bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of genomics literacy in reducing the burden of common genetic diseases in Africa
Authors: Mboowa Gerald , Sserwadda Ivan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn Africa, health practitioners and the current knowledge of the public on genetics and genomics is still very low and yet this has potential to reduce the burden of common genetic diseases. Many initiatives have promoted genomic research, infrastructure, and capacity building in Africa. What remains to be done is to improve genomics literacy among populations and communities while utilizing an array of strategies. Genomic literacy and awareness are key in the management of genetic diseases which includes diagnosis, prevention of complications and therapy. Africa is characterized by great cultural and language diversity thereby requiring a multidisciplinary approach to improving public and community genomics literacy and engagement. However, this is further complicated by having the fact that sub‐Saharan Africa is comprised of countries with the lowest literacy rates in the world.MethodsWe applied the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines to review genomic literacy in Africa using PubMed database.ResultsWe found very limited evidence of genomics literacy for genetic diseases in Africa.ConclusionWe propose a number of approaches that if adopted will significantly increase the genomic literacy and reduce the burden of genetic diseases in Africa.
Quinoxalinones Based Aldose Reductase Inhibitors: 2D and 3D‐QSAR Analysis
Authors: Masand Vijay H. , Elsayed Nahed N. , Thakur Sumersingh D. , Gawhale Nandkishor , Rathore Mithilesh M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn the present work, 2D‐ and 3D‐quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) analysis has been employed for a diverse set of eighty‐nine quinoxalinones to identify the pharmacophoric features with significant correlation with the aldose reductase inhibitory activity. Using genetic algorithm (GA) as a variable selection method, multivariate linear regression (MLR) models were derived using a pool of molecular descriptors. All the six‐descriptor based GA‐MLR QSAR models are statistically robust with coefficient of determination (R2)>0.80 and cross‐validated R2>0.77. The derived GA‐MLR models were thoroughly validated using internal and external and Y‐scrambling techniques. The CoMFA like model, which is based on a combination of steric and electrostatic effects and graphically inferred using contour plots, is highly robust with R2>0.93 and cross‐validated R2>0.73. The established QSAR and CoMFA like models are proficient in identify key pharmacophoric features that govern the aldose reductase inhibitory activity of quinoxalinones.
Technical Note: Consistency of PTW30013 and FC65‐G ion chamber magnetic field correction factors
Authors: Woodings S. J. , van Asselen B. , van Soest T. L. , de Prez L. A. , Lagendijk J. J. W. , Raaymakers B. W. , Wolthaus J. W. H. 
Published: May 2019

PurposeReference dosimetry in a strong magnetic field is made more complex due to (a) the change in dose deposition and (b) the change in sensitivity of the detector. Potentially it is also influenced by thin air layers, interfaces between media, relative orientations of field, chamber and radiation, and minor variations in ion chamber stem or electrode construction. The PTW30013 and IBA FC65‐G detectors are waterproof Farmer‐type ion chambers that are suitable for reference dosimetry. The magnetic field correction factors have previously been determined for these chamber types. The aim of this study was to assess the chamber‐to‐chamber variation and determine whether generic chamber type‐specific magnetic field correction factors can be applied for each of the PTW30013 and FC65‐G type ion chambers when they are oriented anti‐parallel (ǁ) to, or perpendicular (⊥) to, the magnetic field.MethodsThe experiment was conducted with 12 PTW30013 and 13 FC65‐G chambers. The magnetic field correction factors were measured using a practical method. In this study each chamber was cross‐calibrated against the local standard chamber twice; with and without magnetic field. Measurements with 1.5 T magnetic field were performed with the 7 MV FFF beam of the MRI‐linac. Measurements without magnetic field (0 T) were performed with the 6 MV conventional beam of an Elekta Agility linac. A prototype MR‐compatible PTW MP1 phantom was used along with a prototype holder that facilitated measurements with the chamber aligned 90° counter‐clockwise (⊥) and 180° (ǁ) to the direction of the magnetic field. A monitor chamber was also mounted on the holder and all measurements were normalized so that the effect of variations in the output of each linac was minimized. Measurements with the local standard chamber were repeated during the experiment to quantify the experimental uncertainty. Recombination was measured in the 6 MV beam. Beam quality correction factors were applied. Differences in recombination and beam quality between beams are constant within each chamber type. By comparing the results for the two cross calibrations the magnetic field correction factors can be determined for each chamber, and the variation within the chamber‐type determined.ResultsThe magnetic field correction factors within both PTW30013 and FC65‐G chamber‐types were found to be very consistent, with observed standard deviations for the PTW30013 of 0.19% (ǁ) and 0.13% (⊥), and for the FC65‐G of 0.15% (ǁ) and 0.17% (⊥). These variations are comparable with the standard uncertainty (k = 1) of 0.24%.ConclusionThe consistency of the results for the PTW30013 and FC65‐G chambers implies that it is not necessary to derive a new factor for every new PTW30013 or FC65‐G chamber. Values for each chamber‐type (with careful attention to beam energy, magnetic field strength and beam‐field‐chamber orientations) can be applied from the literature.
An update of the regulatory factors of sperm migration from the uterus into the oviduct by genetically manipulated mice
Authors: Xiong Wenfeng , Wang Zhugang , Shen Chunling 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMammalian reproductive processes involve spermatogenesis, which occurs in the testis, and fertilization, which takes place in the female genital tract. Fertilization is a successive, multistep, and extremely complicated event that usually includes sperm survival in the uterus, sperm migration through the uterotubal junction (UTJ) and the oviduct, sperm penetration through the cumulus cell layer and the zona pellucida, and sperm–egg fusion. There may be a complex molecular mechanism to ensure that the above processes run smoothly. Previous studies have discovered essential factors for these fertilization steps through in vitro fertilization experiments. However, recent gene disruption approaches in mice have revealed that many of the factors previously described as important for fertilization are largely dispensable in gene‐knockout animals, and some previously unknown factors are emerging. As a result, the molecular mechanisms of fertilization, especially sperm migration from the uterus into the oviduct, have recently been revised by the emergence of genetically modified animals. In this review, we only focus on and update the essential genes for sperm migration through the UTJ and describe recent advances in our knowledge of the basis of mammalian sperm migration.
Population‐based Bayesian regularization for microstructural diffusion MRI with NODDIDA
Authors: Mozumder Meghdoot , Pozo Jose M. , Coelho Santiago , Frangi Alejandro F. 
Published: May 2019

PurposeInformation on the brain microstructure can be probed by Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (dMRI). Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging with Diffusivities Assessment (NODDIDA) is one of the simplest microstructural model proposed. However, the estimation of the NODDIDA parameters from clinically plausible dMRI acquisition is ill‐posed, and different parameter sets can describe the same measurements equally well. A few approaches to resolve this problem focused on developing better optimization strategies for this non‐convex optimization. However, this fundamentally does not resolve ill‐posedness. This article introduces a Bayesian estimation framework, which is regularized through knowledge from an extensive dMRI measurement set on a population of healthy adults (henceforth population‐based prior).MethodsWe reformulate the problem as a Bayesian maximum a posteriori estimation, which includes as a special case previous approach using non‐informative uniform priors. A population‐based prior is estimated from 35 subjects of the MGH Adult Diffusion data (Human Connectome Project), acquired with an extensive acquisition protocol including high b‐values. The accuracy and robustness of different approaches with and without the population‐based prior is tested on subsets of the MGH dataset, and an independent dataset from a clinically comparable scanner, with only clinically plausible dMRI measurements.ResultsThe population‐based prior produced substantially more accurate and robust parameter estimates, compared to the conventional uniform priors, for clinically feasible protocols, without introducing any evident bias.ConclusionsThe use of the proposed Bayesian population‐based prior can lead to clinically feasible and robust estimation of NODDIDA parameters without changing the acquisition protocol.
A local multiple proper generalized decomposition based on the partition of unity
Authors: Ibáñez Rubén , Abisset‐Chavanne Emmanuelle , Chinesta Francisco , Huerta Antonio , Cueto Elías 
Published: May 2019

SummaryIt is well known that model order reduction techniques that project the solution of the problem at hand onto a low‐dimensional subspace present difficulties when this solution lies on a nonlinear manifold. To overcome these difficulties (notably, an undesirable increase in the number of required modes in the solution), several solutions have been suggested. Among them, we can cite the use of nonlinear dimensionality reduction techniques or, alternatively, the employ of linear local reduced order approaches. These last approaches usually present the difficulty of ensuring continuity between these local models. Here, a new method is presented, which ensures this continuity by resorting to the paradigm of the partition of unity while employing proper generalized decompositions at each local patch.
Microscopic design and optimization of hydrodynamically lubricated dissipative interfaces
Authors: Çakal Berkay Alp , Temizer İlker , Terada Kenjiro , Kato Junji 
Published: May 2019

SummaryA homogenization‐based topology optimization framework is developed, which can endow hydrodynamically lubricated interfaces with a micro‐texture, to achieve optimal macroscopic responses by addressing both dissipative and nondissipative physics at the interface. With respect to the homogenization aspects of the problem, the thermodynamic consistency of the two‐scale formulation is explicitly analyzed and verified. With respect to the topology optimization aspects, a variational approach to sensitivity analysis is pursued. Subsequently, these are employed in micro‐texture design studies, which address microscopic and macroscopic objectives. The influence of dissipation on the optimization results is demonstrated through extensive numerical investigations, which also highlight the importance of working in a sufficiently flexible design space that can deliver nearly optimal micro‐texture geometries.
Dietary intake of glucoraphanin prevents the reduction of dopamine transporter in the mouse striatum after repeated administration of MPTP
Authors: Pu Yaoyu , Qu Youge , Chang Lijia , Wang Si‐ming , Zhang Kai , Ushida Yusuke , Suganuma Hiroyuki , Hashimoto Kenji 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimsParkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Although diet may influence the development of PD, the precise mechanisms underlying relationship between diet and PD pathology are unknown. Here, we examined whether dietary intake of glucoraphanin (GF), the precursor of a natural antioxidant sulforaphane in cruciferous vegetables, can affect the reduction of dopamine transporter (DAT) in the mouse striatum after repeated administration of MPTP (1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine).MethodsNormal food pellet or 0.1% GF food pellet was given into male mice for 28 days from 8‐week‐old. Subsequently, saline (5 mL/kg × 3, 2‐hour interval) or MPTP (10 mg/kg × 3, 2‐hour interval) was injected into mice. Immunohistochemistry of DAT in the striatum was performed 7 days after MPTP injection.ResultsRepeated injections of MPTP significantly decreased the density of DAT‐immunoreactivity in the mouse striatum. In contrast, dietary intake of 0.1% GF food pellet significantly protected against MPTP‐induced reduction of DAT‐immunoreactivity in the striatum.ConclusionThis study suggests that dietary intake of GF food pellet could prevent MPTP‐induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity in the striatum of adult mice. Therefore, dietary intake of GF‐rich cruciferous vegetables may have beneficial effects on prevention for development of PD.
Intra‐Abdominal Adipose Tissue Quantification by Alternative Versus Reference Methods: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Murphy Jessica , Bacon Simon L. , Morais José A. , Tsoukas Michael A. , Santosa Sylvia 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveThis meta‐analysis aimed to assess the agreement between intra‐abdominal adipose tissue (IAAT) quantified by alternative methods and the reference standards, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsMEDLINE and EMBASE electronic databases were systematically searched to identify studies that quantified IAAT thickness, area, or volume by a comparator method and CT or MRI. Using an inverse variance weighted approach (random‐effects model), the mean differences and 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were pooled between methods.ResultsThe meta‐analysis included 24 studies using four comparator methods. The pooled mean differences were −0.3 cm (95% LoA: −3.4 to 3.2 cm; P = 0.400) for ultrasound and −11.6 cm2 (95% LoA: −43.1 to 19.9 cm2; P = 0.004) for bioelectrical impedance analysis. Dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) quantified both IAAT area and volume with mean differences of 8.1 cm2 (95% LoA: −98.9 to 115.1 cm2; P = 0.061) and 10 cm3 (95% LoA: −280 to 300 cm3; P = 0.808), respectively.ConclusionsUltrasound and DXA measure IAAT with minimal bias from CT or MRI, while bioelectrical impedance analysis systematically underestimates IAAT. However, with the exception of DXA for IAAT volume, the wide LoA caution against clinical or research use of the comparator methods and emphasize the need to optimize alternatives to the reference standards.
Three Decades of New Zealand Adults Obesity Trends: An Estimation of Energy Imbalance Gaps Using System Dynamics Modeling
Authors: Fallah‐Fini Saeideh , Vandevijvere Stefanie , Rezaei Tannaz , Heke Ihirangi , Swinburn Boyd 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveThe energy imbalance gap (EIG) captures the average daily excess energy intake and governs the speed of change in body mass. This study quantifies the dynamics of the EIG over time and across different ethnic, sex, and weight groups in New Zealand.MethodsA novel method in system dynamics was used to estimate the trends/dynamics of the EIG among Pacific, Māori, Asian, and European/other men and women over the past 3 decades in New Zealand. The model was calibrated using data from the national New Zealand Health Survey (1988‐2014/15).ResultsAll ethnic/sex subpopulations except European/other women and Pacific men showed a drop in their EIGs starting in early to mid‐2000. For European/other subpopulations, the EIG was positive in 2014/15 but lower than it was in previous years, meaning that the prevalence of obesity still increased but at a slower pace. For the Pacific subpopulation, increasing trends of the EIG across all BMI classes in 2014/15 implied that obesity prevalence for this subpopulation increased at a rate faster than before. Among Asian women, almost all BMI classes showed a negative EIG in 2012 to 2014/15, implying decreasing prevalence of obesity in this subpopulation. Māori populations with obesity showed a negative EIG in 2014/15.ConclusionsThe detailed heterogeneous trends of the EIG explain the obesity patterns for different ethnic, sex, and BMI subgroups in New Zealand and suggest the need for customizing targets/policy interventions for different subpopulations.
Zero‐order asymptotic solution of a class of singularly perturbed linear‐quadratic problems with weak controls in a critical case
Authors: Kurina Galina , Thi Hoai Nguyen 
Published: May 2019

SummaryWe consider a linear‐quadratic optimal control problem where the second power of a small parameter stands in front of the derivative and a control in a state equation and in front of a quadratic form with respect to control in a performance index; moreover, in the state equation, the nonhomogeneity has the first order of the power of a small parameter, and a matrix in front of the state variable is singular if the small parameter is equal to zero. Using immediate substituting a postulated asymptotic expansion of a solution, containing a regular series and four boundary layer functions series, into the problem condition, we obtain problems for finding asymptotic terms of the zero order for the optimal control and the first order for the optimal trajectory. An illustrative example is given.
Description of complementary actions of mineral and organic additives in thermoplastic polymer composites by Flame Retardancy Index
Authors: Vahabi Henri , Laoutid Fouad , Movahedifar Elnaz , Khalili Reza , Rahmati Negar , Vagner Christelle , Cochez Marianne , Brison Loic , Ducos Franck , Ganjali Mohammad Reza , Saeb Mohammad Reza 
Published: May 2019

This work visualizes the complementary actions of organic and mineral additives in model thermoplastic polymer composites in terms of Flame Retardancy Index (FRI). Thermal and flame retardancy behaviors of ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) composites containing calcium carbonate (CC) mineral and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) organic additives were studied varying composition of additives in the 80/20 EVA/(xCC + (20 − x)APP) composites with x denoting 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the onset temperature of composites and the remaining residue were increased by combination of APP and CC, while cone calorimetry results were indicative of a promising flame retardancy performance at a given composition of APP and CC. Based on FRI values, we made distinguished samples from flame retardancy performance viewpoint, where the best flame retardancy was obtained by combination of 15 wt% APP and 5 wt% CC, as reflected in FRI value of 3.08. By contrast, samples containing only APP or CC revealed low resistance against flame, as signaled by FRI values of 0.99 and 0.89, respectively. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was made on remaining residue collected at the end of cone calorimetry measurements. Moreover, Raman analysis confirmed barrier effect of flame retardancy for EVA/(5APP + 15CC) sample, featured by a higher graphitization level as well as a thicker yet more homogenous char layer. Mechanical behavior analysis of composites revealed an acceptable level of properties, particularly high elongation at break, which was almost independent of formulation. However, a minor loss in yield stress was observed, especially for EVA(10CC + 10APP) sample.
Influence of graphene reinforcement in conductive polymer: Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Dhakal Dilli R. , Lamichhane Pralhad , Mishra Kunal , Nelson Toby L. , Vaidyanathan Ranji K. 
Published: May 2019

Lightweight conductive polymers are considered for lightning strike mitigation in composites by synthesizing intrinsically conductive polymers (ICPs) and by the inclusion of conductive fillers in insulating matrices. Conductive films based on polyaniline (PANI) and graphene have been developed to improve through‐thickness conductivity of polymer composites. The result shows that the conductivity of PANI enhanced by blending polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and PANI in 3:1 ratio. Conductive composite thin films are prepared by dispersing graphene in PANI. The conductivity of composite films was found to increase by 40× at 20 wt% of graphene inclusion compared with PVP and PANI blend. Fourier‐transform‐infrared (FTIR) spectra confirmed in situ polymerization of the polymer blend. The inclusion of graphene also exhibits an increase in Tg by 21°C. Graphene additions also showed an increase in thermal stability by approximately 148°C in the composite films. The mechanical result obtained from DMA shows that inclusion of graphene increases the tensile strength by 48% at 20 wt% of graphene reinforcement. A thin, highly conductive surface that is compatible with a composite resin system can enhance the surface conductivity of composites, improving its lightning strike mitigation capabilities.
Preparation and characterization of corn starch/soy protein biocomposite film reinforced with graphene and graphene oxide nanoplatelets
Authors: Mansoori Elham , Behzad Tayebeh , Shafieizadegan‐Esfahani Ahmad Reza 
Published: May 2019

Corn starch (CS) and soy protein isolate (SPI), as inexpensive, abundant, and biodegradable materials, can chemically interact well with each other to produce biofilms. However, to overcome some of their physical and mechanical limitations, it is preferred to use their composite form, employing reinforcing materials. In this study, initially, graphene (G) and graphene oxide (GO) were synthesized by a green method. Then, to enhance the polymer blend final properties, the effects of adding G and GO in the range of 0.5 to 2 wt% on physical and mechanical properties of starch/protein blend were investigated. The results showed that the presence of 0.5‐wt% G and 2‐wt% GO significantly increased the modulus of starch/protein film from 252 to 578 and 449 MPa, respectively. In addition, the thermal stability of CS/SPI/GO (2 wt%) composite film was 50°C to 60°C more than that of the pure starch/protein film. On the other hand, G‐reinforced composite films tended to decline water diffusion compared with the pure polymer film. In addition, the composite film with 2‐wt% GO content had the lowest oxygen permeation rate (3.48 cm3 μm/m2d kpa) among the other composite films.
Hierarchical structure microspheres of PCL block copolymers via electrospraying as coatings for fabric with mechanical durability and self‐cleaning ability
Authors: Li Wulong , Wang Haipeng , Li Zhanxiong 
Published: May 2019

The various morphology and structure microspheres were fabricated via one‐step single‐solvent electrospraying of hydrophilic and hydrophobic block modified copolymer of polycaprolactone (PCL). A honeycomb‐like hierarchical structure microspheres of PCL‐b‐PTFOA(4h) and abundant nanometer pores of PCL‐b‐PEG400 microspheres were obtained due to the solvent evaporation, thermally and polymer diffusion‐induced phase separation effect. Furthermore, a superhydrophobic coatings and robust superhydrophobic‐coated cotton woven fabric surfaces were prepared by using PCL‐b‐PTFOA(4h) microspheres with hierarchical structure and low surface energy. The contact angle (CA) and sliding angle (SA) of PCL‐b‐PTFOA(4h) microspheres‐coated cotton woven fabric surfaces reached 164.4 ± 5.5° and 6.8 ± 0.5°, respectively, which allows for self‐cleaning. The self‐cleaning test demonstrated that the coated superhydrophobic surface could shed aqueous dyes and dust without any trace. The superhydrophobic‐coated fabric shows good soaping fastness against mechanical abrasion without significant reduction of CA. This electrospraying coating of block copolymers can provide a simple, facile, and promising technique for producing multifunctional textiles.