bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of soil solid thermal conductivity from soil separates and organic matter content: computational micromechanics approach
Authors: Różański Adrian , Stefaniuk Damian 
Published: August 2016

Evaluation of soil thermal conductivity at a given saturation usually requires the value of conductivity in the saturated state, which is commonly estimated by the geometric mean from the conductivities of water and soil solids (λs). Therefore, an accurate estimate of λs has a marked effect on soil conductivity within the full range of saturation. In this research, we modelled the soil solid as a multi‐phase medium comprising individual isotropic phases with conductivities drawn randomly from an assumed probability density function. The variation in the thermal conductivity of minerals is associated with the corresponding soil separates: clay, silt and sand. A computational micromechanics approach was used to evaluate the homogenized thermal conductivity of the soil solids with different fractions of soil separates and organic matter contents. A new formula to predict λs is proposed by fitting a four parameter, non‐linear function to the numerical results. Thirty experimental results of soil conductivities at saturation (our investigations and literature data) were used to validate the proposed model. We show that the new approach improves analytical predictions in terms of the root mean square error and bias. The proposed model to estimate λs is suitable for practical purposes because it requires information on the fraction of sand and organic matter contents only.HighlightsCan we predict conductivity of solids from soil separates and organic matter only?
Soil skeleton is modelled at the mineralogical scale as a multiphase material.
Conductivity of soil solids has considerable effect on assessment of conductivity in the saturated state.
Proposed model makes possible the efficient evaluation of thermal conductivity of soil solids.
Resonant fatigue test bench for shaft testing
Authors: Huertas J I , Navarrete N , Giraldo M , Uribe J D , Gasca J J 
Published: August 2016

AbstractShaft fatigue testing involves long test times (~3 months), high energy consumption and high test equipment maintenance costs owing to the high bending and twisting moments required (~1600 Nm), high number of cycles (~107) and large sample sizes (~30).To reduce testing time, we designed, manufactured and evaluated a resonant plate test bench. Using finite element analysis and topological optimization, we redesigned the traditional resonant flat plates for higher resonant frequency and lower deflection at the plate free ends. We found that the optimal topology is an I‐beam; it doubles the frequency of flexion tests, up to 100 Hz, and exhibits 2 mm of deflection under a load of 1 kN.To measure the moments induced on the shaft sample during testing, we measured the surface deflection of the resonant plates. Tests on a calibration axle showed that the induced shaft moment has very high linear correlation (R2 > 0.99) with the plate's surface deformation.We used our test bench to evaluate fatigue resistance for a type of crankshaft manufactured by a local company. We found that their fatigue resistance limit was 1250 Nm at 107 cycles and that their mean useful life was 104 cycles when they are subjected to a 1400 Nm moment. These results agree with previous results on this type of crankshaft using other methods.
Medication use and adherence among multi‐ethnic community‐dwelling older adults in Malaysia
Authors: Neoh Chin Fen , Long Chiau Ming , Lim Siong Meng , Ramasamy Kalavathy , Shahar Suzana , Majeed Abu Bakar Abdul 
Published: August 2016

AimThe present study assessed adherence, barriers, belief and awareness towards the use of medications among multi‐ethnic community‐dwelling older adults in Malaysia. Medication accessibility, expenditure and perceptions towards medicine labeling among older adults were also evaluated.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was carried out in the central region of Malaysia from January to August 2015. The older adults enrolled in an ongoing prospective community‐based geriatric cohort study and prescribed with medicines were interviewed using a 50‐item validated questionnaire.ResultsOf the 79 older adults interviewed, 39.2% had ≥4 prescribed medications. Most obtained their medications free‐of‐charge from government hospitals (66, 83.5%). Nearly half (35, 44.3%) had trouble reading labels for medicines that they had received. Chinese older adults (P = 0.001) and those with lower monthly household income (P < 0.001) expressed difficulty in reading medication labels. Most (59, 75.0%) were unable to differentiate between generic and brand names of the medications, and 49.4% of the older adults did not know that all medicines had to be registered with the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. Most older adults had positive beliefs about the necessity of their medications, and 50.6% (n = 40) reported high medication adherence. The medication adherence score was negatively correlated with the concerns score (r = –0.5, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe findings from the present study provide a unique insight into the diversity of medication use among multiethnic community‐dwelling older adults. Although high adherence to medications and positive beliefs about the necessity of medications were reported by the older adults, their knowledge about medications remained insufficient and they had difficulty in reading medication labels. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1214–1220.
Synergistic effect between Helichrysum italicum essential oil and cold nitrogen plasma against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms on different food‐contact surfaces
Authors: Cui Haiying , Li Wei , Li Changzhu , Lin Lin 
Published: August 2016

SummaryStaphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen in human, and the most diseases produced by S. aureus are associated with biofilms. Helichrysum italicum essential oil (EO), as a natural and safe spice, was employed to disperse S. aureus biofilm by cold nitrogen plasma (CNP) assist. After S. aureus biofilm formation on food container surfaces, they were exposed to CNP and then treated with Helichrysum italicumEO for biofilm dispersion. The population of S. aureus biofilm was approximately reduced by 2 logs after individual treatment of 0.5 mg mL−1 Helichrysum italicumEO or 400 W CNP. Interestingly, the combined treatment of Helichrysum italicumEO (0.5 mg mL−1, 40 min) and CNP (400 W, 1 min) reduced the S. aureus viable count in biofilm below 2 logs CFU per cm2 after 1‐day storage. Therefore, the synergetic treatment holds great promise to improve the current treatment systems of bacterial contamination on different food‐contact surfaces.
A needs assessment of community pharmacists for pharmacist specialization in Canada
Authors: Jorgenson Derek , Penm Jonathan , MacKinnon Neil , Smith Jennifer 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Objectives
Pharmacists are increasingly providing specialized services. However, no process exists for specialist certification in Canada. The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which Canadian community pharmacists support the development of a certification system for specialization.

Methods
This study utilized a cross-sectional online survey of licensed Canadian pharmacists identified through the member databases of national and regional pharmacy associations. A questionnaire was developed (in French and English) and distributed via email, on behalf of the researchers, by multiple pharmacy organizations in January 2015. Multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to identify which sub-groups of respondents supported the creation of a certification system and which supported mandatory certification.

Key findings
A total of 770 responses were received. Many respondents were practising specialists (30.0%, 205/683) and the most commonly reported specialty areas were diabetes, smoking cessation and geriatrics. Almost 85% (n = 653/770) supported creation of a Canadian certification process and 68.5% (n = 447/653) felt certification should be mandatory. Respondents believed that the primary benefit of a certification system was greater public confidence in pharmacist specialist skills. They also felt that the most important factor in the development of the system is to create national definitions for specialty practice. The main barrier was the lack of reimbursement for specialty services in Canada.

Conclusions
The majority of Canadian community pharmacist respondents support the creation of a certification process for pharmacist specialization. Future study is required to confirm this finding in a larger sample and to determine the optimal model and the financial feasibility of a national system in Canada.
Molecular characterization and functional analysis of pheromone binding protein 1 from Cydia pomonella (L.)
Authors: Tian Z. , Zhang Y. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractA full‐length cDNA encoding Cydia pomonella pheromone binding protein 1 (CpomPBP1) was cloned and characterized. CpomPBP1, possessing the typical characteristics of lepidopteran odorant binding proteins, was detected to be specifically expressed in the antennae of male and female moths at the mRNA and protein level. Soluble recombinant CpomPBP1 was subjected to in vitro binding to analyse its binding properties and to search for potentially active semiochemicals. A competitive binding assay showed that three 12‐carbon ligands, codlemone, 1‐dodecanol and E,E‐2,4‐dodecadienal, were able to bind to CpomPBP1 in decreasing order of affinity. Moreover, unlike the wild‐type CpomPBP1, the C‐terminus truncated CpomPBP1 exhibited high affinity to ligands even in an acidic environment, suggesting that the C‐terminus plays a role in preventing ligands from binding to CpomPBP1 in a lower pH environment.
ART is an alternative for restoring occlusoproximal cavities in primary teeth – evidence from an updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tedesco Tamara Kerber , Calvo Ana Flavia Bissoto , Lenzi Tathiane Larissa , Hesse Daniela , Guglielmi Camila Almeida Brandão , Camargo Lucila Basto , Gimenez Thais , Braga Mariana Minatel , Raggio Daniela Prócida 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundA previous systematic review showed that atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) can be an option to restore the occlusoproximal cavities in primary teeth; however, few studies fulfilled the criteria of inclusion to generate a high level of evidence.AimTo update the existing systematic review and address questions regarding survival rate of ART restorations compared to the conventional approach in occlusoproximal cavities in primary molars.DesignThe search was extended beyond the original search through the PubMed/MEDLINE database up to February 2016. Furthermore, Web of Science and EMBASE were searched. The inclusion criteria were subjects related to the scope of the systematic review. After selection by title and abstract, potentially eligible articles were read in full and included in accordance with exclusion criteria. Meta‐analysis was carried out with the outcome being the survival rate of restorations.ResultsThe search strategy identified 560 potentially relevant studies, in addition to 127 from the original systematic review. A total of four articles were included in the qualitative and quantitative analyses. Meta‐analysis showed no statistically significant difference between ART and conventional approaches in survival rate of occlusoproximal cavities (OR = 0.887, 95% CI: 0.574–1.371).ConclusionART restorations have similar survival rate compared to conventional treatment and can be considered an option to restore occlusoproximal cavities in primary molars.
A prospective, multicentre, open‐label, single‐arm clinical trial for treatment of chronic complex diabetic foot wounds with exposed tendon and/or bone: positive clinical outcomes of viable cryopreserved human placental membrane
Authors: Frykberg Robert G , Gibbons Gary W , Walters Jodi L , Wukich Dane K , Milstein Farrell C 
Published: August 2016

AbstractComplex diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) with exposed tendon or bone remain a challenge. They are more susceptible to complications such as infection and amputation and require treatments that promote rapid development of granulation tissue and, ultimately, reepithelialisation. The clinical effectiveness of viable cryopreserved human placental membrane (vCHPM) for DFUs has been established in a level 1 trial. However, complex wounds with exposed deeper structures are typically excluded from randomised controlled clinical trials despite being common in clinical practice. We report the results of a prospective, multicentre, open‐label, single‐arm clinical trial to establish clinical outcomes when vCHPM is applied weekly to complex DFUs with exposed deep structures. Patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and a complex DFU extending through the dermis with evidence of exposed muscle, tendon, fascia, bone and/or joint capsule were eligible for inclusion. Of the 31 patients enrolled, 27 completed the study. The mean wound area was 14·6 cm2, and mean duration was 7·5 months. For patients completing the protocol, the primary endpoint, 100% wound granulation by week 16, was met by 96·3% of patients in a mean of 6·8 weeks. Complete wound closure occurred in 59·3% (mean 9·1 weeks). The 4‐week percent area reduction was 54·3%. There were no product‐related adverse events. Four patients (13%) withdrew, two (6·5%) for non‐compliance and two (6·5%) for surgical intervention.
Genetic signatures of Bassian glacial refugia and contemporary connectivity in a marine foundation species
Authors: Sinclair Elizabeth A. , Anthony Janet M. , Greer Dougal , Ruiz‐Montoya Leonardo , Evans Suzanna M. , Krauss Siegfried L. , Kendrick Gary A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAimTo examine the population genetic structure in Posidonia australis meadows, a marine foundation species capable of long distance dispersal (LDD), and the role of historical versus contemporary processes in shaping post Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) re‐colonization.LocationSoutheastern Australia including the Bass Strait Islands.MethodsWe generated multilocus genotypes and assessed spatial patterns of genetic diversity. Relationships among meadows were assessed in terms of historical sea level changes, oceanic boundary currents and contemporary seed dispersal based on a hydrodynamic model.ResultsThere was strong regional spatial genetic structuring among P. australis meadows in south‐eastern Australia, which was congruent with three recognized marine biogeographical provinces [Peronian (eastern), Flindersian (western and southern), and Maugean (south‐eastern)]. The genetic data suggest Maugean meadows persisted in isolation during the LGM, with evidence for admixture and contemporary gene flow. Simulated dispersal events identified high rates of local and regional demographic connectivity, with evidence for occasional LDD events.Main conclusionsThe strong regional differentiation is consistent with long‐term barriers to dispersal persisting in the marine environment through many sea level fluctuations. Bass Strait Island meadows all have strong signals of genetic admixture. A weak but significant isolation by distance relationship is consistent with a historical signal and contemporary seed dispersal mostly within the Bass Strait.
Distinctive microRNA expression in early stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Li Shuna , Hang Lihua , Ma Yongming , Wu Chaoyang 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe goal of this study was to investigate microRNAs (miRs) expression at different stages of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). MiR expression profiling at various stages of NPC was performed by miR array and further verified using quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR. Pathway enrichment analysis was carried out to identify the functional pathways regulated by the miRs. The expression of a selected group of identified miRs was verified in stage I NPC by in situ hybridization (ISH). A total of 449 miRs were identified with significantly different expressions between NPC tissues and normal pharyngeal tissues. Eighty‐four miRs were dysregulated only in stage I NPC, among which 45 miRs were up‐regulated and the other 39 were down‐regulated. Pathway enrichment assay revleaed that three significantly down‐regulated and three significantly up‐regulated miRs involved in 12 pathways associating with tumour formation and progression. Quantitative RT‐PCR confirmed the miR array result. In addition, the low expression levels of hsa‐miR‐4324, hsa‐miR‐203a and hsa‐miR‐199b‐5p were further validated in stage I NPC by ISH. This present study identifed the miR signature in stage I NPC, providing the basis for early detection and treatment of NPC.
The masculinity paradox: facial masculinity and beardedness interact to determine women's ratings of men's facial attractiveness
Authors: Dixson B. J. W. , Sulikowski D. , Gouda‐Vossos A. , Rantala M. J. , Brooks R. C. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn many species, male secondary sexual traits have evolved via female choice as they confer indirect (i.e. genetic) benefits or direct benefits such as enhanced fertility or survival. In humans, the role of men's characteristically masculine androgen‐dependent facial traits in determining men's attractiveness has presented an enduring paradox in studies of human mate preferences. Male‐typical facial features such as a pronounced brow ridge and a more robust jawline may signal underlying health, whereas beards may signal men's age and masculine social dominance. However, masculine faces are judged as more attractive for short‐term relationships over less masculine faces, whereas beards are judged as more attractive than clean‐shaven faces for long‐term relationships. Why such divergent effects occur between preferences for two sexually dimorphic traits remains unresolved. In this study, we used computer graphic manipulation to morph male faces varying in facial hair from clean‐shaven, light stubble, heavy stubble and full beards to appear more (+25% and +50%) or less (−25% and −50%) masculine. Women (N = 8520) were assigned to treatments wherein they rated these stimuli for physical attractiveness in general, for a short‐term liaison or a long‐term relationship. Results showed a significant interaction between beardedness and masculinity on attractiveness ratings. Masculinized and, to an even greater extent, feminized faces were less attractive than unmanipulated faces when all were clean‐shaven, and stubble and beards dampened the polarizing effects of extreme masculinity and femininity. Relationship context also had effects on ratings, with facial hair enhancing long‐term, and not short‐term, attractiveness. Effects of facial masculinization appear to have been due to small differences in the relative attractiveness of each masculinity level under the three treatment conditions and not to any change in the order of their attractiveness. Our findings suggest that beardedness may be attractive when judging long‐term relationships as a signal of intrasexual formidability and the potential to provide direct benefits to females. More generally, our results hint at a divergence of signalling function, which may result in a subtle trade‐off in women's preferences, for two highly sexually dimorphic androgen‐dependent facial traits.
Time‐dependent uptake and trafficking of vesicles capturing extracellular S100B in cultured rat astrocytes
Authors: Lasič Eva , Galland Fabiana , Vardjan Nina , Šribar Jernej , Križaj Igor , Leite Marina Concli , Zorec Robert , Stenovec Matjaž 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAstrocytes, the most heterogeneous glial cells in the central nervous system, contribute to brain homeostasis, by regulating a myriad of functions, including the clearance of extracellular debris. When cells are damaged, cytoplasmic proteins may exit into the extracellular space. One such protein is S100B, which may exert toxic effects on neighboring cells unless it is removed from the extracellular space, but the mechanisms of this clearance are poorly understood. By using time‐lapse confocal microscopy and fluorescently labeled S100B (S100B‐Alexa488) and fluorescent dextran (Dextran546), a fluid phase uptake marker, we examined the uptake of fluorescently labeled S100B‐Alexa488 from extracellular space and monitored trafficking of vesicles that internalized S100B‐Alexa488. Initially, S100B‐Alexa488 and Dextran546 internalized with distinct rates into different endocytotic vesicles; S100B‐Alexa488 internalized into smaller vesicles than Dextran546. At a later stage, S100B‐Alexa488‐positive vesicles substantially co‐localized with Dextran546‐positive endolysosomes and with acidic LysoTracker‐positive vesicles. Cell treatment with anti‐receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) antibody, which binds to RAGE, a ‘scavenger receptor’, partially inhibited uptake of S100B‐Alexa488, but not of Dextran546. The dynamin inhibitor dynole 34‐2 inhibited internalization of both fluorescent probes. Directional mobility of S100B‐Alexa488‐positive vesicles increased over time and was inhibited by ATP stimulation, an agent that increases cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). We conclude that astrocytes exhibit RAGE‐ and dynamin‐dependent vesicular mechanism to efficiently remove S100B from the extracellular space. If a similar process occurs in vivo, astroglia may mitigate the toxic effects of extracellular S100B by this process under pathophysiologic conditions.
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This study reveals the vesicular clearance mechanism of extracellular S100B in astrocytes. Initially, fluorescent S100B internalizes into smaller endocytotic vesicles than dextran molecules. At a later stage, both probes co‐localize within endolysosomes. S100B internalization is both dynamin‐ and RAGE‐dependent, whereas dextran internalization is dependent on dynamin. Vesicle internalization likely mitigates the toxic effects of extracellular S100B and other waste products.
Five‐day study to judge the short‐term effect of a benzoyl peroxide 3% gel on acne lesions
Authors: Draelos Zoe Diana , Ertel Keith , Rom Dror 
Published: August 2016

SummaryIntroductionAcne is a common, chronic skin disease that has both physical and psychological consequences. Over‐the‐counter products are a treatment option frequently chosen by dermatologists and acne sufferers for reasons of cost or convenience. There are reports that such products can effect rapid resolution in certain lesion parameters.AimsTo evaluate the short‐term effect of a benzoyl peroxide 3% gel on acne lesions.MethodsA 5‐day, double‐blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted among subjects with mild‐to‐moderate acne. Subjects applied the benzoyl peroxide 3% gel, a salicylic acid 2% gel, or a vehicle gel under supervision once daily for 4 days. Target lesion parameters of swelling, diameter, and erythema were evaluated at various times after the first and subsequent applications.ResultsAlthough target lesion parameters showed overall improvement from baseline, the effects of the active treatment gels were not significantly different from those of the vehicle gel at any evaluation. The assessed parameters showed marked variability in target lesion behavior at the subject level over the course of the study.ConclusionsThe results of this study illustrate the unpredictability of individual acne lesion's responses to therapy and the challenge associated with using these responses to judge short‐term treatment efficacy. While rapid acne resolution is desired by patients and consumers, setting realistic expectations for treatment response is critical to encourage compliance and avoid disappointment.