bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive local muscle training increases aerobic working capacity and quality of life and decreases neurohormonal activation in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Tyni‐Lenné Raija , Dencker Kerstin , Gordon Allan , Jansson Eva , Sylvén Christer 
Published: July 2002

AbstractBackground:Beneficial training outcomes have been reported in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) following leg exercise training. However, data from more comprehensive training programs are limited. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that exercise training applying the concept of comprehensive local muscle training can improve aerobic and functional working capacity as well as quality of life in patients with CHF.Methods:Twenty‐four men and women [age 63 ± 9 years (mean ± S.D.)] with stable, moderate chronic heart failure (left ventricular ejection fraction 30 ± 10%), were investigated in a randomized controlled study with a training group of 16 patients and a control group of 8 patients. The training was performed as an aerobic resistance training by activating all the main muscle groups, one at a time. The patients exercised for 1 h, three times per week for 8 weeks.Results:Patient groups did not differ at baseline. Peak oxygen uptake (8%, P < 0.03), the distance walked in a 6‐min walking test (11%, P < 0.002), the health‐related quality of life (P < 0.001) and plasma norepinephrine levels at rest (32%, P < 0.003) and at submaximal intensities (P < 0.03) improved after training. No changes were found in the control group, except for decreased peak oxygen uptake (P < 0.02) and quality of life scores (P < 0.03).Conclusions:Since comprehensive physical training activating a minor muscle mass at a time markedly improves exercise capacity and quality of life and reduces catecholamine levels, it can be recommended for the rehabilitation of patients with CHF under supervision of a physical therapist.
Aromatic Phosphonates: A Novel Group of Emitters Showing Blue Ultralong Room Temperature Phosphorescence
Authors: Thomas Heidi , Pastoetter Dominik L. , Gmelch Max , Achenbach Tim , Schlögl Annika , Louis Marine , Feng Xinliang , Reineke Sebastian 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn recent years, there has been a growing interest in purely organic materials showing ultralong room‐temperature phosphorescence with lifetimes in the range of seconds. Still, the longest known phosphorescence lifetimes are only achieved with crystalline systems so far. Here, a rational design of a completely new family of halogen‐free organic luminescent derivatives in amorphous matrices, displaying both conventional fluorescence and phosphorescence is reported. Hydrogen bonding between the newly developed emitters and an ethylene‐vinyl alcohol copolymer (Exceval) matrix, which efficiently suppresses vibrational dissipation, enables bright long‐lived phosphorescence with lifetimes up to 2.6 s at around 480 nm. The importance of the chosen matrix is shown as well as the implementation in an organic programmable luminescent tag.
Valorization of pineapple peel waste and sisal fiber: Study of cellulose nanocrystals on polypropylene nanocomposites
Authors: Agarwal Jyoti , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe present study focuses on the isolation and characterization of the cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from the pineapple peel waste (PPW) (agro‐waste) and sisal fiber (SiF) (natural fiber) employing the acid hydrolysis method, and its comparison with the commercially available CNCs (CNC‐C). Furthermore, the CNCs from PPW, SiF, and CNC‐C were subjected to transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, particle size distribution, and zeta potential analysis. The studied properties of the isolated CNCs are considerably different from the PPW and SiF. The CNCs so formed have been estimated by TEM to be around 10–40 nm wide and length of several micrometers. Fourier transform electron microscopy studies described the removal of the noncellulosic components like lignin, hemicellulose, and pectin substances from the base materials in both the cases by employing acid hydrolysis method. Additionally, nanocomposites of CNC isolated from PPW along with polypropylene (PP) matrix were fabricated using melt blending method followed by injection molding. Maleic anhydride grafted PP (MAPP) acts as a compatibilizer for improving the dispersibility of hydrophilic CNC within the nonpolar PP matrix. The addition of CNC (3 wt%) along with MAPP at 5 wt% showed optimum tensile strength and modulus to the tune of 10.39 and 25.53%, respectively, when compared to their counterparts without MAPP. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed an increased stiffness of PP in its nanocomposite system due to the addition of CNC. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed uniform distribution of CNC within the nonpolar PP matrix in the presence of MAPP.
Microanatomical considerations for safe uncinate removal during anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: 10‐year experience
Authors: Clifton William , Valero‐Moreno Fidel , Vlasak Alexander , Damon Aaron , Tubbs R. Shane , Merrill Sarah , Pichelmann Mark 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCervical radiculopathy from uncovertebral joint (UVJ) hypertrophy and nerve root compression often occurs anterior and lateral within the cervical intervertebral foramen, presenting a challenge for complete decompression through anterior cervical approaches owing to the intimate association with the vertebral artery and associated venous plexus. Complete uncinatectomy during anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a controversial topic, many surgeons relying on indirect nerve root decompression from restoration of disc space height. However, in cases of severe UVJ hypertrophy, indirect decompression does not adequately address the underlying pathophysiology of anterolateral foraminal stenosis. Previous reports in the literature have described techniques involving extensive dissection of the cervical transverse process and lateral uncinate process (UP) in order to identify the vertebral artery for safe removal of the UP. Recent anatomical investigations have detailed the microanatomical organization of the fibroligamentous complex surrounding the UP and neurovascular structures. The use of the natural planes formed from the encapsulation of these connective tissue layers provides a safe passage for lateral UP dissection during anterior cervical approaches. This can be performed from within the disc space during ACDF to avoid extensive lateral dissection. In this article, we present our 10‐year experience using an anatomy‐based microsurgical technique for safe and complete removal of the UP during ACDF for cervical radiculopathy caused by UVJ hypertrophy.
Assessing Reproducibility in Amyloid β Research: Impact of Aβ Sources on Experimental Outcomes
Authors: Foley Alejandro R. , Raskatov Jevgenij A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe difficulty of synthesizing and purifying the amyloid β (Aβ) peptide, combined with its high aggregation propensity and low solubility under physiological conditions, leads to a wide variety of experimental results from kinetic assays to biological activity. Thus, it becomes challenging to reproduce outcomes, and this limits our ability to rely on reported results as the foundation for new research. This article examines variability of the Aβ peptide from different sources, comparing purity, and oligomer and fibril formation propensity side by side. The results highlight the importance of performing rigorous controls so that meaningful biophysical, biochemical, and neurobiological results can be obtained to improve our understanding on Aβ.
On the Stability of Solitary Water Waves with a Point Vortex
Authors: Varholm Kristoffer , Wahlén Erik , Walsh Samuel 
Published: April 2020

This paper investigates the stability of traveling wave solutions to the free boundary Euler equations with a submerged point vortex. We prove that sufficiently small‐amplitude waves with small enough vortex strength are conditionally orbitally stable. In the process of obtaining this result, we develop a quite general stability/instability theory for bound state solutions of a large class of infinite‐dimensional Hamiltonian systems in the presence of symmetry. This is in the spirit of the seminal work of Grillakis, Shatah, and Strauss (GSS) , but with hypotheses that are relaxed in a number of ways necessary for the point vortex system, and for other hydrodynamical applications more broadly. In particular, we are able to allow the Poisson map to have merely dense range, as opposed to being surjective, and to be state‐dependent.As a second application of the general theory, we consider a family of nonlinear dispersive PDEs that includes the generalized Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) and Benjamin‐Ono equations. The stability or instability of solitary waves for these systems has been studied extensively, notably by Bona, Souganidis, and Strauss , who used a modification of the GSS method. We provide a new, more direct proof of these results, as a straightforward consequence of our abstract theory. At the same time, we allow fractional dispersion and obtain a new instability result for fractional KdV. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What prevents young adults from seeking help? Barriers toward help‐seeking for eating disorder symptomatology
Authors: Ali Kathina , Fassnacht Daniel B. , Farrer Louise , Rieger Elizabeth , Feldhege Johannes , Moessner Markus , Griffiths Kathleen M. , Bauer Stephanie 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate help‐seeking attitudes, intentions, and behaviors, and to systematically explore perceived barriers to help‐seeking for eating, weight, or shape concerns among young adults. Differences in perceived barriers as a function of type of eating disorder symptomatology were also examined.MethodData were collected using an online survey among individuals (aged 18‐25 years) in Australia. Overall, 291 young adults with varying levels of eating disorder symptoms completed measures of disordered eating, weight or shape concerns, help‐seeking barriers, attitudes, intentions, and behaviors. According to their self‐reported symptoms, participants were classified into four subgroups (i.e., anorexia nervosa [AN] symptoms, bulimia nervosa [BN] symptoms, binge‐eating disorder [BED] symptoms, and other eating disorder symptoms).ResultsDespite the belief that help‐seeking is useful, only a minority of participants with elevated symptoms, namely those with AN, BN, and BED symptoms, believed they needed help. Across the sample, the most frequently cited barriers to seeking help for eating disorder symptoms were: concern for others, self‐sufficiency, fear of losing control, denial and failure to perceive the severity of the illness, and stigma and shame.DiscussionThe findings highlight the need to educate young adults about the severity of eating disorders and the importance of seeking help, and to increase the awareness of help‐seeking barriers among those designing public health interventions as well as clinicians. Our findings suggest that help‐seeking barriers may differ depending on the type of eating disorder symptomology.
Design of a thermal management system for a battery pack in an electric vehicle using Dymola
Authors: Shet Veeraj V. , Ponangi Babu R. , Jacob Kiran 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAs the world moves toward more green and efficient means of modes of transport, electric vehicles are the most suitable and ideal choice to fulfill this requirement. Rapid developments in the field of battery technology are the main reason for their progress, but thermal management in such systems has been an area of concern for a long time. The work undertaken is to design and develop a battery management system (BMS) with a specific focus on the thermal behavior of the battery pack with varying vehicle loads as well as environmental conditions. To design an efficient BMS, one needs to model the battery behavior covering the thermal as well as electrical aspects of the battery. Apart from the battery model, a mathematical model of the electrical vehicle to mimic the various road load conditions for battery also needs to be modeled. Depending on the need for cooling based on battery behavior, the cooling circuit is modeled for the battery pack used. The entire study has been carried out using Dymola, a mathematical modeling software.
Carbon Nanomaterials Promote M1/M2 Macrophage Activation
Authors: Kinaret Pia Anneli Sofia , Scala Giovanni , Federico Antonio , Sund Jukka , Greco Dario 
Published: April 2020

AbstractToxic effects of certain carbon nanomaterials (CNM) have been observed in several exposure scenarios both in vivo and in vitro. However, most of the data currently available has been generated in a high‐dose/acute exposure setup, limiting the understanding of their immunomodulatory mechanisms. Here, macrophage‐like THP‐1 cells, exposed to ten different CNM for 48 h in low‐cytotoxic concentration of 10 µg mL−1, are characterized by secretion of different cytokines and global transcriptional changes. Subsequently, the relationships between cytokine secretion and transcriptional patterns are modeled, highlighting specific pathways related to alternative macrophage activation. Finally, time‐ and dose‐dependent activation of transcription and secretion of M1 marker genes IL‐1β and tumor necrosis factor, and M2 marker genes IL‐10 and CSF1 is confirmed among the three most responsive CNM, with concentrations of 5, 10, and 20 µg mL−1 at 24, 48, and 72 h of exposure. These results underline CNM effects on the formation of cell microenvironment and gene expression leading to specific patterns of macrophage polarization. Taken together, these findings imply that, instead of a high and toxic CNM dose, a sub‐lethal dose in controlled exposure setup can be utilized to alter the cell microenvironment and program antigen presenting cells, with fascinating implications for novel therapeutic strategies.
A review of agent‐based modeling of climate‐energy policy
Authors: Castro Juana , Drews Stefan , Exadaktylos Filippos , Foramitti Joël , Klein Franziska , Konc Théo , Savin Ivan , van den Bergh Jeroen 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAgent‐based models (ABMs) have recently seen much application to the field of climate mitigation policies. They offer a more realistic description of micro behavior than traditional climate policy models by allowing for agent heterogeneity, bounded rationality and nonmarket interactions over social networks. This enables the analysis of a broader spectrum of policies. Here, we review 61 ABM studies addressing climate‐energy policy aimed at emissions reduction, product and technology diffusion, and energy conservation. This covers a broad set of instruments of climate policy, ranging from carbon taxation, and emissions trading through adoption subsidies to information provision tools such as smart meters and eco‐labels. Our treatment pays specific attention to behavioral assumptions and the structure of social networks. We offer suggestions for future research with ABMs to answer neglected policy questions.This article is categorized under:
Climate Economics > Economics of Mitigation
Impairment of bile acid metabolism by perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) in human HepaRG hepatoma cells
Authors: Behr Anne-Cathrin , Kwiatkowski Anna , Ståhlman Marcus , Schmidt Felix Florian , Luckert Claudia , Braeuning Albert , Buhrke Thorsten 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPerfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) are man-made chemicals that are used for the fabrication of many products with water- and dirt-repellent properties. The toxicological potential of both substances is currently under debate. In a recent Scientific Opinion, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has identified increased serum total cholesterol levels in humans as one major critical effect being associated with exposure to PFOA or PFOS. In animal studies, both substances induced a decrease of serum cholesterol levels, and the underlying molecular mechanism(s) for these opposed effects are unclear so far. In the present study, we examined the impact of PFOA and PFOS on cholesterol homoeostasis in the human HepaRG cell line as a model for human hepatocytes. Cholesterol levels in HepaRG cells were not affected by PFOA or PFOS, but both substances strongly decreased synthesis of a number of bile acids. The expression of numerous genes whose products are involved in synthesis, metabolism and transport of cholesterol and bile acids was strongly affected by PFOA and PFOS at concentrations above 10 µM. Notably, both substances led to a strong decrease of CYP7A1, the key enzyme catalyzing the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of bile acids from cholesterol, both at the protein level and at the level of gene expression. Moreover, both substances led to a dilatation of bile canaliculi that are formed by differentiated HepaRG cells in vitro. Similar morphological changes are known to be induced by cholestatic agents in vivo. Thus, the strong impact of PFOA and PFOS on bile acid synthesis and bile canalicular morphology in our in vitro experiments may allow the notion that both substances have a cholestatic potential that is connected to the observed increased serum cholesterol levels in humans in epidemiological studies.
Separase activity distribution can be a marker of major molecular response and proliferation of CD34+ cells in TKI-treated chronic myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Spiess Birgit , Kleiner Helga , Flach Johanna , Fabarius Alice , Saussele Susanne , Hofmann Wolf-Karsten , Seifarth Wolfgang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSeparase, a cysteine endopeptidase, is a key player in mitotic sister chromatid separation, replication fork dynamics, and DNA repair. Aberrant expression and/or altered separase proteolytic activity are associated with aneuploidy, tumorigenesis, and disease progression. Since genomic instability and clonal evolution are hallmarks of progressing chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), we have comparatively examined separase proteolytic activity in TKI-treated chronic phase CML. Separase proteolytic activity was analyzed on single cell level in 88 clinical samples and in 14 healthy controls by a flow cytometric assay. In parallel, BCR-ABL1 gene expression and replication fork velocity were measured by qRT-PCR and DNA fiber assays, respectively. The separase activity distribution (SAD) value indicating the occurrence of MNCs with elevated separase proteolytic activity within samples was found to positively correlate with BCR-ABL1 gene expression levels and loss of MMR (relapse) throughout routine BCR-ABL1 monitoring. Analyses of CD34+ cells and MNCs fractionized by flow cytometric cell sorting according to their separase activity levels (H- and L-fractions) revealed that CD34+ cells with elevated separase activity levels (H-fractions) displayed enhanced proliferation/viability when compared with cells with regular (L-fraction) separase activity (mean 3.3-fold, p = 0.0011). BCR-ABL1 gene expression positivity prevailed in MNC H-fractions over L-fractions (42% vs. 8%, respectively). Moreover, expanding CD34+ cells of H-fractions showed decreased replication fork velocity compared with cells of L-fractions (p < 0.0001). Our data suggests an association between high separase activity, residual BCR-ABL1 gene expression, and enhanced proliferative capacity in hematopoietic cells within the leukemic niche of TKI-treated chronic phase CML.
The Effectiveness of the KiVa Bullying Prevention Program in Wales, UK: Results from a Pragmatic Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Axford Nick , Bjornstad Gretchen , Clarkson Suzy , Ukoumunne Obioha C. , Wrigley Zoe , Matthews Justin , Berry Vashti , Hutchings Judy 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe study evaluated the implementation fidelity and effectiveness of KiVa, an evidence-based program that aims to prevent and address bullying in schools, with a particular emphasis on changing the role of bystanders. The study was a two-arm waitlist control cluster randomized controlled trial in which 22 primary schools (clusters) (N = 3214 students aged 7–11) were allocated using a 1:1 ratio to intervention (KiVa; 11 clusters,n = 1588 students) and a waitlist control (usual school provision; 11 clusters,n = 1892 children)). The trial statistician (but not schools or researchers) remained blind to allocation status. The outcomes were as follows: student-reported victimization (primary outcome) and bullying perpetration; teacher-reported child behavior and emotional well-being; and school absenteeism (administrative records). Implementation fidelity was measured using teacher-completed online records (for class lessons) and independent researcher observations (for school-wide elements). Outcome analyses involved 11 intervention schools (n = 1578 children) and 10 control schools (n = 1636 children). There was no statistically significant effect on the primary outcome of child-reported victimization (adjusted intervention/control OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.55 to 1.06;p = 0.11) or on the secondary outcomes. The impact on victimization was not moderated by child gender, age, or victimization status at baseline. Lesson adherence was good but exposure (lesson length) was lower than the recommended amount, and there was considerable variability in the implementation of whole school elements. The trial found insufficient evidence to conclude that KiVa had an effect on the primary outcome. A larger trial of KiVa in the UK is warranted, however, with attention to issues regarding implementation fidelity. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN23999021 Date 10-6-13
Directed discrete midpoint convexity
Authors: Tamura Akihisa , Tsurumi Kazuya 
Published: April 2020

AbstractFor continuous functions, midpoint convexity characterizes convex functions. By considering discrete versions of midpoint convexity, several types of discrete convexities of functions, including integral convexity, L$$^\natural$$

♮

-convexity and global/local discrete midpoint convexity, have been studied. We propose a new type of discrete midpoint convexity that lies between L$$^\natural$$

♮

-convexity and integral convexity and is independent of global/local discrete midpoint convexity. The new convexity, named DDM-convexity, has nice properties satisfied by L$$^\natural$$

♮

-convexity and global/local discrete midpoint convexity. DDM-convex functions are stable under scaling, satisfy the so-called parallelogram inequality and a proximity theorem with the same small proximity bound as that for L$$^{\natural }$$

♮

-convex functions. Several characterizations of DDM-convexity are given and algorithms for DDM-convex function minimization are developed. We also propose DDM-convexity in continuous variables and give proximity theorems on these functions.