bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combination of Whole Grapeseed Flour and Newly Isolated Kefir Lactic Acid Bacteria Reduces High‐Fat‐Induced Hepatic Steatosis
Authors: Kwon Ji‐Hye , Lee Hyeon Gyu , Seo Kun‐Ho , Kim Hyunsook 
Published: December 2018

ScopeThis study aims to determine the separate and combined effect of a prebiotic (catechin‐rich wine grapeseed flour, GSF) and a probiotic (newly isolated kefir lactic acid bacteria, LAB) on hepatic steatosis of obese mice.Methods and resultsHigh‐fat (HF)‐induced obese mice are fed a HF diet containing 6% microcrystalline cellulose (MCC, control), 10% GSF, orally administrated LAB, or a combination of GSF and LAB for 9 weeks. There is a significant reduction of body weight gain and liver weights, plasma insulin concentrations, and HOMA‐IR in all experimental groups compared to control. Total lipid content, triglyceride, and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol concentrations of the liver are also significantly lowered. The combination of GSF and LAB further significantly affects cecum propionate content, plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST/GOT), and zonulin concentrations, which is significantly correlated with hepatic lipid content. Analysis of hepatic microarray data reveals that genes related to lipid synthesis, bile acid and cholesterol synthesis, antioxidant activities, oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver function are significantly modulated following the combination of GSF and LAB.ConclusionThese data suggest that amelioration of HF‐induced hepatic steatosis after consumption of GSF and LAB is partially mediated via alteration of cecum propionate and intestinal permeability, which modulates hepatic gene expression.
Predictive gamma passing rate by dose uncertainty potential accumulation model
Authors: Shiba Eiji , Saito Akito , Furumi Makoto , Murakami Yuji , Ohguri Takayuki , Tsuneda Masato , Yahara Katsuya , Nishio Teiji , Korogi Yukunori , Nagata Yasushi 
Published: December 2018

PurposeIntensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) utilizes many small fields for producing a uniform dose distribution. Therefore, there are many field junctions in the target region, and resulting dose uncertainties are accumulated. However, such accumulation of the dose uncertainty has not been implemented in the current practice of IMRT dose verification. The purpose of this study is to develop a method to predict the gamma passing rate (GPR) using a dose uncertainty accumulation model.MethodsThirty‐three intensity‐modulated (IM) beams for head‐and‐neck cases with step‐and‐shoot techniques were used in this study. The treatment plan was created using the XiO treatment planning system (TPS). The IM beam was produced by the ONCOR Impression Plus linear accelerator. MapCHECK was used to measure the dose distribution. The distribution of a dose uncertainty potential (DUP) was generated by in‐house software that accumulated field shapes weighted by a segmental monitor unit, followed by Gaussian folding. The width of the Gaussian was determined from the width of the lateral penumbra. The dose difference between the calculated and measured doses was compared with the estimated DUP at each point. The GPR of each beam was predicted for 2%/2‐mm, 3%/2‐mm, and 3%/3‐mm tolerances by its own DUP histogram and a GPR‐vs‐DUP correlation of other beams using the leave‐one‐out cross‐validation method. The predicted GPR was compared with the measured GPR to evaluate the performance of this prediction method. The criteria for the predicted GPR corresponding to a measured GPR ≥ 90% were estimated to examine the feasibility of estimating the measured GPR by this GPR prediction method.ResultsThe DUP was confirmed to have proportionality to the standard deviation (SD) of the dose difference. The SDs of the difference between the measured and predicted GPRs were 3.1, 1.7, and 1.4% for 2%/2‐mm, 3%/2‐mm, and 3%/3‐mm tolerances, respectively. The criteria of the predicted GPR corresponding to the measured GPR ≥ 90% were 94.1 and 95.0% with confidence levels of 99 and 99.9%, respectively.ConclusionIn this study, we confirmed the good proportionality between the dose difference and the estimated DUP. The results showed a feasibility to predict the dose difference from DUP as estimated by a DUP accumulation model. The predicted GPR developed in this study showed good accuracy for planar dose distributions of head and neck IMRT. The prediction method developed in this study is considered to be feasible as a substitute for the current practice of measurement‐based verification of the dose distribution with gamma analysis.
Evaluation of multi‐frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis for the assessment of body composition in individuals with obesity
Authors: Sullivan P. A. , Still C. D. , Jamieson S. T. , Dixon C. B. , Irving B. A. , Andreacci J. L. 
Published: December 2018

SummaryObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare body composition measurements estimated by multi‐frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF‐BIA) with air displacement plethysmography (ADP) in individuals with obesity.MethodsBariatric patients were recruited from Geisinger's Center for Nutrition and Weight Management Clinic in Danville, Pennsylvania. Sixty‐two participants (age = 52.4 ± 9.3 years; body mass index = 38.9 ± 8.0 kg m−2) reported for a same‐day testing visit. Body composition was measured using a common MF‐BIA analyzer (InBody 720, Biospace Co., Beverly Hills, CA) and ADP.ResultsStrong relationships were observed between MF‐BIA and ADP methods (r = 0.88–0.96, P < 0.001). There were no differences between MF‐BIA and ADP measures of per cent body fat, fat mass or fat‐free mass for the total sample or when examined by gender.ConclusionsThe InBody 720 MF‐BIA analyzer produced body composition measurements that were similar to ADP supporting the use of this technology in the obese population.
Entropic effect implication for change in polymer coils swelling state in the demixing enthalpy recovery of aqueous poly(vinyl methyl ether) solutions
Authors: Song Li , Lin Jiaxiang , He Yang , Li Jingqing , Sheng Jing , Jiang Shichun , Huang Dinghai 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTTime‐dependent demixing enthalpy recovery behavior of aqueous poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) solutions exhibits distinct recovery characteristics in three concentration regions. The absence of recovery behavior below a water concentration of 38.3 wt % indicates that the PVME coil is in a globular state. The typically sigmoidal recovery behavior of demixing enthalpy above 38.3 wt % is ascribed to the reswelling of the collapsed polymer coils induced by the entropic effect. The increase in difference between the upper and lower limits indicates the continued swelling of the PVME coils. Above 65 wt %, a dominant diluting effect can be observed, and a much longer phase separation time is needed to reach the expected lower limit. In contrast, the recovery of demixing enthalpy in a wide range of water concentration (from 38.3 to 90 wt %) exhibits the same feature. The infrared spectroscopy results are in agreement with the above macroscopic differential scanning calorimetry results. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 142–151
Efficacy of problem‐solving therapy for spouses of men with prostate cancer: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Malcarne Vanessa L. , Ko Celine M. , Roesch Scott C. , Banthia Rajni , Sadler Georgia Robins 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectiveProstate cancer can have a significant negative impact on patients and their spouses. Problem‐solving therapy (PST) has been shown to help reduce distress and improve quality of life among cancer and caregiver populations. This study tested the efficacy of PST for spouses of men with prostate cancer.MethodsSpouses of men diagnosed with prostate cancer within the past 18 months (N = 164) were randomly assigned to PST (n = 78) or usual psychosocial care (UPC; n = 86). Spouses completed measures of constructive and dysfunctional problem solving, cancer‐related distress, mood, physical and mental health, and dyadic adjustment at preintervention and post‐intervention and 3‐month post‐intervention follow‐up.ResultsConstructive problem solving increased from pre‐intervention to post‐intervention among spouses receiving PST but not for spouses receiving UPC; this was maintained at follow‐up. There was no decrease in dysfunctional problem solving. Spouses receiving PST versus UPC reported less cancer‐related distress post‐intervention and at follow‐up. There were no significant changes in mood or physical and mental health. Dyadic adjustment was significantly better for spouses receiving PST versus UPC at post‐intervention but not at follow‐up. Improvements in constructive problem solving mediated better mood and dyadic adjustment post‐intervention.ConclusionsResults support the efficacy of PST for improving spouses' constructive problem solving. There was evidence of both direct and mediated positive effects of PST for both individual and dyadic adjustment. PST may be useful for improving individual and dyadic outcomes for spouses of men with prostate cancer.
Periostin levels in children without respiratory disease
Authors: O'Connell Patricia , Gaston Benjamin , Bonfield Tracey , Grabski Theresa , Fletcher David , Shein Steven L. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundPeriostin is a protein that serves as a downstream marker of the T‐helper type 2 (Th2) cell response. It may serve to identify drug‐responsive inflammatory phenotypes, particularly in children with asthma and possibly bronchiolitis. There are no published levels of periostin in healthy children <2 years of age, limiting interpretation of periostin levels in disease. We sought to explore the range of periostin levels of children <2 years without significant confounding illnesses.MethodsChildren undergoing clinically indicated phlebotomy or having a peripheral intravenous catheter inserted prior to general anesthesia or procedural sedation were enrolled. A 0.5 mL sample of blood was collected and frozen at −70°C. After thawing, periostin was measured with a Luminex assay (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN). Medical record review and/or parental interview elicited potential variables associated with periostin. Association was evaluated using Mann‐Whitney rank sum test, Kruskal‐Wallis ANOVA, and Spearman correlation as appropriate.ResultsAmong 43 children (23 male, 20 female, age range 9‐15.7 months), periostin levels were inversely correlated to age (r = −0.438, P = 0.003). Periostin levels also differed significantly between children <12mo (734.0 [576.6‐906.5] ng/mL), 12‐18mo (645.1 [363.8‐538.2] ng/mL) and >18mo (416.4 [363.8‐538.15] ng/mL) (P < 0.001).ConclusionIn our sample of relatively healthy patients <2 years old, periostin levels were inversely correlated with age and not dependent on other studied variables. However, further work is needed to establish normal periostin values in young children.
The role of polysomnography in decannulation of children with brain and spinal cord injuries
Authors: Morrow Amanda K. , Tunkel David E. , Collaco Joseph M. , McGrath‐Morrow Sharon A. , Lam Janet C. , Accardo Jennifer A. , Rybczynski Suzanne V. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this retrospective review was to determine the utility of polysomnography (PSG) in influencing the decision to decannulate pediatric patients with brain and spinal cord injuries in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital setting.MethodsBetween 2010 and 2016, data were collected on pediatric patients with brain and/or spinal cord injuries who had PSG performed with the goal of decannulation. Patients underwent a decannulation protocol involving toleration of continuous tracheostomy capping and bedside tracheoscopy by otolaryngology. Decision to decannulate was determined with input from multiple disciplines. Associations were examined between decannulation success and findings on PSG as well as demographic factors, injury characteristics, otolaryngology findings, and timeline from initial injury to selected events.ResultsA total of 46 patients underwent PSG, after which 38 (83%) were deemed appropriate and eight (17%) were deemed inappropriate for decannulation. Individuals who were deemed ready for decannulation had significantly lower obstructive apnea hypopnea indexes (AHI) (1.7 vs 5.4 events/h, P = 0.03), respiratory disturbance indexes (RDI) (2.4 vs 7.6 events/h, P = 0.006), and peak end tidal carbon dioxide (CO2) levels (50.0 vs 58.7 torr, P = 0.009) on PSG compared to those who were not decannulated. There were no complications following decannulation prior to discharge.ConclusionPSG provided important additional information as part of a multidisciplinary team assessment of clinical readiness for decannulation in pediatric patients with brain and spinal cord injuries who underwent a decannulation protocol. Obstructive AHI, RDI, and peak end tidal CO2 level were associated with successful decannulation prior to discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.
Robust nonlinear control of atomic force microscope via immersion and invariance
Authors: Keighobadi Jafar , Hosseini‐Pishrobat Mehran , Faraji Javad , Oveisi Atta , Nestorović Tamara 
Published: December 2018

SummaryThis paper reports an immersion and invariance (I&I)–based robust nonlinear controller for atomic force microscope (AFM) applications. The AFM dynamics is prone to chaos, which, in practice, leads to performance degradation and inaccurate measurements. Therefore, we design a nonlinear tracking controller that stabilizes the AFM dynamics around a desired periodic orbit. To this end, in the tracking error state space, we define a target invariant manifold, on which the system dynamics fulfills the control objective. First, considering a nominal case with full state measurement and no modeling uncertainty, we design an I&I controller to render the target manifold exponentially attractive. Next, we consider an uncertain AFM dynamics, in which only the displacement of the probe cantilever is measured. In the framework of the I&I method, we recast the robust output feedback control problem as the immersion of the output feedback closed‐loop system into the nominal full state one. For this purpose, we define another target invariant manifold that recovers the performance of the nominal control system. Moreover, to handle large uncertainty/disturbances, we incorporate the method of active disturbance rejection into the I&I output feedback control. Through Lyapunov‐based analysis of the closed‐loop stability and robustness, we show the semiglobal practical stability and convergence of the tracking error dynamics. Finally, we present a set of detailed, comparative software simulations to assess the effectiveness of the control method.
Mesoporous V‐Zr Catalysts for Selective Formation of 1,4‐Naphthoquinone by Degradation of Naphthalene with Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Yu Chaojie , Zhou Zhiwei , Qin Juan , Li Yang , Liu Guang , Wu Wenliang 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn order to control the deep oxidation of naphthalene with hydrogen peroxide for increasing the 1,4‐naphthoquinone selectivity, the mesoporous V−Zr samples were prepared by evaporation induced self‐assembly (EISA) method, and their physical chemical properties were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer, N2 sorption, Raman, temperature programmed oxidation, scanning electron microscope‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope techniques. The characterization results showed that the vanadium species can be successfully homogeneously incorporated into the ordered framework of mesoporous ZrO2, and it would stabilize the tetragonal ZrO2 phase and increase the temperature of phase transformation from tetragonal to monoclinic phase. The highest surface areas and appropriate pore volumes derived from more oxygen vacancies owing to the valence unbalance between the vanadium and zirconium species for the 12V−Zr‐773 sample with the Xm value of 1.1% has a better catalytic performance than other catalysts, whose selectivity of 1,4‐naphthoquinone can reach 67.7%. The catalytic performance would be promoted and the catalytic stability can be kept well even after reaction for five times using ascorbic acid as reducer. This method can provide a valuable reference for the degradation of naphthalene to the protection of the environment.
Composition of MoO2 Nanoparticles with RGO Sheets as Improved Lithium Ion Battery Anode
Authors: Patil Shivaraj B. , Kishore Brij , Reddy Viswanath , Ganganagappa Nagaraju 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThough molybdenum dioxide (MoO2) has attractive properties, conductivity is still threat to its implementation as it is very low compared to graphite. Herein, we have come up with MoO2‐rGO nanocomposite to mitigate this drawback, where nano sized MoO2 particles have been synthesised and supported with graphene sheets. Several physicochemical characterization techniques have been used to confirm the desired state of the obtained material. In this report, rGO supported MoO2 nanoparticles have been investigated as an anode for lithium ion battery and its electrochemical properties have been extensively studied. The new architecture exhibits excellent electrochemical performance by delivering a high discharge capacity of 1205 mA h g−1 even after 100 cycles. It also exhibits good rate capability by delivering discharge capacities of 809, 753, 675 mA h g−1 at current rates of 1 C, 3 C and 5 C, respectively.
SOX2 Regulates P63 and Stem/Progenitor Cell State in the Corneal Epithelium
Authors: Bhattacharya Swarnabh , Serror Laura , Nir Eshkar , Dhiraj Dalbir , Altshuler Anna , Khreish Maroun , Tiosano Beatrice , Hasson Peleg , Panman Lia , Luxenburg Chen , Aberdam Daniel , Shalom-Feuerstein Ruby 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Mutations in key transcription factors SOX2 and P63 were linked with developmental defects and postnatal abnormalities such as corneal opacification, neovascularization, and blindness. The latter phenotypes suggest that SOX2 and P63 may be involved in corneal epithelial regeneration. Although P63 has been shown to be a key regulator of limbal stem cells, the expression pattern and function of SOX2 in the adult cornea remained unclear. Here, we show that SOX2 regulates P63 to control corneal epithelial stem/progenitor cell function. SOX2 and P63 were co-expressed in the stem/progenitor cell compartments of the murine cornea in vivo and in undifferentiated human limbal epithelial stem/progenitor cells in vitro. In line, a new consensus site that allows SOX2-mediated regulation of P63 enhancer was identified while repression of SOX2 reduced P63 expression, suggesting that SOX2 is upstream to P63. Importantly, knockdown of SOX2 significantly attenuated cell proliferation, long-term colony-forming potential of stem/progenitor cells, and induced robust cell differentiation. However, this effect was reverted by forced expression of P63, suggesting that SOX2 acts, at least in part, through P63. Finally, miR-450b was identified as a direct repressor of SOX2 that was required for SOX2/P63 downregulation and cell differentiation. Altogether, we propose that SOX2/P63 pathway is an essential regulator of corneal stem/progenitor cells while mutations in SOX2 or P63 may disrupt epithelial regeneration, leading to loss of corneal transparency and blindness. Stem Cells 2019;37:417–429
The Impact of Integrin β2 on Granulocyte/Macrophage Progenitor Proliferation
Authors: Zhang Li-Jie , Yan Cen , Schouteden Sarah , Ma Xiao-Juan , Zhao Dong , Peters Thorsten , Verfaillie Catherine M. , Feng Ying-Mei 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Previously, we reported that although the HSPC frequency in bone marrow cells (BMC) was comparable between β2−/− and β2+/+ mice, transplantation of β2−/− BMC into lethally irradiated CD45.1 recipient resulted in more myeloid cell production than β2+/+ BMC. The objective of this study is to address if integrin β2 deficiency skews granulocyte/macrophage progenitor (GMP) proliferation. FACS analysis demonstrated that GMP frequency and cell number were higher and megakaryocyte/erythrocyte progenitor frequency and cell number were lower in β2−/− mice than β2+/+ mice. However, the common myeloid progenitors (CMP) frequency and cell number were similar between the two groups. The increased GMP number was due to GMP proliferation as evidenced by the percentage of BrdU-incorporating GMP. Whole genome transcriptome analysis identified increased FcεRIα expression in β2−/− CMP compared to β2+/+ CMP. FcεRIα expression on β2−/− GMP was detected increased in β2−/− mice by qRT-PCR and FACS. Although transplantation of FcεRIαhi GMP or FcεRIαlo GMP into lethally irradiated CD45.1 recipient resulted in comparable myeloid cell production, transplantation of β2 deficient FcεRIαhi GMP generated more myeloid cells than β2+/+ FcεRIαhi GMP. GATA2 expression was increased in β2−/− GMP. Using a luciferase reporter assay, we demonstrated that mutation of the GATA2 binding site in the FcεRIα promoter region diminished FcεRIα transcription. In vitro, the addition of IgE, the ligand of FcεRIα, promoted GMP expansion, which was abrogated by inhibition of JNK phosphorylation. Integrin β2 deficiency promoted GMP proliferation and myeloid cell production, which was mediated via FcεRIα/IgE-induced JNK phosphorylation in GMP. Stem Cells 2019;37:430–440
Defining Narration
Authors: Elleström Lars 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis chapter concisely demarcates narration within the broad field of communication. The story, which should be understood as the scaffolding core of a narrative, is circumscribed as represented events that are temporally interrelated in a meaningful way. This definition is precise enough to be operable, yet general enough to work transmedially. After specifying a number of vital implications of the definition, these implications are elaborated in the context of some concepts in semiotics and cognitive science.
Tramways in Urban Areas: An Overview on Safety at Road Intersections
Authors: Guerrieri Marco 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Although the accident number involving trams is comparatively very limited to the total road accident number, the consequences of tram crashes are very serious, especially when pedestrians are run over. The new power supply technologies (e.g. catenary-free systems) allow to build tram networks, even in old town centres and pedestrian areas, with additional increased risk of pedestrian casualties. This will require specific design solutions and traffic regulations for road safety as described in this paper, with particular regard to vulnerable users (i.e. pedestrians and cyclists), especially near intersections and pedestrian crossings. Therefore, the research analyses the road accident rate and its evolution in the last 10 years with specific focus on Italian tramways. The main risk conditions and the strategies used worldwide to improve the safety of tramway system in the urban context are described. The main countermeasures to reduce accident risks are aimed at better warning road users of specific risk conditions. Other countermeasures are designed to install suitable facilities on road platforms for better informing users of tramway system, for limiting or temporarily prohibiting turning movements or manoeuvrings and for properly channelling pedestrian and vehicle flows with the purpose to avoid or reduce interference with trams.