bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A simple approach to estimating freshwater discharge in branched estuarine systems
Authors: Nguyen Duc Hoang , Nguyen Duc Anh 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn tidal estuaries, quantifying freshwater discharge is still a difficult problem that has not yet been overcome due to the inherent difficulty in measuring and analysing the tidal discharge, especially during periods of low river flow. Because observations are often made in the stations further upstream, where the ratio of river to tidal discharge is large, it remains difficult to determine the discharge rate in the saline region. Freshwater discharge estimation is even more difficult in a branched estuary system having multiple diversion channels that connect with each other at a junction. To date, several methods have been developed for estimating freshwater discharge in estuaries. The most widely used are analytical and conceptual models that employ salinity as the principal trace and numerical simulations. However, these methods are very time consuming and costly as they require large sets of observations before the computations can take place. This paper presents a simple approach to investigating the discharge distribution over branched channels by considering the energy loss due to friction. We develop an analytical model that can obtain the discharge rate quantitatively at a junction where the main flow bifurcates into two branches. The model uses the bed roughness, tidal water level, and cross‐sectional profile under tidally averaged conditions as input data. Two selected estuarine systems in the Hiroshima delta in Japan and the Mekong delta in Vietnam have been investigated. Computations of the newly developed model show good agreement with earlier published results computed by sophisticated analytical and numerical models.
Ability of women to self‐classify into the Robson ten‐group classification system
Authors: Cal Margarida , Meira Alexandra , Clode Nuno 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectiveRecent guidelines from WHO and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) state that the Robson ten‐group classification system (TGCS) should be universally applied to pregnant women. Such information might enable women to make an informed decision about the place and mode of delivery. We assessed whether women could self‐classify correctly according to the TGCS.MethodsA prospective study was conducted in a tertiary level maternity hospital between March 6 and July 31, 2017. We included post‐partum women admitted to the puerperium ward. Participants were instructed to complete a multiple‐choice questionnaire with a simplified description of TGCS and to classify themselves into one of the ten groups. A practitioner reclassified women into the correct TGCS group. Cohen κ was applied to measure the rate of agreement between these two evaluations.Results400 women were enrolled, with a global rate of agreement of 81.8% between women's self‐evaluation and the evaluation by the practitioner. A subanalysis showed that the highest rate of agreement was among the group with higher level education (84.0%).ConclusionWomen of different ages and education backgrounds were able to correctly classify themselves into the TGCS. The higher the educational level, the greater the rate of agreement.
In vivo assay of the potential gadolinium‐induced toxicity for sensory hair cells using a zebrafish animal model
Authors: Rah Yoon Chan , Han Eun Jung , Park Saemi , Rhee Jihye , Koun Soonil , Park Hae‐Chul , Choi June 
Published: June 2018

AbstractRecently, intratympanic injection of gadolinium‐based contrast agent (GdC) is growing in use to visualize the endolymphatic hydrops. Although GdC has been quite safely used over 20 years through intravenous injection, the biological influence of GdC on sensory hair cells needs to be thoroughly assessed for wider clinical application of it through intratympanic injection. In this in vivo experimental study, the summated number of sensory hair cells (SO1, SO2, O1 and OC1 neuromasts) showed a steep decrease in the group exposed to 10% and 20% GdC (35.7 ± 7.3, 15.09 ± 10.82, respectively, P < .01) compared with the control group (47.18 ± 2.30). An increase in apoptosis was also observed in the group exposed to 20% gadolinium (7.20 ± 5.56), as compared with the control group (0.08 ± 0.72) or the group exposed to 10% gadolinium (3.48 ± 3.32). A significant reduction in the viable cytoplasmic mitochondria was observed in embryos exposed to 20% GdC (369 ± 124 μm2, P = .01) as compared with control embryos (447 ± 118 μm2) or embryos exposed to 10% GdC (420 ± 108 μm2). GdC administration did not impact peripheral neural structures. GdC caused a significant reduction in sensory hair cell counts in response to high concentrations along with increased apoptosis and mitochondrial damage. However, it may not be likely that GdC will lead to hair cell toxicity, as the estimated concentration in the inner ear after clinically tried intratympanic injection is far more diluted than the non‐toxic concentration (0.625%) that was tested in this study.
Electrochemical recognition of taurine biomarker in unprocessed human plasma samples using silver nanoparticlebased nanocomposite: A new platform for early stage diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases of the nervous system
Authors: Hasanzadeh Mohammad , Javidi Elnaz , Jouyban Abolghasem , Mokhtarzadeh Ahad , Shadjou Nasrin , Mahboob Soltanali 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe rapid and accurate determination of the level of taurine biomarker in various tissues and body fluids can be of great interest in the early diagnosis of several important pathologies and diseases. In the present study, an innovative electrochemical interface for quantitation of taurine based on ternary signal amplification strategy was fabricated. In this work, silver nanoparticles were electrodeposited onto green and biocompatible nanocomposite containing α‐cyclodextrin as conductive matrix. Therefore, a double layer film based on α‐cyclodextrin and silver nanoparticles was exploited to develop a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for detection of taurine. Fully electrochemical methodology was used to prepare a transducer on a glassy carbon electrode which provided a high surface area towards sensitive detection of taurine biomarker. The surface morphology of electrode surface was characterized by high‐resolution field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM). The proposed sensing platform provides a simple tool for taurine detection. The calibration curve for taurine concentration was linear in 0.7 nM to 0.1 mM with low limit of quantification of 0.7 nM. The practical analytical utility of the modified electrode was illustrated by determination of taurine in unprocessed human plasma samples with recovery of 90.8% to 104%.
Platelet‐rich fibrin/biphasic calcium phosphate impairs osteoclast differentiation and promotes apoptosis by the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway in chronic periodontitis
Authors: Kumar Anil , Mahendra Jaideep , Samuel Shila , Govindraj Jayamathi , Loganathan Tholcopiyan , Vashum Yaongamphi , Mahendra Little , Krishnamoorthy Thiagarajan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe study explored the effect of platelet‐rich fibrin/biphasic calcium phosphate (PRF/BCP) on differentiation and survival of osteoclasts obtained from peripheral blood of CP patients.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 25 patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and 25 healthy individuals were assayed for cluster of differentiation14+ (CD14+) expression and monocytes were induced to differentiate into osteoclasts for 21 days in‐vitro in the presence of macrophage colony stimulating factor (M‐CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand (RANKL). We assessed the number of osteoclasts by tartrate‐acid resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)‐positivity. The mechanism of apoptosis was studied with reference to expression of Bcl‐2, Bax, Bcl‐xL, nuclear factor kappa‐light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB), caspase 3/9 and DNA fragmentation.ResultsWe observed a relative increase in the proportion of circulating osteoclasts in test group than control group (healthy individuals). In addition, osteoclast precursors in untreated cells (CP) were more osteoclastogenic as compared to cells treated with PRF/BCP and hence, there was a significant increase in the number of osteoclasts in CP. In PRF/BCP treated cells, we found a direct inhibition of transcription factor NF‐κB with an increased caspase 3/9 levels and caspase 3 activity. Additionally, the protein expression and transcriptional profile of Bax was upregulated and Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL levels were down‐regulated on treatment with PRF/BCP.ConclusionOur results revealed that the PRF/BCP displayed an inhibitory role in osteoclasts formation and its molecular mechanism of action was related to the apoptosis induction through intrinsic mitochondrial pathway.
Graphene‐coated magnetic‐sheet solid‐phase extraction followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection for the determination of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 in soy‐based samples
Authors: Nouri Nina , Sereshti Hassan , Farahani Ali 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA new method named graphene‐coated magnetic‐sheet solid‐phase extraction based on a magnetic three‐dimensional graphene sorbent was developed for the extraction of aflatoxins prior to high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The use of a perforated magnetic‐sheet for fixing the magnetic nanoparticles is a new feature of the method. Hence, the adsorbent particles can be separated from sample solution without using an external magnetic field. This made the procedure very simple and easy to operate so that all steps of the extraction process (sample loading, washing, and desorption) were carried out continuously using two lab‐made syringe pumps. The factors affecting the performance of extraction procedure such as the extraction solvent, adsorbent dose, sample loading flow rate, ionic strength, pH, and desorption parameters were investigated and optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the obtained enrichment factors and limits of detection were in the range of 205–236 and 0.09–0.15 μg/kg, respectively. The relative standard deviations were <3.4 and 7.5% for the intraday (n = 6) and interday (n = 4) precisions, respectively. The developed method was successfully applied to determine aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 in different soy‐based food samples.
Dimensions of Growth? Examining the Distinctiveness of the Five Factors of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory
Authors: Silverstein Madison W. , Witte Tracy K. , Lee Daniel J. , Kramer Lindsay B. , Weathers Frank W. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPosttraumatic growth, defined as positive transformation following trauma, is commonly measured using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996) and is postulated to comprise five distinct domains: Changes in Relationships, Life Possibilities, Personal Strength, Spirituality, and Appreciation of Life. However, research has indicated that the model fit is not good and the factors are highly intercorrelated. Further, no studies have formally examined the heterogeneity of correlations of the five factors with external constructs. In an effort to examine the construct validity of the five‐factor model of the PTGI, the present study aimed to examine the degree to which the theorized five factors demonstrate meaningful differential associations with relevant external correlates. Participants were 400 undergraduate students who reported having experienced a stressful event and completed the Life Events Checklist forDSM‐5, PTGI, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist forDSM‐5, Grit Scale‐12, Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale‐10, and Work and Social Adjustment Scale. We found few instances of significant differentiation, and effect sizes for pairwise comparisons were generally small, Cohen'sqs = 0.01–0.35. Although factor analytic evidence suggests there are five distinct underlying constructs, our results indicated that these factors do not significantly differ in their associations with external correlates. Implications for use of the PTGI and future research directions are discussed.
Everolimus‐eluting bioabsorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) versus everolimus‐eluting metallic stents (EES) at 3 years: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Medveczky David , O'Loughlin Aiden 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundThis systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the Absorb bioabsorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) versus everolimus‐eluting metallic stents (EES) at 3 years.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and relevant websites for articles published between 30 November 2006 and 18 December 2017. The primary efficacy outcome was target lesion revascularization (TLR), and the primary safety outcome was definite or probable stent (scaffold) thrombosis. Secondary outcomes included target lesion failure, myocardial infarction (MI), death, all revascularization and a patient‐oriented composite end‐point. We derived odds ratios (ORs) for the outcomes according to a fixed‐effects model. His study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42017084290).ResultsWe included five trials comprising data for 3,575 patients randomized to receive BVS (n = 2,256) or EES (n = 1,319). Patients treated with the BVS had a non‐statistically significant increased risk of TLR (OR 1.30 [95% CI 0.95–1.78]; p = 0.10). Patients treated with the BVS had a higher risk of definite or probable stent thrombosis (OR 2.68 [95% CI 1.57–4.58]; p < 0.001), target lesion failure (1.41 [1.12–1.78]; p = 0.004), MI (1.49 [1.13–1.98]; p = 0.005) and a patient‐oriented composite end‐point (1.21 [1.01–1.44]; p = 0.038) than those treated with an EES. Patients treated with the BVS had no statistically significant difference in death (0.80 [0.51–1.25]; p = 0.325) and all revascularization (1.12 [0.91–1.40]; p = 0.052) compared to those treated with an EES.ConclusionEverolimus‐eluting bioabsorbable vascular scaffolds are inferior to everolimus‐eluting metallic stents at 3 years.
Predictors of plate extrusion in oromandibular free flap reconstruction
Authors: Prasad Jessica , Sahovaler Axel , Theurer Julie , Yeh David H. , Fung Kevin , MacNeil S. Danielle , Yoo John , Nichols Anthony C. 
Published: June 2018

ObjectivesPlate extrusions after free tissue transfer for mandibular reconstruction can be problematic and generally require revision surgery. Our objective was to assess the predictors of plate extrusion and compare outcomes between fibular free flaps (FFF), lateral border scapular flaps (LBSF), and scapular tip free flaps (STFF).MethodsRetrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent osseous free tissue reconstruction of the mandible (2008‐2014) at Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario. Patient demographics and treatment‐related information were collected.ResultsWe identified 134 procedures and 27 (20.2%) plate extrusions (21/61 FFF, 3/49 STFF, and 3/24 LBSF). Freedom from extrusion after 2 years was significantly associated with the use of FFF (P = .003, HR 6.09 1.82‐20.44), performing 1 osteotomy (P = .03, HR 2.61 1.08‐6.31), and anterior mandibular defects (P = .01, HR 2.66 1.25‐5.66) in the univariate model. FFF's were employed more frequently in younger patients, with 2.4 mm plates, more anterior defects, and with a greater number of osteotomies (P < .001). However, after controlling for these variables in multivariate analyses the use of a FFF was the only significant predictor of extrusion at 2 years (P = .006, HR 3.68 1.46‐9.28).ConclusionsAt our institution, use of the STFF predicts mandibular defects that are less prone to developing plate extrusion and FFF tended to be used more frequently in anterior defects with osteotomies. However, after controlling for these factors use of the FFF appeared to have higher rates of extrusion than scapular flaps. Further prospective studies controlling for defect variables are needed to elucidate the risk factors for plate extrusion.
Securely collecting multidimensional health information from patients with rheumatoid arthritis using smart device technology: Beneficial effect for physicians and patients
Authors: Ikeda Keigo , Sekiguchi Naoya , Hirai Takuya , Tanji Kana , Zushi Atsuko , Inoue Mayumi , Takasago Masayuki , Komatsu Takaaki , Morimoto Shinji , Yamaji Ken , Takamori Kenji , Tamura Naoto , Sekigawa Iwao 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimA challenge to the medical care of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the management of the wide variety of information, including medication history and disease status, obtained from multiple sources to inform treatment decisions. To address this important clinical issue, we developed a data management system, based on smart device technology, and evaluated the benefit of this information to medical experts in helping them to form an impression of patients' health and disease, and treatment status before examination.MethodsFifty‐seven patients with RA input relevant information about their condition and responses to a self‐report health assessment questionnaire into a smart device template before their scheduled examination. The efficacy of the system was assessed as a decrease in examination time at each visit, and the correlation between the self‐reported Multi‐Dimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire and the 28‐joint Disease Activity Score 28‐joint count erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28‐ESR), which was used as a gold standard.ResultsExamination duration was reduced in most patients at each visit. During the study, there were no limitations for patients with poor eyesight or severe arthropathy in using the system. In fact, the majority of patients found the smart technology to be easier to use than hand‐written questionnaires and health forms, regardless of age and disease activity.ConclusionsOur findings support the use of smart technology to provide accurate patient‐specific data and to streamline the process of medical care for patients with RA.
Inverse analysis for geomaterial parameter identification using Pareto multiobjective optimization
Authors: Jiang Qinghui , Sun Yang , Yi Bing , Li Tiansheng , Xiong Feng 
Published: June 2018

SummaryAn inverse analysis method that combines the back propagation neural network (BPNN) and vector evaluated genetic algorithm (VEGA) was proposed to identify mechanical geomaterial parameters for a more accurate prediction of deformation. The BPNN is used to replace the time‐consuming numerical calculations, thus enhancing the efficiency of the inverse analysis. The VEGA is used to find the Pareto‐optimal solutions to multiobjective functions. Unlike traditional back‐analysis methods which are based on only 1 type of field measurement and a single objective function, this proposed method can consider multiple field observations simultaneously. The proposed method was applied to the Shapingba foundation pit excavation located in Chongqing city, China. Two types of measurements are considered in the method simultaneously: the displacements in the x‐direction (north orientation) and those in the y‐direction (east orientation). Five deformation modulus parameters for artificial backfill soil, silty clay, siltstone, sandstone, and mudstone were selected as the inversion parameters. Compared with the weighted sum approach, the proposed method was demonstrated as an efficient multi‐objective optimization tool for back calculating undetermined parameters. After performing a forward‐calculation using the optimized parameters obtained by the inverse analysis, the predicted results were well consistent with the practical deformation in magnitude and trend.
Evaluation of dependent variable, time effect, covariates, and covariation structure in concentration‐QTc modeling: A simulation study
Authors: Huang Dalong (Patrick) , Xiao Shan , Dang Qianyu , Tsong Yi 
Published: June 2018

SummaryThe revised ICH E14 Question and Answer (R3) document issued in December 2015 enables pharmaceutical companies to use concentration‐QTc (C‐QTc) modeling as the primary analysis for assessing QTc prolongation risk of new drugs. A new approach by including the time effect into the current C‐QTc model is introduced. Through a simulation study, we evaluated performances of different C‐QTc modeling with different dependent variables, covariates, and covariance structures. This simulation study shows that C‐QTc models with ΔQTc being dependent variable without time effect inflate false negative rate and that fitting C‐QTc models with different dependent variables, covariates, and covariance structures impacts the control of false negative and false positive rates. Appropriate C‐QTc modeling strategies with good control of false negative rate and false positive rate are recommended.
Assimilation of horizontal line‐of‐sight winds with a mesoscale EnKF data assimilation system
Authors: Šavli Matic , Žagar Nedjeljka , Anderson Jeffrey L. 
Published: June 2018

This paper compares the horizontal line‐of‐sight (HLOS) wind observations with a single wind component and full wind information in a limited‐area domain over Europe and the North Atlantic. The motivation for the study is the forthcoming Aeolus mission of the European Space Agency which will provide vertical profiles of HLOS winds.A new observing system simulation experiment framework was developed using the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART) ensemble adjustment Kalman filter (EAKF) data assimilation with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model at a horizontal resolution of 15 km. The 50‐member EAKF/WRF is nested in the operational 50‐member ensemble prediction system of ECMWF (ENS) using model‐level data available twice per day. The ensemble spread at lateral boundaries provided by ENS, especially in the North Atlantic, is shown to be sufficient to carry out experiments without covariance inflation.Results show that the information content of HLOS winds is on average divided linearly between the zonal and meridional wind components depending on the observation azimuth. In areas of significant covariances such as fronts in the Atlantic, multivariate covariance information provides significant useful analysis increments from the HLOS wind observations, especially if observations are aligned along the front. The application of the spatially and temporally adaptive prior inflation improved all scores compared with the case without inflation.
Active zone structure‐function relationships at the neuromuscular junction
Authors: Homan Anne E. , Meriney Stephen D. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe impact of presynaptic transmitter release site organization on synaptic function has been a vibrant area of research for synaptic physiologists. Because there is a highly nonlinear relationship between presynaptic calcium influx and subsequent neurotransmitter release at synapses, the organization and density of calcium sources (voltage‐gated calcium channels [VGCCs]) relative to calcium sensors located on synaptic vesicles is predicted to play a major role in shaping the dynamics of neurotransmitter release at a synapse. Here we review the history of structure‐function studies within transmitter release sites at the neuromuscular junction across three model preparations in an effort to discern the relationship between VGCC organization and synaptic function, and whether that organizational structure imparts evolutionary advantages for each species.