bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Entropic patchiness drives multi-phase coexistence in discotic colloid–depletant mixtures
Authors: González García Á. , Wensink H. H. , Lekkerkerker H. N. W. , Tuinier R. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractEntropy–driven equilibrium phase behaviour of hard particle dispersions can be understood from excluded volume arguments only. While monodisperse hard spheres only exhibit a fluid–solid phase transition, anisotropic hard particles such as rods, discs, cuboids or boards exhibit various multi–phase equilibria. Ordering of such anisotropic particles increases the free volume entropy by reducing the excluded volume between them. The addition of depletants gives rise to an entropic patchiness represented by orientation–dependent attractions resulting in non–trivial phase behaviour. We show that free volume theory is a simple, generic and tractable framework that enables to incorporate these effects and rationalise various experimental findings. Plate-shaped particles constitute the main building blocks of clays, asphaltenes and chromonic liquid crystals that find widespread use in the food, cosmetics and oil industry. We demonstrate that mixtures of platelets and ideal depletants exhibit a strikingly rich phase behaviour containing several types of three–phase coexistence areas and even a quadruple region with four coexisting phases.
From the Age of 5 Humans Decide Economically, Whereas Crows Exhibit Individual Preferences
Authors: Danel Samara , Osiurak François , von Bayern Auguste Marie Philippa 
Published: November 2017

AbstractHuman societies greatly depend on tools, which spare us considerable time and effort. Humans might have evolved a bias to employ tools, using them even when they are unnecessary. This study aimed to investigate whether adult humans and a distantly related habitually tool-using vertebrate species, the New Caledonian crow (Corvus moneduloides), use tools depending on their necessity. In addition, children aged 3 to 5 years were examined to investigate the developmental pattern. The task involved choosing between using a body part (i.e. crows: beak; humans: hand) or a tool for retrieving a reward from a box. All subjects were tested in two conditions. In the Body+/Tool− condition, using the body was more efficient than using the tool, and conversely in the Body−/Tool+ condition. Our results suggest that the capacity to employ tools economically develops late in humans. Crows, however, failed to choose economically. At the individual level, some subjects exhibited striking individual preferences for either using a tool or their beak throughout the task. Whether such biases depend on individual experience or whether they are genetically determined remains to be investigated. Our findings provide new insights about tool use and its cognitive implementation in two outstanding tool-using taxa.
Formation of a transient amorphous solid in low density aqueous charged sphere suspensions
Authors: Niu Ran , Heidt Sabrina , Sreij Ramsia , Dekker Riande I. , Hofmann Maximilian , Palberg Thomas 
Published: November 2017

AbstractColloidal glasses formed from hard spheres, nearly hard spheres, ellipsoids and platelets or their attractive variants, have been studied in great detail. Complementing and constraining theoretical approaches and simulations, the many different types of model systems have significantly advanced our understanding of the glass transition in general. Despite their early prediction, however, no experimental charged sphere glasses have been found at low density, where the competing process of crystallization prevails. We here report the formation of a transient amorphous solid formed from charged polymer spheres suspended in thoroughly deionized water at volume fractions of 0.0002–0.01. From optical experiments, we observe the presence of short-range order and an enhanced shear rigidity as compared to the stable polycrystalline solid of body centred cubic structure. On a density dependent time scale of hours to days, the amorphous solid transforms into this stable structure. We further present preliminary dynamic light scattering data showing the evolution of a second slow relaxation process possibly pointing to a dynamic heterogeneity known from other colloidal glasses and gels. We compare our findings to the predicted phase behaviour of charged sphere suspensions and discuss possible mechanisms for the formation of this peculiar type of colloidal glass.
Sodium fluoride exposure exerts toxic effects on porcine oocyte maturation
Authors: Liang Shuang , Nie Zheng-Wen , Zhao Minghui , Niu Ying-Jie , Shin Kyung-Tae , Cui Xiang-Shun 
Published: November 2017

AbstractExcessive long-term fluoride intake is associated with several health problems, including infertility. However, limited information is available on the toxic effects of fluoride exposure on the female reproductive system, especially oocyte maturation. In this study, we investigated the toxic effect of sodium fluoride (NaF) exposure on porcine oocyte maturation and its possible underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that NaF exposure during porcine oocyte maturation inhibited cumulus cell expansion and impaired polar body extrusion. Cell cycle analysis showed that NaF exposure blocked meiotic resumption, disturbed spindle dynamics, disrupted chromosome separation, and increased aneuploidy in porcine oocytes. Moreover, NaF exposure disturbed mitochondrial function, triggered DNA damage response, and induced early apoptosis in porcine oocytes. NaF exposure also induced oxidative stress, decreased GSH level, and increased cathepsin B activity in and impaired the further development potential of porcine oocytes, as indicated by a decrease in blastocyst formation rate, increase in apoptosis, and inhibition of cell proliferation. Together, these results indicate that NaF exposure impairs the maturation capacity of porcine oocytes by inhibiting cumulus cell expansion, disturbing cytoskeletal dynamics, and blocking nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, thus decreasing the quality and affecting the subsequent embryonic development potential of porcine oocytes.
Nutrient resorption or accumulation of desert plants with contrasting sodium regulation strategies
Authors: Wang Lilong , Wang Liang , He Wenliang , An Lizhe , Xu Shijian 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDesert plants are thought to rely more heavily on nutrient resorption due to the infertile soil. However, little is known regarding the phylogenetic effects on this traits, specifically for halophytes. Here we determined contents of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in 36 desert plants in a hyper-arid environment. The patterns of resorption or accumulation of the six elements were compared among plant groups with diverse leaf Na regulation strategies: i.e., euhalophytes (Eu), secretohalophytes (Se), pseudohalophytes (Ps) and glycophytes (Gl). Overall, N, P, K presented strict resorption across all groups, but no more efficient than global estimations. Ca and Mg tended to be resorbed less or accumulated during leaf senescence. Significant phylogenetic signal of both leaf Na content and plant group implies the pivotal role of Na regulation in the adaptation of plants to desert environment. Resorption proficiency, rather than resorption efficiency, is more phylogenetically conservative and more relevant to leaf functional traits.
Rate of WD-WD head-on collisions in isolated triples is too low to explain standard type Ia supernovae
Authors: Toonen S. , Perets H. B. , Hamers A. S. 
Published: November 2017

Context.Type Ia supernovae (Ia-SNe) are thought to arise from the thermonuclear explosions of white dwarfs (WDs). The progenitors of such explosions are still highly debated; in particular the conditions leading to detonations in WDs are not well understood in most of the suggested progenitor models. Nevertheless, direct head-on collisions of two WDs were shown to give rise to detonations and produce Ia-SNe – like explosions, and were suggested as possible progenitors.
Aims.The rates of such collisions in dense globular clusters are far below the observed rates of type Ia SNe, but it was suggested that quasi-secular evolution of hierarchical triples could produce a high rate of such collisions. With regular secular evolution, the expected Ia-SNe rate from isolated triples is orders of magnitude below the observed rate. Here we aim to test if the rate of WD collisions in triples can be significantly enhanced if quasi-secular evolution is taken into account.
Methods.We used detailed triple stellar evolution populations synthesis models coupled with dynamical secular evolution to calculate the rates of WD-WD collisions in triples and their properties. We explored a range of models with different realistic initial conditions and derived the expected SNe total mass, mass-ratio and delay time distributions for each of the models.
Results.We find that the SNe rate from WD-WD collisions is of the order of 0.1% of the observed Ia-SNe rate across all our models, and the delay-time distribution is almost uniform in time, and is inconsistent with observations.
Conclusions.We conclude that SNe from WD-WD collisions in isolated triples can at most provide for a small fraction of Ia-SNe, and can not serve as the main progenitors of such explosions.
Developmental dysplasia of the hip: an update on diagnosis and management from birth to 6 months
Authors: Swarup Ishaan , Penny Caitlin L. , Dodwell Emily R. 
Published: November 2017

Purpose of review
Our understanding of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is evolving. This review focuses on the most up-to-date literature on DDH in patients from birth to six months of age.

Recent findings
Well known risk factors for DDH include family history, female sex, and breech positioning. Recent evidence suggests higher birth weight is a risk, whereas prematurity may be protective. Screening includes physical examination of all infant hips and imaging when abnormal findings or risk factors are present. Treatment in the first six months consists of a harness, with 70–95% success. Failure risk factors include femoral nerve palsy, static bracing, irreducible hips, initiation after seven weeks of age, right hip dislocation, Graf-IV hips, and male sex. Rigid bracing may be trialed if reduction with a harness fails and closed reduction is indicated after failed bracing. If the hip is still irreducible, nonconcentric, or unstable, open reduction may be required following closed reduction. Evidence does not support delaying hip reduction until the ossific nucleus is present.

Summary
DDH affects 1–7% of infants. All infants should be examined and selective screening with imaging should be performed for abnormal physical exams or risk factors. Early treatment is associated with optimal outcomes.
The Range and Impact of Postmigration Stressors During Treatment of Trauma-Affected Refugees
Authors: Bruhn Maja , Rees Susan , Mohsin Mohammed , Silove Derrick , Carlsson Jessica 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Trauma-affected refugees commonly experience postmigration stressors, which can compound conflict-related emotional distress. Our study aimed to assess clinician-rated frequency and types of postmigration stressors deemed to be interfering with the treatment of refugees attending a service for trauma-related mental distress. A total of 116 patients completed 6 months of multidisciplinary treatment. Clinician-rated postmigration stressors were registered at each session. Outcome measures were Harvard Trauma Questionnaire and Global Assessment of Functioning, function (GAF-F) and symptom. Postmigration stressors were deemed to impact on 39.1% of treatment sessions with medical personnel. Issues related to work, finances, and family were the most frequently identified stressors. Postmigration stressors interfering with treatment were more common among male refugees, those living alone, those from Middle Eastern origin, and persons with low baseline GAF-F. Explicitly identifying and, where possible, dealing with postmigration stressors may assist in averting their interference with the treatment of distress in refugees.
Online health information seeking among women: the moderating role of health consciousness
Authors: Ahadzadeh Ashraf Sadat , Pahlevan Sharif Saeed , Sim Ong Fon 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is two fold: to test the moderating effect of health consciousness (HC) on the influence of attitude towards internet (AI) internet usage for health information seeking (IHI) behaviour; and examine whether HC moderates the influence of perceived health risk (PHR) on the internet usage for health information which is mediated by perceived usefulness of internet (PUI) and AI usage in an integrated model underpinned by health belief model and the technology acceptance model.

Design/methodology/approach
Data obtained for the current study were collected using convenience sampling and the sample consisted of women who not only have internet access but used the internet in their daily life. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) method was used to test the research hypotheses developed from a sample of 270 respondents.

Findings
Findings revealed that HC moderates the influence of AI use for health information seeking. In addition, the results also showed that the positive indirect effect of PHR on IHI through PUI and AI usage is significant for high level of HC but not for the medium and low levels of HC.

Originality/value
Major contribution of this study is in the testing of the moderating role of HC on the mediating effect of perceived usefulness of the internet and attitude on PHR and IHI.
3D digital geometry designs for Poland’s syndrome using Magics and Geomagic® Freeform®
Authors: Van Heerden Izél , Fossey Annabel , Booysen Gerrie J. 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
Poland’s syndrome patients often seek medical interventions to improve their aesthetic appearances. Design and manufacturing technologies make it possible to produce custom-made implants for such medical conditions. The purpose of this study was to compare the 3D digital geometries that were designed using Magics and Geomagic® Freeform® for two anonymous case studies of Poland’s syndrome patients.

Design/methodology/approach
Computed tomography data were acquired and processed in Mimics® to isolate the pectoralis muscles in STL file format. STL files were imported into Magics and Geomagic® Freeform® to design 3D digital geometries. Thereafter, comparative analyses were performed of the respective 3D digital geometries.

Findings
The angle between the vertical and oblique planes for both sides of the thorax was 6.5° for the female and 14° for the male. The surface areas and volumes of the geometries for the female were smaller than the male. Deviation analyses between the healthy side and reconstructed side of a thorax showed that 73 per cent of the test points for Magics and 78 per cent for Geomagic® Freeform® fell in the nominated tolerance region of >−5 and <+5 mm for the female. For the male, it was 83 per cent for Magics and 88 per cent for Geomagic® Freeform®.

Practical implications
Geomagic® Freeform® provides a more versatile design environment; however, the STL editor Magics may be an option to design 3D geometries for less intricate and less contoured implants.

Originality/value
This was a first attempt to compare the 3D geometries for Poland’s syndrome designed with an STL editor to those designed with a computer-aided design program.
Skewness Versus Kurtosis: Implications for Pricing and Hedging Options
Authors: Kim Sol , Lee Geul , Park Yuen Jung 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe examine the relative influence of the skewness and kurtosis of option‐implied risk‐neutral density on pricing and hedging performance in the S&P 500 Index options market. We find that skewness exerts a greater impact on pricing and hedging errors than kurtosis. The model that considers skewness shows better performance for pricing and hedging options than the model that only considers kurtosis. Our results are consistent, even when the underlying return is extremely high or low, as well as for options on individual stocks. Overall, risk‐neutral skewness is more important than risk‐neutral kurtosis for pricing and hedging options.
Oxaliplatin‐induced enteric neuronal loss and intestinal dysfunction is prevented by co‐treatment with BGP‐15
Authors: McQuade Rachel M , Stojanovska Vanesa , Stavely Rhian , Timpani Cara , Petersen Aaron C , Abalo Raquel , Bornstein Joel C , Rybalka Emma , Nurgali Kulmira 
Published: November 2017

Background and PurposeGastrointestinal side effects of chemotherapy are an under‐recognized clinical problem, leading to dose reduction, delays and cessation of treatment, presenting a constant challenge for efficient and tolerated anti‐cancer treatment. We have found that oxaliplatin treatment results in intestinal dysfunction, oxidative stress and loss of enteric neurons. BGP‐15 is a novel cytoprotective compound with potential HSP72 co‐inducing and PARP inhibiting properties. In this study, we investigated the potential of BGP‐15 to alleviate oxaliplatin‐induced enteric neuropathy and intestinal dysfunction.Experimental ApproachBalb/c mice received oxaliplatin (3 mg·kg−1·day−1) with and without BGP‐15 (15 mg·kg−1·day−1: i.p.) tri‐weekly for 14 days. Gastrointestinal transit was analysed via in vivo X‐ray imaging, before and after treatment. Colons were collected to assess ex vivo motility, neuronal mitochondrial superoxide and cytochrome c levels and for immunohistochemical analysis of myenteric neurons.Key ResultsOxaliplatin‐induced neuronal loss increased the proportion of neuronal NO synthase‐immunoreactive neurons and increased levels of mitochondrial superoxide and cytochrome c in the myenteric plexus. These changes were correlated with an increase in PARP‐2 immunoreactivity in the colonic mucosa and were attenuated by BGP‐15 co‐treatment. Significant delays in gastrointestinal transit, intestinal emptying and pellet formation, impaired colonic motor activity, reduced faecal water content and lack of weight gain associated with oxaliplatin treatment were restored to sham levels in mice co‐treated with BGP‐15.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur results showed that BGP‐15 ameliorated oxidative stress, increased enteric neuronal survival and alleviated oxaliplatin‐induced intestinal dysfunction, suggesting that BGP‐15 may relieve the gastrointestinal side effects of chemotherapy.
Overtreatment of older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary care
Authors: Hart Huberta E. , Rutten Guy E. , Bontje Kyra N. , Vos Rimke C. 
Published: November 2017

Given that there are indications of overtreatment in older patients with type 2 diabetes in both the United States and Europe, we assessed the level of personalized diabetes treatment for older patients in primary care, focusing on overtreatment. Based on Dutch guidelines individuals aged ≥70 years were classified into 3 glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) treatment target groups: 7% (53 mmol/mol), 7.5% (58 mmol/mol) and 8% (64 mmol/mol).In our cohort of 1002 patients (n = 319 aged ≥70 years), the 165 patients with HbA1c targets >7% had more micro‐ and macrovascular complications, more often used ≥5 medicines and were more often frail compared with those with an HbA1c target ≤7%. Of these 165 patients, 64 (38.8%) were overtreated; that is, 20% of all people aged ≥70 years. The majority of overtreated people were frail and used ≥5 medicines. Hypoglycaemia occurred in 20.3% of these patients and almost 30% reported accidents involving falls. Personalized treatment in older people with type 2 diabetes is not common practice. A substantial number of older people are overtreated, with probable harmful consequences. To prevent overtreatment, definition of lower HbA1c limits might be helpful.
Efficacy and tolerance of GELOXD/P‐GEMOXD in newly diagnosed nasal‐type extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Li Ji‐Wei , Li Ya‐Jun , Zhong Mei‐Zuo , Liu Xian‐Ling , Li Jin , Li Kun‐Lun , Liu Xi‐Yu , Zhou Fang , OuYang Zhou , Sun Zhong‐Yi , Huang Li‐Jun , He Jun‐Qiao , Zhou Hui , Yi Ping‐Yong 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectivesNasal‐type extranodal natural killer NK/T‐cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) is a distinct type of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma with poor prognosis. This research aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the GELOXD or P‐GEMOXD regimens in patients with ENKTCL.MethodsNewly diagnosed ENKTCL patients treated with either the GELOXD or the P‐GEMOXD regimen were identified from three cancer centers between January 2010 and December 2016. Kaplan‐Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to calculate overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) and to investigate prognostic factors.ResultsOne hundred and eighty‐four cases were identified from three cancer centers. After 1‐5 treatment cycles of GELOXD or P‐GEMOXD chemotherapy, 155 (84%) patients showed a complete response (CR). The 3‐year OS (73.0% vs 38.2%, P = .001) and PFS (72.8% vs 32.4%, P = .000) rates were significantly higher in early‐stage patients compared with advanced‐stage patients. A multivariate analysis revealed that patient CR status was a significant independent factor in disease prognosis. Grade 3/4 leukopenia occurred in 43 (23.4%) patients. Major non‐hematological toxicities included nausea (n = 117, 63.6%) and vomiting (n = 66, 35.9%).ConclusionsThe GELOXD and P‐GEMOXD chemotherapy regimens are well tolerated and provide favorable survival outcomes in patients with ENKTCL.
Prediction of Groundwater Level in Ardebil Plain Using Support Vector Regression and M5 Tree Model
Authors: Sattari Mohammad Taghi , Mirabbasi Rasoul , Sushab Reza Shamsi , Abraham John 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe Ardebil plain, which is located in northwest Iran, has been faced with a recent and severe decline in groundwater level caused by a decrease of precipitation, successive long‐term droughts, and overexploitation of groundwater for irrigating the farmlands. Predictions of groundwater levels can help planners to deal with persistent water deficiencies. In this study, the support vector regression (SVR) and M5 decision tree models were used to predict the groundwater level in Ardebil plain. The monthly groundwater level data from 24 piezometers for a 17‐year period (1997 to 2013) were used for training and test of models. The model inputs included the groundwater levels of previous months, the volume of entering precipitation into every cell, and the discharge of wells. The model output was the groundwater level in the current month. In order to evaluate the performance of models, the correlation coefficient (R) and the root‐mean‐square error criteria were used. The results indicated that both SVR and M5 decision tree models performed well for the prediction of groundwater level in the Ardebil plain. However, the results obtained from the M5 decision tree model are more straightforward, more easily applied, and simpler to interpret than those from the SVR. The highest accuracy was obtained using the SVR model to predict the groundwater level from the Ghareh Hasanloo and Khalifeloo piezometers with R = 0.996 and R = 0.983, respectively.
Effects of high‐pressure homogenisation on structural and functional properties of mussel (Mytilus edulis) protein isolate
Authors: Yu Cuiping , Cha Yue , Wu Fan , Xu Xianbing , Qin Yuting , Li Xialin , Du Ming 
Published: November 2017

SummaryIn this study, the effects of high‐pressure homogenisation (HPH) treatment on structural and functional properties of mussel protein isolate (MPI) were investigated. HPH treatment did not modify the protein profiles of MPI, but caused changes in secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure. HPH treatment improved functional properties of MPI such as solubility, foaming ability, emulsifying activity and stability. This preliminary study demonstrated the potential of HPH technology to process MPI due to improving its functional properties.