bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postoperative Tendon Loading With Treadmill Running Delays Tendon‐to‐Bone Healing: Immunohistochemical Evaluation in a Murine Rotator Cuff Repair Model
Authors: Wada Susumu , Lebaschi Amir H. , Nakagawa Yusuke , Carballo Camila B. , Uppstrom Tyler J. , Cong Guang‐Ting , Album Zoe M. , Hall Arielle J. , Ying Liang , Deng Xiang‐Hua , Rodeo Scott A.
Published: April 2019

Mechanical stress has an important effect on tendon‐to‐bone healing. The purpose of the present study was to compare tendon‐to‐bone healing in animals exposed to either tendon unloading (botulinum toxin injection) or excessive loading (treadmill running) in a murine rotator cuff repair model. Forty‐eight C57BL/6 mice underwent unilateral supraspinatus tendon detachment and repair. Mice in the unloaded group were injected with botulinum toxin to the supraspinatus muscle. The contralateral shoulder of the unloaded group was used as a control. Mice were euthanized at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after surgery and evaluated with hematoxylin–eosin and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for Ihh, Gli1, Wnt3a, and β‐catenin. The positive staining area on IHC and the Modified Tendon Maturing Score were measured. The score of the unloaded group was significantly higher (better healing) than that of the treadmill group at 4 weeks. Ihh and the glioma‐associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1) positive area in the unloaded group were significantly higher than those of the control group at 1 week. The peak time‐points of the Ihh and Gli1 positive area was 1 week for the unloaded group and 2 weeks for the treadmill group. The Wnt3a positive area in the unloaded group was significantly higher than that of the control group at 2 weeks. The β‐catenin positive area in the unloaded group was significantly higher than that of the treadmill group and the control group at 1 week. Our data indicated that the unloaded group has superior tendon maturation compared to the treadmill running group. Excessive tendon loading may delay the tendon healing process by affecting the activity of Ihh and Wnt/β‐Catenin pathways. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1628–1637, 2019.
Adipose‐Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction and Cultured Stromal Cells as Trophic Mediators for Tendon Healing
Authors: Polly Shelley S. , Nichols Anne E. C. , Donnini Elle , Inman Daniel J. , Scott Timothy J. , Apple Stephanie M. , Werre Stephen R. , Dahlgren Linda A.
Published: April 2019

Adipose‐derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is a heterogeneous population of cells that yields a homogeneous population of plastic‐adherent adipose tissue‐derived stromal cells (ASC) when culture‐expanded. SVF and ASC have been used clinically to improve tendon healing, yet their mechanism of action is not fully elucidated. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential for ASC to act as trophic mediators for tendon healing. Flexor digitorum superficialis tendons and adipose tissue were harvested from adult horses to obtain SVF, ASC, and tenocytes. Growth factor gene expression was quantified in SVF and ASC in serial passages and growth factors were quantified in ASC‐conditioned medium (CM). Microchemotaxis assays were performed using ASC‐CM. Tenocytes were grown in co‐culture with autologous ASC or allogeneic SVF. Gene expression for insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α (SDF‐1α), transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and TGF‐β3 was significantly higher in SVF compared to ASC. Concentrations were significantly increased in ASC‐CM compared to controls for IGF‐1 (4‐fold) and SDF‐1α (6‐fold). Medium conditioned by ASC induced significant cell migration in a dose‐dependent manner. Gene expression for collagen types I and III, decorin, and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein was modestly, but significantly increased following co‐culture of tenocytes with autologous ASC. Our findings support the ability of SVF and ASC to act as trophic mediators in tendon healing, particularly through chemotaxis, which stands to critically impact the intrinsic healing response. In vivo studies to further delineate the potential for SVF and/or ASC to improve tendon healing are warranted. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1429–1439, 2019.
Multi‐Scale Loading and Damage Mechanisms of Plantaris and Rat Tail Tendons
Authors: Lee Andrea H , Elliott Dawn M
Published: April 2019

Tendinopathy, degeneration of the tendon that leads to pain and dysfunction, is common in both sports and occupational settings, but multi‐scale mechanisms for tendinopathy are still unknown. We recently showed that micro‐scale sliding (shear) is responsible for both load transfer and damage mechanisms in the rat tail tendon; however, the rat tail tendon is a specialized non‐load‐bearing tendon, and thus the load transfer and damage mechanisms are still unknown for load‐bearing tendons. The objective of this study was to investigate the load transfer and damage mechanisms of load‐bearing tendons using the rat plantaris tendon. We demonstrated that micro‐scale sliding is a key component for both mechanisms in the plantaris tendon, similar to the tail tendon. Namely, the micro‐scale sliding was correlated with applied strain, demonstrating that load was transferred via micro‐scale sliding in the plantaris and tail tendons. In addition, while the micro‐scale strain fully recovered, the micro‐scale sliding was non‐recoverable and strain‐dependent, and correlated with tissue‐scale mechanical parameters. When the applied strain was normalized, the % magnitudes of non‐recoverable sliding was similar between the plantaris and tail tendons. Statement of clinical significance: Understanding the mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis and progression of tendinopathy can improve prevention and rehabilitation strategies and guide therapies and the design of engineered constructs. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1827–1837, 2019
Effect of elevated carbon dioxide on growth, nutrient partitioning, and uptake of major nutrients by soybean under varied nitrogen application levels
Authors: Lenka Narendra K. , Lenka Sangeeta , Singh K. K. , Kumar Ajay , Aher Satish B. , Yashona Dharmendra Singh , Dey Pradip , Agrawal Pawan Kumar , Biswas A. K. , Patra Ashok Kumar
Published: April 2019

Rising carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration causes fertilization effects resulting in enhanced crop biomass and yields and thus likely enhances nutrient demand of plants. Hence, this field study was carried out to investigate the effects of elevated CO2 and N on biomass yield, nutrient partitioning, and uptake of major nutrients by soybean (Glycine max L.) using open‐top chambers (OTCs) of 4 m × 4 m size. Soybean was grown in OTCs under two CO2 [ambient and elevated (535 ± 36.9 mg L−1)] and four N levels during July to October 2016. The four N levels were N0, N50, N100, and N150 referring to 0, 50, 100, and 150% recommended dose of N. Both CO2 and N significantly affected biomass and grain yield, though the interaction was non‐significant. CO2 enrichment produced 30–65% higher biomass and 26–59% higher grain yield under various N levels. As compared to the optimum N application (N100), the CO2‐mediated increment in biomass yield decreased with either lower or higher N application, with the response being lowest at N150. As compared to ambient concentration, elevated CO2 resulted in significant reduction of seed P concentration at all N application levels but at N150, an opposite trend was observed. The decrease in seed P was maximum at N0 and N50 (7–9%) and by 3% at N100, whereas there was a gain of 7.5% at N150. The seed N and K concentrations were not affected either by CO2 or N application. Total N, P, and K uptake at harvest were significantly affected by CO2 and N, but not by CO2 × N interaction. Elevated CO2 resulted higher uptake of N by 18–61%, P by 23–62%, and K by 22–62% under various N treatments.
Nutritional values of raw and cooked ‘calçots’ (Allium cepa L. resprouts), an expanding crop
Authors: Sans Silvia , Bobo Gloria , Zudaire Lorena , Lafarga Tomás , Sabaté Josep , Casals Joan , Simó Joan
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

‘Calçot’ is the Catalan name for the immature floral stems of second‐year onion resprouts of the Blanca Tardana de Lleida (BTL) landrace. Highly appreciated for their sensory attributes, these resprouts are typically consumed after roasting on an open fire. Now new preparations are appearing, helping to expand the market for ‘calçots’. This study aimed (i) to compare the nutritional and sensory characteristics of BTL ‘calçots’ versus other onion varieties; (ii) to analyze the effects of cooking and / or in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the nutritional properties of ‘calçots’; and (iii) to determine the influence of the environment on the antioxidant properties of ‘calçots’.

RESULTS

The nutritional and sensory characteristics of both raw and cooked ‘calçots’ differed between varieties, with the exception of some minerals. Flavonoid content decreased by 85% during cooking, and total phenolic content decreased by 30%. By contrast, antioxidant activity increased after cooking. Most traits had a nonlinear response to heating, and differences between varieties generally decreased after cooking. Location also had a strong effect on antioxidant activity. In vitro digestion of cooked ‘calçots’ sharply decreased antioxidant activity after the intestinal phase. The only significant genotypic correlation between sensory and nutritional quality was the correlation between sweetness and ash content (R = −0.97).

CONCLUSION

Cooked BTL ‘calçots’ are within the limits of the onion domain for nutritional properties, and the variability reported for onion bulbs is also present in resprouts. The effects of the environment, cooking, and in vitro digestion clearly overlap the genetic effects. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
From seed to bread: variation in quality in a set of old durum wheat cultivars
Authors: Mefleh Marina , Conte Paola , Fadda Costantino , Giunta Francesco , Motzo Rosella
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Old durum wheat varieties are being appreciated again because of their interesting genetic diversity and low fertilizer needs.

RESULTS

The agronomic and bread‐making performances of 14 old Italian durum wheat varieties grown under two low nitrogen (N) inputs (46 and 86 kg ha−1) were determined and the relationships among grain, semolina, dough and bread quality parameters were established. The old varieties yielded similarly to the check modern variety Svevo under both N levels. Increasing N fertilization from 46 to 86 kg ha−1 did not increase grain yield or the mg of N in the grain, although grain protein percentage increased as a result of a decrease in grain weight and an increase in gliadin content. Despite the resulting decrease in the gluten index, dough and bread quality improved at the higher N rate, highlighting the influential role of protein percentage and gliadin in bread quality. The genotypic variation in grain protein percentage among old varieties was more strongly associated with glutenin than with gliadin content. Variation in the gluten index was high (4–54); indeed, it was the most variable semolina parameter, and proved to contribute the most to variation in bread quality. This variation was independent of the glutenin alleles (HMW 20, 20*, 7, 13+16, 6+8) and was linked to the quality of the grain in terms of grain weight and the associated mg of N per grain. Remarkably, two old varieties, namely Calabria and Cappelli, were able to produce both a good yield and high‐quality bread.

CONCLUSION

Old Italian durum wheats continue to boast significant biodiversity and are worth exploring in low‐input production systems. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Extremity soft tissue sarcoma in the elderly: Are we overtreating or undertreating this potentially vulnerable patient population?
Authors: Gingrich Alicia A. , Bateni Sarah B. , Monjazeb Arta M. , Thorpe Steven W. , Kirane Amanda R. , Bold Richard J. , Canter Robert J.
Published: April 2019

Background

As the U.S. population ages, differences in oncologic outcomes among the elderly have been recognized. Our objective was to analyze the clinical, pathologic, and treatment outcomes for elderly soft tissue sarcoma (STS) patients, hypothesizing significant differences in the management and response to therapy.

Methods

Using the National Cancer Database, we identified 33 859 patients with nonmetastatic extremity STS. We defined elderly as ≥74 years in age and compared patient and treatment variables between adult and elderly patients. Cox‐proportional hazards analysis was used to determine predictors of overall survival (OS).

Results

We identified 8504 elderly patients. Significant differences in histologic subtype, grade, and facility type between elderly and nonelderly patients (P < 0.05) exist. Elderly patients were less likely to undergo R0 resection (P = 0.001) and had a higher 90‐day mortality (P = 0.001). Surgical elderly patients experienced superior OS compared with nonsurgical patients (P = 0.001). Among elderly patients, younger age, and female sex, lower Charlson‐Deyo score, lower grade, smaller tumors, surgical resection, negative surgical margins, and radiation therapy were associated with better OS.

Conclusions

Key differences exist in elderly extremity STS patients, including a narrower benefit/risk ratio with surgical management. These data highlight that elderly patients represent a distinct cohort for whom more careful selection appears indicated.
The association between plasma cholesterol and the effect of tryptophan depletion on heart rate variability
Authors: Lin Shih‐Hsien , Lee I Hui , Tsai Hsin Chun , Chi Mei Hung , Chang Wei Hung , Chen Po See , Chen Kao Chin , Yang Yen Kuang
Published: April 2019

Studies on the cholesterol‐serotonin hypothesis and its link to mood disorders are scarce. In addition, little is known about the association between cholesterol and the effects of tryptophan depletion (TD). The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between plasma cholesterol and changes in heart rate variability (HRV), an important marker of depression and anxiety, after TD. The plasma cholesterol levels of 28 healthy participants were noted, and their HRVs were measured by spectrum analysis. TD was carried out on testing day, and participants provided blood samples just before and 5 hours for tryptophan level after TD. HRV was measured again after TD. An association was found between plasma cholesterol levels and the change in HRV. Decreased high frequency HRV was marginally associated with lower levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, while increased low frequency HRV was significantly associated with lower levels of total and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Our findings indicate that low cholesterol levels may play parts of role in the mechanism of the deactivation of parasympathetic, and activation of sympathetic, functions induced by altered serotonergic function.
Three‐dimensional assessment of the pharyngeal airway in Japanese preschoolers with orofacial clefts
Authors: Takahashi Masahiro , Yamaguchi Tetsutaro , Lee Myoung K. , Suzuki Yoko , Adel Mohamed , Tomita Daisuke , Nakawaki Takatoshi , Yoshida Hiroshi , Hikita Yu , Furuhata Mayu , Tsuneoka Misato , Nagahama Ryo , Marazita Mary L. , Weinberg Seth M. , Maki Koutaro
Published: April 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Individuals with orofacial clefts often experience respiratory problems because of nasopharyngeal abnormalities. Pharyngeal airway morphology is thought to differ among the various cleft types. We measured three‐dimensional (3D) airway volume using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) analysis to evaluate and compare pharyngeal airways in Japanese preschoolers with and without orofacial clefts.

Study Design

Retrospective case‐control study.

Methods

We enrolled 83 subjects (37 boys, 46 girls; mean age = 4.66 ± 0.56 years) with nonsyndromic orofacial clefts and 16 noncleft healthy subjects (seven boys, nine girls; mean age = 5.30 ± 0.52 years) as controls. The subjects were divided into five groups. Four groups were based on the cleft type: isolated cleft palate, unilateral cleft lip and alveolus), unilateral cleft lip and palate, and bilateral cleft lip and palate. The fifth group included the noncleft controls. All subjects were examined with CBCT, and the 3D airway volume was measured. We analyzed group differences statistically using analysis of covariance with the Bonferroni post hoc pairwise comparison tests for the corrected means.

Results

Compared with the noncleft group, each cleft group exhibited significantly decreased total and nasal airway volumes and increased superior and inferior pharyngeal airway volumes. The differences were all statistically significant.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that anatomical differences exist in pharyngeal airway volumes among various cleft groups and in those without a cleft.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope, 130:533–540, 2020
Mapping of human papilloma virus, p16, and epstein‐barr virus in non‐malignant tonsillar disease
Authors: Holm Anna , Schindele Alexandra , Allard Annika , Eriksson Irene , Sandström Karl , Laurell Göran , Nylander Karin , Olofsson Katarina
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Due to their location in the entrance of the aero‐digestive tract, tonsils are steadily exposed to viruses. Human papilloma virus (HPV) and Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) are two potentially oncogenic viruses that tonsils encounter. The incidence of HPV positive tonsillar cancer is on the rise and it is unknown when infection with HPV occurs.

Aim

To investigate if tonsils are infected with HPV and EBV, to study the co‐expression of HPV and its surrogate marker p16, and to evaluate the number of EBV positive cells in benign tonsillar disease.

Materials and Methods

Tonsils from 40 patients in a university hospital were removed due to hypertrophy, chronic or recurrent infection. These were analyzed for presence of HPV, its surrogate marker p16, and EBV. HPV was studied using PapilloCheck (a PCR method), while p16 was identified in epithelial and lymphoid tissue with immunohistochemistry and EBV using EBER‐ISH (Epstein‐Barr encoding region–in situ hybridization).

Results

HPV was not detected, and p16 was present at low numbers in all epithelial samples as well as in 92.5% of the lymphoid tonsillar samples. At least one EBER‐positive cell was seen in 65% of cases. Larger numbers of EBER‐expressing cells were only seen in two cases.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that EBV and HPV infect tonsils independently, but further studies are warranted to confirm their infectious relationship.

Level of Evidence

Cross‐sectional study
Comparison of soil properties measurements in pipeline corrosion estimation
Authors: Marušić Katarina , Kekez Krešimir , Martinez Sanja
Published: April 2019

Soil corrosion is a hazardous electrochemical process that affects buried metals in contact with soil. Corrosion in soils resembles atmospheric corrosion with corrosion rates usually higher and depending on the soil type. There are numerous properties of soil and thus soils can be classified in many different ways. Soil resistivity is one of the main indicators of soil corrosivity and thus of the hazardous impact the soil has on metal materials in the soil environment, although it is not the only parameter affecting the risk of corrosion damage. In this study on‐site measurements and laboratory measurements of soil characteristics are performed and compared. On‐site measurements include measuring the redox potential and soil resistivity by Wenner 4‐pin method, while the measurements in the laboratory include measuring soil conductivity, as well as moisture content, pH, content of sulphates, chlorides, and sulfides and polarization measurements, which give the most accurate results. The measurements have shown that if the Wenner 4‐pin method is performed in a convenient way the obtained results are not precise but can give an indicative picture of the corrosivity of the observed soil.
Corrosion and mechanical properties of age‐hardened UNS N06625 forged bars for oil and gas applications
Authors: Febbrari Andrea , Gelfi Marcello , Giovanardi Roberto , Montesano Lorenzo , Pola Annalisa , Montani Raimondo , Veronesi Chiara , Cavagnola Matteo
Published: April 2019

UNS N06625 is a well‐known nickel‐base superalloy generally used in annealed condition due to its excellent corrosion resistance in the most severe environments containing sulfides and chlorides at high pressure and temperature. In general, the most efficient way to increase the alloy strength is by cold working, but obviously, this cannot be applied in case of large forgings. Actually, looking at its chemical composition, UNS N06625 can be considered an age‐hardenable material, whose mechanical strength can be improved by promoting the second phase γ″ precipitation in the matrix. The aim of this paper was to assess the achievable mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of UNS N06625 forged bars in age‐hardened condition with respect to the annealed one, to understand the feasibility of this not conventional heat treatment for the industrial application.
Development of microbially influenced corrosion on carbon steel in a simulated water injection system
Authors: Zhong Huiyun , Shi Zhiming , Jiang Guangming , Song Yarong , Yuan Zhiguo
Published: April 2019

Microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) on internal pipeline surfaces has become a severe problem during the water injection process in secondary oil recovery. The formation of a biofilm, normally dominated by sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB), is believed to be the critical step of the MIC process. A continuously fed biofilm simulating the water injection process was operated to investigate the influence of biofilm development on MIC behavior in the early phase of corrosion development. The development of the corrosion product film and biofilm was monitored for 5 months with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, linear polarization resistance, scanning electron microscopy, 3D optical profiling, and direct weight measurement. MIC development was found to comprise three phases: initialization, transition, and stabilization. The initialization phase involved the formation of the corrosion product layer and the initial attachment of the sessile microbes on metal surface. In the transition phase, the MIC process gradually shifted from charge‐transfer‐controlled reaction to diffusion‐controlled reaction. The stabilization phase featured mature and compact biofilm on the metal surface, and the general corrosion rate (CR) decreased due to the diffusional effect, while the pitting CR was enhanced at a lower carbon source level, which supported the mechanism of direct electron uptake from the metal surface by SRB.
Characterization of corrosion morphologies from deteriorated underground cast iron water pipes
Authors: Deo Ravin N. , Rathnayaka Suranji , Zhang Chunshun , Fu Guoyang Y. , Shannon Benjamin , Wong Leslie , Kodikara Jayantha K.
Published: April 2019

Following the completion of the Advanced Condition Assessment and Pipe Failure Prediction project in Australia, it has emerged that cast iron pipes normally experience corrosion damages extending over the large spatial area that resemble a patch, and structural failures are commonly associated with these patches. In this study, we defined a corrosion patch as a cluster of individual defects within or less than the one‐wall‐thickness distance of each other and conducted a morphometric study on patches from several deteriorated cast iron pipes. It was found that the size parameters, viz., the patch length, width, area, and volume potentially attain steady‐state progression over long‐term deterioration and are consistent with current understanding in underground corrosion. The rectangularity, convex deficiency, and solidity shape parameters were found to be related to each other and could be described by power‐law functions. Moreover, the analysis of two‐dimensional (D2D) and three dimensional (D3D) fractal dimension parameters revealed that they serve as useful proxies for different patch properties. In particular, the D3D revealed linear trends with the patch aspect ratio and an ability to delineate between failed and in‐service pipes. It is expected that the results from this study will serve as important baseline information for future works aiming to generate and implement realistic corrosion patches for pipe structural integrity analysis.
Weighted estimates for bilinear fractional integral operators
Authors: Komori‐Furuya Yasuo
Published: April 2019

Moen (2016) proved weighted estimates for the bilinear fractional integrals where . We improve his results when and consider the case . As a corollary we obtain a bilinear Stein–Weiss inequality where .
Impact of Plasticizer Addition on Molecular Properties of Polybutadiene Rubber and its Manifestations to Glass Transition Temperature
Authors: Sharma Pragati , Roy Sudip , Karimi‐Varzaneh Hossein Ali
Published: April 2019

Effect of blending low and high Tg polymer on the structural, spatial, and temporal properties of the polybutadiene rubber are investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. It is elucidated that smaller chain length counterpart of polybutadiene (5mer‐OB) acts as plasticizer for the polybutadiene rubber matrix (32mer‐PB). Observed flexibility at macroscopic level by plasticizer addition is corroborated at the molecular level in the form of lower conformational rigidity and faster diffusion of polybutadiene chains in the mixtures. It is inferred that plasticizers decreases Tg of the matrix, due to cooperative influence of decreased chain packing and rigidity. Opposite effect is observed in mixtures with high Tg polymer, polystyrene. Tg of the mixtures showed substantial dependence on the type, concentration, chain length as well as miscibility of plasticizers in the matrix. However, the effect of increasing chain length is more pronounced but counter‐controlled by the spatially heterogeneous distribution of the plasticizer. Clustering of polystyrene chains induced significant dynamic heterogeneity in the homogeneous polybutadiene matrix, which apparently lead to reduced plasticization effect. Addition of plasticizers in rubber induce discernible changes in the structural and dynamic properties of the rubber matrix, which manifest as the variation in glass transition and explains the real‐life activity of plasticizers.
Structure of teams—A cooperative game theory approach
Authors: Hiller Tobias
Published: April 2019

One key task for HR departments and managers is to design the structure of teams in the firm. Two main dimensions when carrying out this decision are the size of the teams and the combination of specialized expertise within the team. In this article, we apply cooperative game theory to model this decision. First, we introduce production games. These games are an enhancement of team games and allow the modeling of teams. Together with the coalition structure approach of cooperative game theory, we analyze two standard situations of team theory.
A novel 2D partial unwinding adaptive Fourier decomposition method with application to frequency domain system identification
Authors: Li Yanting , Qian Tao
Published: April 2019

This paper proposes a two‐dimensional (2D) partial unwinding adaptive Fourier decomposition method to identify 2D system functions. Starting from Coifman in 2000, one‐dimensional (1D) unwinding adaptive Fourier decomposition and later a type called unwinding AFD have been being studied. They are based on the Nevanlinna factorization and a maximal selection. This method provides fast‐converging rational approximations to 1D system functions. However, in the 2D case, there is no genuine unwinding decomposition. This paper proposes a 2D partial unwinding adaptive Fourier decomposition algorithm that is based on algebraic transforms reducing a 2D case to the 1D case. The proposed algorithm enables rational approximations of real coefficients to 2D system functions of real coefficients. Its fast convergence offers efficient system identification. Numerical experiments are provided, and the advantages of the proposed method are demonstrated.
Fundamental solutions of anomalous diffusion equations with the decay exponential kernel
Authors: Yang Xiao‐Jun , Feng Yi‐Ying , Cattani Carlo , Inc Mustafa
Published: April 2019

In the letter, we consider the anomalous diffusion equations involving the general derivatives with the decay exponential kernel for the first time. With the use of the Laplace transform, the analytical solutions with graphs are discussed in detail. The results are accurate and efficient in the description of the behaviors of the anomalous diffusion problems.
Fibroblasts Impact Goblet Cell Responses to Lactic Acid Bacteria After Exposure to Inflammatory Cytokines and Mucus Disruptors
Authors: Ren Chengcheng , Dokter‐Fokkens Jelleke , Figueroa Lozano Susana , Zhang Qiuxiang , de Haan Bart J. , Zhang Hao , Faas Marijke M. , de Vos Paul
Published: April 2019

Scope

Mucus produced by goblet cells contributes to gut barrier function. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been shown to impact mucus production. It is not completely known whether mucus production is influenced by the abundantly present fibroblasts in the intestine.

Methods and results

The influence of fibroblasts on mucus‐related genes including mucin‐2 (MUC2), trefoil factor 3 (TFF3), resistin‐like molecule β (RETNLB), carbohydrate sulfotransferase 5 (CHST5), and galactose‐3‐O‐sulfotransferase 2 (GAL3ST2) is examined after co‐culture of LS174T‐goblet cells and CCD‐18Co colonic fibroblasts in the presence and absence of LAB‐strains known to impact mucus function. This is also tested after exposure to TNF‐α, IL‐13, or the mucin synthesis inhibitor tunicamycin (Tm). Effects of fibroblasts are treatment duration‐ and bacterial species‐dependent under homeostatic conditions. During TNF‐α challenge, fibroblasts reverse Lactobacillus (L.) rhamnosus CCFM237‐elicited declined TFF3 expression. After IL‐13 exposure, L. rhamnosus CCFM237 and L. fermentum CCFM787 attenuate enhanced TFF3 and RETNLB expression, respectively, only in the presence of fibroblasts. LAB has no effects on Tm‐induced decreased expression of goblet cell‐related genes regardless of the presence of fibroblasts.

Conclusion

It is demonstrated that goblet cell–fibroblast crosstalk impacts mucus synthesis and influences the effects of LAB on goblet cell‐related genes. Effects are LAB‐species and stressor dependent.
Numerical modeling of adiabatic heat generation during rock fracture under dynamic loading
Authors: Saksala Timo
Published: April 2019

This paper considers adiabatic heat generation during rock fracture under dynamic loading. To this end, a thermo‐viscoplastic constitutive model for rock based on Mohr‐Coulomb and Rankine criteria augmented with the adiabatic heat equation is developed. Young's modulus and the compressive and tensile strengths are taken as the temperature‐dependent parameters. A numerical solution algorithm based on the Newton‐Raphson iteration and the cutting plane algorithm at the material point level is presented. Furthermore, there is a description of an explicit staggered scheme for solving the heat conduction at the specimen level in rock material. Then, the model is applied in 2D and 3D numerical simulations of compression and tension tests on a rock‐like material with compressive and tensile strengths of 120 and 10 MPa, respectively. The simulations predict that the temperature rise because of adiabatic heat generation during rock fracture is in the order of a few degrees centigrade, even at a strain rate of 100 s−1. In conclusion, the effect of including heat conduction is shown to be insignificant because of the short duration of dynamic loading processes.
Dietary heat‐killed Lactobacillus brevis SBC8803 (SBL88™) improves hippocampus‐dependent memory performance and adult hippocampal neurogenesis
Authors: Ishikawa Rie , Fukushima Hotaka , Nakakita Yasukazu , Kado Hisao , Kida Satoshi
Published: April 2019

Aims

Lactobacillus species are used widely as various food and supplements to improve health. Previous studies have shown that heat‐killed Lactobacillus brevis SBC8803 induces serotonin release from intestinal cells and affects sleep rhythm and the autonomic nervous system. However, the effect of SBC8803 on cognitive function remains unknown. Here, we examined the effects of dietary heat‐killed SBC8803 on hippocampus‐dependent memory and adult hippocampal neurogenesis.

Methods

Hippocampus‐dependent memory performance was assessed in mice fed heat‐killed SBC8803 using social recognition and contextual fear conditioning tasks. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis was evaluated before, during, and after feeding heat‐killed SBC8803 by measuring the number of 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine (BrdU)‐positive cells following systemic injections of BrdU using immunohistochemistry.

Results

Mice fed a heat‐killed SBC8803 diet showed an improvement of hippocampus‐dependent social recognition and contextual fear memories and enhanced adult hippocampal neurogenesis by increasing the survival, but not proliferation, of newborn neurons.

Conclusion

Dietary heat‐killed SBC8803 functions as memory and neurogenesis enhancers.
New a priori analysis of first‐order system least‐squares finite element methods for parabolic problems
Authors: Führer Thomas , Karkulik Michael
Published: April 2019

We provide new insights into the a priori theory for a time‐stepping scheme based on least‐squares finite element methods for parabolic first‐order systems. The elliptic part of the problem is of general reaction‐convection‐diffusion type. The new ingredient in the analysis is an elliptic projection operator defined via a nonsymmetric bilinear form, although the main bilinear form corresponding to the least‐squares functional is symmetric. This new operator allows to prove optimal error estimates in the natural norm associated to the problem and, under additional regularity assumptions, in the L2 norm. Numerical experiments are presented which confirm our theoretical findings.
Stochastic model predictive control for tracking linear systems
Authors: D' Jorge Agustina , Santoro Bruno F. , Anderson Alejandro , González Alejandro H. , Ferramosca Antonio
Published: April 2019

This note presents a stochastic formulation of the model predictive control for tracking (MPCT), based on the results of the work of Lorenzen et al. The proposed controller ensures constraints satisfaction in probability, and maintains the main features of the MPCT, that are feasibility for any changing setpoints and enlarged domain of attraction, even larger than the one delivered by Lorenzen et al, thanks to the use of artificial references and relaxed terminal constraints. The asymptotic stability (in probability) of the minimal robust positively invariant set centered on the desired setpoint is guaranteed. Simulations on a DC‐DC converter show the benefits and the properties of the proposal.
Exploring peptide‐functionalized alginate scaffolds for engineering cardiac tissue from human embryonic stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes in serum‐free medium
Authors: Hayoun‐Neeman Dana , Korover Nataly , Etzion Sharon , Ofir Rivka , Lichtenstein Rachel G. , Cohen Smadar
Published: April 2019

Engineering human cardiac tissue is a promising solution for myocardial repair of injured hearts and for drug screening. Herein, we examined the capability of chemically defined alginate scaffolds to promote cardiac tissue regeneration from human embryonic stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (hESC‐CMs) in serum‐free, chemically defined medium. The cells were single seeded or coseeded with human dermal fibroblasts (HFs) in macroporous scaffolds made from pristine alginate or alginate modified with arginine‐glycine‐aspartate (RGD) peptide and heparin‐binding peptide (HBP). Our results show that the addition of fibroblasts to the 3‐D culture is indispensable for the formation of functional cardiac tissues and that the presence of RGD/HBP attached to the alginate matrix further improves its functionality. The engineered tissue displayed the typical fiber morphology with massive striation. An increase in contraction amplitude and calcium transients with time, together with a decrease in excitation threshold, indicated advancement toward tissue maturation. Our results thus point to the importance of co‐cultivating fibroblasts with hESCs‐CMs in chemically defined peptide‐functionalized alginate scaffolds and culture medium for regenerating functional cardiac tissue in vitro.
Dissolution capacity and rheology of cellulose in ionic liquids composed of imidazolium cation and phosphate anions
Authors: Zheng Bingqian , Harris Chaudhary , Bhatia Surita R. , Thomas Marie F.
Published: April 2019

Cellulose is one of the most abundant natural polymer sources, but the applications of cellulose are limited due to difficulty in dissolving cellulose in water and common chemical solvents. In the past decades, ionic liquids have been studied to dissolve cellulose efficiently, sustainably, and in an eco‐friendly manner. In this study, a series of imidazolium‐based ionic liquids were synthesized to explore as solvents for cellulose, including 1,3‐dimethylimidazolium dimethylphosphate ([mmim]dmp), 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dimethylphosphate ([emim]dmp), 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dimethylphosphate ([bmim]dmp), 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dimethylphosphate ([hmim]dmp), 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium diethylphosphate ([emim]dep), 1,3‐diethylimidazolium diethylphosphate ([eeim]dep), and 1‐butyl‐3‐ethylimidazolium diethylphosphate ([beim]dep). Rheology experiments were conducted to study the flow behavior of cellulose in these ionic liquids and cosolvents. We found that the dissolution capacity of cellulose increases with decreasing viscosity of the solvent and that the rheological properties depend most strongly on the concentration of cellulose dissolved. Systems composed of cellulose in [mmim]dmp, [emim]dmp, and [emim]dep behave as viscoelastic gels, while formulations of cellulose in [bmim]dmp, [hmim]dmp, [eeim]dep, and [beim]dep show viscoelastic liquid behavior. These results will impact development of new solvents for processing of cellulose‐based polymeric materials.
Glutathione and pH‐responsive fluorescent nanogels for cell imaging and targeted methotrexate delivery
Authors: Ghorbani Marjan , Mahmoodzadeh Farideh , Jannat Behrooz , Maroufi Nazila Fathi , Hashemi Behnam , Roshangar Leila
Published: April 2019

Cancer is one of the health problems that lead to death in the world, and nanotechnology was shown to have a unique potential to improve the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer agents. The nanosized drug delivery systems (DDSs) have been offered for targeting tumor tissue because of enhanced drug bioavailability and long circulation time. In this context, we reported a facial approach to prepare a novel pH and glutathione‐responsive nanogel. After that, the nanocarriers coupled with highly fluorescent quantum dots were developed. Then methotrexate (MTX) was loaded into and on the surface of nanogels by ionic interaction so that the triggered MTX release ability of the synthesized nanocarriers was verified through the assessment of in vitro drug release at simulated tumor tissue condition. The improved efficiency of the developed nanogels and their targeted performance via conjugation of MTX (as target ligand of folate receptors) were investigated through the various cell cytotoxicity studies such as 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, 4′6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) staining, and flow cytometry. The results of various cell cytotoxicity studies concluded that the developed smart nanogels have many promising abilities for the targeted MTX delivery to cancer tissues.
Enrichment and distribution of counterions in spherical polyelectrolyte brushes probed by SAXS
Authors: Ye Zhishuang , Li Li , Zhao Fang , Tian Yuchuan , Wang Yunwei , Yang Qingsong , Dai Liheng , Guo Xuhong
Published: April 2019

The spatial correlation of counterions [Li+, Na+, Rb+, Cs+, NH4+, (CH3)4N+] with spherical polyelectrolyte brushes (SPBs), which consist of a PS core and chemically grafted PSS chains, was comprehensively studied through a combination of SAXS, DLS, and Zeta potential. Results show that the SAXS intensity profiles of the brush appears to be “insensitive” to the concentration of Na+. By contrast, introducing salt ions with a density lower than sodium [NH4+, (CH3)4N+ and Li+] into the brush layer will cause a decrease in the scattering intensity while introducing those with a higher density than sodium (Rb+ and Cs+) will cause the opposite result. As verified by the combined results of SAXS, DLS, and Zeta potential, the collapse of the brush and the enrichment of the counterions in the brush layer occur simultaneously. It was further demonstrated that the concentration of counterions enriched in the innermost layer of the brush shell can be enhanced up to hundreds of times compared with the bulk concentration, and the counterion distribution in SPB shell follows a radial attenuation distribution. SAXS is confirmed to be powerful in probing the enrichment and distribution of counterions within SPB. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 738–747
Less direct patient care delivered by medical trainees by the end of a hematology‐oncology ward rotation: Association with empathy and related factors
Authors: McFarland Daniel C.
Published: April 2019

Objective

The education of trainee physicians in hematology‐oncology is challenged by inherent stressors of hematology‐oncology. Clinical work load, death and dying, and the known phenomenon of empathy decline during clinical education affect trainees. Time spent with patients or direct patient care time (DPCT) is influenced by many factors, which ultimately affect medical education. Therefore, DPCT may decrease by the end training on a busy hematology‐oncology ward rotation.

Methods

Internal medicine interns and residents (n = 64) rotating on a hematology‐oncology ward rotation were consecutively selected to participate. Questionnaires containing Likert scale questions assessing time spent with patients before and after the rotation, empathy/resilience/distress measurements (Interpersonal Reactivity Index [IRI], Connors‐Davidson Resilience Scale [CD‐RISC], and Impact of Events Scale‐Revised [IES‐R], respectively), and demographic and situational information were collected at the beginning and end of the rotation

Results

DPCT decreased from over 10 to 15 minutes per patient to slightly over 1 to 5 minutes with over half of the trainees spending less than 1 minute per patient per day (P < .001, Cohen's d = 1.05). Empathy scores decreased 2.01 points from 58.9 to 56.8 (P = .018, Cohen's d = 0.33) during the rotation. DPCT decrease was associated mistreatment (P < .001) and lack of support (P = .001) while endorsing external issues (P = .002) and longer rotation time predicted for greater DPCT accounting for 67% of DPCT variance on multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Medical trainees in oncology who feel a lack of social/familial support and feel mistreated by mentors/superiors spend significantly less time with patients. Educational initiatives should replicate and utilize these associations to enhance patient‐centric care in oncology.
Atmospheric pressure air plasma treatment to improve the 3D printing of polyoxymethylene
Authors: Muro‐Fraguas Ignacio , Sainz‐García Elisa , Pernía‐Espinoza Alpha , Alba‐Elías Fernando
Published: April 2019

Polyoxymethylene (POM), an excellent engineering material, shows drawbacks as a three‐dimensional (3D) printing material: (a) difficulties in the adhesion of the first‐printed layer and (b) thermal contractions during printing. In this study, an atmospheric pressure air plasma treatment is applied on a polycarbonate (PC)‐printing base. The effect of the plasma treatment parameters is studied. Chemical and morphological tests are conducted. Results shows that, in general, as the plasma exposure rises, so does the degree of oxidation of the PC surface and the adhesion of POM. However, care must be taken as thermal residual stresses may reduce adhesion. Finally, an increase in adhesion of up to 45% is achieved.
Phytobiome metabolism: beneficial soil microbes steer crop plants' secondary metabolism
Authors: Korenblum Elisa , Aharoni Asaph
Published: April 2019

Crops are negatively affected by abiotic and biotic stresses, however, plant‐microbe cooperation allows prompt buffering of these environmental changes. Microorganisms exhibit an extensive metabolic capability to assist plants in reducing these burdens. Interestingly, beneficial microbes may also trigger, at the host side, a sequence of events from signal perception to metabolic responses leading to stress tolerance or protection against biotic threats. Although plants are well known for their vast chemical diversity, plant‐microbial interactions often stimulate the production of a rich and different repertoire of metabolites in plants. The targeted microbial‐plant interactions reprogramming plant metabolism represent potential means to foster various pest managements. However, the molecular mechanisms of microbial modulation of plant metabolic plasticity are still poorly understood. Here, we review an increasing amount of reports providing evidence for alterations to plant metabolism caused by beneficial microbial colonization. In addition, we highlight the vital importance of these metabolic reprograms for plants under stress erratic conditions. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Fully numerical Hartree‐Fock and density functional calculations. II. Diatomic molecules
Authors: Lehtola Susi
Published: April 2019

We present the implementation of a variational finite element solver in the HelFEM program for benchmark calculations on diatomic systems. A basis set of the form is used, where (μ, ν, φ) are transformed prolate spheroidal coordinates,
B
n(μ) are finite element shape functions, and are spherical harmonics. The basis set allows for an arbitrary level of accuracy in calculations on diatomic molecules, which can be performed at present with either nonrelativistic Hartree‐Fock (HF) or density functional (DF) theory. Hundreds of DFs at the local spin density approximation (LDA), generalized gradient approximation (GGA), and the meta‐GGA level can be used through an interface with the Libxc library; meta‐GGA and hybrid DFs are not available in other fully numerical diatomic program packages. Finite electric fields are also supported in HelFEM, enabling access to electric properties. We introduce a powerful tool for adaptively choosing the basis set by using the core Hamiltonian as a proxy for its completeness. HelFEM and the novel basis set procedure are demonstrated by reproducing the restricted open‐shell HF limit energies of 68 diatomic molecules from the first to the fourth period with excellent agreement with literature values, despite requiring orders of magnitude fewer parameters for the wave function. Then, the electric properties of the BH and N2 molecules under finite field are studied, again yielding excellent agreement with previous HF limit values for energies, dipole moments, and dipole polarizabilities, again with much more compact wave functions than what were needed for the literature references. Finally, HF, LDA, GGA, and meta‐GGA calculations of the atomization energy of N2 are performed, demonstrating the superb accuracy of the present approach.