bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of orphan drug policies in treating rare diseases
Authors: Weerasooriya Shalini U. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis paper is based on Shalini Weerasooriya's Masters dissertation in Public Health at the University of Sheffield. A literature review was conducted to understand the role that orphan drug policies have played in the development of new treatments for rare diseases. The impacts of the policies were categorised as ‘tangible’ or ‘intangible’ and further synthesis identified 10 main themes such as incentives for investment, criteria for eligibility and assessment of drug applications and further guidance to industry during the drug development cycle. The review concludes that whilst policies have contributed positively towards improving the research and development of orphan drugs it has not exhausted its uses and must now shift its focus to facilitating greater accessibility and affordability of the treatments and that stakeholders are essential to the success of this process. Implications for practice are identified, for example the need to further update and refine the policy with changing demographics and advancing technologies and, in particular, greater collaboration and involvement through, for example, evidence based training programmes is recommended. It is concluded that focus must shift to address the gap between having available drugs and being able to access and afford them.F.J.
Interfacial reaction during co‐sintering of lithium manganese nickel oxide and lithium aluminum germanium phosphate
Authors: Deiner L. Jay , Howell Thomas G. , Koenig Gary M. , Rottmayer Michael A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractUnderstanding interface evolution during co‐sintering of solid Li‐ion conducting electrolytes and Li‐metal oxide cathodes is crucial to development of solid state batteries. In this work, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal gravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC) document changes at the lithium manganese nickel oxide (LMNO)/lithium aluminum germanium phosphate interface during sintering. Measurements are performed as a function of sintering gas environment (air vs N2). Upon sintering, manganese is reduced from +4 to a mixture of +4, +3, and +2, while nickel is oxidized from +2 to a mixture of +2 and +3. The Mn2+ species does not arise when LMNO is sintered alone. XRD identifies formation of new chemical phases, LiGe0.5M0.5PO4 (where M = Mn3+ or Ni3+), AlPO4, and NiMn2O4, also not observed when LMNO is sintered alone. The emergence of resistive interfacial phases may offset the increase in conductivity expected when Mn3+ is formed.
Bioactive behavior of mesoporous silica particle (MCM‐41) coated bioactive glass‐based scaffolds
Authors: Boccardi Elena , Liverani Liliana , Boccaccini Aldo R. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA complete characterization of a novel family of multifunctional bioactive glass (45S5 composition) (BG)‐based scaffolds for bone tissue engineering is presented. Scaffolds were developed via replication method of polyurethane packaging foam and natural marine sponge “Spongia Agaricina”. In order to increase the therapeutic functionality, the scaffolds were coated with mesoporous silica particles (MCM‐41), which can act as drug delivery carrier, increase the bioactivity of the combined system and release Si ions, essential for the gene stimulation of osteoblast cells and for inducing new bone matrix formation. The MCM‐41 particles were synthetized directly inside the scaffolds (CCM) or after the synthesis they were dispersed in ethanol and used for impregnation (PCM) of the scaffolds. The effect of the particles on the bioactivity of the scaffolds was assessed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for up to 7 days. The results indicate the possibility to obtain a multifunctional BG‐scaffold system with enhanced bioactivity and reduced pH increase when in contact with physiological fluids.
The Footloose Entrepreneur model with a finite number of equidistant regions
Authors: Gaspar José M. , Castro Sofia B.S.D. , Correia‐da‐Silva João 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe study the Footloose Entrepreneur model with a finite number of equidistant regions, focusing on the analysis of stability of agglomeration, total dispersion, and boundary dispersion. As the number of regions increases, there is more tendency for agglomeration and less tendency for dispersion. As it tends to infinity, agglomeration always becomes stable while dispersion always becomes unstable. These results are robust to any composition of the global workforce and its dependence on the number of regions. Numerical evidence suggests that boundary dispersion is never stable. We introduce exogenous regional heterogeneity and obtain a general condition for stability of agglomeration.
Robust super‐hydrophobic ceramic coating on alumina with water and dirt repelling properties
Authors: Li Yanan , Gu Jianqiang , Wang Junwei , Xu Xin , Winnubst Louis , Chen Chusheng 
Published: April 2019

AbstractArtificial super‐hydrophobic surfaces are required for various applications. The super‐hydrophobic surfaces are usually made by applying a low surface‐energy organic coating on a highly textured substrate. A major problem with the as‐created surfaces is their poor durability. This problem is even severer for the surfaces created by applying the organic coating on inorganic substrates. The present study reports for the first time the all‐inorganic super‐hydrophobic surface created by modifying the inorganic substrates with polymer‐derived inorganic coating. A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film was applied to an alumina substrate having flower‐like hierarchal micro‐nano surface texture, and then subjected to pyrolysis at 400°C in a nonoxidizing atmosphere. As a result, a SixCyOz ceramic coating with low‐surface energy methyl groups was formed on the alumina substrate. The as‐modified alumina exhibited super‐hydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 170° and a sliding angle of 5°. The super‐hydrophobicity was well retained after abrasion with sandpaper and exposure to boiling water and acidic solution. The super‐hydrophobic alumina demonstrated desired water repelling and self‐cleaning function. The method explored in this study could also be used for super‐hydrophobic surface modification of other inorganic materials such as glass and metals.
Noncompliance with non‐accounting securities regulations and GAAP violations
Authors: Choi Sunhwa , Young Steven , Zhang Xiu‐Ye 
Published: April 2019

AbstractUsing enforcement actions by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a proxy for noncompliance with securities regulations, we examine whether a firm's compliance with non‐accounting laws and regulations is associated with GAAP violations. We find that firms that violate securities regulations related to non‐accounting issues are more likely to report accounting restatements than control firms that comply with securities regulations. We also find that the difference between the two groups is significant only for the periods subsequent to the start of the noncompliance period but not for periods prior to this date. Our results highlight the interrelation between the accounting and compliance systems, and suggest that managers who are non‐compliant with non‐accounting regulations are also more likely to be non‐compliant with accounting rules.
IRF3 and IRF7 mediate neovascularization via inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Simons Karin H. , de Vries Margreet R. , de Jong Rob C. M. , Peters Hendrika A. B. , Jukema J. Wouter , Quax Paul H. A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo elucidate the role of interferon regulatory factor (IRF)3 and IRF7 in neovascularization.MethodsUnilateral hind limb ischaemia was induced in Irf3−/−, Irf7−/− and C57BL/6 mice by ligation of the left common femoral artery. Post‐ischaemic blood flow recovery in the paw was measured with laser Doppler perfusion imaging. Soleus, adductor and gastrocnemius muscles were harvested to investigate angiogenesis and arteriogenesis and inflammation.ResultsPost‐ischaemic blood flow recovery was decreased in Irf3−/− and Irf7−/− mice compared to C57BL/6 mice at all time points up to and including sacrifice, 28 days after surgery (t28). This was supported by a decrease in angiogenesis and arteriogenesis in soleus and adductor muscles of Irf3−/− and Irf7−/− mice at t28. Furthermore, the number of macrophages around arterioles in adductor muscles was decreased in Irf3−/− and Irf7−/− mice at t28. In addition, mRNA expression levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (tnfα, il6, ccl2) and growth factor receptor (vegfr2), were decreased in gastrocnemius muscles of Irf3−/− and Irf7−/− mice compared to C57BL/6 mice.ConclusionDeficiency of IRF3 and IRF7 results in impaired post‐ischaemic blood flow recovery caused by attenuated angiogenesis and arteriogenesis linked to a lack of inflammatory components in ischaemic tissue. Therefore, IRF3 and IRF7 are essential regulators of neovascularization.
Using implementation science to build intimate partner violence screening and referral capacity in a fracture clinic
Authors: Velonis Alisa J. , O'Campo Patricia , Rodrigues Jessica J. , Buhariwala Pearl 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesOver the past two decades, research informing good clinical practices related to intimate partner violence (IPV) has been plentiful, yet partner violence screening remains challenging to translate into action. In spite of the documented efficacy of routine screening for women of reproductive age and the availability of validated screening instruments, many IPV screening programmes lack the components necessary for success. In Toronto, a multidisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians is using the tools of implementation science to scale up an evidence‐based IPV screening and response programme in an urban orthopaedic clinic where prior screening attempts have been ineffective.MethodsUsing the Active Implementation Framework as a guide, researchers collected data across multiple sources to inform the first stage of implementation. Analysis focused on identifying the characteristics of the clinic that support or hinder implementation of new processes, evidence‐based screening practices that fit with the clinic, and characteristics of a strong implementation team.ResultsThrough this process, researchers and clinicians uncovered organizational strengths and weaknesses related to IPV screening that may not have been identified previously. The need to incorporate technology into our screening processes became apparent, as did the importance of shared communication and colearning between clinicians and researchers.ConclusionsThe benefits of investing in the preparatory phases of implementation are discussed. Without undertaking the process of gathering and analysing data, examining the factors that support effective and sustainable implementation, and investing in the creation of a strong implementation team, it is likely that decisions about our screening approaches would have resulted in a less‐effective and sustainable process.
Comprehensive study of intrinsic viscosity, steady and oscillatory shear rheology of Barhang seed hydrocolloid in aqueous dispersions
Authors: Niknam Rasoul , Ghanbarzadeh Babak , Ayaseh Ali , Adun Perihan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBarhang seed (Plantago major seed [PMS]) is rich of gum and can be potentially used as a new hydrocolloid in foodstuffs for different purposes. Rheological behaviors of hydrocolloids are the most important features of them in food applications. For this reason, the different rheological behaviors of the PMS gum in aqueous solutions were determined. The PMS gum solutions showed shear thinning and thixotropic behaviors depend on concentrations. The resulted data from steady shear flow tests demonstrated that the stress–shear rate, apparent viscosity–shear rate, and stress–time data were well fitted in Herschel–Bulkley, Carraeu, and Figuni–Shoemaker models with high R2 and lower RMSE values. In strain and frequency sweep experiments, the PMS solutions with 0.1 and 0.5% wt/vol concentration indicated viscous‐like behavior which related to lack of strong interactions in the structure however, the samples with 1 and 2% wt/vol showed gel‐like behavior which was attributed to more stable interactions between polysaccharide chains. Intrinsic viscosity of this hydrocolloid was in the range of 19.211–19.683 dL/g, which indicates random coil structure of PMS gum in solution.Practical applicationsThe most important functional property of hydrocolloids is thickening features, which are related to their ability in enhancing of viscosity and formation of gel structure at relatively low concentration. Thickening and viscoelastic properties of hydrocolloids have critical role in consumer acceptance and stability of different food products such as fruit juices, sauces, ready jells, and desserts. Hence, identification and determination of properties of new food hydrocolloids are interested in food industries.
Life cycle assessment of recirculating aquaculture systems: A case of Atlantic salmon farming in China
Authors: Song Xingqiang , Liu Ying , Pettersen Johan Berg , Brandão Miguel , Ma Xiaona , Røberg Stian , Frostell Björn 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRecirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are an alternative technology to tackle the major environmental challenges associated with conventional cage culture systems. In order to systematically assess the environmental performance of RAS farming, it is important to take the whole life cycle into account so as to avoid ad hoc and suboptimal environmental measures. So far, the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) in aquaculture, especially to indoor RAS, is still in progress. This study reports on an LCA of Atlantic salmon harvested at an indoor RAS farm in northern China. Results showed that 1 tonne live‐weight salmon production required 7,509 kWh farm‐level electricity and generated 16.7 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (eq), 106 kg of SO2 eq, 2.4 kg of P eq, and 108 kg of N eq (cradle‐to‐farm gate). In particular, farm‐level electricity use and feed product were identified as primary contributors to eight of nine impact categories assessed (54–95% in total), except the potential marine eutrophication (MEU) impact (dominated by the grow‐out effluents). Among feed ingredients (on a dry‐weight basis), chicken meal (5%) and krill meal (8%) dominated six and three, respectively, of the nine impact categories. Suggested environmental improvement measures for this indoor RAS farm included optimization of stocking density, feeding management, grow‐out effluent treatment, substitution of feed ingredients, and selection of electricity generation sources. In a generic context, this study can contribute to a better understanding of the life cycle environmental impacts of land‐based salmon RAS operations, as well as science‐based communication among stakeholders on more eco‐friendly farmed salmon.
Using spatially explicit commodity flow and truck activity data to map urban material flows
Authors: Yeow Lih Wei , Cheah Lynette 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTo analyze and promote resource efficiency in urban areas, it is important to characterize urban metabolism and particularly, material flows. Material flow analysis (MFA) offers a means to capture the dynamism of cities and their activities. Urban‐scale MFAs have been conducted in many cities, usually employing variants of the Eurostat methodology. However, current methodologies generally reduce the study area into a “black box,” masking details of the complex processes within the city's metabolism. Therefore, besides the aggregated stocks and flows of materials, the movement of materials—often embedded in goods or commodities—should also be highlighted. Understanding the movement and dispersion of goods and commodities can allow for more detailed analysis of material flows. We highlight the potential benefits of using high‐resolution urban commodity flows in the context of understanding material resource use and opportunities for conservation. Through the use of geographic information systems and visualizations, we analyze two spatially explicit datasets: (1) commodity flow data in the United States, and (2) Global Positioning System‐based commercial vehicle (truck) driver activity data in Singapore. In the age of “big data,” we bring advancements in freight data collection to the field of urban metabolism, uncovering the secondary sourcing of materials that would otherwise have been masked in typical MFA studies. This brings us closer to a consumption‐based, finer‐resolution approach to MFA, which more effectively captures human activities and its impact on urban environments.
Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus leukoderma treated with melanocyte‐keratinocyte transplantation procedure
Authors: Abdo Aguiar Lara Silveira , Rossini Rita de Cássia , Mesquita Lismary Aparecida de Forville , Dellatorre Gerson 
Published: April 2019

SummaryDepigmented lesions may occur as postinflammatory sequelae of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE), leading to great psychosocial impact. A 53‐year‐old male patient presented with post‐SCLE depigmented facial lesions after five years of disease stability. We proposed surgical treatment with melanocyte‐keratinocyte transplantation procedure (MKTP), and after five months the patient achieved 90% repigmentation, without Koebner phenomenon (KP). In theory, KP is a possible complication of MKTP procedure since the preparation of the receptor area involves the use of dermabrasion. In an attempt to avoid it, we suggest to maintain the treatment of the underlying disease and wait for a minimum period of disease stability before the procedure.
No impact of treated hyperprolactinemia on cumulative live birth rate and perinatal outcomes in in vitro fertilization‐embryo transfer
Authors: Duan Yuwei , Liu Xinyan , Hou Wenhui , Deng Mingfen , Gao Jun , Zhou Canquan , Xu Yanwen 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimTo investigate whether treated hyperprolactinemia has an impact on pregnancy outcomes in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection‐embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI‐ET).MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted on 535 women who underwent IVF/ICSI‐ET between January 2012 and December 2016, of which 123 had treated hyperprolactinemia (case group), 369 were matched controls. Besides, 43 remained hyperprolactinemic after treatment consisted of abnormal group. Cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) after one oocyte retrieval cycle was taken as the primary outcome. A time‐to‐event analysis using Fine and Gray's test was used to compare CLBR between case and control groups.ResultsThe median prolactin level was 80.00 ng/mL before dopamine agonist treatment in case group, and it reduced to 14.80 ng/mL after the treatment, similar to the level of control group (15.17 ng/mL, P = 0.316). No significant differences in baseline characteristics were found between case and control groups. The CLBR after one oocyte retrieval cycle were 69.1% (85/123) and 66.4% (245/369) in the case group and control group, respectively (P = 0.580). No significant differences were found between case and control groups in perinatal outcomes. Pregnancy and perinatal outcomes of abnormal group were similar to those of case and control groups.ConclusionImpact of treated hyperprolactinemia on CLBR and perinatal outcomes in IVF‐ET was not evident.
The ratio of cavum septi pellucidi width to anteroposterior cerebellar diameter: A novel index as a diagnostic adjunct for prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 18
Authors: He Miao , Du Liu , Xie Hongning , Lei Ting , Zheng Qiao , Wu Lihong 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimTo explore the effectiveness of cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) width to anteroposterior cerebellar diameter (APCD) ratio as a diagnostic adjunct for prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 18.MethodsImages of normal fetal brain within 15 and 35 weeks were stored in our center from 2016 to 2017. Images of aneuploid fetuses were retrospectively collected from 2004 to 2017. The transverse cerebellar diameter, APCD and CSP width were measured. CSP/APCD and APCD/transverse cerebellar diameter ratios were calculated and compared between euploid and aneuploid fetuses.ResultsOne thousand and forty one fetuses were analyzed, including 817 euploid fetuses and 224 aneuploid fetuses (trisomy 21 117 cases, trisomy 18 82 cases, trisomy 13 9 cases, sex‐linked 16 cases). No correlation had been found between both ratios and gestational weeks (P > 0.05). In aneuploid groups, means of ratios were both significantly different just between trisomy 18 group and euploid group (P < 0.05). The best area under the curve was shown by the CSP/APCD ratio. The cutoff value of CSP/APCD was 0.46 (sensitivity 87.0%, specificity 85.0%).ConclusionA wide CSP or cerebellar hypoplasia warrants a more detailed ultrasound screening and genetic counseling. A larger CSP/APCD ratio alerts us to trisomy 18 syndrome, especially in cases with subtle anomalies.
Identifying Indicators of Readiness and Capacity for Implementing Farm‐to‐School Interventions
Authors: Lee Eunlye , Smathers Carol , Zubieta Ana C. , Ginnetti Sarah , Shah Anjli , Freedman Darcy A. 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDFarm‐to‐school interventions are recommended strategies to improve dietary behaviors among school‐aged children. Tools are needed to assess community readiness and capacity to optimize farm‐to‐school implementation. The objective of this study was to identify and prioritize factors to inform tailored farm‐to‐school implementation by practitioners working in diverse contexts.METHODSPractitioners and community residents (N = 194) participated in semistructured interviews (N = 18) and focus groups (N = 23). Thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes and subthemes influencing farm‐to‐school implementation. The subthemes were operationalized into measureable indicators. The themes and their associated indicators were prioritized through a consensus conference with an expert panel (N = 18).RESULTSThe qualitative data analysis and consensus conference yielded 4 themes and 17 indicators associated with community readiness and capacity to implement farm‐to‐school. The themes represent school capacity, networks and relationships, organizational and practitioner capacity, and community resources and motivations.CONCLUSIONSFindings highlight a range of indicators of community readiness and capacity needed to support farm‐to‐school implementation. Results offer guidance for tailoring intervention delivery based on levels of community, school, practitioner, and organizational readiness and capacity.
Use of rating scales versus check‐all‐that‐apply ballots in quantifying strain‐specific Cannabis aroma
Authors: Gilbert Avery N. , DiVerdi Joseph A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPrevious research using a check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) method to describe the strain‐specific aroma of dried Cannabis flower revealed two major clusters, one characterized as woody, earthy, herbal and the other as citrus, lemon, sweet, and pungent. In this study, participants rated 10 strains (including seven strains not previously tested) using numeric rating scales and a slightly smaller set of odor descriptors. The results confirm the two major scent clusters, and indicate a possible intermediate cluster differentiated by a skunk note. We observed systematic variation in the use of descriptors and rating scales: evaluators who used more odor descriptors tended to assign higher scale ratings. Nevertheless, the CATA and rating scale methods yielded similar results.Practical applicationsThe use of quantitative rating scales to characterize Cannabis aroma produces results similar to those obtained via CATA evaluation, but at the potential cost of increased test session time and perceived effort on the part of panelists. Given the large number of strains awaiting quantitative sensory assessment, the speedier CATA approach seems preferable for establishing strain‐specific aroma profiles and for mapping features of the Cannabis olfactory space. A reduced set of 40 descriptors is adequate to specify cannabis aroma; skunk and diesel are confirmed as valid descriptors.