bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonbinary quantification technique accounting for myocardial infarct heterogeneity: Feasibility of applying percent infarct mapping in patients
Authors: Mastrodicasa Domenico , Elgavish Gabriel A. , Schoepf U. Joseph , Suranyi Pal , van Assen Marly , Albrecht Moritz H. , De Cecco Carlo N. , van der Geest Rob J. , Hardy Rayphael , Mantini Cesare , Griffith L. Parkwood , Ruzsics Balazs , Varga‐Szemes Akos
Published: February 2018

Background

Binary threshold‐based quantification techniques ignore myocardial infarct (MI) heterogeneity, yielding substantial misquantification of MI.

Purpose

To assess the technical feasibility of MI quantification using percent infarct mapping (PIM), a prototype nonbinary algorithm, in patients with suspected MI.

Study Type

Prospective cohort

Population

Patients (n = 171) with suspected MI referred for cardiac MRI.

Field Strength/Sequence

Inversion recovery balanced steady‐state free‐precession for late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and modified Look–Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) T1‐mapping on a 1.5T system.

Assessment

Infarct volume (IV) and infarct fraction (IF) were quantified by two observers based on manual delineation, binary approaches (2–5 standard deviations [SD] and full‐width at half‐maximum [FWHM] thresholds) in LGE images, and by applying the PIM algorithm in T1 and LGE images (PIMT1; PIMLGE).

Statistical Test

IV and IF were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Agreement between the approaches was determined with Bland–Altman analysis. Interobserver agreement was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis.

Results

MI was observed in 89 (54.9%) patients, and 185 (38%) short‐axis slices. IF with 2, 3, 4, 5SDs and FWHM techniques were 15.7 ± 6.6, 13.4 ± 5.6, 11.6 ± 5.0, 10.8 ± 5.2, and 10.0 ± 5.2%, respectively. The 5SD and FWHM techniques had the best agreement with manual IF (9.9 ± 4.8%) determination (bias 1.0 and 0.2%; P = 0.1426 and P = 0.8094, respectively). The 2SD and 3SD algorithms significantly overestimated manual IF (9.9 ± 4.8%; both P < 0.0001). PIMLGE measured significantly lower IF (7.8 ± 3.7%) compared to manual values (P < 0.0001). PIMLGE, however, showed the best agreement with the PIMT1 reference (7.6 ± 3.6%, P = 0.3156). Interobserver agreement was rated good to excellent for IV (ICCs between 0.727–0.820) and fair to good for IF (0.589–0.736).

Data Conclusion

The application of the PIMLGE technique for MI quantification in patients is feasible. PIMLGE, with its ability to account for voxelwise MI content, provides significantly smaller IF than any thresholding technique and shows excellent agreement with the T1‐based reference.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:788–798.
The role of human papillomavirus in laryngeal cancer in Southern China
Authors: Lam Eddy W.H. , Chan Michael M.H. , Wai Cynthia K.C. , Ngai Chi Man , Chen Zigui , Wong Martin C.S. , Yeung Apple C.M. , Tong Joanna H.M. , Chan Amy B.W. , To Ka‐Fai , Chan Paul K.S.
Published: February 2018

To delineate the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in laryngeal cancer in Southern Chinese, a retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted in a major otorhinolaryngology referral center in Hong Kong. Eighty‐five Chinese patients with histology‐confirmed laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) diagnosed between 2005 and 2010 were examined for the status of HPV by PCR, and the expression of p16 and p53 by immunohistochemistry. The HPV, p16 and p53 findings were correlated with clinicopathological features, recurrence and 5‐year survival. HPV DNA was detected in one patient (1.2%, 95%CI: 0.2‐6.4%) who had glottic cancer and harbored HPV‐6. Overexpression of p16 and p53 were detected in 11 (12.9%) and 47 (55.3%) cases, respectively. Recurrence occurred in 22.4% of patients at a median of 13 months. The 5‐year overall survival and disease‐specific survival were 55.7% and 72.4%, respectively. Overexpression of p16 or p53 was not associated with clinicopathological features, recurrence or overall survival. HPV plays a limited role in laryngeal cancer in Hong Kong Southern Chinese. In contrast to oropharyngeal cancer, p16 cannot be used as a surrogate marker for oncogenic involvement of HPV and cannot predict survival in laryngeal cancer.
Geophysical and geochemical constraints on the age and paleoclimate implications of Holocene lacustrine cores from the Andes of central Chile
Authors: Tiner Rachel J. , Negrini Robert M. , Antinao Jose L. , McDonald Eric , Maldonado Antonio
Published: February 2018

A Holocene paleoclimate record was constructed using two lacustrine cores from the high‐elevation Chilean Andes at ∼30°S latitude. Coarser and more poorly sorted grain‐size distributions and higher C/N ratios were interpreted as evidence for increased storm activity. Wet conditions prevailed from ∼10.8 to 9.5k cal a BP, then transitioned to dry conditions from ∼9.5 to 5.7k cal a BP interrupted by stormy conditions from ∼8.3 to 7.6k cal a BP. Wet conditions returned from ∼5.7k cal a BP to the present, interrupted by aridity from ∼4.1 to 2.2k cal a BP. This paleoclimate record is consistent with others from the region. The wet periods were probably caused by the influence of the Southern Westerlies, while dry conditions resulted from the influence of the Southeast Pacific Anticyclone. The increased storminess from ∼8.3 to 7.7k cal a BP may have been sourced from latitudinal shifts in the Intertropical Convergence Zone and subsequent weakening of the Westerlies, allowing the incursion of convective storms from east of the Andes. This sequence of events is consistent with synoptic conditions during modern easterly sourced storm activity. It is also consistent with modeling studies of the effect on the Southern Hemisphere of the rapid cooling of the North Atlantic Ocean during the 8.2‐ka event.
First identification and characterization of Borrobol‐type tephra in the Greenland ice cores: new deposits and improved age estimates
Authors: Cook Eliza , Davies Siwan M. , Guðmundsdóttir Esther R. , Abbott Peter M. , Pearce Nicholas J. G.
Published: February 2018

Contiguous sampling of ice spanning key intervals of the deglaciation from the Greenland ice cores of NGRIP, GRIP and NEEM has revealed three new silicic cryptotephra deposits that are geochemically similar to the well‐known Borrobol Tephra (BT). The BT is complex and confounded by the younger closely timed and compositionally similar Penifiler Tephra (PT). Two of the deposits found in the ice are in Greenland Interstadial 1e (GI‐1e) and an older deposit is found in Greenland Stadial 2.1 (GS‐2.1). Until now, the BT was confined to GI‐1‐equivalent lacustrine sequences in the British Isles, Sweden and Germany, and our discovery in Greenland ice extends its distribution and geochemical composition. However, the two cryptotephras that fall within GI‐1e ice cannot be separated on the basis of geochemistry and are dated to 14358 ± 177 a b2k and 14252 ± 173 a b2k, just 106 ± 3 years apart. The older deposit is consistent with BT age estimates derived from Scottish sites, while the younger deposit overlaps with both BT and PT age estimates. We suggest that either the BT in Northern European terrestrial sequences represents an amalgamation of tephra from both of the GI‐1e events identified in the ice‐cores or that it relates to just one of the ice‐core events. A firm correlation cannot be established at present due to their strong geochemical similarities. The older tephra horizon, found within all three ice‐cores and dated to 17326 ± 319 a b2k, can be correlated to a known layer within marine sediment cores from the North Iceland Shelf (ca. 17179‐16754 cal a BP). Despite showing similarities to the BT, this deposit can be distinguished on the basis of lower CaO and TiO2 and is a valuable new tie‐point that could eventually be used in high‐resolution marine records to compare the climate signals from the ocean and atmosphere.
The importance of key floral bioactive compounds to honey bees for the detection and attraction of hybrid vegetable crops and increased seed yield
Authors: Mas Flore , Harper Aimee , Horner Rachael , Welsh Taylor , Jaksons Peter , Suckling David M
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Crop breeding programmes generally select for traits for improved yield and human consumption preferences. Yet, they often overlook one fundamental trait essential for insect‐pollinated crops: pollinator attraction. This is even more critical for hybrid plants that rely on cross‐pollination between the male‐fertile line and the male‐sterile line to set seeds. This study investigated the role of floral odours for honey bee pollination that could explain the poor seed yield in hybrid crops.

RESULTS

The key floral bioactive compounds that honey bees detect were identified for three vegetable hybrid crops. It was found that 30% of the variation in bioactive compound quantities was explained by variety. Differences in quantities of the bioactive compounds triggered different degrees of olfactory response and were also associated with varied appetitive response. Correlating the abundance of each bioactive compound with seed yield, it was found that aldehydes such as nonanal and decanal can have a strong negative influence on seed yield with increasing quantity.

CONCLUSION

Using these methodologies to identify relevant bioactive compounds associated with honey bee pollination, plant breeding programmes should also consider selecting for floral traits attractive to honey bees to improve crop pollination for enhanced seed yield. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Patterns of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Growth Among Adolescents After the Wenchuan Earthquake in China: A Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Zhou Xiao , Wu Xinchun , Zhen Rui
Published: February 2018

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) often coexist in the survivors of traumatic events. The current study examined the coexisting patterns of PTSD and PTG using latent profile analysis in a sample of 591 adolescent survivors of the May 12, 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the effects of traumatic exposure on specific coexisting patterns. A three‐class solution characterized by a growth group (39.6%), a low symptoms group (10.3%), and a coexistence group (50.1%) fitted the data best. Members of the low symptoms group were more likely to be male, odds ratio (OR) = 2.67, 95% CI [1.48, 4.81]; and adolescents in the coexistence group were more likely to be older, OR = 1.22, 95%CI [1.09, 1.37], and to have had experienced serious indirect exposure, OR = 1.07, 95% CI [1.02, 1.12], and posttraumatic fear, OR = 1.20, 95% CI [1.11, 1.31].
Siphonaxanthin, a Carotenoid From Green Algae, Inhibits Lipogenesis in Hepatocytes via the Suppression of Liver X Receptor α Activity
Authors: Zheng Jiawen , Li Zhuosi , Manabe Yuki , Kim Minji , Goto Tsuyoshi , Kawada Teruo , Sugawara Tatsuya
Published: February 2018

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has shown an increasing morbidity in recent years. Here, we demonstrated that siphonaxanthin (SPX), a rare marine carotenoid, exhibits a strong inhibitory effect on aggravated hepatic lipogenesis in vitro and would be a promising candidate in the prevention and alleviation of NAFLD in the future. In this study, we conducted a preliminary assessment of the effect of SPX on hepatic lipogenesis by using the HepG2 cell line, derived from human liver cancer, as a model of the liver. SPX significantly suppressed the excess accumulation of triacylglycerol induced by liver X receptor α (LXRα) agonist by downregulating a nuclear transcription factor named sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1c and a set of related genes. Moreover, fatty acid translocase (CD36) and fatty acid‐binding protein‐1, which regulates fatty acid uptake, also exhibited significant decrease in transcriptional levels. Furthermore, we found that SPX blocked LXRα activation and would be a promising candidate for antagonist of LXRα.
Monte Carlo Simulation of Olefin Block Copolymers: Bivariate Distribution of Molecular Weight and Chemical Composition
Authors: Buakrong Poramet , Anantawaraskul Siripon , Soares João B.P.
Published: February 2018

The multi‐block structure of olefin block copolymers (OBCs) leads to their unique properties, in contrast to those of traditional polyolefin elastomers. In this work, the detailed bivariate distribution of molecular weight and chemical composition (MWD × CCD) of OBCs is examined using Monte Carlo simulation. The effects of polymerization parameters on the bivariate MWD × CCD are also studied and reported for the first time. This model can be used as a tool to describe how to produce OBCs with desired microstructures by manipulating the polymerization conditions.
Modeling managerial altruism, CSR, and donations: A comment
Authors: Jegers Marc
Published: February 2018

In a recent issue of this journal, Ho and Huang present an interesting and inspiring agency based model on corporate donations, taking into consideration the level of managerial altruism and the impact of donations on demand. However, a number of crucial assumptions of their basic model are open for criticism. They relate to the specification of demand, of profits, and of managerial utility. This is not to say that no insights can be gained from their model, but that when doing so these limitations should be borne in mind.
Existence of solutions for a nonlinear simply supported beam equation
Authors: Saavedra Lorena
Published: February 2018

This paper is devotedto prove the existence of one or multiple solutions for a family of nonlinear fourth‐order boundary value problems.

We use several fixed point theorems, previously developed by the author and her coauthor, to prove the existence of solutions of some simply supported beam problems. To finish the work, a particular case is studied, and the existence of multiple solutions is proved for 2 different particular nonlinear functions.
Generalized fractional‐order Jacobi functions for solving a nonlinear systems of fractional partial differential equations numerically
Authors: Kamali Farzaneh , Saeedi Habibollah
Published: February 2018

In this paper, a collocation spectral numerical algorithm is presented for solving nonlinear systems of fractional partial differential equations subject to different types of conditions. A proposed error analysis investigates the convergence of the mentioned algorithm. Some numerical examples confirm the efficiency and accuracy of the method.
Practical data collection and extraction for big data applications in radiotherapy
Authors: McNutt Todd R. , Bowers Michael , Cheng Zhi , Han Peijin , Hui Xuan , Moore Joseph , Robertson Scott , Mayo Charles , Voong Ranh , Quon Harry
Published: February 2018

The capture of high‐quality treatment data and outcomes is necessary in order to learn from our clinical experiences with big data analytics. In radiotherapy, there are several practical challenges to overcome. Practical aspects of data collection are discussed pointing to a need for a culture change in clinical practice to one that captures structured patient‐related data in routine care in a prospective manner. Radiation dosimetry and the contoured anatomy must also be captured routinely to represent the best estimate of delivered radiation. The quality and integrity present in the data are critical which poses opportunities to introduce electronic validity checking to improve them. Similarly, data completeness and methods and technology to improve the efficiency and sufficiency of data capture can be introduced. In the manuscript, the types of clinical data are discussed including patient reports, images, biospecimens, treatments, and symptom management. With a data‐driven culture, the realization of a learning health system is possible unlocking the potential of big data and its influence on clinical decision‐making and hypothesis generation.
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine safety surveillance in the Vaccine Safety Datalink using a tree‐temporal scan data mining method
Authors: Li Rongxia , Weintraub Eric , McNeil Michael M. , Kulldorff Martin , Lewis Edwin M. , Nelson Jennifer , Xu Stanley , Qian Lei , Klein Nicola P. , Destefano Frank
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The objective of our study was to conduct a data mining analysis to identify potential adverse events (AEs) following MENACWY‐D using the tree‐temporal scan statistic in the Vaccine Safety Datalink population and demonstrate the feasibility of this method in a large distributed safety data setting.

Methods

Traditional pharmacovigilance techniques used in vaccine safety are generally geared to detecting AEs based on pre‐defined sets of conditions or diagnoses. Using a newly developed tree‐temporal scan statistic data mining method, we performed a pilot study to evaluate the safety profile of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine Menactra® (MenACWY‐D), screening thousands of potential AE diagnoses and diagnosis groupings. The study cohort included enrolled participants in the Vaccine Safety Datalink aged 11 to 18 years who had received MenACWY‐D vaccination(s) between 2005 and 2014. The tree‐temporal scan statistic was employed to identify statistical associations (signals) of AEs following MENACWY‐D at a 0.05 level of significance, adjusted for multiple testing.

Results

We detected signals for 2 groups of outcomes: diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, fever, and urticaria. Both groups are known AEs following MENACWY‐D vaccination. We also identified a statistical signal for pleurisy, but further examination suggested it was likely a false signal. No new MENACWY‐D safety concerns were raised.

Conclusions

As a pilot study, we demonstrated that the tree‐temporal scan statistic data mining method can be successfully applied to screen broadly for a wide range of vaccine‐AE associations within a large health care data network.
Addressing water scarcity: cationic polyelectrolytes in water treatment and purification
Authors: Wilts Emily M , Herzberger Jana , Long Timothy E
Published: February 2018

Synthetic cationic polyelectrolytes (CPEs) serve as coagulation and flocculation agents in wastewater treatment due to a synergy of inherent electrostatic interactions and hydrophilic properties. In wastewater treatment, CPEs act as coagulation and flocculation agents to aggregate impurities and enable water purification. New health and environmental‐related regulations provide motivation for government agencies and industrial companies to reuse wastewater. Chemical structure, molecular weight, charge density and functionality of CPEs provide tailorability for specific purification needs. Cationic polyacrylamides, ammonium‐based polymers, poly(allyldimethyl‐ammonium chloride) and epichlorohydrin/dimethylamine‐based polymers are the most common CPEs used as coagulation and flocculation agents because they are economical and water soluble with tunable charge densities at high molecular weights. Free radical polymerization, step‐growth polymerization and post‐polymerization modification methods afford each polymer system. This review highlights recent advancements in synthetic methods to yield CPEs, structure−property relationships as related to flocculation efficiency and a summary of their toxicity and environmental impact. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of short‐chain branches on strain‐induced polymer crystallization
Authors: Guan Xinchao , Wang Youhao , Wang Jiping , Wu Yixian , Hu Wenbing
Published: February 2018

We performed dynamic Monte Carlo simulations of a lattice polymer model to investigate strain‐induced crystallization behaviors of short‐chain branched polymers with variable sequence distributions, branch numbers and lengths, and their blending compositions with linear polymers. The results revealed that the branch density and distribution bring dominant effects. In the blends, there is no phase separation prior to crystallization, except that strain‐enhanced mixing is temporarily hindered by chain folding upon crystallization. Our observations shed lights onto the strain‐induced crystallization of short‐chain branched polymers. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of new ionic crosslinked polymer hydrogel combining polystyrene and poly(4‐vinyl pyridine) and its self‐healing through a reshuffling reaction of the trithiocarbonate moiety under irradiation of ultraviolet light
Authors: Dong Peng , Cui Kun , Xu Fang , Jiang Tao , Ma Zhi
Published: February 2018

A new ionic crosslinked polymer hydrogel was achieved by the strategy of ionically crosslinking α,ω‐dibromide terminated polystyrene (Br‐PS‐Br) with poly(4‐vinyl pyridine) (P4VP) which was synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization using a chain transfer agent containing a trithiocarbonate moiety. The moiety of trithiocarbonate was introduced into the crosslinked network to show the self‐healing characteristics. The chain structure and components of Br‐PS‐Br and P4VP were characterized through 1H NMR, gel permeation chromatography, Fourier transform IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The P4VP (Mn = 25 300 g mol−1) chains were crosslinked with Br‐PS‐Br (Mn = 2000 g mol−1) through the quaternization reaction to form a polymer network which was further crosslinked in acetonitrile by irradiation of UV light to fabricate a hydrogel. Such a hydrogel of P4VP/Br‐PS‐Br cut by a razor blade can be rapidly (1 h) and repeatedly (three times) healed through a reshuffling reaction of the trithiocarbonate moiety under irradiation by UV light. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The reactions of O‐(4‐nitrophenyl) S‐aryl dithiocarbonates with anilines: Effects on the relative nucleofugality
Authors: Santos José G. , Gazitúa Marcela
Published: February 2018

Kinetic and high‐performance liquid chromatography studies were investigated for the reactions of S‐phenyl, S‐(4‐chlorophenyl), and S‐(4‐nitrophenyl) O‐(4‐nitrophenyl) dithiocarbonates with anilines. These were performed in the presence of 0.1M borate buffer in 44 wt% aqueous ethanol. For reactions of the 3 substrates, the mechanism is stepwise with 2 tetrahedral intermediates, one zwitterionic (T±), and the other anionic (T−), where the intermediate T− is formed by proton transfer from T± to the borate buffer. The nonleaving group is not passive, playing an important role in the relative nucleofugality of the groups, which depend largely on its electron withdrawing capability. The nucleofugacity of 4‐nitrophenolate ion and of 4‐nitrophenylthiolate from the same tetrahedral intermediate is similar, despite the differences in their basicities (3 pKa units). In the reactions of S‐(4‐nitrophenyl) O‐(4‐nitrophenyl) dithiocarbonate, the change of nucleophile from pyridines (only 4‐nitrophenolate ion is nucleofuge) to anilines (2 nucleofuges) shows that the nature of the amine impacts on the relative nucleofugality of groups.
Synthesis and characterization of multifunctional polyamide 1 using CO2 and urea via environment‐friendly method
Authors: Yuan Dandan , Xu Yuanting , Zhou Feng , Cai Xufu
Published: February 2018

The polyamide 1 (PA1) containing the highest density of hydrogen bond and dipole was synthesized using carbon dioxide (CO2) and urea as raw materials under supercritical CO2 condition through environment‐friendly method. Three kinds of molecular weights of PA1 were prepared in this study to satisfy different application areas. The chemical structures of PA1 were characterized comprehensively by means of 1H and 13C NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elements analysis, intrinsic viscosity, and wide angle X‐ray diffraction. The thermal properties and glass transition temperature were measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry. The obtained products had intrinsic average molecular weights ranging from 1.29 × 103 to 1.29 × 104. And the thermal stability and glass transition temperature increased with the increasing of molecular weight. TGA results indicated that the temperatures of 5% and 10% weight loss were 378 and 395 °C, respectively and the maximum decomposition temperatures for the two stages were 416 and 457 °C for the highest molecular weight product. The PA1, a new family member of polyamides, was a potential multifunctional material and found applications as high‐performance material. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 853–859
Context and Implications Document for: Diversity and complexity: Becoming a teacher in England in 2015–2016
Authors: Whiting Caroline , Whitty Geoff , Menter Ian , Black Pat , Hordern Jim , Parfitt Anne , Reynolds Kate , Sorensen Nick
Published: February 2018

This guide accompanies the following article: Whiting, C., Whitty, G., Menter, I., Black, P., Hordern, J., Parfitt, A., Reynolds, K. & Sorensen, N. Diversity and complexity: Becoming a teacher in England in 2015–2016. Review of Education, https://doi.org/10.1002/rev3.3108
Targeting Murine Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Kidney Injury Molecule-1 Improves Their Therapeutic Efficacy in Chronic Ischemic Kidney Injury
Authors: Zou Xiangyu , Jiang Kai , Puranik Amrutesh S. , Jordan Kyra L. , Tang Hui , Zhu Xiangyang , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: February 2018

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been experimentally used for kidney repair, but modest retention limits their efficacy. Cell-surface coating allows modulating MSC homing and interaction with target cells. We coated mouse adipose tissue-derived MSC with antibodies directed against kidney injury molecule-1 (ab-KIM1), which is upregulated in injured kidneys, and tested the hypothesis that this would enhance their therapeutic effects in ischemic kidney injury. Untreated MSC, ab-KIM1-coated MSC (KIM-MSC), or vehicle, were injected systemically into the carotid artery of 2-kidneys, 1-clip mice 2 weeks after surgery. MSC retention in different organs was explored 24 hours, 48 hours, or 2 weeks after injection. Renal volume, perfusion, and oxygenation were studied 2 weeks after injection using magnetic resonance imaging in vivo, and renal inflammation, apoptosis, capillary density, and fibrosis ex vivo. The ab-KIM1 coating had little effect on MSC viability or proliferation. The stenotic kidney showed upregulated KIM1 expression, selective homing, and greater retention of KIM-MSC compared to untreated MSC and compared to other organs. KIM-MSC-injected mice improved renal perfusion and capillary density, and attenuated oxidative damage, apoptosis, and fibrosis compared to mice treated with vehicle or with native MSC. In conclusion, MSC coating with ab-KIM1 increased their retention in the ischemic kidney and enhanced their therapeutic efficacy. This novel method may be useful to selectively target injured kidneys, and supports further development of strategies to enhance cell-based treatment of ischemic kidney injury.
Experimental study on reinforced concrete large‐eccentricity compressive column of basic magnesium sulfate cement concrete—in different curing conditions
Authors: Zeng Xiangchao , Yu Hongfa
Published: February 2018

Basic magnesium sulfate cement (BMS) has many advantages, such as early strength, high strength, resistance to water and corrosion resistance, and so on. In order to explore the difference in performance between BMS and conventional reinforced concrete (RC) large‐eccentric columns, the experiments of eight BMS concrete columns, including their deflection, cracking, yielding, ultimate moments, and failure modes are studied. The results show that large‐eccentric compression column of BMS concrete has 20% higher values of cracking load and the ultimate capacity compared with the conventional RC column. The curing relative humidity has no obvious effect on the eccentric compressive performance of BMS concrete columns. There is no obvious difference in the failure modes of BMS concrete columns and conventional columns under large‐eccentric compression. In addition, with the increase of the strength of BMS concrete, the cracking moment and the eccentric compressive capacity for BMS concrete columns can be improved. The general eccentric compressive theory and current code provisions for eccentric compressive column design are modified in order to be applicable to eccentric BMS concrete columns.
Anger in the Classroom: How a Supposedly Negative Emotion Can Enhance Learning
Authors: Martin Ryan C.
Published: February 2018

This chapter explores the important role that anger plays in teaching and learning.
Joy of Being a Teacher
Authors: Nair Indira
Published: February 2018

Reflecting on one's own emotions and seeing teaching as an emotionally complex engagement can enrich a teacher's experience, pedagogy, and students’ motivation and response in class.
Relational Advising: Acknowledging the Emotional Lives of Faculty Advisors
Authors: Snyder‐Duch Jennifer
Published: February 2018

Academic advising—formal and informal—is an emotional undertaking on the part of college faculty.
When it Hurts to Work: Organizational Violations and Betrayals
Authors: Frey Lisa L.
Published: February 2018

This chapter explores the institutional context of higher education and its impact on faculty and professional staff's well‐being, functioning, and emotions. Suggestions for dealing with academic workplace violations or betrayals are offered.
Lead exposure reduces sperm quality and DNA integrity in mice
Authors: Li Cuiling , Zhao Kai , Zhang Huiping , Liu Lili , Xiong Fei , Wang Kunyu , Chen Biao
Published: February 2018

Toxicity of lead on male reproductive functions has raised wide public concern as environmental lead contamination remains common worldwide. Conflicting and controversial data are available regarding effects of lead on male fertility. More importantly, our knowledge on effects of lead on sperm DNA integrity is significantly limited. Thus, further studies should focus on this issue. In the current study, adult male mice were exposed to a series of lead acetate concentrations in drinking water for six weeks. Following administration, lead levels in blood, testicles, and epididymis were measured, and potential changes in morphology of testis and epididymis due to lead exposure were identified. We also analyzed sperm parameters, including sperm density, viability, motility, and morphology, to evaluate quality of sperm collected from epididymis. Especially, hypothetical influence of lead on sperm DNA integrity was also evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labeling, alkaline comet assay, and sperm chromatin structure assay. Lead exposure possibly exerted no effect on growth of mice because these animals acquired similar body weight gain during the experimental period. However, high lead concentrations (0.5% and 1%) in drinking water affected sperm motility and increased percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology. In groups treated with 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% lead acetate, percentages of sperm cells showing DNA breaks and chromatin structure damage significantly increased. Altogether, lead exposure not only exhibits adverse effects on sperm physiological parameters, but also impairs DNA structure and integrity. These effects may lead to significant decline in male fertility.
Burden, Characteristics and Process of Care Among the Pediatric and Adult Trauma Patients in Botswana’s Main Hospitals
Authors: Mwandri Michael B. , Hardcastle Timothy C.
Published: February 2018

Background

Botswana is notable among countries with high rates of Road Traffic Collisions (RTC); like many other lower–middle‐income countries (LMICs), it lacks trauma systems. The World Health Organization recommends ‘Essential Trauma Care’ in countries with no formal trauma systems. The proportion of injuries in Emergency Departments and the care process were investigated to gain an overview for enabling the design of a relevant LMICs trauma system.

Method

Blunt and penetrating trauma patients were included from three major hospitals, examining the proportion of injuries, patient characteristics, the care process and comparing these between pediatrics and adults. Data are presented using descriptive statistics.

Results

The proportion of trauma ranged between 6 and 10% of Emergency Department cases. Pediatrics constituted 19%, and 59% of all patients were male. The median age was 28 years [IQR 17–39] and 8 years [IQR 4–11] for adults and pediatrics, respectively. The leading causes of injuries were: falls in pediatrics (55%) and interpersonal violence in the adults (34%), followed by RTC in both children (20%) and adults (30%). The public inter‐hospital vehicles transported 77% of pediatrics and 69% of adults, while formal ambulance transported only 9% of pediatrics and 22% of adults. The median Emergency Department waiting time for pediatrics was 187 min [IQR 102–397] and for adults was 208 min [IQR 100–378]: Most were triaged as non‐urgent (70% pediatrics and 72% adults), and the majority were discharged (84% pediatrics and 76% adults).

Conclusion

The Emergency Department workload of injuries is notably high, with differing mechanisms of injury and transport modes between pediatrics and adults: Waiting time is severely prolonged for urgent and critical patients. Diagnoses, triage categories and patients disposition were similar.
Common occurrence of Sharpey’s fibres in amphibian phalanges
Authors: Kolenda Krzysztof , Najbar Anna , Rozenblut-Kościsty Beata , Serwa Ewa , Skawiński Tomasz
Published: February 2018

Sharpey’s fibres are known mainly as providing anchorage between tooth and the periodontal ligament but they occur also in other types of bones. In the postcranial skeleton these fibres are usually present at the muscle or tendon attachment sites. They were reported in all major groups of extant vertebrates, as well as in putative lissamphibian ancestors—temnospondyls and lepospondyls. However, it was recently stated that their presence was very rarely described in extant amphibians. In limbs, they were reported predominantly from proximal bones. They have not yet been reported from phalanges, which are the most commonly sectioned amphibian bones. Here, we describe phalangeal histology of nine species representing most major clades of lissamphibians. These results show that Sharpey’s fibres occur commonly in lissamphibian phalanges. In shaft, they are radially oriented and occur in the periosteal bone, at sites of tendon attachment. They can also occur in the metaphysis and contact the cartilage. This may provide a basis for foot muscle reconstructions in fossil amphibians.
Gender and the Residential Mobility and Neighborhood Attainment of Black-White Couples
Authors: Gabriel Ryan
Published: February 2018

Including black-white couples in the study of residential stratification accentuates gendered power disparities within couples that favor men over women, which allows for the analysis of whether the race of male partners in black-white couples is associated with the racial and ethnic composition of their neighborhoods. I investigate this by combining longitudinal data between 1985 and 2015 from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics linked to neighborhood- and metropolitan-level data compiled from four censuses. Using these data, I assess the mobility of black male–white female and white male–black female couples out of and into neighborhoods defined respectively by their levels of whites, blacks, and ethnoracial diversity. My results show that the race of the male partner in black-white couples tends to align with the racial and ethnic composition of the neighborhoods where these couples reside. This finding highlights that the racial hierarchy within the United States affects the residential mobility and attainment of black-white couples, but its influence is conditioned by the race and gender composition of these couples.
Attention manipulation and information overload
Authors: PERSSON PETRA
Published: February 2018

Limits on consumer attention give firms incentives to manipulate prospective buyers’ allocation of attention. This paper models such attention manipulation and shows that it limits the ability of disclosure regulation to improve consumer welfare. Competitive information supply from firms competing for attention can reduce consumers’ knowledge by causing information overload. A single firm subjected to a disclosure mandate may deliberately induce such information overload to obfuscate financially relevant information or engage in product complexification to bound consumers’ financial literacy. Thus, disclosure rules that would improve welfare for agents without attention limitations can prove ineffective for consumers with limited attention. Obfuscation suggests a role for rules that mandate not only the content, but also the format of disclosure; however, even rules that mandate ‘easy-to-understand’ formats can be ineffective against complexification, which may call for regulation of product design.
Drawing false inferences from mandated disclosures
Authors: BAR-GILL OREN , SCHKADE DAVID , SUNSTEIN CASS R.
Published: February 2018

Disclosure mandates are pervasive. Though designed to inform consumers, such mandates may lead consumers to draw false inferences – for example, that a product is harmful when it is not. When deciding to require disclosure of an ingredient in or characteristic of a product, regulators may be motivated by evidence that the ingredient or characteristic is harmful to consumers. But they may also be motivated by a belief that consumers have a right to know what they are buying or by interest-group pressure. Consumers who misperceive the regulator's true motive, or mix of motives, will draw false inferences from the mandated disclosure. If consumers think that the disclosure is motivated by evidence of harm, when in fact it is motivated by a belief in a right to know or by interest-group pressure, then they will be inefficiently deterred from purchasing the product. We analyze this general concern about disclosure mandates. We also offer survey evidence demonstrating that the risk of false inferences is serious and real.
The rs1527483, but not rs3212018, CD36 polymorphism associates with linoleic acid detection and obesity in Czech young adults
Authors: Plesník Jiří , Šerý Omar , Khan Amira S. , Bielik Peter , Khan Naim A.
Published: February 2018

Recent evidence has raised the possibility of the existence of a sixth taste modality – that is, taste for fat – which is mediated by lingual CD36 and plays a role in obesity. Consequently, the genetic polymorphism of CD36 has been shown to be associated with altered oro-sensory detection of dietary lipids. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between oro-sensory perception of linoleic acid (LA), two CD36 polymorphisms (rs1527483 and rs3212018), obesity parameters and craving habits for dietary lipids in young Czech adults. We also sequenced 5 and 6 exons of CD36 to trace out any new mutation that might be responsible for the difference in taste perception. We observed that craving for dietary lipids was correlated with anthropometric parameters (P<0·05) and LA detection threshold (P=0·033). The participants with the CC genotype of the rs1527483 polymorphism had lower BMI (P=0·011), waist circumference (P=0·005), waist:height ratio (P=0·010) and higher sensitivity for LA (P=0·037) than the participants with the CT and TT genotypes. Interestingly, we did not observe any association between the rs3212018 polymorphism and the studied parameters. Moreover, we did not observe any mutation in exons 5 and 6 of the CD36 gene in these subjects. Finally, we can state that rs1527483, but not rs3212018, is associated with high body weight in young Czech subjects.
On the Square Subgroup of a MixedSI-Group
Authors: Andruszkiewicz R. R. , Woronowicz M.
Published: February 2018

The relation between the structure of a ring and the structure of its additive group is studied in the context of some recent results in additive groups of mixed rings. Namely, the notion of the square subgroup of an abelian group, which is a generalization of the concept of nil-group, is considered mainly for mixed non-splitting abelian groups which are the additive groups only of rings whose all subrings are ideals. A non-trivial construction of such a group of finite torsion-free rank no less than two, for which the quotient group modulo the square subgroup is not a nil-group, is given. In particular, a new class of abelian group for which an old problem posed by Stratton and Webb has a negative solution, is indicated. A new, far from obvious, application of rings in which the relation of being an ideal is transitive, is obtained.
Some Remarks on the Wiman–Edge Pencil
Authors: Zamora Alexis G.
Published: February 2018

We rewrite in modern language a classical construction by W. E. Edge showing a pencil of sextic nodal curves admitting A5 as its group of automorphism. Next, we discuss some other aspects of this pencil, such as the associated fibration and its connection to the singularities of the moduli of six-dimensional abelian varieties.
Genotype characterization of livestock and human cystic echinococcosis in Mazandaran province, Iran
Authors: Gorgani-Firouzjaee T. , Kalantrai N. , Ghaffari S. , Alipour J. , Siadati S.
Published: February 2018

Echinococcus granulosus is a helminth from the family Taeniidae, which causes cystic echinococcosis (CE) in humans and diverse livestock around the world. The identification of existing genotypes in different regions is a major step towards the prevention and establishment of control programmes for the disease. This study aimed to detect CE genotypes using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) of the internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS1) gene and sequencing of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (Cox1) gene in isolates from the central part of Mazandaran province, northern Iran. Forty isolates were collected from sheep, 17 from cattle and 6 from human formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues (FFPE). The ITS1 and Cox1 genes were successfully amplified by PCR in 41 and 42 samples, respectively. PCR-RFLP and sequencing showed that all isolates had the G1–G3 genotypes in this study. Out of 31 isolates subjected to sequencing for the Cox1 gene, 80.7% had the G1 genotype. G2 (16.1%) and G3 (3.2%) genotypes were observed in five sheep and one cattle samples, respectively. Five human isolates were also sequenced for the ITS1 gene, which showed that all samples belonged to the G1 genotype. Ten haplotypes were determined among the isolates by alignment analysis of the Cox1 gene. In summary, this study demonstrated that G1 was the dominant genotype circulating between humans and livestock in the studied region. Furthermore, high genotypic diversity among the CE isolates was observed.
Routine use of salivary bypass tubes in laryngectomy patients: systematic review
Authors: Kamhieh Y , Fox H , Hallett E , Berry S
Published: February 2018

Background:

Pharyngocutaneous fistula is a cause of significant morbidity following laryngectomy. Routine use of salivary bypass tubes during laryngectomy has been proposed to reduce the incidence of fistulae and neopharyngeal strictures.

Method:

Following a systematic search of Embase, Medline and Cochrane databases (1946 – current), included articles were assessed for bias according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

Results:

Three case–control trials showed reduced pharyngocutaneous fistula rates with the use of salivary bypass tubes; six case series reported widely varied fistula rates. With regards to stricture rates, the largest case–control trial found no improvement with salivary bypass tube use. No fatal adverse events were observed among the 204 patients who received a salivary bypass tube.

Conclusion:

Low-level evidence suggests salivary bypass tubes may reduce the incidence of fistula in high-risk patient groups. A robust randomised controlled trial, or large, multicentre cohort studies, are needed to further examine this intervention.
Policy entrepreneurship across boundaries: a systematic literature review
Authors: Faling Marijn , Biesbroek Robbert , Karlsson-Vinkhuyzen Sylvia , Termeer Katrien
Published: February 2018

Although policy entrepreneurs are assigned an important role in crossing policy boundaries and addressing complex problems, our understanding of the process is limited. This article systematically reviews 51 studies on conditions, strategies and implications of crossboundary entrepreneurship. Findings show that (1) the literature predominantly mentions issue promotion and coalition-building as crossboundary strategies; (2) vertical boundary-crossing is discussed more frequently than horizontal boundary-crossing; (3) the most reported boundary-crossing function is to expand issue arenas; (4) conditions that enable crossboundary strategies include institutional overlap, issue interpretation, power vacuum, overruling policies and lacking resources; and (5) implications of entrepreneurship include raised opposition, increased competition over leadership, augmented complexity hindering collective action, raised costs and resources, and issues regarding trust, legitimacy and authority. Policy entrepreneurship allows for micro-level insights in the emergence of crossboundary processes. We suggest future research to focus on causal processes between conditions, strategies and implications to better understand their interplay.
‘Fuller’ or ‘extended’ working lives? Critical perspectives on changing transitions from work to retirement
Authors: PHILLIPSON CHRIS
Published: February 2018

Research on older workers and retirement has yet to adjust fully to an environment influenced by a combination of demographic change, technological developments and economic recession. A key dimension to the changing relationship between ageing and work is the tension between policies to extend working life and the increasingly fragmented nature of late working life, with the emergence of varied transitions, including: bridge employment, second/third careers, part-time working, early retirement and other variations. These developments indicate both the challenge of conceptualising new forms of work-ending, and – in policy terms – the extent to which these can successfully accommodate longer working lives. The paper provides a critical perspective to the policy of extending working life and the narrative which underpins this approach. The paper argues that retirement has become a ‘contested’ institution in the 21st century, fragmented across different pathways and transitions affecting people in their fifties and sixties. The paper argues the case for improving work quality and security as a precondition for supporting policies for encouraging working in later life. An essential requirement for this will include linking debates on extending working life with technological developments and changes affecting the workplace, creating differentiated paths to retirement and labour force exit, enhancing the provision of training and continuing education, and re-thinking the idea of the ‘older worker’.
Islands: balancing development and sustainability?
Authors: CONNELL JOHN
Published: February 2018

This overview explores sustainable development in island contexts. More subtle and complex concepts of sustainable development have become manifest in the Sustainable Development Goals, with tensions between social, economic and environmental objectives at different scales as livelihoods acquire greater flexibility and islands face multiple challenges to development. Islands are part of rapidly changing and wider worlds, while sustainability is complicated by global change, as debates over strategies and time periods are accentuated in constrained island contexts. Development and sustainability have repeatedly acquired new meanings, hence requiring new analytical techniques, planning objectives and effective governance and management. Progress towards sustainable development in islands and island states is hampered by multi-scalar challenges, including limited biodiversity, migration, external interventions and directives, scarce human resources, weak management, inadequate data (and problems of interpretation), social divisions and tensions and simultaneous quests for modernity and conservation. The tourism sector emphasizes how sustainable development is particularly difficult to achieve in small islands where access to adequate livelihoods is important and limited change is possible.