bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the effect of platelet concentrate supernatants on endothelial cells: focus on endocan/ESM‐1
Authors: Tariket Sofiane , Sut Caroline , Arthaud Charles‐Antoine , Eyraud Marie‐Ange , Meneveaux Astrid , Laradi Sandrine , Hamzeh‐Cognasse Hind , Garraud Olivier , Cognasse Fabrice
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Platelets (PLTs) are prone to activation and the release of biologic response modifiers (BRMs) under storage conditions. The transfusion inflammatory reaction in the vascular compartment involves endothelial cell activation due to cell–cell interactions and BRMs infused with the blood products. Endocan/ESM‐1 is a proteoglycan secreted by endothelial cells under the control of proinflammatory cytokines. We aimed to measure endocan activity in supernatants of PLT components (PCs), implicated in serious adverse reactions (SARs) or not (no.AR), sampled at different stages during storage.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

PLT function, by quantification of soluble CD62P, and their ability to produce endocan were assessed. Functional testing of PC supernatants was performed on EA.hy926 endothelial cells in vitro by exposing them to PC supernatants from each group (no.AR or SARs); EA.hy926 activation was evaluated by their production of interleukin (IL)‐6 and endocan.

RESULTS

PLT endocan secretion was not induced in response to PLT surface molecule agonists, and no significant correlation was observed between sCD62P and endocan concentration after PLT activation. However, we observed a significant increase in the secretion of IL‐6 and endocan after EA.hy926 activation by all PC supernatants. IL‐6 and endocan secretion were significantly higher for cells stimulated with SAR than those stimulated with no.AR PC supernatants, as well as cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

The correlation between the secretion of endocan and that of IL‐6 by endothelial cells suggests that endocan can be used as a predictive marker of inflammation for the quality assessment of transfusion grade PLTs.
Postauthorization safety study of Clottafact®, a triply secured fibrinogen concentrate in acquired fibrinogen deficiency: a prospective observational study
Authors: Négrier C. , Ducloy‐Bouthors A.‐S. , Piriou V. , De Maistre E. , Stieltjes N. , Borel‐Derlon A. , Colson P. , Picard J. , Lambert T. , Claeyssens S. , Boileau S. , Bertrand A. , André M.‐H. , Fourrier F. , Ozier Y. , Sié P. , Gruel Y. , Tellier Z.
Published: December 2017

Background and Objectives

A postauthorization safety study was performed between 2009 and 2012 to describe the use of Clottafact® in acquired fibrinogen deficiency in real‐life medical practice in France.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and fifty patients were planned for 28 days of prospective follow‐up after infusion. The analysis of this observational study was descriptive and performed according to the type of treatment (curative or preventive) and the origin of the bleed.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐six patients (16–87 years) were included in 13 centres and treated in five different medical bleeding situations: postpartum (59), other gynaecological/obstetrical (6), trauma (34), liver (13), cardiovascular (23) and other various bleeding situations (21). The mean follow‐up time was 18·9 ± 12·3 days. Two patients presented adverse drug reactions: one a pulmonary embolism and the other a four‐site venous thromboembolic episode. All were serious with a dubious causal relationship with the study treatment. Efficacy data were collected as a secondary objective. In 150 patients receiving curative treatment, 117 of 159 infusions (73·6%) were considered as successful by the investigators, 35 as moderate (22%) and seven as no response (4·4%).

Conclusion

The Clottafact® safety profile observed during the study matched the known profile of fibrinogen during use.
Complications associated with surgical dehorning in goats: A retrospective study of 239 cases
Authors: Hartnack Amanda K. , Jordan Molly E. , Roussel Allen J.
Published: December 2017

Objective

This article describes complications following surgical dehorning of goats.

Study design

Retrospective. Medical records of goats that underwent surgical dehorning were reviewed.

Animals

Two hundred thirty‐nine goats.

Methods

The medical records of 239 goats, not previously dehorned by other methods, that were cosmetically dehorned between January 2006 and April 2016, were reviewed. Data retrieved from the medical records included breed, weight, the surgeon performing the procedure, intraoperative complications, and the occurrence of return visits to the teaching hospital because of complications related to the dehorning procedure. The owner of record then completed a standard questionnaire during a telephone interview.

Results

One or more complications following the surgical dehorning procedure were reported in 93/239 (38.91%) of goats. Complications were divided into major and minor categories. Eighty‐four of 239 goats (35.14%) had minor complications, 3/239 goats (1.26%) experienced major complications, and 6/239 (2.51%) had both major and minor complications. The mean weight of goats with complications was 29.73 kg compared to 24.91 kg for goats without complications. This difference was statistically significant (P = .015).

Conclusion

Surgical dehorning of goats results in a high rate of complications; however, the majority of these complications are minor and do not affect health and performance of the goats. Goats experiencing complications weighed significantly more than goats without complications.

Clinical significance

Surgical dehorning of goats requires minimal aftercare and results in a low rate of serious complications.
IMPROVEMENT OF BIOGAS UPGRADING PROCESS USING CHEMICAL ABSORPTION AT AMBIENT CONDITIONS
Authors: R. H. Abdeen Fouad , Mel Maizirwan , Jami Mohammed Saedi , Ihsan Sany Izan , Ismail Ahmad Faris
Published: December 2017

Biogas major components are methane, carbon dioxide and traces of hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and nitrogen. Biogas upgrading process is the process by which carbon dioxide (composing 40 % of the biogas) is removed. In this study chemical absorption process using three different solvents (10 – 30 % monoethanolamine, 4 – 12 % sodium hydroxide and 5 – 15 % aqueous ammonia) was performed to produce methane-enriched biogas. A laboratory-scale packed-column apparatus containing efficient and cheap packing material (plastic bioball) was used to perform the experimental work in this study. Initial absorption runs were performed to select the best solvent type and concentration. Monoethanolamine (MEA) was proven to have the highest ability in producing upgraded biogas using a single absorption column apparatus at ambient conditions. The liquid to gas flow ratio was investigated using 30 % MEA solution. Optimum liquid to gas flow ratio for biogas upgrading process was determined to be about 18 (on mass basis). Biogas with methane content up to 96.1 v/v% was produced with CO2 loading capacity up to 0.24 mole-CO2 per mole-MEA.
MEMBRANE-ACTIVE METHANOLIC CRUDE EXTRACT OF THERMOTOLERANT, Aspergillus fumigatus SSH01 AND ITS MODE OF ACTION AGAINST GRAM-POSITIVE PATHOGENS
Authors: Radzali Mohamad Khairil , Abdul Karim Akmal Hayat , Ahmad Syahida , Saad Wan Zuhainis
Published: December 2017

This study was undertaken to investigate the antibacterial properties and the mode of actions of crude extract of Aspergillus fumigatus SSH01. Antibacterial properties was observed against Gram-positive pathogens and showed inhibition against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, methicillin-resistant S. aureus S547 (MRSA) and Listeria monocytogenes L10 with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC, 0.097- 12.5 mg/ml) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC, 0.195 – 25 mg/ml). No surviving cells were detected after 15 h of treatment with the 2MIC of extracts for time-kill assay. Leakage of cellular contents of the treated test pathogens were identified and increased as the concentrations of the extracts increased. The study of morphological surface has shown the bacterial membrane was disrupted and caused loss of viability. This implies the antibacterial effects of A. fumigatus SSH01 extract may serve as the potential antibiotic.
Los fines del derecho internacional penal
Authors: Olasolo Alonso Héctor
Published: December 2017

El derecho internacional penal, DIP, requiere elaborar un marco teórico sólido sobre los fines a los que se dirige, porque desde la década de 1990 es aplicado de manera constante por tribunales nacionales e internacionales. Las especiales características del DIP hacen que no le sean fácilmente trasladables los fines propios del derecho penal nacional. En consecuencia, para determinar su contenido es necesario explorar la naturaleza de los bienes jurídicos protegidos por las principales categorías de delitos que lo conforman, y la función que cumple la pena en el DIP.
Optimizing the incorporation of aloe vera in yacon (smallanthus sonchifolius poepp. & endl.) Through vacuum impregnation using response surface
Authors: Oblitas Cruz Jimy Frank , Rojas Gutierrez Erika Liliana
Published: December 2017

Objectives: The aim of this research was to optimize the parameters for the vacuum impregnation of aloe vera into dried yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius Poepp. & Endl.) flakes.
Methodology: A surface response methodology was use to evaluate the product optimization. Matrix engineering, using a vacuum impregnation technique, was employed to incorporate components with physiological activity into the pores present in the yacon flakes. An orange pulp yacon was used as the starting material and Aloe Gold Seal-Natural 200X (AGS) was used for the impregnate solution. A solution of 15 g/100 ml Natural aloe 200X Gold Seal-yacon was used to impregnate yacon samples measuring 40 mm in diameter and 5 mm thick. The results show an average impregnation of 0.0721 m3 of solution/ m3 fresh fruit and an effective porosity of 18.97%; the amount of aloe vera incorporated in the food matrix was between 22.5 and 54.6 mg/100g sample. Optimized parameters were identified as 451.777 mbar and 22.0711 minutes.
Results: From the results, it is concluded that yacon is an excellent raw material for vacuum impregnation of  aloe vera.
Aproximaciones ideológicas a la reforma constitucional de 1910
Authors: Coral Lucero James Iván
Published: December 2017

El objetivo del artículo es hacer un análisis de las diferentes ideologías que dieron origen a la reforma constitucional de 1910 en Colombia y determinar cuáles fueron los principales cambios que se presentaron frente a la Constitución de 1886, tanto en su parte orgánica como dogmática. Con el fin hacer un estudio de los cambios en la parte orgánica, se tomaron como referencia tres temas sobre los cuales hubo un mayor debate durante la Asamblea Constituyente, estos son: facultades del presidente de la república, independencia judicial y organización territorial. Por su parte, los temas sobre los cambios en la parte dogmática giran en torno a la ampliación de derechos civiles y la prohibición de la pena de muerte. La metodología utilizada es el estudio de la influencia de las ideologías en los cambios que se mencionaron y la comparación detallada de los textos constitucionales. El resultado de la investigación demuestra que hubo un cambio de ideología y con este una vuelta hacia la restitución de una democracia más amplia en un sentido institucional, así como un mayor respeto por los derechos ciudadanos y civiles. El aporte del artículo es mostrar que la reforma de 1910 cambió la visión que tenía la Constitución de 1886 y abrió varios canales democráticos.
El sistema westfaliano: un análisis desde la teología política de Nicolás Gómez Dávila
Authors: Molina Tomás Felipe
Published: December 2017

En este artículo, se quieren analizar las características principales del sistema westfaliano a partir de la teología política que Nicolás Gómez Dávila desarrolla en Textos I. Principalmente, se intentará mostrar que los Estados westfalianos toman los atributos de Dios y sustituyen a la divinidad en el papel que tenía en la Edad Media: reclaman para sí mismos la soberanía y la fundamentación axiológica y ontológica de los elementos del sistema. A partir de lo anterior, el artículo pretende señalar y analizar varios puntos. Primero, la anarquía estructural que surge con Westfalia no es un mero hecho político, sino que también es producto de una decisión teológica fundamental: quitarle a Dios la soberanía y autoridad supremas que jerarquizaban el sistema medieval para dividirlas entre Estados formalmente iguales en situación de anarquía. Segundo, el sistema internacional moderno es nihilista, puesto que con la muerte de Dios ya no hay un orden absoluto de las cosas, sino una situación en la que solo la fuerza de la voluntad estatal decide lo que tiene valor o no. Tercero, la diferencia interpretativa que hay entre Gómez Dávila y las narrativas tradicionales puede leerse como una lucha ideológica por darle contenido a un significante vacío en el sentido de Žižek. Finalmente, la postura de Gómez Dávila podría leerse como una hermenéutica de la sospecha que desvela los aspectos teológicos ocultos en un fenómeno aparentemente secular como el sistema westfaliano.
¿La política construye el Reino de Dios?
Authors: Godínez Terrones José De Jesús
Published: December 2017

Jesús trae la Buena Noticia, todos somos hijos de Dios e invita a trabajar en la construcción de su reino. La primitiva Iglesia y la contemporánea consideran que ha de comenzar a construirse aquí y ahora. Dos visiones de política radical-mente opuestas se presentan, la de Aristóteles y la de John Rawls. Ambas buscan con las herramientas políticas construir una sociedad de acuerdo con las premisas establecidas por ellos. Rawls y Aristóteles reflexionan sobre la ética y la política desde la filosofía. En Aristóteles, la dimensión comunitaria forma parte de la naturaleza humana. La felicidad y la virtud son los motores de la acción ciudadana. En Rawls, la sociedad está conformada por personas con intereses muy diferentes, quienes, para conseguir sus propios fines, realizan un contrato social. El cumplimiento del contrato mueve a los ciudadanos a la cooperación para una vida mejor. Es la política la que estructura una sociedad, por lo cual la construcción del Reino requiere hacer uso de las herramientas de la política. Creer en Jesús es construir y estructurar una sociedad que parta de la premisa de que el ser humano es hijo de Dios y de la necesidad de crear las condiciones sociales que posibiliten su desarrollo como tal.
Regulación de la salud en Colombia: un problema de información secuestrada
Authors: Pérez y Soto Domínguez Alejandro , Flórez Pinilla Katherine , Giraldo García Fernando
Published: December 2017

Desde la teoría económica austriaca se identificaron problemas en el modelo teórico de asistencia sanitaria conocido como managed competition aplicado en Colombia bajo la Ley 100/1993. Estos problemas encuentran relación con la crisis que afronta el sistema de salud en Colombia en la actualidad. El objetivo de este artículo es, por tanto, analizar el fundamento teórico y las razones de estas fallas. Para su desarrollo, se utilizó un enfoque de metateoría en el cual se estudiaron los supuestos de una teoría (managed competition) desde otra (austriaca) como forma de crítica y retroalimentación necesaria para mejorar las construcciones teóricas y especialmente sus aplicaciones prácticas en el ámbito de las políticas públicas. Los resultados de los análisis demuestran que los problemas corresponden a inadecuados supuestos metodológicos sobre el comportamiento de los agentes del mercado que impiden la coordinación, la competitividad y la eficiencia, en este caso de las empresas aseguradoras y prestadoras del servicio. Dichos supuestos metodológicos se dividen en tres: 1) antropológicos, 2) sobre la relación hombre-entorno y 3) sobre la regulación. A partir de estos tres supuestos, se identificó la existencia de información secuestrada y cuatro problemas regulatorios derivados: 1) organización estática de los agentes en la infraestructura del sistema, 2) regulador parcializado, 3) segmentación y no correspondencia del producto con la demanda y 4) discriminación de precios por capacidad de pago: selección adversa, corrupción y free riders. Se concluye que un cambio en el sistema de salud demanda un diseño institucional basado en supuestos más cercanos al comportamiento de agentes del sistema.
Experimental Study on Cavitation-Induced Air Release in Orifice Flows
Authors: Kowalski Karoline , Pollak Stefan , Skoda Romuald , Hussong Jeanette
Published: December 2017

Cavitation leads to rapid degassing of fluids. Up to date, there is a lack of model approaches of cavitation-induced degassing. The aim of the present study is to gain a more thorough knowledge of the process. Therefore, the relation between cavitation intensity and air release is investigated experimentally for an orifice flow as function of cavitation number. For this, shadowgraphy imaging is used to visualize regions of steam and air volume downstream of the orifice. Analysis of the images shows a strongly nonlinear scaling behavior for both cavitation intensity and air release as a function of cavitation number. Three distinct regimes could be identified for cavitation-induced gas release. While an exponential scaling was found at high cavitation intensities, degassing rates appear to be nearly constant in the intermediate cavitation number range. Empirical scaling laws are given here that may serve as first model approach for the prediction of cavitation induced air release behind flow constrictions.
Gene expression profiling of the unfed nymphal Dermacentor silvarum (Acari: Ixodidae) in response to low temperature
Authors: Yu Zhijun , Jia Qingying , Wang Tianhong , Dong Na , Yang Xiaolong , Wang Hui , Hu Yonghong , Liu Jingze
Published: December 2017

The tick Dermacentor silvarum is recognized as an emerging vector of marked medical and veterinary significance. The current study investigated the gene expression profiling of the unfed nymphal D. silvarum in response to low temperature using high-throughput transcriptome sequencing. A total of approximately 12-giga base pairs were produced, which yielded 87,500 unigenes, and among them, 29,815 unigenes were successfully annotated by all available databases (NCBI nonredundant, Swissprot, UniProtKB/TrEMBL, the clusters of orthologous groups databases, the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes database, and pfam database). After low temperature treatment (4°C for 10 days), 2,241 genes, including 1,160 up-regulated and 1,081 down-regulated genes, were differentially expressed. The differentially expressed genes were further enriched to GO terms and KEGG pathways, and our results showed that 133 genes were enriched in molecular function, 90 genes were enriched in cellular components, 107 genes were enriched in biological processes and 202 genes were assigned into different KEGG pathways. This study establishes a molecular basis for gene function analysis in the tick D. silvarum, and will provide theoretical information for mechanistic studies on the overwintering adaptations of ticks.
Hydraulic fracturing and infant health: New evidence from Pennsylvania
Authors: Currie Janet , Greenstone Michael , Meckel Katherine
Published: December 2017

This article investigates the effects of hydraulic fracturing on infant health.
Elastic properties of silicate melts: Implications for low velocity zones at the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary
Authors: Clark Alisha N. , Lesher Charles E.
Published: December 2017

New model for seismic velocity reductions indicates melts in textural equilibrium consistent with strong coupling at the LAB.
Machine learning unifies the modeling of materials and molecules
Authors: Bartók Albert P. , De Sandip , Poelking Carl , Bernstein Noam , Kermode James R. , Csányi Gábor , Ceriotti Michele
Published: December 2017

Statistical learning based on a local representation of atomic structures provides a universal model of chemical stability.
Eudicot plant-specific sphingolipids determine host selectivity of microbial NLP cytolysins
Authors: Lenarčič Tea , Albert Isabell , Böhm Hannah , Hodnik Vesna , Pirc Katja , Zavec Apolonija B. , Podobnik Marjetka , Pahovnik David , Žagar Ema , Pruitt Rory , Greimel Peter , Yamaji-Hasegawa Akiko , Kobayashi Toshihide , Zienkiewicz Agnieszka , Gömann Jasmin , Mortimer Jenny C. , Fang Lin , Mamode-Cassim Adiilah , Deleu Magali , Lins Laurence , Oecking Claudia , Feussner Ivo , Mongrand Sébastien , Anderluh Gregor , Nürnberger Thorsten
Published: December 2017

An extra sugar protects

Many microbial pathogens produce proteins that are toxic to the cells that they are targeting. Broad-leaved plants are susceptible to NLP (necrosis and ethylene-inducing peptide 1–like protein) toxins. Lenarčič
et al.
identified the receptors for NLP toxins to be GIPC (glycosylinositol phosphorylceramide) sphingolipids (see the Perspective by Van den Ackerveken). Their findings reveal why these toxins only attack broad-leaved plants (so-called eudicots): If the sphingolipid carries just two hexoses, as is the case for eudicots, the toxin binds and causes cell lysis. But in monocots with sphingolipids that have three hexoses, the toxin is ineffective.

Science
, this issue p.
1431
; see also p.
1383
Activation of surface lattice oxygen in single-atom Pt/CeO
2
for low-temperature CO oxidation
Authors: Nie Lei , Mei Donghai , Xiong Haifeng , Peng Bo , Ren Zhibo , Hernandez Xavier Isidro Pereira , DeLaRiva Andrew , Wang Meng , Engelhard Mark H. , Kovarik Libor , Datye Abhaya K. , Wang Yong
Published: December 2017

Stable catalysts through steaming

The lifetime of catalysts that convert automotive exhaust pollutants can be increased by lowering their operating temperature, which helps to prevent deactivation caused by the active metal atoms agglomerating into larger, less active particles. Nie
et al.
show that a thermally stable catalyst, atomically dispersed Pt
2+
on CeO
2
, can become active for CO oxidation at 150°C after steam treatment at 750°C. In studies with simulated vehicle exhaust, this catalyst treatment also improves its oxidation activity for other exhaust components such as hydrocarbons.

Science
, this issue p.
1419
Disorder-induced optical transition from spin Hall to random Rashba effect
Authors: Maguid Elhanan , Yannai Michael , Faerman Arkady , Yulevich Igor , Kleiner Vladimir , Hasman Erez
Published: December 2017

Phase transition of scattered light

Disordered structures can give rise to intriguing scattering phenomena owing to the unpredictable nature of their interaction with light. Using subwavelength-scale disordered metasurfaces, Maguid
et al.
observed a phase transition in how the light is scattered as a function of disorder. Weak disorder induced a photonic spin Hall effect, whereas strong disorder led to spin-split modes in momentum space, a random optical-Rashba effect. Thus, designed photonic structure could offer a versatile platform to study similar phenomena in complex solid-state systems.

Science
, this issue p.
1411
Rice Paddy Nitrospirae Carry and Express Genes Related to Sulfate Respiration: Proposal of the New Genus “Candidatus Sulfobium”
Authors: Zecchin Sarah , Mueller Ralf C. , Seifert Jana , Stingl Ulrich , Anantharaman Karthik , von Bergen Martin , Cavalca Lucia , Pester Michael
Published: December 2017

Nitrospirae
spp. distantly related to thermophilic, sulfate-reducing
Thermodesulfovibrio
species are regularly observed in environmental surveys of anoxic marine and freshwater habitats. Here we present a metaproteogenomic analysis of
Nitrospirae
bacterium Nbg-4 as a representative of this clade. Its genome was assembled from replicated metagenomes of rice paddy soil that was used to grow rice in the presence and absence of gypsum (CaSO
4
·2H
2
O). Nbg-4 encoded the full pathway of dissimilatory sulfate reduction and showed expression of this pathway in gypsum-amended anoxic bulk soil as revealed by parallel metaproteomics. In addition, Nbg-4 encoded the full pathway of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia (DNRA), with expression of its first step being detected in bulk soil without gypsum amendment. The relative abundances of Nbg-4 were similar under both treatments, indicating that Nbg-4 maintained stable populations while shifting its energy metabolism. Whether Nbg-4 is a strict sulfate reducer or can couple sulfur oxidation to DNRA by operating the pathway of dissimilatory sulfate reduction in reverse could not be resolved. Further genome reconstruction revealed the potential to utilize butyrate, formate, H
2
, or acetate as an electron donor; the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway was expressed under both treatments. Comparison to publicly available
Nitrospirae
genome bins revealed the pathway for dissimilatory sulfate reduction also in related
Nitrospirae
recovered from groundwater. Subsequent phylogenomics showed that such microorganisms form a novel genus within the
Nitrospirae
, with Nbg-4 as a representative species. Based on the widespread occurrence of this novel genus, we propose for Nbg-4 the name “
Candidatus
Sulfobium mesophilum,” gen. nov., sp. nov.

IMPORTANCE
Rice paddies are indispensable for the food supply but are a major source of the greenhouse gas methane. If it were not counterbalanced by cryptic sulfur cycling, methane emission from rice paddy fields would be even higher. However, the microorganisms involved in this sulfur cycling are little understood. By using an environmental systems biology approach with Italian rice paddy soil, we could retrieve the population genome of a novel member of the phylum
Nitrospirae
. This microorganism encoded the full pathway of dissimilatory sulfate reduction and expressed it in anoxic paddy soil under sulfate-enriched conditions. Phylogenomics and comparison to the results of environmental surveys showed that such microorganisms are actually widespread in freshwater and marine environments. At the same time, they represent an undiscovered genus within the little-explored phylum
Nitrospirae
. Our results will be important for the design of enrichment strategies and postgenomic studies to further understanding of the contribution of these novel
Nitrospirae
spp. to the global sulfur cycle.
Early life cognitive function and health behaviours in late childhood: testing the neuroselection hypothesis
Authors: Aggio Daniel , Smith Lee , Hamer Mark
Published: December 2017

Background

Higher cognitive function in childhood is associated with healthier behaviours and a reduced risk of chronic disease in adulthood, but it is unclear whether this selection of healthier behaviours occurs in childhood or later in life. The present study investigated how cognitive function at age 3–7 years was associated with health behaviours at age 11.

Methods

Verbal, non-verbal and spatial abilities were assessed using the British Ability Scales at ages 3–7. At age 11, children reported how often they engaged in sport/physical activity, sedentary behaviours (eg, reading and games console usage), cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds of engaging in health behaviours at age 11 according to early life cognition.

Results

A 1 SD increase in early childhood verbal ability was associated with reduced odds of attempting smoking in boys and girls (OR 0.69 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.84)) and reduced odds of computer gaming in girls (OR 0.79 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.86)) by age 11. Early childhood verbal ability was also associated with reduced odds of regular participation in sport/active games (boys: OR 0.91 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.99); girls: OR 0.81 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.88)) and increased odds of reading for enjoyment (boys: OR 1.47 (95% CI 1.35 to 1.60); girls: OR 1.48 (95% CI 1.36 to 1.62)) at age 11. Early childhood non-verbal ability was associated with reduced odds of alcohol consumption in boys and girls (OR 0.92 (95% CI 0.85 to 0.99)) and reduced odds of online messaging in boys (OR 0.89 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.98)) at age 11. Early childhood spatial ability was associated with reduced odds of participating in sport/active games in boys at age 11 (OR 0.88 (95% CI 0.82 to 0.95).

Conclusion

Neuroselection may occur during early childhood resulting in some, but not all, healthier behaviours by age 11.
Educational inequalities in falls mortality among older adults: population-based multiple cause of death data from Sweden
Authors: Ahmad Kiadaliri Aliasghar , Turkiewicz Aleksandra , Englund Martin
Published: December 2017

Background

Falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries among elderly adults. While socioeconomic status including education is a well-documented predictor of many individual health outcomes including mortality, little is known about socioeconomic inequalities in falls mortality among adults. This study aimed to assess educational inequalities in falls mortality among older adults in Sweden using multiple cause of death data.

Methods

All residents aged 50‒75 years in the Skåne region, Sweden, during 1998‒2013 (n=566 478) were followed until death, relocation outside Skåne or end of 2014. We identified any mention of falls on death certificates (n=1047). We defined three levels of education. We used an additive hazards model and Cox regression with age as time scale adjusted for marital status and country of birth to calculate slope and relative indices of inequality (SII/RII). We also computed the population attributable fraction of lower educational attainment. Analyses were performed separately for men and women.

Results

Both SII and RII revealed statistically significant educational inequalities in falls mortality among men in favour of high educated (SII (95% CI): 15.5 (9.8 to 21.3) per 100 000 person-years; RII: 2.19 (1.60 to 3.00)) but not among women. Among men, 34% (95% CI 19 to 46) of falls deaths were attributable to lower education.

Conclusions

There was an inverse association between education and deaths from falls among men but not women. The results suggest that individual’s education should be considered in falls reduction interventions.
Changes in drinking as predictors of changes in sickness absence: a case-crossover study
Authors: Ervasti Jenni , Kivimäki Mika , Pentti Jaana , Halonen Jaana I , Vahtera Jussi , Virtanen Marianna
Published: December 2017

Background

We investigated whether changes in alcohol use predict changes in the risk of sickness absence in a case-crossover design.

Methods

Finnish public sector employees were surveyed in 2000, 2004 and 2008 on alcohol use and covariates. Heavy drinking was defined as either a weekly intake that exceeded recommendations (12 units for women; 23 for men) or having an extreme drinking session. The responses were linked to national sickness absence registers. We analysed the within-person relative risk of change in the risk of sickness absence in relation to change in drinking. Case period refers to being sickness absent within 1 year of the survey and control period refers to not being sickness absent within 1 year of the survey.

Results

Periods of heavy drinking were associated with increased odds of self-certified short-term (1–3 days) sickness absence (multivariable-adjusted OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.38 for all participants; 1.62, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.21 for men and 1.15, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.33 for women). A higher risk of short-term sickness absence was also observed after increase in drinking (OR=1.27, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.52) and a lower risk was observed after decrease in drinking (OR=0.83, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.00). Both increase (OR=1.38, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.57) and decrease (OR=1.27, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.43) in drinking were associated with increased risk of long-term (>9 days) medically certified all-cause sickness absence.

Conclusion

Increase in drinking was related to increases in short-term and long-term sickness absences. Men and employees with a low socioeconomic position in particular seemed to be at risk.
Q − Φ criticality and microstructure of charged AdS black holes in f(R) gravity
Authors: Deng Gao-Ming , Huang Yong-Chang
Published: December 2017

The phase transition and critical behaviors of charged AdS black holes in [Formula: see text] gravity with a conformally invariant Maxwell (CIM) source and constant curvature are further investigated. As a highlight, this research is carried out by employing new state parameters [Formula: see text] and contributes to deeper understanding of the thermodynamics and phase structure of black holes. Our analyses manifest that the charged [Formula: see text]-CIM AdS black hole undergoes a first-order small–large black hole phase transition, and the critical behaviors qualitatively behave like a Van der Waals liquid–vapor system. However, differing from the case in Einstein’s gravity, phase structures of the black holes in [Formula: see text] theory exhibit an interesting dependence on gravity modification parameters. Moreover, we adopt the thermodynamic geometry to probe the black hole microscopic properties. The results show that, on the one hand, both the Ruppeiner curvature and heat capacity diverge exactly at the critical point, on the other hand, the [Formula: see text]-CIM AdS black hole possesses the property as ideal Fermi gases. Of special interest, we discover a microscopic similarity between the black holes and a Van der Waals liquid–vapor system.
Effect of surface void percentage (SVP) on the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of porous rocks
Authors: Yilmaz Işık , Yildirim Mustafa , Marschalko Marian
Published: December 2017

In this paper, the effect of areal void size on unconfined compressive strength (UCS) depending on the core diameter is investigated and discussed in terms of obtaining more accurate and reliable strength values relating to the effect of the local increase in stress and corresponding decrease in area on the loading surface. According to the results obtained from UCS tests, the overall trend was a significant loss in the UCS with increasing surface void per cent. It can be concluded that the areal size of voids on loading surfaces is an important indicator of porosity as well as rock strengths when considering rock engineering in vuggy anisotropic rock masses.
Lessons from the Barn to the Operating Suite: A Comprehensive Review of Animal Models for Fetal Surgery
Authors: Kabagambe Sandra K. , Lee Chelsey J. , Goodman Laura F. , Chen Y. Julia , Vanover Melissa A. , Farmer Diana L.
Published: December 2017

The International Fetal Medicine and Surgery Society was created in 1982 and proposed guidelines for fetal interventions that required demonstrations of the safety and feasibility of intended interventions in animal models prior to application in humans. Because of their short gestation and low cost, small animal models are useful in early investigation of fetal strategies. However, owing to the anatomic and physiologic differences between small animals and humans, repeated studies in large animal models are usually needed to facilitate translation to humans. Ovine (sheep) models have been used the most extensively to study the pathophysiology of congenital abnormalities and to develop techniques for fetal interventions. However, nonhuman primates have uterine and placental structures that most closely resemble those of humans. Thus, the nonhuman primate is the ideal model to develop surgical and anesthetic techniques that minimize obstetrical complications.
Almost Automorphic Functions on the Quantum Time Scale and Applications
Authors: Li Yongkun
Published: December 2017

We first propose two types of concepts of almost automorphic functions on the quantum time scale. Secondly, we study some basic properties of almost automorphic functions on the quantum time scale. Then, we introduce a transformation between functions defined on the quantum time scale and functions defined on the set of generalized integer numbers; by using this transformation we give equivalent definitions of almost automorphic functions on the quantum time scale; following the idea of the transformation, we also give a concept of almost automorphic functions on more general time scales that can unify the concepts of almost automorphic functions on almost periodic time scales and on the quantum time scale. Finally, as an application of our results, we establish the existence of almost automorphic solutions of linear and semilinear dynamic equations on the quantum time scale.
A Continuous Deviation-Flow Location Problem for an Alternative-Fuel Refueling Station on a Tree-Like Transportation Network
Authors: Kweon Sang Jin , Hwang Seong Wook , Ventura Jose A.
Published: December 2017

Due to the increasing popularity of alternative-fuel (AF) vehicles in the last two decades, several models and solution techniques have been recently published in the literature to solve AF refueling station location problems. These problems can be classified depending on the set of candidate sites: when a (finite) set of candidate sites is predetermined, the problem is called discrete; when stations can be located anywhere along the network, the problem is called continuous. Most researchers have focused on the discrete version of the problem, but solutions to the discrete version are suboptimal to its continuous counterpart. This study addresses the continuous version of the problem for an AF refueling station on a tree-type transportation network when a portion of drivers are willing to deviate from their preplanned simple paths to receive refueling service. A polynomial time solution approach is proposed to solve the problem. We first present a new algorithm that identifies all possible deviation options for each travel path. Then, an efficient algorithm is used to determine the set of optimal locations for the refueling station that maximizes the total traffic flow covered. A numerical example is solved to illustrate the proposed solution approach.
PD-L1 Expression in TNBC: A Predictive Biomarker of Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy?
Authors: Cerbelli Bruna , Pernazza Angelina , Botticelli Andrea , Fortunato Lucio , Monti Massimo , Sciattella Paolo , Campagna Domenico , Mazzuca Federica , Mauri Maria , Naso Giuseppe , Marchetti Paolo , d’Amati Giulia , Costarelli Leopoldo
Published: December 2017

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has an aggressive clinical behaviour, with a poorer prognosis compared to other subtypes. Recently, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have been proposed as a predictive biomarker for a better clinical outcome and pathological response (pR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in TNBC. These data confirm the role of the immune system in the neoplastic progression and in the response to therapy. We performed a retrospective analysis of 54 pre-NACT biopsies of TNBC and compared both the percentage of stromal TILs and the degree of PD-L1 expression with the extent of pR to standard NACT. A pathological complete response (pCR) was achieved in 35% of cases. Univariate analysis showed (i) a significant association between PD-L1 expression in ≥25% of neoplastic cells and the achievement of a pCR (p=0.024); (ii) a significantly higher frequency of pCR in cases showing ≥50% stromal TILs (p<0.001). However in the multivariate analysis only PD-L1 expression on tumor cells remained significantly associated with pCR (OR = 1,13; 95% CI 1,01–1,27), suggesting that the expression of this biomarker could be associated with a subpopulation of TNBC more likely to respond to chemotherapy. These data need to be confirmed by larger studies.
Rare Case of Cocaine-Induced Aortic Aneurysm: A Near Dissection Event
Authors: Kunwor Ranju , Canelas AnnMarie
Published: December 2017

Cocaine use has been associated with cardiovascular complications such as coronary atherosclerosis, coronary artery spasm, cardiac arrhythmias, acute myocardial infarction, myocarditis, and dilated cardiomyopathies. Aortic dissection is a rare but life-threatening complication of cocaine use. Cocaine and stimulant use can cause aortic aneurysm by increasing the aortic wall stress, and the most feared complications are dissection, rupture, and death. There are no clear guidelines about screening cocaine abusers with CT scan of the chest. We do not know if the number of years of cocaine use or the amount of cocaine use can be associated with higher incidence of aortic aneurysm or dissection. Cocaine-induced aortic aneurysm does not have any specific clinical feature. Common presentation is chest discomfort or chest pain. This common presentation is bewildering enough for clinicians to think of more common causes of chest pain like myocardial infarction and myocarditis. The sudden onset of severe, sharp, stabbing chest or back pain is suggestive of aortic dissection. Here, we present a young otherwise healthy patient with chronic cocaine use presenting with chest pain and found to have significant size aortic aneurysm.
Ranitidine Loaded Biopolymer Floats: Designing, Characterization, and Evaluation
Authors: Karim Abdul , Ashraf Shaheen Muhammad , Mehmood Tahir , Raza Abdul Rauf , Aziz Musadiq , Din Badar
Published: December 2017

The float formulation is a strategy to improve the bioavailability of drugs by gastroretentive drug delivery system (GRDDS). A drug delivery model based on swellable and reswellable low density biopolymers has been designed to evaluate its drug release profile using ranitidine (RNT) as a model drug and formulations have been prepared utilizing 32factorial designs. The drug release (DR) data has been subjected to various kinetic models to investigate the DR mechanism. A reduction in rate has been observed by expanding the amounts of PSG and LSG parts, while an expansion has been noted by increasing the concentration of tragacanth (TG) and citric acid (CA) with an increment in floating time. The stearic acid (SA) has been used to decrease the lag time because a decrease in density of system was observed. The kinetic analysis showed that the optimized formulation (S4F3) followed zero-order kinetics and power law was found to be best fitted due to its minimum lag time and maximum floating ability. The resemblance of observed and predicted values indicated the validity of derived equations for evaluating the effect of independent variables while kinetic study demonstrated that the applied models are feasible for evaluating and developing float for RNT.
A Pore Scale Flow Simulation of Reconstructed Model Based on the Micro Seepage Experiment
Authors: Liu Jianjun , Wang Yao , Song Rui
Published: December 2017

Researches on microscopic seepage mechanism and fine description of reservoir pore structure play an important role in effective development of low and ultralow permeability reservoir. The typical micro pore structure model was established by two ways of the conventional model reconstruction method and the built-in graphics function method of Comsol® in this paper. A pore scale flow simulation was conducted on the reconstructed model established by two different ways using creeping flow interface and Brinkman equation interface, respectively. The results showed that the simulation of the two models agreed well in the distribution of velocity, pressure, Reynolds number, and so on. And it verified the feasibility of the direct reconstruction method from graphic file to geometric model, which provided a new way for diversifying the numerical study of micro seepage mechanism.
Cardiovascular Screening for the Asymptomatic Patient with Diabetes: More Cons Than Pros
Authors: Makrilakis Konstantinos , Liatis Stavros
Published: December 2017

Diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) morbidity and mortality. Although it frequently coexists with other cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, it confers an increased risk for CVD events on its own. Coronary atherosclerosis is generally more aggressive and widespread in people with diabetes (PWD) and is frequently asymptomatic. Screening for silent myocardial ischaemia can be applied in a wide variety of ways. In nearly all asymptomatic PWD, however, the results of screening will generally not change medical therapy, since aggressive preventive measures, such as control of blood pressure and lipids, would have been already indicated, and above all, invasive revascularization procedures (either with percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting) have not been shown in randomized clinical trials to confer any benefit on morbidity and mortality. Still, unresolved issues remain regarding the extent of the underlying ischaemia that might affect the risk and the benefit of revascularization (on top of optimal medical therapy) in ameliorating this risk in patients with moderate to severe ischaemia. The issues related to the detection of coronary atherosclerosis and ischaemia, as well as the studies related to management of CHD in asymptomatic PWD, will be reviewed here.
Detection of the “Crossed Aorta Sign” during Echocardiography before Angiography
Authors: Massobrio Laura , Valbusa Alberto , Bertero Giovanni , Montecucco Fabrizio , Rosa Gian Marco , Bezante Gian Paolo , Brunelli Claudio
Published: December 2017

We report the case of an anomalous circumflex (Cx) origin from the right sinus of Valsalva with retroaortic course observed in a modified apical four-chamber view during transthoracic study (TTE). This finding is known as the “crossed aorta sign.” Usually, the diagnosis of this congenital anomaly of coronary circulation is established during coronary angiography. In this case, the diagnosis was performed by echocardiography before angiography. We believe that recent improvements in echocardiography increase the potential of this imaging technology also in the diagnosis of coronary artery anomalies.
Analysis of the Cariogenic Potential of Various Almond Milk Beverages using a Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Model in vitro
Authors: Lee Janelle , Townsend Janice A. , Thompson Tatyana , Garitty Thomas , De Arpan , Yu Qingzhao , Peters Brian M. , Wen Zezhang T.
Published: December 2017

To evaluate the cariogenic properties of almond milk beverages, 6 almond milks, along with soy and whole bovine milk, were analyzed for their abilities to support Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation and acid production, and their capacity to buffer changes in pH. Biofilm formation by S. mutans was analyzed using an in vitro 96-well plate model and measured by crystal violet staining. Acid production by S. mutans was evaluated by a colorimetric L-lactate assay and pH measurement of bacterial cultures. Buffering capacity was assessed by a pH titration assay. Soy milk supported the most biofilm growth, while the least was observed with unsweetened almond milk (both p < 0.001). Among almond milks, sucrose-sweetened milk led to the highest level of biofilm formation (p < 0.001), while the least was observed with unsweetened milk (p < 0.05). Sucrose-sweetened almond milk yielded the lowest pH (4.56 ± 0.66), followed by soy milk and bovine milk; the highest pH was with unsweetened almond milk (6.48 ± 0.5). When analyzed by pH titration, the unsweetened almond milk displayed the weakest buffering capacity while bovine milk showed the highest (p < 0.001). These results suggest that the almond milk beverages, except those that are sweetened with sucrose, possess limited cariogenic properties, while soy milk exhibits the most cariogenic potential. As milk alternatives become increasingly popular, dentists must counsel their patients that almond milks, especially sucrose-sweetened varieties, have cariogenic potential. For patients who are lactose-intolerant or suffer from milk allergy, almond milks may be a better alternative than soy-based products.