bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects and mechanisms of myeloid differentiation protein 2 on intestinal mucosal permeability in mice with chronic colitis
Authors: Han Chenyang , Guan Qiaobing , Guo Li , Yang Yi , Ruan Shuiliang , Zhang Xiaoling 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe present study was designed to investigate the mechanism of myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD2) on intestinal mucosa destruction in mice with chronic colitis. Briefly, a chronic colitis mouse model was established by the administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in transgenic mice of MD2 overexpression (Transgenic, MD2‐Tg) and C57BL/6 wild‐type mice (MD2‐WT). In addition, Caco‐2 cells were cultured to form a monolayer cell model in vitro. The small interfering RNA was utilized to silence the MD2 gene in Caco‐2 cells, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) was used to establish the model of intestinal mucosal inflammation. After DSS induction, the intestinal mucosal tissue inflammation was more severe in MD2‐Tg mice than MD2‐WT. In addition, the intestinal mucosa was severely damaged, the intestinal mucosal permeability was increased, bacterial translocation was obvious, and the expression levels of MD2, MyD88, Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), and HMGB1 in mucosal tissues were significantly increased, while the expression levels of tight junction proteins, occludin, and claudin‐1 were significantly lower in MD2‐Tg mice compared with those in MD2‐WT mice. TNF‐α could induce inflammatory apoptosis in Caco‐2 cell models. After MD2 silencing, the apoptotic level was decreased, the value of transepithelial electrical resistance was increased, the permeability of intestinal mucosa was decreased, the cellular expression levels of MD2, MyD88, TLR4, and HMGB1 were decreased, while the expression levels of tight junction proteins, occludin and claudin‐1 were increased. MD2 could aggravate the destruction of intestinal mucosa in chronic colitis through the HMGB1‐TLR4‐MyD88 pathway.
Microbiome and Metabolome Profiles Associated With Different Types of Short Bowel Syndrome: Implications for Treatment
Authors: Budinska Eva , Gojda Jan , Heczkova Marie , Bratova Miriam , Dankova Helena , Wohl Petr , Bastova Hana , Lanska Vera , Kostovcik Martin , Dastych Milan , Senkyrik Michal , Krizova Jarmila , Mraz Milos , Hradecky Jaromir , Hajslova Jana , Lenicek Martin , Podzimkova Kateřina , Chalupsky Karel , Sedlacek Radislav , Cahova Monika 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe gut microbiome and metabolome may significantly influence clinical outcomes in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS). The study aimed to describe specific metagenomic/metabolomics profiles of different SBS types and to identify possible therapeutic targets.MethodsFecal microbiome (FM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and bile acid (BA) spectrum were analyzed in parenteral nutrition (PN)‐dependent SBS I, SBS II, and PN‐independent (non‐PN) SBS patients.ResultsFM in SBS I, SBS II, and non‐PN SBS shared characteristic features (depletion of beneficial anaerobes, high abundance of Lactobacilaceae and Enterobacteriaceae). SBS I patients were characterized by the abundance of oxygen‐tolerant microrganisms and depletion of strict anaerobes. Non‐PN SBS subjects showed markers of partial FM normalization. FM dysbiosis was translated into VOC and BA profiles characteristic for each SBS cohort. A typical signature of all SBS patients comprised high saturated aldehydes and medium‐chain fatty acids and reduced short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) content. Particularly, SBS I and II exhibited low protein metabolism intermediate (indole, p‐cresol) content despite the hypothetical presence of relevant metabolism pathways. Distinctive non‐PN SBS marker was high phenol content. SBS patients’ BA fecal spectrum was enriched by chenodeoxycholic and deoxycholic acids and depleted of lithocholic acid.ConclusionsEnvironmental conditions in SBS gut significantly affect FM composition and metabolic activity. The common feature of diverse SBS subjects is the altered VOC/BA profile and the lack of important products of microbial metabolism. Strategies oriented on the microbiome/metabolome reconstitution and targeted delivery of key compounds may represent a promising therapeutic strategy in SBS patients.
Cognition in adults with Williams syndrome—A 20‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Sauna‐aho Oili , Bjelogrlic‐Laakso Nina , Sirén Auli , Kangasmäki Virpi , Arvio Maria 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundWilliams syndrome (WBS) is a genetic multisystem disorder. The main symptom is borderline (intelligence quotient, IQ 70–79) or abnormally low intelligence (IQ < 70). According to earlier studies young individuals with WBS demonstrate generally a slightly higher verbal IQ (VIQ) compared to performance/nonverbal IQ (PIQ). WBS was recognized as a distinct entity already about 60 years ago, but still cognition in adults with WBS is poorly known.MethodsWe followed 25 adults (age at baseline 19–68, median 38) with genetically confirmed WBS for about 20 years. The study subjects underwent medical and neuropsychological assessments at the baseline and at the end of follow‐up.ResultsThe mean VIQ remained quite stable from early adulthood up to 40 years of age after which it declined. The mean PIQ kept on improving from early adulthood until 50 years of age after which it gradually declined. At the end of the study, all study subjects had at least two longstanding health problems out of which hypertension, psychiatric disorder, and scoliosis or kyphosis occurred most frequently. At end of the study, two patients suffered from vascular dementia. Seven patients died during the follow‐up.ConclusionsIn adults with WBS, the course of cognition is uneven across the cognitive profile. Their verbal functions both develop and deteriorate earlier than performance/nonverbal functions. Frequent somatic co‐morbidities may increase risk to shortened life span.
Size and shape of Nafion particles in water after high‐temperature treatment
Authors: Yamaguchi Makoto , Terao Takeshi , Ohira Akihiro , Hasegawa Naoki , Shinohara Kazuhiko 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTPerfluorosulfonic acid ionomers have been widely used as proton‐conducting materials in polymer‐electrolyte membrane fuel cells and their dispersions in polar solvents are used to prepare proton‐conducting membranes as well as catalyst layers. While it has been known that the dispersed particles become monodisperse after heating to 230 °C or above, their size and shape have not been fully characterized yet. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy images and small‐angle X‐ray scattering profiles of the dilute aqueous dispersions before and after heating to 240 °C have clearly shown that rod‐like particles became significantly shorter cylinders without changing their radii. Particle length distributions were lognormal and average molar mass and dispersity after heating to 240 °C were consistent with the values from size exclusion chromatography. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 813–818
Dissipativity and dissipative control for positive switched systems: A multiple linear copositive storage function method
Authors: Wang Peng , Zhao Jun 
Published: April 2019

SummaryIn this article, the problems of dissipativity analysis and dissipative control are investigated for positive switched linear systems in both continuous and discrete‐time domains. We aim at solving the problems via employing a multiple linear copositive storage function scheme. The solvability of the problems for individual subsystem is only on their active regions. Switching laws and a set of feedback controllers are jointly devised such that the associated closed‐loop switched systems are not only positive but also dissipative, which is from the exogenous input to the output. Asymptotic stability is derived if all subsystems are zero‐state detectable. Moreover, sufficient conditions guaranteeing dissipativity with positivity constraint are presented, which can be easily examined on the grounds of linear programming approach. Finally, an example is offered, illustrating that the proposed control strategy is successful.
Predictors of mortality and disability in stroke-associated pneumonia
Authors: Tinker Rory J. , Smith Craig J. , Heal Calvin , Bettencourt-Silva Joao H. , Metcalf Anthony K. , Potter John F. , Myint Phyo K. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWhilst stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) is common and associated with poor outcomes, less is known about the determinants of these adverse clinical outcomes in SAP. To identify the factors that influence mortality and morbidity in SAP. Data for patients with SAP (n = 854) were extracted from a regional Hospital Stroke Register in Norfolk, UK (2003–2015). SAP was defined as pneumonia occurring within 7 days of admission by the treating clinicians. Mutlivariable regression models were constructed to assess factors influencing survival and the level of disability at discharge using modified Rankin Scale [mRS]. Mean (SD) age was 83.0 (8.7) years and ischaemic stroke occurred in 727 (85.0%). Mortality was 19.0% at 30 days and 44.0% at 6 months. Stroke severity assessment using National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was not recorded in the data set although Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project was Classification. In the multivariable analyses, 30-day mortality was independently associated with age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.07, p = 0.01), haemorrhagic stroke (2.27, 1.07–4.78, p = 0.03) and pre-stroke disability (mRS 4–5 v 0–1: 6.45, 3.12–13.35, p < 0.001). 6-month mortality was independently associated with age (< 0.001), pre-stroke disability (p < 0.001) and certain comorbidities, including the following: dementia (6.53, 4.73–9.03, p < 0.001), lung cancer (2.07, 1.14–3.77, p = 0.017) and previous transient ischemic attack (1.94, 1.12–3.36, p = 0.019). Disability defined by mRS at discharge was independently associated with age (1.10, 1.05–1.16, p < 0.001) and plasma C-reactive protein (1.02, 1.01–1.03, p = 0.012). We have identified non-modifiable determinants of poor prognosis in patients with SAP. Further studies are required to identify modifiable factors which may guide areas for intervention to improve the prognosis in SAP in these patients.
Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations with explicit data-driven Reynolds stress closure can be ill-conditioned
Authors: Wu Jinlong , Xiao Heng , Sun Rui , Wang Qiqi 
Published: April 2019

Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations with turbulence closure models continue to play important roles in industrial flow simulations. However, the commonly used linear eddy-viscosity models are intrinsically unable to handle flows with non-equilibrium turbulence (e.g. flows with massive separation). Reynolds stress models, on the other hand, are plagued by their lack of robustness. Recent studies in plane channel flows found that even substituting Reynolds stresses with errors below 0.5 % from direct numerical simulation databases into RANS equations leads to velocities with large errors (up to 35 %). While such an observation may have only marginal relevance to traditional Reynolds stress models, it is disturbing for the recently emerging data-driven models that treat the Reynolds stress as an explicit source term in the RANS equations, as it suggests that the RANS equations with such models can be ill-conditioned. So far, a rigorous analysis of the condition of such models is still lacking. As such, in this work we propose a metric based on local condition number function for a priori evaluation of the conditioning of the RANS equations. We further show that the ill-conditioning cannot be explained by the global matrix condition number of the discretized RANS equations. Comprehensive numerical tests are performed on turbulent channel flows at various Reynolds numbers and additionally on two complex flows, i.e. flow over periodic hills, and flow in a square duct. Results suggest that the proposed metric can adequately explain observations in previous studies, i.e. deteriorated model conditioning with increasing Reynolds number and better conditioning of the implicit treatment of the Reynolds stress compared to the explicit treatment. This metric can play critical roles in the future development of data-driven turbulence models by enforcing the conditioning as a requirement on these models.
Measuring Polarization with Text Analysis: Evidence from the UK House of Commons, 1811–2015
Authors: Goet Niels D. 
Published: April 2019

Political scientists can rely on a long tradition of applying unsupervised measurement models to estimate ideology and preferences from texts. However, in practice the hope that the dominant source of variation in their data is the quantity of interest is often not realized. In this paper, I argue that in the messy world of speeches we have to rely on supervised approaches that include information on party affiliation in order to produce meaningful estimates of polarization. To substantiate this argument, I introduce a validation framework that may be used to comparatively assess supervised and unsupervised methods, and estimate polarization on the basis of 6.2 million records of parliamentary speeches from the UK House of Commons over the period 1811–2015. Beyond introducing several important adjustments to existing estimation approaches, the paper’s methodological contribution therefore consists of outlining the challenges of applying unsupervised estimation techniques to speech data, and arguing in detail why we should instead rely on supervised methods to measure polarization.
MALTHUS AND THE POOR LAW
Authors: WRIGLEY E. A. , SMITH RICHARD 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMalthus was severely critical of the old poor law, especially when the payments paid to recipients were made in conformity to the principles adopted by the local magistrates in Speenhamland in 1795. He considered that it encouraged early and improvident marriage with unfortunate consequences. There have been a number of attempts to determine whether Malthus was justified in supposing that the old poor law had this effect, some concluding that he was correct in his assumption, others that he was mistaken. The information contained in the first four English censuses did not include a breakdown of the population by age, sex, and marital status, and therefore did not provide a basis for a definitive test of Malthus's assertion before the repeal of the old poor law in 1834. The 1851 census, however, did provide this breakdown for five-year age groups which makes it possible to compare marriage patterns in counties in which a large proportion of the male workforce were ‘peasants’ (Malthus's term for agricultural labourers), and the Speenhamland provisions were widely adopted, with other counties. The results show that Malthus was mistaken.
Unequal Social Protection under the Federalist System: Three Unemployment Insurance Approaches in the United States, 2007–2015
Authors: CHANG YU-LING 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDespite the increased attention paid to federal-state unemployment insurance (UI) schemes after the Great Recession (2007–2009), research examining the policy characteristics and the underlying logic shaping the social protection provided by a federal-state UI system is limited. Integrating the perspectives of policy design theory, comparative welfare politics, and fiscal welfare, this paper examines the unequal social protection under the American UI system during and after the Great Recession. By using model-based cluster analysis and fixed-effect panel regression models, this paper identifies three distinct UI approaches, i.e. the limited social protection approach, the unbalanced social protection approach, and the balanced social protection approach. The policy choices made by those states that follow the three approaches reflect different mixtures of policy logic, including social protection, economic stabilization, work disincentives, and interstate competition. The overall downward trend in social protection signals that the American UI system is under-prepared for the next economic recession, thereby exposing unemployed workers to the risk of economic insecurity. These findings provide implications for future policy designs aiming to strengthen the social protection of the federal-state UI system.
The Factor Structure of the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination, Third Edition
Authors: Fong Mandy W.M. , Van Patten Ryan , Fucetola Robert P. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjective: The Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (BDAE) is one of the most commonly used aphasia batteries. The newest edition has undergone significant revisions since its original publication in 1972, but existing evidence for its validity is lacking. We examined the construct validity of BDAE-3 and identified the factor structure of this battery. Method: A total of 355 people with aphasia of various types and severity completed neuropsychological evaluations to assess their patterns of language impairment. A principal component analysis with varimax rotation was conducted to examine the components of BDAE-3 subtests. Results: Five components accounting for over 70% of the BDAE-3 total variance were found. The five language factors identified were auditory comprehension/ideomotor praxis, naming and reading, articulation-repetition, grammatical comprehension, and phonological processing. Conclusions: Our results show that the BDAE-3 demonstrates good construct validity, and certain language functions remain primary, distinct language domains (i.e., receptive vs. expressive language) across severities of aphasia. Overall, our findings inform clinical practice by outlining the inherent structure of language abilities in people with aphasia. Clinicians can utilize the findings to select core BDAE-3 tests that are most representative of their respective functions, thereby reducing the total testing time while preserving diagnostic sensitivity. (JINS, 2019, 25, 772–776)
Hollow Silver Nanostructures: The Role of Capping Agents in Tailoring the Shape, Structure, and Plasmonic Properties
Authors: Dadhich Bhavesh Kumar , Bhushan Bhavya , Priyam Amiya 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe shape- and structure-directing ability of capping agents, namely, acetic acid (AA) and folic acid (FA), has been analyzed in the synthesis of hollow plasmonic nanostructures via the nanoscale Kirkendall effect. FA was found to possess both shape-directing and structure-directing abilities when spherical solid Ag2O nanoparticles were transformed into hollow silver nanocubes (HAgNCs). In contrast, AA acted only as a structure-directing agent in the transformation from solid Ag2O nanospheres to hollow Ag nanospheres (HAgNSs). FA capping leads to enhanced plasmon tunability range from 535 to 640 nm in the hollow silver nanostructures. The size and shape of nanostructures were analyzed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). HRTEM revealed that the outer diameter of AA-capped HAgNSs is 50 ± 10 nm while edge-length for FA-capped HAgNCs is 100 ± 15 nm. The diameter of inner void space was found to be 30 ± 5 and 43 ± 5 nm for HAgNSs and HAgNCs, respectively. The phase purity of the hollow nanostructures was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray measurements. Due to unique structural and plasmonic features, FA-capped HAgNCs are well-suited for biomedical applications.
Downscaling GRACE Predictions of the Crustal Response to the Present‐Day Mass Changes in Greenland
Authors: Wang Linsong , Khan Shfaqat A. , Bevis Michael , van den Broeke Michiel R. , Kaban Mikhail K. , Thomas Maik , Chen Chao 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe GRACE mission has had a revolutionary impact on the study of Earth system processes, but it provides a band‐limited representation of mass changes. This is particularly problematic when studying mass changes that tend to be concentrated in fairly narrow zones near the edges of the Greenland Ice Sheet. In this study, coarse‐resolution estimates of the mass change derived from GRACE have been enhanced by the introduction of heuristic scaling factors applied to model surface mass balance and observed surface elevation change. Corresponding results indicate large spatial heterogeneity in the gridded scaling factors at the 0.5° × 0.5° scale, reflecting significant mass losses concentrated along the ice sheet margin and relatively small internal ice sheet changes at higher elevations. The scaled GRACE‐derived vertical displacements are in the range from −2 to 14 mm/year from 2003 to 2015. The Greenland GPS network was used to examine the downscaling GRACE predictions of the crustal displacements. The results show consistency of scaled GRACE‐predicted and GPS‐observed seasonal and long‐term uplift in major drainage basins of Greenland. Our results indicate that GRACE predictions underestimate vertical displacements at sites located in regions characterized by concentrated loads, but perform well in other regions. Differences between predicted and observed uplift rates are mainly caused by the sensitivity kernels, because GPS and GRACE estimates are based on weighted averages of mass loss in different sensitivity ranges. Moreover, a large uncertainty in the glacial isostatic adjustment correction may also cause errors in the GPS‐to‐GRACE ratio.
High Contribution of Secondary Brown Carbon to Aerosol Light Absorption in the Southeastern Margin of Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Qiyuan , Han Yongming , Ye Jianhuai , Liu Suixin , Pongpiachan Siwatt , Zhang Ningning , Han Yuemei , Tian Jie , Wu Cheng , Long Xin , Zhang Qian , Zhang Wenyan , Zhao Zhuzi , Cao Junji 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe optical properties of atmospheric secondary brown carbon (BrC) aerosol are poorly understood because of its chemical complexity, and this has hampered quantitative assessments of the impacts of this light‐absorbing material on glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau. For this study, a statistical approach was developed to investigate BrC light absorption over the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. Secondary sources for BrC were more important for absorption than primary ones. A diurnal cycle in secondary BrC absorption was explained by the formation of light‐absorbing chromophores by photochemical oxidation after sunrise followed by photobleaching of the chromophores under the more oxidizing conditions as the day progressed. Multimethod analyses showed that biomass burning in northern Burma and along the Sino‐Burmese border was the most important source for the secondary BrC. The mean integrated simple forcing efficiency was 79 W/g, indicating that secondary BrC can cause substantial radiative effects.