bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitat constraints on carotenoid‐based coloration in a small euryhaline teleost
Authors: Cavraro Francesco , Gheno Giulia , Ganzerla Renzo , Zucchetta Matteo , Franzoi Piero , Malavasi Stefano
Published: April 2018

Display of bright and striking color patterns is a widespread way of communication in many animal species. Carotenoid‐based coloration accounts for most of the bright yellow, orange, and red displays in invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds, being widely considered a signal of individual health. This type of coloration is under the influence of several factors, such as sexual selection, predator pressure, pigment availability, and light transmission. Fish offer numerous examples of visual communication by means of color patterns. We used a small cyprinodontid fish, Aphanius fasciatus (Valenciennes, 1821), as a model species to assess habitat constraints on the color display in male caudal fin. Populations from natural and open/closed artificial habitats were tested for differences in the pigmentation of caudal fins. The most important factors explaining the intensity of coloration were the habitat type and the chlorophyll concentration in the sediment, followed by water turbidity; yellow fins were observed in natural habitats with low chlorophyll concentration and high water turbidity, while orange fins occurred in artificial habitats with high chlorophyll concentration and low turbidity. Furthermore, A. fasciatus in artificial habitats showed a higher somatic and a lower reproductive allotment with respect to natural habitats, according to the existing literature on the species. Furthermore, in closed artificial habitats, where the most intense reddish coloration of caudal fins was observed, a trade‐off between somatic growth and the coloration intensity of a carotenoid‐based sexual ornament has been observed; in these populations, intensity of caudal fin coloration was negatively related to the somatic allotment. Results of this study suggested how both the pigmentation of male's caudal fin and the life history strategies of the species are constrained by habitat characteristics.
Adaptive phenotypic plasticity in a clonal invader
Authors: Verhaegen Gerlien , McElroy Kyle E. , Bankers Laura , Neiman Maurine , Haase Martin
Published: April 2018

Organisms featuring wide trait variability and occurring in a wide range of habitats, such as the ovoviviparous New Zealand freshwater snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum, are ideal models to study adaptation. Since the mid‐19th century, P. antipodarum, characterized by extremely variable shell morphology, has successfully invaded aquatic areas on four continents. Because these obligately and wholly asexual invasive populations harbor low genetic diversity compared to mixed sexual/asexual populations in the native range, we hypothesized that (1) this phenotypic variation in the invasive range might be adaptive with respect to colonization of novel habitats, and (2) that at least some of the variation might be caused by phenotypic plasticity. We surveyed 425 snails from 21 localities across northwest Europe to attempt to disentangle genetic and environmental effects on shell morphology. We analyzed brood size as proxy for fitness and shell geometric morphometrics, while controlling for genetic background. Our survey revealed 10 SNP genotypes nested into two mtDNA haplotypes and indicated that mainly lineage drove variation in shell shape but not size. Physicochemical parameters affected both shell shape and size and the interaction of these traits with brood size. In particular, stronger stream flow rates were associated with larger shells. Our measurements of brood size suggested that relatively larger slender snails with relatively large apertures were better adapted to strong flow than counterparts with broader shells and relatively small apertures. In conclusion, the apparent potential to modify shell morphology plays likely a key role in the invasive success of P. antipodarum; the two main components of shell morphology, namely shape and size, being differentially controlled, the former mainly genetically and the latter predominantly by phenotypic plasticity.
Noninvasive wearable sensor for indirect glucometry
Authors: Zilberstein Gleb , Zilberstein Roman , Maor Uriel , Righetti Pier Giorgio
Published: April 2018

A noninvasive mini‐sensor for blood glucose concentration assessment has been developed. The monitoring is performed by gently pressing a wrist or fingertip onto the chemochromic mixture coating a thin glass or polymer film positioned on the back panel of a smart watch with PPG/HRM (photoplethysmographic/heart rate monitoring sensor). The various chemochromic components measure the absolute values of the following metabolites present in the sweat: acetone, acetone beta‐hydroxybutirate, aceto acetate, water, carbon dioxide, lactate anion, pyruvic acid, Na and K salts. Taken together, all these parameters give information about blood glucose concentration, calculated via multivariate analysis based on neural network algorithms built into the sensor. The Clarke Error Grid shows an excellent correlation between data measured by the standard invasive glucose analyser and the present noninvasive sensor, with all points aligned along a 45‐degree diagonal and contained almost exclusively in sector A. Graphs measuring glucose levels five times a day (prior, during and after breakfast and prior, during and after lunch), for different individuals (males and females) show a good correlation between the two curves of conventional, invasive meters vs. the noninvasive sensor, with an error of ±15%. This novel, noninvasive sensor for indirect glucometry is fully miniaturized, easy to use and operate and could represent a valid alternative in clinical settings and for individual, personal users, to current, invasive tools.
Graphene particles supported on silica as sorbent for residue analysis of tetracyclines in milk employing microextraction by packed sorbent
Authors: Vasconcelos Soares Maciel Edvaldo , Henrique Fumes Bruno , Lúcia de Toffoli Ana , Mauro Lanças Fernando
Published: April 2018

This paper describes the use of graphene‐based sorbents for determination of four tetracyclines in milk. The synthesized materials were combined with microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) to act as the sample preparation step. The extraction performance of these sorbents was compared to commercial phases, and graphene supported on silica provided the best results. The analytical method optimization was carried out by employing experimental design. Firstly, an evaluation of the experimental variables (elution solvent, use of EDTA, ionic force, and pH of the washing solution) was made by a 24‐1 factorial experimental design. The variables sampling, washing and elution cycles of MEPS were further optimized under a full 23 experimental design. The validation parameters were determined under optimized conditions resulting in a linearity ranging from 15 to 110 μg/L with R2 values above 0.98, and LOQs ranging from 0.05 to 0.9 μg/L. The accuracy ranged from 87.9 to 118.4% and intra/inter‐day precision reported by the RSDs were lower than 19%. The proposed and validated method was successfully applied to the analysis of 11 milk samples from different animals, revealing traces of tetracyclines in only two of them. This study focused on the evaluation of graphene‐based sorbents combined with MEPS for tetracycline analysis provided equivalent or even better results than other proposed methods, suggesting being a sensitive, fast and reliable alternative method for the determination of tetracyclines in milk samples.
Bioavailability and dosing strategies of mineral in anaerobic mono‐digestion of maize straw
Authors: González‐Suárez Aimee , Pereda‐Reyes Ileana , Oliva‐Merencio Deny , Suárez‐Quiñones Teresa , José da Silva Ariovaldo , Zaiat Marcelo
Published: April 2018

The influence of the bonding form distribution of Fe, Ni, Co and Mn and their potential bioavailability during the anaerobic degradation of maize straw was investigated. Two reactors were operated over 117 days at 37°C and different dosage strategies of mineral were studied in reactor (R2). Control reactor (R1) was metal‐limited over time. mineral supplementation (1 g L−1) once a week reported the highest methane yield (257 mL g−1 VS) with 30% of increment. Ni and Co predominated in their oxidizable bonding forms and Fe mainly existed as residual and oxidizable fractions. The potential bioavailability (Mn ˃˃ Co ≈ Ni ˃ Fe) of R2 was higher comparing to R1. Metal deprivation in R1 led to depletion of both sequential extraction fractions and total metal concentrations until the end of the process. This study confirmed that the dosage strategy of mineral has a stimulatory effect on methane production from crop maize waste.
Effectiveness of emotional skills training for patients with anorexia nervosa with autistic symptoms in group and individual format
Authors: Adamson James , Leppanen Jenni , Murin Marianna , Tchanturia Kate
Published: April 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of CREST interventions in individual and group formats for adult anorexia nervosa. Furthermore, this study also aims to analyse whether patients with high levels of autistic symptoms respond differently.

Methods

Participants' self‐report measures were taken before and after individual and group interventions (N = 66 and N = 62, respectively). Mixed effects analysis was used to analyse overall response to both formats and assess interaction with autism symptoms.

Results

Significant improvements were observed for patients' alexithymia in individual format, and motivation increased for participants in both interventions. Significant interactions were observed between alexithymia, social anhedonia, and autism symptoms in individual format and alexithymia in group format. No interactions between autism and time were observed for either format.

Conclusions

CREST in both formats offers participants improvements in social–emotional and motivational domains. Patients with high levels of autism symptoms also score high on both social anhedonia and alexithymia measures, but this does not affect their response to treatment.
Sediment and nutrient storage in a beaver engineered wetland
Authors: Puttock Alan , Graham Hugh A. , Carless Donna , Brazier Richard E.
Published: April 2018

Beavers, primarily through the building of dams, can deliver significant geomorphic modifications and result in changes to nutrient and sediment fluxes. Research is required to understand the implications and possible benefits of widespread beaver reintroduction across Europe. This study surveyed sediment depth, extent and carbon/nitrogen content in a sequence of beaver pond and dam structures in South West England, where a pair of Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) were introduced to a controlled 1.8 ha site in 2011. Results showed that the 13 beaver ponds subsequently created hold a total of 101.53 ± 16.24 t of sediment, equating to a normalised average of 71.40 ± 39.65 kg m2. The ponds also hold 15.90 ± 2.50 t of carbon and 0.91 ± 0.15 t of nitrogen within the accumulated pond sediment.

The size of beaver pond appeared to be the main control over sediment storage, with larger ponds holding a greater mass of sediment per unit area. Furthermore, position within the site appeared to play a role with the upper‐middle ponds, nearest to the intensively‐farmed headwaters of the catchment, holding a greater amount of sediment. Carbon and nitrogen concentrations in ponds showed no clear trends, but were significantly higher than in stream bed sediment upstream of the site.

We estimate that >70% of sediment in the ponds is sourced from the intensively managed grassland catchment upstream, with the remainder from in situ redistribution by beaver activity. While further research is required into the long‐term storage and nutrient cycling within beaver ponds, results indicate that beaver ponds may help to mitigate the negative off‐site impacts of accelerated soil erosion and diffuse pollution from agriculturally dominated landscapes such as the intensively managed grassland in this study. © 2018 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Nanoecotoxicity assessment of graphene oxide and its relationship with humic acid
Authors: Castro Vera L. , Clemente Zaira , Jonsson Claudio , Silva Mariana , Vallim José Henrique , de Medeiros Aline Maria Zigiotto , Martinez Diego Stéfani T.
Published: April 2018

The risk assessment of nanomaterials is essential for regulatory purposes and for sustainable nanotechnological development. Although the application of graphene oxide has been widely exploited, its environmental risk is not well understood because several environmental conditions can affect its behavior and toxicity. In the present study, the graphene oxide effect from aquatic ecosystems was assessed considering the interaction with humic acid on 9 organisms: Raphidocelis subcapitata (green algae), Lemna minor (aquatic plant), Lactuca sativa (lettuce), Daphnia magna (planktonic microcrustacean), Artemia salina (brine shrimp), Chironomus sancticaroli (Chironomidae), Hydra attenuata (freshwater polyp), and Caenorhabditis elegans and Panagrolaimus sp. (nematodes). The no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC) was calculated for each organism. The different criteria used to calculate NOEC values were transformed and plotted as a log-logistic function. The hypothetical 5 to 50% hazardous concentration values were, respectively, 0.023 (0.005–0.056) and 0.10 (0.031–0.31) mg L−1 for graphene oxide with and without humic acid, respectively. The safest scenario associated with the predicted no-effect concentration values for graphene oxide in the aquatic compartment were estimated as 20 to 100 μg L−1 (in the absence of humic acid) and 5 to 23 μg L−1 (in the presence of humic acid). Finally, the present approach contributed to the risk assessment of graphene oxide–based nanomaterials and the establishment of nano-regulations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1998–2012. © 2018 SETAC

Abstract

Graphene oxide no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC) was calculated for aquatic organisms. The predicted no-effect concentration values for graphene oxide were estimated as 20 to 100 mg L−1 (in the absence of humic acid) and 5 to 23 mg L−1 (in the presence of humic acid).
Life-history correlations change under coinfection leading to higher pathogen load
Authors: Laine Anna-Liisa , Mäkinen Hannu
Published: April 2018

The ability of a parasite strain to establish and grow on its host may be drastically altered by simultaneous infection by other parasite strains. However, we still lack an understanding of how life-history allocations may change under coinfection, although life-history correlations are a critical mechanism restricting the evolutionary potential and epidemiological dynamics of pathogens. Here, we study how life-history stages and their correlations change in the obligate fungal pathogen Podosphaera plantaginis under single infection and coinfection scenarios. We find increased pathogen loads under coinfection, but this is not explained by an enhanced performance at any of the life-history stages that constitute infections. Instead, we show that under coinfection the correlation between timing of sporulation and final pathogen load becomes positive. The changes in pathogen life-history allocations leading to more severe infections under coinfection can have far-reaching epidemiological consequences, as well as implication for our understanding of the evolution of virulence.
Safety assessment ofPlukenetia volubilis(Inca peanut) seeds, leaves, and their products
Authors: Srichamnong Warangkana , Ting Pisamai , Pitchakarn Pornsiri , Nuchuchua Onanong , Temviriyanukul Piya
Published: April 2018

Plukenetia volubilisor Inca peanut is a promising plant with high economic value. Its seeds can be pressed for oil production or roasted and served as a snack, while the dried leaves can be used to make a kind of tea. Although the oil from the cold‐pressed seeds has been proven to be safe for human consumption, little information is known about the other parts of the plant regarding safety. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the naturally occurring phytotoxins, including saponins, total alkaloids, and lectins in fresh and roasted Inca peanut seeds and leaves. In addition, cytotoxicity on several normal cell types including human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, human embryonic kidney cells, human hepatic stellate cells, and mouse fibroblasts as well asin vivomutagenic properties was studied. This study showed that fresh Inca peanut seeds and leaves contain saponins, alkaloids, and lectins. However, roasting enables the reduction in alkaloids, saponins, and possibly lectins, suggesting that these phytotoxins become unstable under heat. Furthermore, Inca peanut seeds and leaves, especially after roasting, are safe to a variety of normal cell lines and do not induceDNAmutations inDrosophilaexpressing high biotransformation system. In conclusion, the data in this study indicated that high and chronic consumption of fresh seeds and leaves should be avoided. Heat processing should be applied before the consumption of Inca peanut seeds and leaves in order to reduce phytotoxins and potential health risks.
Study of the flood control scheduling scheme for the Three Gorges Reservoir in a catastrophic flood
Authors: Zhang Shanghong , Jing Zhu , Li Wenda , Yi Yujun , Zhao Yong
Published: April 2018

The Three Gorges Project is the world's largest water conservancy project. According to the design standards for the 1,000‐year flood, flood diversion areas in the Jingjiang reach of the Yangtze River must be utilized to ensure the safety of the Jingjiang area and the city of Wuhan. However, once these areas are used, the economic and life loss in these areas may be very great. Therefore, it is vital to reduce this loss by developing a scheme that reduces the use of the flood diversion areas through flood regulation by the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), under the premise of ensuring the safety of the Three Gorges Dam. For a 1,000‐year flood on the basis of a highly destructive flood in 1954, this paper evaluates scheduling schemes in which flood diversion areas are or are not used. The schemes are simulated based on 2.5‐m resolution reservoir topography and an optimized model of dynamic capacity flood regulation. The simulation results show the following. (a) In accord with the normal flood‐control regulation discharge, the maximum water level above the dam should be not more than 175 m, which ensures the safety of the dam and reservoir area. However, it is necessary to utilize the flood diversion areas within the Jingjiang area, and flood discharge can reach 2.81 billion m3. (b) In the case of relying on the TGR to impound floodwaters independently rather than using the flood diversion areas, the maximum water level above the dam reaches 177.35 m, which is less than the flood check level of 180.4 m to ensure the safety of the Three Gorges Dam. The average increase of the TGR water level in the Chongqing area is not more than 0.11 m, which indicates no significant effect on the upstream reservoir area. Comparing the various scheduling schemes, when the flood diversion areas are not used, it is believed that the TGR can execute safe flood control for a 1,000‐year flood, thereby greatly reducing flood damage.
Tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking at diagnosis of head and neck cancer and all‐cause mortality: Results from head and neck 5000, a prospective observational cohort of people with head and neck cancer
Authors: Beynon Rhona A. , Lang Samantha , Schimansky Sarah , Penfold Christopher M. , Waylen Andrea , Thomas Steven J. , Pawlita Michael , Waterboer Tim , Martin Richard M. , May Margaret , Ness Andy R.
Published: April 2018

Tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption are well‐established risk factors for head and neck cancer. The prognostic role of smoking and alcohol intake at diagnosis have been less well studied. We analysed 1,393 people prospectively enrolled into the Head and Neck 5000 study (oral cavity cancer, n=403; oropharyngeal cancer, n=660; laryngeal cancer, n=330) and followed up for a median of 3.5 years. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. We used Cox proportional hazard models to derive minimally adjusted (age and gender) and fully adjusted (age, gender, ethnicity, stage, comorbidity, body mass index, HPV status, treatment, education, deprivation index, income, marital status, and either smoking or alcohol use) mortality hazard ratios (HR) for the effects of smoking status and alcohol intake at diagnosis. Models were stratified by cancer site, stage and HPV status. The fully‐adjusted HR for current versus never‐smokers was 1.7 overall (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1, 2.6). In stratified analyses, associations of smoking with mortality were observed for oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancers (fully adjusted HRs for current smokers: 1.8 (95% CI=0.9, 3.40 and 2.3 (95% CI=0.8, 6.4)). We found no evidence that people who drank hazardous to harmful amounts of alcohol at diagnosis had a higher mortality risk compared to non‐drinkers (HR=1.2 (95% CI=0.9, 1.6)). There was no strong evidence that HPV status or tumour stage modified the association of smoking with survival. Smoking status at the time of a head and neck cancer diagnosis influenced all‐cause mortality in models adjusted for important prognostic factors.
Performance of Greedy Forwarding in Geographic Routing for the Internet of Drones
Authors: Vieira Luiz Filipe M. , Cunha André V. dos S.
Published: April 2018

Many wireless 3D networks exist today, including underwater sensor networks and aerial vehicles networks. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have the capacity to fly without human intervention. Multiple UAVs can communicate among themselves and form the Internet of Drones (an Aerial Vehicle Network). The Internet of Drones may enable various applications, from commercial to military. One possible routing protocol that would enable network formation is the Geographic Routing. Geographic Routing is a stateless protocol that enables routing in 3D networks. This paper investigates the problem of using geographic routing for the Internet of Drones, including 3D networks. We derive the analytical performance of greedy forwarding geographical routing in the Internet of Drones.
Effects of the Good Behavior Game on student and teacher behavior in an alternative school
Authors: Rubow Christopher C. , Vollmer Timothy R. , Joslyn P. Raymond
Published: April 2018

The Good Behavior Game (GBG) is a classroom behavior management procedure that has been shown to be effective in reducing disruptive behavior across many settings and populations (Flower, McKenna, Bunuan, Muething, & Vega, 2014). We investigated the effects of the GBG on student and teacher behavior in two classrooms containing fourth‐ to eighth‐grade students in an alternative school for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Results indicated the GBG reduced disruption and increased the teacher's use of praise relative to reprimands. Social validity measures, collected from both teachers and students, indicated strong approval of the GBG.
Synthesis of carboxyl‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for adsorption of malachite green from water: Kinetics and thermodynamics studies
Authors: Mohammadi Galangash Mohsen , Mohaghegh Montazeri Mojgan , Ghavidast Atefeh , Shirzad‐Siboni Mehdi
Published: April 2018

Magnetic carboxyl‐coated silica iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2‐COOH NPs) were successfully synthesized, characterized, and then applied as a nano‐adsorbent for removal of malachite green (MG) from aqueous solutions. According to the experimental results, about 97.5% of MG could be removed from aqueous solutions using an adsorbent amount of 0.5 g/L at pH = 9 in 120 min. The kinetics and equilibrium adsorptions is well‐described by the pseudo‐second‐order kinetics and Langmuir model with the maximum absorption capacity of 263.16 mg/g, respectively. Thermodynamic studies showed that the adsorption of the hazardous MG dye was spontaneous and endothermic with a random process.
Esophageal tuberculosis: Uncommon of common
Authors: Dahale Amol S , Kumar Ajay , Srivastava Siddharth , Varakanahalli Shivakumar , Sachdeva Sanjeev , Puri Amarender S
Published: April 2018

Background and Aim

Esophageal involvement in tuberculosis (TB) is rare and is usually secondary. Data on esophageal TB are scarce. We aimed to analyze clinical and endoscopic features and outcomes of treatment in esophageal TB.

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients with esophageal TB from January 2014 to December 2016 at GB Pant Hospital. Well‐defined granuloma with or without caseation and/or acid‐fast bacilli on staining either from esophageal biopsy or the adjacent mediastinal lymph node fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) specimen, along with clinical features and response to antitubercular therapy (ATT), were collectively considered to diagnose definite TB. Treatment received and response to therapy were documented and analyzed.

Results

A total of 19 patients had definite esophageal TB, and the median age of patients was 39 years (14–65 years) and 10 (52.6%) patients were female. The most common presenting symptom was dysphagia (n = 16, 84%) followed by odynophagia (n = 8, 42%). On endoscopy, the mid‐esophagus was the most common site of involvement, and findings included ulcers (n = 17), elevated lesions (n = 9), and fistulae (n = 4) in patients. The mediastinal lymphadenopathy was present in all patients, with parenchymal lesions seen in three patients. The endoscopic mucosal biopsies were diagnostic in 11 patients, and in the remaining 8 patients, endoscopic ultrasound‐guided FNAC from the mediastinal lymph nodes was diagnostic. A total of 18 patients completely responded to ATT, and 1 patient had partial response with persistent fistulae requiring additional treatment.

Conclusion

Esophagus involvement is rare in TB; endoscopic mucosal biopsy and EUS‐guided FNAC is diagnostic, and the response to ATT is excellent.
Cytokine‐induced interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist protein expression in genetically engineered equine mesenchymal stem cells for osteoarthritis treatment
Authors: Gabner Simone , Ertl Reinhard , Velde Karsten , Renner Matthias , Jenner Florien , Egerbacher Monika , Hlavaty Juraj
Published: April 2018

Background

A combination of tissue engineering methods employing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) together with gene transfer takes advantage of innovative strategies and highlights a new approach for targeting osteoarthritis (OA) and other cartilage defects. Furthermore, the development of systems allowing tunable transgene expression as regulated by natural disease‐induced substances is highly desirable.

Methods

Bone marrow‐derived equine MSCs were transduced with a lentiviral vector expressing interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra) gene under the control of an inducible nuclear factor‐kappa B‐responsive promoter and IL‐1Ra production upon pro‐inflammatory cytokine stimulation [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, interleukin (IL)‐1β] was analysed. To assess the biological activity of the IL‐1Ra protein that was produced and the therapeutic effect of IL‐1Ra‐expressing MSCs (MSC/IL‐1Ra), cytokine‐based two‐ and three‐dimensional in vitro models of osteoarthritis using equine chondrocytes were established and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was used to measure the gene expression of aggrecan, collagen IIA1, interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐8, matrix metalloproteinase‐1 and matrix metalloproteinase‐13.

Results

A dose‐dependent increase in IL‐1Ra expression was found in MSC/IL‐1Ra cells upon TNFα administration, whereas stimulation using IL‐1β did not lead to IL‐1Ra production above the basal level observed in nonstimulated cells as a result of the existing feedback loop. Repeated cycles of induction allowed on/off modulation of transgene expression. In vitro analyses revealed that IL‐1Ra protein present in the conditioned medium from MSC/IL‐1Ra cells blocks OA onset in cytokine‐treated equine chondrocytes and co‐cultivation of MSC/IL‐1Ra cells with osteoarthritic spheroids alleviates the severity of the osteoarthritic changes.

Conclusions

Thus, pro‐inflammatory cytokine induced IL‐1Ra protein expression from genetically modified MSCs might represent a promising strategy for osteoarthritis treatment.
Phosphotungstic Acid Catalyzed One Pot Synthesis of 4,8,8‐Trimethyl‐5‐phenyl‐5,5a,8,9‐tetrahydrobenzo[b] [1,8]Naphthyridin‐6(7H)‐one Derivatives and Their Biological Evaluation Against A549 Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Makhanya Talent Raymond , Gengan Robert Moonsamy , Pandian Pitchai , Chuturgoon Anil Amichund , Tiloke Charlette , Atar Atha
Published: April 2018

A facile one pot multicomponent synthesis of 1,8‐naphthyridinone derivatives was developed using a mild and reusable phosphotungstic acid catalyst. A 2‐amino picoline, benzaldehyde derivatives and 1,3‐dicarbonyl cyclohexane were used to synthesize 1,8‐naphthyridinones, which was achieved by conventional heating under solvent‐free conditions. All synthesized compounds were characterized by spectral analysis and screened for anticancer activity against A549 lung cancer cells. The results from the cell viability assay showed that the synthesized compounds do have a biological effect at various concentrations on the lung cancer cells. Compounds 4F‐p‐CF3 and 4H‐VAN showed potential as an antiproliferative agent and a dose‐dependent decline in cell viability was observed.
The effect of an active shooter response intervention on hospital employees’ response knowledge, perceived program usefulness, and perceived organizational preparedness
Authors: Landry Gail , Zimbro Kathie S. , Morgan Merri K. , Maduro Ralitsa S. , Snyder Tim , Sweeney Nancy L.
Published: April 2018

Active shooter events occur frequently across the United States in a variety of locations, including health care facilities. Hospital health care worker response to an active shooter event may mean the difference in life or death for self or others. There is little research on how hospitals prepare nonmanagers to respond to active shooter events. We conducted a study to explore differences in knowledge, perceived organizational preparedness, and program utility following participation in an active shooter response program. Self‐efficacy, personal characteristics, and professional characteristics were also explored. Program evaluation was conducted via a one‐group pretest/posttest design. There was a significant increase in knowledge and perceived organizational preparedness postintervention. Trait‐level self‐efficacy did not have a significant effect on retained knowledge and perceived organizational preparedness. The current study is the first known to evaluate the efficacy of an active shooter response program for nonmanagers within an inpatient health care facility. Findings from this study may inform risk managers on how to educate employees on what to expect and how to react should an active shooter event occur.
Wall shear stress estimation in the aorta: Impact of wall motion, spatiotemporal resolution, and phase noise
Authors: Zimmermann Judith , Demedts Daniel , Mirzaee Hanieh , Ewert Peter , Stern Heiko , Meierhofer Christian , Menze Bjoern , Hennemuth Anja
Published: April 2018

Background

Wall shear stress (WSS) presents an important parameter for assessing blood flow characteristics and evaluating flow‐mediated lesions in the aorta.

Purpose

To investigate the robustness of WSS and oscillatory shear index (OSI) estimation based on 4D flow MRI against vessel wall motion, spatiotemporal resolution, and velocity encoding (VENC).

Study Type

Simulated and prospective.

Population

Synthetic 4D flow MRI data of the aorta, simulated using the Lattice‐Boltzmann method; in vivo 4D flow MRI data of the aorta from healthy volunteers (n = 11) and patients with congenital heart defects (n = 17).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T; 4D flow MRI with PEAK‐GRAPPA acceleration and prospective electrocardiogram triggering.

Assessment

Predicated upon 3D cubic B‐splines interpolation of the image velocity field, WSS was estimated in mid‐systole, early‐diastole, and late‐diastole and OSI was derived. We assessed the impact of spatiotemporal resolution and phase noise, and compared results based on tracked—using deformable registration—and static vessel wall location.

Statistical Tests

Bland–Altman analysis to assess WSS/OSI differences; Hausdorff distance (HD) to assess wall motion; and Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC) to assess correlation of HD with WSS.

Results

Synthetic data results show systematic over‐/underestimation of WSS when different spatial resolution (mean ± 1.96 SD up to –0.24 ± 0.40 N/m2 and 0.5 ± 1.38 N/m2 for 8‐fold and 27‐fold voxel size, respectively) and VENC‐depending phase noise (mean ± 1.96 SD up to 0.31 ± 0.12 N/m2 and 0.94 ± 0.28 N/m2 for 2‐fold and 4‐fold VENC increase, respectively) are given. Neglecting wall motion when defining the vessel wall perturbs WSS estimates to a considerable extent (1.96 SD up to 1.21 N/m2) without systematic over‐/underestimation (Bland–Altman mean range –0.06 to 0.05).

Data Conclusion

In addition to sufficient spatial resolution and velocity to noise ratio, accurate tracking of the vessel wall is essential for reliable image‐based WSS estimation and should not be neglected if wall motion is present.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:718–728.
Minimally Invasive Ultrasound‐Guided Carpal Tunnel Release: Preliminary Clinical Results
Authors: Henning P. Troy , Yang Lynda , Awan Tariq , Lueders Daniel , Pourcho Adam M.
Published: April 2018

Ultrasound‐guided carpal tunnel release was performed on 14 patients (18 wrists) using dynamic expansion of the transverse safe zone. Our patient population included able‐bodied patients and those with impairments. The first 8 cases (12 wrists) underwent the procedure in an operating room, the remainder in an outpatient setting. No complications occurred, and all patients were able to immediately resume use of their hands without therapy. Improvements in the Quick Form of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Index and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire at 3 months were comparable to results reported with mini‐open and endoscopic release. Our results show that ultrasound‐guided carpal tunnel release can be safely and effectively performed in an outpatient setting.
Comparison of Urodynamics and Perineal Ultrasonography for the Diagnosis of Mixed Urinary Incontinence in Women
Authors: Hu Yang , Lou Yelin , Liao Limin , Xu Min , Zhang Heng , Yang Qing , Wu Haixiao
Published: April 2018

Objectives

This study aimed to compare urodynamic studies (UDS) and perineal ultrasonography (US) for the assessment of mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) in women in China.

Methods

Adult women with MUI and healthy control participants were enrolled from 2 centers in China (Zhejiang and Beijing) between September 2010 and April 2017. Baseline clinical characteristics were recorded. The MUI type was categorized by the King's Health Questionnaire: stress‐predominant, urge‐predominant, or equal predominance. Urodynamic studies were performed, followed within 1 week by perineal US. Tolerability of the investigations was compared by a 3‐point scale: better than, worse than, or equal to.

Results

For UDS parameters, compared with controls, the urge‐predominant MUI group had a lower maximal flow rate, smaller bladder volume, higher detrusor pressure at urethral opening, higher detrusor pressure at maximal flow, and higher incidence of detrusor overactivity; the stress‐predominant MUI group had a lower maximal urethral closure pressure and functional urethral length; and the equal MUI group had a higher detrusor pressure at maximal flow and lower maximal urethral closure pressure (P < .05). For US parameters, compared with controls, the stress‐predominant MUI group had a greater dynamic posterior urethral angle, dynamic angle of urethral inclination, descent of the bladder neck, and dynamic pubourethral distance; the urge‐predominant MUI group had a greater detrusor thickness; and the equal MUI group had a greater descent of the bladder neck (P < .05). All UDS and US parameters differed significantly between the stress‐predominant and urge‐predominant groups (P < .05). The dynamic angle of urethral inclination, descent of the bladder neck, and dynamic pubourethral distance were inversely correlated with detrusor pressure at maximal flow and functional urethral length, while detrusor wall thickness was positively correlated with detrusor pressure at maximal flow and functional urethral length. Perineal US was better tolerated than UDS.

Conclusions

Perineal US parameters show good correlations with UDS parameters. Ultrasonography is better tolerated than UDS and provides additional morphologic data. Perineal US could facilitate the diagnosis of urge‐predominant MUI.
A class of vector‐valued dilation‐and‐modulation frames on the half real line
Authors: Wang Ya‐Hui , Li Yun‐Zhang
Published: April 2018

Vector‐valued frames were first introduced under the name of superframes by Balan in the context of signal multiplexing and by Han and Larson from the mathematical aspect. Since then, the wavelet and Gabor frames in
have interested many mathematicians. The space
models vector‐valued causal signal spaces because of the time variable being nonnegative. But it admits no nontrivial shift‐invariant system and thus no wavelet or Gabor frame since
is not a group by addition (not as
). Observing that
is a group by multiplication, we, in this paper, introduce a class of multiplication‐based dilation‐and‐modulation (
) systems, and investigate the theory of
frames in
. Since
is not closed under the Fourier transform, the Fourier transform does not fit
. We introduce the notion of Θa transform in
, and using Θa‐transform matrix method, we characterize
frames, Riesz bases, and dual frames in
and obtain an explicit expression of
duals for an arbitrary given
frame. An example theorem is also presented.
Motion‐robust sub‐millimeter isotropic diffusion imaging through motion corrected generalized slice dithered enhanced resolution (MC‐gSlider) acquisition
Authors: Wang Fuyixue , Bilgic Berkin , Dong Zijing , Manhard Mary Kate , Ohringer Ned , Zhao Bo , Haskell Melissa , Cauley Stephen F. , Fan Qiuyun , Witzel Thomas , Adalsteinsson Elfar , Wald Lawrence L. , Setsompop Kawin
Published: April 2018

Purpose

To develop an efficient MR technique for ultra‐high resolution diffusion MRI (dMRI) in the presence of motion.

Methods

gSlider is an SNR‐efficient high‐resolution dMRI acquisition technique. However, subject motion is inevitable during a prolonged scan for high spatial resolution, leading to potential image artifacts and blurring. In this study, an integrated technique termed Motion Corrected gSlider (MC‐gSlider) is proposed to obtain high‐quality, high‐resolution dMRI in the presence of large in‐plane and through‐plane motion. A motion‐aware reconstruction with spatially adaptive regularization is developed to optimize the conditioning of the image reconstruction under difficult through‐plane motion cases. In addition, an approach for intra‐volume motion estimation and correction is proposed to achieve motion correction at high temporal resolution.

Results

Theoretical SNR and resolution analysis validated the efficiency of MC‐gSlider with regularization, and aided in selection of reconstruction parameters. Simulations and in vivo experiments further demonstrated the ability of MC‐gSlider to mitigate motion artifacts and recover detailed brain structures for dMRI at 860 μm isotropic resolution in the presence of motion with various ranges.

Conclusion

MC‐gSlider provides motion‐robust, high‐resolution dMRI with a temporal motion correction sensitivity of 2 s, allowing for the recovery of fine detailed brain structures in the presence of large subject movements.
Obesity, underweight and BMI distribution characteristics of children by gross national income and income inequality: results from an international survey
Authors: Murphy R. , Stewart A. W. , Hancox R. J. , Wall C. R. , Braithwaite I. , Beasley R. , Mitchell E. A. ,   the ISAAC Phase Three Study Group
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Economic wealth and income inequality may impact on childhood BMI distribution by affecting overconsumption of food and sedentary forms of transportation and entertainment across the whole or some of the population.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether BMI distribution of children differs by gross national income (GNI) per capita and Gini index derived from World Bank data.

METHODS

Secondary analysis of largely self‐reported height and weight data from a multi‐country, cross‐sectional study (ISAAC), of 77,963 children aged 6–7 (from 19 countries) and 205,388 adolescents aged 13–14 (from 36 countries), were used to examine underweight vs obesity prevalence and BMI distribution skewness, median and dispersion.

RESULTS

Children and adolescents from ‘lower’ GNI countries had higher prevalence of underweight than those from ‘higher’ GNI countries (6% vs 3%, p = 0.03; 2% vs 1%, p = 0.05 respectively), but the prevalence of obesity was not different (2% vs 5%, p = 0.29; 2% vs 2%, p = 0.66). BMI distribution of participants from ‘higher’ GNI countries had higher median, without significant difference in skewness or dispersion compared to ‘lower’ GNI countries (higher medians +1.1 kg/m2 for 6–7 year olds, and + 0.7 kg/m2, +1.2 kg/m2 for 13–14 year old girls and boys respectively). Gini index was not associated with underweight or obesity prevalence in either children or adolescents, nor with any BMI distribution characteristics with one exception. Adolescent girls from higher income inequality countries had a greater median BMI (+0.7 kg/m2) and a less skewed BMI distribution.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that the obesogenic impact of economic prosperity affects all children similarly. Income inequality may have a gender specific effect affecting BMI distribution in adolescent girls.
PET‐RAFT as a facile strategy for preparing functional lipid–polymer conjugates
Authors: Watanabe Akira , Niu Jia , Lunn David J. , Lawrence Jimmy , Knight Abigail S. , Zhang Mengwen , Hawker Craig J.
Published: April 2018

From readily available starting materials, we report a facile synthesis of lipid–polymer conjugates (LPCs). Easy access to multigram quantities of a dialkyl lipid chain transfer agent allows a range of LPCs to be prepared bearing well‐defined hydrophilic polymer head‐groups, controlled molecular weights and low dispersity by photoelectron transfer RAFT polymerization (PET‐RAFT). As dictated by the lipid packing parameters, the resulting LPCs were suitable for solution‐phase self‐assembly, both independently and in combination with naturally occurring phospholipids, affording micelles, smaller vesicle‐like structures, or stabilized large unilamellar vesicles. Notably, co‐assembly of LPCs and phospholipids bearing mutually orthogonal fluorophores showed negligible phase separation/aggregation. To demonstrate the versatility of these LPCs, the RAFT chain‐end was removed, affording thiol‐terminated LPCs that could be used for the manipulation and stabilization of gold nanoparticle assemblies. Facile access to structurally diverse LPC building blocks enables a variety of biotechnology and biomedical applications, including drug‐delivery, cell engineering, and 3D‐printed biomaterials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1259–1268
The performance of control charts for large non‐normally distributed datasets
Authors: Huberts Leo C.E. , Schoonhoven Marit , Goedhart Rob , Diko Mandla D. , Does Ronald J.M.M.
Published: April 2018

Because of digitalization, many organizations possess large datasets. Furthermore, measurement data are often not normally distributed. However, when samples are sufficiently large, the central limit theorem may be used for the sample means. In this article, we evaluate the use of the central limit theorem for various distributions and sample sizes, as well as its effects on the performance of a Shewhart control chart for these large non‐normally distributed datasets. To this end, we use the sample means as individual observations and a Shewhart control chart for individual observations to monitor processes. We study the unconditional performance, expressed as the expectation of the in‐control average run length (ARL), as well as the conditional performance, expressed as the probability that the control chart based on estimated parameters will have a lower in‐control ARL than a specified desired in‐control ARL. We use recently developed factors to correct the control limits to obtain a specified conditional or unconditional in‐control performance. The results in this paper indicate that the
control chart should be applied with caution, even with large sample sizes.
A new adaptive EWMA control chart for monitoring the process dispersion
Authors: Haq Abdul
Published: April 2018

The exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA), cumulative sum (CUSUM), and adaptive EWMA (AEWMA) control charts have had wide popularity because of their excellent speed in tracking infrequent process shifts, which are expected to lie within certain ranges. In this paper, we propose a new AEWMA dispersion chart that may achieve better performance over a range of dispersion shifts. The idea is to first consider an unbiased estimator of the dispersion shift using the EWMA statistic, and then based on the magnitude of this shift, select an appropriate value of the smoothing parameter to design an EWMA chart, named the AEWMA chart. The run length characteristics of the AEWMA chart are computed with the help of extensive Monte Carlo simulations. The AEWMA chart is compared with some of the existing powerful competitor control charts. It turns out that the AEWMA chart performs substantially and uniformly better than the EWMA‐S2, CUSUM‐S2, existing AEWMA, and HHW‐EWMA charts when detecting different kinds of shifts in the process dispersion. Moreover, an example is also used to explain the working and implementation of the proposed AEWMA chart.
Genetic prediction of cement mortar mechanical properties with different cement strength class after freezing and thawing cycles
Authors: Ghaemi‐Fard Mohammad , Eskandari‐Naddaf Hamid , Ebrahimi Gholam‐Reza
Published: April 2018

This study predicts the mechanical properties of cement mortars. It focuses specifically on cement strength classes of 32.5, 42.5, and 52.5 MPa, respectively. To this end, a total of 270 specimens using 54 mix designs were constructed and subjected to freezing and thawing cycles (FTCs) at −18 and 18 °C. Then, mechanical properties such as compressive and flexural strength and porosity of the specimens after 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 cycles were obtained. Afterward, genetic expression programming (GEP) was used to predict the obtained results and to represent nonlinear relationships between the mechanical properties, freezing and thawing cycle, and cement strength class. The experimental data was used for training and testing of two GEP approach models. The results show that the strength of mortar reduces with increase in FTC. On other hand, a close correlation was observed between the predicted and experimental values when cement strength class and number of cycle were considered as independent input parameters. This fact indicates the significance of the aforementioned parameters along with the other parameters such as water to cement ratio, sand to cement ratio, and weight of cement on the accuracy of the prediction.