bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coupling finite difference method with finite particle method for modeling viscous incompressible flows
Authors: Huang C. , Long T. , Liu M.B. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryA hybrid approach to couple finite difference method (FDM) with finite particle method (FPM) (ie, FDM‐FPM) is developed to simulate viscous incompressible flows. FDM is a grid‐based method that is convenient for implementing multiple or adaptive resolutions and is computationally efficient. FPM is an improved smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH), which is widely used in modeling fluid flows with free surfaces and complex boundaries. The proposed FDM‐FPM leverages their advantages and is appealing in modeling viscous incompressible flows to balance accuracy and efficiency. In order to exchange the interface information between FDM and FPM for achieving consistency, stability, and convergence, a transition region is created in the particle region to maintain the stability of the interface between two methods. The mass flux algorithm is defined to control the particle creation and deletion. The mass is updated by N‐S equations instead of the interpolation. In order to allow information exchange, an overlapping zone is defined near the interface. The information of overlapping zone is obtained by an FPM‐type interpolation. Taylor‐Green vortices and lid‐driven shear cavity flows are simulated to test the accuracy and the conservation of the FDM‐FPM hybrid approach. The standing waves and flows around NACA airfoils are further simulated to test the ability to deal with free surfaces and complex boundaries. The results show that FDM‐FPM retains not only the high efficiency of FDM with multiple resolutions but also the ability of FPM in modeling free surfaces and complex boundaries.
Nutritional composition and acceptability of biscuits fortified with palm weevil larvae (Rhynchophorus phoenicis Fabricius) and orange‐fleshed sweet potato among pregnant women
Authors: Ayensu Jessica , Lutterodt Herman , Annan Reginald Adjetey , Edusei Anthony , Loh Su Peng 
Published: April 2019

AbstractEdible insects are currently being promoted as an inexpensive alternative source of protein in underdeveloped countries due to the rising cost of conventional animal protein and the foreseen future deficit in its supply. A supplemental palm weevil larvae and orange‐fleshed sweet potato biscuit was developed as part of efforts to understand the nutritional benefits of edible insects and to predict whether these benefits will contribute to better nutrition among pregnant women in Ghana. The palm weevil larvae flour and the orange‐fleshed sweet potato flour were mixed with wheat flour in three formulations that had 0, 35, and 70% of palm weevil larvae flour, before being made into biscuits. The biscuits were subjected to proximate and mineral content analysis and sensory evaluation. Proximate and mineral composition of the biscuits increased with increasing levels of palm weevil larvae flour substitution. Among the blends, biscuits containing 70% palm weevil larvae had the highest energy and fat content, and protein content also increased by 45% compared with biscuits made from 100% wheat flour. Calcium, iron, and zinc levels also increased with increasing levels of palm weevil larvae flour substitution. However, carbohydrate and crude fiber concentrations of the biscuits decreased with increasing substitution. The overall acceptability of the biscuits as determined by sensory evaluation using pregnant women was high. Biscuits fortified with palm weevil larvae can be a nutritious snack for pregnant women.
Jump variance risk: Evidence from option valuation and stock returns
Authors: Chang Hsuan‐Ling , Chang Yen‐Cheng , Cheng Hung‐Wen , Peng Po‐Hsiang , Tseng Kevin 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe study jump variance risk by jointly examining both stock and option markets. We develop a GARCH option pricing model with jump variance dynamics and a nonmonotonic pricing kernel featuring jump variance risk premium. The model yields a closed‐form option pricing formula and improves in fitting index options from 1996 to 2015. The model‐implied jump variance risk premium has predictive power for future market returns. In the cross‐section, heterogeneity in exposures to jump variance risk leads to a 6% difference in risk‐adjusted returns annually.
The significance of tumor budding in oral cancer survival and its relevance to the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system
Authors: Ho Yi‐Yun , Wu Tzu‐Ying , Cheng Han‐Chieh , Yang Cheng‐Chieh , Wu Cheng‐Hsien 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundTo explore the clinicopathological significance of tumor budding (TB) on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) prognosis.MethodsData of 200 patients with OSCC were retrieved from the cancer registration database in Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Clinicopathological characteristics and survival relevant to TB were analyzed.ResultsThe data showed that TB was predominant in the tongue and floor of the mouth in younger patients with OSCC and correlated with several pathological factors, such as perineural invasion and lymphovascular invasion. Patients with TB have significantly lower recurrence‐free survival (P ≤ .0001). TB was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis in patients with early cancer stage (P = .042). Multivariate analysis demonstrated extranodal extension and TB as independent predictors of lymph node recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio = 9.90 and 3.89, respectively).ConclusionTB is a significant predictor of tumor aggression with locoregional failure even in the revised 8th American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system.
Detecting recurrent head and neck cancer using electronic nose technology: A feasibility study
Authors: van de Goor Rens M. G. E. , Hardy Joey C. A. , van Hooren Michel R. A. , Kremer Bernd , Kross Kenneth W. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this feasibility study was to assess the diagnostic performance of an electronic nose (e‐nose) as a noninvasive diagnostic tool in detecting locoregional recurrent and/or second (or third) primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) after curative treatment.MethodsUsing an e‐nose (Aeonose, The eNose Company, Zutphen, The Netherlands), breath samples were collected from patients after curative treatment of an HNSCC with a locoregional recurrence or second (or third) primary tumor (N = 20) and from patients without evidence of recurrent disease (N = 20). Analyses were performed utilizing artificial neural networking based on patterns of volatile organic compounds.ResultsA diagnostic accuracy of 83% was observed in differentiating follow‐up patients with locoregional recurrent or second (or third) primary HNSCC from those without evidence of disease.ConclusionThis study has demonstrated the feasibility of using an e‐nose to detect locoregional recurrent and/or second (or third) primary HNSCC.
Synthesis of mesoporous silica/polyglutamic acid peptide dendrimer with dual targeting and its application in dissolving thrombus
Authors: Huang Mengjie , Zhang Shao‐Fei , Lü Shaoyu , Qi Taomei , Yan Jia , Gao Chunmei , Liu Mingzhu , Li Tao , Ji Yanzheng 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWith the frequent occurrence of thrombus diseases, thrombus has become a factor endangering human health. Nattokinase (NK) is a new generation of thrombolytic drug with efficient thrombolytic effect and no major side effects. However, it is easily inactivated in external environment due to its sensitivity, which is still a challenge for its generalized application. Herein, a mesoporous silica/polyglutamic acid peptide dendrimer (M‐MSNs‐G3‐RGD) nanoparticle was prepared to protect and transport NK. First, magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (M‐MSNs) were prepared as the core of the whole nanoparticle, then polyglutamic acid peptide dendrimer (G3) was bonded to form M‐MSNs‐G3. At last, arginine‐glycine‐aspartic peptide (RGD) was grafted onto the M‐MSNs‐G3 to obtain M‐MSNs‐G3‐RGD. The physical and chemical characteristics and biological toxicity of M‐MSNs‐G3‐RGD were studied. Thrombus‐targeting nanocomposites M‐MSNs‐G3‐RGD/NK were prepared by loading the thrombolytic drug NK via electrostatic interaction. In vitro and in vivo targeted thrombolytic experiments showed that the nanoparticles exhibited significant thrombolysis ability. These results suggested the potential application of M‐MSNs‐G3‐RGD/NK in dual targeted thrombolysis.
Mathematical predictions of oxygen availability in micro‐ and macro‐encapsulated human and porcine pancreatic islets
Authors: Cao Rui , Avgoustiniatos Efstathios , Papas Klearchos , de Vos Paul , Lakey Jonathan R. T. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractOptimal function of immunoisolated islets requires adequate supply of oxygen to metabolically active insulin producing beta‐cells. Using mathematical modeling, we investigated the influence of the pO2 on islet insulin secretory capacity and evaluated conditions that could lead to the development of tissue anoxia, modeled for a 300 μm islet in a 500 μm microcapsule or a 500 μm planar, slab‐shaped macrocapsule. The pO2 was used to assess the part of islets that contributed to insulin secretion. Assuming a 500 μm macrocapsule with a 300 μm islet, with oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of 100–300 nmol min−1 mg−1 DNA, islets did not develop any necrotic core. The nonfunctional zone (with no insulin secretion if pO2 < 0.1 mmHg) was 0.3% for human islets (OCR ~100 nmol/min/mg DNA) and 35% for porcine islets (OCR ~300 nmol/min/mg DNA). The OCR of the islet preparation is profoundly affected by islet size, with optimal size of <250 μm in diameter (human) or <150 μm (porcine). Our data suggest that microcapsules afford superior oxygen delivery to encapsulated islets than macrocapsules, and optimal islet function can be achieved by encapsulating multiple, small (<150 μm) islets with OCR of ~100 nmol min−1 mg−1 DNA (human islets) or ~200 nmol min−1 mg−1 DNA (porcine islets).
Low dose 100 cGy irradiation as a potential therapy for pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Egan Pamela C. , Liang Olin D. , Goldberg Laura R. , Aliotta Jason M. , Pereira Mandy , Borgovan Theodor , Dooner Mark , Camussi Giovanni , Klinger James R. , Quesenberry Peter J. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPulmonary hypertension (PH) is an incurable disease characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling and ultimately death. Two rodent models of PH include treatment with monocrotaline or exposure to a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitor and hypoxia. Studies in these models indicated that damaged lung cells evolve extracellular vesicles which induce production of progenitors that travel back to the lung and induce PH. A study in patients with pulmonary myelofibrosis and PH indicated that 100 cGy lung irradiation could remit both diseases. Previous studies indicated that murine progenitors were radiosensitive at very low doses, suggesting that 100 cGy treatment of mice with induced PH might be an effective PH therapy. Our hypothesis is that the elimination of the PH‐inducing marrow cells by low dose irradiation would remove the cellular influences creating PH. Here we show that low dose whole‐body irradiation can both prevent and reverse established PH in both rodent models of PH.
Altered Glycemic Control Associated With Polymorphisms in the SLC22A1 (OCT1) Gene in a Mexican Population With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treated With Metformin: A Cohort Study
Authors: Reséndiz‐Abarca Carlos Alberto , Flores‐Alfaro Eugenia , Suárez‐Sánchez Fernando , Cruz Miguel , Valladares‐Salgado Adán , del Carmen Alarcón‐Romero Luz , Vázquez‐Moreno Miguel Alexander , Wacher‐Rodarte Niels Agustín , Gómez‐Zamudio Jaime Héctor 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe organic cation transporters OCT1 and OCT2 and the multidrug and toxin extrusion transporter MATE1, encoded by the SLC22A1, SLC22A2, and SLC47A1 genes, respectively, are responsible for the absorption of metformin in enterocytes, hepatocytes, and kidney cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether genetic variations in the SLC22A1, SLC22A2, and SLC47A1 genes could be associated with an altered response to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A cohort study was conducted in 308 individuals with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus of less than 3 years and who had metformin monotherapy. Three measurements of blood glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were obtained at the beginning of the study and after 6 and 12 months. Five polymorphisms were analyzed in the SLC22A1 (rs622342, rs628031, rs594709), SLC22A2 (rs316019), and SLC47A1 (rs2289669) genes by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed a significant association among genotypes CC‐rs622342 (β = 1.36; P < .001), AA‐rs628031 (β = 0.98; P = .032), and GG‐rs594709 (β = 1.21; P = .016) in the SLC22A1 gene with an increase in HbA1c levels during the follow‐up period. Additionally, a significant association was found in the CGA and CAG haplotypes with an increase in HbA1c levels compared to the highest‐frequency haplotype (AGA). In conclusion, the genetic variation in the SLC22A1 gene was significantly related to the variation of the HbA1c levels, an important indicator of glycemic control in diabetic patients. This information may contribute to identifying patients with an altered response to metformin before starting their therapy.
Sulfur trioxide removal performance of alkaline sorbents injection in the temperature range 400–705 °C: a pilot‐scale study
Authors: Xie Dong , Wang Haiming , Tao Jun , Chang Dongwu , You Changfu 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDSulfur trioxide (SO3) in coal combustion flue gas can adversely affect power plant equipment and the environment. In this work, the removal of SO3 with typical sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca)‐based sorbents was investigated at a pilot‐scale facility in the temperature range 400–705 °C.RESULTSThe injection of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) showed the highest SO3 removal efficiency, which was ∼85% at the sorbent/SO3 molar ratio of 2 with the gas residence time of 1 s. This is much higher than that of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) (∼25%) and magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) (∼30%). The removal efficiency of Mg(OH)2 and Ca(OH)2 increased with increasing the reaction temperature from 400 to 705 °C. With the addition of 800 ppm sulfur dioxide (SO2), the adsorption of SO3 on alkaline sorbents was inhibited due to the competitive adsorption, which caused SO3 removal efficiency to decrease by 5–12.5%. When injecting the sorbents in slurry form, the removal efficiency was found to be two times higher than that in powder form.CONCLUSIONNaHCO3 is the most effective sorbent comparing to Mg(OH)2 and Ca(OH)2. To increase the SO3 removal efficiency, the alkaline sorbents should be injected in the high temperature zone in flue gas. It is recommended to inject the sorbents in slurry form instead of injecting powders directly to achieve high removal efficiency. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Demand and order‐fulfillment planning: The impact of point‐of‐sale data, retailer orders and distribution center orders on forecast accuracy
Authors: Narayanan Arunachalam , Sahin Funda , Robinson E. Powell 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIndustry consultants claim that investing in systems that base forecasting on point‐of‐sale (POS) data throughout the supply chain will improve forecast accuracy. We explore what actually happens to forecast accuracy for demand and order‐fulfillment planning when the forecast demand signal is based on POS, retailer orders, or distribution center (DC) orders. We begin by comparing the forecast accuracy for different demand signals using daily demand and operating data from a large consumer‐products supply chain. We then extend the analysis by varying the demand and supply‐chain parameters to evaluate their impact on demand signal performance. We find that POS data improve forecast accuracy for demand planning but not for order‐fulfillment planning. These findings thus challenge consulting‐firm claims about the ability of POS‐based forecasting systems to improve forecast accuracy across all contexts.
Modelling time‐course relationships with multiple treatments: Model‐based network meta‐analysis for continuous summary outcomes
Authors: Pedder Hugo , Dias Sofia , Bennetts Margherita , Boucher Martin , Welton Nicky J. 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundModel‐based meta‐analysis (MBMA) is increasingly used to inform drug‐development decisions by synthesising results from multiple studies to estimate treatment, dose‐response, and time‐course characteristics. Network meta‐analysis (NMA) is used in Health Technology Appraisals for simultaneously comparing effects of multiple treatments, to inform reimbursement decisions. Recently, a framework for dose‐response model‐based network meta‐analysis (MBNMA) has been proposed that combines, often nonlinear, MBMA modelling with the statistically robust properties of NMA. Here, we aim to extend this framework to time‐course models.MethodsWe propose a Bayesian time‐course MBNMA modelling framework for continuous summary outcomes that allows for nonlinear modelling of multiparameter time‐course functions, accounts for residual correlation between observations, preserves randomisation by modelling relative effects, and allows for testing of inconsistency between direct and indirect evidence on the time‐course parameters. We demonstrate our modelling framework using an illustrative dataset of 23 trials investigating treatments for pain in osteoarthritis.ResultsOf the time‐course functions that we explored, the Emax model gave the best fit to the data and has biological plausibility. Some simplifying assumptions were needed to identify the ET50, due to few observations at early follow‐up times. Treatment estimates were robust to the inclusion of correlations in the likelihood.ConclusionsTime‐course MBNMA provides a statistically robust framework for synthesising evidence on multiple treatments at multiple time points. The use of placebo‐controlled studies in drug‐development means there is limited potential for inconsistency. The methods can inform drug‐development decisions and provide the rigour needed in the reimbursement decision‐making process.
Progress in the Development of Intrinsically Conducting Polymer Composites as Biosensors
Authors: Prajapati Deepak G. , Kandasubramanian Balasubramanian 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBiosensors are analytical devices which find extensive applications in fields such as the food industry, defense sector, environmental monitoring, and in clinical diagnosis. Similarly, intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs) and their composites have lured immense interest in bio‐sensing due to their various attributes like compatibility with biological molecules, efficient electron transfer upon biochemical reactions, loading of bio‐reagent, and immobilization of biomolecules. Further, they are proficient in sensing diverse biological species and compounds like glucose (detection limit ≈0.18 nm), DNA (≈10 pm), cholesterol (≈1 µm), aptamer (≈0.8 pm), and also cancer cells (≈5 pm mL−1) making them a potential candidate for biological sensing functions. ICPs and their composites have been extensively exploited by researchers in the field of biosensors owing to these peculiarities; however, no consolidated literature on the usage of conducting polymer composites for biosensing functions is available. This review extensively elucidates on ICP composites and doped conjugated polymers for biosensing functions of copious biological species. In addition, a brief overview is provided on various forms of biosensors, their sensing mechanisms, and various methods of immobilizing biological species along with the life cycle assessment of biosensors for various biosensing applications, and their cost analysis.
microRNA‐mRNA analysis in pituitary and hypothalamus of sterile Japanese flounder
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Wang Guixing , Sun Zhaohui , Hou Jilun , Wang Yufen 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDouble haploidy is an advantageous situation for genetic mapping and genome sequencing studies. In the present study, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland from sterile and fertile double‐haploid (DH) Japanese flounders (aged 5 years) were used as experimental materials for studying the expression of genes in individuals with reproductive disorders, using high‐throughput sequencing technology. The results revealed abnormal levels of some hormones in sterile DHs during the breeding season. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed that the significantly different microRNAs and messenger RNAs were related to metabolism, signal transduction, and melanogenesis; those related to steroid hormone synthesis and secretion related pathways were not detected. Our results suggest that the key to sterility in DHs was the arrested ovary development. However, the reason for arrested ovary development was mainly related to the lower levels of expression of genes involved in steroid biosynthesis in gonads, and was not related to the pituitary. For maintaining homeostasis, the hypothalamus and pituitary would have large differences in several processes, including signal transduction, metabolism, and immune response. The present study provides primary data for further studies on sterility in fish, and even in other animals.
Steric and Electronic Effects in Gold N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes Revealed by Computational Analysis
Authors: de Kock Sunel , Dillen Jan , Esterhuysen Catharine 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA computational analysis of a series of cationic and neutral gold imidazolylidene and benzimidizolylidene complexes is reported. The Bond Dissociation Energies of the various ligands in the complexes calculated at the PBE0‐D3/def2‐TZVP level of theory increase with increasing ligand volume, except for those of complexes containing t‐butyl‐substituted ligands, which are anomalously low particularly for the benzimidazolylidene species. Atoms in Molecules studies show the presence of a variety of weak intramolecular interactions, characterised by the presence of bond critical points with a range of different properties. Energy Decomposition Analysis and calculation of Electrostatic Surface Potentials indicate that some interactions are weakly attractive dispersion‐type interactions, while others are repulsive. The octanol/water partition coefficients (log P values) were calculated as a measure of the lipophilicities of the complexes and were found to increase with increasing volume.
Synthesis and characterization of a novel freeze‐dried silanated chitosan bone tissue engineering scaffold reinforced with electrospun hydroxyapatite nanofiber
Authors: Nezafati Nader , Faridi‐Majidi Raheleh , Pazouki Mohammad , Hesaraki Saeed 
Published: April 2019

AbstractNovel chitosan scaffolds containing different weight ratios of electrospun hydroxyapatite nanofibers (n‐HAs) were fabricated. The fibers possessed diameters in the range 110–170 nm. A fixed concentration of glycidyloxypropyl‐trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) as a crosslinking agent was added to the chitosan solution (CG). The porosity percentage was increased when GPTMS and n‐HAs were added to the chitosan structure. The presence of GPTMS in the chitosan structure caused a decrease in the average pore size. The pores were more irregular in shape than pure chitosan and CG scaffolds when n‐HAs were added. A uniform distribution of n‐HAs was seen for a chitosan‐GPTMS hybrid scaffold containing 25 wt% n‐HAs (CGH25) using energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and mapping. The best values of compressive strength and elastic modulus were achieved for CGH25. The swelling ratio was decreased on adding GPTMS to the chitosan scaffold. Different morphologies of hydroxyapatite deposits on the surface of CG and CGH25 (string‐likeversusneedle‐like precipitates) were observed after 14 days of soaking in simulated body fluid. For CGH25, the viability of MG‐63 osteoblastic cells improved with respect to CG for up to 72 h of cell culture. These results reveal the potential of the chitosan‐CGH25 scaffold for use in bone tissue engineering. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry