bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality‐of‐Life Metrics Correlate With Disease Severity in Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Naunheim Matthew R. , Paddle Paul M. , Husain Inna , Wangchalabovorn Patcharamanee , Rosario David , Franco Ramon A. 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesIdiopathic subglottic stenosis (ISGS) can have significant impacts on quality of life (QOL), but it remains unclear how patients’ subjective responses correlate with objective measurement of disease severity. Peak expiratory flow percentage (PEF%) has been shown to be an effective measure of disease severity in subglottic stenosis. This study aims to identify the key QOL questions correlated with PEF% and proposes a statistical model for prediction of disease severity.MethodsPatients with ISGS presenting to an academic laryngologist were included retrospectively from 2012 to 2016. Peak expiratory flow percentage (age, sex, and height adjusted) was recorded for each visit, along with four validated QOL instruments (European QOL–Five Dimensions; RAND 36‐Item Health Survey; Clinical COPD [Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease] Questionnaire; and the Airway, Dyspnea, Voice, and Swallowing Summary Assessment). A stepwise multiple linear regression was used to identify statistically significant independent variables correlated with PEF%, and a model was built with these variables.ResultsThirty‐two patients were included, with a total of 271 patient encounters. Overall scores from each of the four QOL instruments were correlated with PEF% values recorded each visit (P < 0.05). Question responses correlating most positively included overall breathlessness, difficulty catching breath, cough within the past week, dyspnea with moderate activity, perception that voice changes are restricting social life, and overall general health (all P < 0.01). A model constructed using six nonoverlapping questions yielded an adjusted R2 of 0.58.ConclusionQuality of life is correlated to PEF% in ISGS. Using a limited number of QOL questions, clinicians can predict objective worsening or improvement of disease severity, as measured by spirometry.Level of Evidence2b. Laryngoscope, 128:1398–1402, 2018
An overview of the micrometeorological field campaign at Santa Maria, Southern Brazil: the Pampa‐2016 experiment
Authors: Degrazia Gervásio Annes , Rizza Umberto , Stefanello Michel , Maldaner Silvana , Roberti Debora Regina , Martins Luis Gustavo Nogueira , Anabor Vagner , Puhales Franciano Scremin , Dal Piva Everson , Acevedo Otavio Costa , Zimermann Hans Rogério , Teichrieb Cláudio Alberto 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTThe Pampa‐2016 experimental campaign was performed in a typical Pampa lowland South American region. It consisted of both surface flux measurements (at 3 and 29 m) and a radiosonde launched every 3 h. The resulting meteorological observations allowed for the analysis of turbulent properties associated with both a stable and a convective boundary layer. The combined analysis of the surface data and vertical soundings has revealed some general characteristics of the atmospheric boundary layer for both the nocturnal stable conditions and the daytime convective environment. The continuous surface measurements showed that the nocturnal stable inversion, occurring in calm winds, is basically generated by the radiative cooling mechanism that is established after the late afternoon transition. The analysis of night‐time surface data also showed that, under stable conditions in the case of vanishing wind speed, the friction velocity has unrealistic values that are very close to zero. This situation is undesirable for numerical models that generally use this quantity as a lower boundary condition. The analysis of night‐time temperature profiles revealed two contrasting patterns in agreement with the classical classification of radiative night (a very stable boundary layer) and a turbulent night (a weakly stable boundary layer). In contrast, the analysis of the daytime temperature profiles provided an estimation of the convective time scale that is of the order of 10 min, in agreement with experimental values. A spectral analysis and the consequent estimation of the spectral peaks under unstable and stable conditions were in agreement with literature values.
Modelling weather risk preferences with multi‐criteria decision analysis for an aerospace vehicle launch
Authors: Caruzzo Amaury , Belderrain Mischel Carmen Neyra , Fisch Gilberto , Young George S. , Hanlon Christopher J. , Verlinde Johannes 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTDecision‐making under weather uncertainty is a challenge in several fields. When the decision process involves many stakeholders, frequently with different interpretations of the meteorological information, the process is even more complex. This work provides a quantitative decision model with a new index (called the weather decision index, WDI) to support the stakeholders in making real‐world choices according to their preferences regarding the uncertainty of weather information. The integrated model combines several methods such as problem structuring, multi‐criteria analysis, scenario planning and probabilistic weather forecast techniques. As a demonstration, the model was applied in the sounding rocket launch mission in the Brazilian Space Programme. The WDI captured stakeholders' behaviour related to three meteorological information attributes (probability, lead‐time and variables) and modelled the most important judgements of the decision maker; low probability or an extended lead‐time depreciates the meteorological information, and weather variables are not considered in the decisions, even with forecasts of extreme events. Modelling with the WDI brings a new perspective in weather‐related decision problems. The choice of alternatives no longer depends on a necessarily simplified optimization analysis, but rather on the decision maker's preferences about the possibly nonlinear trade‐offs between forecast reliability and lead‐time. The findings also increase understanding of the forecast decision maker's preferences and how to improve weather risk communication. The WDI provides a starting point for several applications, including early warning systems or climate change adaptation, for which reliable uncertainty estimates are accessible.
Impaired autophagy correlates with golden retriever muscular dystrophy phenotype
Authors: Stoughton William B. , Li Jianrong , Balog‐Alvarez Cindy , Kornegay Joe N. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) are X‐linked disorders caused by mutations in the DMD gene. Autophagy was recently identified as a secondary therapeutic target for DMD. We hypothesized that autophagy would be reduced in GRMD. Methods: Autophagic gene and protein expression was assessed in normal and GRMD skeletal muscles and correlated with phenotypic biomarkers. Results: Muscles were differentially affected. Autophagy gene levels were lower than normal in the GRMD cranial sartorius (CS) but similar in the vastus lateralis (VL). Protein markers of autophagic flux, LC3B‐II and p62, were higher in both GRMD muscles, in keeping with impaired autophagy. Protein levels correlated with a more severe phenotype. Autophagic structures were found in necrotic, fast‐twitch GRMD myofibers. Discussion: Our data suggest that autophagy is impaired in certain GRMD muscles. Differential GRMD CS involvement emphasizes that therapeutic modulation of autophagy could require specific muscle targeting. Muscle Nerve 58: 418–426, 2018
Malignant progression of a peripheral nerve sheath tumor in the setting of rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndrome
Authors: Upadhyaya Santhosh A. , McGee Rose B. , Wilky Breelyn A. , Broniscer Alberto 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMalignant progression of a benign or low‐grade tumor in individuals with germline alteration of SMARCB1 gene is not well characterized. In a family in which two carrier children had germline SMARCB1 mutations and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor, we report malignant progression of a nerve sheath tumor over a 7‐year period in an affected adult family member. Prompt identification of the germline SMARCB1 alteration and the resultant rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndrome can help guide genetic counseling and surveillance in affected family members.
Synthesis and biological activity of an Anderson polyoxometalate bis‐functionalized with a Bombesin‐analog peptide
Authors: Ventura Daniele , Calderan Andrea , Honisch Claudia , Krol Silke , Serratì Simona , Bonchio Marcella , Carraro Mauro , Ruzza Paolo 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPolyoxometalates (POMs) are multi metallic and polyanionic oxides whose functionalization with organic moieties can generate new properties. Among possible strategies to generate molecular diversity and find applications in different fields, the postfunctionalization of a POM with peptides is particularly interesting and easily achievable. In this article, we present the functionalization of the Anderson‐Evans polyoxomolybdate ([MnMo6O24]3–) with a Bombesin antagonist peptide, to highlight the interplay between these 2 domains, in terms of structural changes and assembly. Moreover, since Bombesin analogs show a marked binding affinity and specificity for some subtypes of the Gastrin Releasing Peptide Receptor (GRP‐R), the impact of the peptide on the antitumor activity of the Anderson‐Evans polyoxomolybdate POM has been explored.
Solid‐phase synthesis of amanitin derivatives and preliminary evaluation of cellular uptake and toxicity
Authors: Blanc Antoine , Dietrich David J. , Perrin David M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe study of transcriptional arrest is of great importance and can provide insight into the cellular response to various toxins, most notably chemotherapeutics. Therefore, specific inhibitors of RNA Polymerase II (RNAP II) could prove to be extremely useful. Given that α‐amanitin is one of the most potent and selective inhibitors of RNAP II, we prepared two amanitin derivatives on solid phase as a proof of principle towards the development of a One‐Bead‐One‐Compound (OBOC) amanitin chemical library. The amatoxin family comprises several related toxic peptides that are characterized by a defined rigid bicyclic structure based on a head‐to‐tail cyclized octapeptide, with a transannular tryptathionine crosslink. The latter is prepared via the Savige‐Fontana tryptathionylation of the oxidized tryptophan derivative 3a‐hydroxypyrrolo[2,3‐b]indoline in neat TFA. We synthesized a new fluorescently labelled S‐deoxo‐[Asn1‐TEG‐DEAC, Ile3]‐amaninamide (Ile3‐Ama) and studied its ability to be taken up by CHO cells and to stain the nucleus, the site of transcriptionally active DNA. Towards the solid phase synthesis of an amanitin‐inspired library, we synthesized a linker that is stable both in TFA, used to promote the tryptathionine crosslink, and base used for Fmoc‐deprotection. The linker allowed the full synthesis of an amanitin derivative on solid phase, including tryptathionylation and macrolactamization.
Biophysical Assessment of Pulmonary Surfactant Predicts the Lung Toxicity of Nanomaterials
Authors: Yang Yi , Wu Yakun , Ren Quanzhong , Zhang Lijie Grace , Liu Sijin , Zuo Yi Y. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWith the rapid development of nanotechnology and an increasing use of nanoenabled consumer products, there is an urgent need to develop precautionary tools to evaluate acute lung toxicity of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). As natural pulmonary surfactant (PS) film represents the initial barrier of nano–bio interactions in the lungs, a novel in vitro experimental method, called constrained drop surfactometry (CDS), is developed to quantitatively evaluate PS inhibition caused by ENMs. The results show that at a very low concentration, four representative ENMs, including carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, zinc oxide, and silver nanoparticles, all increase in vitro minimum surface tension of a modified natural PS, Infasurf. These in vitro results are related to the extensive alveolar collapse and inflammation observed in vivo in mice exposed to these ENMs in an intratracheal instillation model. Thus, there may be a direct correlation between in vitro surface tension increase due to PS inhibition by ENMs and in vivo lung toxicity revealed by alveolar collapse and inflammation. Compared to commonly used animal models, CDS holds great promise for the development of an animal‐free, easy‐to‐use, and low‐cost precautionary assay for the prediction of acute lung toxicity of inhaled ENMs.
Photothermal Adjunctive Cytoreductive Surgery for Treating Peritoneal Metastasis of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wang Shunhao , Chi Chongwei , Cheng Haidong , Pan Xueting , Li Shanshan , Zhang Fengrong , Gaowa Sharen , Ye Jinzuo , Mao Yamin , He Kunshan , Tian Jie , Liu Huiyu 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAlthough the combination therapy of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy has improved survival rates in selected patients with peritoneal metastasis (PM), therapeutic efficiency remains a challenge due to low targeting specificity, poor tissue penetration of chemotherapy drugs, and incomplete tumor clearance. To overcome these drawbacks, novel gold nanoshells conjugated with indocyanine green (I‐GSNs) for image‐guided photothermal adjunctive CRS (iPTA‐CRS) are synthesized. The as‐prepared nanoparticles effectively accumulate both in subcutaneously transplanted and PM models. I‐GSN‐mediated near‐infrared imaging provides sufficient optical contrast for preoperative guidance and intraoperative resection with the accurate detection of visible/microtumor lesions (<3 mm). The strategy is significantly more effective for removing subcutaneously transplanted tumors, inhibiting PM nodules of the gastric tumor, and enhancing the survival rate (≈33%) than other treatments (0%) in the 60 d observation period. This novel iPTA‐CRS may benefit future clinical translations for gastric cancer patients with PM.
Size, Growth, and Size‐Selective Mortality of Subyearling Chinook Salmon during Early Marine Residence in Puget Sound
Authors: Gamble Madilyn M. , Connelly Kristin A. , Gardner Jennifer R. , Chamberlin Joshua W. , Warheit Kenneth I. , Beauchamp David A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn marine ecosystems, survival can be heavily influenced by size‐selective mortality during juvenile life stages. Understanding how and when size‐selective mortality operates on a population can reveal underlying growth dynamics and size‐selective ecological processes affecting the population and thus can be used to guide conservation efforts. For subyearling Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in Puget Sound, previous research reported a strong positive relationship between marine survival and body mass during midsummer in epipelagic habitats within Puget Sound, suggesting that early marine growth drives survival. However, a fine‐scale analysis of size‐selective mortality is needed to identify specific critical growth periods and habitats. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe occupancy patterns across estuarine delta, nearshore marine, and offshore epipelagic habitats in Puget Sound; (2) describe changes in FL and weight observed across habitats and time; (3) evaluate evidence for size‐selective mortality; and (4) illustrate how marine survival of the stocks studied may be affected by variation in July weight. In 2014 and 2015, we sampled FLs, weights, and scales from seven hatchery‐origin and two natural‐origin stocks of subyearling Chinook Salmon captured every 2 weeks during out‐migration and rearing in estuary, nearshore, and offshore habitats within Puget Sound. Natural‐origin stocks had more protracted habitat occupancy patterns than hatchery‐origin stocks and were smaller than hatchery‐origin stocks in both years. Regardless of origin, subyearlings were longer and heavier and grew faster in offshore habitats compared to estuary and nearshore habitats. For all stocks, we found little evidence of size‐selective mortality among habitats in Puget Sound. These patterns were consistent in both years. Finally, the weights of subyearlings sampled during July in the offshore habitat predicted Puget Sound‐wide marine survival rates of 0.4% for 2014 and 2.0% for 2015, with stock‐specific predictions ranging from 0.18% to 11.70%.
A multi-disciplinary toolbox for rotorcraft design
Authors: Weiand P. , Krenik A. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this paper is to outline the structure of the DLR integrated rotorcraft design process. The complexity of rotorcraft design requires the development of the tools directly by the specialists of the respective institutes, where the tools are continuously refined and published to authorised users. The integration of the tools into a suitable software framework by means of distributed computation and the harmonisation of the tools among each other are presented. This framework delivers a high level of modularity making the layout and testing of the process very flexible. This design environment covers the conceptual and preliminary design phases. Not only conventional main/tail rotor configurations can be designed, but also some other configurations with more than one main rotor. The fundamental concept behind the layout of the tools is demonstrated, especially the use of scaling and optimisation loops in connection with the different levels of fidelity and the different phases of design.
The relative-velocity version of the Morison equation for obstacle arrays in combined steady, low and high frequency motion
Authors: Santo H. , Taylor P. H. , Williamson C. H. K. , Choo Y. S. 
Published: March 2018

This paper revisits the problem of forces on obstacle arrays in combined waves, an in-line steady current and structural dynamic motions. The intended application is the design and re-assessment of dynamically responding offshore platforms. Planar grids of perforated plates are moved in forced motion on three scales through otherwise stationary water. A new analytical wave–current–structure blockage model is developed by building on the existing wave–current blockage model presented by Santo et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 739, 2014b, pp. 143–178) using a similar set of experiments but with forced motion on two scales. The new model, which is an improved Morison relative-velocity formulation, is tested against the experimental data for a range of structural to wave oscillation frequency ratios, $f_{s}/f_{w}=2$, 2.5 and 3. For relatively small current speed ($u_{c}$) and oscillatory structural velocity ($u_{s}$) compared with the oscillatory wave velocity ($u_{w}$), the drag force time history on grids is well approximated by a summation of the wave drag and the current drag components independently, without a $u_{w}\times u_{c}$ cross-term, consistent with the previous model. The wave drag component contains an additional $u_{s}$ contribution, while the current drag component may or may not contain an additional $u_{s}$ contribution depending on $f_{s}/f_{w}$. The measured drag force is observed to be asymmetric in time due to biasing from the mean flow. This is supported by numerical simulation using a porous block as a numerical model of the grids, although the simulated force asymmetry is weaker. All these effects can be sufficiently accounted for in the analytical model. The new model is shown to fit the variation of the experimental forces and force harmonics in time well for a wide range of cases, requiring only calibration of the Morison type drag and inertia coefficients. In contrast, the industry-standard version of the Morison relative-velocity formulation cannot reproduce the variation of the measured force in time, so present practice should be regarded as inadequate for combined steady, low frequency and high frequency motion acting on obstacle arrays.
ἈΡΧΗ ΠΡΑΞΕΩΝ ΙΝ ARISTOTLE'S EUDEMIAN ETHICS II 6, 1223a9–16
Authors: Wolt Daniel 
Published: March 2018

Eudemian Ethics II 6 is meant to introduce Aristotle's discussion of voluntary action in II 7–9. The majority of II 6, however, consists of a somewhat obscure discussion of the ways in which humans, alone among animals, are origins of action (ἀρχαὶ πράξεων). It is not at all clear how that topic is meant to relate to the topic of voluntary action until the following passage, towards the end of the chapter, in which Aristotle relates being the cause (αἴτιος) and origin of action to praiseworthiness and blameworthiness and to the voluntary (1223a9–16):
ἐπεὶ δ’ ἥ τε ἀρετὴ καὶ ἡ κακία καὶ τὰ ἀπ’αὐτῶν ἔργα τὰ μὲν ἐπαινετὰ τὰ δὲ ψεκτά (ψέγεται γὰρ (10)καὶ ἐπαινεῖται οὐ διὰ τὰ ἐξ ἀνάγκης ἢ τύχης ἢ φύσεωςὑπάρχοντα, ἀλλ’ ὅσων αὐτοὶ αἴτιοι ἐσμέν· ὅσων γὰρ ἄλλοςαἴτιος, ἐκεῖνος καὶ τὸν ψόγον καὶ τὸν ἔπαινον ἔχει), δῆλονὅτι καὶ ἡ ἀρετὴ καὶ ἡ κακία περὶ ταῦτ’ ἐστιν ὧν αὐτὸςαἴτιος καὶ ἀρχὴ πράξεων. ληπτέον ἄρα ποίων αὐτὸς αἴτιος (15)καὶ ἀρχὴ πράξεων.Now, since virtue and vice and the works that come from them are praiseworthy and blameworthy respectively (for one is not blamed or praised for what obtains on account of necessity or chance or nature but for the things we are ourselves causes of; for where someone else is the cause, he bears both the blame and the praise), it is clear that virtue and vice are concerned with what one is oneself a cause of and starting point of action.
Vestibular rehabilitation using video gaming in adults with dizziness: a pilot study
Authors: Phillips J S , Fitzgerald J , Phillis D , Underwood A , Nunney I , Bath A 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjective:To determine the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation using the Wii Fit balance platform, in adults with dizziness.Methods:A single-site prospective clinical trial was conducted in a university hospital in the UK. Forty patients with dizziness, who would normally be candidates for vestibular rehabilitation, were identified and considered as potential participants. Participants were randomised into either the treatment group (the Wii Fit group) or the control group (standard customised vestibular rehabilitation protocol). Participants were assessed over a 16-week period using several balance and quality of life questionnaires.Results:Both exercise regimes resulted in a reduction of dizziness and an improvement in quality of life scores over time, but no statistically significant difference between the two interventions was identified.Conclusion:This pilot study demonstrated that use of the Wii Fit balance platform resulted in a statistically significant improvement in balance function and quality of life. Furthermore, outcomes were comparable to a similar group of individuals following a standard customised vestibular rehabilitation protocol. The study provides useful information to inform the design and execution of a larger clinical trial.
Beyond the BRICS: Power, Pluralism, and the Future of Global Order
Authors: Hurrell Andrew 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn the early years of the twenty-first century the narrative of “emerging powers” and “rising powers” seemed to provide a clear and powerful picture of how international relations and global politics were changing. Yet dramatic changes in the global system have led many to conclude that the focus on the BRICS and the obsession with the idea of rising powers reflected a particular moment in time that has now passed. The story line is now about backlash at the core; and, with the exception of China, rising powers have returned to their role as secondary or supporting actors in the drama of global politics. Such a conclusion is profoundly mistaken for three sets of reasons: the continued reality of the post-Western global order; the need to understand nationalist backlash as a global phenomenon; and the imperative of locating and strengthening a new pluralist conception of global order.