bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ocean pollution assessment by integrating physical law and site‐specific data
Authors: Lang Y. , Christakos G. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis work introduces the Bayesian maximum entropy (BME) perspective in the space–time characterization and prediction of ocean pollution. The proposed approach can outperform the standard numerical techniques that can also solve the partial differential equation representing the ocean pollution law but either cannot integrate in the solution any case‐specific information (provided by the hard or soft data available) or they do not provide a complete stochastic characterization of the ocean pollution phenomenon. This happens because the BME‐based solution of the ocean pollution law can both take advantage of any case‐specific data available and derive the complete probability density function throughout the space–time domain of interest, which can be then used to derive more than one kind of ocean pollution predictors (including the mean, the median, and the mode) at every point of this domain. Valuable insight into the proposed approach is gained by means of a simulation (synthetic) experiment that considers the advection–reaction law in the light of hard data and three different types of soft information in a controlled environment so a useful sensitivity analysis of the results can be performed (which is not usually possible in a real‐world case study). The uncertainty assessment of this experiment demonstrated that BME leads to improved ocean pollution predictions compared with the standard numerical technique. In principle, the higher the quality and informativeness of the site‐specific data, the more realistic should be the BME solution of the ocean pollution law under conditions of in situ uncertainty (this result also points out the importance of collecting data as informative as possible to maximize prediction accuracy). Moreover, the uncertainty assessment of the pollutant concentration predictions demonstrated that the BME approach makes good use of the soft data leading to improved ocean pollution predictions compared with predictions that do not involve soft data.
The impact of financial incentives on health and health care: Evidence from a large wellness program
Authors: Einav Liran , Lee Stephanie , Levin Jonathan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWorkplace wellness programs have become increasingly common in the United States, although there is not yet consensus regarding the ability of such programs to improve employees' health and reduce health care costs. In this paper, we study a program offered by a large U.S. employer that provides substantial financial incentives directly tied to employees' health. The program has a high participation rate among eligible employees, around 80%, and we analyze the data on the first 4 years of the program, linked to health care claims. We document robust improvements in employee health and a correlation between certain health improvements and reductions in health care cost. Despite the latter association, we cannot find direct evidence causally linking program participation to reduced health care costs, although it seems plausible that such a relationship will arise over longer horizons.
Improved biocompatibility of profiled sutures through lower macrophages adhesion
Authors: Eickhoff Roman M. , Bolle Tim , Kossel Klas , Heise Daniel , Kroh Andreas , Lambertz Andreas , Blaeser Andreas , Gries Thomas , Jockenhoevel Stefan , Neumann Ulf P. , Klink Christian D. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe biocompatibility of a textile implant is determined by various parameters, such as material composition and surface chemistry. However, little is known about the influence of geometry of sutures on biocompatibility. To elucidate this factor we focused on geometry‐modification resulting in ultrafine polyethylene terephthalate (UFPET) suture and a snowflake like shaped polyvenylidenfluorid (PVDF) suture.Forty‐eight rats were divided into two observation periods. In each rat 3 out of 4 sutures (profiled UFPET, snowflake‐like profiled PVDF, reference Prolene and Mersilene suture) were randomly placed into the subcutaneous tissue. Rats were euthanized after 7 and 21 days and samples were explanted. Foreign body granuloma was measured and expression of CD68, TUNEL, Ki‐67 and Collagen I/III ratio were determined.The profiled (snowflake) suture showed a significantly smaller FBG in comparison to standard sutures (p < 0.001). Both modified sutures showed a significant lower tissue remodeling by Ki‐67 and TUNEL expression (p < 0.03). Furthermore, profiled sutures caused a lower inflammatory reaction expressed in a significant lower amount of CD68 positive macrophages after 21 days (p < 0.001).Modifications of suture geometry alter the foreign body granuloma and the inflammatory reaction. Therefore, profiled sutures might be a promising approach to improve biocompatibility of textile mesh prosthesis. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1772–1778, 2019.
Role of miR‐142 in the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma and its potential as therapeutic approach
Authors: Shabani Parastoo , Izadpanah Sama , Aghebati‐Maleki Ali , Baghbani Elham , Baghbanzadeh Amir , Fotouhi Ali , Bakhshinejad Babak , Aghebati‐Maleki Leili , Baradaran Behzad 
Published: November 2018

AbstractOsteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant tumor of the bone with a strong tendency to early metastasis, and occurs in growing bones more commonly in children and adolescents. Considering the limited therapeutic methods and lack of 100% success of these methods, developing innovative therapies with high efficacy and lower side effects is needed. Meanwhile, miRNAs and the studies indicating the involvement of miRNAs in OS development have attracted attentions as a result of the frequent abnormalities in expression of miRNAs in cancer. miRNAs are noncoding short sequences with lengths ranging from 18 to 25 nucleotides that play a very important role in cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. MiRNAs can have either oncogenic or tumor suppressive role based on cellular function and targets. This review aimed to have overview on miR‐142 as a tumor suppressor in OS. Moreover, the genes involved in the disease, such as RAC1,
HMAG1,
MMP9,
MMP2, and
E‐cadherin, which have irregularities as a result of change in miR‐142 expression, and, thereby, result in increasing the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of the cells in the tissues and OS cells will be discussed.
Wnt and BMP signaling pathways co‐operatively induce the differentiation of multiple myeloma mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts by upregulating EMX2
Authors: Wei Xiao‐Fang , Chen Qiao‐Lin , Fu Yuan , Zhang Qi‐Ke 
Published: November 2018

AbstractOsteoblast differentiation, defined as the process whereby a relatively unspecialized cell acquires the specialized features of an osteoblast, is directly linked to multiple myeloma (MM) bone disease. Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) are proved to be implicated in the pathological or defective osteoblast differentiation process. This study aims to test the involvement of Wnt, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) pathways, and empty spiracles homeobox 2 (EMX2) in osteoblast differentiation and MM development. Initially, differentially expressed genes in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from MM patients and healthy donors were identified using microarray‐based gene expression profiling. The functional role of Wnt and BMP in MM was determined. Next, we focused on the co‐operative effects of Wnt and BMP on calcium deposition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, the number of mineralized nodules, and osteocalcin (OCN) content in MSCs. The expression patterns of Wnt and BMP pathway–related genes, EMX2 and osteoblast differentiation‐related factors were determined to assess their effects on osteoblast differentiation. Furthermore, regulation of Wnt and BMP in ectopic osteogenesis was also investigated in vivo. An integrated genomic screen suggested that Wnt and BMP regularly co‐operate to regulate EMX2 and affect MM. EMX2 was downregulated in MSCs. The activated Wnt and BMP resulted in more calcium salt deposits, mineralized nodules, and a noted increased in ALP activity and OCN content by upregulating EMX2, leading to induced differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts. Collectively, this study demonstrated that Wnt and BMP pathways could co‐operatively stimulate differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts and inhibit MM progression, representing potential targets for MM treatment.
IGFBP7 regulates sepsis‐induced acute kidney injury through ERK1/2 signaling
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , Ma Teng , Wan Xiaojian , Meng Yan , Zhao Zhenzhen , Bian Jinjun , Bao Rui , Deng Xiaoming , Yang Tao 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIGFBP7 as an early biomarker has been used to identify patients at risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI). Nevertheless, its role in AKI remains obscure. The aim of our study is to determine the role and mechanism of IGFBP7 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced HK‐2 cells in vitro and on sepsis‐induced AKI by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in vivo. Here, we identified that IGFBP7 expression was increased in patients with AKI and HK‐2 cells with LPS (1, 2, and 5 μg/mL) induction. HK‐2 cells with LPS induction showed cell cycle arrest at G1‐G0 phases and cell apoptosis and activated ERK1/2 parallel with the changes in the proteins belonging to the ERK1/2 pathway, including Cyclin D1, P21, Bax, and Bcl‐2, which were inhibited by the IGFBP7 knockdown. Moreover, IGFBP7 overexpression significantly induced cell cycle arrest at G1‐G0 phases and cell apoptosis of HK‐2 cells, which were inhibited by PD98509, an ERK1/2 signaling inhibitor. IGFBP7 knockdown effectively alleviated the severity of the renal injury, evidenced by decreases in the urinary levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and albumin, cell apoptosis, and activation of ERK1/2 signaling in CLP mice. Taken together, our findings indicate that IGFBP7 regulates sepsis‐induced AKI through ERK1/2 signaling.
Quantitative Modeling Analysis Demonstrates the Impact of CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 Genetic Polymorphisms on the Pharmacokinetics of Amitriptyline and Its Metabolite, Nortriptyline
Authors: Koh Ara , Pak Kwan Cheol , Choi Hee Youn , Ryu Sunae , Choi Seung‐eun , Kim Ki Soon , Bae Kyun‐Seop , Lim Hyeong‐Seok 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAmitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that is metabolized mainly by CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 enzymes. Higher plasma levels of amitriptyline and its active metabolite, nortriptyline, are associated with an increased risk of adverse events including anticholinergic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 genetic polymorphisms on amitriptyline and nortriptyline pharmacokinetics. Twenty‐four Korean healthy adult male volunteers were enrolled in the study after stratification by their CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 genotypes. Serial blood draws for pharmacokinetic analysis were made after a single oral 25‐mg dose of amitriptyline was administered. Plasma amitriptyline and nortriptyline concentrations were measured by a validated liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Population pharmacokinetic modeling analysis was conducted using NONMEM, which evaluated the effects of CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 genotypes on amitriptyline and nortriptyline pharmacokinetics. The biotransformation of amitriptyline into nortriptyline was significantly different between subjects with the CYP2C19*2/*2, *2/*3, and *3/*3 genotypes and those with the other genotypes, with an estimated metabolic clearance of 17 and 61.5 L/h, respectively. Clearance of amitriptyline through pathways other than biotransformation into nortriptyline was estimated as 18.8 and 30.6 L/h for subjects with the CYP2D6*10/*10 and *10/*5 genotypes and those with the other genotypes, respectively. This study demonstrated a quantitative effect of the CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 genotypes on amitriptyline and nortriptyline pharmacokinetics. Production of nortriptyline from amitriptyline was associated with CYP2C19 genotypes, and clearance of amitriptyline through pathways other than biotransformation into nortriptyline was associated with CYP2D6 genotypes. These observations may be useful in developing individualized, optimal therapy with amitriptyline.
Retention in care among clinically stable antiretroviral therapy patients following a six‐monthly clinical consultation schedule: findings from a cohort study in rural Malawi
Authors: Wringe Alison , Cawley Caoimhe , Szumilin Elisabeth , Salumu Leon , Amoros Quiles Isabel , Pasquier Estelle , Masiku Charles , Nicholas Sarala 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIntroductionLonger intervals between clinic consultations for clinically stable antiretroviral therapy (ART) patients may improve retention in care and reduce facility workload. We assessed long‐term retention among clinically stable ART patients attending six‐monthly clinical consultations (SMCC) with three‐monthly fast‐track drug refills, and estimated the number of consultations “saved” by this model of ART delivery in rural Malawi.MethodsStable patients (aged ≥18 years, on first‐line ART ≥12 months, CD4 count ≥300 cells/mL3, without opportunistic infections, not pregnant/breastfeeding) were eligible for SMCC, with three‐monthly drug refills from community health workers. Early enrollees were those starting SMCC within six months of eligibility, while late enrollees started at least 6 months after first eligibility. Kaplan–Meier methods were used to calculate cumulative probabilities of retention, stratified by timing of their enrolment and from first six‐monthly clinical consultation. Cox regression was used to measure attrition hazards from the first six‐monthly clinical consultation and risk factors for attrition, accounting for the time‐varying nature of their eligibility and enrolment in this model of care.ResultsFrom 2008 to 2015, 22,633 clinically stable patients from 11 facilities were eligible for SMCC for at least three months, contributing 74,264 person‐years of observation, and 18,363 persons (81%) initiated this model of care. The median time from eligibility to enrolment was 12 months and the median cumulative time on SMCC was 14.5 months. Five years after first SMCC eligibility, cumulative probabilities of retention were 85.5% (95% CI: 84.0% to 86.9%) among early enrollees and 93% (95% CI: 92.8% to 94.0%) among late enrollees. The cumulative probability of retention from first SMCC was 97.0% (95% CI: 96.7% to 97.3%) and 86% (95% CI: 85% to 87%) at one and five years respectively. Among eligible patients initiating SMCC, the adjusted hazards of attrition were 2.4 (95% CI: 2.0 to 2.8) times higher during periods of SMCC discontinuation compared to periods on SMCC. Male sex, younger age, more recent SMCC eligibility and WHO Stage 3/4 conditions in the past year were also independently associated with attrition from SMCC. Approximately 26,000 consultations were “saved” during 2014.ConclusionAfter five years, retention among patients attending SMCC was high, especially among women and older patients, and its scale‐up could facilitate universal access to ART.
Endometrial carcinoma: Evaluation using diffusion‐tensor imaging and its correlation with histopathologic findings
Authors: Yamada Ichiro , Wakana Kimio , Kobayashi Daisuke , Miyasaka Naoyuki , Oshima Noriko , Wakabayashi Akira , Saida Yukihisa , Tateishi Ukihide , Eishi Yoshinobu 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundAlthough the prognosis of endometrial carcinoma (EMC) patients strictly depends on tumor invasion depth and its histologic grade, accurate preoperative assessment of these prognostic factors is often difficult.PurposeTo determine the usefulness of diffusion‐tensor imaging (DTI) as a noninvasive method for evaluating tumor invasion depth and its histologic grade in patients with EMC.Study TypeProspective.PopulationTwenty‐five consecutive patients with histologically confirmed EMC who were surgically treated at our institution.Field Strength/SequenceDTI was performed with a 1.5T MRI system using a single‐shot echo‐planar imaging sequence with b values of 0 and 1000 s/mm2 and motion‐probing gradients in nine noncollinear directions.AssessmentFractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and axial diffusivity (AD) maps were analyzed by three observers and compared with histopathologic findings.Statistical TestsDunnett's test, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses.ResultsFA maps from all patients distinctly identified the junctional zone as a high‐FA zone (0.864 ± 0.037) that was significantly different from the endometrium and outer myometrium (0.251 ± 0.030 and 0.471 ± 0.091, respectively; P < 0.001). All EMCs were clearly depicted as hypointense areas on all DTI maps. AD maps provided the best tumor‐to‐uterus contrast, and EMCs (0.977 ± 0.120 × 10−3 mm2/s) had significantly lower AD values than all other layers of the normal uterine wall (2.166 ± 0.408, 2.010 ± 0.289, and 2.655 ± 0.203 × 10−3 mm2/s, respectively; P < 0.001). EMCs were clearly demarcated from the normal uterine wall, and DTI maps and histopathologic data yielded identical findings regarding tumor invasion depth. FA values showed a significant inverse correlation (r = –0.818; P < 0.001) with histologic grades 1, 2, and 3 of endometrioid adenocarcinomas.Data ConclusionIn patients with EMC, DTI may be useful for evaluating tumor invasion depth and its histologic grade.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:250–260.
The role of satellite glial cells in orofacial pain
Authors: Fan Wenguo , Zhu Xiao , He Yifan , Zhu Mengzhu , Wu Zhi , Huang Fang , He Hongwen 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSome chronic pain conditions in the orofacial region are common, the mechanisms underlying which are unresolved. Satellite glial cells (SGCs) are the glial cells of the peripheral nervous system. In the sensory ganglia, each neuronal body is surrounded by SGCs forming distinct functional units. The unique structural organization enables SGCs to communicate with each other and with their enwrapped neurons via a variety of ways. There is a growing body of evidence that SGCs can influence the level of neuronal excitability and are involved in the development and/or maintenance of pain. The aim of this review was to summarize the latest advances made about the implication of SGCs in orofacial pain. It may offer new targets for the development of orofacial pain treatment.
Choice of reference climate conditions matters in impact studies: Case of bias‐corrected CORDEX data set
Authors: Dobor Laura , Hlásny Tomáš 
Published: November 2018

Climate models have provided driving data for impact studies for decades. However, the uncertainties related to the use of such data have typically not been sufficiently considered. We investigate how CORDEX climate simulations, which were corrected for bias based on MESAN reanalysis data for the period of 1989–2010, match the gridded observational data set E‐OBS. Furthermore, we investigate whether the bias‐corrected simulations contain significant residual bias (RB), which we defined as the bias exceeding the range of the observational uncertainty (Uobs) that emerges from differences between the two data sets MESAN and E‐OBS. Because the reference period selected in climate change impact studies often differs from the period used for bias correction, we further investigated whether the RB and other performance metrics of the periods 1989–2010 and 1961–1990 differ. We conducted this assessment for whole Europe and for biogeographical zones.Most of the used performance metrics show a good match of the simulations with MESAN in the period of 1989–2010. The comparison against E‐OBS yields worse results, indicating a significant difference between the two observational data sets. Minor bias exceeding the range of Uobs (RB) occurred over large land areas of Europe in this period. Based on the analysis conducted for the period of 1961–1990, the RB is several times larger than that of the period of 1989–2010; the other metrics also show worse performances.Our findings imply that both the selection of the reference climate data set and reference period warrant greater attention in impact studies. In particular, we recommend researchers to use a bias correction period as reference period in their studies. Alternatively, a new bias correction should be applied if any different period is to be used as a reference.
Photothermal CH vibrational overtone detection by two‐color laser absorption
Authors: Diaz Marlon , Nyaupane Parashu R. , Diaz Ashley , Manzanares Carlos E. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn this experiment, the thermal lens technique is used with a modified arrangement of three lasers to induce a two‐color absorption. Two‐pump lasers, a variable wavelength orange dye laser (588–617 nm), a single line blue laser (488 nm), and a single line probe yellow laser (568 nm) are employed. A comparison is made between the magnitude of the thermal lens signal obtained with a one pump laser versus two pump lasers. The absorbing molecules are benzene and naphthalene in liquid n‐Hexane. The CH vibrational overtone spectra are obtained at room temperature for several concentrations. The molecules are excited to a high vibrational state (Δυ = 6) with the first laser and to an electronic level with a second laser (two‐color absorption). Using two pump lasers, the limit of detection of the molecule is several orders of magnitude more sensitive than using one pump laser. A nonlinear behavior of the integrated signal versus concentration is shown for the two‐color laser process. Linear behavior is shown for the one pump laser experiment. A model of signal amplification for a nonlinear absorption is presented to explain the results. The separation and identification of CH overtone bands in molecules and the sensitivity of the technique is emphasized to convey the potential use of CH overtone spectroscopy for imaging in thermal lens microscopy.
Cold Water Detergency of Triacylglycerol Semisolid Soils: The Effect of Salinity, Alcohol Type, and Surfactant Systems
Authors: Phaodee Parichat , Attaphong Chodchanok , Sabatini David A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractCold water detergency of triacylglycerol semisolid soils is much more challenging than liquid vegetable oils due to poorer interaction between surfactants and semisolid soil. This research seeks to improve the removal efficiency of semisolid soils below their melting points using surfactant‐based formulations containing different alcohol additives. To this end, cold water detergency of solid coconut oil and solid palm kernel oil was investigated in various surfactant/alcohol systems, including single anionic extended surfactants, single nonionic alcohol ethoxylate surfactants, and a mixture of anionic surfactants. A series of alcohols (2‐butanol, 1‐hexanol, 1‐heptanol, 1‐octanol, 1‐nonanol, and 1‐decanol) were added to the surfactant formulations to investigate cold water detergency improvement. While cold water detergency using surfactants alone was poor, it was considerably improved when optimum salinity (S*) and 1‐heptanol, 1‐octanol, or 1‐nonanol were introduced to the studied surfactant formulations. The maximum detergency of solid coconut oil exceeded 90% removal in the 0.1 w/v% C14‐15‐8PO‐SO4Na/0.2 w/v% 1‐octanol/4 w/v% NaCl system (a final optimized surfactant system) at a washing temperature of 10°C versus 22.9 ± 2.2% in the surfactant alone (not at optimum salinity and no additive). Further analysis showed that improved cold water detergency using surfactant/intermediate‐chain alcohols/NaCl could be correlated with high wettability (low contact angle) as well as favorable surfactant system‐soil interaction as observed by lower interfacial tension values. In contrast, the improved cold water detergency was observed to be independent of dispersion stability. This work thus demonstrates that surfactant system design, including additives, can improve cold water detergency of semisolid soils and should be further explored in future research.