bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Resistant Starch Type 4 Products of Different Starch Origins, Production Methods, and Amounts Are Not Equally Fermented when Fed to Sprague‐Dawley Rats
Authors: Coulon Diana B. , Page Ryan , Raggio Anne M. , Guice Justin , Marx Brain , Gourineni Vishnupriya , Stewart Maria L. , Keenan Michael J.
Published: December 2019

Scope

The possible mechanisms of production of four novel resistant starch type 4 (RS4) products for total cecal fermentation in an in vivo rodent model are evaluated.

Methods and results

Forty weanling rats are randomly assigned to five groups (n = 8) for a 3‐week study. Starches are the RS type 4 products, as 10% of weight of RS diets (RSA–RSD), and AMIOCA starch (100% amylopectin) comprises 53.6% weight of control (CON) and 43.6% weight of RS diets. The RS products vary by percent purity and origin (potato, corn, tapioca). At euthanasia, cecal contents, serum, GI tract, and abdominal fat are collected. RSB, RSC, and RSD fed rats have greater empty cecum weights, lower cecal content pH, higher cecal content wet weight, and higher total cecal content acetate and propionate than the CON and RSA fed rats. Two other indicators of fermentation, total cecal contents butyrate and glucagon‐like peptide 1, do not have significant ANOVA F values, which require more subjects for 80% power.

Conclusion

RS4 products that are produced from different starch origins with varying amounts of RS4 content and different methods of production are not uniformly fermented in an in vivo model.
High selectivity quarter‐wavelength resonator bandpass filter utilizing source‐load coupling
Authors: Anwar Muhammad Sufian , Cao Qunsheng , Burney Syed Ashhad
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a compact, narrowband, high‐selectivity, two‐pole mixed‐coupled quarter‐wavelength (λ/4) resonator filter utilizing source‐load (S/L) coupling. The mixed coupling between resonators is modeled by the separated J and K inverters in the form of parallel‐coupled transmission lines and coupled metallic vias, respectively. Capacitive dominant mixed coupling along with the coupling path phases are used to create a lower stopband transmission zero (TZ). In addition, the upper stopband selectivity is enhanced by employing parallel S/L coupling in the form of J inverter which produces three TZs above the passband. Source‐load coupling is modeled by parallel‐coupled tapped feed lines, which also provide the necessary electrical length ratios (L
r), for the positioning of TZs. For verification, a prototype filter is designed, fabricated and measured at fo = 2.75 GHz (center frequency). The measured filter response gives fo = 2.755 GHz, fractional bandwidth equal to 3.6% and an insertion loss of 2.1 dB at fo. Additionally, the four stopband TZs are produced at 2.47, 3.19, 4.18, and 5.98 GHz. The measured group delay in passband is less than or equal to 3.6 ns. Overall a good agreement between measured and simulated results is observed, which validates the proposed synthesis technique.
High Touch statt High Tech
Authors: Bräutigam Maximilian , Karger Gerhard
Published: December 2019

Etwa 50 Repräsentanten aus den Ortsverbänden und dem JungChemikerForum trafen sich am 11. Oktober mit dem GDCh‐Präsidenten Matthias Urmann und Vertretern der GDCh‐Geschäftsstelle, um gemeinsam neue Formate zum wissenschaftlichen Austausch vor Ort und zum Dialog mit der Öffentlichkeit zu entwickeln.
Pro & Contra Crispr‐Cas: Das Verfahren darf nicht pauschal betrachtet werden
Authors: Jany Klaus‐Dieter
Published: December 2019

Das Vorsorgeprinzip bei der Pflanzenzüchtung mit Crispr‐Cas darf nicht wegen spekulativer Risiken zum Verbotsargument werden, meint Klaus‐Dieter Jany.
Two‐stage stochastic minimum s − t cut problems: Formulations, complexity and decomposition algorithms
Authors: Rebennack Steffen , Prokopyev Oleg A. , Singh Bismark
Published: December 2019

We introduce the two‐stage stochastic minimum s − t cut problem. Based on a classical linear 0‐1 programming model for the deterministic minimum s − t cut problem, we provide a mathematical programming formulation for the proposed stochastic extension. We show that its constraint matrix loses the total unimodularity property, however, preserves it if the considered graph is a tree. This fact turns out to be not surprising as we prove that the considered problem is ‐hard in general, but admits a linear time solution algorithm when the graph is a tree. We exploit the special structure of the problem and propose a tailored Benders decomposition algorithm. We evaluate the computational efficiency of this algorithm by solving the Benders dual subproblems as max‐flow problems. For many tested instances, we outperform a standard Benders decomposition by two orders of magnitude with the Benders decomposition exploiting the max‐flow structure of the subproblems.
Factors associated with maintenance of smoking cessation in adolescents after implementation of tobacco pricing policy in South Korea: Evidence from the 11th Youth Health Behavior Survey
Authors: Kim Eun Gyeong , Park Sook Kyoung , Lee Young‐Me , Hyun Mi Yeol , Narapareddy Laren (Riesche)
Published: December 2019

As a part of Korea's smoking cessation policy, the price of tobacco was increased in January 2015. Initially, the smoking rate among adolescents began to decrease. The current data, however, show that the adolescent smoking rate is on the rise. Alongside price policies, there is a need to further understand additional preventive measures that promote successful smoking cessation by identifying the factors that influence maintenance of smoking cessation in adolescents. This study aimed to identify the factors that influence smoking cessation in adolescents after attempting smoking cessation after increase in tobacco price. The study used large‐scale, nationwide, secondary data obtained from the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web‐Based Survey. The sample included a total of 627 subjects who reported an attempt to quit smoking after the tobacco price increased. Descriptive statistics,ttest, theχ2test, and multiple logistic regression were used. The results showed that household economic status, school type, suicidal ideation, experience of exposure to secondhand smoke at home, and experience of witnessing teaching staff smoking were significant factors related to maintenance of smoking cessation among adolescents. To increase the success rate of smoking cessation, future intervention programs should include school environment structure and address emotional and psychological issues such as suicide.
Flame‐retardant poly (ethylene terephthalate) enabled by a novel melamine polyphosphate nanowire
Authors: Li Teng , Li Shuai , Ma Tongjun , Zhong Yi , Zhang Linping , Xu Hong , Wang Bijia , Sui Xiaofeng , Feng Xueling , Chen Zhize , Mao Zhiping
Published: December 2019

A novel strategy was developed for the preparation of melamine polyphosphate (MPP) nanowires to achieve a superior flame‐retardant poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Thanks to the well‐designed nanostructure, the prepared MPP nanowires exhibited great thermal stability and flame retardance. Herein with incorporation of only 1‐wt% MPP nanowires (PET/FR1.0 nanocomposite), the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value was dramatically increased to 29.4% from 20.5%, showing self‐extinguishing behavior. Moreover, PET/FR1.0 nanocomposite passed V‐0 UL‐94 rating in the vertical combustion test. However, PET containing 5‐wt% commercial MPP powder (PET/FRC5.0) only showed a LOI of 27.9% and ignited the absorbent cotton with flammable melt‐droplets. Cone results also presented that introducing 1‐wt% MPP nanowires brought about a crucial decrease in fire hazard of PET, for instance, 11.1% and 7.7% maximum reduction in heat release rate and total heat release, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis/infrared spectrometry (TG‐FTIR) result indicated that the main pyrolysis volatiles generated from PET degradation including benzoic acid, aromatic compounds, and carbon dioxide were apparently suppressed after introducing MPP nanowires into PET matrixes, suggesting the outstanding obstructing effect of graphited char residue formed in the combustion. This enhanced flame retardancy rooting in addition of MPP nanowires can be attributed to the combined dilution effect in gaseous phase and catalytic carbonization effect in condensed phase.
Polycaprolactone (PCL)/alumina and PCL/niobium pentoxide composites: Rheology, crystallization, and mechanical properties
Authors: Sousa Jokderléa C. , Costa Anna Raffaela M. , Lima Juliana C. , Arruda Salim A. , Almeida Yêda M. B. , Canedo Eduardo L.
Published: December 2019

Polymeric polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix composites reinforced with alumina and niobium pentoxide were prepared in a laboratory internal mixer and studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile and impact tests, in addition to the particle distribution in the matrix. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the oxide content on the rheology, crystallization, and mechanical properties of these composites. According to the rheological analysis, the composites were well mixed and the polymer matrix used in the composites can be considered thermally stable during processing. The effect of the fillers on degradation during processing was minimal. DSC analyses indicate that, in general, the increase in the filler content does not change the crystallization temperature, irrespectively of the oxide added. For the niobium pentoxide composites, crystallinity does not appear to be affected by an increase in filler content or cooling rate. Both tensile strength and elongation at break decreased with filler addition while impact strength decreased and Young's modulus was apparently unaffected. There was good distribution of the oxide particles in the polymer matrix.
Numerical and experimental investigation of saturated transverse permeability of 2D woven glass fabrics based on material twins
Authors: Huang Wei , Causse Philippe , Hu Heng , Trochu François
Published: December 2019

The transverse permeability of fibrous reinforcement is one of the critical parameters that govern fabrication efficiency and production quality in several liquid composite molding process variants devised to achieve transverse impregnation of fibrous reinforcements. It is difficult to precisely measure and predict the transverse permeability, because it is simultaneously affected by diverse factors, for example, the geometric features of the test mold, nesting between fabric layers, and flow‐induced compaction of the fiber bed. In this article, the saturated transverse permeability of 2D woven glass fabrics is investigated using information provided by mesostructural geometric models reproducing the real textile architecture. These models are created by micro‐CT aided geometric modeling, a recently proposed technique to analyze three‐dimensional images obtained by X‐ray microtomography. They are called “material twins” because they reproduce with assessed accuracy the geometrical configuration of the textile preform, are representative of material variability, and allow performing numerical simulations of flow or mechanical properties. Computer simulations of steady state transverse flows in material twins were carried out to evaluate the transverse permeability and compared to experiments. Issues concerning material variability due to nesting and the accuracy of transverse permeability measurements were considered and discussed. A good agreement was obtained between numerical and experimental values of transverse permeability. Both approaches show a significant influence of the number of layers considered, which can be explained by nesting between adjacent plies. Numerical simulations also illustrate how nesting significantly affects material variability.
Plasticity in metabolism underpins local responses to nitrogen in Arabidopsis thaliana populations
Authors: Pandey Prashant K. , Yu Jing , Omranian Nooshin , Alseekh Saleh , Vaid Neha , Fernie Alisdair R. , Nikoloski Zoran , Laitinen Roosa A. E.
Published: December 2019

Nitrogen (N) is central for plant growth, and metabolic plasticity can provide a strategy to respond to changing N availability. We showed that two local A. thaliana populations exhibited differential plasticity in the compounds of photorespiratory and starch degradation pathways in response to three N conditions. Association of metabolite levels with growth‐related and fitness traits indicated that controlled plasticity in these pathways could contribute to local adaptation and play a role in plant evolution.
Corrigendum on: Plasma induced grafting multiwalled carbon nanotube with Chitosan and its application for removal of UO22+, Cu2+, and Pb2+ from aqueous solutions
Authors: Shao Dadong , Hu Jun , Wang Xiangke
Published: December 2019

This article corrects the following: Dadong Shao, Jun Hu, Xiangke Wang. Plasma Induced Grafting Multiwalled CarbonNanotube with Chitosan and Its Application for Removal of UO22+, Cu2+, and Pb2+ from Aqueous Solutions. Plasma Process. Polym. 2010, 7, 977–985, DOI: 10.1002/ppap.201000062.
Prostate cancer adverse pathology reclassification in patients undergoing active surveillance in a long‐term follow‐up series
Authors: Fernández‐Conejo Guillermo , Hernández Virginia , Guijarro Ana , de la Peña Enrique , Inés Alberto , Pérez‐Fernández Elia , Llorente Carlos
Published: December 2019

Background

Active surveillance (AS) has become a valid option for patients with a very low risk of prostate cancer (PC) with a widespread application. There are still a few series, with a medium follow‐up longer than 5 years, reporting data on pathological upgrading. The objective is to evaluate the changes in surveillance biopsies of patients with low‐risk PC in a long‐term follow‐up and determine if a longer stay in AS could involve worse pathological findings.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis of our institutional database of patients with PC undergoing AS during 2004 to 2018 was performed. The inclusion criteria were prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) ≤ 10 ng/mL, Gleason grade 1 and T1c/T2a. Patients were assessed by serum PSA level and digital rectal examination at 6‐month intervals. Transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsies were performed during the first year of follow‐up, and every 2 or 3 years thereafter. The pathology details of biopsies were analyzed and compared with the current series on AS.

Results

Three‐hundred nineteen patients undergoing AS were evaluated with a median follow‐up of 5.3 years and a mean age of 67.4 years. Sixty‐three patients did not meet all the criteria to be considered low‐risk PC but were included in the analysis. Overall, 128 patients (40.1%) underwent active treatment (84.7% of them due to pathological progression in surveillance biopsies). The proportion of patients with a reported upgrading ranged between 19.4% and 35.3%, although only the fourth biopsy showed an upgrading proportion of over 30%. Limitations include the retrospective design of the study and the existence of different protocols between other cohorts that make it difficult to compare their results.

Conclusions

For patients who remained in surveillance the percentage of upgrading increased slightly with the time, being more frequent after the third‐surveillance biopsy. These findings support the importance of extending surveillance biopsies for patients who remain candidates for curative treatment.
Effect of oligoarginine conjugation on the antiwrinkle activity and transdermal delivery of GHK peptide
Authors: Hur Ga‐Hee , Han Sang‐Cheol , Ryu A‐Reum , Eom Youngsic , Kim Jhin‐Wook , Lee Mi‐Young
Published: December 2019

GHK (Gly‐His‐Lys), a natural peptide found in human skin and plasma, has been widely used in the cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical fields. The hydrophilic GHK and GHK‐Cu are limited in their abilities to penetrate deeply into skin; because of this, various strategies for their skin delivery have been developed. In this investigation, Arg4 was conjugated with GHK to get heptapeptide, GHK‐R4, and then in vitro antiwrinkle activity and transdermal delivery were compared between GHK and GHK‐R4. Notably, Arg4 conjugation accelerated the cellular penetration of GHK both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, higher in vitro antiwrinkle activity and collagen biosynthesis was obtained with GHK‐R4 at much lower doses than with control R4‐free GHK. The enhanced activity and delivery of GHK‐R4 might be due to the cell penetrating ability and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitory activity of R4 itself.
Toward Thick Piezoelectric HfO2‐Based Films
Authors: Schenk Tony , Godard Nicolas , Mahjoub Aymen , Girod Stephanie , Matavz Aleksander , Bobnar Vid , Defay Emmanuel , Glinsek Sebastjan
Published: December 2019

For HfO2‐based films, which are mainly prepared by atomic layer deposition, the desired ferroelectric (FE) properties typically vanish while extending the thickness beyond a limit of about 50 nm. Herein, the successful fabrication of a 1 μm‐thick piezoelectric La:HfO2 film is demonstrated using chemical solution deposition, paving the way toward sensor and actuator applications. After identifying the optimal La content, the film thickness is increased from 45 nm to 1 μm. Polarization and strain measurements evidence the persistence of the FE properties at all thicknesses and even a slight improvement due to a better orientation of the polar axis at higher thicknesses. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray reflectivity reveal a fine‐grained microstructure and a density of only 80% of the theoretical value, which seems to be a common issue of solution‐deposited HfO2‐based films, based on the performed literature survey. Using tilt‐angle‐dependent X‐ray diffraction scans, homogeneous nucleation is found to be the likely root cause of the observed microstructure. It is suggested that this microstructure issue is key for the optimization of cycling stability of solution‐based films to exploit the full potential of the HfO2 for cost‐efficient, thick piezoelectric films.
A successive sampling control chart using multiple dependent state sampling over two successive occasions
Authors: Arshad Asma , Azam Muhammad , Aslam Muhammad
Published: December 2019

In this paper, successive sampling (SS) mean monitoring control chart is proposed for two successive occasions using multiple dependent state (MDS) sampling and characterized as MDS‐SS control chart. The sample size is selected on the basis of SS for the control statistic in two pairs of the control limits. The average run length is evaluated, and the performance of the proposed concept over the existing SS control chart is presented using a real‐life example. The SS monitoring chart concept is compiled with MDS, and it becomes more sophisticated in detection of warning signs.
Dynamic probability control limits for CUSUM charts for monitoring proportions with time‐varying sample sizes
Authors: Aytaçoğlu Burcu , Woodall William H.
Published: December 2019

We consider the problem of monitoring a proportion with time‐varying sample sizes. Control charts are generally designed by assuming a fixed sample size or a priori knowledge of a sample size probability distribution. Sometimes, it is not possible to know, or accurately estimate, a sample size distribution or the distribution may change over time. An improper assumption for the sample size distribution could lead to undesirable performance of the control chart. To handle this problem, we propose the use of dynamic probability control limits (DPCLs) which are determined successively as the sample sizes become known. The method is based on keeping the conditional probability of a false alarm at a predetermined level given that there has not been any earlier false alarm. The control limits dynamically change, and the in‐control performance of the chart can be controlled at the desired level for any sequence of sample sizes. The simulation results support this result showing that there is no need for any assumption of a sample size distribution with the use of this proposed approach.
A review on epidemiology and impact of human metapneumovirus infections in children using TIAB search strategy on PubMed and PubMed Central articles
Authors: Divarathna Maduja V.M. , Rafeek Rukshan A.M. , Noordeen Faseeha
Published: December 2019

Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) contribute to morbidity and mortality in children globally. Viruses including human metapneumovirus (hMPV) account for most ARTIs. The virus causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections mostly in young children and contributes to hospitalization of individuals with asthma,chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and cancer. Moreover, hMPV pauses a considerable socio‐economic impact creating a substantial disease burden wherever it has been studied, although hMPV testing is relatively new in many countries. We aimed to comprehensively analyze the epidemiological aspects including prevalence, disease burden and seasonality of hMPV infections in children in the world. We acquired published data extracted from PubMed and PubMed Central articles using the title and abstract (TIAB)search strategy for the major key words on hMPV infections from 9/54 African, 11/35 American, 20/50 Asian, 2/14 Australian/Oceanian and 20/51 European countries. According to the findings of this review, the prevalence of hMPV infection ranges from 1.1 to 86% in children of less than 5 years of age globally. Presence of many hMPV genotypes (A1, A2, B1, B2) and sub‐genotypes (A2a, A2b, A2c, B2a, B2b) suggests a rapid evolution of the virus with limited influence by time and geography. hMPV infection mostly affects children between 2 to 5 years of age. The virus is active throughout the year in the tropics and epidemics occur during the winter and spring in temperate climates, contributing to a substantial disease burden globally.
Sustainable development in Iran post‐sanction: Embracing green innovation by small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Afshar Jahanshahi Asghar , Al‐Gamrh Bakr , Gharleghi Behrooz
Published: December 2019

Embracing green innovation is one of the most common elements for improving the firm's environmental performance. In a business environment with high level of bureaucratic corruption, companies can easily neglect their environmental accountability. Therefore, strong motivations are needed to prompt or force companies to acknowledge their environmental responsibility. To discover which types of companies embrace green practices, this study explored the association between customer relationship orientation—as a part of the firms' culture—and the adoption of green product and process innovation via a mediator, market‐focused learning. Results from two surveys of 224 small and medium‐sized enterprises in Iran post‐sanction (late 2016 and early 2017) showed that the adoption of green product and process innovation is higher among small and medium‐sized enterprises with customer‐oriented corporate culture. In addition, this research verified that market‐focused learning was an underlying mechanism through which customer‐oriented corporate culture was related to the adoption of green product and process innovation. Accordingly, this study identified the extent to which companies' building a “constant relationship with customers” was a suitable way to identify those companies' going green and showing more environmental accountability in a bureaucratic corrupted environment.
Assessing the prior event rate ratio method via probabilistic bias analysis on a Bayesian network
Authors: Thommes Edward W. , Mahmud Salaheddin M. , Young‐Xu Yinong , Snider Julia Thornton , van Aalst Robertus , Lee Jason K.H. , Halchenko Yuliya , Russo Ellyn , Chit Ayman
Published: December 2019

Background: Unmeasured confounders are commonplace in observational studies conducted using real‐world data. Prior event rate ratio (PERR) adjustment is a technique shown to perform well in addressing such confounding. However, it has been demonstrated that, in some circumstances, the PERR method actually increases rather than decreases bias. In this work, we seek to better understand the robustness of PERR adjustment.

Methods: We begin with a Bayesian network representation of a generalized observational study, which is subject to unmeasured confounding. Previous work evaluating PERR performance used Monte Carlo simulation to calculate joint probabilities of interest within the study population. Here, we instead use a Bayesian networks framework.

Results: Using this streamlined analytic approach, we are able to conduct probabilistic bias analysis (PBA) using large numbers of combinations of parameters and thus obtain a comprehensive picture of PERR performance. We apply our methodology to a recent study that used the PERR in evaluating elderly‐specific high‐dose (HD) influenza vaccine in the US Veterans Affairs population. That study obtained an HD relative effectiveness of 25% (95% CI: 2%‐43%) against influenza‐ and pneumonia‐associated hospitalization, relative to standard‐dose influenza vaccine. In this instance, we find that the PERR‐adjusted result is more like to underestimate rather than to overestimate the relative effectiveness of the intervention.

Conclusions: Although the PERR is a powerful tool for mitigating the effects of unmeasured confounders, it is not infallible. Here, we develop some general guidance for when a PERR approach is appropriate and when PBA is a safer option.
Extending the Colloidal Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Library to ReS2 Nanosheets for Application in Gas Sensing and Electrocatalysis
Authors: Martín‐García Beatriz , Spirito Davide , Bellani Sebastiano , Prato Mirko , Romano Valentino , Polovitsyn Anatolii , Brescia Rosaria , Oropesa‐Nuñez Reinier , Najafi Leyla , Ansaldo Alberto , D'Angelo Giovanna , Pellegrini Vittorio , Krahne Roman , Moreels Iwan , Bonaccorso Francesco
Published: December 2019

Among the large family of transition metal dichalcogenides, recently ReS2 has stood out due to its nearly layer‐independent optoelectronic and physicochemical properties related to its 1T distorted octahedral structure. This structure leads to strong in‐plane anisotropy, and the presence of active sites at its surface makes ReS2 interesting for gas sensing and catalysts applications. However, current fabrication methods use chemical or physical vapor deposition (CVD or PVD) processes that are costly, time‐consuming and complex, therefore limiting its large‐scale production and exploitation. To address this issue, a colloidal synthesis approach is developed, which allows the production of ReS2 at temperatures below 360 °C and with reaction times shorter than 2h. By combining the solution‐based synthesis with surface functionalization strategies, the feasibility of colloidal ReS2 nanosheet films for sensing different gases is demonstrated with highly competitive performance in comparison with devices built with CVD‐grown ReS2 and MoS2. In addition, the integration of the ReS2 nanosheet films in assemblies together with carbon nanotubes allows to fabricate electrodes for electrocatalysis for H2 production in both acid and alkaline conditions. Results from proof‐of‐principle devices show an electrocatalytic overpotential competitive with devices based on ReS2 produced by CVD, and even with MoS2, WS2, and MoSe2 electrocatalysts.
Design of a Test Rig for the Characterization of Thermal Fatigue and Soldering Resistance of the Surfaces of Tool Steels for High‐Pressure Die‐Casting Dies
Authors: Gobber Federico Simone , Pisa Andrea Giuseppe , Ugues Daniele , Rosso Mario
Published: December 2019

The conceptualization and development of a test rig able to reproduce thermal stresses and contact with molten aluminum alloy, typical of high‐pressure die‐casting dies, are described. During the test, a hot‐work tool steel sample is cyclically heated by contact with molten aluminum alloy (AlSi11Cu2(Fe)) and then cooled by the spraying of a water‐diluted silicone‐based lubricant. A finite element method (FEM) simulation is setup to determine the temperature at different depths beneath the sample surface during thermal cycling and is experimentally validated to design the proper sample geometry aimed at reproducing the stress/strain conditions experienced by a die‐casting die insert. A tensile–compressive stress state is achievable on the surface of the sample by machining a notch with a suitable radius, which is able to produce a plastic strain comparable with the insert one. A thermally induced stress–strain fatigue loop is determined for both the sample and the component. Temperatures are monitored discontinuously by infrared (IR) thermography after heating and continuously by thermocouples placed at a reference depth of 5.5 mm. Finally, the optimized testing conditions are validated experimentally: both thermal cracking and soldering phenomena are successfully reproduced on a lab‐scale test rig.
Recent arrivals or established tenants? History of wolf presence influences attitudes toward the carnivore
Authors: Gosling Elizabeth , Bojarska Katarzyna , Gula Roman , Kuehn Ralph
Published: December 2019

Human dimensions are a critical part of large carnivore conservation. We investigated how the historical presence of wolves (Canis lupus) influences public attitudes toward the carnivore and its management in rural areas of Poland. From March 2016 to March 2017, we used a self‐administered questionnaire to assess attitudes of rural residents (n = 292) and foresters (n = 325) in 6 regions where wolves have either been continuously present, or where they have recently recovered after a period of absence. While we found that attitudes toward wolves were generally neutral or positive, differences in attitudes did exist across target groups and regions with long and short histories of wolf presence. Foresters tended to have more negative attitudes toward wolves than did rural residents, and their attitudes remained stable across regions. In contrast, rural residents from the regions with an uninterrupted history of wolf presence, which also suffer greater rates of livestock depredation, tended to have less positive attitudes than did residents from regions where wolves have recovered more recently. Knowledge of wolves and wildlife value orientations were also positive predictors of attitudes. Negative attitudes among local residents and lower support for wolf conservation in response to wolf attacks on livestock could be a major obstacle for the continued recovery of wolves in Europe. Our results reinforce the need for proactive approaches, involving both information campaigns and actions to mitigate wolf predation on livestock, to maintain local support for wolf conservation. © 2019 The Authors. Wildlife Society Bulletin published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Concomitant taurine exposure counteracts ethanol-induced changes in locomotor and anxiety-like responses in zebrafish
Authors: Fontana Barbara D. , Duarte Tamie , Müller Talise E. , Canzian Julia , Ziani Paola R. , Mezzomo Nathana J. , Parker Matthew O. , Rosemberg Denis B.
Published: December 2019

Taurine (TAU) is a β-amino sulfonic acid with pleiotropic roles in the brain, including the neuromodulatory activity via GABAergic and glycinergic agonism. This molecule is found at high concentrations in energy drinks and is often mixed with alcohol in beverages. Although TAU has a neuroprotective role in the brain, the putative risks of mixing TAU and EtOH are not fully understood. Here, we investigated whether TAU modulates locomotor and anxiety-like behavior in adult zebrafish by using the novel tank and light-dark tests following acute EtOH exposure at anxiogenic and anxiolytic concentrations. Zebrafish were individually exposed to water (control), TAU (42, 150, and 400 mg/L), and EtOH (0.25% (v/v) and 1% (v/v)) both independently and cotreated for 1 h. EtOH 0.25% and TAU produced U-shape anxiolytic-like behavior in the light-dark test, TAU 42 and 400 positively modulated EtOH effects, and TAU 150 exerted a protective effect. All TAU concentrations counteracted EtOH 1%-induced locomotion impairment, as well as the anxiogenic-like behavior. Finally, all TAU concentrations when given independently or cotreated with EtOH 0.25% and 1% decreased the risk assessment of the lit compartment. Principal component analyses revealed that exploration and anxiety-like responses were the main behaviors that contribute to the effects of TAU and EtOH. Overall, we demonstrate that TAU differently modulates EtOH-induced anxiolytic- and anxiogenic-like behaviors depending on the concentration, suggesting a complex mechanism underlying TAU and EtOH interactions.
A Modified AUGIS Delphi Process to Establish Future Research Priorities in Benign Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery
Authors: Wilson Michael S. J. , Vaughan‐Shaw P. , Boyle C. , Yong G. L. , Oglesby S. , Skipworth R. , Lamb P. , Griffiths E. A. T. , Attwood S. E. A. ,   AUGIS
Published: December 2019

Background

The aim of our study was to use a modified Delphi process to determine the research priorities amongst benign upper gastrointestinal (UGI) surgeons in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Delphi methodology may be utilised to develop consensus opinion amongst a group of experts. Members of the Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland were invited to submit individual research questions via an online survey (phase I). Two rounds of prioritisation by multidisciplinary expert healthcare professionals (phase II and III) were completed to determine a final list of high‐priority research questions.

Results

Four hundred and twenty‐seven questions were submitted in phase I, and 51 with a benign UGI focus were taken forward for prioritisation in phase II. Twenty‐eight questions were ranked in phase III. A final list of 11 high‐priority questions had an emphasis on acute pancreatitis, Barrett's oesophagus and benign biliary disease.

Conclusion

A modified Delphi process has produced a list of 11 high‐priority research questions in benign UGI surgery. Future studies and awards from funding bodies should reflect this consensus list of prioritised questions in the interest of improving patient care and encouraging collaborative research.
Correction to: The prognostic value of serum erythropoietin in patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes: a review of the literature and expert opinion
Authors: Park Sophie , Kelaidi Charikleia , Meunier Mathieu , Casadevall Nicole , Gerds Aaron T. , Platzbecker Uwe
Published: December 2019

This article was originally published without an Open Access but due to the authors final decision to opt for Open Choice this correction was created.
A study of the effects of westerly wind bursts on ENSO based on CESM
Authors: Tan Xiaoxiao , Tang Youmin , Lian Tao , Yao Zhixiong , Li Xiaojing , Chen Dake
Published: December 2019

Numerous works have indicated that westerly wind bursts (WWBs) have a significant contribution to the development of El Niño events. However, the simulation of WWBs commonly suffers from large biases in the current generation of coupled general circulation models (CGCMs), limiting our ability to predict El Niño events. In this study, we introduce a WWBs parameterization scheme into the global coupled Community Earth System Model (CESM) to improve the representation of WWBs and to study the impacts of WWBs on El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) characteristics. It is found that CESM with the WWBs parameterization scheme can generate more realistic characteristics of WWBs, in particular their location and seasonal variation of occurrence. With the parameterized WWBs, the skewness of the Niño 3 index is increased, in better agreement with observation. Eastern Pacific El Niño and central Pacific El Niño events could be successfully reproduced in the model run with WWBs parameterization. Further diagnoses show that the enhanced horizontal advection in the central Pacific and vertical advection in the eastern Pacific, both of which are triggered by WWBs, are crucial factors responsible for the improvements in ENSO simulation. Clearly, WWBs have important effects on ENSO asymmetry and ENSO diversity.
Dynamics of the straight-ahead preference in human visual cortex
Authors: Bogdanova Olena V. , Bogdanov Volodymyr B. , Durand Jean-Baptiste , Trotter Yves , Cottereau Benoit R.
Published: December 2019

The objects located straight-ahead of the body are preferentially processed by the visual system. They are more rapidly detected and evoke stronger BOLD responses in early visual areas than elements that are retinotopically identical but located at eccentric spatial positions. To characterize the dynamics of the underlying neural mechanisms, we recorded in 29 subjects the EEG responses to peripheral targets differing solely by their locations with respect to the body. Straight-ahead stimuli led to stronger responses than eccentric stimuli for several components whose latencies ranged between 70 and 350 ms after stimulus onset. The earliest effects were found at 70 ms for a component that originates from occipital areas, the contralateral P1. To determine whether the straight-ahead direction affects primary visual cortex responses, we performed an additional experiment (n = 29) specifically designed to generate two robust components, the C1 and C2, whose cortical origins are constrained within areas V1, V2 and V3. Our analyses confirmed all the results of the first experiment and also revealed that the C2 amplitude between 130 and 160 ms after stimulus onset was significantly stronger for straight-ahead stimuli. A frequency analysis of the pre-stimulus baseline revealed that gaze-driven alterations in the visual hemi-field containing the straight-ahead direction were associated with a decrease in alpha power in the contralateral hemisphere, suggesting the implication of specific neural modulations before stimulus onset. Altogether, our EEG data demonstrate that preferential responses to the straight-ahead direction can be detected in the visual cortex as early as about 70 ms after stimulus onset.
Immunogenicity of trimeric autotransporter adhesins and their potential as vaccine targets
Authors: Thibau Arno , Dichter Alexander A. , Vaca Diana J. , Linke Dirk , Goldman Adrian , Kempf Volkhard A. J.
Published: December 2019

The current problem of increasing antibiotic resistance and the resurgence of numerous infections indicate the need for novel vaccination strategies more than ever. In vaccine development, the search for and the selection of adequate vaccine antigens is the first important step. In recent years, bacterial outer membrane proteins have become of major interest, as they are the main proteins interacting with the extracellular environment. Trimeric autotransporter adhesins (TAAs) are important virulence factors in many Gram-negative bacteria, are localised on the bacterial surface, and mediate the first adherence to host cells in the course of infection. One example is theNeisseriaadhesin A (NadA), which is currently used as a subunit in a licensed vaccine againstNeisseria meningitidis. Other TAAs that seem promising vaccine candidates are theAcinetobactertrimeric autotransporter (Ata), theHaemophilus influenzaeadhesin (Hia), and TAAs of the genusBartonella. Here, we review the suitability of various TAAs as vaccine candidates.
Non-rainfall Moisture: A Key Driver of Microbial Respiration from Standing Litter in Arid, Semiarid, and Mesic Grasslands
Authors: Evans Sarah , Todd-Brown Katherine E. O. , Jacobson Kathryn , Jacobson Peter
Published: December 2019

Models assume that rainfall is the major moisture source driving decomposition. Non-rainfall moisture (NRM: high humidity, dew, and fog) can also induce standing litter decomposition, but there have been few measurements of NRM-mediated decomposition across sites and no efforts to extrapolate the contribution of NRM to larger scales to assess whether this mechanism can improve model predictions. Here, we show that NRM is an important, year-round source of moisture in grassland sites with contrasting moisture regimes using field measurements and modeling. We first characterized NRM frequency and measured NRM-mediated decomposition at two sites in the Namib Desert, Namibia (hyper-arid desert), and at one site in Iowa, USA (tallgrass prairie). NRM was frequent at all sites (85–99% of hours that litter was likely to be wet were attributed to NRM) and tended to occur in cool, high-humidity periods for several hours or more at a time. NRM also resulted in CO2release from microbes in standing litter at all sites when litter became sufficiently wet (> 5% gravimetric moisture for fine litter and > 13% for coarse), and significantly contributed to mass loss, particularly in the western Namib site that received almost no rain. When we modeled annual mass loss induced by NRM and rain and extrapolated our characterization of NRM decomposition to a final semiarid site (Sevilleta, New Mexico), we found that models driven by rainfall alone underestimated mass loss, while including NRM resulted in estimates within the range of observed mass loss. Together these findings suggest that NRM is an important missing component in quantitative and conceptual models of litter decomposition, but there is nuance involved in modeling NRM at larger scales. Specifically, temperature and physical features of the substrate emerge as factors that affect the microbial response to litter wetting under NRM in our sites, and require further study. Hourly humidity can provide an adequate proxy of NRM frequency, but site-specific calibration with litter wetness is needed to accurately attribute decomposition to periods when NRM wets litter. Greater recognition of NRM-driven decomposition and its interaction with other processes like photodegradation is needed, especially since fog, dew, and humidity are likely to shift under future climates.
A 19 year population-based cohort study analysing reoperation for recurrence following laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia repairs
Authors: Ramsay G. , Scott N. W. , Jansen J. O.
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Laparoscopic (LHR) and open (OHR) inguinal hernia repairs are both used to treat primary herniae. This study analyses the rates of operation for recurrence after laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia repair, at a population level, while considering competing risks, such as death and other operative interventions.

Methods

This is a population cohort study in Scotland. All adult patients who had a primary inguinal hernia repair in Scotland between 01/04/1996 and 01/01/2015 were included. The main outcome was recurrent operations. Cumulative incidence functions (CIF) were calculated for competing risks of death. A cox proportional hazards regression model was used to control for confounders of age, gender, bilateral herniae, deprivation and year of procedure.

Results

Of 88,590 patients, there were 10,145 LHR and 78,445 OHR. Recurrent operations were required in 1397 (1.8%) OHR and 362 (3.6%). LHR had greater hazard of recurrence than OHR (HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.61–2.08, p < 0.001). Faster time to recurrence was also associated with being older (HR for one year increase: 1.010, 95% CI 1.007–1.013, p < 0.001), being more affluent (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.01–1.38, p = 0.04) and having a bilateral index operation (HR 2.53, 95% CI 2.22–2.88, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

LHR is becoming more popular in Scotland over the past 2 decades. However, when other key confounding factors are controlled, it is associated with a higher recurrence rate.
A novel algorithm to predict bone changes in the mouse tibia properties under physiological conditions
Authors: Cheong Vee San , Campos Marin Ana , Lacroix Damien , Dall’Ara Enrico
Published: December 2019

Understanding how bone adapts to mechanical stimuli is fundamental for optimising treatments against musculoskeletal diseases in preclinical studies, but the contribution of physiological loading to bone adaptation in mouse tibia has not been quantified so far. In this study, a novel mechanistic model to predict bone adaptation based on physiological loading was developed and its outputs were compared with longitudinal scans of the mouse tibia. Bone remodelling was driven by the mechanical stimuli estimated from micro-FEA models constructed from micro-CT scans of C57BL/6 female mice (N = 5) from weeks 14 and 20 of age, to predict bone changes in week 16 or 22. Parametric analysis was conducted to evaluate the sensitivity of the models to subject-specific or averaged parameters, parameters from week 14 or week 20, and to strain energy density (SED) or maximum principal strain (εmaxprinc). The results at week 20 showed no significant difference in bone densitometric properties between experimental and predicted images across the tibia for both stimuli, and 59% and 47% of the predicted voxels matched with the experimental sites in apposition and resorption, respectively. The model was able to reproduce regions of bone apposition in both periosteal and endosteal surfaces (70% and 40% for SED and εmaxprinc, respectively), but it under-predicted the experimental sites of resorption by over 85%. This study shows for the first time the potential of a subject-specific mechanoregulation algorithm to predict bone changes in a mouse model under physiological loading. Nevertheless, the weak predictions of resorption suggest that a combined stimulus or biological stimuli should be accounted for in the model.
Alcohol intake, tobacco smoking, and esophageal adenocarcinoma survival: a molecular pathology epidemiology cohort study
Authors: McCain R. Stephen , McManus Damian T. , McQuaid Stephen , James Jacqueline A. , Salto-Tellez Manuel , Reid Nathan B. , Craig Stephanie , Chisambo Chintapuza , Bingham Victoria , McCarron Eamon , Parkes Eileen , Turkington Richard C. , Coleman Helen G.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To investigate the association between cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and esophageal adenocarcinoma survival, including stratified analysis by selected prognostic biomarkers.

Methods

A population-representative sample of 130 esophageal adenocarcinoma patients (n = 130) treated at the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre between 2004 and 2012. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to evaluate associations between smoking status, alcohol intake, and survival. Secondary analyses investigated these associations across categories of p53, HER2, CD8, and GLUT-1 biomarker expression.

Results

In esophageal adenocarcinoma patients, there was a significantly increased risk of cancer-specific mortality in ever, compared to never, alcohol drinkers in unadjusted (HR 1.96 95% CI 1.13–3.38) but not adjusted (HR 1.70 95% CI 0.95–3.04) analysis. This increased risk of death observed for alcohol consumers was more evident in patients with normal p53 expression, GLUT-1 positive or CD-8 positive tumors. There were no significant associations between survival and smoking status in esophageal adenocarcinoma patients.

Conclusions

In esophageal adenocarcinoma patients, cigarette smoking or alcohol consumption was not associated with a significant difference in survival in comparison with never smokers and never drinkers in fully adjusted analysis. However, in some biomarker-selected subgroups, ever-alcohol consumption was associated with a worsened survival in comparison with never drinkers. Larger studies are needed to investigate these findings, as these lifestyle habits may not only be linked to cancer risk but also cancer survival.