bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative comparison of river inflows to a rapidly expanding lake in central Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Ding Jie , Zhang Yinsheng , Guo Yanhong , Ma Ning
Published: July 2018

The recent rapid expansion of inland lakes on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) are a good indicator of the consequences of climate change. Quantifying the hydrological cycle of the lake basin is fundamentally important to understand the causes of lake growth. However, the hydrological processes of the TP interior are very complex and difficult to investigate because of the lack of observations. This is especially true for estimating the lake changes when run‐off inflows are affected by small lakes located in the flow routes within drainage areas. We used an integrated hydrological model, in combination with glacier melt and lake retention models, to analyse the run‐off inflows to Lake Siling Co, the largest endorheic lake in Tibet. It includes four subdrainage basins: Zhajiazangbu, Zhagenzangbu, Alizangbu, and Boquzangbu. Lake Siling Co was characterized by considerable increases during warm season from 1981 to 2012, due to the increased run‐off from Zhajiazangbu accounting for about 51–62% of the total run‐off inflows. Moreover, the dramatic increases exhibited during cold seasons were related to the increased retention water released from the small lakes within Zhagenzangbu and Alizangbu. Of the studied subdrainage basins, Boquzangbu contributed the least during both warm and cold seasons. On average, the annual amount of evaporation from lakes within the drainage area was about 2 times greater than that of glacier melt run‐off. Our results suggest that the retention effects of lakes on river inflows should receive more attention, because understanding these effects is potentially crucial to improved understanding of lake variations in the TP.
Structural alerts for the identification of bioaccumulative compounds
Authors: Valsecchi Cecile , Grisoni Francesca , Consonni Viviana , Ballabio Davide
Published: July 2018

Legislators have included bioaccumulation in the evaluation of chemicals in the framework of the European Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation. REACH requires information on the bioconcentration factor (BCF), which is a parameter for assessing bioaccumulation and encourages the use of a weight-of-evidence approach, including predictions from quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSARs). This study presents a novel approach, based on structural alerts, to be used as a decision-support system for the identification of substances with bioaccumulation potential. In a regulatory framework, these alerts can be integrated with other sources of information, such as experimental and in silico data, to reduce the uncertainty of the assessment, thereby supporting a weight-of-evidence approach. Moreover, the identified alerts have a direct connection with relevant structural features, thus fostering the applicability and interpretability of the approach. The structural alerts were identified on 779 chemicals annotated for their fish BCF, and the approach was then validated on 278 external molecules. The developed decision-support system allowed identification of 77% of bioaccumulative chemicals and was competitive with more complex QSAR models used in regulatory assessments. The approach is implemented in an easy-to-use workflow, provided free of charge. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:19–28. © 2018 SETAC
Childbirth experiences related to obstetric violence in public health units in Quito, Ecuador
Authors: Brandão Thais , Cañadas Sofía , Galvis Alejandro , de los Ríos María Moreno , Meijer Magriet , Falcon Kirsten
Published: July 2018

Objective

To explore women's experiences of obstetric violence related to childbirth in Ecuador.

Methods

The present cross‐sectional descriptive study combined qualitative and quantitative elements of women's childbirth experience in Quito, Ecuador, between July 1, 2016, and July 1, 2017. Women who delivered in public health units providing different levels of care completed a survey of 32 questions, divided into six dimensions of obstetric violence.

Results

Overall, 388 women completed the survey, of whom 259 (66.8%) delivered vaginally and 129 (33.2%) delivered by cesarean. Among 120 women who delivered for the first time, 62 (51.7%) had an episiotomy. At the second stage of labor, uterine fundus pressure (Kristeller maneuver) was performed for 49 (19.4%) of 252 women. Overall, 196 (50.5%) women reported that they were not allowed to engage in early attachment, and 135 (34.8%) reported that they did not receive support for the initiation of breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Various forms of obstetric violence are occurring in the public health services of Quito, despite World Health Organization recognition of the need for perinatal care at the highest level. Programs designed to prevent and diminish obstetric violence are urgently required.
Similarity to imagined interlocutor and integration of viewpoints in internal dialogues
Authors: Puchalska‐Wasyl Małgorzata M.
Published: July 2018

Numerous positive functions are ascribed to integrative internal dialogues (IDs). Additionally, IDs simulating social relationships are thought to serve as “prototypes” for interpersonal communication. Therefore, it would be useful to know how to increase the frequency of integrative IDs. Previous studies exploring the relationship between similarity to an imagined interlocutor and the integration in ID have produced inconsistent results. The aim of the present study was to examine the moderating and mediating factors in this relationship. Data from 119 people (mostly students) were analysed. Before the participants conducted IDs, they had written down 3 characteristics common to them and to their interlocutor. Finally, the Integration–Confrontation questionnaire was completed. Plausibility of ID was a moderator of the relationship between similarity to imagined interlocutor and integration in IDs; this relationship was significantly positive at lower plausibility, but non‐significant at high plausibility. Perceived similarity in ID exerted an indirect effect on ID's integration in 2 ways. The first pathway was through identifying with the interlocutor and the author's integrative attitude, suggesting a mechanism in line with social identity theory. The second potential mechanism, which seems to be consistent with similarity–attraction theory, was connected with the wishfulness of IDs and the interlocutor's integrative attitude.
Perceived competence and impression management: Testing the mediating and moderating mechanisms
Authors: Abbas Muhammad , Raja Usman , Anjum Mansoor , Bouckenooghe Dave
Published: July 2018

Using a diverse and unique sample of triads (N = 191 self, peer, and supervisor reports) from a field survey of two service sector organisations, this study examined the effects of perceived competence (self‐reported) and supervisor‐rated performance ratings on peer‐rated impression management. The study also tested the mediating role of performance in competence–impression management relationships and the moderating role of job satisfaction (self‐reported) in performance–impression management relationships using bootstrapping techniques. The study further examined the conditional indirect effects (i.e., moderated mediation) of perceived competence on impression management. The sample consisted of white collar employees from a government organisation and a leading cellular company in a developing country (i.e., Pakistan). Employees with low perceived competence were more likely to use impression management tactics than were those with high perceived competence. Similarly, poor performance ratings produced high impression management. Moreover, performance mediated the relationship between competence and impression management. The findings also suggest that perceived competence has a negative indirect effect on impression management for those with high levels of job satisfaction. Finally, impression management was highest when performance and satisfaction were low.
Detoxification and methane production kinetics from three‐phase olive mill wastewater using Fenton's reagent followed by anaerobic digestion
Authors: Bampalioutas Konstantinos , Vlysidis Anestis , Lyberatos Gerasimos , Vlyssides Apostolos
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

The implementation of an integrated treatment scheme consisting of an oxidation and an anaerobic digestion (AD) process was investigated at laboratory scale for the detoxification of olive mill wastewaters (OMWW) and their utilization for energy production. Initially, a detoxification step was implemented for oxidizing the OMWW in a batch‐stirred reactor with Fenton's reagent. Subsequently, the pretreated OMWW was fed to an anaerobic digester containing active sludge in order to determine its suitability for further biological treatment and biogas production.

RESULTS

The kinetics of the two processes were examined for different initial conditions by varying the most important parameters: the initial concentrations of H2O2 and FeSO4.7H2O and the temperature of the oxidation process while the initial pH was kept constant. Increasing the initial concentrations of H2O2 and FeSO4.7H2O from 1 to 5 g L−1 and temperature from 20 to 35 °C, led to increased total phenolic content (TPC) removal (88.8%) and TOC degradation (35.4%) in the chemical oxidation process and an increased pseudo‐first‐order constant value (kAD = 0.718 d−1) in the AD process. The optimum kAD value corresponded to a biomethane production of 20.1 L CH4 / L pretreated OMWW. A modified pseudo‐first order model was selected to describe the conducted experiments.

CONCLUSION

The combination of Fenton's oxidation together with AD is an effective method for treating three‐phase OMWW as the TPC is first significantly decreased and then substrate biodegradability is enhanced as the proposed pretreatment methodology increases considerably the rate of AD. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Doxorubicin‐induced cardiomyocyte toxicity – protective effects of endothelial cells in a tri‐culture model system
Authors: Alias Eliesmaziah , Parikh Vijay , Hidalgo‐Bastida Araida , Wilkinson Malcolm , Davidge Kelly S. , Gibson Tim , Sharp Duncan , Shakur Rameen , Azzawi May
Published: July 2018

Doxorubicin‐induced cardiomyopathy is a clinically prevalent pathology, occurring as a sequelae following chemotherapy for cancer patients. In particular, the “first dose” effect has been particularly challenging, given the heterogeneous and multifactorial nature of this pathophysiology. Here, we describe the development of a physiologically relevant in vitro model for cardiotoxicity testing, using human cells. Primary cardiomyocytes, endothelial, and smooth muscle cells were tri‐cultured in 2D, or within nano‐fibrous scaffolds in a 3D environment, under dynamic nutrient flow, using the Quasi Vivo® system. State‐of‐the‐art sensor chips were used to detect troponin I levels, 2 h after acute exposure to doxorubicin. We demonstrate a significant improvement in cardiomyocyte viability when grown in a 3D tri‐culture environment over a 5‐day period and a 10‐fold reduction in doxorubicin‐induced toxicity. Our tri‐culture model can be used as a valuable tool for physiologically relevant assessment of drug‐induced cardiotoxicity in vitro.
Computational simulation of medial versus anteromedial tibial tuberosity transfer for patellar instability
Authors: Elias John J. , Jones Kerwyn C. , Copa Andrew J. , Cosgarea Andrew J.
Published: July 2018

The study utilizes dynamic simulation of knee function to determine how tibial tuberosity medialization and anteromedialization influence patellar tracking and contact pressures for knees with patellar instability. Dual limb squatting was simulated with six multibody dynamic simulation models representing knees being treated for patellar instability. Each knee exhibited lateral patellar maltracking in the pre‐operative condition based on the bisect offset index. The patellar tendon attachment points on the tibia were medialized by 10 mm to represent tibial tuberosity medialization, with an additional 5 mm of anteriorization applied for anteromedialization. The patellofemoral contact pressure distribution was quantified using discrete element analysis. Data were analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance with post‐hoc tests and linear regressions. Tibial tuberosity medialization and anteromedialization significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the bisect offset index for nearly all flexion angles up to 80°, with the largest changes near full extension. Both procedures significantly decreased the maximum lateral pressure at 55°, but increased the maximum medial pressure from 30 to 80°. The pre‐operative to post‐operative increase in the maximum contact pressure was significantly correlated with the maximum pre‐operative bisect offset index for tuberosity medialization (r2 = 0.84), but not for anteromedialization. Statement of Clinical Significance: The results indicate tibial tuberosity medialization decreases patellar lateral maltracking and lateral patellofemoral contact pressures, but increases medial contact pressures. When pre‐operative patellar maltracking is relatively low, tibial tuberosity medialization is likely to increase maximum contact pressures. Tibial tuberosity anteromedialization lowers the risk of elevated post‐operative contact pressures compared to medialization. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:3231–3238, 2018.
Climate drivers of Zizaniopsis miliacea biomass in a Georgia, U.S.A. tidal fresh marsh
Authors: Li Shanze , Hopkinson Charles S. , Schubauer‐Berigan Joseph P. , Pennings Steven C.
Published: July 2018

Tidal fresh marshes are at least as productive as nearby salt marshes, but much less is known about controls on primary production in tidal fresh vs. salt marshes. We studied a tidal fresh marsh in Georgia, U.S.A., dominated by the C3 grass Zizaniopsis miliacea. We documented seasonal variation in Z. miliacea above‐ground biomass and below‐ground macro‐organic matter over 1 yr, and annual variation in end‐of‐season aboveground biomass over 15 yr in creekbank and midmarsh zones. Aboveground biomass showed a distinct peak in July and October. Belowground macro‐organic matter was much greater than aboveground biomass and peaked in October. Overall productivity was similar to that of salt marshes downstream. Z. miliacea end‐of‐season above‐ground biomass showed a classic hump‐shaped “subsidy‐stress” relationship with plot elevation, but on average the creekbank supported about twofold more above‐ground biomass than the midmarsh, and both zones varied in biomass about 1.7‐fold among years. Annual variation in above‐ground biomass was negatively correlated with maximum and mean temperature in both zones, and positively with river discharge in the creekbank zone. Sea level, precipitation and water column salinity showed biologically plausible trends with respect to biomass. The responses of Z. miliacea to abiotic drivers were muted compared with the responses of nearby salt marshes dominated by Spartina alterniflora. Temperature was more important for Z. miliacea, whereas drivers of porewater salinity were more important in the salt marsh. Likely future changes in temperature, precipitation, and river discharge may pose a threat to the high productivity of tidal fresh marshes.
High resilience of harpacticoid copepods in the landward slope of the Japan Trench against disturbance of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake
Authors: Kitahashi Tomo , Jenkins Robert G. , Kojima Shigeaki , Shimanaga Motohiro
Published: July 2018

On 11 March 2011, an earthquake of magnitude Mw 9.0 known as “the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake” occurred off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture. To assess the effect of the earthquake on the deep‐sea ecosystem, we compared harpacticoid assemblages at six stations (100–6000 m water depth) in the landward slope of the Japan Trench off Sanriku in northeastern Japan. We collected samples at the same locations after 4.5 months (2011) and 1.5 yr (2012) after the earthquake. There were no significant differences in depth‐related patterns of harpacticoid assemblages in terms of diversity and community composition between 2011 and 2012. Changing patterns of harpacticoid community composition along water depth in the Sanriku region after the earthquake did not significantly differ from those in the reference region (Kuril region, 500 km away from the Sanriku region, Japan). Our results suggest that the harpacticoid assemblage at the Sanriku region was not affected by the earthquake or that it quickly recovered after the event. Around our study area, large earthquakes have occurred at 500‐yr intervals on average. The observed high resilience of harpacticoid assemblages against the earthquake suggest that benthos with high resilience against disturbance are dominant under a situation in which large disturbances occur every 500 yr or more.
Plasmonic photothermal therapy: Approaches to advanced strategy
Authors: Bucharskaya Alla B. , Maslyakova Galina N. , Chekhonatskaya Marina L. , Terentyuk Georgy S. , Navolokin Nikita A. , Khlebtsov Boris N. , Khlebtsov Nikolai G. , Bashkatov Alexey N. , Genina Elina A. , Tuchin Valery V.
Published: July 2018

Background

The analysis of recent studies on plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPT) after intravenous administration of gold nanorods (GNRs) has demonstrated that the effectiveness of nanoparticle‐assisted laser hyperthermia depends on a correct dosage strategy of nanoparticle administration. Accumulation of GNRs in tumor tissue dramatically increases the local heating of the tumor without damage to healthy tissues. However, the optimal doses of GNR intravenous injections (IVIs) for effective accumulation in tumors, and optimal protocols of PPT are not designed yet. The current study aims to improve the efficacy of PPT in tumor‐bearing rats using multiple fractional intravenous administration of GNRs.

Materials and Methods

For PPT experiments, the GNRs with aspect ratio of 4.1 were functionalized with thiolated polyethylene glycol (PEG) and their suspensions were used for multiple fractional intravenous administration in outbred albino male rats with experimental model of rat liver cancer (cholangiocarcinoma line PC‐1). Doppler ultrasonography was performed to characterize the vascularity of transplanted rat tumors before any treatment. After a final injection of GNRs, tumor was irradiated during 15 minutes by 808‐nm NIR diode laser at a power density 2.3 W/cm2. The animals were withdrawn from the experiment and sampling of tissues for morphological study and gold accumulation was performed 24 hours and 3 weeks after PPT.

Results

The multiple IVIs of gold nanorods and further PPT of transplanted cholangiocarcinoma provided significant damage to tumor tissue resulting in pronounced necrotic mass and retardation of the tumor growth. More importantly, the proposed PPT protocol had low toxicity as evidenced by histological examination of internal organs. The efficiency of PPT depends on the presence of newly formed vasculature as revealed by the Doppler ultrasound investigation.

Conclusion

The repeatable IVIs promote greater of GNR accumulation within the tumor thus resulting in higher PPT efficacy. Accompanying ultrasonography can be useful for prognosis and monitoring of treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:1025–1033, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A clinical study of choledochoscopic holmium laser lithotripsy for multiple intrahepatic calculi within ERAS programs
Authors: Wang Cheng , Lv Shangdong , Wang Aidong , Zhang Fabiao , Wang Binfeng , Xu Yongfu , Zhu Yu , Fang Zheping
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Multiple intrahepatic calculi, especially calculi in both sides of the liver, cannot be completely resolved by traditional surgery. In addition, morbidity after liver resection remains high. ERAS programs have been suggested that could relieve surgical stress and accelerate postoperative recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of choledocholithotomy combined with holmium laser lithotripsy in the treatment of multiple intrahepatic calculi within ERAS programs.

Methods

In all, 109 patients with multiple intrahepatic calculi were enrolled between January 2012 and September 2016, 42 of whom received choledocholithotomy combined with holmium laser lithotripsy. The remaining 67 patients underwent choledocholithotomy combined with choledochoscopic mechanical lithotripsy. Perioperative outcomes were compared and analyzed.

Results

Patient characteristics and preoperative details were similar between the groups (P > 0.05). The implementation of holmium laser lithotripsy could reduce the calculi residual rate (7.1% vs. 22.4%, P = 0.037), and even the liver resection rate (16.7% vs. 35.8%, P = 0.031). Additionally, holmium laser lithotripsy did not result in a higher morbidity (11.9% vs. 16.4%, P = 0.517), readmission rate (0% vs. 6%, P = 0.158), hospital stay (P = 0.189), hospital cost (P = 0.998), transfusion rate (P = 0.576), or operative time (P = 0.638).

Conclusions

Holmium laser lithotripsy is feasible and efficient for treating multiple intrahepatic calculi within ERAS programs, which could reduce the liver resection rate and render refractory hepatic calculi easy to eliminate. In addition, holmium laser lithotripsy could be well coupled to the ERAS program to relieve surgical stress and accelerate postoperative recovery. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:161–166, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced predictive corrosion modeling via randomly distributed boundary conditions
Authors: Gießgen Tom , Mittelbach Andreas , Höche Daniel , Zheludkevich Mikhail , Kainer Karl U.
Published: July 2018

An advanced computational model based on the mixed potential theory (MPT) is presented, which is able to predict the progress of uniform as well as galvanic corrosion on car components made of zinc and steel (CR300). Previous approaches based on the MPT are computationally less challenging than other simulation models and are typically suitable for galvanic corrosion. In this work, an approach closer to reality is proposed by considering uniform corrosion aspects. Therefore, the metal surface is characterized by oxygen‐deficient and oxygen‐rich areas to model the anodic and cathodic reactions, respectively. Polarization curves are measured in 5 wt% NaCl electrolyte and are then used during finite element methods (FEM) simulation as respective boundary conditions on the metal surface, leading to a multiple microelectrode system. By randomly defining the microelectrodes as cathodes or anodes, that is, assigning polarization data from the oxygen‐rich or oxygen‐deficient electrolyte, the uniform corrosion is modeled. The independence of the corrosion rates from the arbitrary model parameters and surface width (up to 1 mm) is confirmed. The results from this FEM simulation for zinc and a low‐alloy steel are compared to the normed neutral salt spray (NSS) test and show good qualitative agreement. Further on, the galvanic corrosion of a zinc‐steel couple is modeled and the expected result for varying cathode‐anode surface ratio is reproduced.
Perceived informative intention in advertising and its attenuating effect on persuasion attribution among children
Authors: Tarabashkina Liudmila , Quester Pascale , Tarabashkina Olga
Published: July 2018

Although substantial research has been dedicated to children's understanding of advertising, the role of more diverse marketing purposes (attention capturing, product liking, and informative intentions) still has not been examined in relation to the activation of persuasion attribution among young consumers. Previous research has focused on one perceived advertising intention at a time, disregarding the complex nature of advertisements’ purposes and how these different perceived intentions relate to persuasion attribution. It is still unclear whether viewing advertising as a source of information reduces persuasion attribution and mitigates the attention capturing and product liking evaluations when children are exposed to commercial messages. This study shows that children's comprehension of attention capturing and product liking intentions relate to higher persuasion attribution. However, perceiving advertisements as a source of information attenuates the effects of product liking and attention capturing intentions on persuasion attribution in older children (10–11 and 12–13 years) who were expected to be more critical of advertising. No such effects were observed among younger children (8–9 years). The study highlights that advertisements are evaluated in a more complex manner by children than has been previously thought.
PV Analyzer: A Decision Support System for Photovoltaic Solar Cells Libraries
Authors: Kaspi Omer , Yosipof Abraham , Senderowitz Hanoch
Published: July 2018

This work describes the integration of several data mining and machine learning tools for researching Photovoltaic (PV) solar cells libraries into a unified workflow embedded within a GUI‐supported Decision Support System (DSS), named PV Analyzer. The analyzer's workflow is composed of several data analysis components including basic statistical and visualization methods as well as an algorithm for building predictive machine learning models. The analyzer allows for the identification of interesting trends within the libraries, not easily observable using simple bi‐parametric correlations. This may lead to new insights into factor affecting solar cells performances with the ultimate goal of designing better solar cells. The analyzer was developed using MATLAB version R2014a and consequently could be easily extended by adding additional tools and algorithms. Furthermore, while in our hands, the analyzer has been primarily used in the area of PV cells, is it equally applicable to the analysis of any other dataset composed of activities as dependent variables and descriptors as independent variables.
Factors predicting remission in thymectomized patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody‐positive myasthenia gravis
Authors: Kim Hyunjin , Lim Young‐Min , Lee Eun‐Jae , Oh Yeo Jin , Kim Kwang‐Kuk
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Although thymectomy is an important therapeutic option for myasthenia gravis (MG), factors predicting remission after thymectomy are not well known.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR‐Ab)‐positive MG who had undergone thymectomy. Prognostic factors predicting remission were investigated. Changes in AChR‐Ab titer before and after thymectomy were also evaluated.Results: Among the 179 patients, 52.5% achieved complete stable or pharmacologic remission. Nonthymomatous pathology and mild preoperative status were favorable predictors of remission. The decrease in AChR‐Ab titer after thymectomy was significant in nonthymomatous MG but not in thymomatous MG.Discussion: Nonthymomatous pathology and mild preoperative status are prognostic factors that may predict remission after thymectomy. The decrease in AChR‐Ab titer after thymectomy was significant in nonthymomatous MG but not in thymomatous MG, suggesting that the pathogenic role of the thymus differs according to pathology.Muscle Nerve58:796–800, 2018
Determining integrity of bladder innervation and smooth muscle function 1 year after lower spinal root transection in canines
Authors: Salvadeo Danielle M. , Tiwari Ekta , Frara Nagat , Mazzei Michael , Brown Justin M. , Braverman Alan S. , Barbe Mary F. , Ruggieri Michael R.
Published: July 2018

Aims

To assess bladder smooth muscle function and innervation after long‐term lower spinal root transection in canines.

Methods

Thirteen female mixed‐breed hound dogs underwent bladder decentralization, which included transection of all sacral dorsal and ventral roots caudal to L7 and hypogastric nerves, bilaterally (n = 3); all sacral roots and hypogastric nerves plus transection of L7 dorsal roots, bilaterally (n = 4); or a sham operation (n = 6). At a year after initial surgery, bladder function was assessed in vivo by stimulation of the pelvic plexus. The bladder tissue was harvested for ex vivo smooth muscle contractility studies. Remaining bladder was evaluated for nerve morphology immunohistochemically using neuronal marker PGP9.5, apoptotic activity using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling, and histopathology using a hematoxylin and eosin stain.

Results

Sacral root decentralization did not reduce maximum strength of pelvic plexus stimulation‐induced bladder contraction, although long‐term sacral dorsal and ventral root plus L7 dorsal root transection significantly decreased contraction strength. Electric field stimulation‐induced contractions of the detrusor from all decentralized animals were preserved, compared to controls. Viable nerves and intramural ganglia were visualized in the bladder wall, regardless of group. There was no difference in amount of apoptosis in bladder smooth muscle between groups.

Conclusion

Bladder smooth muscle cells maintain their function after long‐term bladder decentralization. While pelvic plexus‐induced bladder contractions were less robust at 1 year after lower spinal root transection, the absence of atrophy and preservation of at least some nerve activity may allow for successful surgical reinnervation after long‐term injury.
Sensitivity analysis of an availability model for disaster tolerant cloud computing system
Authors: Silva Bruno , Matos Rubens , Tavares Eduardo , Maciel Paulo , Zimmermann Armin
Published: July 2018

Because of the dependence on Internet‐based services, many efforts have been conceived to mitigate the impact of disasters on service provision. In this context, cloud computing has become an interesting alternative for implementing disaster tolerant services due to its resource on‐demand and pay‐as‐you‐go models. This paper proposes a sensitivity analysis approach to assess the parameters that most impact the availability of cloud data centers, taking into account disaster occurrence, hardware and software failures, and disaster recovery mechanisms for cloud systems. The analysis adopts continuous‐time Markov chains, and the results indicate that disaster issues should not be neglected. Hardware failure rate and time for migration of virtual machines (VMs) are the critical factors pointed out for the system modeled in our analysis. Moreover, the location where data centers are placed has a significant impact on system availability, due to time for migrating VMs from a backup server.
Socioeconomic analysis: A case of Tharparkar
Authors: Siyal Saeed , Peng Xiaobao , Siyal Abdul Waheed
Published: July 2018

Tharparkar is one of the arid zones of Sindh province which is highly affected due to its drought nature and the changes in climate. These changes are posing the serious threats to the life and livelihood of the surrounding community. This study aims to explore the social and economic conditions of the Tharparkar and the role of government and social enterprises and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to make the livelihood and socioeconomic conditions of the Tharparkar better and comfortable. The data was collected from the current literature, visits to the studied population, and interviews from the common people and some officials of government as well as social enterprises and NGOs.
Parental perception of child vulnerability in childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Staba Hogan Mary‐Jane , Ross Wilhelmenia L. , Balsamo Lyn , Mitchell Hannah‐Rose , Kadan‐Lottick Nina S.
Published: July 2018

Background

Parents’ perception of their children's vulnerability to illness following cancer treatment is largely unknown, but is important to understand given known challenges of transitioning survivors to postcancer care. We investigated the frequency of and factors associated with perceived vulnerability by parents of childhood cancer survivors attending a regional survivorship clinic.

Procedure

This cohort study was offered to all parents of pediatric patients (currently ≤18 years) attending the Yale childhood cancer survivorship clinic January 2010 to October 2016 who were ≥1 year postcurative cancer therapy. Participating parents (one per patient) completed the standardized Child Vulnerability Scale at the beginning of the clinic visit (cutoff score ≥10 for perceived vulnerability). Patient sociodemographics, cancer history, and posttherapy complications were abstracted from medical records.

Results

Overall, 116 parents participated (98% participation rate) consisting of 89% mothers; survivors were 46% female, had a current mean age of 12.7 ± 3.9 years, and were a mean of 6.4 ± 3.8 years posttherapy. Twenty‐eight percent (n = 33) of parents perceived their children as vulnerable. Survivor sociodemographics (age, sex, race/ethnicity, family income, insurance, parental marital status, number of siblings), cancer diagnosis, years off‐therapy, survivorship visit number, treatment intensity, and late complications (number, type, severity) were not associated with perception of vulnerability.

Conclusions

A sizeable proportion of parents continue to perceive their children as vulnerable even years after cancer therapy completion independent of current health status or past cancer history. Our data suggest the need to educate all parents of childhood cancer survivors regarding health risk, including those at lower risk for late complications.
The Greek version of the McMaster Family Assessment Device
Authors: Tsamparli Anastasia , Petmeza Ioanna , McCarthy Geraldine , Adamis Dimitrios
Published: July 2018

The Family Assessment Device (FAD) is a self‐report questionnaire, developed to assess the six dimensions of the McMaster Model of Family Functioning. It has been translated into the Greek language but never validated. We aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Greek version of the FAD in a nonclinical sample. In a sample of Greek families, the FAD was administered together with the already validated Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES‐III). In a subsample of 96 individual participants, the scales were administered again after 1 month. The sample of 453 participants (151 families: 194 children and 259 parents) completed both questionnaires. The mean age of the children was 23.62 years (SD = 6.35 years), and 68 (35%) were male. The mean age of the parents was 51.4 years (SD = 8.2 years), and 117 (45.2%) were male. All subscales of the FAD had significant correlation (concurrent validity) with the FACES‐III (n = 453, p < .001). Test–retest reliability ranged from .58 to .82 (N = 96, p < .001). Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) ranged from .47 to .94. A model with the six factors had a good statistical fit but not all the items were loading in the same components as from the theory assumed. The Greek FAD has good psychometric properties, although its factor structure might differ from the original version.
Lefamulin: Review of a Promising Novel Pleuromutilin Antibiotic
Authors: Veve Michael P. , Wagner Jamie L.
Published: July 2018

The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance have led to a global public health emergency requiring development of new antimicrobial classes. Lefamulin (formally BC‐3781) is a novel pleuromutilin antibiotic currently undergoing Food and Drug Administration review for community‐acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) as intravenous (IV) and oral (PO) formulations. Although pleuromutilin antibiotics were first developed in the 1950s, lefamulin is the first to be used for systemic treatment of bacterial infections in humans. Lefamulin exhibits a unique mechanism of action through inhibition of protein synthesis by binding to the peptidyl transferase center of the 50S bacterial ribosome, thus preventing the binding of transfer RNA for peptide transfer. Lefamulin displays activity against gram‐positive and atypical organisms associated with CABP (i.e., Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, and Chlamydophila pneumoniae), with an expanded gram‐positive spectrum including Staphylococcus aureus (i.e., methicillin‐resistant, vancomycin‐intermediate, and heterogeneous strains) and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus faecium. Lefamulin was also shown to retain activity against multidrug‐resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium. Lefamulin exhibits time‐dependent killing, and the pharmacodynamic target best associated with antibacterial activity is ƒAUC0–24/MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC]). Preclinical and phase II trials indicate that lefamulin concentrates in lung tissue are well tolerated at an IV dose of 150 mg twice/day over 1 hour or a PO dose of 600 mg twice/day, and preliminary phase III data suggest similar efficacy when compared with moxifloxacin with or without linezolid in CABP. Documented resistance and cross‐resistance with other gram‐positive antibacterials remains low. Additional published in vitro, in vivo, and preclinical trial data suggest further exploration of lefamulin in various infectious disease states (e.g., acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections, and sexually transmitted infections). This review discusses the pertinent bacterial spectrum of activity, preclinical and ongoing clinical data, and potential roles in therapy for lefamulin.
Do Americans Want a Right to be Forgotten? Estimating Public Support for Digital Erasure Legislation
Authors: Bode Leticia , Jones Meg Leta
Published: July 2018

With the increasing salience of online privacy as an issue, concern has focused on the ability to delete outdated personal information. In response, several varieties of a law mimicking the European “Right to be Forgotten” have been introduced at the state and federal level in the United States, despite limited measurement of public opinion on the issue. Because policymakers and courts often consider public opinion when deciding what laws to make and how to interpret those laws, public opinion is an important consideration when thinking about the potential for a right to be forgotten in the United States. In order to determine likely levels of support, as well as what predicts public backing of such a law, we analyze survey data collected from Amazon's Mechanical Turk (N = 1,380). We find that women are more likely to support such a law, as are those who are particularly concerned about online privacy, and those who express greatest confidence in Google. Those who think the government is too large are less likely to support such legislation. This suggests a complicated road forward for a Right to be Forgotten in the United States, with coalitions of support crossing traditional political boundaries.
Direct synthesis of magnetron sputtered nanostructured Cu films with desired properties via plasma chemistry for their efficient antibacterial application
Authors: Kim Hye Ran , Sahu Bibhuti Bhusan , Xiang Piao Jin , Han Jeon Geon
Published: July 2018

By changing the power density, the microstructure, surface morphology, surface energy, and electrical conductivity of the magnetron sputtered Cu films are tuned at a fixed Cu atomic content and the amount of Cu ion release. Data reveals that films with good crystallinity, low surface roughness, minimum surface energy, and the lowest electrical resistivity have shown a strong antibacterial response of Gram‐positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus up to 90–96%. The correlation between the plasma chemistry and film properties is established to investigate the optimized film properties. A possible mechanism is hypothesized to elucidate the observed antibacterial property from the viewpoint of charge transfer.
Prediction of Detonation Parameters of Energetic Nitro Compounds through Mixture Simulation
Authors: Li Jinshan
Published: July 2018

By adding the simulation of initial density into the Stine linear equations to match the element composition, condensed phase enthalpy of formation, and initial density of proposed compound, so‐called mixture simulation (MS) method for predicting the detonation parameters of energetic compound are deduced at the Chapman‐Jouguet detonation theory level in this work. Through selecting the suitable basis set consisting of six basis components, the maximum deviations of MS‐computed detonation velocity and detonation pressure from corresponding experimental values are within 0.2 km s−1 and within 3.4 GPa for the energetic nitro compounds calculated here, respectively. Considering that no empirical parameters are introduced into this model, this calculation is relatively accurate at present. Calculated results show that the MS method can effectively reflect the influence of initial density on detonation parameters and can predict the detonation parameters of non‐nitro energetic compound.
Computational characterization of the binding mode between oncoprotein Ets‐1 and DNA‐repair enzymes
Authors: de Ruyck Jerome , Brysbaert Guillaume , Villeret Vincent , Aumercier Marc , Lensink Marc F.
Published: July 2018

The Ets‐1 oncoprotein is a transcription factor that promotes target gene expression in specific biological processes. Typically, Ets‐1 activity is low in healthy cells, but elevated levels of expression have been found in cancerous cells, specifically related to tumor progression. Like the vast majority of the cellular effectors, Ets‐1 does not act alone but in association with partners. Given the important role that is attributed to Ets‐1 in major human diseases, it is crucial to identify its partners and characterize their interactions. In this context, two DNA‐repair enzymes, PARP‐1 and DNA‐PK, have been identified recently as interaction partners of Ets‐1. We here identify their binding mode by means of protein docking. The results identify the interacting surface between Ets‐1 and the two DNA‐repair enzymes centered on the α‐helix H1 of the ETS domain, leaving α‐helix H3 available to bind DNA. The models highlight a hydrophobic patch on Ets‐1 at the center of the interaction interface that includes three tryptophans (Trp338, Trp356, and Trp361). We rationalize the binding mode using a series of computational analyses, including alanine scanning, molecular dynamics simulation, and residue centrality analysis. Our study constitutes a first but important step in the characterization, at the molecular level, of the interaction between an oncoprotein and DNA‐repair enzymes.
Potential investment tradeoff between offspring production and functional recovery promoted by larval cannibalism inCoccinella septempunctata(Coleoptera: coccinellidae)
Authors: Wu Pengxiang , Ma Baoxu , Ouyang Haoyong , Xu Jing , Zhang Runzhi
Published: July 2018

Background

Since larval cannibalism is frequently observed in intensive rearing systems, the regeneration of lost legs is common for the beneficial speciesCoccinella septempunctata(Coccinella: Coccinellidae) to adapt to the competitive environment, but whether functional recovery occurs in the leg‐regenerated coccinellids remains unknown. To evaluate the functional recovery of regenerated right foreleg after being damaged, the behaviors of leg‐regenerated ladybugs containing predation, attachment, intraspecific competition, prey preference and fecundity were studied in the laboratory.

Results

The prey consumption and searching rate of leg‐regenerated ladybugs decreased, and their handling time extended. A significantly reduced attachment coefficient was detected in leg‐regenerated coccinellids. Because of the competitive inferiority, leg‐regenerated ladybugs were greatly hampered in competition with normal opponents, and this inferiority led to a switch of prey preference from big‐sized adults to small‐sized first–second instar nymphs ofParatriozasinica. However, although reduced functional abilities were examined, the leg‐regenerated paternity had a higher reproductive output compared to the normal paternity.

Conclusion

Leg‐regenerated ladybugs caused by cannibalism may make an investment tradeoff between egg fecundity and functional recovery. Thus, larval cannibalism potentially improves the offspring production of the biological control agent in complex environments. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Ibrutinib: the first Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: July 2018

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is emerging as a promising target in the treatment of B‐cell malignancies. This article discusses the properties of the first licensed BTK inhibitor, ibrutinib (Imbruvica) and its place in the management of mantle cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia.
Interrelation between births and the housing market: A cointegration analysis for the Spanish case
Authors: Díaz‐Fernández Montserrat , Llorente‐Marrón Mar , Méndez‐Rodríguez Paz
Published: July 2018

There are numerous studies that have analysed the demographic effects on the demand for housing. In addition, different studies have examined how housing market conditions affect family formation. This paper analyses the causal relations between the housing cycle and fertility in Spain during the period 1986–2014. Employing a model of the dynamic interrelationship between the housing cycle and fertility, this paper investigates how changes in housing supply affect decisions to have children, and how these decisions, in turn, have an effect on the housing market. The theoretical approach considers housing as an important associated cost of raising children, considering the latter as normal goods. The empirical evidence is obtained via the specification of an error correction model that allows short‐ and long‐term adjustments in the variables. The domino effect of the long term on the short term is evaluated. The model thus obtained detects a long‐term equilibrium between the two series, a cointegrating equation.
Suitability of Various Materials for Probes in Scanning Kelvin Probe Measurements
Authors: Huber Silvia , Wicinski Mariusz , Hassel Achim Walter
Published: July 2018

Volta potential of a material can be easily determined by using scanning Kelvin probe (SKP), but up to now there is no standard method established. This study focuses on finding an alternative or even a standard material for SKP probes. Re, Ni, and Mo are analyzed regarding their suitability for serving as tips in SKP measurements. For comparison purposes, a commonly used NiCr probe is analyzed too. Linearity, the sensitivity to humidity changes as well as the lateral and Volta potential resolution are determined for various probe materials. Linearity is excellent for all tested probes. SKP measurements carried out under humidity variations shows dissimilar results for all different metal probes. Lateral and Volta potential resolution are the best for Re and Ni tips. There may be a correlation between the work function of a material and its suitability for serving as a probe in Kelvin measurements − the higher the work function, the better the resolution of Volta potentials. Based on the results, it can be concluded that pure Re and Ni are more suitable for serving as SKP probes than NiCr alloy.
Breakdown of the Static Approximation for Free Carrier Screening of Excitons in Monolayer Semiconductors
Authors: Glazov Mikhail M. , Chernikov Alexey
Published: July 2018

The authors address the problem of free carrier screening of exciton states in two‐dimensional monolayer semiconductors. Basic theoretical considerations are presented concerning the applicability of the commonly used static approximation of the screening effect and the implications are discussed. The authors show that the low‐frequency models leads to a major overestimation of the free carrier response and are inadequate to describe the screening of strongly bound excitons in monolayer materials. The presented arguments are consistent with existing high‐level many‐body theories and transparently illustrate the underlying physics.