bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geometric modulation of microscale surface structures for defined stimulation of osteogenic differentiation on implant materials
Authors: Gach S. , Olschok S. , Reisgen U. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMetal implants for orthopedic applications have been in use for a long time. Improvements of the osseointegration behaviour by surface‐changing processes, such as sand blasting or etching, were so far only obtained in empirical studies. It is not yet completely understood which surface chemistry and structure can support the initial cell‐implant response. Electron beam material processing in vacuum has been used successfully for many decades. The method has not been used for the targeted micro‐structuring of implant material surfaces yet. Especially the material processing in vacuum reveals advantages, due to the high affinity of titanium for oxygen. The electron beam structuring process is based on the Surfi‐Sculpt process developed by TWI ‐ The Welding Institute. A repetitive beam overflow establishes in several steps defined microstructures. This study presents the results of the investigation of the Surfi‐Sculpt process of the implant material TiAl6 V4, in particular the influence of different process parameters on the formation of structure height and geometry. Particularly the local alloy composition of the micro‐structured surface is investigated.
Permanent antimicrobial silicone rubber based on bonding guanidine polymers
Authors: Guan Yong , Zhang Huanyao , Zheng Anna , Wei Dafu , Hu Jian , Wang Zhenzhen , Xu Xiang 
Published: April 2019

Recently, silicone rubber (VMQ) was extensively used in household articles and medical devices. To develop a kind of safe and long‐term antimicrobial VMQ was of great significance. In this work, a kind of vinyl‐contained polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (VPHMG) was synthesized and used as antimicrobial additive for VMQ. With the increasing of VPHMG addition, the mechanical properties and antimicrobial properties of VMQ‐VPHMG were significantly improved. In particular, the antimicrobial rates against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were higher than 99.99% as for 4 wt% of VPHMG addition. Moreover, the surface concentration of VPHMG as well as the antimicrobial rates revealed almost unchanged after being extracted by water and methanol. All the results indicated the vinyl‐contained VPHMG vulcanization and therefore provided the permanent antimicrobial performance for VMQ.
Preparation of highly efficient flame retardant unsaturated polyester resin by exerting the fire resistant effect in gaseous and condensed phase simultaneously
Authors: Zhou Jingshang , Xu Miaojun , Zhang Xiaohan , Leng Yang , He Yintong , Li Bin 
Published: April 2019

The unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) were usually applied in electronic equipment, but the intrinsic flammability severely retrained their application. A mono‐component flame retardant poly (piperazine methylphosphonic acid neopentylglycol ester) (PPMPNG) made in our lab was selected and applied to improve their flame retardant performance. The UPR thermosets achieved UL‐94 V‐0 grade during vertical burning tests and the limiting oxygen index was as high as 32.1% when 15 wt% PPMPNG was incorporated. PPMPNG promoted the decomposition and carbonization of UPR materials in advance during heating process, and the residual mass was effectively enhanced at high temperature. The flame retardant mechanism of UPR/PPMPNG thermosets was investigated by pyrolysis‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry tests, and the measurement of the morphologies and chemical components of the char residue. The phosphine oxygen radical was generated and then quenched the active free radicals in gas phase. Moreover, the av‐EHC of FR‐UPR was declined from 15.8 MJ kg−1 of pure UPR to 8 9 MJ kg−1 corresponding a reduction of 43.6%, which also verified the flame retardant effect in gas phase. The compact, integrated, and graphitized char layer was produced on materials surface and then exerted excellent barrier effect in condensed phase. Thus, the UPR/PPMPNG composites were conferred superior flame retardant properties.
Variation in assembly stoichiometry in non‐metazoan homologs of the hub domain of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II
Authors: McSpadden Ethan D. , Xia Zijie , Chi Chris C. , Susa Anna C. , Shah Neel H. , Gee Christine L. , Williams Evan R. , Kuriyan John 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe multi‐subunit Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) holoenzyme plays a critical role in animal learning and memory. The kinase domain of CaMKII is connected by a flexible linker to a C‐terminal hub domain that assembles into a 12‐ or 14‐subunit scaffold that displays the kinase domains around it. Studies on CaMKII suggest that the stoichiometry and dynamic assembly/disassembly of hub oligomers may be important for CaMKII regulation. Although CaMKII is a metazoan protein, genes encoding predicted CaMKII‐like hub domains, without associated kinase domains, are found in the genomes of some green plants and bacteria. We show that the hub domains encoded by three related green algae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Volvox carteri f. nagarensis, and Gonium pectoral, assemble into 16‐, 18‐, and 20‐subunit oligomers, as assayed by native protein mass spectrometry. These are the largest known CaMKII hub domain assemblies. A crystal structure of the hub domain from C. reinhardtii reveals an 18‐subunit organization. We identified four intra‐subunit hydrogen bonds in the core of the fold that are present in the Chlamydomonas hub domain, but not in metazoan hubs. When six point mutations designed to recapitulate these hydrogen bonds were introduced into the human CaMKII‐α hub domain, the mutant protein formed assemblies with 14 and 16 subunits, instead of the normal 12‐ and 14‐subunit assemblies. Our results show that the stoichiometric balance of CaMKII hub assemblies can be shifted readily by small changes in sequence.
From waterfall plots to spaghetti plots in early oncology clinical development
Authors: Mercier Francois , Consalvo Nicola , Frey Nicolas , Phipps Alex , Ribba Benjamin 
Published: April 2019

SUMMARYWaterfall plots are used to describe changes in tumor size observed in clinical studies. They are frequently used to illustrate the overall drug response in oncology clinical trials because of its simple representation of results. Unfortunately, this visual display suffers a number of limitations including (1) potential misguidance by masking the time dynamics of tumor size, (2) ambiguous labelling of the y‐axis, and (3) low data‐to‐ink ratio. We offer some alternatives to address these shortcomings and recommend moving away from waterfall plots to the benefit of plots showing the individual time profiles of sum of lesion diameters (according to RECIST). The spider plot presents the individual changes in tumor measurements over time relative to baseline tumor burden. Baseline tumor size is a well‐known confounding factor of drug effect which has to be accounted for when analyzing data in early clinical trials. While spider plots are conveniently correct for baseline tumor size, they cannot be presented in isolation. Indeed, percentage change from baseline has suboptimal statistical properties (including skewed distribution) and can be overly optimistic in favor of drug efficacy. We argued that plots of raw data (referred to as spaghetti plots) should always accompany spider plots to provide an equipoised illustration of the drug effect on lesion diameters.
Marine glycan–based antiviral agents in clinical or preclinical trials
Authors: Hao Cui , Yu Guangli , He Yanli , Xu Cuijing , Zhang Lijuan , Wang Wei 
Published: April 2019

SummaryThe constant outbreak of diseases caused by viral infections has caused serious harm to human health all over the world. Although many antiviral drugs have been approved for clinical use during the past decade, important issues, such as unsatisfactory efficacy, toxicity, and high cost of drugs, remain unresolved. Glycans are major components of the surfaces of both host cells and most viruses and play critical roles in the steps of viral infection. Marine glycans have more structural diversities than those found in humans. Most importantly, low toxicity and low‐cost marine glycans have demonstrated potent antiviral activities through multiple molecular mechanisms. As a result, a series of marine glycan–derived agents are undergoing preclinical and clinical trials. This review discusses the recent progress in research on the marine glycan–based antiviral agents in clinical trials, relating to their structural features and clinical applications. In addition, molecular mechanisms of marine glycans involved in viral infection and novel strategies used in glycan‐based drug development are critically reviewed and discussed.
Modeling lottery incentives for daily adherence
Authors: Humphrey Colman H. , Small Dylan S. , Jensen Shane T. , Volpp Kevin G. , Asch David A. , Zhu Jingsan , Troxel Andrea B. 
Published: April 2019

Many health issues require adherence to recommended daily activities, such as taking medication to manage a chronic condition, walking a certain distance to promote weight loss, or measuring weights to assess fluid balance in heart failure. The cost of nonadherence can be high, with respect to both individual health outcomes and the healthcare system. Incentivizing adherence to daily activities can promote better health in patients and populations and potentially provide long‐term cost savings.Multiple incentive structures are possible. We focus here on a daily lottery incentive in which payment occurs when both the participant's lottery number matches the number drawn and the participant adheres to the targeted daily behavior.Our objective is to model the lottery's effect on participants' probability to complete the targeted task, particularly over the short term. We combine two procedures for analyzing such binary time series: a parameter‐driven regression model with an autocorrelated latent process and a comparative interrupted time series. We use the output of the regression model as the control generator for the comparative time series in order to create a quasi‐experimental design.
The limitations of access to continuing professional development amongst Australia's rural sonographers and its effect on job satisfaction: A pilot study
Authors: Van Binst Anouck , Kennedy Narelle , Harland Sonya , Aziz Aamer , Quinton Ann 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntroductionSonographers in Australia form an important component of health care within rural and remote communities. Being remotely located brings its own set of difficulties in accessing continuing professional development (CPD). There is little research investigating the rural sonographers' experience with access to CPD and how this affects job satisfaction.MethodThe purpose of this research was to investigate if limited access to CPD is experienced in the rural setting, what barriers to participation exist, and if reduced access has a negative effect on job satisfaction. Data were collected via the Australasian Sonographers Association (ASA) members' forum, inviting rural and remote sonographers to participate in an anonymous online questionnaire.ResultsThis study showed that various barriers to CPD participation exist, with in‐person CPD participation seen as highly valuable.ConclusionThis study opens an opportunity for further conversations on how to improve CPD access amongst rural sonographers with the possible underlying solution being increased employer support.
Quantitative analysis of cembranoids in tobacco leaf by using heart‐cutting two‐dimensional liquid chromatography
Authors: Chen Min , Dong Huizhong , Shen Shihao , Wang Jiale , Wu Da , Liu Baizhan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA novel heart‐cutting two dimensional liquid chromatography method had been developed to analyze two cembranoids tobacco leaf. The reversed phase liquid chromatography column was employed for separation. Then target elution was cut to the trap column by on‐line dilution from the compensate pump. After switching the six‐port valve, the analytes were eluted to the second dimension. The two cembranoids were determined qualitatively and quantitatively by UV detection. The new method was fairly simplified sample pretreatment. When the approach was engaged to real samples, it showed high sensitivity without matrix interference. Limits of detection for two cembranoids were 0.0083 and 0.0060 mg/g, and limits of quantification were 0.027 and 0.020 mg/g, respectively. The intra‐day and inter‐day relative standard deviation of the cembranoids were within 1.8%. Spiked recoveries were ranged from 98.4 to 109.5%. Therefore, the two dimensional liquid chromatography method was successfully utilized to cembranoids detection in a wide range of the tobacco samples.
The rise of ingredient disclosure: The California and New York experience
Authors: Bergeson Lynn L. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn the recent past, two important states—California and New York—have launched extensive and precedent‐setting ingredient disclosure laws regarding cleaning products with the clear goal of prompting the deselection of certain chemical substances and forcing product reformulation. Industry prefers to refer to this trend as “ingredient communication,” a goal we can all agree is desirable. By whatever name, these state measures will have a significant impact on ingredient disclosure trends across product lines, likely well beyond their stated application to cleaning products. These state laws are summarized below, followed by a discussion of their similarities, key differences, and their implications.
Nonparametric density estimation for high‐dimensional data—Algorithms and applications
Authors: Wang Zhipeng , Scott David W. 
Published: April 2019

Density estimation is one of the central areas of statistics whose purpose is to estimate the probability density function underlying the observed data. It serves as a building block for many tasks in statistical inference, visualization, and machine learning. Density estimation is widely adopted in the domain of unsupervised learning especially for the application of clustering. As big data become pervasive in almost every area of data sciences, analyzing high‐dimensional data that have many features and variables appears to be a major focus in both academia and industry. High‐dimensional data pose challenges not only from the theoretical aspects of statistical inference, but also from the algorithmic/computational considerations of machine learning and data analytics. This paper reviews a collection of selected nonparametric density estimation algorithms for high‐dimensional data, some of them are recently published and provide interesting mathematical insights. The important application domain of nonparametric density estimation, such as modal clustering, is also included in this paper. Several research directions related to density estimation and high‐dimensional data analysis are suggested by the authors.This article is categorized under:Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Multivariate AnalysisStatistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Density EstimationStatistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Clustering and Classification
Manuel I Komnenos and the Stone of Unction
Authors: Drpić Ivan 
Published: April 2019

For John DuffyThis article explores the fate of the Stone of Unction — the marble slab upon which, according to tradition, the dead body of Christ had been anointed for burial — in twelfth-century Byzantium. Focusing upon the Stone's association with Manuel I Komnenos, the article examines the imperial handling of this Passion relic in relation to broader trends in the devotional culture of the contemporary Byzantine élite. The special bond between the emperor and the relic, it is argued, should be seen as a manifestation of the pervasive desire, much in evidence during the Komnenian era, to personalise and even privatise the sacred.
Investigation of healthcare infection risks from water-related organisms: Summary of CDC consultations, 2014—2017
Authors: Perkins Kiran M. , Reddy Sujan C. , Fagan Ryan , Arduino Matthew J. , Perz Joseph F. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjective:Water exposures in healthcare settings and during healthcare delivery can place patients at risk for infection with water-related organisms and can potentially lead to outbreaks. We aimed to describe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consultations involving water-related organisms leading to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).Design:Retrospective observational study.Methods:We reviewed internal CDC records from January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2017, using water-related terms and organisms, excludingLegionella, to identify consultations that involved potential or confirmed transmission of water-related organisms in healthcare. We determined plausible exposure pathways and routes of transmission when possible.Results:Of 620 consultations during the study period, we identified 134 consultations (21.6%), with 1,380 patients, that involved the investigation of potential water-related HAIs or infection control lapses with the potential for water-related HAIs. Nontuberculous mycobacteria were involved in the greatest number of investigations (n = 40, 29.9%). Most frequently, investigations involved medical products (n = 48, 35.8%), and most of these products were medical devices (n = 40, 83.3%). We identified a variety of plausible water-exposure pathways, including medication preparation near water splash zones and water contamination at the manufacturing sites of medications and medical devices.Conclusions:Water-related investigations represent a substantial proportion of CDC HAI consultations and likely represent only a fraction of all water-related HAI investigations and outbreaks occurring in US healthcare facilities. Water-related HAI investigations should consider all potential pathways of water exposure. Finally, healthcare facilities should develop and implement water management programs to limit the growth and spread of water-related organisms.
Global well-posedness of advective Lotka–Volterra competition systems with nonlinear diffusion
Authors: Wang Qi , Yang Jingyue , Yu Feng 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis paper investigates the global well-posedness of a class of reaction–advection–diffusion models with nonlinear diffusion and Lotka–Volterra dynamics. We prove the existence and uniform boundedness of the global-in-time solutions to the fully parabolic systems under certain growth conditions on the diffusion and sensitivity functions. Global existence and uniform boundedness of the corresponding parabolic–elliptic system are also obtained. Our results suggest that attraction (positive taxis) inhibits blowups in Lotka–Volterra competition systems.
Aminochronology and time averaging of Quaternary land snail assemblages from colluvial deposits in the Madeira Archipelago, Portugal
Authors: New Evan , Yanes Yurena , Cameron Robert A.D. , Miller Joshua H. , Teixeira Dinarte , Kaufman Darrell S. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractUnderstanding the properties of time averaging (age mixing) in a stratigraphic layer is essential for properly interpreting the paleofauna preserved in the geologic record. This work assesses the age and quantifies the scale and structure of time averaging of land snail-rich colluvial sediments from the Madeira Archipelago (Portugal) by dating individual shells using amino acid racemization calibrated with graphite-target and carbonate-target accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon methods. Gastropod shells of Actinella nitidiuscula were collected from seven sites on the volcanic islands of Bugio and Deserta Grande (Desertas Islands), where snail shells are abundant and well preserved in Quaternary colluvial deposits. Results show that the shells ranged in age from modern to ~48 cal ka BP (calibrated radiocarbon age), covering the last glacial and present interglacial periods. Snail shells retrieved from two of the colluvial sites exhibit multimillennial age mixing (>6 ka), which significantly exceeds the analytical error from dating methods and calibration. The observed multimillennial mixing of these assemblages should be taking into consideration in upcoming paleoenvironmental and paleoecological studies in the region. The extent of age mixing may also inform about the time span of colluvial deposition, which can be useful in future geomorphological studies. In addition, this study presents the first carbonate-target radiocarbon results for land snail shells and suggests that this novel, rapid, and more affordable dating method offers reliable age estimates for small land snail shells younger than ~20 cal ka BP.
Fish oil supplementation during adolescence attenuates metabolic programming of perinatal maternal high-fat diet in adult offspring
Authors: Souza Aline F. P. , Souza Luana L. , Oliveira Lorraine S. , Cordeiro Aline , Souza Eliete , Kluck George E. G. , Atella Georgia C. , Trevenzoli Isis H. , Pazos-Moura Carmen C. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPerinatal maternal high-fat diet (HFD) increases susceptibility to obesity and fatty liver diseases in adult offspring, which can be attenuated by the potent hypolipidaemic action of fish oil (FO), ann-3 PUFA source, during adult life. Previously, we described that adolescent HFD offspring showed resistance to FO hypolipidaemic effects, although FO promoted hepatic molecular changes suggestive of reduced lipid accumulation. Here, we investigated whether this FO intervention only during the adolescence period could affect offspring metabolism in adulthood. Then, female Wistar rats received isoenergetic, standard (STD: 9 % fat) or high-fat (HFD: 28·6 % fat) diet before mating, and throughout pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, male offspring received the standard diet; and from 25 to 45 d old they received oral administration of soyabean oil or FO. At 150 d old, serum and hepatic metabolic parameters were evaluated. Maternal HFD adult offspring showed increased body weight, visceral adiposity, hyperleptinaemia and decreased hepatic pSTAT3/STAT3 ratio, suggestive of hepatic leptin resistance. FO intake only during the adolescence period reduced visceral adiposity and serum leptin, regardless of maternal diet. Maternal HFD promoted dyslipidaemia and hepatic TAG accumulation, which was correlated with reduced hepatic carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1a content, suggesting lipid oxidation impairment. FO intake did not change serum lipids; however, it restored hepatic TAG content and hepatic markers of lipid oxidation to STD offspring levels. Therefore, we concluded that FO intake exclusively during adolescence programmed STD offspring and reprogrammed HFD offspring male rats to a healthier metabolic phenotype in adult life, reducing visceral adiposity, serum leptin and hepatic TAG content in offspring adulthood.
Dismembered: Citizen Sacrifice in Rousseau's “The Levite of Ephraïm”
Authors: Bradley Arthur 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis essay seeks to explore the position of citizen sacrifice in Rousseau's political theology fromThe Social Contractto “The Levite of Ephraïm.” To summarize, I contend that Rousseau's political theology starts out by seeking to prohibit religious sacrifice as something inimical to both natural and positive law, but ends up attempting to appropriate or internalize this sacrificial economy within his theory of citizenship. If Rousseau presents his theory of civil religion as a means of neutralizing the violence of sectarian religions, for example, I contend that this civil profession of faith is itself a species of sacrificial theology which is explicitly designed to create a citizen who is capable of sacrificing their life to the state. In “The Levite of Ephraïm”—a prose poem which begins and ends with the dismemberment of a woman—Rousseau's political theology of citizen sacrifice assumes its most graphic allegorical form.