bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cu@Cu3P Core–Shell Nanowires Attached to Nickel Foam as High‐Performance Electrocatalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zheng Haiyan , Huang Xiubing , Gao Hongyi , Lu Guilong , Dong Wenjun , Wang Ge
Published: November 2018

The development of highly efficient and inexpensive electrocatalysts is of great importance for generating renewable energy. In this work, Cu@Cu3P core–shell nanowires grown on nickel foam (Cu@Cu3P/NF) are prepared by a novel in situ reduction of CuSO4⋅5 H2O, which forms Cu, followed by surface oxidation and low‐temperature phosphorization. The unique hierarchical architecture of Cu@Cu3P/NF integrates the advantages of enlarged surface area, fast electron transport, numerous channels for gas rapid diffusion, non‐polymer binder, and enhanced catalytic performance. Remarkably, Cu@Cu3P/NF‐50, with a molar ratio of Cu/Cu3P of around 2.63, reveals a highly efficient catalytic performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline solution with a Tafel slope of 59 mV dec−1 and a long durability of 48 h. Overpotentials as low as 218 and 302 mV are required to reach current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively. Furthermore, the scientific understanding and design principle of Cu@Cu3P/NF with controlled performance will encourage more research into other high‐performance, low‐cost electrocatalysts for renewable energy.
Bioelectrical impedance analysis of body composition and survival in patients with heart failure
Authors: Thomas Elizabeth , Gupta Pritha P. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Horwich Tamara B.
Published: November 2018

Background

Studies have shown that higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with improved prognosis in heart failure (HF), and this is often termed the obesity paradox.

Hypothesis

Analysis of body composition may reveal that muscle mass rather than adipose tissue accounts for the obesity paradox.

Methods

Bioelectrical impedance analysis of body composition in 359 outpatients with HF was performed using an In Body 520 body composition scale (Biospace Inc., California). Body fat and lean mass were indexed by height (m2). The cohort was stratified by median fat and lean mass indexed by height.

Results

The mean age of patients studied was 56 ± 14; mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 38 ± 16%. Patients with higher indexed body fat mass had improved 5‐year survival over patients with lower indexed body fat mass (90.2% vs 80.1%, P = 0.008). There was also improved survival in patients with high vs low indexed lean body mass (89.3% vs 80.9%, P = 0.036). On multivariable analysis, higher indexed body fat mass, but not lean body mass, was independently associated with improved survival (HR 0.89, per kg/m2 increase in indexed body fat mass, P = 0.044); however, this was attenuated after adjustment for diabetes. The combination of low lean with low‐fat mass was independently associated with poor prognosis.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that higher fat mass—and to a lesser extent higher lean mass—is associated with improved outcomes in HF. Further investigations of specific components of body composition and outcomes in HF are warranted.
The influence of the nylon balloon stiffness on the efficiency of the intra‐aortic balloon occlusion
Authors: Gajewski Tomasz , Szajek Krzysztof , Stȩpak Hubert , Łodygowski Tomasz , Oszkinis Grzegorz
Published: November 2018

In interventional procedures, the balloon inflation is used to occlude the artery and thus reduce bleeding. There is no practically accepted measure of the procedure efficiency. A finite element method model with state‐of‐the‐art modelling techniques was built in order to predict the occlusion levels under the influence of different balloon inflation and its material stiffness. The geometries of a healthy human thoracic aorta and an occlusion balloon were idealized. The non‐linear constitutive material of Gasser‐Ogden‐Holzapfel model was employed for the thoracic aorta; the balloon was model as the hyperelastic model. The realistic physiological blood pressure and the balloon inflation pressures were applied to simulate the different occlusion levels. The final outcome shows an important influence of the material stiffness on the balloon deformation and thus the occlusion efficiency.
Assessment of Multi‐Ion Channel Block in a Phase I Randomized Study Design: Results of the CiPA Phase I ECG Biomarker Validation Study
Authors: Vicente Jose , Zusterzeel Robbert , Johannesen Lars , Ochoa‐Jimenez Roberto , Mason Jay W. , Sanabria Carlos , Kemp Sarah , Sager Philip T. , Patel Vikram , Matta Murali K. , Liu Jiang , Florian Jeffry , Garnett Christine , Stockbridge Norman , Strauss David G.
Published: November 2018

Balanced multi‐ion channel‐blocking drugs have low torsade risk because they block inward currents. The Comprehensive In Vitro Proarrhythmia Assay (CiPA) initiative proposes to use an in silico cardiomyocyte model to determine the presence of balanced block, and absence of heart rate corrected J‐Tpeak (J‐Tpeakc) prolongation would be expected for balanced blockers. This study included three balanced blockers in a 10‐subject‐per‐drug parallel design; lopinavir/ritonavir and verapamil met the primary end point of ΔΔJ‐Tpeakc upper bound < 10 ms, whereas ranolazine did not (upper bounds of 8.8, 6.1, and 12.0 ms, respectively). Chloroquine, a predominant blocker of the potassium channel encoded by the ether‐à‐go‐go related gene (hERG), prolonged ΔΔQTc and ΔΔJ‐Tpeakc by ≥ 10 ms. In a separate crossover design, diltiazem (calcium block) did not shorten dofetilide‐induced ΔQTc prolongation, but shortened ΔJ‐Tpeakc and prolonged ΔTpeak‐Tend. Absence of J‐Tpeakc prolongation seems consistent with balanced block; however, small sample size (10 subjects) may be insufficient to characterize concentration‐response in some cases.
Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium Guideline for Thiopurine Dosing Based on TPMT and NUDT15 Genotypes: 2018 Update
Authors: Relling Mary V. , Schwab Matthias , Whirl‐Carrillo Michelle , Suarez‐Kurtz Guilherme , Pui Ching‐Hon , Stein Charles M. , Moyer Ann M. , Evans William E. , Klein Teri E. , Antillon‐Klussmann Federico Guillermo , Caudle Kelly E. , Kato Motohiro , Yeoh Allen E.J. , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Yang Jun J.
Published: November 2018

Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) activity exhibits a monogenic codominant inheritance and catabolizes thiopurines. TPMT variant alleles are associated with low enzyme activity and pronounced pharmacologic effects of thiopurines. Loss‐of‐function alleles in the NUDT15 gene are common in Asians and Hispanics and reduce the degradation of active thiopurine nucleotide metabolites, also predisposing to myelosuppression. We provide recommendations for adjusting starting doses of azathioprine, mercaptopurine, and thioguanine based on TPMT and NUDT15 genotypes (updates on www.cpicpgx.org).
Resistin is a prognostic factor for death in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kapłon‐Cieślicka Agnieszka , Tymińska Agata , Rosiak Marek , Ozierański Krzysztof , Peller Michał , Eyileten Ceren , Kondracka Agnieszka , Pordzik Justyna , Mirowska‐Guzel Dagmara , Opolski Grzegorz , Postuła Marek , Filipiak Krzysztof J.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

To investigate the association of leptin, resistin, and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) with prognosis in type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

Analysis included 284 T2D patients. Apart from routine laboratory parameters, baseline leptin, resistin, and TNF‐α concentrations were measured. Patients were followed for a median of 5.4 years. The primary endpoint was all‐cause death at follow‐up. The secondary endpoint was a composite of death, acute coronary syndrome, and stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Results

At baseline, median age was 68 years, and 48% of patients were female. Data on the primary endpoint were obtained for all patients: 32 (11%) died during follow‐up. Data on the secondary endpoint were available for 230 patients, of whom 45 (20%) reached the secondary endpoint. In univariate analyses, older age, heart failure, lower‐glomerular filtration rate, and higher resistin, TNF‐α and NT‐proBNP concentrations were predictors of the study endpoints. Of these variables, only resistin remained an independent predictor of both study endpoints in multivariate models. In receiver‐operating characteristic analysis, area under the curve for resistin was 0.7. Resistin concentration of greater than or equal to 11.4 ng/mL had sensitivity of 41% and specificity of 91% for prediction of death at follow‐up (Youden's index).

Conclusions

Higher resistin is associated with reduced survival in T2D, irrespectively of TNF‐α. Resistin concentration of above 11 ng/mL indicates T2D patients at an increased risk of unfavourable outcomes. Leptin was not a prognostic factor. These results suggest that in T2D, association of resistin with unfavourable outcomes might, at least in part, result from its pro‐inflammatory properties.
The SOS system: A complex and tightly regulated response to DNA damage
Authors: Maslowska Katarzyna H. , Makiela‐Dzbenska Karolina , Fijalkowska Iwona J.
Published: November 2018

Genomes of all living organisms are constantly threatened by endogenous and exogenous agents that challenge the chemical integrity of DNA. Most bacteria have evolved a coordinated response to DNA damage. InEscherichia coli,this inducible system is termed the SOS response. The SOS global regulatory network consists of multiple factors promoting the integrity of DNA as well as error‐prone factors allowing for survival and continuous replication upon extensive DNA damage at the cost of elevated mutagenesis. Due to its mutagenic potential, the SOS response is subject to elaborate regulatory control involving not only transcriptional derepression, but also post‐translational activation, and inhibition. This review summarizes current knowledge about the molecular mechanism of the SOS response induction and progression and its consequences for genome stability. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 60:368–384, 2019. © 2018 The Authors.Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesispublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Environmental Mutagen Society.
Possible climatic controls on the accumulation of Peru's most prominent alluvial fan: The Lima Conglomerate
Authors: Litty Camille , Schlunegger Fritz , Akçar Naki , Lanari Pierre , Christl Marcus , Vockenhuber Christof
Published: November 2018

Sediment accumulation can occur in response to a change in either tectonic or climatic driving forces. Here, we explore these controls on the deposition of the Lima Conglomerate, Peru. We use a combination of quantitative methods to explore the age of sediment accumulation, the provenance of the material and the paleo‐erosion rates recorded by these deposits. Isochron burial dating with cosmogenic 10Be and 26Al yield an age of c. 500 ka for the base (490 ± 70 ka) and the uppermost sample situated c. 30 m higher upsection (490 ± 80 ka). Results of paleo‐erosion rate estimates with concentrations of in situ 10Be show a c. 60% increase from 105 ± 10 mm ka‐1 for the base to 169 ± 14 mm ka‐1 for the uppermost sample. Finally, provenance tracing with in situ U/Pb ages on detrital zircon implies that the material has been derived from the entire drainage basin. The combination of results suggests that sediment accumulation occurred in response to an erosional pulse, which affected the entire basin within a short time interval. Because 10Be data represents a large spatial record of erosion, we exclude the possibility where a breakout of a lake or a focused release of material in response to earthquakes, were responsible for the large material flux. Instead, the erosional pulse was likely to have occurred at the scale of the entire basin, supporting the idea of a larger‐scale, most likely climate driven control. In this context, the accumulation age of c. 500 ka falls into an orbital cycle fostering the emerging picture in the literature that sediment routing in the Andes have most likely been driven by climate and cyclic changes. We suggest that the Andean mountain range offers an ideal laboratory to explore the erosional history in relation to climate patterns, at least in Peru. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Freshwater chronic ammonia toxicity: A tropical-to-temperate comparison
Authors: Mooney Thomas J. , Pease Ceiwen J. , Hogan Alicia C. , Trenfield Melanie , Kleinhenz Linda S. , Humphrey Chris , van Dam Rick A. , Harford Andrew J.
Published: November 2018

The chronic toxicity of ammonia to tropical freshwater species is understudied, and thus data on temperate species have been used to derive water quality guideline values for tropical regions. Such practices may lead to underprotective guideline values due to differences in toxicities observed between tropical and temperate species. In addition, the presence of ammonia in low-ionic-strength waters may also result in higher toxicity, and studies on this factor are limited. The present study assessed the toxicity of ammonia to 6 tropical freshwater species in low-ionic-strength waters. Because ammonia toxicity varies depending on the pH and temperature, test water pH concentrations were maintained at approximately pH 6.0 ± 0.3 at temperatures between 27.5 and 30 °C. Low-effect chronic inhibition concentrations were derived for the following species: Chlorella sp. 66 mg L−1; Lemna aequinoctialis 22 mg L−1; Hydra viridissima 1.8 mg L−1; Moinodaphnia macleayi 27 mg L−1; Amerianna cumingi 17 mg L−1; and Mogurnda mogurnda 5.4 mg L−1 total ammonia nitrogen. Two of the species tested (a cnidarian and a fish species) were among the most sensitive reported anywhere within their taxonomic group. Chronic ammonia datasets representing toxicity estimates for temperate and tropical species were plotted and compared using species sensitivity distributions. The results indicate that the differences in chronic toxicity observed between tropical and temperate species were likely due to the low ionic strength of the waters to which tropical species were exposed, rather than any inherent physiological differences between species from tropical and temperate regions. This finding suggests that tropical waters of low ionic strength may be at a higher risk from ammonia compared with other freshwater ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:177–189. © 2018 Commonwealth of Australia. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Imaging functional motor connectivity in hemiparetic children with perinatal stroke
Authors: Saunders Jennifer , Carlson Helen L. , Cortese Filomeno , Goodyear Bradley G. , Kirton Adam
Published: November 2018

Perinatal stroke causes lifelong disability, particularly hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Arterial ischemic strokes (AIS) are large, cortical, and subcortical injuries acquired near birth due to acute occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Periventricular venous infarctions (PVI) are smaller, subcortical strokes acquired prior to 34 weeks gestation involving injury to the periventricular white matter. Both stroke types can damage motor pathways, thus, we investigated resulting alterations in functional motor networks and probed function. We measured blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) fluctuations at rest in 38 participants [10 arterial patients (age = 14.7 ± 4.1 years), 10 venous patients (age = 13.5 ± 3.7 years), and 18 typically developing controls (TDCs) (age = 15.3 ± 5.1 years)] and explored strength and laterality of functional connectivity in the motor network. Inclusion criteria included MRI‐confirmed, unilateral perinatal stroke, symptomatic hemiparetic cerebral palsy, and 6–19 years old at time of imaging. Seed‐based functional connectivity analyses measured temporal correlations in BOLD response over the whole brain using primary motor cortices as seeds. Laterality indices based on mean z‐scores in lesioned and nonlesioned hemispheres explored laterality. In AIS patients, significant differences in both strength and laterality of motor network connections were observed compared with TDCs. In PVI patients, motor networks largely resembled those of healthy controls, albeit slightly weaker and asymmetric, despite subcortical damage and hemiparesis. Functional connectivity strengths were not related to motor outcome scores for either stroke group. This study serves as a foundation to better understand how resting‐state fMRI can assess motor functional connectivity and potentially be applied to explore mechanisms of interventional therapies after perinatal stroke.
Impact of treatment expertise on the outcome of patients with head and neck cancer treated within 6 randomized trials
Authors: Bossi Paolo , Miceli Rosalba , Benasso Marco , Corvò Renzo , Bacigalupo Andrea , Sanguineti Giuseppe , Fallai Carlo , Merlano Marlo C. , Infante Gabriele , Dani Carla , Di Giannantonio Valerio , Licitra Lisa
Published: November 2018

Background

We evaluated the impact of center expertise, in terms of number of patients treated, on the overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods

We performed a pooled analysis including data from 6 randomized trials in head and neck SCC conducted in Italy. We evaluated the association between OS or PFS and the number of patients recruited by the center.

Results

The outcome of 903 patients who had received radiotherapy (RT) was analyzed (median follow‐up 76 months). The hazard ratio (HR) comparing the third and the first quartiles of the distribution of number of patients per center showed an advantage in PFS (HR 0.59, range 0.53‐0.65, P < .0001) and in OS (HR 0.70, 0.60‐0.81, P < .0001) for centers with a higher number of patients recruited. A similar benefit was observed in PFS (HR 0.63, 0.60‐0.66) and OS (HR 0.74, 0.69‐0.79) considering the mean number of patients per year.

Conclusions

The PFS and OS were longer for patients treated in high‐case‐volume centers.
Use of the shock index to predict maternal outcomes in women referred for postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Lee Se‐Young , Kim Ho‐Yeon , Cho Geum‐Joon , Hong Soon‐Cheol , Oh Min‐Jeong , Kim Hai‐Joong
Published: November 2018

Objective

To evaluate the clinical significance of various vital signs in women referred for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with primary PPH who were referred to Korea University Medical Center, Ansan, between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2016. We analyzed data for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and shock index (heart rate divided by systolic blood pressure) at time of arrival. Significant morbidity, such as massive transfusion, invasive procedures, and admission to the intensive care unit were reviewed. We used the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for each vital sign to predict adverse maternal  outcomes. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values were assessed.

Results

118 women with PPH were identified. The shock index had the highest AUROC to predict massive transfusion (0.815, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.727–0.883). A shock index greater than 0.9 had 93.8% (95% CI 69.8–99.8) sensitivity and 51.2% (35.1–67.1) specificity for prediction of massive transfusion, and 93.6% (78.6–99.2) sensitivity and 31.0% (15.3–50.8) specificity for prediction of invasive procedures.

Conclusion

The shock index has significant ability to predict adverse outcomes of PPH compared with other initial vital signs when patients are referred.
Three‐dimensional Doppler ultrasonography for the assessment of fetal liver vascularization in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Molina Giraldo Saulo , Alfonso Ayala Diana A. , Arreaza Graterol Mortimer , Perez Olivo Jose L. , Solano Montero Armicson F.
Published: November 2018

Objective

To demonstrate changes in hepatic volume and vascular indices in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) compared with normal‐growth fetuses, using a noninvasive method (three‐dimensional power Doppler ultrasound).

Methods

The present cross‐sectional study was conducted between September 1 and November 30, 2014, at a maternal–fetal medicine unit in Bogotá, Colombia; it included consecutive women at 24–34 weeks of pregnancy. The fetal liver volume and indices of hepatic vascularization were determined with three‐dimensional power Doppler ultrasonography and compared between fetuses with and without a diagnosis of IUGR.

Results

A total of 119 women met study inclusion criteria; 97 fetuses had no growth restriction, whereas 22 fetuses had IUGR. The latter group had decreased liver volume (57.85 ± 29.71 mL vs 86.99 ± 31.24 mL; P=0.010) and increased vascular indices (vascularization index, 47.92 ± 34.44 versus 22.46 ± 18.95; flow index, 71.39 ± 42.01 versus 41.11 ± 23.24; vascularization flow index, 47.94 ± 47.96 versus 13.67 ± 22.38; P=0.003 for all comparisons).

Conclusion

Liver volume was decreased and liver vascular indices values were increased in fetuses with IUGR. These findings imply that evaluation of hepatic vascularization with three‐dimensional hepatic Doppler could be useful in the diagnosis of IUGR.
Brewing and malting technology by‐products as raw materials in L‐(+)‐lactic acid fermentation
Authors: Radosavljević Miloš , Pejin Jelena , Pribić Milana , Kocić‐Tanackov Sunčica , Mladenović Dragana , Djukić‐Vuković Aleksandra , Mojović Ljiljana
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Brewer's spent grain (BSG), brewer's yeast (BY), malt rootlets (MR), and soy lecithin (SL) are valuable and abundant by‐products obtained from brewing, malting, and oil industry, respectively. L‐(+)‐lactic acid (LA) is organic acid that has a wide range of application. In this study hydrolysate obtained from BSG and MR mixture (BSGMR), was used in combination with SL and BY extract (BYE) in LA fermentation. The aim was to evaluate the effect and to optimize the addition of SL (0.1% and 0.2%) or BYE (10% and 20%) compared with Tween 80 (0.1%) and yeast extract (0.8%), in batch and fed‐batch LA fermentation.

RESULTS

Using optimal SL and BYE concentrations (0.19% and 19.12%, respectively) obtained by response surface methodology (RSM), the highest LA concentration, yield, and volumetric productivity of 28.43 g L−1, 93.03%, and 1.04 g L−1 h−1, respectively, were achieved in batch fermentation, with further increase using fed‐batch fermentation (70.17 g L−1, 94.57%, and 1.22 g L−1 h−1, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The results achieved indicated that the combination of industrial by‐products, BSG, MR, SL, and BYE can be used as very suitable fermentation media for LA production, and that SL and BYE could be used as cheap replacements for Tween 80 and YE without decreasing fermentation efficiency. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Diabetic retinopathy detection and classification using hybrid feature set
Authors: Amin Javeria , Sharif Muhammad , Rehman Amjad , Raza Mudassar , Mufti Muhammad Rafiq
Published: November 2018

Complicated stages of diabetes are the major cause of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) and no symptoms appear at the initial stage of DR. At the early stage diagnosis of DR, screening and treatment may reduce vision harm. In this work, an automated technique is applied for detection and classification of DR. A local contrast enhancement method is used on grayscale images to enhance the region of interest. An adaptive threshold method with mathematical morphology is used for the accurate lesions region segmentation. After that, the geometrical and statistical features are fused for better classification. The proposed method is validated on DIARETDB1, E‐ophtha, Messidor, and local data sets with different metrics such as area under the curve (AUC) and accuracy (ACC).
Substitution reactions of gaseous ions in a three‐dimensional quadrupole ion trap
Authors: Parchomyk Tobias , Koszinowski Konrad
Published: November 2018

Substitution reactions between gaseous ions and neutral substrate molecules are of ongoing high interest. To investigate these processes in a qualitative and quantitative manner, we have constructed a device, with which a defined amount of a volatile substrate can be mixed with a defined amount of helium gas and added into a three‐dimensional quadrupole ion trap. From the known inner volume of the device, the known ratio nsubstrate:nHe of the mixture, and the determined absolute partial pressure of helium in the ion trap, we can derive the partial pressure of the substrate in the ion trap and, thus, convert the directly observable pseudo–first‐order rate constants of the substitution reactions into absolute bimolecular rate constants. We have tested the device by investigating a series of SN2 reactions of Br− and CF3CH2O− anions as well as ligand exchange reactions of ligated Na+ cations. As the obtained results suggest, the described device makes it possible to determine the bimolecular rate constants of substitution reactions as well as other ion‐molecule reactions with satisfactory accuracy and reliability.
Metabolic syndrome and periodontitis: A structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Nascimento Gustavo G. , Leite Fábio R. M. , Peres Karen G. , Demarco Flávio F. , Corrêa Marcos B. , Peres Marco A.
Published: November 2018

Background

This study aimed to investigate the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and periodontitis among young adults, and also to compare results using observed and latent variables for MetS and periodontitis.

Methods

Data from the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort, Brazil, were used. Metabolic syndrome at the age of 23 years was measured using clinical and biochemical analysis and set as the main exposure. Periodontitis at the age of 31 years was clinically measured and set as the outcome. Confounding variables included sex and maternal education, assessed at birth, family income at 23 years, and smoking status at the age of 23 and 30 years. Factor analyses (exploratory and confirmatory) were performed to define latent variables for MetS and periodontitis. In addition, both conditions were also defined as categorical observed variables. The association between MetS and periodontitis was tested in structural equation models.

Results

Two latent periodontal variables were identified: “initial” and “advanced” periodontitis, while one latent variable was identified for MetS. Metabolic syndrome is positively associated with “advanced” (coefficient 0.11; P value < 0.01), but not with “initial” (coefficient ‐0.01; P value = 0.79) periodontitis. When MetS and periodontitis were set as observed variables in the structural equation models, no association was found irrespective of the criteria used for periodontitis classification.

Conclusions

There was a positive association between metabolic syndrome and “advanced” periodontitis, when the multiple dimensions of both diseases were accounted in latent variables. Nevertheless, when MetS and periodontitis were treated as observed variables, no association was detected irrespective of the criteria used for periodontitis classification.
Smoking confounds the periodontal diagnostics using saliva biomarkers
Authors: Lahdentausta Laura , Paju Susanna , Mäntylä Päivi , Buhlin Kåre , Pietiäinen Milla , Tervahartiala Taina , Nieminen Markku S. , Sinisalo Juha , Sorsa Timo , Pussinen Pirkko J.
Published: November 2018

Background

Smoking is a risk factor for periodontal disease because of its complex impact on the inflammatory response in the periodontium. We investigated the effect of smoking on salivary periodontal biomarkers, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8, MMP‐9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 and myeloperoxidase (MPO).

Methods

Saliva biomarkers were analyzed in the Parogene population (n = 480) comprising a random cohort of patients that have undergone coronary angiography and oral examination. The effect of time since cessation and pack years of smoking on biomarkers were investigated.

Results

Saliva MMP‐8, MMP‐9, TIMP‐1, and MPO concentrations distinguished periodontitis patients significantly from patients without periodontitis. When the time since cessation was considered, the area‐under‐the‐curve values (p‐value) for periodontitis were 0.76 (<0.001), 0.74 (<0.001), 0.70 (<0.001), and 0.76 (<0.001), respectively. Adding information about smoking habits in the models improved slightly the sensitivities of all biomarkers. In logistic regression model saliva, MMP‐8 was mainly affected by pack years of smoking, whereas saliva MMP‐9, TIMP‐1, and MPO were mostly affected by time since cessation, especially if smoking currently or quit recently (<1 year ago).

Conclusion

Smoking confounds the salivary diagnostics of periodontitis and should be considered when interpreting the results obtained by potential diagnostic tests.
Rootstock effects on grape anthocyanins, skin and seed proanthocyanidins and wine color and phenolic compounds from Vitis vinifera L. Merlot grapevines
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Gamboa Gastón , Gómez‐Plaza Encarna , Bautista‐Ortín Ana B , Garde‐Cerdán Teresa , Moreno‐Simunovic Yerko , Martínez‐Gil Ana M
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Rootstocks affect vegetative and reproductive parameters of the scion. However, limited knowledge exists on the effects of the adoption of a specific rootstock on grape and wine phenolic composition, which contribute to certain sensory attributes such as color, body and astringency of wine. These compounds are mainly affected by the variety, viticultural management and rootstock. The aim of this work was to study the influence of eight rootstocks on grape anthocyanin content, skin and seed proanthocyanidins and wine chromatic characteristics obtained from Merlot vines.

RESULTS

Grapevines grafted onto SO4 rootstock, in general, presented a higher concentration of total proanthocyanidins in skins and seeds compared to the rest of the rootstocks, whereas grapevines grafted onto Gravesac presented a lower concentration of proanthocyanidins in skins and seeds. These differences were found in the wines developed from grapevines grafted onto SO4. Wines from grapevines grafted onto SO4, 140 Ruggeri, Gravesac and 4453 M rootstocks presented, in general, better chromatic characteristics and a higher anthocyanin and tannin content than the rest of the samples.

CONCLUSION

This work gives additional information concerning the influence of rootstock on grape and wine phenolic composition. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Malprogramming of Hepatic Lipid Metabolism due to Excessive Early Cholesterol Exposure in Adult Progeny
Authors: Dumolt Jerad H. , Browne Richard W. , Patel Mulchand S. , Rideout Todd C.
Published: November 2018

Scope

The programming of hepatic lipid dysfunction in response to early cholesterol exposure and the influencing effects of postnatal diet is evaluated in apoE−/− mice.

Methods and results

In two separate studies, female mice are assigned to a standard chow (S) or a cholesterol‐enriched chow (C) diet during gestation and lactation. Male offspring from each dam are weaned on a postnatal S or a hypercaloric western (W) diet resulting in four experimental groups: S–S and C–S (Experiment 1) and S–W and C–W (Experiment 2). At weaning, litters from hypercholesterolemic mothers weighed less (p < 0.05) and pups had higher blood lipids, glucose, and hepatic cholesterol compared with pups from S‐fed mothers. Adult C–S offspring demonstrate an atherogenic lipid profile and increased (p < 0.05) hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride content with altered lipid regulatory mRNA expression and protein content compared with S–S offspring. Alternatively, no difference (p > 0.05) is observed between S–W and C–W in serum and hepatic lipid profiles; however, serum AST and ALT are higher (p < 0.05) in C–W versus S–W offspring.

Conclusion

The degree of hepatic lipid deposition observed in adult offspring exposed to excessive early cholesterol is influenced by the postnatal diet.
Evaluation of tumor coverage after MR‐guided prostate focal laser ablation therapy
Authors: Knull Eric , Oto Aytekin , Eggener Scott , Tessier David , Guneyli Serkan , Chatterjee Aritrick , Fenster Aaron
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Prostate cancer is the most common noncutaneous cancer among men in the USA. Focal laser thermal ablation (FLA) has the potential to control small tumors while preserving urinary and erectile function by leaving the neurovascular bundles and urethral sphincters intact. Accurate needle guidance is critical to the success of FLA. Multiparametric magnetic resonance images (mpMRI) can be used to identify targets, guide needles, and assess treatment outcomes. In this study, we evaluated the location of ablation zones relative to targeted lesions in 23 patients who underwent FLA therapy in a phase II trial. The ablation zone margins and unablated tumor volume were measured to determine whether complete coverage of each tumor was achieved, which would be considered a clinically successful ablation.

Methods

Preoperative mpMRI was acquired for each patient 2–3 months preceding the procedure and the prostate and lesion(s) were manually contoured on 3 T T2‐weighted axial images. The prostate and ablation zone(s) were also manually contoured on postablation 1.5 T T1‐weighted contrast‐enhanced axial images acquired immediately after the procedure intraoperatively. The lesion surface was nonrigidly registered to the postablation image using an initial affine registration followed by nonrigid thin‐plate spline registration of the prostate surfaces. The margins between the registered lesion and ablation zone were calculated using a uniform spherical distribution of rays, and the volume of intersection was also calculated. Each prostate was contoured five times to determine the segmentation variability and its effect on intersection of the lesion and ablation zone.

Results

Our study showed that the boundaries of the segmented tumor and ablation zone were close. Of the 23 lesions that were analyzed, 11 were completely covered by the ablation zone and 12 were partially covered. A shift of 1.0, 2.0, and 2.6 mm would result in 19, 21, and all tumors completely covered by the ablation zone, respectively. The median unablated tumor volume across all tumors was 0.1  with an IQR of 3.7 , which was 0.2% of the median tumor volume (46.5  with an IQR of 46.3 ). The median extension of the tumors beyond the ablation zone, in cases which were partially ablated, was 0.9 mm (IQR of 1.3 mm), with the furthest tumor extending 2.6 mm.

Conclusion

In all cases, the boundary of the tumor was close to the boundary of the ablation zone, and in some cases, the boundary of the ablation zone did not completely enclose the tumor. Our results suggest that some of the ablations were not clinically successful and that there is a need for more accurate needle tracking and guidance methods. Limitations of the study include errors in the registration and segmentation methods used as well as different voxel sizes and contrast between the registered T2 and T1 MRI sequences and asymmetric swelling of the prostate postprocedurally.
From the synthesis and characterization of methacrylated fatty acid based precursors to shape memory polymers
Authors: Capiel Guillermina , Marcovich Norma E , Mosiewicki Mirna A
Published: November 2018

Fatty acid based precursors were synthesized by a one‐step reaction from oleic or lauric acids and glycidyl methacrylate to be used later in polymer formulations. Different times of reaction, amounts of catalyst and initial ratios of reactants were evaluated, obtaining conversions higher than 0.9 for the best conditions. The monomers obtained are interesting alternatives to synthetics since they combine low cost with environmental advantages (i.e. higher bio‐carbon content). These polymeric precursors were reacted separately in cationic and free radical polymerizations with styrene (50 wt%) to evaluate their potential as greener monomers. The lauric acid precursor and free radical polymerization were the alternatives that produced elastomeric materials with higher glass transition temperatures and storage moduli. These results were related to the lesser plasticizing effect of the shorter fatty acid chain, in comparison with that of the oleic acid based monomer, and to a lower free volume in the formed structure during curing. Moreover, all the obtained polymers exhibited shape memory properties that can be activated by temperature changes. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Experiences of patients with colorectal cancer from diagnosis until completion of treatment: A meta‐ethnography approach
Authors: Hildebrandt Christiane , Mayer Hanna , Koller Antje
Published: November 2018

Objective

The purpose of this meta‐synthesis was to explore the experience of living with symptoms caused by colorectal cancer (CRC) and its treatment from the perspectives of those affected.

Methods

In a systematic search of qualitative studies published up to September 2017, 21 relevant papers were identified. The meta‐ethnography followed the approach developed by Noblit and Hare. To relate key themes from one paper to similar themes of different papers, a “reciprocal translation” was carried out.

Results

Through synthesis, a new model was developed during treatment (“lines‐of‐argument synthesis”). Two constructs of experiences took place before the illness. Six third‐order constructs were developed to capture patients' experiences during treatment, including “disruption in life through CRC” as well as the complex and circular experiences summarized as “experiences of symptoms and challenges by CRC”. In contrast, experiences in dealing with changes that CRC and the treatment imply were “making sense of the experience”, “sharing the experience”, “experiences with controlling ones' body”, and “experiences with reforming life”.

Conclusions

This meta‐ethnography clarifies fundamental aspects of patients' experience in very different settings or starting points by specifying a more complete and holistic spectrum of experiences with CRC and its treatment.
Precipitation characteristic changes due to global warming in a high‐resolution (16 km) ECMWF simulation
Authors: Feng Xuelei , Liu Chuntao , Xie Feiqin , Lu Jian , Chiu Long S. , Tintera George , Chen Baohua
Published: November 2018

Changes in precipitation amount, intensity and frequency in response to global warming are examined using global high‐resolution (16 km) climate model simulations based on the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Integrated Forecast System (IFS) conducted under Project Athena.

Our study shows the increases of zonal‐mean total precipitation in all latitudes except the northern subtropics (15°–30°N) and southern subtropics‐to‐midlatitudes (30°–40°S). The probability distribution function (PDF) changes in different latitudes suggest a higher occurrence of light precipitation (LP; ≤1 mm/day) and heavy precipitation (HP; ≥30 mm/day) at the expense of moderate precipitation reduction (MP; 1–30 mm/day) from Tropics to midlatitudes, but an increase in all categories of precipitation in polar regions.

On the other hand, the PDF change with global warming in different precipitation climatological zones presents another image. For all regions and seasons examined, there is an HP increase at the cost of MP, but LP varies. The reduced MP in richer precipitation zones resides in the PDF peak intensities, which linearly increase with the precipitation climatology zones. In particular in the Tropics (20°S to 20°N), the precipitation PDF has a flatter distribution (i.e. HP and LP increases with MP reduction) except for the Sahara Desert. In the primary precipitation zones in the subtropics (20°–40°) of both hemispheres, precipitation over land switches toward higher intensity (HP increases, but MP and LP decrease) in both winter and summer, while precipitation over ocean in both seasons shows a flattening trend in the intensity distribution. For the major precipitation zones of the mid‐to‐high latitude belt (40°–70°), PDF of precipitation tends to be flatter over ocean in summer, but switches toward higher intensities over land in both summer and winter, as well as over ocean in winter.
Local time stepping for a mass‐consistent and time‐split advection scheme
Authors: Baldauf Michael
Published: November 2018

An advection scheme that is locally mass‐conserving, positive‐definite, and has strongly reduced splitting errors in deformational flows is presented in a recent work by Bott. Additionally, a row‐oriented substepping is proposed to deal with Courant numbers C larger than one. However, this leads to either a nonlocal communication pattern or a violation of numerical reproducibility under domain decomposition in a (massively) parallel computing environment. Instead, a local time stepping is proposed here, which acts only on those grid points where C exceeds one. It is shown that this local time stepping maintains the above‐mentioned properties of the Bott scheme and that it achieves numerical reproducibility, together with a slight improvement in efficiency.
A hand‐eye calibration method for augmented reality applied to computer‐assisted orthopedic surgery
Authors: de Oliveira Marcelo E. , Debarba Henrique G. , Lädermann Alexandre , Chagué Sylvain , Charbonnier Caecilia
Published: November 2018

Background: Augmented reality (AR) allows the surgeon to represent holographic patient‐specific anatomical information and surgical instruments in the physical world. To correctly superimpose virtual and physical objects, a hand‐eye (HE) calibration method for mapping the virtual and physical spaces was proposed.

Methods: Mathematical relationships between the virtual camera and the physical space were derived. Finally, the accuracy and robustness of the proposed HE calibration method were qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated.

Results: The proposed calibration method allows us to determine an optimal invariant spatiotemporal mapping between the virtual camera and the physical space.

Conclusion: Qualitatively and quantitatively reliable and accurate estimates for the physical‐virtual mapping transformation were verified. Consequently, imaging data and surgical instruments holograms can be precisely represented in the physical space.
Cognitive functions in young adults with generalized anxiety disorder
Authors: Leonard Kiara , Abramovitch Amitai
Published: November 2018

Background:

Anxiety and worry are central symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) that have been theorized to negatively impact cognitive functions. However, most of the research has focused on threat-related or emotionally-charged stimuli, and a surprisingly small number of investigations examined ‘cold’ cognitive functions using classic neuropsychological tests. Such investigations are particularly important given that some theoretical models suggest compensatory mechanisms associated with anxiety that in certain circumstances may result in intact performance. The aim of the present study is to assess the neuropsychological profile associated with GAD, using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery.

Methods:

A sample of 23 college students meeting criteria for DSM-5 GAD and 20 control participants completed a psychometrically valid comprehensive computerized neuropsychological battery and clinical questionnaires.

Results:

The GAD sample presented with significantly elevated symptomatic rates of anxiety, worry, depression and stress. However, no significant differences were found on any neuropsychological outcome measures or domain indexes. Effect sizes were small, some of which favored the GAD sample.

Conclusion:

Despite substantial psychopathological burden, GAD exhibited intact cognitive functioning. These results support the Cognitive Control Theory of Anxiety, suggesting that elevated primary anxiety may not impact ‘cold’ cognitive functions in the absence of threat or substantial cognitive load. Given that this is one of the only studies employing a comprehensive neuropsychological battery in GAD, more research is needed in this population to replicate these results and to examine the impact of anxiety on cognitive functions at varying degrees of cognitive load in this population.
Branded Apps: Explaining Effects of Brands’ Mobile Phone Applications on Brand Responses
Authors: van Noort Guda , van Reijmersdal Eva A.
Published: November 2018

Branded apps have attracted an increasing amount of attention as a marketing communication platform. With branded apps, companies try to create value for their brands among prospective and current customers by providing entertainment and information content. The aim of this study was to examine a) whether branded apps influence consumers’ cognitive and affective brand responses, b) whether this effect is moderated by the type of branded app (i.e., information vs. entertainment), and c) to what extent enjoyment and elaboration are explanatory mechanisms for these effects. An experiment demonstrated that 1) branded apps enhanced brand responses, 2) an entertainment app evoked higher levels of enjoyment, which in turn enhanced affective brand responses, and 3) an informational app evoked higher levels of elaboration, which enhanced cognitive brand responses. Theoretical and practical implications for branded app designers and mobile advertisers are discussed.
A Longitudinal Cross-product Analysis of Media-budget Allocations: How Economic and Technological Disruptions Affected Media Choices across Industries
Authors: Del Barrio-García Salvador , Kamakura Wagner A. , Luque-Martínez Teodoro
Published: November 2018

The advertising literature and communications literature offer many (sometimes conflicting) media recommendations for the different types of products and services. We attempt to consolidate these media recommendations into a unifying theory-based framework, and utilize longitudinal media-budget data for 143 products/services in a major media market (Spain) to verify whether advertisers have conformed to the prescriptions derived from this framework. We also use this long cross-product history of media-budget allocations to study how advertisers reacted to economic (the Great Recession of 2008) and technological (the emergence of the Internet as an advertising medium) shifts in their media allocations.
Potential Spicity: From Abstract Theory to Practical Application
Authors: Zhou Lei
Published: November 2018

A method for estimating potential spicity, a thermodynamic variable in oceanography, provides a new way to describe contrasts in watermass properties.
Snakes on a Spaceship—An Overview of Python in Heliophysics
Authors: Burrell A. G. , Halford A. , Klenzing J. , Stoneback R. A. , Morley S. K. , Annex A. M. , Laundal K. M. , Kellerman A. C. , Stansby D. , Ma J.
Published: November 2018

Computational analysis has become ubiquitous within the heliophysics community. However, community standards for peer review of codes and analysis have lagged behind these developments. This absence has contributed to the reproducibility crisis, where inadequate analysis descriptions and loss of scientific data have made scientific studies difficult or impossible to replicate. The heliophysics community has responded to this challenge by expressing a desire for a more open, collaborative set of analysis tools. This article summarizes the current state of these efforts and presents an overview of many of the existing Python heliophysics tools. It also outlines the challenges facing community members who are working toward the goal of an open, collaborative, Python heliophysics toolkit and presents guidelines that can ease the transition from individualistic data analysis practices to an accountable, communalistic environment.
Erratum: Iridates from the molecular side
Authors: Pedersen Kasper S. , Bendix Jesper , Tressaud Alain , Durand Etienne , Weihe Høgni , Salman Zaher , Morsing Thorbjørn J , Woodruff Daniel N. , Lan Yanhua , Wernsdorfer Wolfgang , Mathonière Corine , Piligkos Stergios , Klokishner Sophia I. , Ostrovsky Serghei , Ollefs Katharina , Wilhelm Fabrice , Rogalev Andrei , Clérac Rodolphe
Published: November 2018

Nature Communications 7: Article number: 12195 (2016); Published: 20 July 2016; Updated: 31 August 2016 The original version of this Article contained an error in which the first affiliation was incorrectly given as ‘CNRS, ICMCB, UPR 9048, Pessac 33600, France’. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.