐27). Rib fractures developed two patients, while prosthesis exposure occurred in one patient. No infection, skin flap necrosis, dislocation, and aseptic loosening developed in this small series. Pulmonary metastasis was observed in two patients (2/5).

Conclusions

Although a few of prosthesis‐related complications not reported in previous studies are observed during the mid‐ to long‐term follow‐up, reconstruction with a constrained scapular prosthesis can provide a stable shoulder joint, and obtained a satisfactory shoulder contour and an acceptable mid‐to long‐term functional outcomes.

Level of evidence

: Level IV, therapeutic study.
Obesity is associated with larger soft‐tissue sarcomas, more surgical complications, and more complex wound closures (obesity leads to larger soft‐tissue sarcomas)
Authors: Montgomery Corey , Harris John , Siegel Eric , Suva Larry , Wilson Margaret , Morell Sean , Nicholas Richard
Published: June 2018

Background and Objectives

Does a link exist between obesity and soft‐tissue sarcoma outcomes? We hypothesized that soft‐tissue sarcomas in patients with obesity may lead to larger tumors at detection, with an increased risk for a more complex surgical excision, wound healing‐related complications, higher stage at presentation, and decreased survival.

Methods

One hundred thirty‐nine and patients with soft‐tissue sarcoma were retrospectively evaluated over 10 years. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts based on the World Health Organization body mass index (BMI) obesity grouping. A BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 was classified as obese and a BMI < 30 kg/m2 was classified as nonobese.

Results

Eighty‐five nonobese and 54 obese individuals were evaluated. The median tumor diameter was 50% larger (P = .024) and the overall complication rate was 1.7‐fold higher in patients with obesity (P = .0032). Patients with obesity also had a statistically significantly higher rate of complex wound closures. In multivariable logistic regression, obesity remained a highly significant factor favoring complications after the surgical treatment of soft‐tissue sarcoma (odds ratio = 3.66, 95% confidence interval = 1.54‐8.71; P = .0033). No statistically significant differences were noted on comparing groups for the incidence of metastatic spread or survival.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that obesity is associated with larger tumors, a higher incidence of wound complications, and greater use of complex wound‐closure methods.
Three‐phase solvent bar liquid‐phase microextraction combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography to determine sarcosine in human urine
Authors: Huang Yuan , Huang Xiaobing , Huang Liping , Liu Qicai , Lei Yun , Yang Lijuan , Huang Liying
Published: June 2018

Sarcosine is a potential prostate cancer marker. In this study, we developed a method of three‐phase solvent bar liquid‐phase microextraction combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography to determine sarcosine after derivatization with 4‐dimethylarminoazobenzene‐4‐sulfonyl chloride from human urine. The effects of different extraction conditions on extraction efficiency were investigated and optimized. Under optimum experimental conditions, a calibration graph exhibited linearity over the range of 0.05–25 μmol/L with a correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.9990. The enrichment factor was 168, and the detection limit was 0.02 μmol/L. The method was successfully used to analyze sarcosine in human urine and non‐invasive detection, and good spiked recoveries ranging from 90.5 to 93.6% were obtained. The proposed method exhibited high sensitivity, high enrichment factor, good precision, and a simple setup. It may contribute to the early accurate diagnosis and the progression monitoring of prostatic carcinoma.
Effects of calf predation and nutrition on elk vital rates
Authors: Tatman Nicole M. , Liley Stewart G. , Cain James W. , Pitman James W.
Published: June 2018

Demographic data indicated a population of elk (Cervus canadensis) in northern New Mexico had reduced juvenile recruitment, resulting in a concern over quality hunting opportunities. Following several years of low calf:female ratios of <25:100, we conducted a 4‐year study from 2009–2012 to identify reasons for poor recruitment and evaluated the role of predation and nutrition in limiting productivity. We captured and fixed ear‐tag radio transmitters to 245 elk calves (126 males, 119 females) to determine cause‐specific mortality and estimate calf survival. During the second half of our study, we implemented a new spring black bear (Ursus americanus) season resulting in higher spring black bear harvest and evaluated response in calf survival. We also quantified herd‐wide nutritional condition and productivity. We estimated percent ingesta‐free body fat (IFBF) and pregnancy rates by sampling 1,808 hunter‐harvested female elk from autumn through winter. The primary cause of summer mortality for calves across all years was black bear predation. Estimates for annual calf survival were greater when spring black bear harvest was moderate to high (0.44–0.47) compared to periods with lower bear harvest (0.33–0.35). For every additional bear harvested in spring, radio‐tagged elk calves were 2.4% more likely to survive the summer. Across years and age classes 82 ± 1% (SE) of females were pregnant. Pregnancy rate was greatest for prime‐aged (2–14 yr) females (88 ± 1%). Our herd‐wide estimate of IFBF for prime‐aged adult female elk was 11.9 ± 0.19% but varied by pregnancy and lactation status. Our results that black bear predation was the primary cause of summer calf mortality and that adult females were in adequate nutritional condition suggested that black bear predation was limiting population productivity. Additionally, calf survival was higher in drought years, the same years when targeted spring black bear harvest was implemented. Our results demonstrated that productivity could be increased by implementing a spring black bear harvest strategy targeted around calving areas and could be applied in other areas experiencing low elk calf survival. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Generating High‐Charge Optical Vortices Directly from Laser Up to 288th Order
Authors: Qiao Zhen , Xie Guoqiang , Wu Yuhang , Yuan Peng , Ma Jingui , Qian Liejia , Fan Dianyuan
Published: June 2018

High‐charge optical vortices, every photon of which carries an orbital angular momentum with a large quantum number, are ideal sources for testing macroscopic quantum entanglements. Also, they show great potential in angular remote sensing and precise spatial measurements. The optical vortices generated directly from laser, which are eigensolutions of laser cavity equation (Helmholtz equation), are naturally of ideal quality. So far, many attempts have been made to generate optical vortices directly from lasers, but the topological charge remains low (<10th order). Here, the generation of optical vortices with high topological charge directly from laser is reported. By laser inscribing round patterns on the surface of the cavity mirror, optical vortices with topological charges up to the 288th order are generated. A theoretical design criterion is proposed for generating arbitrary‐charge optical vortices directly from laser, and even generation of over the 1000th‐order vortex is feasible with this method. It is also experimentally demonstrated that the generated vortices from the laser are transmission stable and have a significant advantage over the vortices generated by phase elements. This work may open up application prospects of optical vortices in quantum optics and precise metrology.
Strontium‐Substituted Hydroxyapatite‐Gelatin Biomimetic Scaffolds Modulate Bone Cell Response
Authors: Panzavolta Silvia , Torricelli Paola , Casolari Sonia , Parrilli Annapaola , Fini Milena , Bigi Adriana
Published: June 2018

Strontium has a beneficial role on bone remodeling and is proposed for the treatment of pathologies associated to excessive bone resorption, such as osteoporosis. Herein, the possibility to utilize a biomimetic scaffold as strontium delivery system is explored. Porous 3D gelatin scaffolds containing about 30% of strontium substituted hydroxyapatite (SrHA) or pure hydroxyapatite (HA) are prepared by freeze‐drying. The scaffolds display a very high open porosity, with an interconnectivity of 100%. Reinforcement with further amount of gelatin provokes a modest decrease of the average pore size, without reducing interconnectivity. Moreover, reinforced scaffolds display reduced water uptake ability and increased values of mechanical parameters when compared to as‐prepared scaffolds. Strontium displays a sustained release in phosphate buffered saline: the quantities released after 14 d from as‐prepared and reinforced scaffolds are just 14 and 18% of the initial content, respectively. Coculture of osteoblasts and osteoclasts shows that SrHA‐containing scaffolds promote osteoblast viability and activity when compared to HA‐containing scaffolds. On the other hand, osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast differentiation are significantly inhibited on SrHA‐containing scaffolds, suggesting that these systems could be usefully applied for local delivery of strontium in loci characterized by excessive bone resorption.
Multiswitching dual combination synchronization of time‐delay chaotic systems
Authors: Khan Ayub , Budhraja Mridula , Ibraheem Aysha
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a novel synchronization scheme of multiswitching dual combination synchronization which is first of its kind. Multiswitching dual combination synchronization is achieved for 6 time‐delay chaotic systems. Asymptotically stable synchronization states are established by nonlinear control method and Lyapunov Krasovskii functional. To elaborate the proposed scheme, an example of time‐delay Rossler, Chen, and Shimizu Morioka systems is considered, where time‐delay Rossler system and Chen system are considered as drive systems and time‐delay Shimizu Morioka system is considered as response system. Theoretical analysis and computational results are in excellent agreement.
The development of interest groups in the Balkans: Background and contemporary characteristics
Authors: Fink‐Hafner Danica , Thomas Clive S.
Published: June 2018

Understanding the political development of the Balkans can be challenging even for historians and social scientists. This is particularly the case with the region's past and present interest group systems as virtually no research is available on the subject. With this in mind, this article provides basic background on the region and its fledgling interest group system as a foundation for approaching the analysis in the 7 country articles that follow. The topics considered include an overview of the common elements of the 7 group systems and their differences, developments that shaped these systems, and an initial look at the role of interest groups in consolidating the region's pluralist political systems.
Fetal MRI in management of complicated meconium ileus: Prenatal and surgical imaging
Authors: Gunderman Peter F.R. , Shea Lindsey A.G. , Gray Brian W. , Brown Brandon P.
Published: June 2018

Objective

To review fetal MRI cases surgically proven to have meconium ileus (MI) and obstruction, describe the common fetal MRI findings that distinguish cases of complicated MI, and to compare these findings with surgical images and perinatal outcomes.

Method

We performed a retrospective review of all fetal MRI examinations and the corresponding medical record from our tertiary care children's hospital over an 18‐month period. Postnatal management and outcomes were reviewed for these patients, and those patients with surgical or postmortem diagnosis of complicated MI were included in the study.

Results

Our analysis revealed 7 cases. In this cohort, 3 imaging features of the fetal bowel were repeatedly seen: gradient appearance of intraluminal bowel contents, abnormally localized meconium signal, and collapsed appearance of the colon on MRI. Surgical diagnoses confirmed MI. All live‐born infants underwent surgical repair.

Conclusion

Fetal MRI should be included in the diagnostic algorithm of any pregnancy where fetal bowel obstruction is suspected to better risk stratify patients.
Physical activity and sedentary behaviour of adults with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Kennerly Ann‐Marie , Kirk Alison
Published: June 2018

Regular physical activity and low levels of prolonged sedentary behaviour are important lifestyle recommendations for the management of type 2 diabetes. This systematic review collates and summarises published research reporting on physical activity and sedentary behaviour of adults with type 2 diabetes.

Systematic searches with three databases were conducted (Medline; PubMed; SportDiscus). Intervention studies were excluded. Studies were eligible if they: (i) were published in English; (ii) were published between 1997 and January 2017; and (iii) objectively and/or subjectively measured physical activity and/or sedentary behaviour in adults with type 2 diabetes. Two reviewers independently cross‐checked studies, conducted a quality assessment and extracted data. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a narrative synthesis.

The search identified 349 studies; 29 eligible studies were included. All studies measured physical activity and 15 studies measured sedentary behaviour. Twenty studies used subjective methods, six used objective methods and three used both subjective and objective methods. Most studies report low levels of physical activity and high levels of sedentary behaviour in adults with type 2 diabetes and note adults with type 2 diabetes to be less active and more sedentary than those without type 2 diabetes.

Regardless of measurement method or study location, adults with type 2 diabetes report low levels of physical activity and high levels of sedentary behaviour and are less active and more sedentary than those without type 2 diabetes. There is a need for large‐scale interventions which support active lifestyles to be implemented into diabetes care. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons.
Cationic Polyelectrolyte Mediated Synthesis of MnO2‐Based Core–Shell Structures as Activatable MRI Theranostic Platform for Tumor Cell Ablation
Authors: Fu Dongdong , Ding Xianguang , Wu Jian , Li Chunyan , Wang Qiangbin , Jiang Jiang
Published: June 2018

Improving nanomaterial imaging contrast is critical for disease diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Designing activatable imaging agents has the extra benefit of improving signal‐to‐background ratios, as well as reporting local environmental cues. MnO2, sensitive to local pH and redox state, is used to modulate the tumor microenvironment and can serve as a potential activatable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agent. However, the intrinsic 2D form may limit their applications in nanomedicine. Here, a novel facile aqueous route to synthesize MnO2 nanoshells on various core nanomaterials, regardless of their chemical nature and morphology, is reported. Cationic polyelectrolyte is discovered to be the key to obtain a universal method of coatingMnO2 on nanomaterials. Taking Cu2−xSe@MnO2 as an example, a remarkable three times enhanced T1‐MRI contrast in a tumor reducing environment is demonstrated. Combined with large optical absorbance of inner Cu2−xSe cores, they can be applied for efficient redox‐activated MRI‐guided photothermal therapy in the NIR‐II window in vitro and in vivo.
Bipolar disorder, lithium, and the task ahead
Authors: Price Lawrence H.
Published: June 2018

Our lead article this month covers a study by Lähteenvuo et al. that addresses a topic that should be of interest to all of our readers: what is the real‐world effectiveness of different drug treatments for bipolar disorder? This paper would be important at any time, but its appearance at this moment seems particularly fortuitous, in light of a recent opinion piece by Post in the Journal of the American Medical Association, one of the most influential journals in medicine. In his piece, Post draws an analogy to cancer in formulating his plea for a more aggressive approach to the management of bipolar disorder in order to prevent its “malignant transformation.”
Outlier detection for multivariate categorical data
Authors: Puig Xavier , Ginebra Josep
Published: June 2018

The detection of outlying rows in a contingency table is tackled from a Bayesian perspective, by adapting the framework adopted by Box and Tiao for normal models to multinomial models with random effects. The solution assumes a 2–component mixture model of 2 multinomial continuous mixtures for them, one for the nonoutlier rows and the second one for the outlier rows. The method starts by estimating the distributional characteristics of nonoutlier rows, and then it does cluster analysis to identify which rows belong to the outlier group and which do not. The method applies to any type of contingency table, and in particular, it could be used on the analysis of multivariate categorical control charts. Here, the use of the method is illustrated through a simulated example and by applying it to help identify heterogeneities of style among the acts in the plays of the First Folio edition of Shakespeare drama.
Case study of testing heavy‐particle concentrator‐aided remediation of lead‐contaminated rifle shooting range soil
Authors: Thangavadivel Kandasamy , Ranganathan Srinivasan , Sanderson Peter , Chadalavada Sreenivasulu , Naidu Ravi , Bowman Mark
Published: June 2018

Trials were conducted to optimize the parameters of a heavy‐particle concentrator (HPC) for the remediation of soil stockpiles contaminated by metallic lead at the Mount Stuart training area in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. A range of treatment methods, including orbital screen, HPC, and a combination of orbital screen and HPC were evaluated. The treatment efficiency, as well as reductions in Pb and Australian Standard Teaching Procedure values, was ranked: Orbital screen + HPC < HPC < 2nd run through HPC. The combination of orbital screening, HPC, and phosphate‐aided immobilization completely remediated the stockpiled material by reducing total lead to below the Australian National Environmental Protection Measure Health Investigation Level for Soil Contaminant (Recreational; < 600 milligrams lead per kilogram). The optimized parameters of HPC at 4 tonnes per hour of the < 40 millimeter (mm) orbital screen feed fraction were: inclination angle 4°, trommel speed 1,860 revolutions per minute (rpm), HPC belt speed 3.5 rpm, material distribution chute extension 100 mm and water flow 480 liters per minute.
Open innovation, information, and entrepreneurship within platform ecosystems
Authors: Eckhardt Jonathan T. , Ciuchta Michael P. , Carpenter Mason
Published: June 2018

Research Summary

Companies sponsor platform ecosystems as an open innovation strategy to encourage complementors to develop complementary products, services, or technologies that can add value to the platform ecosystem. In this study, we develop and test an information‐based theory of entrepreneurial activity within platform ecosystems. We postulate that ecosystems produce different types of information—a subset of which will foster entrepreneurship in the form of the commercialization of complementary products that were previously released for free. Our results indicate that product‐specific information is associated with commercialization, but we fail to detect a relationship between market information and subsequent commercialization activity.

Managerial Summary

The digital economy has led to a proliferation of platform ecosystems that harness external innovation. These ecosystems rely on complementors who enhance the value of platforms by creating complementary technologies. Hence, complementors' commercial viability is important. One such type of ecosystem is an app store, which enables complementors to introduce software that improves the platform product. App stores exist for a variety of software platforms, ranging from mobile phone operating systems (iOS and Android) to electronic medical record systems (Epic and Cerner). In this research, we find that complementors who introduce a free version of a mobile app are more likely to commercialize their app in response to specific types of information and platform designers should manage information in their platforms to foster platform viability.
Synthesis and Characterization of Inulin Derivatives Bearing Urea Groups with Promising Antifungal Activity
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Tan Wenqiang , Mi Yingqi , Luan Fang , Wei Lijie , Li Qing , Dong Fang , Guo Zhanyong
Published: June 2018

The toxicity concerns associated with chemical fungicides currently on the market have resulted in an increased demand for alternative ecofriendly fungicides. As a biodegradable and biocompatible dietary fiber, inulin shows potential as such a compound, given its lack of toxicity. In the current study, seven novel inulin derivatives with promising antifungal activity (BUCAIL, 2CBUCAIL, 3CBUCAIL, 4CBUCAIL, 3,4CBUCAIL, 2FBUCAIL, and 2BBUCAIL) are synthesized via condensation reactions of chloroacetyl inulin (CAIL) with urea groups bearing 4‐amino‐pyridine. Their structures are confirmed using FT‐IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and elemental analysis. Their antifungal activity against three kinds of phytopathogen (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum, Phomopsis asparagus, and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumebrium Owen) is evaluated using the mycelial growth rate in vitro at concentrations of 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.0 mg mL−1. Results reveal that all seven inulin derivatives show improved antifungal properties compared with unmodified inulin, and two obvious inhibition rules are found: 3,4CBUCAIL > 4CBUCAIL > 3CBUCAIL > 2CBUCAIL > BUCAIL > CAIL > inulin and 2FBUCAIL > 2CBUCAIL > 2BBUCAIL > BUCAIL > CAIL > inulin. Thus, the introduction of urea groups into inulin derivatives could be key to increasing the antifungal activity of such compounds.
Mechanistic Insight on the Activity and Substrate Selectivity of Nonheme Iron Dioxygenases
Authors: de Visser Sam P.
Published: June 2018

Nonheme iron dioxygenases catalyze vital reactions for human health particularly related to aging processes. They are involved in the biosynthesis of amino acids, but also the biodegradation of toxic compounds. Typically they react with their substrate(s) through oxygen atom transfer, although often with the assistance of a co‐substrate like α‐ketoglutarate that is converted to succinate and CO2. Many reaction processes catalyzed by the nonheme iron dioxygenases are stereoselective or regiospecific and hence understanding the mechanism and protein involvement in the selectivity is important for the design of biotechnological applications of these enzymes. To this end, I will review recent work of our group on nonheme iron dioxygenases and include background information on their general structure and catalytic cycle. Examples of stereoselective and regiospecific reaction mechanisms we elucidated are for the AlkB repair enzyme, prolyl‐4‐hydroxylase and the ergothioneine biosynthesis enzyme. Finally, I cover an example where we bioengineered S‐p‐hydroxymandelate synthase into the R‐p‐hydroxymandelate synthase.
Analysis and elimination of circulating current caused by dead time for a grid‐connected inverter parallel system
Authors: Song Chunwei , Zeng Zheng
Published: June 2018

In this paper, the circulating current caused by dead time is discussed for a grid‐connected inverter parallel system (GIPS) with common/isolated DC link. When the dead times for parallel units are different, the instantaneous output pulse width modulation (PWM) voltages cannot be synchronous, generating a circulating current. According to the operating modes, the trend of variation of the circulating current is revealed in one sampling period. In order to eliminate the circulating current caused by the dead time, dead‐time elimination sinusoidal pulse‐width modulation (SPWM) is applied to GIPS. The dead‐time elimination PWM generator is integrated into the field‐programmable gate array (FPGA). Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the validity and features of the proposed dead‐time elimination SPWM. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.