bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of the Annular Multi‐Point Initiation Control Parameters on Jet Formation
Authors: Li Rui , Li Wei‐bing , Guo Xiao‐de , Liang Li , Li Wen‐bin , Wang Xiao‐ming 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis work investigates the application of an annular multi‐point initiation explosive network to a jet‐shaped charge. The Whitham method was employed to calculate the pressure and region of the Mach wave zone at different initiation diameters. LS‐DYNA software was used to investigate the effects of the control parameters for the annular multi‐point initiation (i. e., number of initiation points, initiation diameter and initiation synchronicity error) on the performance of the jet (i. e., formation and tip velocity). Results indicated that when there are eight or more initiation points, the jet formed under the multi‐point initiation is similar to the result for a peripherally initiated charge. As the initiation diameter increased, the range of the Mach wave zone decreased in size, but the pressure of the Mach wave and the length and the tip velocity of the jet increased, aiding the formation of the jet, increasing the jet penetration capability and improving the utilization rate of the shaped charge.
Three certified sugar reference materials for carbon isotope delta measurements
Authors: Chartrand Michelle M.G. , Meija Juris , Kumkrong Paramee , Mester Zoltan 
Published: November 2018

RationaleFor isotope delta analysis, it is preferable to have at least two matrix‐matched reference materials whose isotope delta values encompass those of the samples to be analyzed. The National Research Council Canada (NRC) has developed three sugar Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), BEET‐1 (beet sugar), GALT‐1 (galactose), and FRUT‐1 (fructose), to be collectively used for carbon isotope delta measurements in sugars, and other organic materials.MethodsAll materials were homogenized and packaged in glass ampules. All three sugar materials were analyzed at the NRC using elemental analyzer/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA/IRMS). Six additional laboratories also provided EA/IRMS measurements. Data from all laboratories were re‐normalized using three international secondary reference materials (IAEA‐CH‐6, USGS40, and USGS62) included as blind samples in the inter‐laboratory comparison, thus providing added quality control and robustness to the study.ResultsRe‐normalized carbon isotope delta values from each laboratory were combined using a random laboratory effects statistical model with accounting of the correlations between the laboratory results due to the use of the same reference materials for calibration. The consensus δ(13C) values and combined standard uncertainties which include effects due to characterization, homogeneity, and stability for BEET‐1, GALT‐1, and FRUT‐1 are −26.02(7) ‰, −21.41(6) ‰, and −10.98(5) ‰, respectively, on the VPDB scale.ConclusionsThree new δ(13C) sugar CRMs (BEET‐1, GALT‐1, and FRUT‐1) were developed and are available from NRC. These three CRMs can be utilized as a set for daily δ(13C) scale normalization of sugar‐based or other organic materials in order to produce reliable δ(13C) measurements.
Cytotoxicity and Cellular Responses of Gold Nanorods to Smooth Muscle Cells Dependent on Surface Chemistry Coupled Action
Authors: Sun Quanmei , Shi Xiaoli , Feng Jiantao , Zhang Qiang , Ao Zhuo , Ji Yinglu , Wu Xiaochun , Liu Dongsheng , Han Dong 
Published: November 2018

AbstractGold nanorods (AuNRs), with their unique physicochemical properties, are recognized as promising materials for biomedical applications. Chemical modification of their surfaces is attracting increasing attention with regard to cytotoxicity and cellular uptake. Herein, the toxicological effects of three types of polymer‐coated AuNRs, which are cetyltrimethylammonium bromide‐coated AuNRs, polystyrene sulphonate‐coated AuNRs, and poly(diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride‐coated AuNRs (PDDAC‐AuNRs), on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are investigated. The results show significantly different effects on VSMCs with different surface coatings. PDDAC‐AuNRs, which were nontoxic in cancer cells in previous reports, display extreme toxicity to VSMCs. Initial contact between AuNRs and cell membranes is the important step in AuNRs cellular uptake. Force spectroscopy based on atomic force microscopy is exploited to study interactions between AuNRs and VSMCs membrane in the absence or presence of a corona on the AuNRs surface. The results show that the binding force and binding probability between AuNRs and membranes are closely related to cytotoxicity and cellular responses. These findings highlight the importance of assessing nanoparticle cytotoxicity in somatic cells for medical applications.
Electrochemical Scanning Probe Microscopies in Electrocatalysis
Authors: Liang Yunchang , Pfisterer Jonas H. K. , McLaughlin David , Csoklich Christoph , Seidl Lukas , Bandarenka Aliaksandr S. , Schneider Oliver 
Published: November 2018

AbstractImprovements toward highly efficient electrochemical energy conversion require a detailed understanding of the underlying electrochemical processes at electrified solid–liquid interfaces. In situ and in operando studies by means of electrochemical scanning probe microscopy (EC‐SPM) have become indispensable experimental tools due to their capability of resolving surface topography down to the atomic level even within the harsh environment of electrolytes. EC‐SPM methodologies have thus contributed tremendously to the current understanding of electrocatalysis. In this review article, recent achievements in complementary EC‐SPM techniques, namely electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (EC‐STM), electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC‐AFM), scanning electrochemical potential microscopy (SECPM), and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), are discussed with particular focus on electrochemical phenomena important for the field of electrocatalysis. The currently available options for obtaining insight on local chemical composition and local reactivity as well as important electrocatalytic model systems are considered. In addition, the application of EC‐SPM methods to metal ion batteries is addressed.
How Should We Define Clinically Significant Outcome Improvement on the iHOT-12?
Authors: Nwachukwu Benedict U. , Chang Brenda , Beck Edward C. , Neal William H. , Movassaghi Kamran , Ranawat Anil S. , Nho Shane J. 
Published: November 2018

Background There is increased emphasis on efficiently administering patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The International Hip Outcome Tool-12 (iHOT-12) is a short-form version of the iHOT-33, and relatively little is known about clinically significant outcomes using the iHOT-12. Questions/Purposes The purpose of this study was to define minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) for the iHOT-12 and to identify predictors for achieving these psychometric end points in patients undergoing arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Methods Data was prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed as part of an institutional hip preservation repository. One hundred and twenty patients were included; mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 38.7 years and 25.9, respectively. A majority of patients were female (67.5%) and white (81.7%) and participated in recreational sports (79.2%). The iHOT-12 was administered pre-operatively and at 1-year follow-up to patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for FAI. The following anchor question was also asked at 1-year follow-up: “Taking into account all the activities you have during your daily life, your level of pain, and also your functional impairment, do you consider that your current state is satisfactory?” MCID was calculated using a distribution-based method. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis with area under the curve was used to confirm the significance of the PASS threshold. Results Mean iHOT-12 scores improved from 35.6 at pre-operative assessment to 70.7 at 1-year follow-up. Patients indicating satisfaction with their outcome improved from 37.5 pre-operatively to 79.0 at 1-year follow-up. MCID value for the iHOT-12 was 13.0. The PASS threshold was 63.0, indicating an excellent predictive value that patients scoring above this threshold were likely to have met an acceptable symptom state. Worker's compensation patients and those with increased BMI were less likely to achieve PASS; lower pre-operative iHOT-12 score was predictive for achieving MCID, and achieving MCID was predictive for achieving PASS. Conclusion This is the first study to define PASS and MCID for the iHOT-12, which measures clinically significant outcome improvement comparably to that of other commonly used hip PROMs. As its use becomes more widespread, the iHOT-12 data-points presented in this study can be used to determine clinically significant improvement of patient-reported outcomes.
Diets high in n-3 fatty acids are associated with lower arterial stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a latent profile analysis
Authors: Woodman Richard J. , Baghdadi Leena R. , Shanahan E. Michael , de Silva Inushi , Hodgson Jonathan M. , Mangoni Arduino A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSupplementation with n-3 fatty acids can influence inflammation and markers of arterial stiffness that are increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it is unknown whether specific patterns of dietary fatty acid intake are similarly associated. In a longitudinal study, eighty-six RA patients reported their dietary intake and had arterial stiffness measured using the augmentation index (AIx) at baseline and 8 months. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed to characterise patterns of fatty acid intake using sixteen major fatty acids. Models for two to six profiles were compared using the Akaike and Bayesian information criteria. Associations between AIx and the profiles were adjusted for age, sex, disease activity, fish oil supplementation, medications, physical activity and socio-economic status. LPA identified five distinct profiles. Profile 1 subjects (n 7) reported significantly higher intake of palmitoleic acid (16 : 1), arachidonic acid (20 : 4n-6), EPA (20 : 5n-3), DHA (22 : 6n-3) and docosapentaenoic acid (22 : 5n-3) (P<0·001 for each) than profiles 2 (n 14), 3 (n 19), 4 (n 23) and 5 (n 23) and significantly higher grilled and tinned fish consumption. The AIx varied significantly across the five profiles (P=0·023); subjects in profile 1 had a significantly lower AIx than those in profile 3 (β=–7·2 %; 95 % CI –11·5, –2·9; P=0·001) who had the lowest reported intake of n-3 fatty acids. Fish oil supplementation was also independently associated with lower AIx (β=–4·15 %; 95 % CI –6·73, –1·56; P=0·002). A diet characterised by a higher reported intake of n-3 fatty acids, palmitoleic acid (16 : 1) and arachidonic acid (20 : 4n-6) is associated with a lower AIx in RA patients.
Diffusion Across International Organizations: Connectivity and Convergence
Authors: Sommerer Thomas , Tallberg Jonas 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWhile extensive research shows that policies and institutions spread across states through processes of diffusion, we know little about diffusion among international organizations (IOs). We develop a novel approach for the study of diffusion among IOs. This approach consists of three components: a theoretical focus on connectivity among IOs as pathways for diffusion; a conceptual differentiation between alternative types of convergence effects; and a methodological strategy combining dyadic and spatial analysis of diffusion. We illustrate the usefulness of this approach through an empirical case: the diffusion of participatory governance arrangements among IOs from 1970 to 2010. The analysis shows that connectivity among IOs contributes to convergence, which typically is manifested through imitation of very specific institutional models. The article's findings have implications both for the study of IOs and for the general study of diffusion.
In vitroscreening of temperate climate forages from a variety of woody plants for their potential to mitigate ruminal methane and ammonia formation
Authors: Terranova M. , Kreuzer M. , Braun U. , Schwarm A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractFeeding phenol-containing plants to ruminants has the potential to mitigate both methane and ammonia formation. In the present study, mostly woody plants, such as the leaves of trees and shrubs, were tested for their influence onin vitrofermentation. The plants selected grow naturally under temperate climatic conditions, are usually available in bulk and do not directly compete with human food production. The detailed screening included whole plants or parts of different plant species reporting their effects on methane and/or ammonia formation. The plant materials were added at 167 mg/g of total dry matter (DM) to a common total mixed ration and incubated for 24 h with the Hohenheim gas test method. The results fromin vitrofermentation were also used to determine the net energy of lactation and utilizable crude protein in the complete diets. Thirteen out of 18 test materials did not impair the organic matter (OM) digestibility of the diet. Ammonia concentrations decreased up to 35% when adding any of the test materials. Methane formation per unit of feed DM and per unit of digestible OM was lowered by 13 of the 18 test materials from 12 to 28% and 5 to 20%, respectively. In conclusion, a number of plant materials tested have the potential to mitigate ruminal ammonia and methane formation without adversely affecting digestibility. The leaves ofBetula pendula,Corylus avellana,Ribes nigrum,Vitis viniferaand the aerial part ofGeum urbanumwere particularly promising in this respect.
Model systems for investigating disease processes in neurocysticercosis
Authors: de Lange Anja , Mahanty Siddhartha , Raimondo Joseph V. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractNeurocysticercosis (NCC) occurs following brain infection by larvae of the cestodeTaenia solium. It is the leading cause of preventable epilepsy worldwide and therefore constitutes a critical health challenge with significant global relevance. Despite this, much is still unknown about many key pathogenic aspects of the disease, including how cerebral infection withT. soliumresults in the development of seizures. Over the past century, valuable mechanistic insights have been generated using both clinical studies and animal models. In this review, we critically assess model systems for investigating disease processes in NCC. We explore the respective strengths and weaknesses of each model and summarize how they have contributed to current knowledge of the disease. We call for the continued development of animal models of NCC, with a focus on novel strategies for understanding this debilitating but often neglected disorder.
Species and site contributions toβ-diversity in fleas parasitic on the Palearctic small mammals: ecology, geography and host species composition matter the most
Authors: Krasnov Boris R. , Shenbrot Georgy I. , Warburton Elizabeth M. , van der Mescht Luther , Surkova Elena N. , Medvedev Sergei G. , Pechnikova Nadezhda , Ermolova Natalia , Kotti Boris K. , Khokhlova Irina S. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTheβ-diversity of fleas parasitic on small mammals in 45 regions of the Palearctic was partitioned into species [species contributions toβ-diversity (SCBD)] and site ( = assemblage) contributions [local contributions toβ-diversity (LCBD)]. We asked what are the factors affecting SCBD and LCBD and tested whether (a) variation in ecological, morphological, life history and geographic traits of fleas can predict SCBD and (b) variation in flea and host community metrics, off-host environmental factors, host species composition of flea assemblages can predict LCBD. We used spatial variables to describe geographic distribution of flea assemblages with various LCBD values. SCBD significantly increased with an increase in abundance and a decrease in phylogenetic host specificity of a flea as well as with size and latitude of its geographic range, but was not associated with any morphological/life history trait. LCBD of flea assemblages did not depend on either flea or host species richness or environmental predictors, but was significantly affected by compositional uniqueness ( = LCBD) of regional host assemblages and variables describing their species composition. In addition, variation in LCBD was also explained by broad-to-moderate-scale spatial variables. We conclude that SCBD of fleas could be predictedviatheir ecological and geographic traits, whereas LCBD of their assemblages could be predictedviahost composition.
Relevance in Undergraduate Neurological Teaching
Authors: Murray T. J. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryAbout 10% of patients consulting a family practitioner have neurological complaints, and about 2% ultimately receive a neurological diagnosis As it is not possible to train enough neurologists for these patients, graduating medical students must be competent and confident in assessing neurological problems, particularly those that are common, treatable or require emergency management.An evaluation was made of the neurological problems commonly seen in family practice, the difficulties in managing neurological problems by the family practitioner and the criteria for referral to a neurologist. To evaluate the teaching of medical students and house staff, the types of problems seen in a teaching hospital neurology service were examined.As a result of this study an approach to the training of physicians is outlined to assist them to handle confidently and competently the neurological problems they will see in daily practice.
Does early maternal responsiveness buffer prenatal tobacco exposure effects on young children's behavioral disinhibition?
Authors: Clark Caron A. C. , Massey Suena H. , Wiebe Sandra A. , Espy Kimberly Andrews , Wakschlag Lauren S. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractChildren with prenatal tobacco exposure (PTE) exhibit early self-regulatory impairments, reflecting a life-course persistent propensity toward behavioral disinhibition. Previously, we demonstrated the protective role of parental responsiveness for reducing the risk of exposure-related disruptive behavior in adolescence. Here, we expanded this line of inquiry, examining whether responsiveness moderates the relation of PTE to a broader set of behavioral disinhibition features in early childhood and testing alternative diathesis-stress versus differential susceptibility explanatory models. PTE was assessed prospectively using interviews and bioassays in the Midwestern Infant Development Study (MIDS). Mother-child dyads (N = 276) were re-assessed at approximately 5 years of age in a preschool follow-up. We quantified maternal responsiveness and child behavioral disinhibition using a combination of directly observed activities in the lab and developmentally sensitive questionnaires. Results supported a diathesis-stress pattern. Children with PTE and less responsive mothers showed increased disruptive behavior and lower effortful control compared with children without PTE. In contrast, exposed children with more responsive mothers had self-regulatory profiles similar to their non-exposed peers. We did not observe sex differences. Findings provide greater specification of the protective role of maternal responsiveness for self-regulation in children with PTE and help clarify mechanisms that may underscore trajectories of exposure-related behavioral disinhibition.
Evaluation of Health Care Services Provided in Political Public Meetings in Turkey: A Forgotten Detail in Politics
Authors: Ceyhan Mehmet Ali , Demir Gültekin Günhan , Güler Gamze Babur 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundPolitical parties in Turkey execute political public meetings (PPMs) during their election campaign for members of the parliament (MoP). A great number of people attend these meetings. No guidelines exist regarding preparation and organization of health care services provided during these meetings. Furthermore, there is no study evaluating health care problems encountered in previous PPMs.ObjectivePolitical parties arranged PPMs in 2015 during the election campaign for general election of MoP. The present study aimed to investigate the context of health care services, the distribution of assigned health staff, as well as the number and the symptoms of patients admitted in health care tents in these PPMs.MethodsTwo general elections for MoP were done in Turkey on June 7, 2015 and November 1, 2015. Health care services were provided by the City Emergency Medical Services Department (CEMSD) in the cities. Demographic characteristics, symptoms, comorbid conditions, treatment, discharge, and hospital transfer of the patients were obtained from patient medical registration records. Information about the distribution and the number of the assigned staff was received from local CEMSDs. The impact of variables such as the number of attendees, heat index, humidity, and the day of the week on the number of patients and the patient presentation rate (PPR) were analyzed.ResultsA total of 97 PPMs were analyzed. The number of total attendees was 5,265,450 people. The number of patients seeking medical help was 1,991. The PPR was 0.5 (0.23-0.91) patients per 1,000 attendees. Mean age of the patients was 40 (SD=19) years old while 1,174 (58.9%) of the patients were female. A total of 1,579 patients were treated in the tents and returned to the PPM following treatment. Two-hundred and three patients were transferred to a hospital by ambulance. Transfer-to-hospital ratio (TTHR) was 0.05 (0.0-0.13) patients per 1,000 attendees. None of the patients suffered sudden cardiac death (SCD) or cardiac arrest. Medical conditions were the main cause for admission. The most common symptoms were dizziness, low blood pressure, fatigue, and hypertension, respectively. The most commonly used medical agents included pain killers and myorelaxants. The number of attendees, heat index, and weekend days were positively correlated with the number of the patients.Conclusion: The majority of medical conditions encountered in PPMs are easily treatable in health care tents settled in the meeting area. The number of attendees, heat index, and weekend days are factors associated with the number of patients.CeyhanMA, DemirGG, GülerGB. Evaluation of health care services provided in political public meetings in Turkey: a forgotten detail in politics. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(6):607–613.