bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polydopamine/cysteine surface modified hemocompatible poly(vinylidene fluoride) hollow fiber membranes for hemodialysis
Authors: An Zihan , Dai Fengying , Wei Chenjie , Zhao Yiping , Chen Li 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMembrane surface design is significant for the development and application of synthetic polymer hemodialysis membranes. In this study, the influence of zwitterionic cysteine on poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) hollow fiber membrane was investigated. The polydopamine layer was formed through dopamine self‐polymerization on PVDF membrane surface, and then cysteine was covalent grafted onto the layer to improve the anti‐biofouling property and hemocompatibility. The elementary composition of membrane surfaces was characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The influence of polydopamine and cysteine on modified membrane surface morphologies was studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The modified PVDF membranes were confirmed to have excellent hydrophilicity, stable mechanical properties and good hemocompatibility (dynamic and static anti‐protein adsorption, hemolysis ratio, plasma coagulation). And these properties were increased with the incorporation of polydopamine and cysteine. The optimized modified membranes exhibited high pure water flux (∼ 195.5 L/m2h at 0.1 MPa) and selectivity (clearance ratio of urea and lysozyme was 75.1 and 55.4%, and rejection rate of bovine serum albumin was 98.8%). This work provides a surface modification method of PVDF hollow fiber membranes and suggests a potential application of PVDF membranes in hemodialysis field. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2869–2877, 2018.
“Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right”: Politics and psychotherapy, 2018
Authors: Farber Barry A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe election and postelection policies of Donald Trump have seeped into the psychotherapy sessions of many clients, in ways that are somewhat unique but also somewhat reminiscent of the ways that other dramatic social–political events, including 9/11 and the social divisions that were characteristic of the 1960s, were brought into the treatment room. The nine articles within this issue—seven papers from practicing psychotherapists, one from an executive coach, and one empirical paper—suggest strongly that the political events surrounding the election of 2016 have become a significant part of psychotherapeutic discourse for many clients, that many therapists have been willing participants in such discussions, and that a focus on political issues (broadly speaking) can have important clinical benefits, facilitating the therapeutic alliance and leading to greater understanding of long‐standing client problems and interpersonal functioning. Taken together, these papers lead to the conclusion that, at a minimum, clinicians need to be sensitive to the very real possibility that their clients are acutely aware of and affected by the political events surrounding the 2016 presidential election and may welcome open discussion of these events and their consequences.
November 8, 2016: The day I became a White clinician
Authors: Bodnar Susan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWhen Donald Trump became president of the United States, I discovered that my clients who identified as Black saw me as a White clinician. With that came a host of nefarious attributions. To preserve therapeutic efficacy, and the genuine relationships with people about whom I cared, I had to distinguish myself from the president; thus, I learned not only how it feels to be seen through the bias of skin color but what I needed to do to identify as a person rather than a White person. “Welcome to my world,” said one African American client.
MicroRNA expression data analysis to identify key miRNAs associated with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Chen Jing , Qi Yan , Liu Cui‐Fang , Lu Jing‐Min , Shi Jing , Shi Yan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundMicroRNAs (miRNAs) have become increasingly prevalent as a result of the association of their deregulation with neurodegenerative disorders, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the association between miRNAs and AD remains unclear.MethodsIn the present study, Nine representative miRNA datasets were selected for the identification of the critical miRNAs by analyzing the overlapping relationships among them. TargetScan software (http://www.targetscan.org) was used to predict the target genes of these miRNAs. In addition, the Database for Annotation Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID; http://david.abcc.ncifcrf.gov) and TfactS (http://www.tfacts.org) datasets were used for combined analysis of functional enrichment and transcription factor (TF) analysis.ResultsThirteen key miRNAs were identified, of which four were significantly up‐regulated (hsa‐miR‐101,hsa‐miR‐155, has‐miR‐34a, has‐miR‐9) and eight were found to be significantly down‐regulated (hsa‐let‐7d‐5p, hsa‐let‐7 g‐5p, hsa‐miR‐15b, has‐miR‐191‐5p, hsa‐miR‐125b, has‐miR‐26b‐5p, hsa‐miR‐29b, hsa‐miR‐342‐3p). The functional enrichment analysis indicated that up‐regulated signature miRNA targets were associated with transcription from the RNA polymerase II promoter process and the chemical synaptic transmission process. Down‐regulated signature miRNA targets were mostly enriched with respect to positive regulation of transcription from the RNA polymerase II promoter process, p53 signaling, and microRNAs in cancer pathways. TF analysis showed that 87 TFs were influenced by the up‐regulated miRNAs, and 134 TFs were influenced by the down‐regulated miRNAs. In total, 70 (45.5%) TFs were affected by both up‐regulated and down‐regulated miRNAs.ConclusionsIn summary, 13 key miRNAs were found to have a vital function in the pathological progress of AD, as well as the target genes and TFs of these miRNAs. The potential functions of these miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic targets of the AD are revealed by the present study.
Influence of laser‐induced heating on MnO nanoparticles
Authors: Hadžić B. , Vasić B. , Matović B. , Kuryliszyn‐Kudelska I. , Dobrowolski W. , Romčević M. , Romčević N. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe phase changes of MnO nanoparticles under laser‐induced heating have been studied. Previous confirmation of the existence of MnO phase was based on the X‐ray diffraction measurements. Here, we report the experimental spectra of nonresonant Raman scattering in the range between 100 and 1,600 cm−1, for a sample irradiated with 8 different laser powers. The laser‐induced heating has produced change in existing phases in sample, destruction of MnO phase, and creation of MnO2, Mn3O4, and MnOOH phases along with formation of Mn2+ on the sample surface. These phase changes have been confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy measurements.
Identification of vanilloid compounds in grains of paradise and their effects on sympathetic nerve activity
Authors: Hattori Hiroyuki , Yamauchi Kosei , Onwona‐Agyeman Siaw , Mitsunaga Tohru 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDGrains of paradise (GP) is the seed of Aframomum melegueta, which is widely distributed throughout West Africa and has been used as a spice and a folk remedy for a long time. Anti‐obesity effect of GP intake was demonstrated in a previous report. Aim of the present study was to isolate some compounds in GP and clarify the anti‐obesity mechanism.RESULTSTen vanilloid compounds were isolated. Among them, 1‐(4′‐hydroxy‐3′‐methoxyphenyl)‐decan‐3‐ol and 1‐(4′‐hydroxy‐3′‐methoxyphenyl)‐3‐octen‐5‐one were determined as novel compounds and 6‐gingerol, 6‐paradol and 6‐shogaol were identified as the major constituents in GP extract. Moreover, the extract and 6‐gingerol, which is one of the principal components of GP extract, were orally administered to rats to investigate the effect on sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) in brown adipose tissue (BAT). The injection of GP extract and 6‐gingerol decreased BAT‐SNA, whereas capsaicin, which is a major component of chili pepper, activates the sympathetic nervous system.CONCLUSIONThis study suggested that GP extract and 6‐gingerol were largely unrelated to the anti‐obesity effect by the activation of interscapular BAT‐SNA and had a different anti‐obesity mechanism to capsaicin. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Differential Effects of Estrogen and Progestin on Apolipoprotein B100 and B48 Kinetics in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Lamon‐Fava Stefania , Diffenderfer Margaret R. , Barrett P. Hugh R. , Wan Wing Yee , Postfai Borbala , Nartsupha Chorthip , Dolnikowski Gregory G. , Schaefer Ernst J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe distinct effects of the estrogen and progestin components of hormonal therapy on the metabolism of apolipoprotein (apo) B‐containing lipoproteins have not been studied. We enrolled eight healthy postmenopausal women in a placebo‐controlled, randomized, double‐blind crossover study. Each subject received placebo, conjugated equine estrogen (CEE, 0.625 mg/day) and CEE plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA, 2.5 mg/day) for 8 weeks in a randomized order, with a 4‐week washout between phases. Main outcomes were the fractional catabolic rate (FCR) and production rate (PR) of apo B100 in triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins (TRL), intermediate‐density lipoproteins (IDL) and low ‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and of apo B48 in TRL.Compared to placebo, CEE increased TRL apo B100 PR (p = 0.04). CEE also increased LDL apo B100 FCR (p = 0.02), but this effect was offset by a significant increase in LDL apo B100 PR (p = 0.04). Adding MPA to CEE negated the CEE effects resulting in no significant changes in TRL apo B100 PR and LDL apo B100 FCR and PR relative to placebo. Relative to placebo, during CEE there was a trend toward a reduction in plasma apo B48 concentrations and PR (p = 0.07 and p = 0.12, respectively). Compared with CEE, CEE + MPA significantly increased TRL apo B48 FCR (p = 0.02) as well as apo B48 PR (p = 0.01), resulting in no significant changes in apo B48 concentration.Estrogen and progestin have independent and opposing effects on the metabolism of the atherogenic apo B100‐ and apo B48‐containing lipoproteins.
Thermally Sensitive N‐Type Thermoelectric Aniline Oligomer‐Block‐Polyethylene Glycol‐Block‐Aniline Oligomer ABA Triblock Copolymers
Authors: Cheng Xiang‐Le , Zhang Yun‐Fei , Wu Yan‐Guang , Fu Ping , Lin Zhi‐Dong , Du Fei‐Peng , Cheng Chun 
Published: March 2018

AbstractHigh‐performance n‐type thermoelectric polymers are vital in the development of polymer thermoelectric generators (PTEGs). However, the progress is very slow due to their low stability and low thermoelectric properties. Here, aniline oligomer‐block‐polyethylene glycol‐block‐aniline oligomer (ANI)n‐b‐PEO‐b‐(ANI)n) (n = 4, 8, 16) are prepared and studied. The results indicate that the (ANI)n‐b‐PEO‐b‐(ANI)n show unique temperature sensitivity and switch from p‐type to n‐type when the temperature is above 300 K. Differential scanning calorimetry curves show that the Tg of the (ANI)n‐b‐PEO‐b‐(ANI)n is lower than 300 K, indicating that PEO segments of the (ANI)n‐b‐PEO‐b‐(ANI)n easily move above 300 K and have high flexibility. Temperature‐dependent Raman spectra confirm that there are strong interactions between PEO segments and aniline oligomers during the raising temperature, and PEO chains might provide plenty of negative charge at high temperature, which can convert the (ANI)n‐b‐PEO‐b‐(ANI)n into n‐type thermoelectric materials. To adjust the number of aniline unit, (ANI)8‐b‐PEO‐b‐(ANI)8 shows excellent n‐type characteristics with Seebeck coefficient as large as −1171 µV K−1 at 381 K. The strong interaction between PEO and aniline oligomers plays a dominant role in the n‐type thermoelectric performance of the triblock copolymers, which have potential application in the field of PTEGs and temperature sensors.
The Oral Bioavailability of Trans‐Resveratrol from a Grapevine‐Shoot Extract in Healthy Humans is Significantly Increased by Micellar Solubilization
Authors: Calvo‐Castro Laura A. , Schiborr Christina , David Franziska , Ehrt Heidi , Voggel Jenny , Sus Nadine , Behnam Dariush , Bosy‐Westphal Anja , Frank Jan 
Published: March 2018

ScopeGrapevine‐shoot extract Vineatrol30 contains abundant resveratrol monomers and oligomers with health‐promoting potential. However, the oral bioavailability of these compounds in humans is low (˂1–2%). The aim of this study was to improve the oral bioavailability of resveratrol from vineatrol by micellar solubilization.Methods and resultsTwelve healthy volunteers (six women, six men) randomly ingested a single dose of 500 mg vineatrol (30 mg trans‐resveratrol, 75 mg trans‐ε‐viniferin) as native powder or liquid micelles. Plasma and urine were collected at baseline and over 24 h after intake. Resveratrol and viniferin were analyzed by HPLC. The area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) and mean maximum plasma trans‐resveratrol concentrations were 5.0‐fold and 10.6‐fold higher, respectively, after micellar supplementation relative to the native powder. However, no detectable amounts of trans‐ε‐viniferin were found in either plasma or urine. The transepithelial permeability of trans‐resveratrol and trans‐ε‐viniferin across differentiated Caco‐2 monolayers was consistent to the absorbed fractions in vivo.ConclusionThe oral bioavailability of trans‐resveratrol from the grapevine‐shoot extract Vineatrol30 was significantly increased using a liquid micellar formulation, without any treatment‐related adverse effects, making it a suitable system for improved supplementation of trans‐resveratrol.
A pencil beam algorithm for magnetic resonance image‐guided proton therapy
Authors: Padilla‐Cabal Fatima , Georg Dietmar , Fuchs Hermann 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThe feasibility of magnetic resonance image (MRI)‐based proton therapy is based, among several other factors, on the implementation of appropriate extensions on current dose calculation methods. This work aims to develop a pencil beam algorithm (PBA) for dose calculation of proton beams within magnetic field regions of up to 3 T.MethodsMonte Carlo (MC) simulations using the GATE 7.1/GEANT4.9.4p02 toolkit were performed to generate calibration and benchmarking data for the PBA. Dose distributions from proton beams in the clinical required energy range 60–250 MeV impinging on a 400 × 400 × 400 mm3 water phantom and transverse magnetic fields ranging from 0 to 3 T were considered. Energy depositions in homogeneous and heterogeneous phantoms filled with water, adipose, bone, and air were evaluated for proton energies of 80, 150, and 240 MeV, combining a trajectory calculation method and look‐up tables (LUT). A novel parametrization model, using independent tailed Gauss fitting functions, was employed to describe the nonsymmetric shape of lateral beam profiles. Integrated depth‐dose curves (IDD), lateral dose profiles, and two‐dimensional dose distributions calculated with the PBA were compared with results from MC simulations to assess the performance of the algorithm. A gamma index criterion of 2%/2 mm was used for analysis.ResultsA close to perfect agreement was observed for PB‐based dose calculations in water in magnetic fields of 0.5, 1.5, and 3 T. IDD functions showed differences between the PBA and MC of less than 0.1% before the Bragg peak, and deviations of 2–8% in the distal energy falloff region. Gamma index pass rates higher than 99% and mean values lower than 0.1 were encountered for all analyzed configurations. For homogeneous phantoms, only the full bone configuration offered deviations in the Bragg peak position of up to 1.7% and overestimations of the lateral beam spot width for high‐energy protons and magnetic field intensities. An excellent agreement between PBA and MC dose calculation was also achieved using slab‐like and lateral heterogeneous phantoms, with gamma index passing rates above 98% and mean values between 0.1 and 0.2. As expected, agreement reduced for high‐energy protons and high‐intensity magnetic fields, although results remained good enough to be considered for future implementation in clinical practice.ConclusionsThe proposed pencil beam algorithm for protons can accurately account for dose distortion effects induced by external magnetic fields. The application of an analytical model for dose estimation and corrections reduces the calculation times considerably, making the presented PBA a suitable candidate for integration in a treatment planning system.
Small‐Bowel Feeding Tube Placement at Bedside: Electronic Medical Device Placement and X‐Ray Agreement
Authors: Carter Michaelann , Roberts Susan , Carson Jo Ann 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe use of an electromagnetic placement device (EMPD) can allow trained clinicians to safely perform small‐bowel feeding tube (SBFT) placement at the bedside. Before initiation of enteral nutrition, most facilities require a radiology confirmation of tube placement. Requirement of X‐ray confirmation delays the start of nutrition and leads to increased costs and utilization of resources. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of agreement between clinician interpretation of SBFT placement using the EMPD images and X‐ray confirmation on tip of SBFT placement.Materials and MethodsThis single‐center, retrospective, observational study used data completed by registered dietitians or registered nurses after SBFT placement and compared it with radiology reports in the electronic health record. All tube placements were performed using the EMPD and were determined to be in 1 of 4 locations: stomach, duodenum, at the ligament of Trietz, or not specified within the small bowel.ResultsA total of 280 tube placements were analyzed. When differentiating between stomach and small bowel, the rate of agreement using a κ statistic was substantial agreement (κ = 0.67) and when determining tip‐of‐tube location within the small bowel excluding not specified locations, there was almost perfect agreement with a κ = 0.93 and n = 84.ConclusionThese findings suggest that EMPD images provide substantial agreement with X‐ray confirmation and almost perfect agreement when the tip of the tube is within the small bowel. This indicates that the EMPD could be used without X‐ray confirmation.
Clinical Simulation Learning for Small‐Bowel Feeding Tube Insertion
Authors: Rollins Christina , Bailey Emily , Gregoire Jacqueline , Milner Tim 
Published: March 2018

AbstractClinical simulation training provides a realistic environment for students and healthcare professionals to strengthen and broaden skills and abilities. This type of learning experience creates a controlled environment in which learners may attain new skills or further develop skills that positively impact patient outcomes. Although few studies exist regarding the use of clinical simulation training and nutrition support practitioners, preliminary data following a small‐bowel feeding tube (SBFT) insertion workshop for intensive care unit registered nurses and registered dietitian nutritionists showed potential use in this realm. The purpose of this paper is to provide a basic overview of clinical simulation learning, review literature related to clinical simulation in healthcare, and discuss the recent implementation of a SBFT insertion workshop incorporating clinical simulation learning.
Predicting the Influence of an Added Liquid in a Particle Damper using Coupled SPH and Discrete Element Method
Authors: Gnanasambandham Chandramouli , Eberhard Peter 
Published: March 2018

AbstractParticle dampers are a promising alternative compared to conventional dampers due to their very flexible ability to dissipate energy in a wide frequency range even in rough environments. Simultaneously they cover additional functions like load bearing and noise reduction. For the understanding of particle dampers it is important to take into account the relevant physical phenomena which are interacting. The particles are modeled using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). Mesh‐free methods such as the DEM pose to be appropriate in modeling large displacements of particle fillings in the damper and the dynamic contacts between adjacent particles resulting from high dynamics. In this work, a numerical experiment, where a particle damper is attached to a vertical leaf‐spring, is set up to investigate the influence of typical parameters such as particle fill‐ratios, particle size, and enclosure geometry on the damping performance of the particle damper. Moreover, the effect of an added liquid is also investigated. The Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method is used in order to model the motion of the fluid. By using a coupled SPH‐DEM approach, it is shown that complex interactions between particle‐fillings, liquid, and enclosure geometry can be sufficiently well modeled. Thereby, it is possible to predict the influence of an added liquid on the vibration attenuation properties of the particle damper. (© 2017 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nonlinear Multiple Body Models for Brake Squeal
Authors: Koch Sebastian , Gräbner Nils , Gödecker Holger , von Wagner Utz 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBrake squeal is a self‐excited vibration with initially inclining amplitude reaching a limit cycle due to nonlinearities. For a proper simulation of this behavior, it is necessary to know the origin and the influence of the brake system's nonlinearities. It is generally known, that nonlinearities are inherent to the joints [1, 2], complex friction laws [3] and the friction material of the system [4–6]. In this work, the influence of friction material and shim nonlinearities on the existence of a limit cycle is investigated. Stiffness and damping characteristics are determined using the chair's owned DCTR [4] test rig. It is shown, how nonlinear characteristics, which are necessary for simulation, are obtained from the performed measurements. They are incorporated in a multiple body model composed of brake disk, pads, shims, carrier and calliper from which the nonlinear equations of motion are derived. For the investigation on the bifurcation behavior, the equations of motion are transformed into normal form. It is then possible to describe the bifurcation behavior with respect to parameter influences. Ultimately, with this information it is possible to show the influence of the investigated nonlinearities on brake squeal. (© 2017 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On Using Fuzzy Arithmetic in Optimization Problems with Uncertain Constraints
Authors: Mäck Markus , Hose Dominik , Hanss Michael 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA general procedure for the treatment of uncertain, fuzzy‐valued constraints in optimization problems is derived by considering the connection between fuzzy set theory and possibility theory, inspired by the results for chance‐constrained programming in a fuzzy environment [1]. The proposed algorithm is exemplarily applied to synthesizing a controller for an uncertain system. (© 2017 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)