bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grand challenges for research in the Laurentian Great Lakes
Authors: Sterner Robert W. , Ostrom Peggy , Ostrom Nathaniel E. , Klump J. Val , Steinman Alan D. , Dreelin Erin A. , Vander Zanden M. Jake , Fisk Aaron T.
Published: June 2017

The Laurentian Great Lakes (LGL) constitute one of the largest freshwater systems in the world while providing social and economic value to two powerful nations. The spatial scale of these inland seas falls between two endpoints: small lakes and oceans. Lacustrine in many characteristics, the LGL often require a scientific approach with attributes similar to those of oceanography. There is a strong sense that within the LGL support for scientific research has not kept pace with the need for process‐oriented research and that we lack basic information needed to forecast change, mitigate impacts and restore and preserve the LGL. Consequently, 58 researchers met in September 2014 and identified five “Grand Challenges for Research in the LGL”: (1) How has this vast inland freshwater system responded to shifting climate in the past, and how will it respond in the future? (2) What is the current status of the most important ecosystem processes, including their variability in space and time? (3) What processes are characteristic only of large lakes, and how do the distinct habitats integrate into a whole? (4) What are the ecosystem responses to major anthropogenic forces such as nutrients and invasive species, and are these reversible? and (5) What are the small to large‐scale linkages and feedbacks among societal decisions, biological systems, and physicochemical dynamics? An urgent need exists for a unified scientific voice that articulates the Grand Challenges for research in the LGL and the need for associated funding. This treatise describing the Grand Challenges develops that voice.
Cyanate distribution and uptake in North Atlantic coastal waters
Authors: Widner Brittany , Mulholland Margaret R.
Published: June 2017

Cyanate (OCN−) is a reduced nitrogen compound that may be a source of nitrogen and carbon for marine phytoplankton. Cyanate is produced photochemically and through organic matter degradation but its distribution in marine systems is poorly defined because, until recently, there was no method to measure its concentration in marine environments. Here, we report results from the first regional oceanographic survey of cyanate distributions and uptake. Cyanate concentrations ranged from below detection (0.4 nM) to 11 nM in the coastal North Atlantic Ocean along the North American continental shelf and were slightly higher in nearshore surface waters than offshore surface waters. Subsurface cyanate maxima were observed at many stations suggesting a nonconservative distribution. Subsurface cyanate peak concentrations were tightly correlated with chlorophyll a concentrations integrated throughout the water column (R2 = 0.79). Cyanate N and C uptake were measurable in all regions and seasons sampled. Cyanate N uptake was significantly higher than cyanate C uptake for all cruises (1.3 ± 1.9 nmol L−1 h−1 and 0.4 ± 0.6 nmol L−1 h−1 for N and C, respectively). However, cyanate N uptake was significantly lower in November than in June and August, and cyanate C uptake was significantly higher in November than during June and August. Spatial trends in cyanate distribution and uptake, along with the correlation between depth‐integrated Chl a concentrations and cyanate maxima, suggest that cyanate is taken up in the euphotic zone and is likely produced by degradation of phytoplankton‐derived organic matter in subsurface waters.
Influence of invasive quagga mussels, phosphorus loads, and climate on spatial and temporal patterns of productivity in Lake Michigan: A biophysical modeling study
Authors: Rowe Mark D. , Anderson Eric J. , Vanderploeg Henry A. , Pothoven Steven A. , Elgin Ashley K. , Wang Jia , Yousef Foad
Published: June 2017

We applied a three‐dimensional biophysical model to Lake Michigan for the years 2000, 2005, and 2010 to consider the mechanisms controlling spatial and temporal patterns of phytoplankton abundance (chlorophyll a) and lake‐wide productivity. Model skill was assessed by comparison to satellite‐derived Chl a and field‐measured water quality variables. We evaluated model sensitivity to scenarios of varying mussel filter feeding intensity, tributary phosphorus loads, and warm vs. cool winter‐spring climate scenarios. During the winter‐spring phytoplankton bloom, spatial patterns of Chl a were controlled by variables that influenced surface mixed layer depth: deep mixing reduced net phytoplankton growth through light limitation and by exposing the full water column to mussel filter feeding. Onset of summer and winter stratification promoted higher surface Chl a initially by increasing mean light exposure and by separating the euphotic zone from mussels. During the summer stratified period, areas of relatively high Chl a were associated with coastal plumes influenced by tributary‐derived nutrients and coastal upwelling‐downwelling. While mussels influenced spatial and temporal distribution of Chl a, lake‐wide, annual mean primary production was more sensitive to phosphorus and warm/cool meteorology scenarios than to mussel filter feeding scenarios. Although Chl a and primary production declined over the quagga mussel invasion, our results suggest that increased nutrient loads would increase lake‐wide productivity even in the presence of mussels; however, altered spatial and temporal patterns of productivity caused by mussel filter feeding would likely persist.
Advancing the science of patient input throughout the regulatory decision‐making process
Authors: Tegenge Million A. , Moncur Megan M. , Sokolic Robert , Forshee Richard A. , Irony Telba
Published: June 2017

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) understands the value of patient input in the regulatory decision‐making process and has worked to enhance meaningful engagement. In recent years, there has been an increased scientific demand for more systematic and quantitative approaches to incorporate patient input throughout the medical product lifecycle, including to inform regulatory benefit‐risk assessments. The use of patient preference information (PPI), elicited using established scientific methods, is a promising strategy for accomplishing this.

Although much of the science behind PPI is not new, its application in a regulatory setting will require adapting and advancing the science of identifying, collecting, and evaluating patient input for informing regulatory decision making. Patient input and empowerment are foundational to a learning healthcare system. A learning healthcare system paradigm can also help us better understand and continuously improve the incorporation of the patient perspective in regulatory decision making.

In this article, we highlight the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research experience and current initiatives on advancing the science of patient input in a regulatory setting, in particular, PPI. We provide a use case that explores how the principles and benefits of PPI applied in shared clinical decision making can be realized and leveraged to enhance regulatory evaluation of innovative therapies. To further advance the application of the science of patient input in our regulatory framework, we compiled a list of example resources that support stakeholders in designing and conducting PPI studies. More collaborative research among stakeholders is needed to establish best practice approaches, ensure scientific validity, and continuously learn and improve the systematic incorporation of scientific patient input throughout the regulatory decision‐making process.
A Multitasking Hydrogel Based on Double Dynamic Network with Quadruple‐Stimuli Sensitiveness, Autonomic Self‐Healing Property, and Biomimetic Adhesion Ability
Authors: Chen Jiakai , Su Qian , Guo Ruiwei , Zhang Jinwei , Dong Anjie , Lin Cunguo , Zhang Jianhua
Published: June 2017

Multifunctional and multiresponsive hydrogels demonstrate excellent promise for multifarious applications but often suffer from high synthesis complexity and poor resource availability. Herein, based on the boronate–catechol interactions between a disulfide‐containing, boronic acid‐based crosslinker, and a catechol‐functionalized poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide), a multitasking hydrogel with double dynamic network is developed. By integrating the inherent heat‐responsive property of poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) and bioadhesion of catechol moieties with the reversibility and dynamic features of boronate ester and disulfide bonds, the final hydrogel is endowed with not only temperature, pH, glucose, and redox quadruple‐stimuli sensitiveness, but also autonomic self‐healing property and biomimetic adhesion ability. Moreover, the rheological and adhesive properties can be readily tuned by adjusting the amount of crosslinker or the catechol in polymer precursor. Considering the readily prepared starting materials, easy preparation, high flexibility in tuning hydrogel properties, the procedure provided here opens up a promising avenue to develop multifunctional hydrogels for multifarious applications.

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Mathematical model for assessing the impact of vaccination and treatment on measles transmission dynamics
Authors: Garba S. M. , Safi M. A. , Usaini S.
Published: June 2017

A deterministic model for the transmission dynamics of measles in a population with fraction of vaccinated individuals is designed and rigorously analyzed. The model with standard incidence exhibits the phenomenon of backward bifurcation, where a stable disease‐free equilibrium coexists with a stable endemic equilibrium whenever the associated reproduction number is less than unity. This phenomenon can be removed if either measles vaccine is assumed to be perfect or disease related mortality rates are negligible. In the latter case, the disease‐free equilibrium is shown to be globally asymptotically stable whenever the associated reproduction number is less than unity. Furthermore, the model has a unique endemic equilibrium whenever the reproduction threshold exceeds unity. This equilibrium is shown, using a nonlinear Lyapunov function of Goh‐Volterra type, to be globally asymptotically stable for a special case.
Quadratic serendipity finite elements over convex polyhedra
Authors: Sinu A. , Natarajan Sundararajan , Shankar K.
Published: June 2017

The conventional approach to construct quadratic elements for an n‐sided polygon will yield n(n+1)/2 shape functions, which increases the computational effort. It is well known that the serendipity elements based on isoparametric formulation suffers from mesh distortion. Floater and Lai proposed a systematic way to construct higher‐order approximations over arbitrary polygons using the generalized barycentric and triangular coordinates. This approach ensures 2n shape functions with nodes only on the boundary of the polygon. In this paper, we extend the polygonal splines approach to 3 dimensions and construct serendipity shape functions over hexahedra and convex polyhedra. This is done by expressing the shape functions using the barycentric coordinates and the local tetrahedral coordinates. The quadratic shape functions possess Kronecker delta property and satisfy constant, linear, and quadratic precision. The accuracy and the convergence properties of the quadratic serendipity shape elements are demonstrated with a series of standard patch tests. The numerical results show that the quadratic serendipity elements pass the patch test, yield optimal convergence rate, and can tolerate extreme mesh distortion.
Frequency of Consuming Foods Predicts Changes in Cravings for Those Foods During Weight Loss: The POUNDS Lost Study
Authors: Apolzan John W. , Myers Candice A. , Champagne Catherine M. , Beyl Robbie A. , Raynor Hollie A. , Anton Stephen A. , Williamson Donald A. , Sacks Frank M. , Bray George A. , Martin Corby K.
Published: June 2017

Objective

Food cravings are thought to be the result of conditioning or pairing hunger with consumption of certain foods.

Methods

In a 2‐year weight loss trial, subjects were randomized to one of four diets that varied in macronutrient content. The Food Craving Inventory (FCI) was used to measure cravings at baseline and at 6 and 24 months. Food intake was also measured at those time points. To measure free‐living consumption of food items measured in the FCI, items on the FCI were matched to the foods consumed from the food intake assessments. Secondarily, the amount of food consumed on food intake assessments from foods on the FCI was analyzed.

Results

Three hundred and sixty‐seven subjects with overweight and obesity were included. There was an association between change from baseline FCI item consumption and change in cravings at months 6 (P < 0.001) and 24 (P < 0.05). There was no association between change from baseline amount of energy consumed per FCI item and change in cravings.

Conclusions

Altering frequency of consuming craved foods is positively associated with cravings; however, changing the amount of foods consumed does not appear to alter cravings. These results support the conditioning model of food cravings and provide guidance on how to reduce food cravings.
Evaluation of the effect of GLP‐1 agonists on quality of bowel preparation for colonoscopy in patients with diabetes
Authors: Sharma Toishi , Das Nitin , Ismail Bahaaeldeen , Castro‐Pavia Fernando , Cabral Jose , Villabona Carmen
Published: June 2017

People with diabetes mellitus warrant a greater need for colonoscopy owing to the increased risk of colorectal cancer and autonomic neuropathy. Unfortunately, this population is reported to have a higher proportion of inadequate bowel preparation during colonoscopy, which translates into lower adenoma detection rates and repeat colonoscopies. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) agonists commonly used in the management of diabetes are well known to cause delayed gastrointestinal (GI) transit times, yet it is unknown if they contribute to the higher frequency of inadequate bowel preparation in people with diabetes.

Therefore, we conducted a retrospective medical record analysis of type 2 diabetic patients aged 45–75 who had an outpatient colonoscopy between 2012 and 2015. Our patients were taking either Byetta, Victoza or Bydureon and the method of bowel preparation used was polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution. Patients who had a diagnosis of conditions known to cause delayed GI transit times (autonomic neuropathy, GI surgery, stroke and multiple sclerosis) were excluded. The final pool consisted of 126 diabetic patients taking a GLP‐1 agonist and a control group of 129 diabetic patients who were not taking this class of medication. The percentage of satisfactory bowel preparations in the group taking a GLP‐1 agonist was 92.06% and in the control group was 92.25%. Chi‐squared p‐value for significant difference between these two groups was p = 1.0 (95% confidence interval −0.066 to 0.069). Hence there were no significant differences in bowel preparation among diabetic patients taking GLP‐1 agonists vs the control group; GLP‐1 agonists can therefore continually be used according to the current standard protocols for colonoscopy before and after colonoscopy. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons.
Biodegradable polycarbonates containing side carboxyl groups—synthesis, properties, and degradation study
Authors: Jaworska Joanna , Kawalec Michal , Pastusiak Malgorzata , Reczynska Katarzyna , Janeczek Henryk , Lewicka Kamila , Pamula Elzbieta , Dobrzynski Piotr
Published: June 2017

The main objective of the presented research was to synthesise biodegradable aliphatic polycarbonates containing reactive carboxyl pendant groups and to examine the influence of the copolymer chain microstructure and composition on the process of their hydrolytic degradation and cytocompatibility. The work describes copolymerization of cyclic trimethylene carbonate derivative containing benzyl‐ester pendant group (benzyl 5‐methyl‐2‐oxo‐1,3‐dioxane‐5‐carboxylate) with trimethylene carbonate. The copolymerization was conducted with the use of zinc (II) and lanthanum (III) acetylacetonates as ring‐opening polymerization coordination initiators. Detailed NMR analysis allowed to define the microstructure of the obtained copolymers, which depended on the composition and type of used initiator. The final tapered chain microstructure of the obtained copolymers was related to huge differences in comonomers reactivity and evidenced low level of transesterification of the main copolymer backbone. Chosen copolymers, with unprotected carbonyl groups, were subjected to in vitro degradation test and cytocompatibility studies. It was found that high concentration of carboxyl groups resulted in copolymers which formed hydrogels and were very prone to hydrolytic degradation; they were also cytotoxic toward osteoblast‐like MG 63 cells. Copolymers with lower content of carboxyl groups were found less susceptible to degradation and cytocompatible with studied cells. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2756–2769
Physical gelation and macromolecular mobility of sustainable polylactide during isothermal crystallization
Authors: Fang Huagao , Xie Qizheng , Wei Haibing , Xu Pei , Ding Yunsheng
Published: June 2017

The mobility of free macromolecular chains is of importance to the growth of crystallites in a crystallizing sustainable polylactide (PLA), which was scarcely explored by rheology. In this study, the time‐resolved rheological properties for PLA during isothermal crystallization were investigated first, showing that the storage and loss modulus experience 2–3 decades of increase. The Avrami analysis reveals that the crystallization kinetics in rheological measurement protocol follows the homogeneous nucleation and three‐dimensional growth mechanism. The linear viscoelastic properties in the vicinity of physical gelation point were then studied at the inverse quenching temperature of 165 °C. The results show that physical gelation occurs when the critical absolute crystallinity reaches 13% as determined by the rheological method. Relaxation time spectra reveal that the interfacial relaxation is greatly retarded but the presence of growing spherulites possesses little constraint on the mobility of free chains in matrix especially before physical gelation point. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1235–1244
Sexual life after mastectomy in breast cancer survivors: A qualitative study
Authors: Fouladi Nasrin , Pourfarzi Farhad , Dolattorkpour Negin , Alimohammadi Sara , Mehrara Elham
Published: June 2017

Objective

Mastectomy is a highly frequent form of breast cancer treatment in Iran, and sexual dysfunction after mastectomy has been reported in the majority of breast cancer survivors in Iran. In this qualitative study, an attempt was made to examine the stages that patients go through in their sexual lives after mastectomy.

Method and materials

Using purposeful sampling, 30 married women, who had undergone surgery and had completed an adjuvant treatment period, participated in the study. Data collection was done using in‐depth, open, and semistructured interviews. Content analysis was used.

Results

Two main categories were identified in the stages the patients go through following mastectomy: sexual function breakdown and restoration of sexual function, each of which involved 3 subcategories, in turn.

Subcategories of the first category were perceived physical changes by the survivor and altered sexual behaviors. These 2 factors lead to sexual function breakdown. The third subcategory includes the factors exacerbating the sexual function breakdown.

The subcategories of the second category were modification in sexual behaviors, effort for physical restoration, and striving to gain support.

Conclusion

It was found that in Iranian society, due to cultural context, some taboos, and patriarchal structure, the patients are placed under added pressure following mastectomy. As a consequence, they suffer emotional problems, in addition to physical complications of the disease and its treatments.
Are herbicides a once in a century method of weed control?
Authors: Davis Adam S , Frisvold George B
Published: June 2017

The efficacy of any pesticide is an exhaustible resource that can be depleted over time. For decades, the dominant paradigm – that weed mobility is low relative to insect pests and pathogens, that there is an ample stream of new weed control technologies in the commercial pipeline, and that technology suppliers have sufficient economic incentives and market power to delay resistance – supported alaissez faireapproach to herbicide resistance management. Earlier market data bolstered the belief that private incentives and voluntary actions were sufficient to manage resistance. Yet, there has been a steady growth in resistant weeds, while no new commercial herbicide modes of action (MOAs) have been discovered in 30 years. Industry has introduced new herbicide tolerant crops to increase the applicability of older MOAs. Yet, many weed species are already resistant to these compounds. Recent trends suggest a paradigm shift whereby herbicide resistance may impose greater costs to farmers, the environment, and taxpayers than earlier believed. In developed countries, herbicides have been the dominant method of weed control for half a century. Over the next half‐century, will widespread resistance to multiple MOAs render herbicides obsolete for many major cropping systems? We suggest it would be prudent to consider the implications of such a low‐probability, but high‐cost development. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Visible‐light photoredox‐catalyzed desulfurization of thiol‐ and disulfide‐containing amino acids and small peptides
Authors: Lee Myungmo , Neukirchen Saskia , Cabrele Chiara , Reiser Oliver
Published: June 2017

A scalable protocol for the desulfurization of cysteine by using visible light, the photocatalyst Ir(dF(CF3)ppy)2(dtb‐bpy)PF6 and triethylphosphite under biphasic reaction conditions has been developed. The loading of the catalyst can be as low as 0.01 mol%, which can be efficiently removed during the workup (≤0.3 ppm), giving rise to the corresponding desulfurized product in high yields. This method has been applied also to cystine, penicillamine, and reduced and oxidized glutathione. The desulfurization has been found to be pH sensitive, with an optimal pH value of 6.5 and 7.0 for the cysteine derivatives and glutathione, respectively. In addition, during the desulfurization of a decapeptide containing cysteine and methionine, concurrent oxidation of the two sulfur‐containing residues to disulfide and sulfoxide has been observed. Therefore, whereas the presented protocol allows a straightforward visible light‐mediated desulfurization of simple thiols by using very low catalyst loading and a cost‐effective trialkylphosphite as thiyl radical trapping agent, its application to complex substrates needs to be carefully validated. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on soft magnetic properties of Finemet‐type nanocrystalline alloys with Mo substituting for Nb
Authors: Jiang Dehui , Zhou Bingwen , Jiang Boyu , Ya Bin , Zhang Xingguo
Published: June 2017

The thermal stability, microstructure, and soft magnetic properties as a function of annealing time were studied for Fe73.5Si13.5B9Cu1Nb3−xMox (x = 0, 1, 2, 3) (atom percent, at.%,) ribbons. It was found that substituting Nb by Mo reduced the thermal stability. After 15 min short time vacuum annealing, Fe73.5Si13.5B9Cu1Nb2Mo1 and Fe73.5Si13.5B9Cu1Nb1Mo2 samples obtained higher permeability and similar coercivity compared to the original Finemet alloy (Fe73.5Si13.5B9Cu1Nb3), Mo substituting Nb reduced the optimum annealing time in Finemet‐type alloys, and meanwhile marginally increased the saturation magnetization. Substituting all Nb by Mo led to the earlier formation of non‐soft magnetic phase, thus deteriorated the soft magnetic properties. XRD and TEM structural analysis showed that in Fe73.5Si13.5B9Cu1Nb2Mo1 and Fe73.5Si13.5B9Cu1Nb1Mo2 samples (annealed for 15 min), nanocrystals ∼10 nm in size were obtained, and the good soft magnetic properties of these alloys could be attributed to the small grain size. The relationship between annealing time, soft magnetic properties, and microstructure was established. Reducing annealing time and temperature to obtain best soft magnetic properties could cut down the production costs of Finemet‐type alloys.
Self‐Assembled Pd@CeO2/γ‐Al2O3 Catalysts with Enhanced Activity for Catalytic Methane Combustion
Authors: Feng Xilan , Li Wang , Liu Dapeng , Zhang Zheng , Duan Yang , Zhang Yu
Published: June 2017

Pd@CeO2/Al2O3 catalysts are of great importance for real applications, such as three‐way catalysis, CO oxidation, and methane combustion. In this article, the Pd@CeO2 core@shell nanospheres are prepared via the autoredox reaction in aqueous phase. Three kinds of methods are then employed, that is, electrostatic interaction, supramolecular self‐assembly, and physical mixing, to support the as‐prepared Pd@CeO2 nanospheres on γ‐Al2O3. A model reaction of catalytic methane‐combustion is employed here to evaluate the three Pd@CeO2/γ‐Al2O3 samples. As a result, the sample Pd@CeO2‐S‐850 prepared via supramolecular self‐assembly and calcined at 850 °C exhibits superior catalytic performance to the others, which has a far lower light‐off temperature (T50 of about 364 °C). Moreover, almost no deterioration of Pd@CeO2‐S‐850 is observed after five sequent catalytic cycles. The analysis of H2‐TPR curves concludes that there exists hydrogen spillover related to the strong metal–support interaction between Pd species and oxides. The strong metal–support interaction and the specific surface areas might be responsible for the catalytic performance of the Pd@CeO2 samples toward catalytic methane combustion.
Flow‐Regulated Growth of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Nanotubes in Microfluidics
Authors: Fan Rong , Chen Xinye , Wang Zihao , Custer David , Wan Jiandi
Published: June 2017

Electrochemical anodization of titanium (Ti) in a static, bulk condition is used widely to fabricate self‐organized TiO2 nanotube arrays. Such bulk approaches, however, require extended anodization times to obtain long TiO2 nanotubes and produce only vertically aligned nanotubes. To date, it remains challenging to develop effective strategies to grow long TiO2 nanotubes in a short period of time, and to control the nanotube orientation. Here, it is shown that the anodic growth of TiO2 nanotubes is significantly enhanced (≈16–20 times faster) under flow conditions in microfluidics. Flow not only controls the diameter, length, and crystal orientations of TiO2 nanotubes, but also regulates the spatial distribution of nanotubes inside microfluidic devices. Strikingly, when a Ti thin film is deposited on silicon substrates and anodized in microfluidics, both vertically and horizontally aligned (relative to the bottom substrate) TiO2 nanotubes can be produced. The results demonstrate previously unidentified roles of flow in the regulation of growth of TiO2 nanotubes, and provide powerful approaches to effectively grow long, oriented TiO2 nanotubes, and construct hierarchical TiO2 nanotube arrays on silicon‐based materials.
Magnetohydrodynamic Calculation for Electromagnetic Stirring Coupling Fluid Flow and Solidification in Continuously Cast Billets
Authors: Dong Qipeng , Zhang Jiongming , Liu Qiang , Yin Yanbin
Published: June 2017

A new magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model considering flow field and solidification is developed to simulate electromagnetic stirring (EMS) during billet continuous casting. Based on the model, the influence of fluid flow on the calculation of magnetic field, induced current, and electromagnetic force is investigated in comparison to the traditional calculation model. Furthermore, the characteristics of fluid flow affected by electromagnetic stirring, including three‐dimensional streamlines, tangential velocity, and meniscus fluctuation, are studied to evaluate the new MHD model. The MHD calculation reveals that the flow field in mold has a certain influence on the magnetic field, while the effect resulting from the interaction between flow field and magnetic field on the electromagnetic force is significant. As a consequence, increased velocity at the meniscus has been obtained compared to the traditional calculation, indicating a more intense meniscus fluctuation.
In vitro and in vivo antioxidative and radioprotective capacities of polysaccharide isolated from Mesona Blumes gum
Authors: Feng Tao , Sang Min , Zhuang Haining , Xu Zhimin
Published: June 2017

In this study, two extractable polysaccharides including AMBP and NMBP were isolated and purified from Mesona Blumes gum (MBG), and their antioxidative and radioprotective activities were investigated. The results indicate that AMBP showed a higher in vitro antioxidant activity than NMBP. AMBP presented a prominent DPPH free radical and superoxide radical scavenging activity, a moderate hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and ferrous ion chelating (FIC) activity. Furthermore, the antioxidant and radioprotective capacities of AMBP were investigated in vivo. AMBP significantly (p < 0.05) increased the hepatocytes activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH‐Px and reduced the malonaldehyde (MDA) level in hepatocytes. Survival studies demonstrated that AMBP could expand the mean survival time and the survival percentage in a dose‐dependent manner. AMBP could also prevent a decrease of the number of blood cells and the weight of the spleen and thymus. Therefore, AMBP possessed potent antioxidant activities and could assist with the recovery of the organ damage induced by irradiation. In conclusion, AMBP might be used as a supplement in the prevention of radiation poisoning as a functional food.
Load reduction on a clipper liberty wind turbine with linear parameter‐varying individual blade pitch control
Authors: Ossmann Daniel , Theis Julian , Seiler Peter
Published: June 2017

The increasing size of modern wind turbines also increases the structural loads caused by effects such as turbulence or asymmetries in the inflowing wind field. Consequently, the use of advanced control algorithms for active load reduction has become a relevant part of current wind turbine control systems. In this paper, an individual blade pitch control law is designed using multivariable linear parameter‐varying control techniques. It reduces the structural loads both on the rotating and non‐rotating parts of the turbine. Classical individual blade pitch control strategies rely on single‐control loops with low bandwidth. The proposed approach makes it possible to use a higher bandwidth since it accounts for coupling at higher frequencies. A controller is designed for the utility‐scale 2.5 MW Liberty research turbine operated by the University of Minnesota. Stability and performance are verified using the high‐fidelity nonlinear simulation and baseline controllers that were directly obtained from the manufacturer. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of intrinsic enrichment on captive felids
Authors: Damasceno Juliana , Genaro Gelson , Quirke Thomas , McCarthy Shannen , McKeown Sean , O'Riordan Ruth
Published: June 2017

Environmental enrichment is a well‐known technique, which has been used to enhance the welfare of captive animals. The aim of this study is to investigate how three different forms of intrinsic enrichment, namely, a hay ball without scent, a hay ball with catnip, and a hay ball with cinnamon, influenced the behavior of six cheetah and two Sumatran tigers at Fota Wildlife Park, Ireland. Enrichment‐directed behaviors, as well as pacing, locomotion, inactive, and exploratory behaviors were investigated. The results indicated that the three forms of enrichment had similar effects, in terms of enrichment‐directed behavior, with cinnamon resulting in the highest levels of enrichment‐directed behaviors. The cinnamon treatment resulted in a significant decrease in pacing behavior when compared with baseline observations. No evidence of habituation (i.e., a significant reduction in enrichment‐directed behaviors) was observed for any of the three enrichments. This means that these low cost, easy to apply, practical forms of enrichment could be frequently applied for these species as part of an enrichment regime.
Die StreetScooter-Vision
Authors: Kampker Achim , Gerdes Jürgen , Schuh Günther
Published: June 2017

Märchen beginnen mit „Es war einmal“, Erfolgsgeschichten mit „Es wird einmal“. Aus dem Primotyp des StreetScooters wurde ein Zustellfahrzeug, praktisch, ökologisch, günstig. Wie geht es weiter? Die Deutsche Post plant eine grüne Zukunft und der Street-Scooter ist fester Bestandteil dieses Plans.
Die StreetScooter-Protagonisten-Story
Authors: Kampker Achim , Gerdes Jürgen , Schuh Günther
Published: June 2017

Keine Frage: Einer guten Idee ist es egal, wer sie hatte. Wenn aber aus seiner Idee eine Erfolgsgeschichte werden soll, dann ist es alles andere als gleichgültig, wer der Idee zur Seite steht. Die folgenden sechs Herren sind der personifizierte StreetScooter-Sixpack. Jeder von ihnen hat auf seine Weise Hirn, Herz und Muskeln für den StreetScooter spielen lassen.
Die StreetScooter-Netzwerk-Story
Authors: Kampker Achim , Gerdes Jürgen , Schuh Günther
Published: June 2017

Innovationen entstehen vor allem dann, wenn man über den eigenen Tellerrand hinausschaut, vor allem aber, wenn man Dritten über diesen Tellerrand den Einblick nach innen erlaubt und Kunden integriert. Genauso haben es die Ingenieure des StreetScooters gemacht. Hier ein Einblick und Überblick.
Pairing strategy after today's failure: unpaired termites synchronize mate search using photic cycles
Authors: Mizumoto Nobuaki , Fuchikawa Taro , Matsuura Kenji
Published: June 2017

Animals must search for other individuals under spatially and temporally fluctuating environments. During mate searches, search timing is critical to increase encounter rate and internal oscillating clocks often play important roles in synchronization. On the other hands, some species living in areas with no or reduced periodicity do not show endogenous circadian rhythm, where little is known about how they determine search timing. Termites usually live within logs and underground with little light fluctuations, but also come out of their nests during mating flight season. After swarming, termites run on the ground to search for mates. If they fail to find mates on the flight day, they need to continue searching until a day to succeed. Here we found that unpaired termites show daily search–rest cycles and restrict searching activity to a certain period of the day by responding to photic cycles. The search–rest cycles were diel rhythmic and synchronized with light–dark cycles. Termites also showed periodic (period length ≈ 18 h) search–rest patterns under constant darkness. These results indicate that the diel rhythm is caused by the internal oscillating clocks which are entrained to the photic cycles. The search activity in light–dark cycles was observed only at a specific time during the light period, which matches approximately the time of swarming flight. Our results suggest that termites adaptively regulate their daily searching activity, if they fail to encounter mates at the flight day.
Pigment Profile, Color and Antioxidant Capacity of Arbequina Virgin Olive Oils from Different Irrigation Treatments
Authors: Sena‐Moreno Estela , Pérez‐Rodríguez Juan Manuel , De Miguel Concepción , Prieto María Henar , Franco María Nieves , Cabrera‐Bañegil Manuel , Martín‐Vertedor Daniel
Published: June 2017

Olive fruits and virgin olive oils from a super‐high‐density olive orchard cv. Arbequina under different irrigation treatments (Control, RDI1, RDI2) were characterized by their pigment profile, CIElab colorimetric coordinates, oxidative stability and antioxidant capacity during the olive seasons 2011 and 2012. The control treatment were irrigated according to the total evapotranspiration of the olive grove (100% ETc), while RDI1 and RDI2 consisted of moderate and severe deficit irrigation, respectively. Olive fruits from severe water deficit irrigation treatment (RDI2) showed a significantly greater concentration of pigments compared to the others. In addition, the ratios a*/chlorophylls and chlorophylls/carotenoids indicated a delayed maturation in these olives. Irrigation treatments significantly affected the yellow component (b*) of the virgin olive oils contained. A reduction of 75% in the water applied (RDI2) produced a strong increase in lutein‐zeaxanthin content (38%) and chlorophyll a (50%), oxidative stability, that ranged from 8.37 h (Control) to 13.23 h (RDI2) and antioxidant activity compared to Control. However, the oil production from RDI2 decreased approximately a 49%.
Ipragliflozin Reduces Epicardial Fat Accumulation in Non-Obese Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Visceral Obesity: A Pilot Study
Authors: Fukuda Tatsuya , Bouchi Ryotaro , Terashima Masahiro , Sasahara Yuriko , Asakawa Masahiro , Takeuchi Takato , Nakano Yujiro , Murakami Masanori , Minami Isao , Izumiyama Hajime , Hashimoto Koshi , Yoshimoto Takanobu , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Epicardial fat (EF) was reported to be independently associated with cardiovascular disease regardless of obesity. We have previously reported that a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, luseogliflozin, reduces the EF volume (EFV) in parallel with the reduction of body weight in obese patients (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) with type 2 diabetes. However, it is unknown whether SGLT2 inhibitors could reduce EFV in non-obese patients (BMI <25 kg/m2) with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on the EFV in non-obese type 2 diabetic patients with visceral obesity in this pilot study.

Methods

Nine of type 2 diabetic patients (mean age 66 ± 8 years; 33% female) with HbA1c 6.5–9.0%, body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) <25.0, and visceral fat area (VFA, cm2) ≥100 were enrolled. Participants were administered ipragliflozin 50 mg daily. EFV [median (interquartile range), cm3] was measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Primary endpoint was the change in EFV at 12 weeks. VFA and liver attenuation index (LAI), skeletal muscle index (SMI), and body fat (%) were also assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks.

Results

The EFV was significantly reduced from 102 (79–126) cm3 to 89 (66–109) cm3 by ipraglifrozin (p = 0.008). The body weight, BMI, HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance, triglycerides, leptin, body fat, android, gynoid, and VFA were significantly reduced and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly increased by ipraglifrozin at 12 weeks, whereas SFA and LAI were unchanged. The change in EFV was significantly correlated with the change in BMI.

Conclusions

A12-week intervention of ipragliflozin reduced the EFV in non-obese type 2 diabetic patients with visceral adiposity.

Clinical Trial Registration

UMIN Clinical Trial Registry: UMIN000019071.

Funding

Astellas Pharma Inc. and the Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.
Hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Kharfan-Dabaja Mohamed A. , Aljurf Mahmoud
Published: June 2017

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), particularly allogeneic HCT, is a complex and a highrisk procedure requiring expertise to manage potential treatment complications. Published data supports the value of quality management systems in improving post-transplant outcomes; however, there are no universally established, or agreed upon, criteria to assess adequacy of training of physicians, transplant or nontransplant, and supporting staff, among others. It is of paramount importance for transplant centers to identify the needed area(s) of expertise in order to seek appropriate training for their staff. Moreover, transplant physicians need to keep up-to-date with the rapidly occurring advances in the field. Outcomes of patients undergoing HCT are affected by various factors related to patient, disease, procedure, preventative, and supportive strategies, among others. Accordingly, availability of databases is necessary to collect information on these variables and use to benchmark future prospective clinical trials aiming at further improving clinical outcomes. Twinning with leading centers worldwide is helping to not only bridge the survival gap of patients diagnosed with cancer in the developing vis-à-vis the developed world, but eventually closing it. The advent of the World Wide Web and revolution in telecommunication has made access to information more readily available to various sectors including healthcare. Telemedicine is enabling healthcare delivery to remote and underserved geographic areas. In the setting of HCT, ensuring compliance to prescribed therapies and post-transplant surveillance are some areas where implementing telemedicine programs could fulfill an unmet need.
The effects of preoperative carbohydrate loading on the metabolic response to surgery in a low resource setting
Authors: Weledji E. P. , Njong S. N. , Chichom A. , Verla V. , Assob J. C. , Ngowe M. N.
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Background

The stress response to surgery involves catabolism and gluconeogenesis resulting in postoperative hyperglycaemia. Postoperative hyperglycaemia is a risk factor for postoperative complications and preoperative fasting further aggravates this response. A carbohydrate (CHO) drink instead of fasting is expected to decrease insulin resistance and reduce post-operative hyperglycaemia. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the reduction of the pre-operative fasting period on post-operative hyperglycaemia and post-operative complications in open surgery.

Methods

A hospital-based prospective case control study of 70 patients scheduled for elective surgery were sampled to either a case (carbohydrate-loaded) or a control (FAST) group. Postoperative hyperglycaemia and complications were the primary and secondary outcomes respectively reported.

Results

70 patients were recruited with 35 patients per group. 40 (57%) were females. The mean blood glucose on the first postoperative day was significantly higher in those who fasted (146.20 ± 38.36 mg/dl) than in those who received the energy drink (123.06 ± 26.64 mg/dl), p = 0.004. Postoperative infections were significantly higher in the control group than in the CHO group (31.43%; and 8.57%; 95% C.I: 1.23–19.47) p = 0.033. The mean length of hospital stay was longer in the FAST (12.54days ± 15.08) than in the CHO (9.17days ± 12.65) group although the difference was not statistically significant p = 0.315. The mean age, surgery type and mean duration of surgery were significant between groups but not upon logistic regression for significant clinical and demographic variables.

Conclusion

Preoperative CHO loading is effective and safe in reducing post-operative hyperglycaemia and infection in open general surgery even in a low resource setting.

Highlights
Microvascular changes in Down syndrome with Alzheimer's‐type pathology: Insights into a potential vascular mechanism for Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Drachman David A. , Smith Thomas W. , Alkamachi Bassam , Kane Kevin
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The mechanism triggering degeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains uncertain. Therapeutic failure following amyloid β (Aβ) removal casts doubt on amyloid neurotoxicity per se as the primary cause of AD. Impaired microvascular function has been suggested as an alternative etiology. People with Down syndrome (DS) develop Alzheimer's pathology, but whether microvascular impairment also occurs in DS (as in AD) is unknown.

Methods

We examined brain microvasculature in five DS subjects with AD‐type histopathology, seven AD cases, and seven controls without AD‐type pathology. We counted microvessels in five anatomic regions and assessed endothelial integrity by CD31 immunohistochemistry.

Results

Microvascular numbers and endothelial integrity were significantly diminished in DS brains compared with controls and were similar to AD brains.

Discussion

People with DS and trisomy 21 produce a large amount of Aβ. If Alzheimer's pathology occurred in DS without microvascular loss or endothelial impairment, a direct neurotoxic Aβ mechanism would be supported and microvascular impairment rejected. The observation of microvascular impairment in DS with Alzheimer's disease changes fails to reject the microvascular hypothesis and provides some support for this potential mechanism of injury.
Reading Thomas Hardy
Authors: Levine George
Published: June 2017

This major new reading of the novels of Thomas Hardy, by leading critic George Levine, disentangles the author's often elaborately distanced prose from his beautiful poetic and precise renderings of the natural world. Clear, direct and minimally academic in his own writing, Levine provides an overview of Hardy's entire fictional canon, with extensive discussions of his early and late novels including his last, The Well-Beloved. Levine draws new attention to the way Hardy absorbed both the ideas and the writing strategies of Charles Darwin, and develops new perspectives first articulated in the criticism of great novelists - in particular Virginia Woolf and D. H. Lawrence. Levine departs from the critical norm by reading Hardy in the context of his deep feeling for the natural world and all living things, and the implicit affirmation of life that sometimes drives his bleakest narratives.
A Deeper Understanding of Cultural Safety, Colonising and Seating in a Teacher Education Program: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Harrison Ed , McKay Peter , Spencer Marsha , Trimble Bernadette
Published: June 2017

This preliminary study considers the implications of where students of Aboriginal descent sat in a teacher education classroom, its significance in relation to the space of the classroom, the importance of the place to the individual and its links to creating a climate of cultural safety in the classroom. Six students from two cohorts of varying sizes were interviewed as to why they sat where they did in the classroom and why the place where they sat remained relatively stable. The study uses quotations from the students and reflectively seeks to understand their experience in the class. Risking themselves in a university context which itself is the product of the very colonisers who created the conditions for cultural genocide through residential schools. It is tentatively concluded that where First People sit in the classroom maybe reflective of the territory to which they belong.
Decolonising Gender: Stories by, About and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women
Authors: Rennie Sandra
Published: June 2017

‘What is my story? Like you, I have many’, wrote feminist academic Sara Ahmed (Ahmed, 2010, p. 1). She asks, what is yours, what is mine? and begins her story at a table. ‘Around the table a family gathers’, she says, ‘Always we are seated in the same place. . .as if we are trying to secure more than our place’ (Ahmed, 2010, p. 1). In this paper, I draw upon Ahmed's work on willfulness and diversity work in higher education to explore the gendered stories of pathways through university shared with me by Indigenous Australian students. In the stories told in this paper, the table becomes the university space and the family becomes the students. The stories become more than securing place; they are stories which talk of willful resilience, resistance and persistence within that place called higher education. Grounded in my doctoral work with seven female Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, this paper specifically focuses on the gendered nature of such willfulness to consider the ways in which Indigenous Australian students negotiate pathways and success through university within/against Western colonial and patriarchal institutions.