bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of gender on the evaluation of anorexia nervosa
Authors: Roberts Savannah R. , Ciao Anna C. , Czopp Alexander M.
Published: September 2018

A stereotype exists that anorexia nervosa (AN) is a “female” disorder. As a result, men with AN may face harsher stigmatization from their peers or go undiagnosed. The shifting standards model provides a framework to explore how gender stereotypes impact perceptions of AN. Participants (N = 438) were given a vignette of a person with symptoms of AN labeled as either male or female. Assessments were experimentally manipulated according to the shifting standards perspective: participants were asked if they were concerned (or convinced) that the target had AN and then indicated the severity of behavioral symptoms (calorie reduction, pounds lost per week, and hours of exercise) needed to make them concerned (or convinced) of AN. Participants were more likely to state that the male target had AN compared to the female target (p = .036) whereas women were more likely to believe an individual had AN than men, regardless of the target gender (p < .001). In addition, men required that the male target have more severe symptoms to assign an AN diagnosis than women (p = .005). In general, severity ratings for symptoms were quite high, indicating a normalization of unhealthy weight loss practices. These results confirm that gender affects the perception of AN, though they do not conform to expectations within the shifting standards model. Instead, they suggest that a male target is more readily identified as having AN than a female target with AN when exhibiting identical symptoms.
Improving motivation to change amongst individuals with eating disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Denison‐Day James , Appleton Katherine M , Newell Ciarán , Muir Sarah
Published: September 2018

Objective

People with eating disorders can have low motivation to change their eating disorder behaviors. Interventions aiming to enhance motivation to change have been increasingly advocated in their treatment. Questions remain regarding the strength of the evidence supporting the effectiveness of interventions that specifically focus on improving motivation. This review explored the evidence for improving motivation to change in eating disorders via clinical interventions.

Method

Searches of the published and unpublished literature were conducted by searching databases (PubMed, PsychInfo, Web of Science) and trial registries (WHO ICTRP), and by contacting authors. Studies were included if they investigated an intervention for eating disorder patients, included a pre‐post outcome measure of motivation to change and were published in English. Risk of bias was also assessed.

Results

Forty‐two studies were included in the final review. Evidence was found to support the use of interventions to improve motivation to change, though it was unclear whether motivational interventions present a more effective option than approaches that do not exclusively or specifically focus on motivation. However, motivational interventions were identified as being more effective than low intensity treatments. Risk of bias in included studies was generally high.

Discussion

Motivation was found to increase across treatments in general, whether or not the focus of the intervention was on enhancing motivation. It is unclear if interventions specifically targeting motivation to change provide additional benefit over and above established treatment approaches.
The PDO and PGI Table Olives of Spain
Authors: Concepción Romero , García Pedro , Medina Eduardo , Brenes Manuel
Published: September 2018

This article gives an overview of the current use of the European system of protected designation of origin (PDO) and protected geographical indication (PGI) for Spanish table olives. To date, there have been two PDOs recognized by the European Commission, the PDO “Aceituna Aloreña de Málaga” (2012) and the PDO “Aceituna de Mallorca/Mallorquina” (2014). In both cases, olives are debittered in brine without the use of alkali, although they may be crushed to accelerate the process. Therefore, they can be sold as natural olives according to the standards of the International Olive Council. Moreover, most of these protected olives are seasoned with fennel, garlic, pepper, and thyme. However, the production of these protected olives is very low. In fact, they represent less than 1% of the total Spanish production of table olives. Nevertheless, the new PGI “Aceituna Manzanilla Sevillana/Aceituna Gordal Sevillana” can significantly increase the production of Spanish protected olives in the near future as its application is in its final phase. These are olives elaborated following the Spanish style and have been highly esteemed by consumers for centuries.

Practical Applications: The European system of PDO and PGI tries to protect farmers and processors against faked imitations of agricultural products intended for human consumption. Although it has not been used extensively by Spanish table olive processors, this protection system could help farmers to valorize their table olives in the future.

This article gives an overview of the current use of the European system of protected designation of origin (PDO) and protected geographical indication (PGI) for Spanish table olives. This review hopes to address the effectiveness of these systems in preventing faked imitations of agricultural products intended for human consumption.
Electric field assisted transport of dielectric droplets dispersed in aqueous solutions of ionic surfactants
Authors: Tuček Jakub , Slouka Zdeněk , Přibyl Michal
Published: September 2018

Motion of liquid droplets with a surface electric charge can be efficiently controlled by dc electric field. Here, we show that the surface of a dielectric kerosene droplet can be charged by the addition of ionic surfactants to a surrounding aqueous electrolyte. The direction of droplet motion is determined by the polarity of the surfactant charge and the orientation of the imposed electric field. We have found that the effective electrophoretic mobility of dielectric droplets in a confined channel is directly proportional to the logarithm of the surfactant concentration even for values significantly exceeding critical micelle concentration (CMC). We attribute this finding not only to adsorption of ionic surfactants to the surface of dielectric droplets but also to the weakening of electro‐osmosis at channel walls due to the increase of ionic strength in the aqueous phase. Our findings can be exploited in microfluidic reactors and separators for on request dosing, sampling, and separation of dielectric fluids.
Assessment of the combined in‐plane and out‐of‐plane behavior of brick infill walls within reinforced concrete frames under seismic loading
Authors: Onat Onur , Correia António A. , Lourenço Paulo B. , Koçak Ali
Published: September 2018

Understanding the out‐of‐plane response of masonry infill walls and preventing their progressive collapse mechanisms is very important for earthquake‐prone countries to prevent loss of life and economic loss. In fact, having a realistic collapse mechanism assessment allows suitable prevention measures to be adopted. With this purpose in mind, two full‐scale one‐bay one‐story substructures of reinforced concrete frames (RCF) with infill walls were tested on a shake table. These 2 specimens were designed to represent the response of a typical RC Frame at the fifth floor of an 8‐story building, namely the out‐of‐plane failure of its infill wall under combined bidirectional seismic load. Both specimens were composed of a single‐leaf clay brick infill wall surrounded by the RC Frame. However, while the first specimen corresponds to an unreinforced masonry configuration, the second specimen includes horizontal bed joint reinforcement as a strengthening/retrofitting technique. The main novelty of this study is the application of a bidirectional and simultaneous dynamic loading to the specimen, such that in‐plane and out‐of‐plane effects are evaluated together. This work presents several interesting experimental results, with particular emphasis on the bearing capacity of the specimens against out‐of‐plane failure. As expected, the in‐plane capacity of the reinforced infill specimen is larger than that of the unreinforced infill specimen. Nevertheless, the out‐of‐plane bearing capacities of the two specimens are very similar, in contrast to their ductility capacity, which is significantly increased in the reinforced masonry specimen. The capacities of the two specimens for both in‐plane and out‐of‐plane directions, as predicted by formulations in the literature, are given. The differences found between these calculations and the results of the tests are discussed, and may possibly be explained by the parameters considered in the different formulations.
New advances in the molecular classification of pediatric mesenchymal tumors
Authors: Suurmeijer Albert J. H. , Kao Yu‐Chien , Antonescu Cristina R.
Published: September 2018

Pediatric soft tissue tumors are relatively rare and show significant overlap in morphology and immunoprofile, often posing diagnostic and management challenges. Thus, their classification remains often subjective or lumped under “unclassified categories,” as a number of lesions lack objective and reproducible criteria in diagnosis. Although in a subset of cases immunohistochemistry has been proved useful to identify a specific line of differentiation, most tumors lack a readily defined histogenesis, being characterized by a rather non‐specific immunoprofile. Furthermore, tumors with an ambiguous diagnosis are difficult to grade and their risk of malignancy or clinical management remains uncertain. Advances in molecular genetics, including the more wide application of next generation sequencing in routine clinical practice, have improved diagnosis and refined classification based on objective molecular markers. Importantly, some soft tissue tumors in children are characterized by recurrent gene fusions involving either growth factors (eg, PDGFB) or protein kinases (eg, ALK, ROS, NTRK, BRAF), which have paved the way for new targeted treatments that block the respective upregulated downstream pathways. However, the majority of gene fusions or mutations detected in soft tissue tumors result in an abnormal function of transcription factors or chromatin remodeling. The present review focuses on the latest genetic discoveries in the spectrum of both benign and malignant pediatric soft tissue neoplasia. These genetic abnormalities promise to provide relevant insight for their proper classification, prognosis, and treatment. The entities discussed herein are grouped either based on their shared genetic mechanism or based on their presumed line of differentiation.
Improving oncological care organization in Poland—The 2015 reform evaluation in the context of European experiences
Authors: Dela Roksana , Dubas‐Jakóbczyk Katarzyna , Kocot Ewa , Sowada Christoph
Published: September 2018

Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide with a significant economic impact which has been increasing in recent decades. Numerous expert groups and/or international organizations have developed guidelines on how to build effective cancer control mechanisms, while in the European Union the majority of countries have developed national programmes. In Poland, cancer is the second leading cause of death. Compared with other European countries, Poland is characterized by a relatively low cancer incidence ratio, yet in terms of mortality and survival ratios, the situation is much worse than the average. On 1 January 2015, an oncological therapy fast track was implemented in Poland, popularly known as the “oncological package.” Its formal objectives were to improve access to and systemize the process of cancer diagnostics and treatment. The reform introduced some of the solutions existing in other European countries, including waiting time limits, patient pathways, multidisciplinary medical consultations, and a care coordinator position. The preliminary evaluation analyses suggest that after the reform implementation the average waiting time for diagnostics and treatment for patients covered by the new system was significantly shortened in comparison to those excluded. Further research evaluating the reform impact on quality and/or comprehensiveness of care are needed.
Developing a conceptual framework for patient safety culture in emergency department: A review of the literature
Authors: Alshyyab Muhammad Ahmed , FitzGerald Gerard , Dingle Kaeleen , Ting Joseph , Bowman Paula , Kinnear Frances B. , Borkoles Erika
Published: September 2018

Patient safety culture is a critical component of modern health care. However, the high‐paced, unpredictable nature of the emergency department (ED) environment may impact adversely on it. The aim of this paper is to explore the concept of patient safety culture as it may apply to emergency health care, and to propose a conceptual framework that could form the basis for interventions designed to improve it. This is a systematic review of the literature. A search was undertaken of common electronic bibliographic databases using key words such assafety culture, safety climate,andEmergency Department. Articles were analysed for consistent themes with the aim to construct a conceptual framework. Ten articles met the inclusion criteria that specifically examined safety culture in the ED. Synthesis of the literature resulted in the emergence of three overarching themes of ED practice found to impact on safety culture in the ED. These were the dimensions of patient safety culture, the factors influencing it, and the interventions for improving it. A conceptual framework was constructed that identifies elements that significantly impact the patient safety culture in the ED. This framework may assist managers and researchers to take a comprehensive approach to build an effective safety culture in ED setting.
Variations and characteristics of quality indicators for maintenance hemodialysis patients: A systematic review
Authors: Niihata Kakuya , Shimizu Sayaka , Tsujimoto Yasushi , Ikenoue Tatsuyoshi , Fukuhara Shunichi , Fukuma Shingo
Published: September 2018

Aims

Several quality indicators (QIs) to improve the quality of practice for hemodialysis patients have been implemented. However, the variations and characteristics of these indicators in terms of their use and feasibility have not been investigated. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the variations and characteristics of existing QIs for maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search of MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and CINAHL, without date limits, on February 26, 2016. We selected the English‐written articles regarding QIs for patients aged ≥18 years who were on maintenance hemodialysis therapy ≥3 months, and extracted the definition and development process of the reported QIs. We categorized each indicator into one of four types, namely, structure, process, surrogate outcome, and outcome, and assessed the data sources that were necessary to measure it.

Results

We included 70 articles and identified 101 indicators, and found that most of the consensus processes for selecting indicators were unclear. We also found that most indicators were not process indicators and that the measurement of some indicators required a chart review, which limits their use and feasibility.

Conclusions

Development of QIs for hemodialysis patients in the future should use a definitive consensus process and consider process‐centered indicators that can be measured automatically using claims data and test results contained in electronic medical records, to improve usability and feasibility.
Age Dependence of Systemic Bone Loss and Recovery Following Femur Fracture in Mice
Authors: Emami Armaun J , Toupadakis Chrisoula A , Telek Stephanie M , Fyhrie David P , Yellowley Clare E , Christiansen Blaine A
Published: September 2018

The most reliable predictor of future fracture risk is a previous fracture of any kind. The etiology of this increased fracture risk is not fully known, but it is possible that fracture initiates systemic bone loss, leading to greater fracture risk at all skeletal sites. In this study, we investigated systemic bone loss and recovery after femoral fracture in young (3-month-old) and middle-aged (12-month-old) mice. Transverse femur fractures were created using a controlled impact, and whole-body bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular and cortical microstructure, bone mechanical properties, bone formation and resorption rates, mouse voluntary movement, and systemic inflammation were quantified at multiple time points post-fracture. We found that fracture led to decreased whole-body BMD in both young and middle-aged mice 2 weeks post-fracture; this bone loss was recovered by 6 weeks in young but not middle-aged mice. Similarly, trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV) of the L5 vertebral body was significantly reduced in fractured mice relative to control mice 2 weeks post-fracture (–11% for young mice, –18% for middle-aged mice); no significant differences were observed 6 weeks post-fracture. At 3 days post-fracture, we observed significant increases in serum levels of interleukin-6 and significant decreases in voluntary movement in fractured mice compared with control mice, with considerably greater changes in middle-aged mice than in young mice. At this time point, we also observed increased osteoclast number on L5 vertebral body trabecular bone of fractured mice compared with control mice. These data show that systemic bone loss occurs after fracture in both young and middle-aged mice, and recovery from this bone loss may vary with age. This systemic response could contribute to increased future fracture risk after fracture; these data may inform clinical treatment of fractures with respect to improving long-term skeletal health. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Restoration of GATA4 expression impedes breast cancer progression by transcriptional repression of ReLA and inhibition of NF‐κB signaling
Authors: Han Xiaofan , Tang Jun , Chen Tong , Ren Guosheng
Published: September 2018

There are increasing reports of aberrant expression of GATA4, correlated with oncogenesis and malignant progression in some solid tumors, but whether
GATA4 functions as an oncogenic driver or a tumor suppressor in carcinogenesis remains controversial. Because the role and mechanism of
GATA4 in breast cancer (BrCa) remain poorly understood, we focused on the expression of
GATA4 in BrCa cell lines and tissues and its mechanism in breast oncogenesis. Semiquantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), quantitative RT‐PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect expression of
GATA4 in BrCa cell lines and adjacent breast tissues. Methylation statuses of the
GATA4 promoter were studied using methylation‐specific PCR in BrCa cell lines.The effects of GATA4 on proliferation, invasion, and cell cycle were also analyzed. Compared with adjacent breast tissue,
GATA4 expression in BrCa tissue and cell lines was obviously lower and low expression levels of
GATA4 predicted poor outcome. Methylation of
GATA4 occurred in almost all of BrCa cell lines
. GATA4 overexpression decreased viability, invasion, migration, and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition of MB‐231 and BT549 cells, and markedly induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Exogenous expression
GATA4 accompanied a significant alteration of MMP2, MMP3, E‐cadherin, and N‐cadherin expression and induction of the caspase‐8 pathway. Moreover, GATA4 could directly repress
RelA (p65) transcription, reduce the nuclear phosphorylation‐p65 and upregulate inhibitor kappa B expression. Altogether,
GATA4 plays a tumor‐suppressive role via repression of NF‐κB signaling in BrCa cells. Our findings suggest that
GATA4 is a potential prognostic biomarker and gene therapeutic target for human BrCa.
MiR‐134‐5p attenuates neuropathic pain progression through targeting Twist1
Authors: Ji Li‐Juan , Su Jing , Xu An‐Le , Pang Bo , Huang Qiang‐Min
Published: September 2018

Neuropathic pain is a kind of chronic pain because of dysfunctions of somatosensory nerve system. Recently, many studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRs) play crucial roles in neuropathic pain development. This study was designed to investigate the effects of miR‐134‐5p on the process of neuropathic pain progression in a rat model established by chronic sciatic nerve injury (CCI). First, we observed that miR‐134‐5p was significantly decreased in CCI rat models. Overexpression of miR‐134‐5p strongly alleviated neuropathic pain behaviors including mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Meanwhile, inflammatory cytokine expression, such as IL‐6, IL‐1β and TNF‐α in CCI rats were greatly repressed by upregulation of miR‐134‐5p. Twist1 has been widely regarded as a poor prognosis biomarker in diverse diseases. Here, by using bioinformatic analysis, 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) of Twist1 was predicted to be a downstream target of miR‐134‐5p in our study. Here, we found that overexpression of miR‐134‐5p was able to suppress Twist1 dramatically. Furthermore, it was exhibited that Twist1 was increased in CCI rats time‐dependently and Twist1 was inhibited in vivo. Subsequently, downregulation of Twist1 in CCI rats could depress neuropathic pain progression via inhibiting neuroinflammation. In conclusion, our current study indicated that miR‐134‐5p may inhibit neuropathic pain development through targeting Twist1. Our findings suggested that miR‐134‐5p might provide a novel therapeutic target for neuropathic pain.
Suppressing ROS‐TFE3‐dependent autophagy enhances ivermectin‐induced apoptosis in human melanoma cells
Authors: Deng Faming , Xu Qian , Long Juan , Xie Hongfu
Published: September 2018

Melanoma is an aggressive skin malignancy with a high mortality rate; however, successful treatment remains a clinical challenge. Ivermectin, a broad‐spectrum antiparasitic drug, has recently been characterized as a potential anticancer agent due to its observed antitumor effects. However, the molecular mechanisms of ivermectin remain poorly understood. In the current study, we tested the involvement of autophagy in the ivermectin mechanism of action in human melanoma cells. We exposed SK‐MEL‐28 cells to different concentrations of ivermectin (2.5, 5, and 10 μM) for 24 hours. Here, ivermectin‐induced apoptosis, as evidenced by the upregulation of cleaved poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase, BAX expression, and caspase‐3 activity and downregulation of BCL‐2 expression. In line with the apoptosis response, ivermectin triggered autophagy. Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of autophagy further sensitized SK‐MEL‐28 cells to ivermectin‐induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, ivermectin‐induced TFE3(Ser321) dephosphorylation, activated TFE3 nuclear translocation and increased TFE3 reporter activity, which contributed to lysosomal biogenesis and the expression of autophagy‐related genes, and subsequently, initiated autophagy in SK‐MEL‐28 cells. Moreover,
N‐acetyl‐cysteine, an reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, abrogated the effects of ivermectin on TFE3‐dependent autophagy. Taken together, we demonstrated that ivermectin increases TFE3‐dependent autophagy through ROS signaling pathways in human melanoma cells and that inhibiting autophagy enhances ivermectin‐induced apoptosis in human melanoma cells.
Overexpression of αCGRP promotes osteogenesis of periodontal ligament cells by regulation of YAP signaling
Authors: Xiang Lin , Zhang Xinyuan , Yu Hui , Wang Bin , Lin Zhihui , Gong Ping
Published: September 2018

Human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) are considered as an ideal cell type for periodontal tissue engineering as hPDLCs own mesenchymal stem cell‐like properties. Additionally, it is suggested that α‐calcitonin gene‐related peptide (αCGRP) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. However, the specific role of αCGRP on the regulation of alveolar bone regeneration which is essential for treatment of periodontitis remains unclear. In this study, lentiviral αCGRP expression vector was first transfected into hPDLCs. αCGRP expression and the osteogenesis‐related gene (ALP, RUNX2, OCN, and BSP) expressions were detected. The results showed that expressions of osteogenic phenotypes were upregulated in αCGRP‐transfected hPDLCs combined with an increased expression of Yes‐associated protein (YAP), which is the key downstream effectors of Hippo pathway. Our observations suggest that αCGRP‐mediated hPDLCs’ osteogenesis might relate with the activity of YAP signaling. These observations may reflect intrinsic functions of αCGRP in hPDLCs’ osteogenesis and its promising role in the treatment of bone deficiency in periodontal regeneration.
An Update of the Use of Thiocarbohydrazides and Thiosemicarbazides in the Preparation of Heterocycles and Their Biological Importance
Authors: Aly Ashraf A. , Hassan Alaa A. , AbdEl‐latief El‐Shaimaa S. M.
Published: September 2018

The inherent reactivity of thiocarbohydrazides and thiosemicarbazides makes them valuable as building blocks for the synthesis of other heterocyclic motifs. This review article discusses the recent applications of classes of compounds in syntheses of five‐membered to seven‐membered heterocycles of biological activities and remarkable number of metal complexes. Many previous reviews dealt with the reactivity of either thiosemicarbazides or thiocarbohydrazides. However, a large number of publications have recently dealt with the reactivity of thiosemicarbazides and thiocarbohydrazides. Consequently, we have found that it is of importance to shed new light on these interesting molecules.
Temperature sensitive regions of the Chinook salmon vertebral column: Vestiges and meristic variation
Authors: De Clercq Adelbert , Perrott Matthew R. , Davie Peter S. , Preece Mark A. , Owen Matthew A. G. , Huysseune Ann , Witten P. Eckhard
Published: September 2018

Variation of vertebral centra numbers is common in vertebrates. Likewise, the number of associated elements such as ribs and neural and haemal arches can vary and affect all regions of the vertebral column. In mammals, only the number of cervical vertebrae is invariable. Variation of total vertebral centra numbers is well documented in teleost fish, often related to temperature. Less information is available about which part of the vertebral column and which associated elements are liable to variation. Here, variation in number of vertebral centra and associated elements is studied in Chinook salmon in six distinct anatomical regions. Animals are raised at 8 and 12°C to ask whether the vertebral centrum numbers, the pattern, and the frequency of variation in particular regions are temperature dependent. No significant difference concerning the total number of vertebrae was found, but regional differences occurred between the 8 and 12°C groups. Twelve specimens out of 60 of the 12°C group had three postcranial vertebrae compared to only one specimen in the 8°C group. The number of transitional vertebrae is significantly different in 8 and 12°C specimens. Fewer transitional vertebrae occur in more anterior positions in 8°C specimens. Most specimens of both temperature groups had two ural centra; however 17 specimens out of 60 of the 12°C group had up to five ural centra. Specimens of the 12°C group show more variation in the presence of the vestigial ribs associated with transitional vertebrae. Clearly, the postcranial, transitional, and ural regions are temperature sensitive. This study shows that nonsignificant differences in the total number of vertebrae can mask significant regional variation. Variation of vertebral numbers could be the consequence of loss or gain of vertebral centra and/or a change in the identity of the associated element on the vertebral centrum.
Moisture transport associated with large precipitation events in the Upper Colorado River Basin
Authors: Kirk Johnathan P. , Schmidlin Thomas W.
Published: September 2018

Interannual streamflow variability poses numerous water supply forecasting and management challenges for mountain snowpack‐sourced basins across the western United States. Previous studies have shown that substantial proportions of annual precipitation occur during relatively few large precipitation events (LPEs) and consequently, such events tend to be significant predictors of streamflow for many basins, including the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB). While some primary pathways of atmospheric moisture transport, particularly atmospheric rivers, have been linked with extreme precipitation events across the western United States, this study seeks to expand on this knowledge by quantifying the relationships between moisture transport regimes, LPEs, and streamflow observed in the UCRB. A climatological analysis of integrated vapour transport, via a self‐organizing maps synoptic classification procedure, is used to identify geographic regimes of moisture transport that lead to LPEs, as observed at snow telemetry sites across the UCRB headwaters. Trajectory analyses are also calculated to further characterize LPE‐inducing atmospheric river pathways by subbasin in the UCRB. Results indicate that LPEs throughout the basin most commonly coincide with amplified trough patterns, which advect Pacific moisture into the UCRB from the southwest, through Southern California and the Four Corners region; patterns that are positively correlated to streamflow. LPEs occurring in northern portions of the UCRB exhibit a secondary corridor, featuring west to east‐oriented moisture transport, in association with zonal to meridional flow regimes. Highly amplified ridges over the region rarely lead to LPEs, as such patterns deflect or suppress moisture from the UCRB. These results suggest that climate projections of future enhanced meridional flow aloft will lead to continued streamflow variability in the UCRB.
Quadriceps weakness preferentially predicts detrimental gait compensations among common impairments after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Christensen Jesse C. , Mizner Ryan L. , Foreman Kenneth Bo , Marcus Robin L. , Pelt Christopher E. , LaStayo Paul C.
Published: September 2018

Patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have large deficits in physical performance in comparison to their healthy age‐matched peers. Limb asymmetry stemming from less relative load borne by the surgical limb during daily mobility is associated with diminished performance and worsens with greater mobility demands. How common targets of postoperative care, such as muscle weakness, lower limb extension power, residual knee pain, and poor balance confidence can influence asymmetrical limb loading remains unclear. Forty‐six patients with unilateral TKA underwent testing of impairments and motion analysis during 10° decline walking at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. At 3 months, only quadriceps femoris strength asymmetry was found to be significantly related to both total support moment (MT) (β = 0.431; p < 0.001) and knee extensor moment (MK) (β = 0.493; p < 0.001) asymmetry. Again at 6 months, only quadriceps strength asymmetry was related to MT (β = 0.432; p < 0.001) and MK (β = 0.534; p < 0.001) asymmetry. Quadriceps strength significantly improved over time in both limbs, however, deficits between limbs remained. Persistent quadriceps weakness is a key factor associated with walking compensation patterns that are limiting the capacity for greater physical performance of patients with TKA. The pronounced asymmetry in limb and knee loading at 3 months remains unchanged until at least 6 months after surgery, and its association with quadriceps strength asymmetry does not substantially change over time. While other factors may also prompt gait compensations, emphasis on improved quadriceps strength should be a focus of efforts to resolve gait compensations and enhance physical performance outcomes. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2355–2363, 2018.
Holocene tephrostratigraphy in Vestfirðir, NW Iceland
Authors: Gudmundsdóttir Esther Ruth , Schomacker Anders , Brynjólfsson Skafti , Ingólfsson Ólafur , Larsen Nicolaj K.
Published: September 2018

We present a tephra stratigraphical and tephrochronological record from eight lakes in Vestfirðir, NW Iceland. About 50 tephra units have been identified, representing nearly 30 eruptive events originating from five volcanic systems: Hekla, Katla, Snæfellsjökull, Grímsvötn and Veiðivötn‐Bárðarbunga. Most of the tephra layers originate from Grímsvötn, although there is a prominent presence of andesitic to basaltic tephra layers from Hekla in the record. We propose that the previously described Brattihjalli tephra is actually the 6060‐year‐old Hekla Ö tephra marker layer, recording a more north‐westerly dispersal than before and providing new correlation possibilities across Iceland. Thus, the Hekla Ö tephra covers as large an area in Iceland as the Hekla 5, Hekla 4, Hekla 3 and Hekla 1104 tephra layers, emphasizing its importance as a chronological marker. The tephra markers Hekla 1693, V877/Settlement layer, Sn‐1, Hekla 3 and Hekla 4 have been found and, additionally, our study identifies four potential tephra markers, the Katla D1 ∼2750 cal a BP, Katla D2 ∼3700 cal a BP, Reykjarfjörður tephra ∼8800 cal a BP and Dagverðardalur tephra ∼9300–9500 cal a BP. Our data reveal several new tephra layers in Vestfirðir, including chronological markers important for dating and correlation.
Paraglacial coasts responses to glacier retreat and associated shifts in river floodplains over decadal timescales (1966–2016), Kongsfjorden, Svalbard
Authors: Bourriquen Marine , Mercier Denis , Baltzer Agnès , Fournier Jérôme , Costa Stéphane , Roussel Erwan
Published: September 2018

The aim of this paper is to quantify and map the impact of the post‐Little Ice Age climate change on the coastal evolution on three glacier catchments in the Kongsfjorden area in Svalbard. Climatic data at Ny‐Ålesund indicate an increase in the annual mean air temperature of +4 °C from 1969 to 2016 and an increase in precipitation. On the northern coast of the Brøgger Peninsula, the Austre Lovénbreen, Midtre Lovénbreen, and Vestre Lovénbreen glaciers have experienced a net retreat in response to changing meteorological conditions. Because of this retreat, the glaciers have disclosed a large area of 7 km2 composed of terrigenous sediments. These sediments are transported by runoff and created coastal sandur deltas. Channel network behavior has been studied using the computation of the active floodplain width by photointerpretation, which decreased in average from 1966 to 2010. This demonstrated a contraction of the active braided belt and a decrease in the number of braided channels. A photointerpretation analysis combined with acquisition of dGPS data during field work shows a mean shoreline progradation of +0.16 m a−1 from 1966 to 2016, with a maximal advance of +82 m seaward. Since 1966, coastal progradation has decreased in time with higher mean values at the beginning of the studied period and an erosional trend from 1990. The sublittoral area was studied using analog side scan sonar in 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2017. Three prodeltas were identified and underwent a huge extension from 2009 to 2017. In the light of this knowledge, our main conclusion is that, by retreating, glaciers have an impact on the sediment availability and on the capacity of the fluvial system to effectively transport sediment to the shoreline. These two factors control the overall coastal evolution by regulating the sediment supply to the coastal area. The coastal zones that were fed with sediments by runoff have experienced a coastal progradation, and those that lost this supply have undergone a coastal recession. Due to the contraction of proglacial floodplains, current progradation concerns restricted coastal areas.
Plasma Phytosterol Half‐Life and Levels Are Increased in Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants with Parenteral Nutrition‐Associated Cholestasis
Authors: Correani Alessio , Pignotti Azzurra , Marinelli Luisita , Biagetti Chiara , D'Ascenzo Rita , Vedovelli Luca , Verlato Giovanna , Cogo Paola , Rocchi Marco B L , Carnielli Virgilio P
Published: September 2018

Parenteral nutrition‐associated cholestasis (PNAC) has been linked to plasma accumulation of phytosterols in infants receiving vegetable‐oil‐based lipid emulsions (LE). To date, information on the ability of infants with PNAC to metabolize intravenous (IV) phytosterols has been very limited. We characterized plasma phytosterol half‐life in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants with PNAC. As part of a prospective cohort study, VLBW infants with PNAC underwent serial blood sample measurements of sitosterol (Sito), campesterol (Camp), and stigmasterol (Stigma). Infants without PNAC served as controls (CTRL, control infants). Thirty‐seven PNAC infants and 14 CTRL were studied. On PN day 7 and PN day 14, PNAC infants had higher plasma phytosterol concentrations compared to those of CTRL (p < 0.05). A significant and positive correlation was found between plasma Camp, Stigma, Sito concentrations, and IV phytosterol intake from birth to PN day 7 (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, and p = 0.005, respectively). Stigma concentration was positively correlated with conjugated bilirubin on PN day 7 (p = 0.012). After stopping IV LE, half‐lives of Camp, Stigma, and Sito became significantly longer in PNAC infants than in CTRL (Camp: 18.8 ±6.2 vs 11.8 ±3.0 days, p = 0.001; Stigma: 13.8 ±5.8 vs 9.4 ±3.4 days, p = 0.023; Sito: 15.3 ±5.0 vs 9.8 ±3.0 days, p = 0.002). In conclusion, phytosterols increased earlier during PN and were eliminated slowly after stopping IV LE in PNAC infants than in CTRL. The Stigma concentration on PN day 7 could represent an early marker of cholestasis. Our results provide additional evidence on the relationship between IV phytosterols and PNAC.
An updated method for the calibration of transparent exopolymer particle measurements
Authors: Bittar Thais B. , Passow Uta , Hamaraty Liti , Bidle Kay D. , Harvey Elizabeth L.
Published: September 2018

Transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) are biologically derived, polysaccharide‐rich, gel‐like particles that play important roles in ocean carbon cycling. The original spectrophotometric method for TEP quantification published in 1995 by Passow and Alldredge describes staining TEP with the dye Alcian Blue (AB), and calibration of the AB staining solution using a commercially available polysaccharide xanthan gum (XG) powder as the reference material. In the original method, a XG solution is prepared to create gel‐like particles that resemble TEP. The solution is filtered to collect the XG gels onto a filter, and the filters are stained with AB solution. However, recently, it has been found that the XG powder commercially available today has higher solubility and forms negligible amounts of gel particles in solution, which precludes its use as described in the original method. Here, we present an updated calibration method to generate reproducible XG calibration curves using the currently available XG powder, whereby a XG dilution series is stained with AB solution prior to filtration resulting in AB‐stained XG gels that are retained on a filter. Subsequent extraction and spectrophotometric analysis are performed as described in the original method. The updated calibration method described here yielded calibration curves consistent with those reported in the original method. The updated method should only be used in the preparation of a calibration curve when the new soluble XG is available, whereas samples for TEP quantification should be processed as described in the original method.
Fabrication of Nano‐Sized Hybrid Janus Particles from Strawberry‐Like Hierarchical Composites
Authors: Yang Qiuyan , Miao Xiaoming , Loos Katja
Published: September 2018

Janus nanoparticles possess amphiphilic properties and thus exhibit vast applications in the field of catalysis, drug delivery, displays, and surface/interface stabilizers. Despite several successful approaches, that were developed for micro‐sized Janus particle fabrication, the achievement of nano‐sized Janus particles is still facing challenges due to the difficulty with nanoscale processing. Here, new options for the preparation of Janus nanoparticles are demonstrated from strawberry‐like hierarchical composites with designed surface functional groups for both “satellites” and spherical “core.” The “satellites” of the hierarchical composites can be freely varied, from iron oxide to silica nanoparticles. Results from transmission electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis measurements clearly prove the successful production of hybrid Janus silica nanoparticles coated by polystyrene and poly(acrylic acid). This technique demonstrates the vast flexibility of the abovementioned technique in terms of size, type, and surface chemistry design of Janus nanoparticles, which thus offers an additional approach to the current synthesis library of hybrid Janus nanoparticles.
Comparison of tractography‐assisted to atlas‐based targeting for deep brain stimulation in essential tremor
Authors: Fenoy Albert J. , Schiess Mya C.
Published: September 2018

Background

Direct targeting of the dentato‐rubro‐thalamic tract is efficacious in DBS for tremor suppression.

Objectives

We sought to compare outcomes and optimal stimulation parameters for tremor control using the technique of directly targeting the dentato‐rubro‐thalamic tract to those who underwent indirect targeting of the ventral intermediate nucleus thalamus.

Methods

Twenty consecutive essential tremor patients obtained preoperative diffusion MRIs, where the dentato‐rubro‐thalamic tract was individually drawn and used to directly target the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus during surgery. These patients were compared to an earlier cohort of 20 consecutive patients who underwent surgery using atlas‐based coordinates. Baseline and 1‐year postsurgery tremor amplitude using The Essential Tremor Rating Assessment Scale was recorded, as were the parameters needed for successful tremor control.

Results

The indirectly targeted group had greater baseline and postop tremor severity relative to those directly targeted (baseline, 2.9 vs. 2.6; P = 0.02; postop, 1.1 vs. 0.8; P = 0.03). Mean voltage, pulse width, and frequency for optimal tremor control in the directly targeted group (38 electrodes) = 2.8 V, 80 μs, 153 Hz; the parameters for the indirectly targeted group (38 electrodes) = 2.9 V, 86 µs, 179 Hz (significantly greater, P < 0.001). Both groups had significant improvement in arm tremor amplitude from baseline (P < 0.001) without sustained side effects.

Conclusion

Direct targeting of the dentato‐rubro‐thalamic tract provides excellent tremor control, comparable to indirectly targeting the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus. Use of lower stimulation parameters, especially frequency, to control tremor in the directly targeted group suggests that it is a more efficient targeting methodology, which may minimize battery depletion. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Sonic hedgehog regulation of human rhabdosphincter muscle:Potential implications for treatment of stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Hehemann Marah , Kalmanek Elizabeth , Choe Shawn , Dynda Danuta , Hu Wen‐Yang , Quek Marcus L. , Harrington Daniel A. , Stupp Samuel I. , McVary Kevin T. , Podlasek Carol A.
Published: September 2018

Aims

Rhabdosphincter (RS) muscle injury occurs during prostatectomy, and is a leading cause of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Current SUI treatments engender significant side effects, which negatively impact patient quality of life. Thus an unmet need exists to develop novel RS regeneration methods. We have shown that Sonic hedgehog (SHH) is a critical regulator of penile smooth muscle, and we have developed novel peptide amphiphile nanofiber hydrogel delivery of SHH protein to the penis to regenerate smooth muscle after prostatectomy induced injury. If similar SHH signaling mechanisms regulate RS muscle homeostasis, this innovative technology may be adapted for RS regeneration post‐prostatectomy. We examine the SHH pathway in human RS muscle.

Methods

Human RS obtained during radical cystoprostatectomy (n = 13), underwent SHH pathway analysis. Primary cultures were established (n = 5), and RS cells were treated with SHH protein, SHH inhibitor, or PBS (control). Immunohistochemical analysis for SHH pathway, skeletal muscle actin, and trichrome stain were performed. RS growth was quantified at 3 and 6 days.

Results

SHH, it is receptors patched and smoothened, and transcriptional activators, GLI proteins, were identified in human RS muscle. At 3 and 6 days, RS cells increased 62% and 78% (P = 0.0001) with SHH treatment and decreased 40% (P = 0.0001) and 18% (P = 0.039) with SHH inhibition.

Conclusions

The SHH pathway was identified in human RS. RS growth increased with SHH treatment, indicating intervention may be possible to enhance RS regeneration, and impact SUI. Peptide amphiphile delivery of SHH may be applicable for RS regeneration and SUI prevention.
Aggregating courier deliveries
Authors: Steele Patrick R. , Henderson Shane G. , Shmoys David B.
Published: September 2018

We consider the problem of efficiently scheduling deliveries by an uncapacitated courier from a central location under online arrivals. We consider both adversary‐controlled and Poisson arrival processes. In the adversarial setting we provide a randomized (3βΔ/2δ − 1)‐competitive algorithm, where β is the approximation ratio of the traveling salesman problem, δ is the minimum distance between the central location and any customer, and Δ is the length of the optimal traveling salesman tour overall customer locations and the central location. We provide instances showing that this analysis is tight. We also prove a 1 + 0.271Δ/δ lower‐bound on the competitive ratio of any algorithm in this setting. In the Poisson setting, we relax our assumption of deterministic travel times by assuming that travel times are distributed with a mean equal to the excursion length. We prove that optimal policies in this setting follow a threshold structure and describe this structure. For the half‐line metric space we bound the performance of the randomized algorithm in the Poisson setting, and show through numerical experiments that the performance of the algorithm is often much better than this bound.